Bevin, Beshear Trade Barbs at Fancy Farm

After sparring for more than three years, Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear and Republican Governor Matt Bevin brought their feisty campaign speeches to the Fancy Farm Picnic, which unofficially kicks off the election season in Kentucky.

Following a coin flip determined who would speak first, Bevin greeted everyone and pointed out that in spite of the angst, animosity, cheers and jeers, he loves the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the freedom of speech that everyone enjoys in America. 

He then reminded everyone at St. Jerome Parish that Beshear recently benefitted from a campaign fundraiser hosted by the owner of Kentucky's only remaining abortion clinic, saying there has been, "collusion between this attorney general, Attorney General (Greg) Stumbo before that, and (Jack) Conway and all the rest of them, and the abortion industry in Kentucky."

Earlier this week, Bevin accused Beshear of taking "blood money" from the fundraiser.

Bevin continued his speech by saying Kentucky has the lowest unemployment rate and the highest number of exported goods, crops and services in the state's history. 

"This is about a choice. The question that you have to ask yourself is this: do you want to keep going forward, or do you want to go backwards?" Bevin asked.

He urged voters to consider which side they are on, while listing some hot-button issues: sanctuary cities vs. secure borders; protecting life vs. what he called profiting from the abortion industry; fully funding the pension system or "robbing it" under previous administrations; and standing against corruption or employing people like former Beshear staffer Tim Longmeyer, who is now in prison for accepting bribes.

Bevin said, "This should not be a difficult decision. It's a function of whether you stand for American and American principles or whether you stand for Socialism. Which side are you on? Do you stand with Donald Trump as the President of America, or do you stand with 'the squad,' or whatever they call themselves these days? Which side are you on? This is the question."

He vowed to continue to "do the right thing" regarding proper use of lottery funds for education, and funding and fighting to preserve the pension system for retirees.

While he acknowledged there are differences of opinion about policy, he ended his speech by saying everyone should agree that we are blessed to live in America, and asked those in attendance to stand with him to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. In a brief moment of unity, the chanting stopped, everyone on stage stood, and the crowd did as he requested. 

Beshear then came to the podium while his supporters began their chant of "vote him out." He reminded the crowd that his family is from western Kentucky, saying he was raised with "your values of family, faith, hard work," then followed that with, "wait a minute! I'm the only candidate in this race with any Kentucky roots!"

He said Bevin is reckless and erratic, and commented on a pin the Governor wears with a pair of scissors on it. 

Beshear said, "You know, those scissors are a great symbol for his first term. He cut the price of his mansion in half. He slashed the budget of public education, and he's trying to cut people off health care. It seems the only thing he won't use those scissors on is Charles Grindle's salary."

Grindle, the state's chief tech officer, receives $325,000 annually. A bill that would have cut his pay to $207,000 was passed in the House but wasn't voted on by the Senate. 

Beshear said, "He always talks about shoveling out a barn after a long winter. Well, Governor, here in Kentucky, we don't shovel barns, we muck stalls. And while you're more show pony than work horse, you've left us a lot of manure, and the only thing we're shoveling out of Frankfort this fall is you - right out of town."

Beshear narrowed the campaign down to what he called four critical issues - pensions, public education, jobs and health care - and he says Bevin is wrong on each one. 

The attorney general said Bevin attacked and insulted teachers, took public education money to give to private school buddies, and is the single greatest threat to public education the state has ever seen. He said Kentucky's teachers are amazing and selfless, and he admires them so much that he chose a teacher, Jacqueline Coleman, as his running mate.

Beshear said, "To our teachers: under the Beshear-Coleman administration, you will always be respected, you will never be locked out of your Capitol, and you will always have a seat at the table."

He said Bevin stole retirement funds from teachers, police and other state employees, and did it by sticking the pension plan in a sewer bill. While not specifically mentioning increased gambling, Beshear promised to bring in new revenue for pensions without raising taxes.

As for healthcare, he says Bevin sided with insurance and pharmaceutical companies to attempt to end some coverage for pre-existing conditions, and that's why he's fighting those companies in court.

Beshear said Bevin has failed to create good jobs in western Kentucky, but if elected, his administration will create better paying jobs, invest in agri-tech, and build the I-69 bridge. 

The Democrat said at the end of the day, he says wants to serve everyone and live by the golden rule, since regardless of party, everyone faces similar challenges.

Beshear said, "What you heard from our Governor today and what you've seen every day during his administration is trying to create an 'us vs. them.' Under a Beshear-Coleman administration, there will only be an, 'us.'"