Kentucky Politics Distilled
172 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★ - 16 ratingsKentucky Politics Distilled is our weekly rundown of the big news — and sometimes the odd news — happening in the state Capitol. With Kentucky’s elected leaders all in one place for a limited time, the developments can break in a rapid-fire fashion. Kentucky Politics Distilled helps ensure you don’t miss all the highs and lows coming out of Frankfort. We’ll discuss the important issues facing Kentucky and add context to the headlines that flew by over the week. New episodes post on Fridays. From Louisville Public Media
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Episodes
Voter ID Bill Changes
January 27, 2020 15:59 - 5 minutes - 4.65 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, a voter ID bill passed a major hurdle on its way through the legislature. Anti-abortion advocates are throwing their support behind new abortion restrictions. And Republican education leaders are pushing for every school in the state to have an armed guard.
Governor Beshear's First Address
January 17, 2020 21:30 - 6 minutes - 6.06 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Andy Beshear gave his first state of the commonwealth address, calling on the legislature to reach across party lines. The state legislature finished its first full week, advancing a bill to move gubernatorial elections to even-numbered years. And the sponsor of an anti-sanctuary cities bill has made changes following criticism.
Check Out Our New Investigative Podcast, Dig
December 18, 2019 16:06 - 1 minute - 1.75 MBIn the first season of Dig, a new podcast from the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting, we bring you the results of a yearlong look at how rape cases are investigated in Louisville. What we’ve learned: here, the police defer to prosecutors on rape cases -- and prosecutors reject the vast majority of cases presented to them. Due to this unusual relationship, most people accused of rape here will never face consequences. Most won’t be arrested or convicted. And the case will be closed a...
Governor Bevin's Last Week
December 06, 2019 19:50 - 4 minutes - 4.16 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, outgoing Governor Matt Bevin claimed he lost his reelection because Democrats “harvested votes in urban areas.” Governor-elect Andy Beshear named some of his cabinet secretaries. And education commissioner Wayne Lewis defended himself, as his job might be in jeopardy in the new administration.
Beshear Begins Transition
November 22, 2019 23:03 - 4 minutes - 4.06 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Matt Bevin said he’s going to return to the private sector after losing his race for reelection. Gov.-elect Andy Beshear named the first appointees of his administration. And incoming Secretary of State Michael Adams says he wants to clean Kentucky’s voter rolls and get a voter ID bill passed before next year’s elections.
Bevin Concedes Election
November 15, 2019 22:53 - 4 minutes - 3.87 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Matt Bevin conceded his race for reelection, paving the way for Gov.-elect Andy Beshear to take office next month. Bevin had requested a recanvass of the results after losing by about 5,000 votes, but the process only produced one new vote. Meanwhile, Andy Beshear has begun assembling his administration.
Beshear Wins, Bevin Won't Concede
November 08, 2019 21:38 - 4 minutes - 3.73 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, Attorney General Andy Beshear beat Gov. Matt Bevin at the ballot box, but Bevin still hasn’t conceded the election. Bevin has asked for a second look of the results and has hinted at an official election contest. But even Republicans have started to distance themselves from the governor. We talk about what could happen next.
It's Almost Election Day
November 01, 2019 21:05 - 4 minutes - 4.12 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, candidates for governor participated in two debates. Now Gov. Matt Bevin and Attorney General Andy Beshear are crisscrossing the state making their final pitches ahead of Election Day on Tuesday. And the Kentucky Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit against a Lexington T-shirt maker that refused to make shirts for a gay pride festival. We talk through it all this week on Kentucky Politics Distilled.
Trump To Stump For Bevin
October 25, 2019 18:29 - 4 minutes - 3.73 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Matt Bevin said he’ll re-open a prison to help deal with the state’s booming prison population. President Trump announced he’ll visit Lexington the night before Election Day. And Attorney General Andy Beshear says he’ll restore voting rights to some people with felony convictions if he’s elected. We talk about it all, this week on Kentucky Politics Distilled.
