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Democrat Elected Ky. Governor

Beshear defeats scandal-plagued incumbent in landslide comeback

By Caroline Miller, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 6, 2007 10:33 PM CST

(Newser) – Democrat Steve Beshear made a political comeback after more than a decade to win the Kentucky governor's race over incumbent Ernie Fletcher tonight. Beshear defeated Fletcher, who was damaged by a scandal over abuses in the state's hiring system, by a margin of almost 20 points, the Louisville Courier-Journal reports.

Beshear campaigned on the ethics charges against Fletcher, who refused to testify before a grand jury, was indicted on three misdemeanor counts, and pardoned his associates. Beshear emphasized his own religious background—his father and grandfather were Baptist ministers—and said the state government was “in a state of moral and ethical bankruptcy.”

Kentucky Gov.-elect Steve Beshear, right, and Lt. Gov.-elect Daniel Mongiardo, left, celebrate following their victories, in Frankfort, Ky., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007. (AP Photo/Garry Jones) (Associated Press)

Kentucky Governor-elect Steve Beshear, left, and his wife Jane, wave to supporters, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007, during the victory celebration at the Civic Center in Frankfort, Ky. (AP Photo/Garry Jones) (Associated Press)

Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher pauses as he delivers his concession speech after losing the Kentucky gubernatorial race to Democrat Steve Beshear in Lexington, Ky., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007. (AP Photo/Ed... (Associated Press)

Kentucky Gov.-elect Steve Beshear, right, and Lt. Gov.-elect Daniel Mongiardo, left, celebrate their victories, in Frankfort, Ky., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007. (AP Photo/Garry Jones) (Associated Press)

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Beshear defeats scandal-plagued incumbent in landslide comeback

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Kentucky Dems Hope to Ride Blue Wave

Backlash may win them governor's office, Senate seat

Ohio Voters Reject Anti-Union Measure

It would have limited collective bargaining rights

Hindu Rite Turns Political in Kentucky Race

Democratic governor blasted for taking part in ceremony

Sink the $40M Tax Break for Noah's Ark Park

Much more exciting: A Scientology galactic park at taxpayer expense

Pastor Dumps Interracial Couple Ban

Brings issue to local church council

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Democrat Elected Ky. Governor

Beshear defeats scandal-plagued incumbent in landslide comeback

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Kentucky • Ernie Fletcher • Steve Beshear

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Kentucky Dems Hope to Ride Blue Wave

Backlash may win them governor's office, Senate seat

Ohio Voters Reject Anti-Union Measure

It would have limited collective bargaining rights

Hindu Rite Turns Political in Kentucky Race

Democratic governor blasted for taking part in ceremony

Sink the $40M Tax Break for Noah's Ark Park

Much more exciting: A Scientology galactic park at taxpayer expense

Pastor Dumps Interracial Couple Ban

Brings issue to local church council

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

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What is Newser?