Bob Leeper

Robert J. "Bob" Leeper (born December 8, 1958) is an American independent politician and chiropractor. He was a member of the Kentucky State Senate from 1991 to 2015 retiring to run for McCracken County Judge-Executive.[1][2] In 2014, he was elected Judge-Executive of McCracken County, but chose not to seek reelection in 2018.[3]

For the Idaho Supreme Court justice, see Robert D. Leeper.

Bob Leeper
Member of the Kentucky Senate
from the 2nd district
In office
January 2, 1991 – January 2, 2015
Preceded byHelen Garrett
Succeeded byDanny Carroll
Personal details
Born
Robert J. Leeper

(1958-12-08) December 8, 1958
NationalityAmerican
Political partyIndependent
Other political
affiliations		Democratic Party (pre-2000) Republican Party
ResidencePaducah, Kentucky
Alma materPaducah Community College
Sherman College of Chiropractic
ProfessionChiropractor
Websitewww.lrc.ky.gov/...

Education

Leeper attended Paducah Community College and Sherman College of Chiropractic.[4]

Political career

Prior to serving in the Kentucky State Senate, Leeper was a city commissioner in Paducah.[5]

Kentucky State Senate

Originally a Democrat, Leeper joined the Republican Party in 2000, and became a political independent later in the decade. Leeper has been described as an "ultra-conservative independent", and was known in the legislature for his opposition to expanded gambling.[6] In 2012, he mounted an unsuccessful candidacy to serve as president of the Kentucky State Senate.[7] He decided against re-election in 2014 and ran for McCracken County Judge-Executive.

Judge-Executive of McCracken County

In 2014, Leeper was elected Judge-Executive of McCracken County.[8] In 2018, he faced criticism over the termination of Paducah Economic Development president and CEO Scott Darnell, and issued a statement saying he would not answer questions about the matter.[9] He did not seek reelection in 2018.[3]

Honors

In 2020, he was honored with the opening of the Bob Leeper Bridge, a 110-foot pedestrian bridge in McCracken County.[3]

References
  1. "Bob Leeper". Ballotpedia. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
  2. "Robert 'Bob' J. Leeper's Political Summary". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
  3. Farrell, Kelly (September 12, 2020). "City, county formally open Bob Leeper Bridge". The Paducah Sun. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
  4. "Senate District 2: Senator Bob Leeper (I)". Kentucky Legislature. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
  5. "Kentucky State Senator Announces Retirement". WKU Public Radio | The Public Radio Service of Western Kentucky University. October 1, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
  6. Ellis, Ronnie (October 6, 2013). "Acting on principles, conscience rare in politics". Richmond Register. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
  7. "Bob Leeper, an Independent, Makes Case to Be Next Kentucky Senate President". WKU Public Radio | The Public Radio Service of Western Kentucky University. November 22, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
  8. "Bob Leeper Wins McCracken County Judge-Executive Office". WKMS. November 5, 2014. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
  9. Snow, David B. (September 12, 2018). "Official ducks questions about firing of economic development director". Kentucky New Era. Retrieved April 13, 2022.


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