An election for governor in the traditionally Republican-leaning state of Kentucky is approaching, with Democratic incumbent Andy Beshear facing Republican Daniel Cameron — currently the state’s attorney general. Polling suggests that Beshear, who is a son of a past governor, is slightly favored. The race, rather than the bulk of electoral contests taking place next year, will culminate early next month (as will Mississippi’s governor’s race).
Beshear and Cameron have faced each other for a series of debates, including a face-off on Monday, and in that latest round of rhetorical confrontation, Beshear spotlighted Cameron’s evident hesitation to acknowledge his apparent openness to a policy known as school vouchers. That system, in general terms, provides for transferring funds from coffers meant for public schools on a student-by-student basis if that student seeks an education outside public schools, though in some areas like certain rural communities, public schools may be the main option — meaning the students there could suffer from less support without even the same opportunities for making a switch.
“We deserve a governor that will answer the question — that will look in a camera and answer the question,” Beshear said as Cameron spoke in initially very vague terms about his stance on vouchers. “I oppose vouchers — one hundred percent. They steal money from our public schools and send them to our private schools. The reason [Cameron] won’t answer is he supports vouchers. He has time and time again, but what’s concerning is he won’t be honest with you and answer a direct question and look in the camera. You deserve a governor that’ll do that whether the answer is popular or unpopular.”
The Associated Press said Cameron eventually acknowledged he would support school vouchers legislation if presented with it from legislators.
Another major issue elsewhere in the race has been abortion. Cameron has expressed support for the current rules in Kentucky, where Republicans dominate the legislature and where the framework blocking abortion doesn’t allow exceptions even for rape and incest. Cameron also, though, claimed he would support adding those exceptions to the law if presented with them by the state legislature. He resisted taking a proactive, personal stance during the debate. Check out key clips below:
Must WATCH moment of the #KYGOV debate: @DanielCameronAG gets roasted for trying to cover up his strong support for a harmful scheme to strip funds from public schools.
“So let’s ask him directly. Do you support vouchers?”
“Why will you not answer the question?” pic.twitter.com/1qUg18y5ex
— Sam Newton (@SamNewton) October 24, 2023
.@DanielCameronAG won’t answer a simple yes or no question of whether he personally believes victims of rape and incest should be allowed to get an abortion. #KYGov pic.twitter.com/HMSgajUfjb
— American Bridge 21st Century (@American_Bridge) October 24, 2023
