Kentucky gubernatorial election, 2007
Encyclopedia
The Kentucky gubernatorial election, 2007 was held on November 6, 2007. In this election, incumbent Republican Governor Ernie Fletcher lost to Democratic challenger Steve Beshear, who therefore began serving as Governor of Kentucky
in December 2007 for a term through December 2011. A Primary Election
to determine the Republican
and Democratic
nominees for governor was held on May 22, 2007 in which Ernie Fletcher
(Republican) and Steve Beshear
(Democrat) won their respective primaries. Beshear's running mate, Daniel Mongiardo
, now serves as Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky
for that same time period.
and a special grand jury
led to the indictment of 13 Fletcher administration officials. Fletcher issued a blanket pardon for anyone in his administration (other than himself) who was or may have been involved in the scandal. Fletcher himself was later indicted by a grand jury for three misdemeanors: conspiracy, official misconduct and political discrimination. All were related to the merit system investigation. On August 24, 2006, Fletcher reached a deal with the Attorney General's office that led to the dismissal of the charges in exchange for Fletcher's acknowledgment that "the evidence strongly indicates wrongdoing by his administration with regard to personnel actions within the merit system. Further, the governor hereby states that these actions were inappropriate and that he regrets their occurrence and accepts responsibility for them as head of the executive branch of state government." (See Ernie Fletcher: Merit system investigation) Fletcher's approval rating as of May 11, 2007 was at 38% http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=1ce793b4-b38b-4fe7-9b01-97934b8979d8, putting him among the lowest governors in the nation.
Anne Northup
, who was defeated for reelection to the House of Representatives in 2006, and Paducah businessman Billy Harper challenged Fletcher in the Republican primary. Both had supported and worked for Fletcher's 2003 campaign. Despite his troubles, Fletcher was able to fend off the primary challenge, winning a majority of the vote (see below).
On the Democratic side, an increasingly competitive primary campaign developed. Louisville
businessman Bruce Lunsford spent over five million dollars, most of it being his own money, in the campaign. On May 7, Jonathan Miller withdrew from the race and endorsed Steve Beshear. Lunsford, Beshear, State House Speaker Jody Richards, and former Lt. Governor Steve Henry consistently polled significantly ahead of the other candidates. Given the crowded field, many believed a runoff election was likely between the top two finishers—which polls suggested would be Beshear and Lunsford—if no candidate was able to obtain at least 40% of the vote. Beshear, however, was able to avoid a runoff with 40.9% (see below).
Governor of Kentucky
The Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is the head of the executive branch of government in the U.S. state of Kentucky. Fifty-six men and one woman have served as Governor of Kentucky. The governor's term is four years in length; since 1992, incumbents have been able to seek re-election once...
in December 2007 for a term through December 2011. A Primary Election
Primary election
A primary election is an election in which party members or voters select candidates for a subsequent election. Primary elections are one means by which a political party nominates candidates for the next general election....
to determine the Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
and Democratic
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
nominees for governor was held on May 22, 2007 in which Ernie Fletcher
Ernie Fletcher
Ernest Lee "Ernie" Fletcher is a Republican politician from the U.S. state of Kentucky. In 1999, he was elected to the first of three consecutive terms in the United States House of Representatives; he resigned in 2003 after being elected the 60th governor of Kentucky and served in that office...
(Republican) and Steve Beshear
Steve Beshear
Steven Lynn "Steve" Beshear is an American politician who is the 61st Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. A Democrat, Beshear previously served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1974 to 1979, was the state's Attorney General from 1980 to 1983, and was Lieutenant Governor from...
(Democrat) won their respective primaries. Beshear's running mate, Daniel Mongiardo
Daniel Mongiardo
Frank Daniel Mongiardo is an American physician and politician from Kentucky. Mongiardo is a Democrat and has been Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky since 2007. He was a member of the Kentucky State Senate from 2001 to 2007. He also ran for the U.S...
, now serves as Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky
Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky
The office of lieutenant governor of Kentucky has existed under the last three of Kentucky's four constitutions, beginning in 1797. The lieutenant governor serves as governor of Kentucky under circumstances similar to the Vice President of the United States assuming the powers of the presidency...
for that same time period.
