Kentucky Republican Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton met Friday afternoon with President-elect Donald Trump in New York.
Trump transition spokesman Sean Spicer declined to say whether Hampton is being considered for a job or Trump is seeking her advice or ideas. A call to the office of Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin was not immediately returned.
Trump has yet to nominate anyone for secretary of agriculture or veterans affairs. Spicer did mention that Hampton had served in the military.
Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers said Friday he understands Hampton is being considered for the veterans affairs job but did not know if she has been offered the job or the likelihood that she would be leaving state government.
“I knows she is under consideration,” said the Republican leader from Clay County.
Hampton, 58, is an Air Force veteran and the first African-American to hold statewide office in Kentucky.
Trump has nominated another Kentuckian, Elaine Chao, to serve as secretary of transportation. Chao, a former labor secretary, is married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
If Hampton leaves state government, Republican Gov. Matt Bevin would name her replacement. The governor fills any constitutional vacancy.
The last time a Kentucky lieutenant governor left office was in November 2014 when then-Gov. Steve Beshear named Crit Luallen lieutenant governor to complete the term of Jerry Abramson.
Abramson was appointed to deputy assistant to the president and director of intergovermental affairs by President Barack Obama.
Stivers said he has no idea whom Bevin would appoint to be lieutenant governor if Hampton takes a job in the Trump administration.
“It’s not me,” he said.
Brammer, of the Lexington Herald-Leader, reported from Frankfort, Ky.
Curtis Tate: 202-383-6018, @tatecurtis
Anita Kumar: 202-383-6017, @anitakumar01