Grimes wins Democratic nomination for secretary of state

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Alison Lundergan Grimes has easily defeated a little-known primary challenger as she seeks a second term as Kentucky’s secretary of state.

Back on the ballot several months after losing her bid for the U.S. Senate, Grimes had no trouble fending off a challenge from Charles Lovett of Louisville, who didn’t seek campaign donations.

Grimes faces Republican Steve Knipper of Independence in the November election.

She became one of Kentucky’s best-known politicians in last year’s high-profile Senate race. She lost to now-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican who turned the race into a referendum on President Barack Obama, who is unpopular in the state.

Kentucky’s secretary of state oversees elections for public offices and the incorporation of businesses in Kentucky.