Stephen L. Knipper
Stephen L. Knipper (Republican Party) was a member of the Erlanger City Council in Kentucky.
Knipper (Republican Party) ran for election for Kentucky Secretary of State. He lost in the Republican primary on May 16, 2023.
Knipper was previously the Republican nominee for Kentucky Secretary of State in the 2015 elections. He announced his campaign for the office in June 2014 and filed his candidacy on November 6, 2014.[1][2] Knipper was defeated by incumbent Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes.[3]
Biography
Stephen L. Knipper graduated from Covington Catholic High School. Knipper earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Northern Kentucky University. His career experience includes working as a project manager with Mercy Health Partners, a project coordinator with Midland, and an underwriter with Cincinnati Financial. Knipper served on the Erlanger City Council and the Kenton County Board of Adjustments.[4]
Elections
2023
See also: Kentucky Secretary of State election, 2023
General election
General election for Kentucky Secretary of State
Incumbent Michael Adams defeated Charles Wheatley and Ken Moellman in the general election for Kentucky Secretary of State on November 7, 2023.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Michael Adams (R) | 60.6 | 785,237 | |
| Charles Wheatley (D) | 39.4 | 510,090 | ||
| Ken Moellman (No Party Affiliation) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 518 | ||
| Total votes: 1,295,845 | ||||
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Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Charles Wheatley advanced from the Democratic primary for Kentucky Secretary of State.
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Kentucky Secretary of State
Incumbent Michael Adams defeated Stephen L. Knipper and Allen Maricle in the Republican primary for Kentucky Secretary of State on May 16, 2023.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Michael Adams | 63.9 | 171,391 | |
| Stephen L. Knipper | 26.5 | 70,991 | ||
| Allen Maricle | 9.6 | 25,771 | ||
| Total votes: 268,153 | ||||
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2019
See also: Kentucky Secretary of State election, 2019
General election
General election for Kentucky Secretary of State
Michael Adams defeated Heather French Henry in the general election for Kentucky Secretary of State on November 5, 2019.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Michael Adams (R) | 52.3 | 746,629 | |
| Heather French Henry (D) | 47.7 | 682,096 | ||
| Total votes: 1,428,725 | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Kentucky Secretary of State
Heather French Henry defeated Jason Belcher, Jason Griffith, and Geoff Sebesta in the Democratic primary for Kentucky Secretary of State on May 21, 2019.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Heather French Henry | 71.0 | 263,431 | |
| Jason Belcher | 12.9 | 47,930 | ||
| Jason Griffith | 12.8 | 47,657 | ||
| Geoff Sebesta | 3.3 | 12,087 | ||
| Total votes: 371,105 | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Kentucky Secretary of State
Michael Adams defeated Andrew English, Stephen L. Knipper, and Carl Nett in the Republican primary for Kentucky Secretary of State on May 21, 2019.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Michael Adams | 41.2 | 94,417 | |
| Andrew English | 27.4 | 62,680 | ||
| Stephen L. Knipper | 18.2 | 41,639 | ||
| Carl Nett | 13.2 | 30,340 | ||
| Total votes: 229,076 | ||||
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2015
General election
Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes defeated her Republican rival, Stephen L. Knipper. Grimes was one of only two Democratic candidates to win in the 2015 Kentucky state executive official elections.[5]
| Secretary of State, 2015 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democrat |  Alison Lundergan Grimes Incumbent |
51.2% | 493,598 | |
| Republican | Stephen L. Knipper | 48.8% | 471,209 | |
| Total Votes | 964,807 | |||
| Election results via Kentucky Secretary of State | ||||
There was no Republican primary in 2015 as only one candidate filed for the office.
