Another Republican lawmaker in Kentucky has come out against the idea of Gov. Bevin contesting results of the Nov. 5 election in the state legislature.
According to unofficial tallies, the GOP incumbent was defeated by 5,189 votes by Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear.
Bevin claims there were voting “irregularities,” but has shown no evidence. Republican state Senator Mike Wilson of Bowling Green says if the recanvass doesn’t change the results, Bevin should move on.
“You have to show clear, compelling evidence that there was fraud that would have changed the outcome of the election," Wilson said in an interview with WKU Public Radio.
So far, Wilson doesn't think Bevin has met the threshhold for what could be a lengthy challenge.
Wilson and another Warren County lawmaker, Democratic state Representative Patti Minter, are looking to the future under presumed Governor-elect Beshear. Beshear will have to govern with a Republican-dominated legislature whose members have their own agenda.
Beshear’s biggest task will be writing a new budget and lawmakers will be watching how much money he commits to the under-funded pension system. Minter says she thinks Beshear will find enough money to shore up the system without having to make structural changes to the retirement plans.
“The House Democratic caucus found the money that would fund pensions over 20 years," Minter said. "This was one of the things we presented in the special session. It didn’t move forward, but the tone is going to completely change in the next session.”
Wilson, who serves as Senate Majority Whip, says while there will be disagreements, his party will work with the incoming governor to find solutions on pensions, healthcare, possible casino gambling, and other policy issues. Beshear has said he'll use his executive power to fulfill some campaign pledges.
