Gov. Steve Beshear has expressed doubt that Kentucky will land a Harley-Davidson manufacturing plant.

The governor released a statement Thursday saying the potential for pulling off a deal with the company is "significantly diminished."

The company has been looking at a site in Shelbyville for a motorcycle plant that employs 2,500 people.

The governor has put lawmakers on notice that he might call them into special session in December to consider an incentive package for the company, which also had been looking at keeping the current plant in York, Pa..

Beshear said Kentucky recruiters would continue to court the company until a final decision is made.

The company had also been considering sites near Kansas City, Mo., plant; in Shelbyville, Ind.; and in Murfreesboro, Tenn.