With the general election scheduled for Nov. 8, The Jessamine Journal finishes its two-week profile on the many candidates. This week, using information form the candiate’s websites, The Journal will profile the races for agriculture commissioner and attorney general.
Kentucky agriculture commissioner
James “Jamie” Comer, Republican
Background:
James “Jamie” Comer was born and raised in Tompkinsville. He graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree in agriculture and a minor in government. While at WKU, he received the prestigous Chicago Mercantile Exchange Scholarship — given annually to the top four college agriculture students in the nation. Upon graduation from WKU in 1993, Comer returned home to work with his father and brother on the family farming operation — Comer Land & Cattle Co. He also started James Comer, Jr. Farms, his own farming operation that consists of 950 acres of commercial beef cattle, managed timber, and mixed hay. In 2000, he was elected to serve as state representative, serving Cumberland, Green, Metcalfe and Monroe counties. Comer is married to Tamara Jo Comer. They have three children, including one born just weeks ago, and are members of the First Baptist Church of Tompkinsville.
Issues:
According to his website, Comer:
• opposes government-run health care and government bailouts.
• will protect and preserve agriculture's 50-percent share of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.
• works closely with UK Cooperative Extension Service.
• plans to create and expand markets for Kentucky's agricultural products.
• will work to enhance rural economic development.
• will work to expand Kentucky's fledgling bio-fuels industry.
• will work to add value to Kentucky's existing farm products and producers.
• will develop support programs to help young farmers succeed.
• will support agriculture development programs for students, including support for 4-H, Future Farmers of America and related programs.
For more information on Comer, visit www.jamescomer.com.
Robert Farmer, Democrat
Background:
Robert Farmer graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1972. He started a marketing firm in 1982 and prior to that, he served as marketing director for a Kentucky regional bank. This is Farmer’s first run for public office. According to his website, he does not want to use this office as a stepping stone to run for another office. He has been married for more than 40 years and has two sons. He and his family are members of Westport Baptist Church.
Issues:
According to his website, Farmer has seven key areas of empahsis. They are:
• Agri-economic development — Bringing new ag-related businesses and jobs into the state.
• Biomass development — being on the forefront of the alternative-fuels industry.
• Continue Kentucky Proud — with a professional marketing emphasis.
• Defend food and family safety — protect our families from Republican budget cuts.
• Equine industry enhancement — all breeds.
• Further ag education — at every level and opportunity.
• Go green and organic — promote wherever possible.
For more information on Farmer, visit www.farmerforkentucky.com.
Kentucky Attorney General
Jack Conway, Democrat, incumbent
Background:
Jack Conway is the oldest of four children and is a graduate of St. Xavier High School. He holds an undergraduate degree in public policy from Duke University. While in college, he studied at Cambridge University in England. He graduated with honors from the National Law Center at George Washington University. He was elected the 49th attorney general of Kentucky in November 2007 and took office in January 2008.
Conway is married to Elizabeth Davenport Conway. He and Elizabeth are the proud parents of two daughters, Eva and Alex.
Issues:
According to his website, some of Conway’s platform items include:
• Tackling Internet crime — Since creating the Cybercrimes Unit in 2008 and leading the passage of House Bill 315 — which updated Kentucky’s laws in order to fight Internet crime — the Office of Attorney General (OAG) has seized more than 200,000 child pornographic images off the Internet, made 33 arrests, processed 2,688 hard drives, launched 188 investigations, and conducted more than 100 Internet safety programs across Kentucky.
• Protecting Kentucky families — Since being elected, the office of OAG has charged 55 individuals with elder abuse and neglect.
• Cracking down on drugs — Conway received the “Soaring Eagle” award from Operation Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education (UNITE) for his efforts to fight prescription-drug abuse.
• Taking on special interests — Conway has fined oil companies who’ve gouged taxpayers at the pump.
For more information on Conway, visit www.jackconway.org.
Todd P’Pool, Republican
Background:
Todd P’Pool was born and raised in Madisonville. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Kentucky College of Business and Economics and graduated from UK College of Law. Since 2006, he has served as the county attorney for Hopkins County. P’Pool has been married to his wife, Shannon, for 18 years. They have three daughters and reside in Madisonville.
Issues:
According to his website, some of P’Pool’s platform items include:
• Fighting Obamacare — In his first month as attorney general, P’Pool said he will see that Kentucky reports for duty in the fight against Obamacare. This reckless piece of legislation threatens the future of our health-care system and jobs in the commonwealth.
• Stand up for Kentucky coal — P’Pool said he will push back against the EPA to ensure Kentucky coal remains strong. If the Obama administration has its way with the coal industry, it will crush Kentucky’s economy and put thousands out of work.
• Getting tough on drugs — P’Pool plans to be an advocate for law enforcement and prosecutors on the front lines of the battle against drugs.
• Prosecuting criminals/fighting corruption — P’Pool is on the record prosecuting and convicting elected officials who have misused their authority and violated the trust of the people they serve.
For more information on P’Pool, visit www.toddppool.com.
