EKB News

Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher stoutly defended his accomplishments at a political forum today while his political rivals argued that Kentucky still lags behind in education and economic expansion. Fletcher and five gubernatorial challengers had their first face-to-face meeting at the forum sponsored by the Kentucky Press Association in Louisville. Notably absent from the discussion was any direct mention of Fletcher's political baggage - an investigation of whether his administration illegally rewarded political supporters with state jobs. Fletcher, the first Republican governor elected in more than 30 years, said when he took office he inherited a massive budget deficit, a broken Medicaid system and an outdated tax system. Fletcher took credit for more jobs, more roads and education initiatives in Kentucky. Democrat Steve Beshear, who is seeking the Democratic nomination, said Kentucky has failed to turn around its historically low national rankings in job creation, education and health under Fletcher's stewardship.