Richie Farmer became a beloved figure in our state, first by record-breaking performances in the Sweet Sixteen state basketball tournament and then a career at UK, which resulted in his jersey being hung in the rafters at Rupp Arena. More recently, Farmer was twice elected Agriculture Commissioner and by large margins. Alas, certain conduct while he was Agriculture Commissioner is the focus of federal criminal charges.
Some of the charges against Farmer raise concern, because the law they are based on could be used in a manner that would inject criminal prosecution to what must fairly be regarded as political decisions by government officials. This may or may not be the case in Farmer's situation. But it is of significant concern that I wrote an article on it that was published in the Lexington Herald-Leader: In Farmer Case, We Could Push Law So Far As To Criminalize Politics.
