Washington Post: Opinion One of America’s most popular politicians is a Democrat — in Kentucky
By PERRY BACON Jr.
LOUISVILLE — The great, surprising news is that a fairly progressive Democrat is thriving politically in one of America’s most conservative states. The unfortunate news is that his formula for success probably isn’t replicable for Democrats running for president, in other red states or even here in Kentucky.
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When Andy Beshear was elected governor of Kentucky in 2019, it looked like a fluke. Incumbent Republican Matt Bevin had annoyed just about everyone with his arrogant, autocratic style. Even then, Beshear won by just 0.4 percent. It seemed likely that the state’s voters would quickly turn against the Democrat.