Kinder to Appoint AuBuchon Chief of Staff

CAPITOL SOURCE CONFIRMS FORMER BLUNT OA STAFFER WILL SIGN ON NEXT WEEK

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder is expected to tap former Office of Administration commissioner Rich AuBuchon as his new chief of staff as early as next week, a Capitol source tells the KY3 Political Notebook.

AuBuchon is in the middle of lawsuit alleging the Governor's office deleted e-mails. The civil suit was launched by Scott Eckersley, a former attorney to Gov. Matt Blunt. The lawsuit alleges that either Blunt, one of his top three deputies or someone acting under their direction indicated to acting administration commissioner AuBuchon "that it would be in everyone's best interest" if the backup files were taped over.

The lawsuit also claims that AuBuchon then told the state's chief information officer, Dan Ross, that "there was concern at a higher level" over the fact that the backup e-mail files had been set aside.

AuBuchon seeks to replace Eric Feltner, who has been charged with furnishing pornographic material to a minor.

A spokesperson for the Lieutenant Governor's office declined to comment on personnel matters.

Kinder spokesperson Gary McElyea would only compliment AuBuchon. "Rich is a good guy. He's been a trusted adviser and we expect him to continue to serve that role," McElyea said.