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GOP Encouraged to Cut Williams Loose

Republican gubernatorial nominee David Williams
Republican gubernatorial nominee David Williams

By Phillip Bailey/KPR/Gary Pitts

Frankfort, KY – U.S. Senator Rand Paul's former campaign manager is calling on the Kentucky Republican Party to cut gubernatorial nominee David Williams loose. Williams is trailing Democratic incumbent Steve Beshear by 31 points in the latest poll, and the governor is ahead among key conservative constituents. Political observers say the commanding lead could hurt other GOP candidates in down ticket races. Kentucky Knows Best Executive Director David Adams says at this point in the governor's race, Republicans shouldn't waste any resources on Williams and should concentrate on other candidates.

"There's no question that the Republican Party has nominated somebody for a statewide office who can't win and I think that's abundantly clear to anybody who is paying attention. Any kind of conversation that we have going forward needs to be based on that fact."

When asked about the Tea Party leader's message, Williams says Adams's viewpoint is insignificant to the election's outcome. Williams says GOP voters will "come home" by November and that he isn't concerned about poll numbers.

Matt Markgraf joined the WKMS team as a student in January 2007. He's served in a variety of roles over the years: as News Director March 2016-September 2019 and previously as the New Media & Promotions Coordinator beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he was a graduate and undergraduate assistant. He is currently the host of the international music show Imported on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.