Democrat Steve Beshear trounced Republican David Williams and independent Gatewood Galbraith Tuesday to win another four-year term as Kentucky’s governor.
Beshear, who made an unlikely political comeback in 2007 after losing a bid for governor in 1987, rolled to victory touting his job-creation efforts and his handling of the state budget during tight economic times.
The biggest margin of victory in recent races for governor was in 1999 when Democratic incumbent Paul Patton outdistanced Republican Peppy Martin, 60.6 percent to 22.2 percent.
In that race, Galbraith, who ran as a Reform candidate, captured 15.3 percent of the vote, his best showing in his five bids for the state’s highest elective office.
Democrats were also projected as the winners in most of Kentucky’s other statewide races. With more than 90% precincts reporting, Alison Grimes appeared headed to victory over Bill Johnson in the contest for Secretary of State, and Jack Conway was handily beating Todd P’Pool for Attorney General. Democrat Adam Edelen was projected as the winner in the state auditor’s race.
The state treasurer’s race remains too close to call. Democrat Todd Hollenbach presently has a slight lead over Republican K.C. Crosbie (49% to 46%). Libertarian Kenneth Moellman trails far behind both of them at 5%.
Republicans did win the race for agriculture commissioner. Their candidate, James Comer, is trouncing Democrat Robert Farmer by a nearly two-to-one margin.
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