A Rarity: All Major Newspapers in Kentucky Back Democrat for Governor

By: E&P Staff Kentucky's major newspapers lined up behind Democrat Steve Beshear this fall as an alternative to Gov. Ernie Fletcher, whose term has been hindered by a patronage scandal.

Beshear, a Democrat and former lieutenant governor, picked up endorsements from at least eight newspapers across the state. Fletcher, a Republican, has yet to score an editorial board endorsement.

"Gov. Ernie Fletcher was elected in 2003 on a pledge to 'clean up the mess in Frankfort.' Instead, he created a bigger mess," The Winchester Sun said.

Fletcher spokesman Jason Keller said "liberal editorial boards" did not have the same values as the governor. Keller noted that Fletcher had received endorsements, however, from other organizations such as the Kentucky Right to Life, the National Rifle Association and the Family Foundation.

"These are the organizations that best represent Kentucky's values and recognize the governor's record of accomplishment over the past four years," Keller said.

Still, The Advocate-Messenger in Danville said Beshear's record in state government had proven he knows how to be a leader, while Fletcher did not.

"Gov. Fletcher has demonstrated less leadership than stubbornness in the greatest political crisis of his career," the newspaper said.

Fletcher was elected in 2003 following a sex scandal involving former Gov. Paul Patton, a Democrat. Fletcher campaigned on a promise to "clean up the mess in Frankfort." But after taking office, Fletcher's administration was rocked by an investigation into allegations of improper hiring practices.

Fletcher appeared before a special grand jury reviewing the matter and invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. He also pardoned everyone in his administration, other than himself, who could be charged with a related offense.

The special grand jury indicted Fletcher on misdemeanor charges that were subsequently dropped in a deal with prosecutors.

Beshear, a former lieutenant governor, has repeatedly blasted Fletcher for his role.

Fletcher has called the investigation a "political witch hunt" by Attorney General Greg Stumbo. Rather than seek a second term as attorney general, Stumbo unsuccessfully ran for lieutenant governor this spring as Democrat Bruce Lunsford's running mate.

Fletcher has meanwhile criticized Beshear, also a lawyer, for his involvement in the dismantling of Kentucky Central Life Insurance Co. Fletcher has claimed that Beshear profited from the company's bankruptcy while hundreds of employees lost jobs and investors lost their savings. Beshear has said he and his law firm performed honorably and have noted that no ethics or criminal charges have ever been filed in the case.

The Kentucky Enquirer in Fort Mitchell said it was supporting Beshear because of Fletcher's involvement in the hiring scandal. "He proposes cleaning up the mess in Frankfort. It is unfortunate that such a cleaning is needed, but it is why we endorse Beshear over Fletcher Nov. 6."

The Ashland Daily Independent said Fletcher's positives were outweighed by his negatives. The newspaper also agreed with Beshear's support for legalizing casino gambling.

"Our support for Beshear is not just because we think Fletcher has been such a poor governor. We also see a promise of quiet, progressive leadership in Beshear," the paper wrote.

In Louisville, The Courier-Journal credited Fletcher for things such as improving the state's Medicaid program, overhauling the state's tax code and securing projects for the state's largest city. But it touted Beshear as an "attractive alternative" to Fletcher.

"Mr. Beshear offers a comprehensive, creative and energetic platform in areas critical to Kentucky."

The Kentucky Post said Fletcher had "governed with the attitude that he already knows the answers" while Beshear seems to look for other opinions.

"Beshear is someone who understands the political process but focuses on solutions, and, more importantly, solutions arrived at after consulting widely with those who understand a problem."

The Gleaner of Henderson praised Beshear for being "at least willing to entrust Kentucky voters to decide a constitutional amendment that would allow casino gambling, and if approved, bring to the state coffers hundreds of millions of dollars annually."

Any good Fletcher's administration had done was overshadowed by the hiring investigation, The News-Enterprise in Elizabethtown said.

"It wasn't so much the political favoritism that has dogged the administration, but the governor's handling of the investigation, the misuse of the powers of office and the finger-pointing."

The Lexington Herald-Leader said Beshear was "solid, smart and straightforward" and would make Kentucky government work for the people.

Beshear "has the knowledge and experience to be an effective governor, and his priorities are more or less in line with Kentucky's needs," the paper wrote.

Beshear spokeswoman Vicki Glass said, "Newspapers across the state have recognized what people throughout Kentucky have also found - that Steve Beshear will bring bold new leadership that serves Kentuckians with integrity."


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