Poll Shows Bevin And Beshear Tied In Governor's Race
October 18, 2019 14:43 - 4 minutes - 4.03 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, candidates for governor and attorney general both participated in televised debates. And a new poll shows Gov. Matt Bevin and Attorney General Andy Beshear tied ahead of next month’s election. Jonese Franklin and Ryland Barton talk about it in week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.
Less Than A Month Until Election Day
October 11, 2019 21:08 - 4 minutes - 4.05 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, a judge says that Republican attorney general candidate Daniel Cameron is eligible to run, ruling against a claim that he doesn’t have enough experience. Teachers in several rural districts received emails to this week on their official accounts supporting Gov. Matt Bevin’s reelection. And Bevin’s attempt to reshape Kentucky’s Medicaid system is back in court. It's all in this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.
Judge Disqualified Over Facebook 'Like'
September 27, 2019 21:56 - 4 minutes - 4.4 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, the Chief Justice John Minton appointed a new judge to preside over the teacher “sickout” lawsuit after a Facebook like. There was a shakeup on Gov. Matt Bevin’s campaign after a sparsely attended rally in Pikeville. And Kentucky’s congressmen responded to the impeachment inquiry of President Trump. Jonese Franklin talks to Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.
Bevin Defends State Plane Use
September 20, 2019 21:32 - 4 minutes - 4.07 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Matt Bevin released a list of all the times he’d used the state plane for official business, but he didn’t say when he used it for personal reasons. A Louisville man has filed a lawsuit to try and have Republican Attorney General Candidate Daniel Cameron removed from the ballot. And the state board of elections has started moving some people onto an “inactive voter” list. Ryland Barton joins Jonese Franklin to talk about it on this week’s edition of Ken...
Jerry Lundergan Found Guilty
September 13, 2019 20:06 - 4 minutes - 4.16 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, former Kentucky Democratic Party Chair Jerry Lundergan was found guilty of illegally funding campaign work for his daughter, Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes. The Courier Journal discovered that Gov. Matt Bevin has been a state-owned plane to fly to events around the country. And Bevin continues to double down on his anti-abortion platform. Erica Peterson talked to Capitol Reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.C...
Judge Denies Bevin's Request To Step Down
September 06, 2019 19:19 - 4 minutes - 4.11 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, a judge refuses to step down from the lawsuit over the Bevin administration’s investigation into protesting teachers. Two coal miners have demanded that Senate candidate Amy McGrath stop using their images in a campaign video. And the eastern Kentucky segments of the KentuckyWired broadband project are now complete. Jean West from member station WFPL talks with Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled. Click here to ...
Trump Jr. Headlines Sparse Bevin Rally
August 30, 2019 21:01 - 4 minutes - 4.26 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, Donald Trump Jr. visited Pikeville to headline a rally for Gov. Matt Bevin. The governor is trying to get a judge removed from the lawsuit against his investigation into protesting teachers. And Kentucky’s worst-funded pension fund is showing some signs that it’s getting healthier. Jean West talked to capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.
Trump Stumps For Bevin
August 23, 2019 19:30 - 4 minutes - 4.2 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, President Trump came to Louisville to lend a hand to Gov. Bevin’s reelection campaign. Meanwhile Bevin made more controversial comments about teacher protests and Lt. Governor Jenean Hampton is suing him over the firing of her staffers.
Lt. Gov. Hampton Sues Gov. Bevin
August 16, 2019 19:33 - 4 minutes - 4.39 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, Lieutenant Gov. Jean Hampton filed a lawsuit against Gov. Matt Bevin for firing two of her staffers. The University of Louisville announced a deal to try and buy the struggling Jewish Hospital system with a $50 million loan from the state. And sports radio host Matt Jones announced he’s writing a book about Mitch McConnell, but still won’t say if he’s running against him. Kentucky Politics Distilled wouldn't be possible without you. Click here to support the ...
