Kentucky voter's guide 2023: Russell Coleman, Pamela Stevenson vie to be attorney general

Two political hopefuls with close Louisville ties are vying to become Kentucky's next attorney general.

Democratic nominee Pamela Stevenson – a resident of Louisville and current representative for Kentucky's 43rd district – and Republican Russell Coleman – a partner at law firm Frost Brown Todd's Louisville office – have been locked in a heated race.

The attorney general is the chief law enforcement officer and legal adviser for Kentucky. The holder of this office is expected to represent state agencies in court as well as represent the public interest of their state.

Whoever is elected will serve the statewide office for a four-year term.

Kentucky voter guides: Here's who's running in all of the races

Here's each candidate's background as well as their answers to several policy questions involving the office:

Russell Coleman

Party: Republican

Age: 47

Where do you live? Oldham County

Current job: Partner at Frost Brown Todd Law Firm

Previous elected offices: None

Education: University of Kentucky, law degree

Campaign contact information: info@RCforAG.com

Kentucky currently has two laws that ban nearly all abortions in the state. Do you believe any parts of these laws violate provisions of the Kentucky Constitution, such as the right to privacy or religious freedom?

As Attorney General, I would defend the pro-life laws as passed by the General Assembly. After listening to prosecutors, crime victims and my family, I believe the law should be amended to include exceptions for rape and incest in addition to the existing exception for life and health of the mother.

What does it mean to me to be 100% pro-life? Limit abortions and protect victims of rape and incest. That’s my definition. It’s a mainstream position consistent with my faith that I believe most Kentuckians share. I will be an attorney general who is both pro-life and pro-victim because part of being pro-life is being compassionate to crime victims.

During the Bevin administration, Kentucky had a Medicaid waiver adding work requirements approved, only to later be blocked by a federal judge and rescinded by Gov. Beshear. Should a future governor revive the same waiver, or a substantially similar one, would you defend it against potential challenges in federal court?

I have been clear about my priorities as attorney general: I will put violent criminals and drug traffickers behind bars and protect Kentucky families from the reckless Biden administration. I think able-bodied people should work or contribute to society, but I can’t comment on a legal matter with text that doesn’t yet exist. I believe in a culture of work, not a culture of welfare.

I’m the only candidate in this race who actually has a Kentucky law license.

Would you support a law to eliminate bans on concealed carry weapons in places like local government buildings, colleges and K-12 schools?

As attorney general, I will enforce the laws passed by the General Assembly that align with the Constitution. I will always defend the Constitution and the individual right of Kentuckians to keep and bear arms.

Would you support a new extreme risk “red flag” law to allow law enforcement or family members to petition for a court order to temporarily remove or restrict guns from those deemed a threat to themselves or others?

As attorney general, I will enforce the laws passed by the General Assembly that align with the Constitution. I will always defend the Constitution and the individual right of Kentuckians to keep and bear arms. My opponent would undermine Kentuckians’ constitutional rights.

Would you support a constitutional amendment allowing defendants (in non-capital murder cases) to be detained without bail if there is evidence that they are a danger to the community? If such an amendment is passed, would you support the elimination of cash bail?

My position is simple: I believe that violent criminals belong in jail, and I’ve spent much of my career putting them there. When I served as U.S. attorney for the Western District, I brought every local, state and federal law enforcement agency together to take criminals off the streets and put them behind bars where they belong. That’s exactly what I’ll do again as attorney general. My opponent tried to change state law to leave our law enforcement officers vulnerable to violent protestors. (HB 246) I strongly disagree with that point of view. I’m for the cops.

Pamela Stevenson

Party: Democrat

Age: 64

Where do you live? Louisville

Current job: Nonprofit attorney, Kentucky state representative

Previous elected offices: Current State Representative for the 43^rd district of Kentucky

Education: Indiana University, law degree

Campaign contact information: info@pamforag.com

Kentucky currently has two laws that ban nearly all abortions in the state. Do you believe any parts of these laws violate provisions of the Kentucky Constitution, such as the right to privacy or religious freedom?

As attorney general I act as the chief law enforcement officer for the state. In my analysis of these laws, I believe they do violate the constitutional right to privacy and freedom of religion. However, I do have a prosecutor’s discretion and I will not use this office for politically motivated lawsuits that harm Kentuckians. I will not prosecute doctors or patients and I will not follow in my predecessor’s footsteps of seeking to violate the privacy each Kentuckian deserves.

During the Bevin administration, Kentucky had a Medicaid waiver adding work requirements approved, only to later be blocked by a federal judge and rescinded by Gov. Beshear. Should a future governor revive the same waiver, or a substantially similar one, would you defend it against potential challenges in federal court?

This waiver was blocked for a reason. I will not pursue policies that are politically motivated; instead I will return the Attorney General’s Office back to the people and take actions that help move Kentucky forward, not leave Kentuckians behind."

Would you support a law to eliminate bans on concealed carry weapons in places like local government buildings, colleges and K-12 schools?

Our focus always (is) keeping our children and public servants safe. Any change in the current law would need to originate in the state legislature. As attorney general I will enforce the current bans that stand.

Would you support a new extreme risk “red flag” law to allow law enforcement or family members to petition for a court order to temporarily remove or restrict guns from those deemed a threat to themselves or others?

Again, that would need to originate in the state legislature but our communities are safest when law enforcement has the support, training and funding to handle complex situations. There is a great need for more mental health resources and training around how to handle people who are having a crisis that could endanger themselves or others. I will strive to fully fund and train our law enforcement professionals and make sure I work cooperatively with local law enforcement to get them the support they need from Frankfort.

Would you support a constitutional amendment allowing defendants (in non-capital murder cases) to be detained without bail if there is evidence that they are a danger to the community? If such an amendment is passed, would you support the elimination of cash bail?

My job as AG is to keep Kentuckians safe, and non-capital murder is a serious offense. I do not support allowing those accused of murder to be able to be out on bail prior to trial. As attorney general, my office would need to review any constitutional amendment for its compliance with our state's laws. We must examine every possible option to protect Kentuckians while also protecting the constitutional rights of the accused. The cash bail system does not keep our communities safer; it just creates an unfair bias in our justice system. I would support the elimination of a cash bail system and help to establish a more fair and just system that also keeps Kentuckians safe.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky elections: Stevenson, Coleman candidates for attorney general