RICHMOND, Ky. (AP) — Andy Beshear, the Democratic governor of Kentucky, campaigned for his second term on Monday, emphasizing his accomplishments in job creation, infrastructure improvement, and disaster recovery. He downplayed party labels, highlighting his ability to rise above partisan politics.
In his speech to a packed audience at a Richmond brewery, Beshear positioned himself as the best candidate for meeting the basic needs of Kentuckians, regardless of their party affiliation. He praised the state’s resilience in the face of multiple disasters, including a pandemic, flooding, tornadoes, and extreme weather conditions, emphasizing Kentucky’s progress and forward momentum.
Beshear and his Republican challenger, Daniel Cameron, are actively engaging in a whirlwind tour across the state to make their final appeals to voters, with early voting opening on Thursday. Cameron has sought to nationalize the campaign, linking Beshear to President Joe Biden and criticizing their shared stance on economic and energy issues that affect Kentucky’s coal industry. Beshear responded by emphasizing a message of “division vs. vision,” asserting that he remains focused on core issues that should transcend partisan politics.
Beshear has touted his stewardship of the state’s economy, highlighting the record-setting economic development growth achieved during his term. He has also demonstrated strong leadership during times of crisis, including devastating tornadoes in western Kentucky and flooding in Appalachia. Additionally, Beshear has emphasized three major infrastructure projects: constructing a toll-free Ohio River bridge connecting Kentucky and Ohio, widening and extending the Mountain Parkway in eastern Kentucky, and closing a gap in Interstate 69 with another Ohio River bridge.
Beshear’s father, former two-term Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, joined him on the campaign trail and commended his son’s handling of some of the toughest years in the state’s history. While Andy Beshear mentioned the COVID-19 pandemic only briefly in his speech, it remained a prominent issue in the minds of attendees. Many expressed gratitude for the governor’s leadership and credited his policies with saving lives.
The pandemic heavily influenced Beshear’s term, and his decisions regarding business closures and public gatherings have been scrutinized by his opponent. Cameron argues that these restrictions have negatively impacted small businesses and led to significant learning loss among students due to school closures. However, Beshear maintains that his executive orders were informed by guidance from former President Trump’s coronavirus task force. The virus has claimed the lives of over 19,000 Kentuckians since early 2020.
Beshear’s daily televised updates during the pandemic, where he provided information and support to the public, gave him an unprecedented platform as governor. His empathy and connection with people were enhanced by acknowledging every pandemic-related death in Kentucky during his briefings.
As the election approaches, Beshear believes that his consistent presence and authentic connection with the people during the pandemic will have a positive impact on voters. He makes the case that his leadership is grounded in a deep understanding of the challenges faced by his constituents.
