Andy Beshear, candidate for AG, visits River Counties

Mary Potter, West Kentucky Journal



Andy Beshear, Democratic candidate for Kentucky Attorney General in the November 2015 election, toured the River Counties on Monday starting in Ballard County and ending his day in the southernmost county, Fulton.

When asked what his focus would be should he be elected, Beshear didn't' hesitate. "Child abuse."

According to Beshear, one in four children in Kentucky will be a victim of child abuse. Beshear wants to strengthen background checks for daycare workers and increase protections and improve investigative tools. Beshear said that background checks to work for the state lottery are stronger than to run a daycare center.

The family is a big part of his campaign. The father of two young children, Beshear said he makes an effort as he travels to get home to them every day.

Beshear was asked about Fayette County Commonwealth Attorney Ray Larson's criticism of a heroin bill passed in this session of the General Assembly. Larson is nowhere convinced that the state has the facilities to treat heroin addicts. Beshear said the legislation is a good first step - but it is a first step and more will need to be done.

Great River Road Tourism advocate Norman Pruitt presented the candidate with a t-shirt and talked extensively to him about the tourism needs and advantages of the four counties that lie along the Mississippi River.

Beshear, a partner in the law firm of Stites & Harbison, is running for the job once held by his father, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear. Beshear is running unopposed on the Democratic ticket. He will face the winner of the GOP primary. Whitney Westerfield, a first term Kentucky Senator from Hopkinsville will face Lawrence County Attorney Mike Hogan, on May 19th.