Help us improve in just 2 minutes—share your thoughts in our reader survey.
State executive debates, 2015
 |
May 19, 2015 |
August 4, 2015 |
October 24, 2015 |
November 3, 2015 |
November 21, 2015 |
Candidates for state executive offices in 2015 were debating the major issues facing voters prior to the fall elections. This page summarizes debates for state executive offices covered by Ballotpedia in 2015. The entries on this page were updated as new information became available.
Kentucky
Governor/Lieutenant Governor
Debate media
|
|
|
|
October 25 gubernatorial debate between Bevin and Conway
Gubernatorial candidates Matt Bevin (R) and Jack Conway (D) participated in a debate sponsored by Eastern Kentucky University and the League of Women Voters. The debate took place on October 25 at the university.[1]
During the debate, Bevin accused Conway of lying to the public about having cut his office's budget.[1] He said, “You didn’t cut your budget. The governor cut your budget. It’s a lie. Stop lying to people, Jack.”[1] Conway defended his budget claims, saying he was responsible for managing the governor's cuts and that he returned $300 million to the state's General Fund through settlements he won as attorney general.[1]
The candidates also debated health policy. Conway criticized Bevin for saying he would reverse Gov. Steve Beshear's Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Bevin responded, “I never said I would kick anyone off Medicaid if I was elected.” Conway referred to independent financial analyses indicating that Medicaid expansion would be beneficial for the state in the early years, and that the General Fund would not be impacted by it until at least 2021. Bevin disputed the accuracy of the analyses.[1]
The candidates argued over other issues such as education and Kentucky's pension fund, but they agreed on issues such as restoring nonviolent offender voting rights, firearms regulations, instituting a nonpartisan redistricting commission, and responses toward federal coal regulations.[1]
April 28 Republican gubernatorial forum
During the April 28 gubernatorial debate at Western Kentucky University, Matt Bevin, James Comer Jr., and Hal Heiner reiterated their opposition to the Affordable Care Act. Bevin claimed to have initiated the call to dismantle Kynect, Kentucky’s healthcare exchange, while Comer said he would change Medicaid eligibility requirements and transfer current Medicare recipients onto private healthcare coverage. All three candidates agreed to support efforts to support right-to-work legislation, which they argued would improve the state's economy and allow employees to decide whether to join or financially support unions. On education, Bevin and Heiner expressed support for funding technical programs and vocational schools, while Comer stated he would make college more affordable through tax credits and prioritize job creation for graduating students through improving the business climate.[2][3]
April 15 Republican gubernatorial forum
- See also: Public pensions in Kentucky
During the April 15 forum in Versailles, Matt Bevin, James Comer Jr., Hal Heiner, and Will T. Scott each announced their opposition to the Affordable Care Act. When asked about Kynect, Kentucky’s healthcare exchange, Bevin, Comer, and Scott favored abolishing the program and allowing state residents to enroll in the federal exchange. Heiner argued that since the program already insured many state residents, it would be difficult to abolish.[4]
Bevin, Comer, and Heiner argued that the state's unfunded pension costs needed to be handled through a long-term switch to 401(k) retirement plans rather than defined-benefit plans. Comer suggested that privatization of the Kentucky Teachers' Retirement System could solve the issue of inadequate funding. Scott argued that $350 million in annual revenue from casino and racetrack gambling at racetracks could be used to address pension liabilities.[4]
April 8 Republican gubernatorial forum
Television advertisements criticizing James Comer Jr. and Matt Bevin were a significant topic in the April 8 debate in Louisville. The previous day, Citizens for a Sound Government aired ads criticizing one of Bevin's companies for failure to pay taxes and accusing Comer of voting to expand legislator pensions in 2005 and accepting $87,000 in farm subsidies for his land during his legislative career. Citizens for a Sound Government was funded by political operative Alan Philp, who served as the chairman of the pro-Heiner Bluegrass Action Fund.[5]
Bevin and Comer both demanded a repudiation of these ads by Heiner, who responded that he had no control over the ads since they were not produced by his campaign. Bevin argued that the content of the ads had already been proven false by media outlets during his 2014 U.S. Senate race. Comer responded to the farm subsidies criticism in the ad by stating that Heiner received more subsidies per acre for his land, but he acknowledged that the 2005 pension bill was a bad vote. Will T. Scott did not participate in the discussion about the ads.[5]
April 7 Republican gubernatorial forum
