Politics

Kentucky’s Republican Governor Gets Shot At Another Term

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Kentucky voters went to the polls Tuesday for the gubernatorial primaries, setting up a race between Republican incumbent Gov. Matt Bevin and a to-be-determined Democratic nominee.

Democrats could pick between Attorney General Andy Beshear, former state Auditor Adam Edelen and state Rep. Rocky Adkins in the Democratic primary. Bevin defeated several GOP primary challengers, including state Rep. Robert Goforth, according to The New York Times.

The question remains whether the chosen Democrat will be able to beat Bevin. Although the Republican is the nation’s least popular governor by some accounts, he will be hard to beat in a state President Donald Trump won in 2016.

Beshear is the favorite to win, although Adkin was ahead with about 50% of precincts reporting Tuesday night. Beshear is the son of former Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear, who served until 2015. Bevin succeeded Beshear to become the second Republican governor of the state since the 1970s.

I deeply appreciate NARAL’s trust and support. I am proud to be the only candidate in this race who has done more than just talk when it comes to a woman’s right to choose. #KyGov https://t.co/sN11mhNBHf

— Andy Beshear (@AndyBeshearKY) May 20, 2019

Democrats have been worried in the lead-up to the primaries because of Beshear and Edelen’s attacks on each other. A pro-Edelen super PAC took down an ad earlier in May that criticized Beshear’s handling of a sexual abuse case involving the Boy Scouts of America, reported Politico. Beshear has also been attacked for his campaign finance history, which includes slow-walking the donation of campaign money tainted by a corrupt deputy.

“Now the concern would be if Adam Edelen won, would the Beshear supporters turn their nose because of the negative campaign?” Democrat Jonathan Miller, a Democratic donor and former Kentucky state treasurer, said, according to Politico.

The three Democratic candidates presented a surprisingly wide range of views on abortion. Adkins is pro-life, while Beshear was endorsed by NARAL right before the primary, reported the Lexington Herald-Leader.

“I deeply appreciate NARAL’s trust and support. I am proud to be the only candidate in this race who has done more than just talk when it comes to a woman’s right to choose,” Beshear wrote Monday on Twitter.

Trump’s voice reached Kentucky voters Monday night in a recorded phone message meant to drum up support, reported The Associated Press.

To the great people of Kentucky, please go out and vote for Matt Bevin today. Very important. He has done a fantastic job for you and America! #MAGA

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 21, 2019

“To the great people of Kentucky, please go out and vote for Matt Bevin today. Very important. He has done a fantastic job for you and America! #MAGA,” Trump tweeted Tuesday.

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