May 10, 2007
Steve Beshear should be the next Governor of Kentucky
It's not often that you are given two exceptional choices in one election.
Think about how many times have you gone to the polls with no "great" candidate in the field. You struggle because (yet) again you have to pull the lever for "the lesser of two evils", or force a vote for a candidate you hope proves "better that the alternative." Truth be told, voting without inspiration is something that happens far too often.
This year, when looking into the Democratic gubernatorial primary, we didn't have that problem. Two men stood out immediately as "great" candidates: Jonathan Miller and Steve Beshear.
Both men see the Governor's office as a bully pulpit for change. Both men understand the importance of leadership having a progressive vision. Both men believe in the principles of the Democratic Party.
In March, we endorsed Jonathan Miller as the candidate we wanted to see win the Democratic nomination. His ideas and his integrity spoke directly to the heart of what Change for Kentucky supporters want in government: new ideas and a new direction. On Monday, Jonathan ended his bid for the Governor's mansion. During the course of their campaign, both Jonathan and Irv Maze demonstrated that running for Governor is not just about RUNNING; it's about wanting to serve the Commonwealth. You rarely find selflessness in politics anymore. Jonathan Miller and Irv Maze have it in spades...
Today, Change for Kentucky turns to the other "great" candidate in the race and offers this endorsement: Steve Beshear should be the next Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and Change for Kentucky will support him in his effort to win the Democratic primary on May 22.
Steve Beshear has been a Democrat his entire life, and his Democratic principles show in his vision for Kentucky: making health care coverage affordable for ALL Kentuckians, with special effort to provide immediate and preventative health care to the more than 80,000 children without coverage ; championing substantial Minimum Wage legislation that helps lift Kentucky families out of a cycle of poverty; expanding preschool programs for ALL children Ages 3-4; ensuring high-school graduates can afford college tuition in Kentucky.
Here is a quote from Steve's CFK Endorsement Questionnaire:
Imagine Kentucky ten years from now. What do you hope you will see?
"Ten years from now, I see a Kentucky where every child is receiving an education which will prepare them for the jobs of the future - where every person has access to affordable health care – where good jobs with good benefits are available to all – in short, when every man, woman, boy and girl have the opportunity to realize the American Dream. I see a Kentucky which is more tolerant of differences and which accomplishes all of these goals while protecting and preserving the environment for future generations."
Steve Beshear understands the power of the Governor rests not just in policy, but also in vision. We've witnessed over the past three years the spectacular harm that comes from a reckless disregard for the truth and a smug entitlement to power. (In that regard, Ernie Fletcher is Kentucky's answer to George W. Bush.) We need a Governor in Frankfort who understands the high responsibility of the office; who sees the job as one of service, leadership and vision.
Our organization was founded to support fiscally responsible and socially progressive candidates. Steve Beshear has demonstrated, over a long career of public service, a dedication to both of those principles. Over the next 12 days, we encourage those of you who joined CFK in our support of Jonathan Miller to give Steve Beshear your support now. The primary election is tightening up. With turnout expected to be low, our votes are going to count even more. Change for Kentucky supporters can help tip the balance of this race.
Thanks and stay tuned for more information as we get closer to election day!
May 02, 2007
Endorsement Interviews with Jonathan Miller
Back in March, Change for Kentucky endorsed Jonathan Miller as the next Governor of Kentucky.
As part of our endorsement process, we asked each of the seven Democratic Party primary candidates a set of six questions. Over the next few days, we're going to provide you links to these questions, and Jonathan Miller's answers. When you watch them, we think you'll quickly see why Jonathan Miller was our choice.
(If you haven't seen Jonathan Miller in this type of relaxed setting, you are in for a surprise...)
Please take a few moments to watch; and if what Jonathan Miller says makes you feel he should be the next Governor of Kentucky, then forward this email on to your friends and tell them.
 Question 1: "Pick one policy goal. How would you achieve it, and how would you fund it?" Download this video (1:57)
|  Question 2: "Would you support continuing the State Employees Defined Benefit Plan?What would you do to ensure that the program remains sound?" Download this video (2:19) |  Question 3: "What is your management style? How would you manage state government?" Download this video (1:45)
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 Question 4: "Do you support "Clean Elections" legislation, and are you in favor of paper-verified voting machines?" Download this video (1:23) |  Question 5: "Did you see the movie An Inconvenient Truth and what are your thoughts?" Download this video (1:47) |  Question 6: "What will you do to grow and improve the Democratic Party in Kentucky?" Download this video (2:04) |