For Immediate Release:

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012                                                                        

(LOUISVILLE, Ky.) – Phil Moffett has resigned as president and CEO of the Bluegrass Institute, Kentucky’s free market think tank, in order to vie for a seat in the state House of Representatives.

Moffett, a Louisville businessman and former gubernatorial candidate, said redistricting developments in Frankfort offered him an opportunity to run for State Representative for the 32nd House District.

“We think Phil will be a great friend and ally of the institute in public office but understand that by becoming involved with the political process, he will need to have a different relationship with the institute,” said Kathy Gornik, chairman of the institute’s board of directors. “We greatly appreciate Phil’s contribution and concur that the institute must remain nonpartisan and a source of credible, objective and accurate information that empowers citizens to hold policymakers accountable.”

The decision preserves the independence that allows the institute to cross party lines and promote sound policies aligned with its founding principles of individual liberty, economic prosperity and property rights, Gornik said.

“Phil and the institute share a vision of a free and prosperous Kentucky – where government protects the rights of citizens to determine their own directions in life,” she said. “Being a business owner myself, I know how important it is that we have policymakers in Frankfort who understand how high tax rates, lack of school choice, heavy-handed regulations and Nanny State edicts hinder job creation and economic growth. Phil can and will make a difference.”

While the relationship between the institute and Moffett will change, he said the need for effective policymakers to protect liberty and advance freedom, defend liberty and shine the light on state and local governments remains unchanged.

“I leave the Bluegrass Institute with great respect and admiration for their mission of smaller government, free-markets, and the protection of personal liberties,” Moffett said in a statement. “I intend to continue this fight from within state government.”

For more information, please contact Jim Waters at 270-782-2140 or jwaters@freedomkentucky.com