Several major coal operators in the commonwealth of Kentucky made a surprising political move Tuesday, announcing their support for Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear for re-election over his Republican challenger, state Attorney General Daniel Cameron.
The endorsements, which included the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) and several Kentucky coal industry leaders, come amid what many have described as the Biden administration’s war on coal and the rush of Democratic Party towards green energy.
However, Beshear appears to be bucking that trend, similar to one of his fellow Democrats, Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, another pro-coal state.
DEMOCRAT ANDY BESHEAR COMPLETES RE-ELECTION TOUR WITH REPUBLICANS SEEKING TO UNITE AFTER BRUTAL KENTUCKY PRIMARY
Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear meets with supporters during a stop on his three-day bus tour of the state from May 19-21, 2023. (Beshear for the Governor)
“I am honored to receive the support of workers and industry leaders alike in Kentucky coal country,” Beshear said in a statement. “My administration has worked hard to be an advocate for the men and women who work in our coal industry that not only powers Kentucky, but our entire country.”
“We will keep the promise of economic growth and good-paying jobs for those who helped build our nation and the strongest middle class in history. I am proud to stand with America’s mineworkers and coal operators in our Commonwealth to keep Kentucky moving forward and protect the livelihoods of thousands of Kentuckians,” he added.
Steve Earle, the vice president of UMWA District 12, which represents its union members in the Midwest, praised Beshear as “a governor who is always there for coal country,” while Todd Case, the president of the mining company North Star Mining, said: Kentucky’s coal industry “cannot risk losing this leader.”
DEMOCRATS COME TOUGH ON CRIME IN DEEPLY RED STATE AS REPUBLICANS PLAY CATCH-UP
Coal haulers are shown on the grounds of the Western Kentucky Coal Co. Genesis Mine, a subsidiary of Murray Energy Holdings Co., in Centertown, Kentucky, USA, on Wednesday, October 30, 2019. (Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“Governor Andy Beshear understands that the coal industry creates good jobs for people in eastern and western Kentucky,” said Chris Adkins, president of the Clintwood JOD mining company. “He’s bringing economic growth to every region of our state so every community can thrive. We appreciate his support and support him enthusiastically.”
Richard Liperote, the chairman of B&W Coal, another mining company, said he was “proud” to support Beshear for re-election, while Kentucky mining heavyweight Jim Booth praised the economy of the state under which Beshear was “the strongest” he has seen.
The Kentucky Republican Party rejected the endorsements, saying the UMWA had not employed a Kentucky miner in years and accused Beshear, as well as his father, former Kentucky Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear, of not standing up to the “war of the democrats”. on coal”.
DANIEL CAMERON, WITH TRUMP, WINS GOP PRIMARY FOR KENTUCKY GOVERNOR, WILL FALL DEMOCRATIC INSTALLER ANDY BESHEAR
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron speaks to reporters before politicians deliver speeches during the 142nd annual St. Jeromes Fancy Farm in Fancy Farm, Kentucky on August 6, 2022. (Silas Walker/Lexington Herald-Leader/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
“Oh, stunning,” spokesman Sean Southard, who is also a stand-in for Cameron’s campaign, said in a statement. “Andy Beshear was backed by a union that hasn’t employed a miner in Kentucky for the past decade after he and his father refused to take on Obama and Biden’s war on coal. This it’s just one of many out-of-state groups. We suspect we’ll be supporting Joe Biden’s man in Kentucky this November.”
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Fox reached out to Cameron’s campaign for comment, but did not hear back.
Brandon Gillespie is an associate editor at Fox News. Follow him on Twitter at @brandon_cg.
