Otis Hensley Jr. got atop a 12-foot-tall, 20-foot-long fiberglass bull to ride around the Capitol promoting his Democratic campaign for governor.

Hensley, a Harlan County, KY demolition contractor who amassed about 9,000 votes in the 2003 gubernatorial race while spending less than $10,000, said he will use the prop in his 2007 race to show the people he will "control the bull in Frankfort."

The spectacle of a candidate on a large bull on a ramp pulled by a truck at the Capitol attracted several gawkers.

Hensley, 50, announced that Harlan County coal miner Richard Robinson will be his running mate. Roger Thoney of Highland Heights, who was independent gubernatorial candidate Sonny Landham's running mate in 2003, will be Hensley's economic adviser.

Hensley said he would like to keep open an Interstate 75 rest area scheduled to close in Madison County, and he would like to see an amusement park built in Harlan County for economic development.