Democrats apparently thwart GOP plan to pick off members

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – Democrats appear to have thwarted a Republican plan to pick off one of their members as the two parties continued to struggle for power in the last legislative chamber in the South still controlled by Democrats.

Republican Floor Leader Jeff Hoover said Monday party leaders were in talks with some members to leave the Democratic caucus, but nothing happened on Monday. Last week, Hoover caused a stir when he said Monday could be a “historic day” in Kentucky.

Democrats called an unusual closed-door caucus meeting on Monday, but House Speaker Greg Stumbo emerged to tell reporters “I’ve still got my boots on.”

Democrats have a 50-46 majority in the state House. But defections and resignations have given Republicans a chance to share power if they can capture four special elections scheduled for March 8.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.