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Friday, September 28, 2007

What are they REALLY saying: Economic development, revisited.

Here is the continuing H-L series on economic development. This time the candidates ask each other the questions.

Here's what Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher and Democratic challenger Steve Beshear had to say.

Fletcher's Question:

Other than opposing the Toyota deal, your only economic development experience was the opportunity to save 800 Kentucky Central jobs. By taking out $36,000,000 and dismantling it, you lost those jobs. You then paid to cover-up a report detailing your unethical activity. How can Kentuckians trust you on economic development?

Beshear's Answer:

While Fletcher continues to distort the truth, here are honest facts about our economy: Under Ernie Fletcher, Kentucky's national rankings have DROPPED to 41st as a place to do business, 45th in ability to compete in the 21st Century economy, 44th in high-tech jobs, 43rd in industry investment in research and development, 36th in environment for small businesses/entrepreneurs, 42nd in per capita personal income and 39th in family income. I encourage you to read my Jobs Plan at www.stevebeshear.com. Kentucky's future depends upon our ability to grow our economy and create high-wage jobs that will enable us to compete nationally.

My view? See the highlighted portions.

Beshear's Question:

Since we’re discussing economic development, you say contributors to your legal defense fund are contributors to your campaign – up to 40% in one filing had state business. Which companies that received business incentives from the state have contributed to defending your criminal charges, and what did they get in return?

Fletcher's Answer:

No one with state business is a contributor to my defense fund. The public is more interested in how you were fired from representing Kentucky Central due to unethical activity and you then paid $100,000 in hush money to keep the investigation secret, and now cannot recall any of it. They are also interested in how you and your firm profited $21 million while 800 Kentuckians lost their jobs and thousands lost their savings due to your mismanagement.

My view? There is NO evidence that Beshear was was "fired from representing Kentucky Central due to unethical activity and you then paid $100,000 in hush money to keep the investigation secret"

Beshear was removed (and then subsequently hired back) because of concerns over whether his law firm was representing both sides in the matter.

The $100,000.00 paid by his firm for the investigation was ordered by the Court, and it CANNOT be classified as "hush money".

And, Beshear has consistently stated that he wants the report released (but ONLY the court can do so). Therefore, he CANNOT be accused of trying to keep "the investigation a secret".

There you have it, the candidates' answers, in their own words.

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