Cameron visits London on last swing of gubernatorial campaign

Nov. 1—Exactly one week before voters cast their ballots for the Kentucky Governor's race, Republican candidate Daniel Cameron made a stop in London on Tuesday.

Introduced by Congressman Hal Rogers, the crowd cheered as Cameron took the stage.

Cameron said the future of the state is at stake in Tuesday's election.

"I'm delighted to be on a ticket of candidates for statewide office that make up the most well qualified Republican slate we've ever had in the Commonwealth," he said.

He touted all the candidates present — Mark Metcalf for Treasurer, Allison Ball for Auditor and Shell for Commissioner of Agriculture — as dedicated public servants. He mentioned that with Tuesday being Halloween, there were going to be some scary costumes out that night.

"We know it's Halloween and there's going to be some scary costumes tonight. But I think the scariest thing is to give Andy Beshear four more years," he said as the crowd burst into applause. "And I've got news for everybody — on Nov. 7 we are going to retire Andy Beshear!"

Cameron said he had traveled over the state in the past few days and came to a conclusion.

"What's interesting is that we no longer see this as a race about Republican versus Democrat or Republican versus Independent. Ladies and gentleman, this is a race about crazy versus normal."

"It is crazy to have a governor who would openly endorse Joe Biden. It is crazy to have a governor who would shut down small businesses or shut down your schools or shut down your churches," he continued. "It's crazy to have a governor who would let 2,000 criminals out of jail. And 50 percent of them would re-commit felony offenses, making our communities unsafe and law enforcement's job more difficult. But let me tell you, when I'm Governor, we're going to stand up for our law enforcement community. We're always going to back the blue!"

Cameron also mentioned the controversy regarding allowing transgender students playing girls' sports. He assured the crowd that he would protect girls from interacting with biological males in sports. He added that he would protect the children from life-altering transgender procedures.

"We are going to make sure that here in Kentucky everyone knows that our values mean something, that everyone knows that we care and we're doing this because it's about our kids and grandkids. We want to make sure that they are in the best position to succeed," he said.

He also said that all people should support the teachers in our public education systems because that ensures that the children of Kentucky receive the best possible education.

"We can make sure that we take care of our teachers and make sure that our education system is world class," he added. "An education system that gets back to the basics — reading, writing and math — and isn't an incubator for liberal and progressive ideas. This is a campaign about the future. It's about boldly proclaiming that you and I are ready and willing to make sure that we preserve for future generations ideals that have propelled this nation forward since its very inception — those ideals being faith, family and community. That's what this race is about. It's about making sure that our kids, our grandkids can say in 10, 20, 30 years from now that this Commonwealth is a shining city on the hill, a model and an example for the rest of the nation to follow."

Also addressing the crowd gathering at H.T. Warehousing on Tuesday were Senate President Robert Stivers, State Representative Derek Lewis and Congressman Rogers with his wife Cynthia.

All candidates emphasized the need for Kentuckians to vote next Tuesday, and to encourage their friends, family and neighbors to do the same.

"If you win Laurel County, you've won everything," Metcalf said, as he praised Ball, Shell and Rogers.

Ball said she had been a good steward of the state's money over her time as State Treasurer and would continue to do so as State Auditor. She urged those in attendance to not only vote themselves, but to encourage their friends and neighbors to vote as well.

"We need you to share," she said. "Tuesday is only a week away. My next job, other than firing you up, is to introduce Senator Robert Stivers."

Stivers said the Republican slate of candidates was "one of the strongest I've ever seen."

"I'm going to say this about the history of Laurel County, Jackson County, Knox, Whitley and Clay — this is where the race will be won or lost," he said. "If 5,000 Republicans come out and vote, it's going to be a long day. If 7,500 Republicans come out, it's going to be a day that we win."

Rogers said Laurel County is a Republican stronghold and had influence over the entire state turnout.

"I hope that you will canvas your neighbors, your church, your schools, wherever people gather because this is an important time for the state of Kentucky," the congressman said. "We have the chance to elect this man (Cameron) and restoring conservative government in Frankfort.

"Dan is a great speaker, but he speaks from wisdom and he's prepared to take on the tough source in Frankfort and Heaven knows we need a conservative government," Rogers said. "So, are you willing to canvas your neighborhood and your churches because we have a chance to elect this great man as the Governor of our state. He'll make us proud because he's accomplished a lot. He's Mr. Right — the conservative right."