Home » Comer concedes GOP governor’s race nomination to Bevin

Comer concedes GOP governor’s race nomination to Bevin

Frankfort, Ky. (May 29, 2015) — Agriculture Commission James Comer has conceded the GOP gubernatorial primary election to Matt Bevin, whose victory margin, upheld by a recanvass this week, was a scant 83 votes.

Bevin, a businessman whose first foray into politics was a Republican primary challenge in 2014 for the U.S. Senate seat Mitch McConnell has held for 30 years, will face Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jack Conway. Drew Curtiss of Versailles, operator of the successful fark.com Internet site, is running as an independent.

Comer issued the following statement:

“Within minutes of receiving the results of the recanvass, I called Matt Bevin to concede and congratulate him on a hard fought victory. I asked Matt to afford me the opportunity to personally contact a few of my strongest supporters across the state to again thank them for their support and tell them about my concession. I promised Matt that I would release my statement prior to his Friday morning press conference with the Republican down ballot candidates.

“Throughout the entire primary campaign, I grew to appreciate Matt Bevin’s knowledge of the issues, his work ethic, and his morals. Matt ran a clean campaign which focused on the issues important to Kentuckians. Matt Bevin will stand up to the special interest groups that have held our great state back and fight the corrupt elements that still exist in Frankfort. I enthusiastically endorse Matt Bevin for governor and pledge to do everything I can to see that he wins in November.”

The Conway campaign issued a statement this morning also:

“I welcome Matt Bevin to the governor’s race as the Republican nominee. I look forward to a spirited race with my opponent and a conversation with voters over the next five months about the issues that matter most to Kentucky families.

“This campaign is about standing up for their interests and values. It’s about moving Kentucky forward by creating good-paying jobs and growing our economy, investing in our education system at all levels, and building out our infrastructure. I’m the only candidate with a proven record of putting people over politics, and that’s a commitment I promise to keep.

“Sannie Overly (Conway’s lieutenant governor running mate), our families and I are incredibly grateful to those who have opened their hearts and homes to us thus far, lending their friendship and support throughout this journey. We are excited to continue crisscrossing the state, visiting our counties and sharing our vision for Kentucky’s future with voters this summer and fall.”