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We have exit polls!
As a result of a collaboration across multiple universities and multiple counties, we have actual exit polls for last week’s guv race! The data is presented in both table form and in graphs, and is pretty interesting. Read the story and view the data to become your own political pundit! (Forward Kentucky)
Bevin administration again ordered to release Braidy records
Gov. Matt Bevin’s administration has again been ordered to release records about Braidy Industries, which is partly owned by the state and plans to build an aluminum mill in Kentucky. The Lexington Herald-Leader reports Franklin County Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd said in a ruling released Tuesday that he reviewed documents submitted by the Cabinet for Economic Development and found four that are within the scope of the Open Records Act and should be released with only minor redactions. (Herald-Leader)
Beshear announces transition website, Bevin awaits recanvass
As a recanvass requested by Republican Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin approaches, Democrat Andy Beshear continues to move forward with his plans to take over the governor’s office. Beshear, the state’s attorney general, unveiled a website Tuesday for the transition, and people can go there to apply to work in the administration. (Herald-Leader)
Charles Booker on possibly challenging Mitch McConnell: ‘Goliath underestimated David’
Speaking to a crowd of roughly 100 people at Port Shaw Community Center, Booker said his exploratory committee is about listening to citizens. (Courier-Journal)
Related: Rep. Charles Booker’s launch event (video) – Here is the video from today’s launch event for Rep. Charles Booker’s exploratory committee. Good crowd, good speeches, and good stuff from Booker. Enjoy! (Forward Kentucky)
‘We’re Down to the Bone’: Kentucky’s Higher Ed Agency Calls for More State Spending
After a decade of decline that has resulted in a 21 percent cut in state spending on public colleges and universities, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education is asking lawmakers to reinvest in higher education next year. “We’re asking for meat and potatoes here,” Thompson told the Daily News. “We’re not asking for dessert.”
According to the CPE, the total operating funds request amounts to a 6.2 percent increase in the first year and an 8.8 percent increase in the second year.
The second part of the CPE’s state funding request aims to chip away at a $7 billion need for campus maintenance. The request calls for $400 million in state bonds matched with $200 million of campus funds. (Bowling Green Daily News)