Polls
General election
| Kentucky Secretary of State | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poll | Alison Lundergan Grimes (D) | Stephen Knipper (R) | Undecided | Margin of error | Sample size | ||||||||||||||
| Mason-Dixon Polling & Research October 6-8, 2015 | 47% | 45% | 8% | +/-4 | 625 | ||||||||||||||
| SurveyUSA/Bluegrass Poll July 22-28, 2015 | 46% | 40% | 14% | +/-3.8 | 685 | ||||||||||||||
| Public Policy Polling June 18-21, 2015 | 42% | 47% | 12% | +/-2.9 | 1,108 | ||||||||||||||
| AVERAGES | 45% | 44% | 11.33% | +/-3.57 | 806 | ||||||||||||||
| Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org. | |||||||||||||||||||
Hypothetical match-ups
| Kentucky Scretary of State, Grimes v. Knipper | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poll | Alison Lundergan Grimes (D) | Stephen L. Knipper (R) | Undecided | Margin of error | Sample size | ||||||||||||||
| Gravis Marketing January 5-6, 2015 | 47% | 46% | 7% | +/-4 | 608 | ||||||||||||||
| Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org. | |||||||||||||||||||
Campaign finance
First quarter report (2015)
Comprehensive donor information for this election was collected from the state's campaign finance authority. Based on available campaign finance records, the candidates raised a total of $235,692.32 and spent a total of $68,682.25 during this reporting period. This information was last updated on May 4, 2015.[6]
| Campaign Contributions and Expenditures | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Office | Beginning balance | Contributions | Expenditures | Ending balance |
| Alison Lundergan Grimes |
Kentucky Secretary of State | $0 | $227,122.62 | $63,864.91 | $163,257.71 |
| Stephen L. Knipper |
Kentucky Secretary of State | $610.11 | $8,369.70 | $4,617.34 | $4,362.47 |
| Michael Pitzer |
Kentucky Secretary of State | $0 | $200 | $200 | $0 |
| Charles Lovett |
Kentucky Secretary of State | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Grand Total Raised | $235,692.32 | ||||
| Grand Total Spent | $68,682.25 | ||||
Fourth quarter report (2014)
Comprehensive donor information for this election was collected from the state's campaign finance authority. Based on available campaign finance records, the candidates raised a total of $2,597.78 and spent a total of $2,159.95 during this reporting period. This information was last updated on February 3, 2015.[7]
| Campaign Contributions and Expenditures | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Office | Beginning balance | Contributions | Expenditures | Ending balance |
| Stephen L. Knipper |
Kentucky Secretary of State | $172.28 | $2,597.78 | $2,159.95 | $610.11 |
| Alison Lundergan Grimes |
Kentucky Secretary of State | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Charles Lovett |
Kentucky Secretary of State | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Michael Pitzer |
Kentucky Secretary of State | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Grand Total Raised | $2,597.78 | ||||
| Grand Total Spent | $2,159.95 | ||||
Campaign themes
2023
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Stephen L. Knipper did not complete Ballotpedia's 2023 Candidate Connection survey.
2019
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Stephen L. Knipper completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Knipper's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
1) Mandatory VOTER ID and clean up our 48 county voter rolls that have more registered voters than citizens. I am the only candidate in the race from either party to have a US Supreme Court plan to clean up KY voter rolls legally. My 15 year I.T. experience will allow accurate, quick and voter data protection from fraudulent or illegal voters. -YOUR VOTE WILL COUNT! 2) Improve the turnaround time on business licenses. Currently, the turnaround time is 5-8 weeks. Being an I.T. process improvement professional KY's business partners will have the greatest customer service and turnaround time on licenses with a goal of 36 hours. Business renewals delivered to the customer for review and approval instead of additional bureaucratic demands on your time. You can run your business- NOT manage a complex out of date system. 3) Using my technical experience and working with our County Clerks to establish real time voting for our oversea Military personnel and their families. I have a great technical team that has already had multiple successful test while maintaining the secret ballot. In KY, our Military and their families will have their vote counted the same time yours and mine are counted. No more mailed ballots sitting in an oversea post office for weeks past the election.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Adoption. Being a father of 5 special needs children from China, my wife and I have a special place for placing children in loving homes. I have worked with the Governor's Adoption specialist team and they support my plan for expediting the paperwork and approving signature process that waste time and money.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
Ronald Reagan. Mr. Reagan was instrumental in the conservative movement, bringing conservative values and economic reform to the political debate. His economic plans made America experience the largest economic growth in history. His courageous display of conservative pro-life policy allowed the voice of the silent majority a place to speak and fight for the precious gift of life while preserving our religious liberty.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
My favorite movie genre is the proverbial underdog "good" triumphing over the larger, better equipped "dark" side. Star Wars and Braveheart are specific examples that underscore the concept while incorporating the power of personal choice and perseverance to be free and make Liberty the cornerstone of a small government.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Honesty, integrity and the skill set to manage and improve the office you are running for. To make it a more effective and efficient office while still maintaining a servant leader role. I chose this office because I matched my skills where I can make a difference. I am NOT running to use this as a stepping stone to a federal position. I have goals that will keep my focus on what I campaigned to do and not looking for the next opportunity to better myself. I will meet my goals and have a record of success, not empty promises.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I am the only candidate that has private sector experience. I've worked for S and P 500 and Forbes 200 companies bringing many of those learned traits to Erlanger city council; the first office I was ever elected to. Moreover, as Chief of Staff for Lt. Governor Hampton I was instrumental in state/federal government interactions and helped improve the state's cybersecurity system and serve on a number of economic and strategic boards to advise the direction of our state.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
Competent service. Competent service. Competent service. Improve service for the VOTERS. Improve service to our Business Customers. Service to our county clerks by giving them the tools they need to use their skills and keep serving the people of Kentucky.
What legacy would you like to leave?
I would like to be remembered as the person who led the efforts to clean up KY's voter rolls and make Kentuckians want to get involved in the election process again. To make Kentuckians feel that their votes, once again COUNT!
