Tuesday is Primary Election Day across the Commonwealth. 12 Republican candidates for governor appear on this year’s ballot. Six of them have polled well enough and raised enough money to be included in political forums.
You’re about to hear from the top six GOP contenders for governor of Kentucky. The candidates got this question… Would a ban on fully automatic and semi-automatic weapons reduce the number of mass murders? Here are State Auditor Mike Harmon, Somerset Mayor Alan Keck, State Attorney General Daniel Cameron, State Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Kelly Craft.
“I don’t know that it would necessarily reduce because, unfortunately, a lot of those bans end up hurting good people that are wanting weapons to defend themselves and their family more so than being able to stop anything that lines, because if people want to get a gun, their going to find the ability to get a gun,” said Harmon.
“If somebody wants to go in with a 9 mm, they can probably be just as deadly. A shotgun, candidly in a big crowd would do a lot of damage, especially if they fired it multiple times. You know, we have to have a conversation about what’s causing these things. The Republicans like talking about mental health and then they don’t do anything about it. You know, I do think we need to take some proactive steps,” said Keck.
“I don’t support gun control. Look, I know the democrats and Governor Beshear and others support that, but Kentucky is a state that recognizes the importance of the second amendment and I’m going to work hard as the next governor of Kentucky to defend and preserve that second amendment right,” said Cameron.
“Criminals, by definition, break the law, no matter what it is. So, I’m a strong defender of our second amendment, but I’m also a staunch advocate with a track record to prove it, that our candidates don’t have of developing and supporting mental health programs across the Commonwealth,” said Quarles.
“Why do we not have a sufficient skilled mental health crisis…Why don’t we have these people that are gonna catch people before they get to the point where they are committing these heinous crimes.,” said Craft.
A sixth GOP candidate for governor, former attorney Eric Deters was asked only about a ban on automatic weapons.
“I don’t think it would. I don’t think it would. You know, you can walk into a crowded place with a semi-automatic gun and kill a lot of people. So I disagree. I don’t think it would make any difference,” said Deters.
Deters, from northern Kentucky, didn’t hesitate to say the priority issue is jobs with less tax, less regulation and quote, “let the economy roar.”
The candidates spoke on a number of other issues. On abortion, Deters does support exceptions to a ban for incest, rape, and when the mother’s life is in danger.
“Now there are some exceptions to that…viable baby 15 weeks, no,” said Deters.
Mike Harmon said he has lengthy legislative experience and administrative time as state auditor. He said some policies work against keeping families intact.
“I’ve got a friend who’s got a child that is special needs. Years ago, he was counseled, he didn’t do it…but he was counseled ‘if you get a divorce, your daughter will get so much more aid..so much more aid. We got to quit that stuff cause we’ve got to unify our families,” said Harmon.
Harmon cited Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders for raising teacher salaries significantly, but tying it to school choice, something he supports.
Ryan Quarles said one of the biggest issues is law and order, adding, quote “We have a violent crime issue in our state.”
“There should be consequences for those that break the law whether it’s violent crimes, crimes that involve guns as well, particularly those of any possessed by felons. There should be even harsher penalties for that. I also believe for drug dealers, they should be put behind jail,” said Quarles
If elected, Quarles noted he would push for a murder charge option for drug dealers selling fentanyl that results in a death.
Another GOP candidate, Daniel Cameron, when asked about juvenile detention disturbances said adequate resources and staffing are needed, but he also turned his comments to Kentucky’s largest city.
“I think the Kentucky State Police need to have an active role in helping tamp down the amount of violent crime we have in Louisville. And I’m going to be a governor that takes action and I’m going to be a governor that leads to try to help, again, get that violent crime down in Louisville,” said Cameron.
Kelly Craft has been outspoken about removing what’s commonly known as “woke” ideology, partly defined as “American left ideas involving identity politics” from public education. Craft said it’s about a traditional focus.
“In order to have our young adults reach their full potential they got to be taught skills and knowledge..reading…arithmetic.. writing…how about cursive…let’s just talk about cursive. How about Civics?...financial literacy…respect…respect of themselves. But once again, we got to go back to the family table. This starts at home,” said Craft.
On the issue of Kentucky’s future and energy, Craft noted the abundance of coal brings a competitive edge, something that could last another couple of decades.
Alan Keck says his position as mayor of Somerset prepares him for the executive role as governor, dealing with some of the same issues. The cost of healthcare is an issue primarily put before federal lawmakers, but it’s one that affects all Kentuckians. Keck said more needs to be done on the front end.
“Trying to come up with a true healthcare model instead of a sick care model. Not waiting so long to get people in for early diagnostics. Could we have a screening campaign, a state-sponsored screening campaign to catch some of these things much quicker, that won’t cost us as much money in the future,” said Keck.
And he noted more attention needs to be given to the pharmaceutical industry as it relates to mass shooters. He added they’re often on prescribed medications and a deep dive is needed.
There are six other Republican candidates for governor. Out of this heavily populated field, one will earn the opportunity to take on the Democratic choice for governor in the fall. That’s presumed to be incumbent Governor Andy Beshear.
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