State of Kentucky Archives: on Government Reform
Charles Booker:
Remove barriers to democratic participation
We need a new Southern Strategy. Not a strategy rooted in hate and division, but in love and inclusion. We fight for political power to heal and build communities rooted in love and justice, rather than hate. Hood to the Holler will work to:
Remove Barriers to Democratic Participation, Strive to Empower a More Reflective Democracy, Engage Kentuckians of all stripes- from the Hood to the Holler, and Break Down Barriers Surrounding the Topics of Racial Justice, Generational Poverty and more.
Source: 2022 Kentucky Senate campaign website HoodToTheHoller.org
Mar 16, 2021
Charles Booker:
Restore voting rights to those who paid for their crimes
I fully support restoring voting rights to Kentuckians with felonies in their past. Our criminal justice system systematically targets the poor and people of color, and too many of our brothers and sisters in Kentucky have had their voices
taken away because they've lost voting rights due to a past mistake they've already paid for. Some of my own family members who helped raise me, instruct me, inspire me, and push me to succeed, cannot vote today because of felony disenfranchisement.
The federal government -- all governments -- have a responsibility to make voting as easy and accessible as possible for all of its citizens. That means that we must have strong oversight to ensure that voter ID laws aren't able to disenfranchise
voters, that voters aren't removed from voting roles, that early voting is adopted nationwide, that barriers to voting and voter registration are eliminated, and that election day becomes a federal holiday to allow as many people as possible to vote.
Source: KFTC.org on 2022 Kentucky Senate race
Mar 16, 2021
Amy McGrath:
Implement term limits, require release of tax returns
TO CLEAN UP WASHINGTON, WE NEED TO:- Limit unrestricted dark money and increase transparency by requiring the disclosure of donors to any organization that spends money in elections.
- Work to end Citizens United.
- Implement term limits.
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Stop the "revolving door" between elected office and lobbying.
- Fight to end "Cadillac benefits."
- Require release of complete federal tax returns by members of Congress, the president, the Cabinet, and the Supreme Court.
I have received donations from all 120 Kentucky counties--and the average donation is $36. That's democracy speaking and that kind of movement can inspire real leaders to run. Our country needs to get back to that. I pledge to work for you, not
for corporations, lobbyists, or other special interests. I pledge to run a campaign that is financially transparent. And I pledge never to use my office for personal gain or to obtain special privileges not available to other Americans.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
Amy McGrath:
We must protect election process from foreign interference
Additionally, we know that Russia tried to undermine one of our greatest treasures, our democratic process. As an American, I'm disappointed that Congress has failed to address this national security threat and deeply concerned given what is at stake.
I will support legislation to protect our election process from foreign interference, legislation that Sen. McConnell single-handedly blocked for months.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com
Jun 30, 2020
Amy McGrath:
I served in the military for 24 years; I voted by mail
On voting: "Every Kentuckian needs to have a voice, and you should not have to put your health in danger to vote," McGrath said. "That's why we need more funding for mail-in voting. The federal government needs to help states now to be able to do this.
We need to make sure we're supporting the United States Postal Service. The bottom line is that I served in the military for 24 years. I voted by mail for 24 years. It worked just fine for me. We can do this and it's the right thing to do right now."
Source: The Advocate-Messenger on 2020 Kentucky Senate race
May 10, 2020
Steven Cox:
Increase transparency in campaign finance
Campaign Finance Reform: We will increase accountability and transparency in campaign finance, making it easier for anyone to run for office.
The candidates with the best ideas should win, not the biggest bank account.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate website CoxForUS.com
Feb 6, 2020
Steven Cox:
End Citizens United, remove corporate money from politics
End Citizens United: Corporate money should not be considered free speech.
We need legislation to remove corporate money and dark interests from politics so everyone has a fair say in who wins elections.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate website CoxForUS.com
Feb 6, 2020
Wesley Morgan:
Supports term limits; repeal 17th amendment
Washington is controlled by career politicians. I support a constitutional amendment limiting time in office to 3 terms in the
House and 2 terms in the Senate. I also support repeal of the 17th Amendment.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate website WesleyMorganForSenate.com
Feb 6, 2020
Robert Goforth:
Restore Felon Voting Rights
Q: Do you support a constitutional amendment to restore voting rights to felons who have completed their full sentence?
A: If someone has paid their debt to society and is obeying the law, I support their rights being restored. I would examine use of executive power to achieve this goal.
Source: KFTC.org on 2019 Kentucky Gubernatorial race
Aug 7, 2019
Steven Cox:
Supports any laws that ensure elections can't be bought
Campaign Finance & Election Reform: I'm for as much legislation that makes sure that elections can't be bought and sold, and reforming what current legislation allows.
An individual can only contribute $2,800 per election. But if you are a Political Action Committee (PAC), you can contribute up to $5,000. If you are a Super PAC, the number is even more schemed.
