2022 Kentucky House elections: Louisville candidates on abortion, marijuana, 'red flag' laws
Kentucky voters will cast ballots in the Nov. 8 general election. To help voters sort out who is running and their views, the Courier Journal emailed policy questions to candidates who are in contested races.
Below are the responses from the Kentucky state House candidates in the Louisville area.
More:Election Day is soon. Everything you need to know about voting in Kentucky
28th District
Charles Miller (Democrat)
Occupation: State representative
No information submitted.
JARED BAUMAN (Republican)
No information submitted.
31st District
Sue Foster (Democrat)
Age: 63
Occupation: Union president/JCPS
Contact info: suefoster4ky.com
Susan Tyler Witten (Republican)
No information submitted.
Kentucky House
If Kentucky’s near-total ban on abortion remains in place next year, would you support legislation allowing exemptions in the law for pregnancies caused by rape or incest?
Foster: "The right to essential and reproductive health care for every woman is not for the government to decide if needed or not. These are medical rights that should be protected by Physician-Patient Privilege and not policed by law enforcement or government."
Are you in favor of legalizing and regulating either medical marijuana or recreational marijuana, and why?
Foster: "I fully support the legalization of medical marijuana. With the nation and Kentucky's explosion of opioid addiction we have the opportunity to cut the deaths, crime rate and many of the issues we are addressing within our communities and families with the legalization of medical marijuana. It is unethical for government to deny any individual the necessary medical treatment that would provide a healthier and productive life due to personal moral and religious beliefs."
Would you support a “red flag” law allowing judges to order the temporary removal of firearms from a person deemed to be a danger to themselves or others?
Foster: "Without doubt I would support any bill that protects society from those that pose a threat to our families, neighbors, communities, city, and state."
More:Kentucky voters to decide if legislature can call own special sessions. What to know
33rd District
Jason Nemes (Republican)
Age: 44
Occupation: State representative; attorney
Contact info: Jasonnemesky.com
Kate Turner (Democrat)
Age: 34
Occupation: Civil engineer
Contact info: www.kateforkentucky.com
If Kentucky’s near-total ban on abortion remains in place next year, would you support legislation allowing exemptions in the law for pregnancies caused by rape or incest?
Nemes: "Yes, our current law should include a rape/incest exception, as it does for the life of the mother. Also, a few sessions ago I sponsored an amendment allowing a procedure when a fetus is incompatible with life outside the womb so the mother does not have to carry a baby to term who will not live once it is born."
Turner: "I would support legislation allowing exemptions for pregnancies caused by rape or incest. I am an unapologetically pro-choice candidate. I firmly believe the choice on when and how to become a parent should be left up to individual citizens and their doctors. Politicians have no place in the decision on when a patient should have access to any reproductive care, including abortion."
Are you in favor of legalizing and regulating either medical marijuana or recreational marijuana, and why?
Nemes: "Yes, I support legalizing medicinal cannabis and I am the primary sponsor of that bill (HB 136), which I have been able to get passed in the House of Representatives twice now. I will continue to work with the Senate to legalize medicinal cannabis so people who it will help can get access to a safe product that has been grown and tested in the Commonwealth of Kentucky."
Turner: "I am in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana and regulating it similar to alcohol. Currently the Commonwealth is losing out on the economic opportunity to tax marijuana for recreational use. I also believe there are significant benefits to allowing access to marijuana to the public, including curbing opioid abuse."
Would you support a “red flag” law allowing judges to order the temporary removal of firearms from a person deemed to be a danger to themselves or others?
Nemes: "Kentucky law already allows a court to restrict one’s ability to possess firearms if they have been charged with a crime or upon a finding that the person is a danger to himself or others. The difference between current law and 'red flag' laws is that current law allows citizens due process rights to be notified of the hearing and to defend themselves. Without that, any law would be unconstitutional."
