Bevin/KY Election Thread (11/5/2019)

[Warlord]

KY's elections are on Tuesday Nov 5th. Trump is going to hold a rally on Nov 4th in Kentucky I heard so that's good news for Bevin. The race is tight.

Gov. Matt Bevin says that if he’s re-elected, he’ll push for changes to the state’s tax code, including a shift from the income tax to a sales tax and raising the state’s gas tax.

Bevin made the comments during the Kentucky Association of Counties’ (KACo) annual conference on Wednesday at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville. He also suggested eliminating the state’s estate and inventory taxes and allowing local governments to raise the sales tax.

Bevin said that the state needs to “stop taxing the job creators and the wealth producers.”

“Let them keep the money, redeploy it and we’ll tax it then. That’s how it gets done. Let them build things with that money. Then indeed we’ll tax it and your school districts will benefit from that,” Bevin said.

Bevin said that the changes would make Kentucky more attractive to businesses and people looking to relocate. But he said in the long-term, the changes wouldn’t bring in more money — the only way to do that, he argued, is to bring more people in.

“We need to build an environment — tax structure and otherwise — to attract the next 2 million people here so that they will stay here, live here, pay taxes here,” Bevin said. “That’s the only way we climb out of the problems we’re dealing with. We need another 2 million people.”

Kentucky’s population is currently about 4.4 million.

Bevin began floating his tax proposals in 2017, but so far, the state legislature hasn’t gotten behind them. Two years ago, Bevin promised to call a special legislative session for lawmakers to come up with changes to the state’s tax code, but the move never gained support from legislators.

Kentucky has had trouble generating enough revenue to meet budget demands amid surging financial obligations from the state’s pension, Medicaid and corrections systems.

Bevin has long advocated for phasing out the state’s use of an income tax and increasing sales taxes. He believes getting rid of personal and corporate income taxes will allow people and companies to redistribute wealth in the form of ages and expanding operations.

Jason Bailey, executive director for the progressive Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, said in a 2017 interview that Bevin’s tax philosophy would just encourage companies to keep more money.

“What most often happens is the company or the wealthy individual will just pocket that money or spend it on a luxury good or travel,” Bailey said. “What it does is undermine those core investments and building blocks of growth like education that require us to all chip in for taxes.”

Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear, Bevin’s opponent in this year’s race for governor, has proposed expanding gambling in Kentucky — legalizing and taxing casinos, sports betting and online poker.

https://hoptownchronicle.org/bevin-f...les-gas-taxes/

[Swordsmyth]

Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear, Bevin’s opponent in this year’s race for governor, has proposed expanding gambling in Kentucky — legalizing and taxing casinos, sports betting and online poker.

Bevin should take that away from him.

I hope Bevin also has spending cuts in mind.

[Warlord]

Bevin should take that away from him.

I hope Bevin also has spending cuts in mind.

I hope Bevin survives. The Trump rally on the eve of the election should put him over the top but the polls show a close race.

[kcchiefs6465]

This is exciting stuff.

[Anti Globalist]

Eliminating the income tax is a great idea. If only we could apply that to every state.

[Warlord]

Matt Bevin: I've made tough choices that ruffled feathers but moved Kentucky forward

On Nov. 3, 2015, Kentucky entrusted me with the greatest honor of my life: serving as your 62nd governor. Since then, I have worked tirelessly for the citizens of our commonwealth.

Under the previous administration of Steve Beshear, Kentucky seemed to forever be moving backwards and mired in problems like underfunded pensions, public corruption and anemic economic growth.

I envisioned a better future, and I felt compelled to serve. As a businessman and former U.S. Army captain, I knew tough choices needed to be made for Kentucky. There is no doubt I’ve ruffled some feathers in the process, but the results of those tough decisions speak for themselves.

We’ve shattered every Kentucky economic development record as we’ve added 57,000 new jobs, $22 billion in new business investment and reached our lowest unemployment in history. I’m working to encourage companies such as Ford, GE Appliances, Toyota and others to keep expanding in Kentucky. UPS recently announced an investment of up to $750 million to create 1,000 new, high-paying jobs in the Louisville area!

As a father of nine, four of whom are adopted, I’m making it a priority to protect all children of our commonwealth. I have demanded accountability and reforms in our state’s foster care and adoption systems, and I’ve signed into law fundamental protections for the unborn.

Our education system is the foundation of our state’s future, and our teachers are the keys to its success. For this very reason, I’ve made record-level investments in K-12 education funding, ensured that 100% of lottery funds are used for education for the first time ever and fully funded the pension system.

For the first time, we are taking steps to save the pension system, not kick the can down the road. That’s the only way for our teachers and state employees to retire with the pension checks they have been promised.

I’ve also taken major steps to address the opioid crisis in our state. With more funding for treatment and recovery programs, this past year Kentucky led the nation with a 15% reduction in opioid-related deaths.

Meanwhile, your other choice for governor, Andy Beshear, refuses to answer questions about his legal defense of Purdue Pharma, the makers of OxyContin responsible for the deaths of so many in Kentucky. Indefensibly, Andy has personally profited from the opioid crisis.

