The Executive Branch Ethics Commission says it cannot stop Republican Governor Matt Bevin from investigating whether his Democratic predecessor violated state ethics laws.
Bevin says he will hire a private law firm to investigate whether former Gov. Steve Beshear coerced state employees to donate to political campaigns.
Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear, Steve Beshear's son, asked the ethics commission to tell Bevin he does not have the authority to conduct such an investigation. Commission Executive Director Kathryn Gabhart wrote back on Monday saying the commission does not have the authority to stop Bevin.
Bevin spokeswoman Jessica Ditto said the commission was right to reject Andy Beshear's request. She said Bevin welcomes the commission to conduct its own investigation.
Andy Beshear said any investigation by Bevin would not be credible.
