Political Favorite Gatewood Galbraith Dead

Gatewood Galbraith,  a perennial candidate for public office and one of the more colorful characters on Kentucky’s political history, has died this morning (Wed. Jan.4 ), according to the Fayette County Coroner’s office. He was 64 years old and a practicing attorney in the Lexington area. Cause of death is listed as complications from chronic emphysema.

Galbraith was found unresponsive in his bed Wednesday morning by family members. Funeral arrangement are pending.

Galbraith campaigned last year in Owensboro as a candidate for Governor coming in third in a three man race. Gatewood Galbraith first caught the attention of voters as a young candidate promoting the legalized of marijuana.   Gatewood toured the state wearing a hemp suit driving his “hempmobile,” a used Mercedez station wagon that ran on hemp oil. In later years he took a more conservative stance in his almost annual but unsuccessful, runs for office.

He ran for Governor five times, three on the Democratic ticket  then the Reform Party and finally Independent

Gatewood Galbraith remained colorful and controversial, delivering a speech at last years Red, White and Blue Picnic at Reid's Orchard. One of his campaign topics last year was tuition to State Colleges and Universities for Kentucky High School graduates.

Galbraith wrote several books using humor and wit to lure readers in. His abilty to bond with those who agreed and disagreed with him was his strongest and best loved point.

I never missed a chance to visit with Gatewood when he was in town. In later years his wit became a bit sharper as he leaned more toward education and conservatism.