All four Republican candidates for governor gathered in La Grange to discuss state pensions, sales taxes, and drug tests for public officials. During the debate, Will T. Scott said he would not change or eliminate state pensions due to constitutional protections for contracts. Matt Bevin argued for a freeze on current contributions to meet pension obligations for retired employees, while James Comer Jr. advocated for a higher retirement age. Hal Heiner suggested a 30-year plan to switch from defined benefits to defined contributions to fulfill obligations for workers in the pension system.[6]
The debate turned toward the issue of a local option sales tax proposed by Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer (D). Bevin, Comer, and Heiner opposed a statewide version of the tax while Scott expressed support for the policy. All four candidates voiced their support for a drug testing policy for elected officials. Bevin and Comer highlighted the duty of a public official to serve the people, Scott advocated the need for accountability, and Heiner made reference to the state's number of drug overdose deaths.[6]
February 3 Republican gubernatorial forum
- See also: Tax policy in Kentucky
The Kentucky Association of Realtors hosted a forum on February 3 featuring all four Republican candidates for governor. James Comer Jr. and Will T. Scott compared Kentucky with Tennessee when discussing changes in state tax rates. Comer argued that the land he owns in Tennessee grew in value faster than Kentucky land due to favorable business policies, which included lower tax rates on corporations. Scott said that Kentucky already charges corporations less than Tennessee but that an even lower rate would help the state stay an attractive business climate in the region. Matt Bevin criticized the estate tax as an incentive for older residents to leave the state for Tennessee or Florida. Hal Heiner argued that his experience in real estate and his status as a political outsider in the state would enable him to make reforms necessary to improve the state's economy.[7]
January 23 Republican gubernatorial forum
In an event sponsored by the Kentucky Press Association that featured James Comer Jr., Hal Heiner, and Will T. Scott, Comer and Heiner both argued that any growth in gaming facilities should be tied to a constitutional amendment. Heiner criticized Comer for his role as co-chair of Kentucky Wins, a group advocating for casino gambling in Kentucky. The group's website listed Comer as an honorary co-chair.[8] Comer countered that Heiner's running mate, K.C. Crosbie, was married to Scott Crosbie, who previously lobbied on behalf of firms interested in expanded gaming. Heiner's campaign responded that Crosbie severed lobbying ties according to state ethics records. Scott did not participate in the argument.[9]
Attorney General
- See also: Kentucky Attorney General election, 2015
General election debate
Andy Beshear (D) and Whitney Westerfield (R) debated on KET's Kentucky Tonight. The debate took place on October 12, 2015. The candidates agreed on many political issues but criticized each other's experience and character.[1]
Westerfield accused Beshear of trying to buy the election by raising millions of dollars through his connection to his father, Governor Steve Beshear. Westerfield said he had heard stories that Andy Beshear received donations in exchange for state favors, including road projects.[1]
Beshear defended himself against Westerfield's charges. "No contribution, no matter how big or how small, would ever influence a decision I made in that office," he said.[1]
Beshear responded by comparing his experience to Westerfield's, calling Westerfield a "full-time debt collector" for payday lenders and others, as well as a "part-time prosecutor."[1] Beshear claimed that Westerfield's performance was criticized by the Christian County commonwealth's attorney, his boss. Beshear said his own experience as a nationally respected attorney at Stites & Harbison was superior to Westerfield's.[1]
The two candidates largely agreed on issues such as prohibition of marijuana and heroin, restoring nonviolent felons' voting rights and the role of the attorney general.[1]
One issue they disagreed on was Governor Beshear's response to the controversy surrounding Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis, who refused to issue same-sex marriage licenses after the Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision. Westerfield said the governor broke the law by not protecting the clerk's religious liberties. Andy Beshear defended his father's decision to instruct clerks to obey Obergefell.[1]
April 20 Republican forum
Michael Hogan and State Sen. Whitney Westerfield sought to distance themselves from attorney general and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jack Conway during a debate televised on Kentucky Educational Television. Both criticized Conway’s refusal to appeal the ruling from U.S. District Judge John Heyburn striking down Kentucky’s ban on same-sex marriage in 2014. Conway claimed that Kentucky’s law was discriminatory and would not file an appeal to uphold the ban. Westerfield also attacked Conway for his failure to engage with the General Assembly, claiming that Conway has not worked hard to push legislation. Hogan offered Conway praise for his work in prosecuting child predators and Internet crimes.
