Just wanted to remind you that Governor Steve Beshear violated both state and federal campaign finance law by announcing his endorsement of Daniel Mongiardo via the state government email system using his state-paid spokesperson Jay Blanton.

CLICK FOR THE EMAIL

For your convenience, we’ve included a PDF of the email announcement sent out by the Governor’s office on Friday, March 27th. Click above to view the document.

If you can’t load PDF files, here’s the full text of the message:

Commonwealth of Kentucky
Office of the GovernorFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jay Blanton
TELEPHONE NUMBERS REDACTED

Jill Midkiff
TELEPHONE NUMBERS REDACTED

Statement of Gov. Steve Beshear endorsing Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo for U.S. Senate

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 27, 2009)—“Our country and our Commonwealth face unprecedented economic challenges. Now, more than ever, we need strong representatives in Washington D.C. to give voice to Kentucky priorities and values. I believe that my Lieutenant Governor, Daniel Mongiardo, can be that voice and I endorse his candidacy for the United States Senate. As a doctor, state senator and, now, as Lieutenant Governor, Daniel has been a leader in the push for e-health technology, a priority he shares with President Barack Obama. Daniel has worked tirelessly to promote Kentucky through Adventure Tourism, a potential engine of economic growth worth hundreds of millions of dollars. And he has continued to be a strong voice for Kentucky’s role in solving the country’s energy challenges. Those concerns and priorities reflect Kentucky values. They also mirror the priorities being articulated by the Obama administration at this defining hour for our country. While I will miss the contributions that Daniel has brought to our team, I know he feels called to service in the U.S. Senate and I support his mission.”

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See that? Straight from the Governor’s office. There is, of course, no disclaimer (which wouldn’t matter so much, really, in this instance since it’s illegal). And. Again. It’s FROM THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE!

It’s illegal to use your state government office or state government equipment/facilities to advocate the election or defeat of a candidate on the state or federal level. The Governor’s office is attempting to downplay this, saying (paraphrased), “so many people were asking, yadda yadda, this was the easiest way to get it out.” Unfortunately, it’s still illegal. And we call on the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance and the Federal Election Commission to investigate. The Office of the Attorney General should also dig its heels in, as Jack promised he would do, to investigate the potential abuse of the Governor’s office.

Reprimands should be issued. Fines should be paid. I-l-l-e-g-a-l. Pure and simple.