In a story today about the retirement of House Majority Whip Rob Wilkey, usually tired hack Brett Hall is spot-on.

As we’ve reported for months now, and Keeling’s story today reaffirms, Rep. Greg Stumbo (D-Prestonsburg) is staging a House leadership comeback, probably aiming for the speakership. What else is there for the ex-attorney general who has nursed higher aspirations but fell back into his comfort zone?

Greg Stumbo is taking over Jody Richards’ spot as Speaker of the House. It’ll happen. He’s actively working toward the speakership.

UPDATE: Like clockwork, Jody Richards has issued a statement denouncing Wilkey’s reality-based statement:

In the statement Richards said his leadership team worked closely with fellow-Democrat Beshear. Richards noted that a pension reform bill and revisions to the ethics code (Beshear priorities) passed the House unanimously and that the House sustained Beshear’s 11 vetoes. But Richards’ statement did not mention the failure of Beshear’s top priority — a constitutional amendment to legalize casinos. That amendment was not brought to a vote in the House because leaders said it did not have the needed 60 votes for passage.

“Due to the budgetary situation and a number of other factors, this session was tough for everyone. I trust that Rep. Wilkey’s email merely reflects his frustration with the session, rather than lasting ill-will toward the rest of the members of House Leadership,” Richards’ statement said.

Richards declined in an interview to elaborate on his statement.

We love Jody’s denial. Anyone else get the sense that he’s running scared?