Pension Bill Passes Special Session
July 26, 2019 19:30 - 4 minutes - 4.15 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Matt Bevin signed the so-called pension “relief” bill into law after a short special legislative session. Attorney General Andy Beshear threatened to sue over the session, saying that Bevin had blocked lawmakers from considering other proposals. And Amy McGrath addressed the bumpy launch to her U.S. Senate campaign. WFPL's Jean West talked to Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled. Click here to support the work we do. +
Special Session Begins
July 19, 2019 21:43 - 4 minutes - 4.41 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Matt Bevin’s special legislative session on pensions is finally taking place and Democrats think he’s tied the legislature’s hands. Bevin and Democratic rival Andy Beshear clashed during a debate at the Kentucky Farm Bureau. And Kentucky lawmakers responded to President Trump’s inflammatory tweets. WFPL's Jean West talked to Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled. Click here to support the work we do.
Amy McGrath's Bumpy Takeoff
July 12, 2019 20:20 - 4 minutes - 4.28 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, retired Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath announced she will challenge Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in next year’s race for U.S. Senate. But the launch had a rocky start. And Gov. Matt Bevin might be a little closer to calling a special legislative session on pensions this summer. Jean West talked to Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled. Kentucky Politics Distilled wouldn't be possible without you. Click here to suppo...
Beshear Tries To Unite Democrats
June 28, 2019 19:35 - 4 minutes - 4.26 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, Democratic candidate for governor Andy Beshear continued his “unity tour,” campaigning with his former primary election rival Adam Edelen. Gov. Matt Bevin’s office says a special legislative session on pensions won’t take place until later this summer. And nearly 200 new laws went into effect this week. Jean West talked to Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled. Kentucky Politics Distilled wouldn't be possible without you...
Lt. Gov. Hampton Speaks Out
June 21, 2019 19:53 - 4 minutes - 4.31 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, Lieutenant Gov. Jenean Hampton finally spoke out about the feud between her office and Gov. Matt Bevin’s administration. Meanwhile, Bevin says he has the votes to call a special legislative session on pensions, but too many lawmakers are on vacation. Jean West from member station WFPL talked to Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled. Kentucky Politics Distilled wouldn't be possible without you. Click here to support the ...
Marsy's Law Struck Down
June 14, 2019 20:11 - 4 minutes - 4.42 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, the state Supreme Court issued two major decisions: one that blocked Marsy’s Law, the so-called “victims bill of rights,” and a ruling in favor of Gov. Matt Bevin’s overhaul of several education boards. Plus, Lieutenant Gov. Jenean Hampton’s battle against so-called “dark forces” continued. Jean West from member station WFPL talked to capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled. Kentucky Politics Distilled ...
Bevin Pension Bill Still Lacks Support
May 31, 2019 20:39 - 4 minutes - 4.31 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Matt Bevin is struggling to cobble together enough votes for his pension bill, and he still promises to call a special legislative session on the issue. And outgoing Lieutenant Governor Jenean Hampton asked for prayers as she battles “dark forces” following the firing of one of her staffers. Jean West and Ryland Barton talk about it on this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.
Bevin And Beshear Win Primaries
May 24, 2019 19:23 - 4 minutes - 3.99 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, a very interesting primary election took place. We learned that Gov. Matt Bevin will be facing off against Attorney General Andy Beshear in this year’s race for governor. But the results of the election show that both candidates have some work to do to unite their parties behind them. Jean West talked to Ryland Barton on this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.
Last Push Before the Primary
May 17, 2019 20:41 - 3 minutes - 3.58 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, candidates for governor and other statewide offices made their final pitches ahead of the primary election. Democrats running for governor participated in three televised debates, Republicans running for attorney general continued to sling mud at each other, and one of Gov. Matt Bevin’s primary challengers still thinks he’ll win. Jean West and Ryland Barton talk about it on this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Still No Special Session
May 10, 2019 21:20 - 4 minutes - 4.23 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Matt Bevin is still trying to drum up support for his new pension bill after he vetoed an earlier version of it. Meanwhile, it’s a little over a week away until Kentucky’s primary election for governor and other statewide offices.
