Article Author:
Associated Press
Bruce Shriner
Fancy Farm, Kentucky (AP) — Republicans running for governor in 2023 will take the stage on Saturday at Kentucky's biggest political event. I went up and bashed Governor Andy Beshear. Handling the COVID-19 pandemic while providing support for recovery efforts being led by Democratic governors after historic floods and tornadoes.
While his challengers pointed the zinger at him, Beshear said he was one to console his family who had been forced to flee their homes in the flash floods that hit the Appalachian region more than a week ago. spent the day and killed 37 people. Evacuation.
"Today I am at our state park spending time with a family in eastern Kentucky who were forced from their homes by devastating floods," Beshear said. Posted on his media social. "These Kentuckians have been through the unimaginable. My priority is to be there for them."
Last December, a deadly tornado hit Kentucky. It hit parts of the western part of the state. Political speeches at the annual Fancy Farm Picnic took place about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the tornado-hit Mayfield.
In response to the event's reputation for edgy attacks, Republicans want to fire Beshear, targeting restrictions the governor has imposed on businesses and public gatherings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. has been established. The governor said his actions saved lives at a dangerous time when no vaccine was available. suppressed.
GOP gubernatorial candidate Ryan Quarles called his Beshear a "closed governor."
"He shut down our economy," said Quarles, the state agriculture commissioner. "He closed our 'mom and pop' store. He took countless jobs and left big box stores open.
"Ladies and gentlemen, just because we have experienced a global pandemic does not mean that our rights, liberties and liberties should be thrown out the window," he said. Added.
Kentucky Democratic Party Speaker Colmon Elridge defended Beshear in a speech. Elridge praised his Beshear's efforts in leading the recovery efforts in tornado-ravaged western Kentucky, and said he would do the same for flood victims in the state's Appalachian region.
"Again, our governors are concerned about how we will appear in moments of devastation and comrades as Kentuckians, not as Democrats or Republicans. He shows through his actions that he accepts the people of Kentucky," Elridge said.
Beshear had already pledged not to attend major state political events. The governor had originally planned to visit Israel at the same time as the Fancy Farm picnic. He canceled the trip after massive flooding hit eastern Kentucky.
The Fancy Farm stage was dominated by Republican lawmakers. This reflects the Republican Party's superiority in the election. The event is a rite of passage for candidates statewide, tested in stump-style speeches in the heat of August and faced with taunts and shouts from opposing partisans.
Political attacks have been driven by calls for continued public assistance to those recovering from tornadoes and facing the same daunting challenges in flood-ravaged areas. Interrupted.
"We might be a little laughable today, but know that whether we're Republicans or Democrats, we're with you," said the Republican. said governor candidate Daniel Cameron. "When a natural disaster strikes, we take off our partisan hats and cheer each other on. We help repair, we help rebuild." shifted to He touted endorsement from former President Donald Trump and his job as state attorney general to defend Kentucky's anti-abortion laws and fight the policies of the Biden administration in court. } "I'm the best candidate and the only one who can beat Andy Beshear next fall," Cameron said.
His two other Republican gubernatorial candidates also pitched to crowds and statewide television audiences. State Auditor Mike Harmon and Rep. Savannah Maddox.
Absent from Saturday's political address was Kentucky's most powerful Republican and Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. A mainstay of Picnic for decades, McConnell enjoys verbal combat but was unable to attend the event due to Senate duties.
"Soon I will be visiting the area myself, meeting the victims of the floods and listening to their concerns," he said. ,” said McConnell. “Then take what you hear from voters back to Washington and make sure you stand by them as they rebuild bigger and better than before.”
Biden hit hard-hit Kentucky Declared a federal disaster to direct relief money to state counties.