Businessman to challenge Yarmuth

Republicans have landed a challenger for Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Ky.), as businessman Jeff Reetz announced his candidacy Wednesday.

Reetz owns a series of Pizza Huts in the area, and national Republicans are optimistic about his candidacy.

“Over the past 3 years, I have become increasingly concerned with the leadership of our country, including our Congressional Representative in the 3rd District," Reetz said. "After long discussions with family and friends over the issues facing our community, I made the decision to run for Congress. As such, I filed paperwork last week with the Federal Election Commission establishing a campaign committee to run for the 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.”

Yarmuth defeated Rep. Anne Northup (R-Ky.) in 2006 and again in 2008, when she tried to win her seat back. The Louisville area has trended Democratic in recent years, though, and the district went 56-43 for President Obama last year.

Yarmuth out-performed Obama, defeating Northup 59-41.