Republican Whitney Westerfield says Gov. Steve Beshear should issue an executive order to exempt Kim Davis and other clerks from issuing licenses to same-sex couples due to religious objections. Minus an executive order, Westerfield says a special session of the legislature should take up the issue.
Democrat Andy Beshear says the governor cannot change a section of law by executive order. He calls it "law school 101."
Beshear says a special session would be a waste of taxpayer dollars.
The candidates made a joint appearance on Kentucky Educational Television Monday night.
Beshear is the son of Gov. Steve Beshear. Westerfield is chairman of the state Senate Judiciary Committee.