Source: The Student Post on 2020 Kentucky Senate race
Jun 23, 2019
Andy Beshear:
Fight for every Kentuckian's right to vote
I believe that our democracy is strongest when more Kentuckians are involved in the process. As Attorney General, I launched a voting rights unit to protect and fight for every Kentuckian's right to vote. I also support the automatic restoration of
voting rights for Kentuckians with a non-violent felony who have completed their sentences, and will sign an executive order doing so. We should implement automatic voter registration and make it easier for all voters to vote by absentee ballot.
Source: 2019 Kentucky Gubernatorial campaign website AndyBeshear.com
May 2, 2019
Rocky Adkins:
In-person early voting on three weekends prior to election
Rocky Adkins co-sponsored House Bill 253: Create a new section of KRS Chapter 117 to allow in-person early voting between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the three Saturdays preceding any primary, regular election, or special election;
amend KRS 117.087, 117.165, 117.235, 117.995, and 118.035 to conform.Legislative outcome: Referred to Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (died in Committee)
Source: Kentucky legislative voting records: HB 253 on KRS 117
Feb 7, 2019
Adam Edelen:
Zero Tolerance: put crooked politicians behind bars
As State Auditor, Adam Edelen took corruption head on and put crooked politicians behind bars. His record of fighting those who pad their wallets at taxpayer expense will expand with a new era of
Zero Tolerance for corruption in Frankfort. Kentucky has waited long enough for an honest and ethical government that puts people first.
Money from faceless PACs has helped corrode our political system and shake the faith Kentuckians have in their government. To bring real change to Kentucky, the voices of hard working people need to be heard, not drowned out by special interests.
Adam Edelen is committed to running a campaign powered by people, and is the only candidate for Governor who won't take a dime of PAC money.
Source: 2019 Kentucky governor campaign website AdamEdelen.com
Dec 31, 2018
Adam Edelen:
Restore Kentucky Commission on Women; 50% women in Cabinet
In his last proposed budget, Matt Bevin shamefully gutted funding to 70 programs under the Kentucky Commission on Women. These important programs did everything from combating domestic violence, working to stop the evil or human trafficking as well as
funding programs to encourage young women to pursue an education in the sciences or engineering.Adam Edelen will not only restore funds for these vital programs but also promote the Executive Director of the Kentucky Commission on Women to a member
of the Governor's Cabinet. Programs that are there to empower and provide Kentucky women and girls real opportunities and needed protections will no longer be treated as optional or as bargaining chips in a state budget.
Adam is committed to ensuring
that the leadership in his administration represents all Kentucky, including Kentucky women. Under an Edelen administration no less than half of the Cabinets will be led by women as its past time we ensure everyone's voice is being heard in Frankfort.
Source: 2019 Kentucky governor campaign website AdamEdelen.com
Dec 31, 2018
Andy Beshear:
State government operates in secret: push for transparency
Andy knows that state government is simply not working for the people.
It operates in secret, and refuses to do the will of the people. He has pushed for transparency as Attorney General and believes that Kentucky should pass term limits for all public officials.
Source: 2019 Kentucky governor campaign website AndyBeshear.com
Dec 31, 2018
Matt Bevin:
Vetoed proposal to prevent party change before primary
Legislative Summary: House Bill 273: Ensure that any qualified voter who voluntarily removes his or her name from the voter registration list after December 31 and who subsequently wishes to register to vote prior to the next scheduled
primary, shall not be considered as a "newly registered voter" for purposes of party eligibility.Analysis by WAVE-3 News: HB 273 prevented voters from removing their names from the state's voter registration list and subsequently
registering to vote in the next primary as a newly registered voter. The goal was to prevent voters from circumnavigating existing law which prevents switching registration just to vote in another party's primary. Bevin said the measure would make
Kentucky's "closed primary" system even more closed.Legislative Outcome: Passed House 84-5-10 on Mar/5/18; Passed Senate 38-0-0 on Apr/14/18; Vetoed by Governor Matt Bevin on Apr/26/18
Source: WAVE-3 News analysis of Kentucky HB 273 voting records
Apr 26, 2018
C. Wesley Morgan:
Make it hard to switch party registration before primary
Legislative Summary: House Bill 273: Ensure that any qualified voter who voluntarily removes his or her name from the voter registration list after December 31 and who subsequently wishes to register to vote prior to the next scheduled
primary, shall not be considered as a "newly registered voter" for purposes of party eligibility.Analysis by WAVE-3 News: HB 273 prevented voters from removing their names from the state's voter registration list and subsequently
registering to vote in the next primary as a newly registered voter. The goal was to prevent voters from circumnavigating existing law which prevents switching registration just to vote in another party's primary. Bevin said the measure would make