Andy Beshear is, without question, the most liberal nominee for governor in the history of Kentucky. He has zero business experience and regularly attacks CEOs and job creators, purely for political reasons.

We’re busy growing our economy, reducing red tape, saving our pension system, strengthening our state’s fiscal foundation, supporting education, improving health outcomes, taking care of our veterans, reforming the criminal justice system, promoting tourism and fighting for a better Kentucky for all of us.

I want Kentucky to be the best state in America for our children and grandchildren to find a job and raise their families in. I would be grateful for your vote on Nov. 5. I will continue to make the tough decisions and move Kentucky forward.

Matt Bevin is a Republican running for reelection as Kentucky's governor.

https://www..courier-journal.com/sto...ky/3995433002/

[osan]

Six of one...

[Warlord]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxzL1QOAphE

[Warlord]

[Swordsmyth]

When Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin's office fired the lieutenant governor's top two assistants it had every legal right to do so, a judge said Friday in ruling on an extraordinary legal fight playing out amid the governor's tough reelection campaign.Franklin County Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd ruled that the governor has "superseding authority" to hire and fire the lieutenant governor's staff, and the lieutenant governor has none — unless the governor grants the authority.

More at: https://news.yahoo.com/judge-rules-g...191619586.html

[Swordsmyth]

Governor @MattBevin has done a wonderful job for the people of Kentucky! He continues to protect your very important Second Amendment. Matt is Strong on Crime and the Border, he Loves our Great Vets and Military….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 26, 2019

….Matt has my Complete and Total Endorsement, and always has. GET OUT and VOTE on November 5th for your GREAT Governor, @MattBevin!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 26, 2019

[Warlord]

The debates finished last night. Here's the wrap up:

The debates are over, Kentucky.

Democratic challenger Andy Beshear and Republican incumbent Matt Bevin faced off one last time Tuesday night at Northern Kentucky University for the fifth and final gubernatorial debate. They reiterated their policies, talked about the Brent Spence Bridge and were asked to tell each other what they admire about each other.

This debate followed four heated debates between the two where they've discussed education, bringing jobs to rural areas, healthcare, pensions and other topics. At the debate on Saturday, Bevin was caught in a lie.

Here are the highlights:

Northern Kentucky issues

The candidates discussed a few issues unique to the venue's region — Northern Kentucky. The Brent Spence Bridge came up and the long-asked question: How would the candidates pay for a new bridge over the Ohio River?

Bevin said tolls need to be part of the solution and added working with Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine is essential as well.

Beshear did not directly say if he would sign a bill that funds the bridge replacement with tolls. Instead, he said he would embark on a discussion with Kentuckians to reach a "consensus," to see how they would want to fund it.

Education came up as well. Beshear claimed Bevin's budget directly hurt Northern Kentucky University when it caused about 100 positions to be cut from the university. Bevin later challenged that claim.

Throughout the night, the candidates regularly accused the other of lying.

The candidates debated whether expanded gaming laws would be good for Kentucky. Beshear pointed out Kentuckians cross the border into Ohio or Indiana and spend money at casinos in those states. He offered Jack Casino as an example, which was about seven miles away from campus.

Bevin argued against gaming expansions and asked: "Is the juice worth the squeeze?"

The debates are over

The candidates talked about topics they mentioned in previous debates and along the campaign trail.

Abortion: Bevin opposes abortion; Beshear supports "reasonable restrictions," on abortion.

Name-calling: Beshear called Bevin a "bully" multiple times, as he's done before.

Gun Control: The candidates agreed that they wouldn't support an assault rifle ban. Beshear said he would support a so-called "red flag" law. Those laws authorize courts to issue a special type of protection order, allowing the police to temporarily confiscate firearms from people who are deemed by a judge to be a danger to themselves or to others.

Pension: Bevin said "a pension has been promised to people," but he said there isn't enough money to continue. Beshear proposed expanding gaming would create the funds needed to salvage the pension program.

Vaping: Both candidates support increasing the minimum age to buy vaping products. It's currently 18.

Now, Kentuckians head to the polls on Nov. 5.

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/new...ar/2486348001/

[Warlord]

Kentucky Governor’s Race Tests Impact of Impeachment in States

Matt Bevin, the unpopular Republican incumbent, has strongly aligned himself with President Trump and invoking impeachment as a cudgel against his opponent, Andy Beshear.

Full article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/29/u...-governor.html

[Warlord]

Drudge is taking notice of the Kentucky election:

Is tight Kentucky governor’s race a sign of trouble awaiting McConnell in 2020?

https://www.rollcall.com/news/tight-...mcconnell-2020

[Krugminator2]

It looks like Bevin has done a pretty good job, which has made him the most unpopular governor in America.. Made a lot of tough choices. Pushed budget cuts hard. Pension reform. And took the teacher's union head on.

[Warlord]

Pence gives boost to Bevin; Beshear touts police endorsement

LONDON, Ky. (AP) — Attempting to turn the Kentucky governor's race into a referendum on impeachment, Vice President Mike Pence urged voters Friday to register their disgust with the "endless investigations" of President Donald Trump by reelecting his close ally, Republican Gov. Matt Bevin.

