Four GOP gubernatorial candidates face off in Chamber forum

Four more of the candidates for the GOP Gubernatorial nomination were in Paducah on Tuesday for a forum hosted by the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce.

Attorney General Daniel Cameron, Auditor Mike Harmon, Somerset Mayor Alan Keck, and Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles all participated in the one-hour moderated session at the Carson Center.

Last week, former U.N. Ambassador Kelly Craft was in Paducah as part of her Kitchen Table Tour. Craft did not participate citing a scheduling conflict.

The four used the opportunity to try and differentiate themselves from one another. 

Cameron cited his battles with Governor Andy Beshear over everything from threatened vaccine mandates to fighting for legislation enacted by the General Assembly that Beshear has sued to challenge. Cameron also said he supports creating a work requirement for some able-bodied Kentucky adults receiving Medicaid health coverage, reigniting an issue from the governor’s race four years ago. 

Cameron pledged that if elected in November, he will request federal permission to impose work rules for some Medicaid recipients. He wants to reinstate a requirement that has run into resistance from the courts and the Biden administration.

"We also gotta make sure that we do as much as we possibly can with the workforce participation rate. It has been abysmal over these last few years, so on day one as Governor, I will make sure that I apply for a waiver with the federal government for those able-bodied Medicaid recipients to make sure that they get back into the working community."

Harmon claims the most experience in the race having served 13 years in the legislature before his two terms as Auditor. He also called for unity among Republicans. 

"But at the end of this, we've all gotta come together... We have all got to come together because our one goal is to make Andy Beshear a one-term Governor. That has to be our goal." 

Keck talked about being a political outsider and a business person, saying a level of "business urgency" needs to be brought to Frankfort. 

"I think it's time that we get sick and tired of being in last place in so many important measurables."

He touted his record of job and revenue growth in Somerset while not raising taxes. Keck said he sees that same potential statewide.

"They told me it couldn't happen in Somerset. They said you won't be able to rebuild the downtown, you won't be able to have economic development in south central, southeastern, rural Kentucky. And we did it. We did it by leaning into our story, being proud of who we are instead of apologizing for what we're not. This is a special place, and a Governor who understands it can sell it, and we'll grow accordingly."

Keck also said this race should not be a mouthpiece for national issues.

Quarles painted himself as a grassroots candidate with a rural Kentucky background. He said that western Kentucky would not be forgotten in Frankfort. Quarles talked about a new industry that could greatly benefit the Jackson Purchase

"They want to replace all aviation fuel with soybean-based fuel. It's almost 100% safe. United Airlines have already flown flights with this. And guess what you all grow a lot of in this part of the state? Soybeans. Imagine Kentucky being a leader on sustainable aviation fuel. Hooked up with UPS in Louisville, Amazon in northern Kentucky, and if we could go on the map with bridging industry that already exists here. Agriculture with next generation jobs in SAF." 

Other topics of discussion included economic development, job growth, and workforce participation. Inexpensive, sustainable energy was touted as a key factor in economic growth. All four said they would support discussions on smaller-scale nuclear power, if the people are in favor, even as the former DOE site in Paducah is undergoing decommission and cleanup. Candidates also shared ideas on the need for skilled trade workers, and using education and vocational training in the rehabilitation process of those incarcerated, of which Kentucky has a population higher than the national average. 

The event featured no outbursts or contention. It was cordial and the focus was on a positive outlook for Kentucky. Voters will get to choose in May which of these, or the many others vying for the nomination, will challenge Andy Beshear in November.

You can listen to the forum in its entirety here.