Background
Fletcher came under increasing criticism from both parties after his involvement in a state employee hiring controversy, in which Fletcher was accused of illegally hiring civil service employees for their political affiliations and loyalties. An investigation by the Attorney General of KentuckyAttorney General of Kentucky
The Attorney General of Kentucky is an office created by the Kentucky Constitution. . Under Kentucky law, he serves several roles, including the state's chief prosecutor , the state's chief law enforcement officer , and the state's chief law officer...
and a special grand jury
Grand jury
A grand jury is a type of jury that determines whether a criminal indictment will issue. Currently, only the United States retains grand juries, although some other common law jurisdictions formerly employed them, and most other jurisdictions employ some other type of preliminary hearing...
led to the indictment of 13 Fletcher administration officials. Fletcher issued a blanket pardon for anyone in his administration (other than himself) who was or may have been involved in the scandal. Fletcher himself was later indicted by a grand jury for three misdemeanors: conspiracy, official misconduct and political discrimination. All were related to the merit system investigation. On August 24, 2006, Fletcher reached a deal with the Attorney General's office that led to the dismissal of the charges in exchange for Fletcher's acknowledgment that "the evidence strongly indicates wrongdoing by his administration with regard to personnel actions within the merit system. Further, the governor hereby states that these actions were inappropriate and that he regrets their occurrence and accepts responsibility for them as head of the executive branch of state government." (See Ernie Fletcher: Merit system investigation) Fletcher's approval rating as of May 11, 2007 was at 38% http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=1ce793b4-b38b-4fe7-9b01-97934b8979d8, putting him among the lowest governors in the nation.
Anne Northup
Anne Northup
Anne Meagher Northup is an American Republican politician from the state of Kentucky. From 1997 to 2007, she represented the Louisville-centered 3rd congressional district of Kentucky in the United States House of Representatives, where she served on the powerful House Appropriations Committee...
, who was defeated for reelection to the House of Representatives in 2006, and Paducah businessman Billy Harper challenged Fletcher in the Republican primary. Both had supported and worked for Fletcher's 2003 campaign. Despite his troubles, Fletcher was able to fend off the primary challenge, winning a majority of the vote (see below).
On the Democratic side, an increasingly competitive primary campaign developed. Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096...
businessman Bruce Lunsford spent over five million dollars, most of it being his own money, in the campaign. On May 7, Jonathan Miller withdrew from the race and endorsed Steve Beshear. Lunsford, Beshear, State House Speaker Jody Richards, and former Lt. Governor Steve Henry consistently polled significantly ahead of the other candidates. Given the crowded field, many believed a runoff election was likely between the top two finishers—which polls suggested would be Beshear and Lunsford—if no candidate was able to obtain at least 40% of the vote. Beshear, however, was able to avoid a runoff with 40.9% (see below).
Candidates
- Steve BeshearSteve BeshearSteven Lynn "Steve" Beshear is an American politician who is the 61st Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. A Democrat, Beshear previously served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1974 to 1979, was the state's Attorney General from 1980 to 1983, and was Lieutenant Governor from...
- Former Lt. Governor of KentuckyLieutenant Governor of KentuckyThe office of lieutenant governor of Kentucky has existed under the last three of Kentucky's four constitutions, beginning in 1797. The lieutenant governor serves as governor of Kentucky under circumstances similar to the Vice President of the United States assuming the powers of the presidency...
, 1983–1987; former Attorney General of KentuckyAttorney General of KentuckyThe Attorney General of Kentucky is an office created by the Kentucky Constitution. . Under Kentucky law, he serves several roles, including the state's chief prosecutor , the state's chief law enforcement officer , and the state's chief law officer...
, 1979–1983; former St. Representative, 1974-1979. - Running mate: St. SenatorKentucky SenateThe Kentucky Senate is the upper house of the Kentucky General Assembly. The Kentucky Senate is composed of 38 members elected from single-member districts throughout the Commonwealth. There are no term limits for Kentucky Senators...
Daniel MongiardoDaniel MongiardoFrank Daniel Mongiardo is an American physician and politician from Kentucky. Mongiardo is a Democrat and has been Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky since 2007. He was a member of the Kentucky State Senate from 2001 to 2007. He also ran for the U.S...
, 2001-2007.
- Gatewood GalbraithGatewood GalbraithLouis Gatewood Galbraith is an American lawyer and author from the U.S. state of Kentucky. He has been a perennial candidate for governor of Kentucky as an outspoken proponent of education as well as privacy rights and other civil liberties...
