Republican Candidates Criticize Beshear’s Anti-Trans Policies and COVID Shutdowns
Several Republican candidates for office in Kentucky have taken aim at Democratic Governor Andy Beshear’s anti-transgender policies and handling of COVID-19 shutdowns. Attorney General Daniel Cameron, the GOP nominee for Kentucky governor, criticized Beshear’s veto of a bill targeting transgender students in schools and banning gender-affirming healthcare for minors. Cameron accused Beshear of supporting gender-affirming surgeries for minors, a claim that Beshear has denied.
Cameron also made a joking reference to a Bud Light marketing campaign involving a transgender influencer, which led to a boycott of the beer brand by anti-LGBTQ groups.
Outgoing state auditor Mike Harmon, another Republican candidate, used humor to criticize Beshear and the state’s trans community, using a riff on Jeff Foxworthy’s You might be a redneck jokes. Harmon accused Beshear, who vetoed a bill protecting children from mutilation and teachers from bullying by the education commissioner, of being a Beshear-Biden Democrat.
Amidst the criticism from Republican candidates, some Kentucky residents have praised Beshear for his stance against anti-LGBTQ legislation. James Coley, a Marshall County resident attending his first Fancy Farm picnic with his husband, expressed support for Beshear’s commitment to LGBTQ rights and accused the far right of using the LGBTQ community as a wedge issue.
Beshear, the incumbent governor, highlighted his administration’s economic development investments in Kentucky and pointed to his court victories during his tenure as Attorney General. He urged voters to let his history speak for itself, using the analogy of not firing a coach during a winning streak.
A major focal point of criticism directed at Beshear was his policies in 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Candidates such as Cameron, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Republican attorney general candidate Russell Coleman, outgoing auditor Mike Harmon, and treasurer and auditor candidate Allison Ball criticized Beshear for shutting down non-essential businesses and limiting public gatherings to mitigate the spread of the disease.
Attendees at the Fancy Farm event, including John Shindlebawer, a Cameron supporter, expressed discontent with the business shutdowns during the pandemic. Shindlebawer believed that the closures were a significant mistake and led to suffering for the people of Kentucky.
Both Republican and Democratic candidates sought to win the support of the state’s educators. Democratic Lt. Gov. Jacquelyn Coleman portrayed herself and Beshear as advocates for education, promising to work towards pay raises for teachers if re-elected. On the other hand, Cameron criticized some schools for promoting liberal and progressive ideas and emphasized the importance of focusing on core subjects like reading, writing, and math.
Candidates on both sides of the aisle made their cases to voters during the event, presenting different perspectives and opinions on various issues. This balanced approach allowed voters to consider different viewpoints and make informed decisions.
In summary, several Republican candidates in Kentucky have criticized Governor Andy Beshear’s handling of anti-trans policies and COVID-19 shutdowns. Beshear’s opponents have accused him of supporting gender-affirming surgeries for minors and have humorously criticized his veto of a bill protecting children and teachers. Meanwhile, supporters of Beshear have praised his commitment to LGBTQ rights and accused the far right of using the community as a political tool. The gubernatorial race in Kentucky is setting the stage for debates on various issues, including education and the economy, as candidates strive to win voter support.