The Governor's New Pension Bill
May 03, 2019 19:20 - 3 minutes - 3.68 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, He also unveiled his first reelection ad, which is scheduled to air during the Kentucky Derby. And Democrats running for governor have officially taken their gloves off in this year's primary battle.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Bevin Blames Teacher Protests For Shooting
April 26, 2019 19:57 - 4 minutes - 4.12 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Matt Bevin stepped into controversy again by claiming teacher protests caused a child to be shot in Louisville. And Democratic candidates for governor took part in their first televised debate of the campaign season, differing on the abortion issue.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Primaries A Month Away
April 19, 2019 20:01 - 3 minutes - 3.84 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, Democratic candidates for governor finally appeared on stage for the first time ahead of next month’s primary election. And a battle is waging over the votes of teachers, who held massive protests in Frankfort in recent years.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Bevin Vetoes The Pension Bill
April 12, 2019 20:16 - 3 minutes - 3.76 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Matt Bevin vetoed the pension bill that passed on the last day of the legislative session. He says he’ll call another session this summer for lawmakers to pass a new version of it. But Bevin has angered his typical allies in the Republican-led legislature.
Environmental Activists Heckle McConnell; Primary Season Begins
April 05, 2019 18:27 - 4 minutes - 3.89 MBMitch McConnell was hounded by hecklers in public once again, an appeals court upheld a state abortion law that had previously been struck down, and battles over Kentucky primary elections started to heat up.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Last-Minute Pension Bill
March 29, 2019 19:22 - 3 minutes - 3.59 MBThe Kentucky legislative session ended this week with lawmakers passing last-minute bills, including major financial legislation dealing with pensions and taxes. The Republican-led legislature also overrode the two bills that Gov. Matt Bevin had vetoed earlier this week. Bevin still has the opportunity strike down any of the legislation that passed on the last day, but lawmakers will not be able to override any more of his vetoes. The legislature is now finished passing bills for...
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Anti-Abortion Bills Signed By Bevin, Blocked By Judge
March 22, 2019 21:06 - 3 minutes - 3.76 MBState lawmakers were off this week, but Gov. Matt Bevin has begun the process of signing bills that passed out of the state legislature. Bevin made news by signing two anti-abortion bills that were immediately blocked by a federal judge. And he made controversial comments about vaccinating children. Jean West from member station WFPL talked to Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: A Flurry Of Last-Minute Activity In the General Assembly
March 15, 2019 20:39 - 3 minutes - 3.33 MBThis week we look at the bills that passed this session -- many of them late Thursday night. The bills include a requirement that public schools prominently display "In God We Trust," a decrease in the amount you can be compensated for the power your solar panels add to the energy grid, and four abortion-related bills. The bills will now head to the governor's office.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Teacher Protests, Time Running Out
March 08, 2019 19:42 - 4 minutes - 4.05 MBThis week in state politics, teachers descended on Frankfort again to protest a handful of education and pension-related bills. And for the first time in state history, a medical marijuana bill got a vote. Time is running out on this year’s legislative session. WFPL's Jean West talked to Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Teacher Protests And Concealed Carry
March 01, 2019 17:08 - 4 minutes - 4.1 MBThis week in the Kentucky legislature, teachers descended on Frankfort again to protest a bill dealing with their pension system and lawmakers advanced bills to allow people to carry concealed weapons without a permit. WFPL's Jonese Franklin talked to Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: A New Pension Bill Emerges
February 22, 2019 21:36 - 3 minutes - 3.67 MBKentucky legislators were in full swing in Frankfort this week. There was more discussion about abortion restrictions, as well as a new pension bill. Jean West talks to capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Abortion, Guns and Solar Panels
February 15, 2019 21:33 - 4 minutes - 4.15 MBLawmakers advanced a flurry of conservative bills in the Kentucky legislature this week, including two major anti-abortion initiatives, a bill that would scale back the state’s solar industry and a measure that would no longer require people who concealed carry weapons to get a permit. Jean West from member station WFPL talks to capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: State Of The Commonwealth
February 08, 2019 16:35 - 3 minutes - 3.4 MBIt was a busy week in Frankfort this week with Gov. Matt Bevin’s State of the Commonwealth address, new developments on an election contest for a statehouse seat and protesters from the Poor People's Campaign finally getting a meeting with the governor. In the latest edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled, Capitol Reporter Ryland Barton speaks with WFPL host Jean West.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: State Of The Commonwealth
February 08, 2019 16:35 - 3 minutes - 3.4 MBIt was a busy week in Frankfort this week with Gov. Matt Bevin’s State of the Commonwealth address, new developments on an election contest for a statehouse seat and protesters from the Poor People's Campaign finally getting a meeting with the governor. In the latest edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled, Capitol Reporter Ryland Barton speaks with WFPL host Jean West.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Election Filing Deadline; More Kim Davis
February 01, 2019 16:45 - 3 minutes - 3.7 MBThis week was the filing deadline for candidates running for governor, attorney general and other statewide offices this year. And a lawsuit involving former Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis continues to roll through the courts system. Capitol Reporter Ryland Barton spoke with WFPL's Jean West for this week's episode. Related Stories: Appeals Court To Decide Who Should Pay Legal Fees In Kim Davis Case Gov. Bevin, Kentucky Clerk At Odds Over Attorneys’ Fees Here’s Who’s Running For ...
