Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear is being criticized by political opponents and the press on the campaign trail this week.The Ohio-based group Restoring America has released three ads in support of Republican gubernatorial candidate David Williams with two slamming Beshear for job losses and not taking a position on busing in Jefferson County Public Schools.The organization has spent a hefty amount to broadcast its television ads in the state's major markets to aid Williams, who is struggling to keep pace with the governor in campaign contributions.From Pure Politics:The governor is also being heavily criticized by political observers in the media for either skipping debates with his opponents or turning down opportunities to discuss the race in general.From the Courier-Journal:Kentuckians have more hope of spotting Amelia Earhart in this year’s gubernatorial race than Democratic incumbent Steve Beshear.
Once again, Mr. Beshear went missing from an opportunity to discuss issues and current events with his opponents — Republican David Williams and independent Gatewood Galbraith — in a Monday night debate aired on Kentucky Educational Television.
A few weeks ago, the Governor stiffed a Louisville Yearlings gathering after having confirmed a rare appearance, which was bad enough.
Monday’s KET no-show had an extra egregiousness factor because the subject of discussion was education, an issue about which Mr. Beshear has expressed great passion and commitment.
During her 84 WHAS program Wednesday, radio personality Mandy Connell denounced Beshear and his campaign for failing to appear a day before a scheduled appearance."Because I think it's pertinent that we continue to ask why the governor is apparently hiding in the Governor's Mansion in Frankfort," she said. "No word on if he's actually under the desk or just thinking about being under the desk. They said it was a scheduling conflict. There was no scheduling conflict on Monday when they e-mailed to ask what to chat about."