The 2005 Kentucky General Assembly begins Tuesday, January 4 as lawmakers convene for a 30-day odd year session.

There's plenty for legislators to consider, including passage of a budget, which they failed to do in the last regular session.

House Speaker Jody Richards says he's confident he can win another term in the leadership post, despite a challenge from fellow Democrat Rob Wilkey.

The Republican-controlled Senate will take up an election dispute over Jefferson County's 37th District seat. Republican Dana Seum Stephenson received more votes that her Democratic opponent, Virginia Woodward, but a judge ordered that Stephenson's votes not be counted because she did not meet the state's residency requirements for the seat.

The Kentucky Board of Elections has declared Woodward the winner, but Stephenson is taking her case to the Senate, where she filed an election contest.

Senate President David Williams says it's hoped the matter can be settled by the /files/storyimages/of the week.

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