Neal's letter alleges attempted election steal; other candidates respond

- This article has been updated for further clarification and to correct a previous error -


The Marshall County primary election does not take place until May 17, but incumbent Marshall County Judge Executive Kevin Neal is already making allegations the election is being sabotaged and stolen.

In a campaign letter sent out by Neal in late March, he alleged that his opponent, current County Commissioner Kevin Spraggs, as well as current Marshall County Sheriff and County Commission candidate Eddie McGuire worked to recruit registered Democrats to change their party affiliation to Republican in order to vote for them in the primary. Neal said in those efforts to recruit voters they were told they can "just switch back" after the election.

Neal admits in the letter there is nothing illegal in what he is alleging, but claims it's unethical.

Part of the letter reads; "maybe you think it's ok because it's not illegal. However, I think the most important question to ask is, is it ethical for Kevin Spraggs and Eddie McGuire to sabotage the Republican Primary?"

Neal goes on to assert it's cheating, a scam and an attempted steal. 

"Truthfully they all fit," said Neal. "If a candidate is recruiting the opposition party to sabotage their own party's primary because they need votes, one can be certain that the candidate does not respect the electoral process of Kentucky's closed primaries."

Neal continues in the letter by maintaining they are attempting to steal the purpose of the primary from every Republican in Marshall County.

In a statement to West Kentucky Star, Spraggs said Neal's claims are unfounded. 

"It’s a desperate unfounded attempt to further attack me," said Spraggs. "In my opinion, when someone has nothing good to say about themselves and what they have done, they must resort to attacking and bullying others and that is exactly what he has done by sending out that letter. As well as disrespecting his constituents."

McGuire said he was disappointed by Neal's letter.

"I was disappointed to hear of the letter sent out by Kevin Neal and his establishment," McGuire said. "This letter is proof that some folks crave power to the point that they are willing to do or say anything to keep it."

McGuire is also the chairman of the Marshall County Republican party and said he was voted chairman to grow the party.

"During last summer's Republican reorganization, I was voted chairman of the Marshall County Republican party to support the conservative movement and grow the party," McGuire said. "I will continue to do just that, whether it be as the Republican chairman, Sheriff, hopeful Commissioner, or above all, an American citizen. 

Neal also asserts in the letter he isn't the only one being targeted by Spraggs and McGuire's alleged actions, but that McGuire's primary opponent, current 1st District Commissioner Justin Lamb, is as well.

Lamb has made no such allegations himself and said he is focussed on doing the job he was elected to do.

"Everyone has a right to register as they see fit," said Lamb. "I'm focused on getting results for the people of Marshall County and doing the job I was elected to do. I'll let the politicians squabble over politics."

Only those registered as Republican will have a say in the local race in this year's Marshall County primary as there will be no Democrats on the ballot in any local race until the general election.

To read Neal's letter click here.