Beshear Outpacing Williams in State Employee Contributions

By Drew Adams

Murray, KY – Kentucky state employees have given nearly $850,000 to the re-election campaign of incumbent Governor Steve Beshear. His Republican opponent, Senate President David Williams, has received no more than $35,000 from state workers. Campaign reports, however, omit listing the employer of many contributors. The Kentucky Republican Party has claimed the administration illegally targets state workers for contributions. Beshear campaign spokesman Matt Erwin has says the complaints are a political stunt based on gossip. The administration acknowledges Finance Secretary Lori Flanery used her state email account send invitations to a Beshear fundraiser. Beshear's camp says it was an honest mistake, but Williams claims the incident is part of a pattern of questionable solicitations. The fundraiser in question was later canceled.