Kentucky's "closed primary" system even more closed.Legislative Outcome: Passed House 84-5-10 on Mar/5/18; State Rep. C. Wesley Morgan voted YES; Passed Senate 38-0-0 on Apr/14/18; Vetoed by Governor Matt Bevin on Apr/26/18
Source: WAVE-3 News analysis of Kentucky HB 273 voting records
Mar 5, 2018
Rocky Adkins:
Make it hard to switch party registration before primary
Legislative Summary: House Bill 273: Ensure that any qualified voter who voluntarily removes his or her name from the voter registration list after December 31 and who subsequently wishes to register to vote prior to the next scheduled
primary, shall not be considered as a "newly registered voter" for purposes of party eligibility.Analysis by WAVE-3 News: HB 273 prevented voters from removing their names from the state's voter registration list and subsequently
registering to vote in the next primary as a newly registered voter. The goal was to prevent voters from circumnavigating existing law which prevents switching registration just to vote in another party's primary. Bevin said the measure would make
Kentucky's "closed primary" system even more closed.Legislative Outcome: Passed House 84-5-10 on Mar/5/18; State House Minority Leader Rocky Adkins voted YES; Passed Senate 38-0-0 on Apr/14/18; Vetoed by Governor Matt Bevin on Apr/26/18
Source: WAVE-3 News analysis of Kentucky HB 273 voting records
Mar 5, 2018
Alison Grimes:
Presidential Commission on Election Integrity is a sham
Kentucky's secretary of State delivered a biting rejection of a presidential voter fraud commission's broad request for voter registration information, saying she will not comply with the demand."There's not enough bourbon here in Kentucky to make
this request seem sensible," Alison Lundergan Grimes (D) said on MSNBC. "Not on my watch are we going to be releasing sensitive information that relate to the privacy of individuals. Not on my watch are we going to be turning over something that's left
to the states to run." Kentucky is among at least 24 states that have either wholly or in part rejected a request by the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity to hand over key voter registration information as part of its investigation
into President Trump's claims of widespread illegal voting.
Lundergan Grimes told The Hill that the commission was "formulated on a sham premise" and its mission goes against states' right to run their own elections and voter registration.
Source: The Hill coverage of 2019 Kentucky Governor race
Jun 30, 2017
James Comer:
Self-imposed term limit of 6 terms
Our founding fathers never envisioned a Congress where elected officials stayed in office for decades. In fact, most of the founding fathers were farmers.
I support term limits and pledge to take a self-imposed term limit of 6 terms. I have also signed the U.S. Term Limits Amendment Pledge to co-sponsor and vote for the U.S. Term Limits Amendment.
Source: 2016 Kentucky House campaign website JamesComer.com
Nov 8, 2016
C. Wesley Morgan:
Redistricting based on realistic boundaries
Q: Do you support limits on the following types of contributions for state candidates: Individual?A: No.
Q: Political Action Committee?
A: Yes.
Q: Corporate?
A: Yes.
Q: Political Party?
A: No.
Q: Should candidates for state office be encouraged to meet voluntary spending limits?
A: No.
Q: Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
A: No.
Q: Do you support the use of an independent AND/OR bipartisan commission for redistricting?
A: Yes. I support it but I believe all citizens are equal so redistricting should be based only upon realistic boundaries and not manipulated
to the advantage of a political party.
Q: Do you support requiring a government-issued photo identification in order to vote at the polls?
A: Yes.
Source: Kentucky State Legislative 2016 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2016
Jim Gray:
Campaign finance system is broken; root it out
Super PACs are running amok, and anonymous donors have too much control over our political system. Let's put the American people back in charge of elections. It's time to clean it up and get the government working for the people again.
Kentuckians are fed up with Washington and politicians that are out to help themselves and their cronies. It's clear that our campaign finance system is broken, and we need to elect new leadership to root out this rigged system.
The Supreme Court decision in Citizens United has opened the floodgates for billionaires and special interests to spend unlimited, untraceable money in America's elections. It is a cancer in our democracy that billionaires are using to tip the
scales in their favor.
The voters deserve to know who is influencing their elected leaders, which is why Jim supports increased disclosure. There's no good reason why political spending should be kept secret.
Source: 2016 Kentucky Senate campaign website, GrayForKentucky.com
Aug 8, 2016
Adam Edelen:
Bring transparency to $2.7B layer of "ghost government"
GHOST GOVERNMENT REFORM: Adam's proudest accomplishment of his first two years in office is a historic, award-winning effort to reform a $2.7 billion layer of "ghost government" in Kentucky.
His leadership has made the Commonwealth a national model for bringing transparency and accountability to special districts.
