Candidates receive a variety of endorsements

The 2011 election is approaching with the pledge of substantial change. The candidates running for governor, secretary of state and attorney general have been working hard for the votes of the citizens of Lexington and Kentucky. The individuals and companies endorsing the candidates range from former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, to the United Auto Workers Union.
Jack Conway, the Democratic incumbet for attorney general, received the endorsement from the UAW a week after the National Education Association announced its endorsement for Conway.
“I want to thank the United Auto Workers union for their confidence in my candidacy. The support of UAW’s membership is another indication of how those interested in a better Kentucky are rallying to our campaign in the General Election,” said Conway. “Our working men and women are one of Kentucky’s greatest resources and it’s for them that I am fighting to create jobs, reduce the deficit and restore accountability to Wall Street and Washington.”
Conway also received an endorsement from the Kentucky State Building and Construction Trades Council.
“We are proud to endorse Jack Conway for the U.S. Senate. In these difficult economic times, Kentucky’s working families need a Senator they can trust. Jack is one of the best and brightest leaders in the Commonwealth, which is exactly what we need in Washington,” said Larry L. Roberts, State Director of the Council.
Conway is also endorsed by the Louisville TEA Party. A statement from their website explains.
“The Louisville TEA Party board unanimously agrees that P’Pool is the best alternative to help Kentucky out if its perennial stagnation and to vanquish its reputation as one of the worst run states in America.”
Running against Conway is Todd P’Pool, the Republican candidate for attorney general. P’Pool gained an edge when he received an endorsement from Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City. Giuliani has expressed the importance of P’Pool being elected, as Kentucky would then be a challenging state to the federal health care law.
P’Pool’s campaign also released a statement about the significance of earning the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police.
“It’s time for a change in Frankfort,” State FOP President Spike Jones said. “Police officers and their families can count on Todd P’Pool to stand up for public safety. We look forward to working with an attorney general that shares our values.”
David L. Williams and Richie Farmer are the Republican candidates for governor and lieutenant governor. They received an endorsement from The Kentucky Right to Life.
“Senator Williams has supported more than 40 pro-life bills during his tenure as Kentucky Senate President. Williams speaks eloquently on behalf of the unborn and the elderly on the Senate floor,” the committee stated.
Steve Beshear and Jerry Abramson represent the Democratic Party in the hunt for governor and lieutenant governor. Beshear is up for re-election and has gained an endorsement from former Congressman Larry Hopkins, a Republican who has served in Congress for 14 years.
In an article from his campaign website, Hopkins expresses his confidence in Beshear.        “Governor Beshear has shown his willingness to not only work with both parties to get things done, but also to stand up to members of both parties to do what’s right for Kentucky,” said Hopkins.
Independent candidates Gatewood Galbraith and Dea Riley have been endorsed by Willie Nelson and the Tea Pot Party members. In a statement released by their campaign Galbraith explains.
“I’m so proud to have Willie’s endorsement again; he’s been a dear friend for many years. I am equally proud to have the support of the Tea Pot Party members. We would like to thank Willie Nelson and the Tea Pot Party members who are making the idea of a better Kentucky a reality.”
The secretary of state Republican candidate Bill Johnson has been endorsed by many state representatives and senators including state Senator Damon Thayer, 17th District and state Representative Jim DeCesare, 21st District. He has also received endorsements from the Louisville Tea Party and the Eastern Kentucky-based ‘Coal-Fed Families.’
“We are excited to have the endorsement from Coal Fed Families. Our state plays a vital role in providing cost efficient, but clean energy around the country,” said Johnson.
Alison Lundergan Grimes, the Democratic candidate for secretary of state, has been endorsed by The Kentucky State Council of Machinists.
“I am so honored to receive this support. The Kentucky State Council of Machinists and I share a passion for standing up for equal access to the ballot box,” Grimes stated in a press release from her campaign.
Grimes also received an endorsement from the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police.