- Attorney, Legalization of Marijuana and Industrial Hemp Advocate - Running mate: Mark Wireman
- Steve Henry - Former Lt. Governor of KentuckyLieutenant Governor of KentuckyThe office of lieutenant governor of Kentucky has existed under the last three of Kentucky's four constitutions, beginning in 1797. The lieutenant governor serves as governor of Kentucky under circumstances similar to the Vice President of the United States assuming the powers of the presidency...
, 1995–2003 - Running Mate: Fayette CountyFayette County, KentuckyFayette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. The population was 295,083 in the 2010 Census. Its territory, population and government are coextensive with the city of Lexington, which also serves as county seat....
Property Valuation Administrator Renee True
- Otis Hensley - Private contractor from Wallins Creek, Kentucky who received 3% of the vote in the Democratic primary in 2003.
- Running mate: Richard Robbins
- Bruce LunsfordBruce LunsfordWilliam Bruce Lunsford is an American Democratic politician from Kentucky. He has served various roles in the Kentucky Democratic Party including, Party treasurer, Deputy Development Secretary, and Head of Commerce...
- prominent Louisville businessman; unsuccessful candidate for the Democratic nomination for Governor of Kentucky in 2003. - Running mate: Greg StumboGreg StumboGregory D. "Greg" Stumbo is the Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives. Stumbo, a member of the Democratic Party, is a former Kentucky Attorney General from 2003 to 2007.-Early Career:...
, Attorney General of KentuckyAttorney General of KentuckyThe Attorney General of Kentucky is an office created by the Kentucky Constitution. . Under Kentucky law, he serves several roles, including the state's chief prosecutor , the state's chief law enforcement officer , and the state's chief law officer...
2003-2007; former St. Representative, 1985-2003.
- Jody RichardsJody RichardsJody Richards is a Democratic member of the Kentucky House of Representatives, representing the 20th District since 1976 and former speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives.-Biography:...
- St. Representative, 1975–Present (Speaker of the House, 1996–2007); received 47% of the vote in the Democratic primary for Governor of KentuckyGovernor of KentuckyThe Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is the head of the executive branch of government in the U.S. state of Kentucky. Fifty-six men and one woman have served as Governor of Kentucky. The governor's term is four years in length; since 1992, incumbents have been able to seek re-election once...
in 2003. - Running mate: John Y. Brown III, Kentucky Secretary of StateSecretary of State (U.S. state government)Secretary of State is an official in the state governments of 47 of the 50 states of the United States, as well as Puerto Rico and other U.S. possessions. In Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, this official is called the Secretary of the Commonwealth...
1995-2003.
Polling
| Source | Date | Beshear (D) | Galbraith (D) | Henry (D) | Hensley (D) | Lunsford (D) | Richards (D) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Survey USA | May 18–20, 2007 | 32% | 7% | 17% | 1% | 23% | 12% | |
| Penn, Schoen and Berland | May 16–17, 2007 | 26% | N/A | 13% | N/A | 22% | 12% | |
| GarinHartYang Research | May 14–15, 2007 | 35% | N/A | 13% | N/A | 23% | 12% | |
| Survey USA | May 12–14, 2007 | 32% | 5% | 18% | 1% | 23% | 12% | |
| Courier-Journal Bluegrass Poll | May 10–14, 2007 | 27% | 4% | 13% | 1% | 21% | 7% | Miller (D) |
| Survey USA | Apr 28-30, 2007 | 23% | 6% | 18% | 1% | 29% | 9% | 7% |
| Mellman Group | Apr 19-22, 2007 | 15% | N/A | 24% | N/A | 16% | 9% | 20% |
| Survey USA | Mar 31 - Apr 2, 2007 | 15% | 8% | 20% | 1% | 20% | 12% | 8% |
| Survey USA | Mar 3-5, 2007 | 15% | 6% | 26% | 2% | 7% | 13% | 8% |
| GarinHartYang Research | Feb 20-22, 2007 | 21% | N/A | 21% | N/A | 8% | 16% | 8% |
Results
Candidates
- Ernie FletcherErnie FletcherErnest Lee "Ernie" Fletcher is a Republican politician from the U.S. state of Kentucky. In 1999, he was elected to the first of three consecutive terms in the United States House of Representatives; he resigned in 2003 after being elected the 60th governor of Kentucky and served in that office...
