Views on pandemic clash at politically divided Kentucky State Fair event

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear defended his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and offered a spirited assessment of the state’s future after a series of natural disasters.

As he spoke Thursday at the Kentucky State Fair, his predecessor Matt Bevin watched in the audience. That's fueling more speculation Bevin might want a rematch.

Bevin’s reemergence added an element of surprise at the Kentucky Farm Bureau's annual country ham breakfast. The event draws the state's top political leaders.

Bevin offered no hints on whether he’s preparing for a political comeback. The former Republican governor lost to Beshear in 2019 and has been out of the limelight since.

U.S. Senator Rand Paul also attended. He called out Jefferson County Schools for requiring masks for all students this fall, asking " who are these imbiciles?" 



Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear addresses the audience at the Kentucky Farm Bureau Ham Breakfast at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville, Ky., Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

Sen. Rand Paul of Ky., addresses the audience at the Kentucky Farm Bureau Ham Breakfast at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville, Ky., Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)