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Steven Linn BeshearAmerican politician, current 61st Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Date of Birth: 21.09.1944
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Steve Beshear
- Early Life and Education
- Political Career
- Gubernatorial Campaign and Governorship
- Later Career
Biography of Steve Beshear
Steve Lynn Beshear, an American politician, is the current 61st Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He was born on September 21, 1944, in Dawson Springs, Kentucky, USA.
Early Life and Education
After graduating from high school, Steve attended the University of Kentucky. In 1966, he obtained a bachelor's degree, and in 1968, he earned a law degree. Steve married Jane in 1969, and they have two sons, Jeff and Andy, as well as a grandson named Nicholas.
Political Career
Steve Beshear began his political career by being elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives. In 1973, he won the 76th district seat in the legislature, with the Democratic Party winning by a wide margin. Steve received 3,401 votes against the Republican candidate's 2,083. He was re-elected in 1975 and 1977.
In 1980, Steve pursued his ambition to become the Attorney General of Kentucky and was successful in the election. He served as the state's Attorney General from 1980 to 1983. Due to a constitutional amendment in Kentucky, re-election as Attorney General was not possible until 1992. As a result, Steve decided to run for the position of Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky. He won the election and served as Lieutenant Governor from 1983 to 1987.
Gubernatorial Campaign and Governorship
In July 1985, Steve began his campaign for the Governorship, establishing the committee "Friends of Steve Beshear" to raise funds for his campaign. By July 1986, the committee had raised $740,000 for the 1987 elections. He gained the endorsements of former US Senator Walter D. Huddleston, Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, and Joe Prater at the beginning of his campaign.
During the campaign, Steve and former Governor John Y. Brown Jr. became serious rivals. Steve accused Brown of living a lavish lifestyle and referenced "wild nights in Vegas." Brown defended himself by stating that Steve distorted the truth and was not trustworthy. Despite spending $2.8 million on his campaign, Steve was defeated in the 1987 elections.
After his defeat, Steve returned to practicing law in Lexington, Kentucky. However, his desire to become the Governor of Kentucky never diminished. After twenty years, he decided to run for Governor again, this time successfully. On December 11, 2007, Steve Beshear was sworn in as the 61st Governor of Kentucky.
During his tenure as Governor, Steve, along with Secretary of Justice and Public Safety Michael J. Brown, filed a lawsuit against 141 online gambling and poker domains to protect Kentucky's gaming industry. However, the appellate court allowed the domains to be contested.
Later Career
On July 19, 2009, Steve announced that Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson would be his chief assistant in his re-election campaign for Governor in 2011.
Steve Beshear's political journey has been marked by his determination and ambition to serve the people of Kentucky. Despite facing challenges and experiencing defeat, he continued to strive for the betterment of his state.