Turner: "Yes, I would support red flag laws. Nearly 70% of gun deaths in Kentucky are suicide. Firearms are one of the leading causes of death for children in Kentucky, and the Commonwealth ranks as one of the worst states for domestic violence in the country. I believe that if someone is deemed a danger to themselves or others, a judge should be able to temporarily order the removal of firearms from that person."
More:On Election Day, you'll decide whether to ban abortion in Kentucky. Here's what to know
37th District
Emily Callaway (Republican)
No information submitted.
Jeff Donohue (Democrat)
Age: 68
Occupation: State representative, Retired UAW Local 862 Local Negotiator
Contact info: Elect Jeff Donohue on Facebook or 502-439-6175
If Kentucky’s near-total ban on abortion remains in place next year, would you support legislation allowing exemptions in the law for pregnancies caused by rape or incest?
Donohue: Yes.
Are you in favor of legalizing and regulating either medical marijuana or recreational marijuana, and why?
Donohue: "I support Medical Marijuana. It's overdue and the right thing to do."
Would you support a “red flag” law allowing judges to order the temporary removal of firearms from a person deemed to be a danger to themselves or others?
Donohue: "Yes - I support all forms of education, training and gun safety precaution."
38th District
Charles Breitenbach (Republican)
No Information submitted.
Rachel Roarx (Democrat)
Age: 25
Occupation: Legislative aide, Metro Council District 21 Office of Councilwoman Nicole George
Contact info: rachelroarx.com and email is contact@rachelroarx.com … find me on Facebook @rachelroarxdistrict38
If Kentucky’s near-total ban on abortion remains in place next year, would you support legislation allowing exemptions in the law for pregnancies caused by rape or incest?
Roarx: "I would support legislation allowing exemptions in the law for pregnancies caused by rape or incest. I am a strong supporter of reproductive choice and inclusive access to healthcare. I trust women to make decisions about their bodies and family plan. I encourage Kentuckians to Vote No on Amendment 2 on their ballots."
Are you in favor of legalizing and regulating either medical marijuana or recreational marijuana, and why?
Roarx: "I am in favor of legalizing and regulating both medical marijuana and recreational marijuana. Many Kentuckians who struggle daily with various medical ailments that would benefit by being able to access and use medical marijuana or medical cannabis. Constituents support legalization for recreational use as well and would like to see that type of revenue for Kentucky farmers and the State."
Would you support a “red flag” law allowing judges to order the temporary removal of firearms from a person deemed to be a danger to themselves or others?
Roarx: "I would support a 'red flag' allowing judges to order the temporary removal of firearms from a person deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. This is common sense gun policy for the community."
41st District
Carrie Sanders McKeehan (Republican)
No information submitted.
Josie Raymond (Democrat)
Age: 37
Occupation: Educator
Contact info: www.josieraymond.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @repjosieraymond, info@josieraymond.com
If Kentucky’s near-total ban on abortion remains in place next year, would you support legislation allowing exemptions in the law for pregnancies caused by rape or incest?
Raymond: "I would vote to loosen the extreme Republican abortion ban, but allowing women and children who have been raped to reclaim ownership over their bodies is the floor, not the ceiling. The fact that they are not considering exceptions for fetal anomalies shows their cruelty and ignorance of how common complications are. In the legislature over the last four years, I have voted against every single abortion restriction."
Are you in favor of legalizing and regulating either medical marijuana or recreational marijuana, and why?
Raymond: "Yes, I have cosponsored the medical marijuana bill for years. We need to provide relief for folks struggling with seizures, PTSD, anxiety, and more. I would like to see the legislature hold robust hearings on adult use of marijuana after the swift passage of medical. I'm drawn to the immense tax revenue and end to racial sentencing disparities but I have concerns about use in young people, secondhand smoke, and impairment on our roads."
Would you support a “red flag” law allowing judges to order the temporary removal of firearms from a person deemed to be a danger to themselves or others?
