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Kentucky GOP gubernatorial candidate, longtime Senate President and American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) “Legislator of the Year” awardee, David Williams, was rebuked by Blue Grass State voters last week.
Williams staunchly advocated for eliminating the state’s personal and corporate income taxes during his campaign, that is, eliminating the most progressive and fair taxes levied in Kentucky and creating a colossal hole in the state’s budget at the same time.
Governor Steve Beshear, who defeated Williams and won a second term
on November 8, estimated the budget hole from eliminating these two vital sources of revenue would equal 43 percent of the state’s general fund. Beshear also suggested it would have to be made up with a sales tax hike – which is always hardest on the poorest families.
Kentucky voters had their say and voted down Williams’ radical agenda 36 to 56 percent (an independent candidate garnered 9 percent of the vote).
This isn’t the last we’ll hear of ALEC and its state-by-state plan to advance its corporate-authored agenda . But it’s encouraging that the good people of Kentucky didn’t fall for it.
Photo of Governor Steve Beshear via Gage Skidmore Creative Commons Attribution License 2.0