Ben Carson files to compete in Kentucky presidential caucus

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – Ben Carson is the fourth Republican to file for Kentucky’s presidential caucus on March 5.

The Republican Party of Kentucky said in a news release that Carson paid the $15,000 filing fee on Tuesday. He joins candidates Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz and Donald Trump, who have already paid the filing fee. The deadline is Jan. 7.

Kentucky normally has a presidential primary in May. But this year the party leaders chose to have a caucus in March. That way it allows U.S. Sen. Rand Paul to run for president and re-election at the same time without violating a state law that bans candidates from appearing on the ballot twice in the same election.

State Party Executive Director Mike Biagi said Republicans are excited to see so many candidates participate.