LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky's governor supports getting rid of the electoral college, and replacing it with a popular vote instead.
During a Team Kentucky update on Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear said he supports any change that evens the playing field for all states.
"I support any change that gets us closer to every single state being a part of a presidential election," he said. "I think a popular vote would be a better form of democracy where we would see more candidates come to Kentucky."
Both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have turned their focus to the battleground states the last few days of this election; those states are Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia.
Kentucky only gets eight electoral college votes, and has been a predominately Republican state during presidential elections in recent years.
"The idea that we all -- every single American -- be an important part and feel like an important part, and those that are running would then have to have messages for all of America," Beshear said. "I think that drives people towards common ground and common sense."
The electoral college is in the United States Constitution, and would require a constitutional amendment to change it.
"I also think it could help us learn more about different states that are out there that have different needs than ours, and how we can potentially work together," Beshear said. "I don't think the electoral college will be dissolved anytime soon, but certainly a popular vote would be beneficial to Kentuckians making sure that every single Kentucky voter felt like their vote for the presidency mattered."
Republican Senate President Robert Stivers released the following statement in response:
“Kentuckians need a governor who champions their right to a fair voice, not one who would willingly surrender it. The Electoral College is a vital pillar of our Republic that ensures smaller states like Kentucky continue to have a voice and we reject any attempt to dismantle it.
“Governor Beshear’s proposal to eliminate the electoral college not only threatens the federal balance but disrespects every Kentuckian who values their representation in the highest levels of government. This proposal is a blatant dereliction of his responsibility as the head of the Commonwealth’s executive branch and a disrespectful affront to every Kentuckian who values their right to be heard.
“Governor Beshear’s statement proves that he is a nationalized Democrat through and through. His proposal for representation violates what our founding fathers, including Washington, Jefferson, and others, envisioned for this great country.”
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