StaffCommonwealth Policy Center

WBKO News in Bowling Green broke a story involving a fundraising scheme between the governor’s office and illegal campaign contributions. WBKO uncovered a $12,500 donation by the Barren County Economic Authority (BCEA) to the Democratic Governors Association. This contribution was made upon request from a Beshear official in exchange for attendance at the Governor’s Derby events with investors and other economic developers. The problem is that the BCEA is partly funded by tax-payer dollars and therefore cannot make political contributions. This is the second such campaign finance breech involving Gov. Beshear’s re-election campaign. GOP spokesperson Sean Southard said that “Under Andy Beshear, it’s becoming clear his office pressures people and sells off government to the highest bidder.”