Although the candidates were in agreement on most issues, Hogan did criticize Westerfield’s vote against a bill that would have set a floor for the state gas tax. This tax was based on the wholesale price of gasoline and was tied to Kentucky’s road fund, the main source of funds for the state’s roadway system. The decline of gas prices in Kentucky could have led to insufficient revenue to meet the needs of Kentucky’s transportation infrastructure, according to a Kentucky Transportation Center report in May 2015.[10] Hogan also questioned Westerfield’s vote to double the amount of money individuals can contribute to political campaigns, which Westerfield defended by claiming that funds from individual donors would most likely go towards candidate-run campaigns that must disclose donors, rather than political action committees (PACs) which often do not have to report donors.[11]
Commissioner of Agriculture
Debate media
|
|
February 13 Republican forum
Republican candidates Richard Heath and Ryan Quarles met for a forum on the state of agriculture in Kentucky hosted by the Agribusiness Industry Network and the Kentucky Ag Council. Both candidates were asked questions about Louisville's role in the agricultural economy and the role of agriculture in the state's economy. Heath highlighted the importance of the National Farm Machinery Show and the close relationship between the commissioner's office and the Mayor of Louisville when discussing the city's role in agriculture. Quarles argued that the Kentucky State Fair serves as an introduction to agriculture for students who might not otherwise understand where their food comes from. He also contended that in the absence of agricultural education, children were more likely to learn about farm practices from organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Humane Society, rather than gaining an understanding of the realities of food production.[12]
Heath noted that the state's agriculture sector generated $6 billion in revenue per year, creating a large number of jobs. He pointed to the growing demand for workers familiar with agricultural technology as an unexplored avenue for the state. Heath cited the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education, which mixes on-the-job training and technical school courses in manufacturing fields, as a template for agricultural training. Quarles pointed to existing growth in local farmers markets and untapped resources like industrial hemp and hop production as strengths of the agriculture sector. He also suggested that the state's Bourbon Trail could be connected to a similar marketing campaign for farms.[12]
January 16 forum
Jean-Marie Lawson Spann (D) and Ryan Quarles (R) compared endorsements and found consensus on the state's response to federal regulations during a forum sponsored by the Kentucky Soybean Association, Kentucky Corn Growers Association, and Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association.[13] Spann touted the endorsement of former commissioner Billy Ray Smith (D) and argued that he was among the best commissioners in state history. Quarles brought up commissioner James Comer Jr.'s (R) endorsement and noted that Comer had established a "gold standard" for future officeholders.[14]
Spann and Quarles both criticized the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for proposed water regulations that could impact agriculture in the Bluegrass State. Spann indicated that she would pursue a lawsuit against the EPA to block new federal standards if necessary, preferring a state approach to water testing. Quarles noted that the state's agriculture development board was already testing water quality to determine the impacts of farm runoff.[14]
Louisiana
Governor
- See also: Louisiana gubernatorial election, 2015
November 16 debate
The final debate between Louisiana gubernatorial candidates John Bel Edwards (D) and David Vitter (R) took place at the Dunham School in Baton Rouge, La., on November 16, 2015.[15]
The first topic of the debate was how each candidate would handle the 10,000 Syrian refugees that President Obama said the United States would accept in the coming months. Both candidates said they supported Governor Bobby Jindal's executive order preventing more refugees from entering Louisiana, beyond the 14 already settled. Vitter accused Edwards, however, of siding with Obama on the issue.[16]
The candidates also debated character issues and tax policy.[15]
In his closing statement, Vitter addressed allegations that he had solicited the services of prostitutes in the past, arguing that he had grown as a person. Edwards had mentioned it multiple times, directly and indirectly, throughout the evening.[15]
November 10 debate
