Complaint against Louisville Metro Council member puts Democrats' majority at risk

Louisville Democrats may sacrifice their slim Metro Council majority to punish one of their own members.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Louisville Democrats may sacrifice their slim Metro Council majority to punish one of their own members.

A complaint was filed against District Six Councilman J.P. Lyninger over his endorsement of Aprile Hearn in the District Five primary over incumbent Donna Purvis, a fellow Democrat.

Democratic Caucus Chair Tammy Hawkins, of District One, said his endorsement violated a caucus rule and recommended his removal from council.

"I was given the report by the chair today. I have 14 days to respond and I think the caucus is going to have to make a decision on whether they believe my substantive disagreement with the caucus warrants removal," Lyninger said during the council's meeting Thursday evening. "Frankly, I don't believe this is a rule that's defensible. This is a rule that doesn't protect the people, it protects the people in power."

The council is currently split, 13 Democrats to 12 Republicans with one Independent. It's the slimmest advantage since the legislative body began in 2003 after the city-county merger. If the Democrats kick Lyninger out of the caucus, they would lose that slim majority.

The party could go against the chair's recommendation and issue a less severe punishment.

Metro Council is headed into spring break, and the next caucus meeting is several weeks away.