McKenzie takes Commonwealth's Attorney race for Greenup, Lewis

Mary Jane Epling, The Daily Independent, Ashland, Ky.
Updated ·2 min read

May 21—GREENUP — With an empty Democrat ticket, it was winner takes in a three-way race for Commonwealth Attorney in the 20th Judicial Circuit serving Greenup and Lewis counties.

Rhese McKenzie, a local defense attorney and lifelong resident of Greenup County, started off with an early lead Tuesday evening as votes started to trickle in.

As the tallying continued, McKenzie was the clear front runner at the halfway point with nine of the 19 precincts reporting 646 votes for McKenzie, 456 more than second-place vote getter and current Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Joe Merkel.

By the end and with 2,988 votes cast in Greenup County, McKenzie took the lead prosecutor position with more than 66% of the total votes cast.

Merkel finished in second with 602 votes and Troy Breeze, the second Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney in the race, finished with 397.

In total of votes tallied in Lewis and Greenup for the position, McKenzie earned 2,271, Breeze 1,039 and Merkel 823.

Joined at the Greenup County Courthouse with his wife, Melissa, daughter, Peyton, his parents and in-laws, McKenzie said he was "humbled" to see not just his name on the ballot, but to see his comfortable lead throughout the race.

"It's an honor for that many people to believe in me," McKenzie said. "To think I'm deserving of that and to be proud to put my name in that position ... it means a lot."

As McKenzie's family proudly snapped photos and watched as the last ballots were counted in his favor, McKenzie wanted to first thank his immediate family for their support.

"Melissa, Peyton, they were with me every step of the way. I wouldn't be here talking to you if it weren't for them," McKenzie said, also extending thanks to his parents and in-laws.

"Every person that donated their time, money, effort. I can't say thank you enough," McKenzie said, who specifically added gratitude toward Greenup Judge-Executive Bobby Hall, Sheriff Matt Smith and Clerk Andrew Imel.

"I'm just so grateful," McKenzie added.

McKenzie will fill the seat of long-serving prosecutor Mel Leonhart, who did not file his candidacy for next year.

In previous discussions with The Daily Independent, McKenzie said his goals in office are to prosecute all cases firmly, fairly and consistently.

"I love my community and there's nobody that wants to take care of and protect their neighbors, friends and family more than me," McKenzie said.