Raymond: "Yes, because often there are clear red flags. I introduced a red flag bill after Black shoppers were racially-targeted and assassinated at Kroger in my district and continue to advocate for its adoption or an 'extreme risk protection order.' These laws are proven - including in Indiana - to reduce shootings, particularly suicides. More guns equal more gun deaths and I support any measure to protect our veterans, neighbors, and school children from getting shot."
46th District
Al Gentry (Democrat)
Age: 58
Occupation: State representative, entrepreneur and small business owner
Contact info: AlGentry.com
Ginny Mulvey-Woolridge (Republican)
No information submitted.
If Kentucky’s near-total ban on abortion remains in place next year, would you support legislation allowing exemptions in the law for pregnancies caused by rape or incest?
Gentry: "Yes, a mother should not be forced to carry a fetus conceived beyond her will, as in the case of rape or incest."
Are you in favor of legalizing and regulating either medical marijuana or recreational marijuana, and why?
Gentry: "I have been a primary sponsor of medical marijuana legislation since I was elected to serve back in 2016. Whether marijuana provides medicinal value to many suffering patients across this country is no longer a question, which is why ¾ of our states have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes. The real question that should be debated in Kentucky in regards to marijuana should be recreational legalization. Nineteen states have done so, and hearings should be had to discuss the pros and cons these states have experienced since they’ve legalized for recreational use."
Would you support a “red flag” law allowing judges to order the temporary removal of firearms from a person deemed to be a danger to themselves or others?
Gentry: "Yes I would support red flag legislation if properly written. As a strong proponent of the Constitution, I will continue to protect people’s rights, including the 2nd Amendment, which gives us the right to bear arms. However, that right assumes responsible use by citizens who are mentally stable. Our judicial system should be given the ability to temporarily remove firearms from mentally unstable people deemed to be a danger to themselves and/or others."
For subscribers:Shepherd-Bilby: How money, politics could change the face of Kentucky judicial races
48th District
Ken Fleming (Republican)
Age: 61
Occupation: State representative; executive director of Kilgore Samaritan Counseling Center
Contact info: www.Flemingforkentucky.com, flemingforkentucky@gmail.com
Maria Sorolis (Democrat)
Age: 61
Occupation: Attorney
Contact info: mariasorolisforkentucky.com, https://www.facebook.com/Sorolis4Kentucky, Twitter: @sorolismn
If Kentucky’s near-total ban on abortion remains in place next year, would you support legislation allowing exemptions in the law for pregnancies caused by rape or incest?
Fleming: "As the father of two daughters, I can understand, empathize and know that abortion is tragic and life altering. I support exceptions for life-saving measures for the mother and in cases involving rape/incest. While I was not in office when the 2019 trigger law passed, the bill I voted for this spring would have provided for these circumstances. Every family, regardless of circumstances, should have access to quality health care and prevent abuse and neglect."
Sorolis: "Absolutely."
Are you in favor of legalizing and regulating either medical marijuana or recreational marijuana, and why?
Fleming: "I co-sponsored legalizing medical cannabis as an alternative treatment plan to illness which is under strict orders and oversight by a physician. In running a mental health agency, this alternative treatment can also help counteract mental health wellness symptoms such as anxiety that people suffer."
Sorolis: "Medical - yes. Otherwise, I'd like regulation on dispensary locations and assurances that distribution licenses was equitable."
Would you support a “red flag” law allowing judges to order the temporary removal of firearms from a person deemed to be a danger to themselves or others?
Fleming: "The 2nd Amendment protects citizens the right to bear arms which we must uphold; and in my experience in running a mental health agency, we must be conscious of 'deeming' someone is a danger to themselves or others. Society fails the mental health wellness community by failing to recognize warning signs. In considering legislation, it must be carefully and clearly written to ensure strict judicial process and oversight are followed while saving lives."
Sorolis: "I support the concept but have due process concerns and would need protections that it would be used sparingly."
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky election 2022: State House candidates on abortion, marijuana
