The Kentucky Republican Party is blasting Democratic Governor Steve Beshear for traveling the state just days shy of the election, handing out checks in the districts of Democratic incumbents who are defending their seats in the state House.
Governor Beshear traveled to Glasgow Thursday to present a check for a local bridge project. He was joined in the announcement by Representative Johnny Bell, whose race against Republican challenger Jeff Jobe has turned nasty.
On Wednesday, Beshear was in Owensboro alongside incumbent Jim Glenn, who has narrowly won his last two elections. Glenn is in a competitive race against Republican Alan Braden.
The Governor also visited Kuttawa to announce funding for projects in the Lake Barkley region. There, he appeared with embattled Representative Will Coursey, who is facing a stiff GOP challenge from Keith Travis.
The governor has delivered economic development news and checks in several other districts where Democrats are locked in competitive match-ups. Republicans on Tuesday hope to win control of the Kentucky House for the first time since 1921. State Republican Party Chairman Steve Robertson issued a statement saying voters should be outraged at Beshear using public funds to prop up Democratic candidates.
"Apparently buying votes in Kentucky is illegal except when the one trying to close the deal is the Democrat governor using public money," said Robertson.
Beshear’s Communication Director Kerri Richardson responded, saying nearly all public events this week have included Republican lawmakers who were invited to attend.
"Photos from most of this week's events will show lots of Republicans and Democrats, as they always do, because the Governor invites everyone to celebrate a community's good news when he's in town," Richardson declared. "Sharing good news about new jobs, company expansions, road improvements, and the like isn't a partisan practice. These announcements are beneficial for all Kentuckians."
Democrats currently hold a 54-46 majority in the Kentucky House.