Source: 2015 Kentucky campaign website Adam Edelen for Auditor
Nov 1, 2015
Mitch McConnell:
Federal shutdown was just a 2-week paid vacation: bad policy
Q: What about this Republican brawl over trying to tie the defunding of ObamaCare to shutting down the U.S. government?McCONNELL: You know, one of my favorite old Kentucky sayings is there's no education in the second kick of a mule. The first kick of
the mule occurred back in 1995 when the Republican House shut down the government. Shutting down the government, in my view, is not conservative policy. I don't think a two-week paid vacation for federal employees is conservative policy. A number of us
were saying back in July that this strategy could not and would not work, and of course it didn't. So there will not be another government shutdown. You can count on that.
Q: Well, how badly do you think the country was hurt by all of this?
McCONNELL: It certainly didn't do the country any good to have both a government shutdown and a pending fiscal crisis right on top of it. I think it was important to do the right thing for the country [by ending the shutdown]. And we did it.
Source: CBS Face the Nation 2013 series: 2014 Kentucky Senate race
Oct 20, 2013
Alison Grimes:
Lifelong commitment to protecting the right to vote
Secretary Grimes has a lifelong commitment to public service and, in particular, protecting the right to vote. She grew up canvassing Kentucky's precincts to make sure all citizens had access to vote. Additionally, she has served as a precinct officer
for the 75th Legislative District and a member of the 2008 DNC Rules Committee. In 2011, Grimes [ran for office with a] commitment to creating jobs, encouraging business growth, promoting civics education and increasing participation in elections.
Source: Kentucky Secretary of State website, "Biography"
Jun 6, 2013
Steve Beshear:
Smart Government: sell surplus land, buildings and vehicles
The biggest challenge is finding the resources we need to strengthen our core. After inheriting a global recession, we spent five years bringing common sense to state spending--and we've done so in three ways:- Cuts. We reduced the state budget
13 times in five years, cutting spending by $1.6 billion and trimming the state workforce to its smallest size in nearly four decades. Some agencies have been slashed up to 38%.
- We found more efficient ways to run daily operations.
Through our multi-year Smart Government Initiative, we've realized both one-time windfalls and annual savings by selling surplus land, buildings and vehicles, consolidating offices, renegotiating contracts and bids, and changing how we buy goods
and services.
- And we made revolutionary changes to huge budget drains--closing a state prison as part of a wider Corrections reform, privatizing Medicaid and reining in benefits for public employees.
Source: 2013 State of the State speech to Kentucky Legislature
Feb 6, 2013
Steve Beshear:
6-day furlough for state workers; cut top staff salaries 10%
Talking about shrinking government is easy. Actually doing it requires courage and commitment. Faced with crushing shortfalls, we have balanced Kentucky's budget eight times in three years, slashing over a billion dollars in spending.We have reduced
the executive branch to its smallest size in decades, including a reduction in the so-called non-merit work force by an additional $5 million, starting at the highest levels. In my own office, six of the most important jobs--including budget director and
chief of staff--are being performed by three people. Perks like take-home cars are a thing of the past. And when we made the tough decision to save $24 million by furloughing most state workers for 6 days, we included my entire staff. I'm taking the 6
days without pay myself, & I also voluntarily cut my own salary an additional 10%--as have my top staff and cabinet secretaries. My message to the people of the state is this: We are in this together. We will share your sacrifice because we work for you.
Source: 2011 Kentucky State of the State Address
Feb 1, 2011
Jack Conway:
I stood up for the people against price-gouging & lies
Q: What's the choice for Kentucky voters?CONWAY: We need to put the people of Kentucky first. The special interests in Washington have enough people standing up for them. As attorney general, I have stood up for the people of Kentucky.
I've taken on pharmaceutical companies when they have lied to our Medicaid program. I have taken on oil companies that have gouged us. There's a real clear choice between someone who has taken on the drug issue and someone who says that drugs aren't a
pressing issue in Kentucky, someone who stands up to criminals and someone who says that nonviolent behavior shouldn't be a crime. I mean, that's a really clear choice.
Q: Attorney General Conway, you have even gone further than that. On the
campaign trail you have called Dr. Paul "crazy." Your campaign ads call him "out of touch."
CONWAY: I'm not saying Dr. Paul is crazy. I think some of his ideas are out of the mainstream and they're out of touch with the values of normal Kentuckians.
Source: Fox News Sunday, 2010 Kentucky Senate debate
Oct 3, 2010
Steve Beshear:
Comprehensive ethics package to restore trust
It is critical that trust and credibility be restored if we’re to accomplish anything else. That’s why I announced just last week a comprehensive ethics package that includes a Constitutional amendment to limit a Governor’s power to pardon. It reduces th
Governor’s influence in making appointments to the Executive Branch Ethics Commission and requires more disclosure of donations to a public official’s legal defense fund while banning lobbyists and those doing business with the State from contributing.
Source: Kentucky 2008 State of the State Address
Jan 14, 2008
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021