Erwin Roberts

By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette

May 5, 2006 - Erwin Roberts, the only African-American in Gov. Ernie Fletcher's cabinet, announced his resignation on Wednesday, May 3rd.

Roberts was the featured speaker at the Nelson County Republican's Lincoln Day Dinner in February, where he told attendees he was eyeing a run as a Republican candidate for Kentucky Attorney General.

In press interviews this week, Erwin confirmed he was considering a run for attorney general next year.

"I'm strongly considering that," Roberts told the Lexington Herald-Leader. Roberts said his decision one way or the other would not be impacted by anything Democratic Attorney General Greg Stumbo does next year.

Stumbo, who was considered to be loaded with too many political skeletons to run for governor, may indeed throw his hat in that ring. Stumbo can also seek the AG's office again.

In his resignation letter, Roberts cited his desire to spend time with his family and return to the legal profession. Roberts has five children, four of them under the age of 5, including seven-month-old twins.

Roberts will join the Louisville office of the Frost Brown Todd law firm as counsel in the litigation department.

Roberts was appointed to the post in November 2004. Prior to that, in March 2004 he was appointed the first director of Kentucky Office of Homeland Security.

As head of state personnel, Roberts said the job had been difficult due to the investigation into the Fletcher administration's merit system hires. He also admitted to Lexington TV station WTVQ that he wouldn't miss the public scrutiny afforded political appointees.

"I'm looking forward to being Erwin Roberts the citizen for a little while," he said.

Fletcher has not yet named a replacement for Roberts.