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FRANKFORT (AP) - University of Kentucky basketball icon Richie Farmer and Republican David Williams filed a letter of intent Wednesday to run in next year's governor's race.

The two filed with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, ending weeks of speculation about whether Farmer would become Williams' running mate.

"Richie Farmer will add a certain celebrity and loyalty to the ticket that no other candidate in Kentucky brings," said Lexington attorney Larry Forgy, a former unsuccessful Republican gubernatorial candidate. "His athletic celebrity will be very important."

Williams, a gruff political insider, had been courting Farmer, former shooting guard of the legendary 1992 UK team dubbed "The Unforgettables," as his running mate in hopes that the pairing would propel him into the governor's mansion.

Farmer has won two terms as agriculture commissioner, an elected position in Kentucky. He had considered a possible run for governor, but opted to pair up with Williams instead. The Clay County native is one of the most recognizable names in Kentucky.

Forgy said the slate is formidable.

"I think Williams is generally recognized as being very able, and Kentucky needs a leader," Forgy said.

Louisville businessman Phil Moffett previously announced he will run for the GOP gubernatorial nomination. State Rep. Mike Harmon of Danville will be his running mate.

Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear also is seeking re-election with Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson as his running mate.

Harlan County demolition contractor Otis Hensey also is seeking the Democratic nomation. And Lexington lawyer Gatwood Galbraith is running as an independent.

Beshear has a huge fundraising lead over all others, having banked more than $2.6 million so far, according to the Registry of Election Finance.

Beshear spent $9.7 million in his 2007 race.

The Democratic governor announced last year that he would seek re-election with Abramson, a longtime mayor in Louisville, the state's largest city. Beshear had to find a new running mate after Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo dropped off the ticket to run for U.S. Senate, a race he lost.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)