Things have been pretty calm in Frankfort after last week’s special session. But that doesn’t mean wheels aren’t turning.

Late Thursday, Gov. Steve Beshear announced he’s replacing his communications director, Dick Brown, with Jay Blanton, the director of public relations at the University of Kentucky. Blanton previously worked as deputy communications director for Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson and before that for Preston Osborne, the company started by Beshear’s senior advisor and Homeland Security Director Tommy Preston. Perhaps most importantly, Blanton is friends with new Chief of Staff Adam Edelen, who seems to be taking control quickly.

Beshear took a “victory lap” around the state last week, taking credit for the pension bill. On Monday in Bowling Green, Mayor Elaine Walker praised his “enormous leadership” and talked about the savings for local governments. Beshear deserves credit, but probably not as much as Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville, who has kept the issue front and center for the past two sessions. And the bill certainly got a boost after the regular session when polls indicated voters were disgusted by the lack of action and leadership by legislators and the governor.

Look for Beshear to appoint state Sen. Ernesto Scorsone, D-Lexington, to become a judge in Fayette County. Scorsone, one of the more liberal members of the Senate who has feuded at times with the Republican leadership and Williams, declined several times to comment on his interest. But it’s no secret Beshear is considering appointing him. Rep. Kathy Stein, D-Lexington, the chairwoman of the House Judiciary Committee, is interested in yet another judicial position in Fayette County. There’s also talk Beshear is trying to persuade her to run for Scorsone’s seat if it becomes open.

Some wheels have been turning in the legislature. House Speaker Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, approved a request by the Interim License and Occupations Committee Co-Chair Rep. Joni Jenkins, D-Shively, to hold an “informational” meeting in Morehead on the lottery for just the House members of the committee – with pay and reimbursement for expenses. Jenkins is running against Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark, D-Okolona, in January’s leadership races and was openly endorsed by Richards. Rep. John Will Stacy, D-West Liberty, is also on the committee, a supporter of Richards, and is running for Whip. Just so happens, Stacy hosted a cookout at his home the night before. So, committee members could attend with the legislature picking up travel expense.

Rep. Rob Wilkey, D-Scottsville, the outgoing Democratic House Whip (who along with Clark opposed Richards on casino gambling legislation) won’t be joining the Western Kentucky University Board of Regents – at least this year. Wilkey, who is retiring from the House to spend more time with his family, is one of three persons nominated for the seat now held by Glasgow’s Ladonna Rogers. (Dr. Phillip Bale of Glasgow and Kristen Miller of Jefferson County were the other two nominees.) But Wilkey would have to resign his House seat immediately – and he’s unwilling to do that before his term ends.

“I have an obligation to the caucus to serve out my term as Whip and an obligation to my constituents to serve out my term in the House,” Wilkey told me. “I take my commitments seriously.”

Wilkey made it clear he thought it an honor to be considered for the board and he hopes to get another chance in the future. Not everyone in Frankfort takes commitments so seriously. That’s one of the reasons Wilkey will be missed in the legislature.

Ronnie Ellis writes for CNHI News Service and is based in Frankfort. Reach him at rellis@cnhi.com.