- Incumbent Governor of KentuckyGovernor of KentuckyThe Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is the head of the executive branch of government in the U.S. state of Kentucky. Fifty-six men and one woman have served as Governor of Kentucky. The governor's term is four years in length; since 1992, incumbents have been able to seek re-election once...
, 2003–Present; former U.S. Representative for Kentucky's 6th congressional districtKentucky's 6th congressional districtKentucky's 6th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of Kentucky. Based in Central Kentucky, the district contains the cities of Lexington , Richmond, and Frankfort, the state capital....
, 1999–2003; former St. Representative, 1995–1997 - Running mate: Robbie RudolphRobbie RudolphRobbie Rudolph is a Kentucky businessman who was also a Kentucky government official and Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky during the term of Ernie Fletcher as Governor of Kentucky...
, State Secretary of Executive Cabinet, 2006-2007; State Secretary of Finance, 2003-2006.
- Billy Harper - Businessman
- Running mate: Dick Wilson.
- Anne NorthupAnne NorthupAnne Meagher Northup is an American Republican politician from the state of Kentucky. From 1997 to 2007, she represented the Louisville-centered 3rd congressional district of Kentucky in the United States House of Representatives, where she served on the powerful House Appropriations Committee...
- Former U.S. Representative for Kentucky's 3rd congressional districtKentucky's 3rd congressional districtKentucky's 3rd congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of Kentucky encompassing nearly the whole city of Louisville, which, since the merger of 2003, is contiguous with Jefferson County...
, 1997–2007; former St. Representative, 1987-1997. - Running mate: State Representative Jeff HooverJeff HooverJeff Hoover is currently a Republican member of the Kentucky House of Representatives representing the 83rd district where he has served since 1996. Hoover was selected to serve as House Minority Caucus Chair in 1999, and currently serves as House Minority Leader, a position he has held since 2001...
, 1997-Present.
Polling
| Source | Date | Fletcher (R) | Harper (R) | Northup (R) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Survey USA | May 18–20, 2007 | 44% | 17% | 34% |
| Courier-Journal Bluegrass Poll | May 10–15, 2007 | 41% | 10% | 26% |
| Survey USA | May 12–14, 2007 | 44% | 14% | 34% |
| Survey USA | April 28–30, 2007 | 46% | 14% | 34% |
| Survey USA | Mar 31 - Apr 2, 2007 | 40% | 16% | 31% |
| Survey USA | Mar 3-5, 2007 | 33% | 13% | 31% |
| Public Opinion Strategies | Jan 28-29, 2007 | 39% | 10% | 39% |
Results
Polling
| Source | Date | Beshear (D) | Fletcher (R) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Survey USA | Nov 2-4, 2007 | 59% | 39% |
| Rasmussen Reports | Nov 1, 2007 | 54% | 39% |
| Survey USA | Oct 27-29, 2007 | 60% | 36% |
| Courier-Journal Bluegrass Poll | Oct 26-29, 2007 | 56% | 33% |
| Research 2000 | Oct 22-24, 2007 | 55% | 40% |
| Survey USA | Oct 19-21, 2007 | 58% | 38% |
| Survey USA | Oct 8-9, 2007 | 56% | 40% |
| Insider Advantage | Sep 24-25, 2007 | 45% | 35% |
| Courier-Journal Bluegrass Poll | Sep 13-18, 2007 | 55% | 35% |
| Preston-Osborne | Sep 13-17, 2007 | 51% | 36% |
| Research 2000 | Sep 10-13, 2007 | 56% | 39% |
| Survey USA | Sep 8-10, 2007 | 58% | 39% |
| Survey USA | Aug 4-6, 2007 | 58% | 37% |
| Preston-Osborne | Jul 25 - Aug 2, 2007 | 49% | 31% |
| Survey USA | Jul 14-16, 2007 | 59% | 36% |
| Insider Advantage | Jul 8-9, 2007 | 41% | 38% |
| Rasmussen Reports | May 24–25, 2007 | 51% | 35% |
| Survey USA | May 23–24, 2007 | 62% | 34% |
Results
Fletcher conceded to Beshear at 9:00 PM on November 6.See also
- U.S. gubernatorial elections, 2007
- State of KentuckyKentuckyThe Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
- Governors of Kentucky