Lonnie Napier

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Lonnie Napier (born May 24, 1940) is an American politician from the Republican Party (GOP). Napier is currently serving his twelfth two-year term in the Kentucky House of Representatives.

Known as "The Fox" to friends and foes alike, Napier began his political career in his native Garrard County, Kentucky at age 26 with a term on the county's governing body, where he served from 1967-1971. In 1971, Napier challenged veteran state Representative Joe Clarke for the 54th district state House seat, a race which he narrowly lost.

Napier was instrumental in building the Republican Party in his home county during his early career and is credited with its dominance of county politics today. Napier is regarded as a "kingmaker", with few politicians winning election in Garrard County without his blessing. Further, Republican candidates for statewide office often seek Napier's endorsement in order to carry his heavily Republican county. With a portion of his disctrict comprising the southern half of Madison County, Kentucky, Napier is the lone Republican member of the so-called "Madison County Mafia", the term used to describe the members of the political machine headed by state Representative Harry Moberly and state Senate Minority Leader Ed Worley. Napier enjoys an excellent working relationship with these men and all three work closely to bring an astounding number of projects to the area each budget year.

Napier won election to the Kentucky House of Representatives on November 6, 1984, having defeated his Democratic opponent by nearly a 2:1 margin, and has been re-elected every two years since. Napier serves on the prestigious Appropriations and Revenue Committee, which has enabled him to steer millions in state funds to his district over the years. In 2007, Napier was the target of an effort to draft him into the primary election for Kentucky Governor against embattled incumbent Ernie Fletcher. After much anticipation by the media and fellow Republicans, Napier announced in January 2007 that he would not be a candidate for governor but would instead run for Kentucky Treasurer. Despite raising the most money out of the four candidates in the GOP primary for state Treasurer and a strong grassroots effort, Napier narrowly lost the nomination on May 22, 2007, to Melinda Wheeler. Napier will appear unopposed on the November 2008 ballot for a thirteenth term.

In addition to having a successful career in politics, Napier is also a successful small businessman, operating a clothing store in his hometown as well as an auctioneering and real estate business.