Former Rand Paul staffer Chris Hightower will file today to run for Martha Jane King’s old State House seat.

While Hightower is sure to ruffle Democratic feathers over his old MySpace profile from a few years ago, he’s got a good shot. He’s obviously going to beat Jo Orange and Kent Wilson based on name ID and organization alone. If he can raise $45,000-$50,000 – and that’s likely through the Paul network – he could also beat Tom Noe in the general election.

Hightower’s views seem to be much more common sense than the other folks in the race. His past controversy certainly won’t hurt him in the district. The last organization to run and win in the area was Jonathan Hurst’s and they’re not going to step up to the plate this year.

I’ve spoken with Hightower and his folks a bit and I think he’s honestly going to surprise most people. He wants to reform the state pension system and says he won’t participate in the plan, he’s not blaming Barack Obama for all of Kentucky’s problems and he hasn’t once used a recycled Republican Party talking point. While it’s early, it seems like Hightower will be quite an independent candidate.

So. What’s your prediction, folks?