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
I remember the Vietnam war on TV. Well, the truth is, at an early age I could remember images very well. I remember thinking about my uncles who were both serving at the time and wishing they would come back safely.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
My own grass cutting business where the customer told me the pattern they wanted their grass to reflect. That lasted 6-7 summers before me and a buddy started buying salvaged cars and a Chilton's manual and flipping cars for money. Very fun childhood and developed a great work ethic.
What is your favorite book? Why?
The Giving Tree.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
I'm pretty comfortable in my own skin. I try to be the best real example I can be for my kids.
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My wife and kids and grandchild, then my Norwegian Elkhound.
What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government?
This office holds the common thread to all offices- VOTING. Therefore, it is imperative to me that we make sure our votes are free, fair and secure. I have the needed I.T./Cybersecurity skills and have proven them over the past 15 years in the private sector keeping 85 hospital's data secure. My skills discovered the original problem of 18 counties with bloated voter rolls and it was my skills that got me the endorsement of Bill Binney, the Technical Director and Whistleblower of the NSA. I can't think of a better endorsement than someone who has the experience and knowledge to keep data and people secure while remaining operational and within the limits of small government.
Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?
Yes, it is imperative that the person holding this office has been a part of the process from campaigning to governing. The reason is, they are two very different things. I am the only one of the candidate that have been previously elected and I ran with the 2015 winning team and served as a Sr.Executive Manager within the Administration. Without this experience, one can be overwhelmed and time is of the essence to cleaning up these voter rolls. We need someone who has held office, understands governing and can be able to hit the ground running day one without "on the job training"
What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?
Information Technology and Cybersecurity. In 2015 I called the problem we are facing today because of my skill set to analyze the data. As the technology world continues to collide with every other aspect of life we need this skill set in this office before we get left behind. We need to have clean voter rolls, free fair elections that don't require a voter to stand in line all day. But most of all, we need to have a system where people cast their votes and have faith in the results. As Kentucky's 77th Secretary of State I will lead the effort to help fellow Secretaries to clean up their roles and slowly take our country back from those who wish to change the moral fabric by destroying all of our traditions, values and dreams.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2015
Knipper was running on the following themes in the 2015 election:
| “ |
Revitalize Kentucky's Business Sector As the Chief Business Officer of the state, the Secretary of State can play a vital role in bringing businesses into the state. Interstate competition and a highly competitive global environment are issues the next Secretary of State must address.From the assault on our coal and health industries, to corporate downsizing, a 7.7% unemployment rate*, and businesses like Toyota leaving parts of the state, Kentucky has serious economic challenges that need to be addressed. As both a certified Business Analyst and Project Manager, Steve has the experience and skills needed to bring new businesses to the state while ensuring that we establish a firm foundation upon which to sustain business development for future generations. A vital part of Steve's multi-pronged business plan involves leveraging Kentucky's unique strengths and resources... to develop several niche business markets. Once developed, those markets and/or goods can be exported both domestically and internationally, thus bringing both capital and jobs to Kentucky. Finally, Steve pledges to remove governmental roadblocks to business development. He will work to make Kentucky a state where businesses can prosper and establish deep roots. Office of Employment and Training (OET).An, agency of Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. Modernize the Election Process The Secretary of State is the Chief Elections officer for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Steve's Information Technology background and Project Management make him the ideal candidate to bring Kentucky's election process into the 21st century. Steve has a comprehensive plan to streamline the election process while enhancing the back-end security processes. Steve's plan ensures a faster, more secure voting process. His proposed changes involve electronic registration and lengthening the time voters are eligible to register, even if they recently moved. In addition, remote citizens--like veterans serving overseas--would have improved, secure access to ensure that they can exercise the fundamental right to vote (which is after all one of the rights they are defending.) Steve will make sure our veteran's votes are counted. Finally, with identity theft on the rise and foreign entities increasing their cyber-attacks on our infrastructure, a secure voting system must be a priorty. Today, voter data exists in multiple databases with differing levels of security. Steve's proposed changes bring comprehensive, sophisticated security to our voting system to counteract today's threats and protect our electoral process. Kentucky's right to vote is worth defending. We need someone who knows how to counteract or, better yet, prevent them. As Secretary of State, Steve will use his experience and leadership in the Information Technology field to make sure your information is secure and every vote is counted! |
” |
| —Steve Knipper's campaign website, (2014) | ||
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Knipper and his wife, Stephanie, have six children.[4]
See also
2023 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Cincinnati.com, "Ex-Erlanger councilman to run for statewide office," June 10, 2014
- ↑ Kentucky Secretary of State, "Information for Stephen L. Knipper, Candidate for Secretary of State," November 6, 2014
- ↑ Kentucky Secretary of State, accessed November 4, 2015
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Steve Knipper, "Who is Steve Knipper?" accessed November 21, 2014
- ↑ Kentucky Secretary of State, "Secretary of State," accessed November 4, 2015
- ↑ Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, "Candidate Search Results," accessed May 4, 2015
- ↑ Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, "Candidate Search Results," accessed February 3, 2015
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Steve Knipper, "The Issues," accessed November 21, 2014
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