LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Fresh off a successful re-election campaign, Kentucky's now two-term governor guaranteed he will complete these next four years in office, shutting the door on any national speculation that other positions could sway the popular Democrat away from Frankfort.
"I'm going to serve every single day of these next four years," Gov. Andy Beshear said in front of reporters in the state Capitol Rotunda Wednesday.
He beat Republican challenger and current state attorney general, Daniel Cameron by about 5% of the vote. Beshear picked up major wins in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green and areas of eastern and northern Kentucky.
As for his big priority for this coming budget year -- it's all about education.
"Listen, people saw a hardworking governor the first term, and in this campaign I'm going to work just as hard because every last moment is precious," Beshear said.
He spoke in his first news conference following his election night victory, and reiterated what he called anger politics failing to resonate with Kentucky voters.
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"Remember, we're Kentuckians. We have more in common than anything they're arguing about in Washington D.C.," Beshear said.
The governor outlined his two major priorities for this upcoming legislative session, securing an 11% pay raise for educators across the state and universal Pre-K.
"If we're not paying our educators enough, we're just impoverishing our own communities," Beshear said. "This is our chance to pay teachers not only what their worth, but to boost the economy in each and everyone of these areas."
If his first term serves as any indication, both items will likely be uphill battles against a Republican supermajority in the legislature.
WHAS11 asked Beshear, since it was already difficult in his first four years to get GOP lawmakers behind his teacher raise proposals, what he may do differently this time around to convince the state legislature that it's worth it.
His answer: "I think first of all, we'll have those conversations, but the shortage getting worse ought to convince every legislator that we have to do more."
Beshear continued, "In the simple numbers game, if we continue to lose educators, it means we need to continue to increase compensation."
He said he'll double his efforts to ensure a two-way working relationship with the general assembly.
"Now the phone works both way, and we need to make sure everyone is reaching out," Beshear said.
And as for the future of the Democratic Party in Kentucky, which some have speculated could be in danger following Beshear's final term, he says he's confident strong contenders will step in and triumph in a state becoming increasingly red by the year.
"I think we've got a lot of talented people out there," Beshear said.
Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers (R) released a statement Wednesday, congratulating Beshear on his victory.
He said nothing substantial will change when it comes to the legislature's efforts, saying, "I am hopeful that in his second term, though, the governor will choose to work collaboratively with his co-equal branch of government."
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