The two remaining candidates for Louisiana governor, David Vitter (R) and John Edwards (D), participated in a debate in Baton Rouge. Topics at the November 10, 2015, debate included health insurance, K-12 education, the state budget and infrastructure, and various campaign issues. The debate lasted for one hour.[17]
November 9 debate
|
January 16 forum
Gubernatorial candidates Scott Angelle (R), Jay Dardenne (R), David Vitter (R), and John Edwards (D) opened Louisiana's election season with a largely congenial forum. All four candidates shared similar thoughts on funding for transportation and the state police along with the legacy of term-limited Gov. Bobby Jindal (R). Dardenne criticized the state's approach to new transportation projects, arguing that it was unsustainable and too political. Each candidate agreed that the state police should see decreases in their allotment from the transportation trust fund, which was funded by gas taxes. Vitter, a sitting U.S. senator, criticized Jindal for his budgeting practices and argued that the governor had used his position as a springboard to seek the presidency.[18]
The biggest source of disagreement on January 16 was the state's financial support for parish transportation costs. Angelle and Edwards noted that parish governments needed state transportation aid because of their inability to generate enough revenue for local projects. Dardenne argued that current local aid, equaling more than one cent per dollar in gas taxes, needed to be decreased to preserve the state fund.[18]
Mississippi
Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant (R) did not debate Robert Gray, his Democratic challenger in 2015. He was the first governor in two decades not to debate his challenger while running for a second term. Gray, a surprise win in the Democratic primary, had said in interviews that he wanted to debate Bryant.[19]
Recent news
Kentucky
This section links to a Google news search for the term "Kentucky + election + debates + 2015"
Louisiana
This section links to a Google news search for the term "Louisiana + election + debates + 2015"
Mississippi
This section links to a Google news search for the term "Mississippi + election + debates + 2015"
See also
- State executive official elections, 2015
- Kentucky state executive official elections, 2015
- Louisiana state executive official elections, 2015
- Mississippi state executive official elections, 2015
- State executive debates, 2014
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 Ronnie Ellis, Richmond Register, "Governor's debate at EKU gets testy," October 26, 2015 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "general" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ Bowling Green Daily News, “GOP candidates try to show differences,” April 29, 2015
- ↑ WKU Herald, “Republican candidates for governor debate on various issues,” April 29, 2015
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Lexington Herald-Leader, "At forum in Versailles, GOP candidates for governor share 'the right ideas,'" April 15, 2015
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 The Courier-Journal, "Governor candidates clash over attack ads," April 8, 2015
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 WDRB, "Republican candidates for Kentucky Governor debate in La Grange," April 7, 2015
- ↑ CN2, "GOP gubernatorial candidates say tax reform is key to improving business climate in Kentucky," February 3, 2015
- ↑ Kentucky Wins, "Our Coalition," accessed January 29, 2015
- ↑ The Courier Journal, "Sparks fly at governor candidate forum," January 23, 2015
- ↑ ‘’Kentucky Transportation Center,’’ “Assessment of Kentucky’s Road Fund,” accessed May 15, 2015
- ↑ ‘’The Courier Journal,’’ GOP Attorney General candidates attack Conway,” April 20, 2015
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Agribusiness Industry Network Inc., "Kentucky Ag Commissioner Candidate Forum," February 2015
- ↑ Lexington Herald-Leader, "First candidates forum for ag commissioner," January 7, 2015
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 CN2, "Down-ticket race, already looking past May primary, jumpstarts 2015 debate season," January 17, 2015
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Times-Picayune, "Louisiana's final gubernatorial debate: 5 things you need to know about it," November 17, 2015
- ↑ National Journal, "Vitter spars with Democratic opponent over Syrian refugees," November 17, 2015
- ↑ WDSU News, "First runoff gubernatorial debate ends in heated exchange between Vitter, Edwards," November 11, 2015
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 The Times-Picayune, "2015 governor candidates forum: Louisiana has a roads and infrastructure problem," January 16, 2015
- ↑ GulfLive.com, "Mississippi governor won't debate Democratic challenger: analysis, "October 5, 2015