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Gov. Bevin Officially Files For Re-Election
January 25, 2019 22:06 - 4 minutes - 3.99 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Matt Bevin confirmed that he'll run for re-election, but with a new running mate. Jenean Hampton is out, Ralph Alvarado is in. Capitol Reporter Ryland Barton has this week's Kentucky Politics Distilled.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: State Lawmakers Respond To Hoover Scandal
January 18, 2019 21:00 - 3 minutes - 3.08 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, some state leaders and political parties are responding to more details about sexual assault accusations leveled against Rep. Jeff Hoover. The accusations were revealed in a report published by the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting and Kentucky Public Radio. Capitol Reporter Ryland Barton has this week's Kentucky Politics Distilled.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Lawmakers Start The 2019 Session With Medical Marijuana, Abortion Legislation
January 11, 2019 21:21 - 4 minutes - 4.72 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, the Kentucky General Assembly gavelled back in...and now, lawmakers are on a break until the beginning of February. But a lot happened in that week. There's still a House seat that's still in contention, lawmakers discussed legalizing medical marijuana and took steps to restrict abortion further in Kentucky. Oh--and pension reform is still on everyone's mind. Capitol reporter Ryland Barton has this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Rand Paul Defends Trump’s Putin Summit
July 20, 2018 16:10 - 3 minutes - 3.7 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, Rand Paul was one of the few politicians to defend President Donald Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Gov. Matt Bevin’s administration restored vision and dental benefits to almost 400,000 people on Medicaid after taking them away earlier this month. And Kentucky’s bourbon industry ramped up its warnings about how a trade war would impact the state’s signature industry. Capitol reporter Ryland Barton has this week’s edition of Kent...
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Andy Beshear Announces Run For Governor
July 13, 2018 17:33 - 3 minutes - 3.82 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, Attorney General Andy Beshear announced he’s running for governor, the state auditor released a report finding a “pervasive lack of accountability” in Kentucky’s courts administration, and a bunch of new laws go into effect this weekend.Capitol Reporter Ryland Barton has this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Gov. Matt Bevin Blames School Shootings On Phones And Video Games
June 29, 2018 21:56 - 4 minutes - 3.9 MBThis week in state politics, federal education officials came to Kentucky to talk about ways to make schools safer and Gov. Matt Bevin said it all comes down to kids’ cell phone use. One of the Republican lawmakers who helped make changes to the state pension system says they’ll pass the bill again if it’s struck down by the courts. And the state’s new education commissioner talked about the potential costs of taking over Louisville’s school system. Capitol reporter Ryland Barton ha...
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Pension Bill Struck Down
June 22, 2018 15:50 - 4 minutes - 4.21 MBThis week in Kentucky politics, a judge struck down Kentucky’s new pension law, saying legislators broke the law by rushing the bill to passage. Kentucky’s health secretary says the state will have to cut benefits if a federal court blocks Gov. Matt Bevin’s changes to the Medicaid system. And Democrats no longer make up a majority of registered voters in the state. Capitol Reporter Ryland Barton has this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.