While Bevin basked in the support from yet another Trump surrogate, his Democratic challenger, Attorney General Andy Beshear, touted his support from a prominent police organization. Beshear, doing his best to make the contest about state issues, vowed to protect the pensions of public employees and said Bevin couldn't be trusted to do so.

At a rally during a campaign swing in a key GOP stronghold in southeastern Kentucky, Pence praised Bevin as a "proven conservative," pointing to the governor's stances against abortion and for gun rights. The vice president trumpeted Kentucky's economic performance during Bevin's tenure.

Pence, who bonded with Bevin during his time as governor of neighboring Indiana, tied Kentucky's election next Tuesday to the drama unfolding in Washington with the impeachment inquiry of Trump by House Democrats.

"If you want to send a message to Washington, D.C., that enough is enough, and that Kentucky is tired of the endless investigations and their partisan impeachment, if you want to send a message to the do-nothing Democrats that Kentucky supports President Donald Trump, vote Republican in next Tuesday's election," Pence said.

Pence said the Kentucky election can "set the stage" for 2020, when Trump will run for another term in the White House. Trump, who is planning his own trip to Lexington on the night before Tuesday's election, won Kentucky by a landslide in 2016 and remains a commanding figure in the state.

"Once we reelect Gov. Matt Bevin for four more years, we can make it clear we're going to reelect President Donald Trump for four more years," the vice president said.

The loudest cheers from the crowd of several hundred people came whenever Trump's name was mentioned, which happened often.

Bevin, who has made his alliance with Trump a central theme of his campaign, lashed out at the Democratic impeachment probe.

"We saw the animosity, the vitriol, the insanity of what was coming out of Washington even just yesterday with the mockery that is being made of the political process," he said.

In an appeal to the state's conservative Democrats, Bevin declared: "Your party at the national level is leaving you behind" as he urged Kentuckians to vote their values, not their party.

"You can come on over," Bevin said. "Come on in, the water's fine. It's pretty good over here."

https://news.yahoo.com/pence-gives-b...224012774.html

[Warlord]

Tonight the Trump train comes to Kentucky!

Can someone post any live stream or links in this thread?

I wonder if Rand Paul will attend.

[jon4liberty]

Rand would be smart to put his endorsement behind Bevin and bury the hatchet. Matt bevin is the best governor we have.

[Warlord]

Bump.

Anyone know when the rally starts or has a live feed?

[Warlord]

Rally starts at 7pm EST

[Warlord]

Live feed:

[dannno]

Starting

[eleganz]

Who doesn't vote for a guy that adopts THAT many kids?

[dannno]

Rand is about to go up on stage

[tommyrp12]

Yeeees.

[Warlord]

That was a great speech from Rand. Trump was so impressed he didn't know what to say

[Warlord]

Today is the day that Kentucky heads to the polls!

Please follow this thread and update it with any news/links. Thanks!

[Warlord]

7 things to watch on Election Day 2019

LEXINGTON, Ky. — President Donald Trump isn’t on the ballot in Tuesday’s off-year elections, but the president and impeachment are at the center of the campaigns.

In Kentucky, Republican Gov. Matt Bevin — who trailed in his bid for a second term earlier in the year — has closed the gap thanks to a nationalized campaign focused on his relationship with Trump and issues like abortion and gun rights.

The president is also a defining issue in Virginia, where he is significantly less popular and Republicans are clinging to tiny majorities in both chambers of the state legislature. Democratic victories on Tuesday would give the party control of all the levers of government in Richmond to rewrite policy and, crucially, redraw the state’s political maps for the next decade after the census.

In total, governorships in two states, state legislative seats in three states and a handful of big-city mayoral posts are all up for grabs on Tuesday, as well as some important down-ballot statewide offices that could be launching pads for future senators or governors. Here’s a quick guide to what’s on the ballot, and why it matters:

Kentucky governor

Kentucky’s shift from Democratic bastion to one of Trump’s best states — he won by 30 percentage points in 2016 — has been decades in the making. But if Bevin wins on Tuesday, he’ll be the first Republican governor ever to be reelected in the state.

It hasn’t been an easy road to November for Bevin, who has suffered low job-approval ratings thanks to an uncompromising governing style that has alienated large segments of the electorate.

In his way is Beshear, the son of former Gov. Steve Beshear, Bevin’s predecessor. Beshear has made public education, health care and jobs the focus of his campaign and largely avoided national issues, where his party is at a disadvantage in Kentucky.

“Our people know that life’s harder under Matt Bevin,” Beshear said in the weekend before Election Day. “We can’t survive another four years, and they’re going to show up to make sure we don’t have to.”

Bevin has leaned hard on his support from Trump, including the boost of an election-eve rally on Monday night.

“It certainly won’t hurt — let’s put it that way,” Bevin told reporters before the rally. “I think we’re going to win regardless. I think we’ll win even more with this kind of wind in our sails. This is a great president. He’s done a good job for this country. I’m honored to stand with him.”

https://www.politico.com/news/2019/1...ay-2019-065794

[samforpaul]

I voted for Bevin earlier today.

[TheTexan]

This is exciting stuff.

Truly exhilarating!