[♪♪] GOOD EVENING.

WELCOME TO KENTUCKY TONIGHT.

I'M RENEE SHAW.

THANKS FOR JOINING US.

TONIGHT, WE CONTINUE OUR CONVERSATIONS WITH CANDIDATES RUNNING IN THE NOVEMBER SEVENTH GENERAL ELECTION.

LATER, A CONVERSATION ABOUT THE RACE FOR COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE.

FIRST, THE CANDIDATES FOR SECRETARY OF STATE.

WE ARE JOINED IN OUR LEXINGTON STUDIO BY THE REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT, MICHAEL ADAMS, AND HIS DEMOCRATIC CHALLENGER, CHARLES WHEATLEY.

SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS BY X — FORMERLY TWITTER -- AT K-Y TONIGHT K-E-T.

SEND AN EMAIL TO K-Y TONIGHT AT K-E-T DOT O-R-G. OR USE THE WEB FORM AT K-E-T DOT O-R-G SLASH K-Y TONIGHT.

OR YOU CAN CALL 1-800-494-7605.

WELCOME TO OUR CANDIDATES.

WE APPRECIATE YOU BEING HERE.

YOU ARE BOTH FAMILIAR TO OUR AUDIENCES I THINK BUT WE WILL ALLOW Mr. SECRETARY TO GO FIRST TO GIVE REMARKS ABOUT WHY YOU ARE SEEKING A SECOND TERM AND YOUR BACKGROUND.

>> WELL, I'M RUNNING TO PROTECT OUR ELECTIONS.

THE LAST FOUR YEARS WE HAVE HAD MORE ELECTION REFORM BECAUSE OF MY LEADERSHIP IN THE PRIOR 200 YEARS WHEN Mr. WHEATLEY'S PARTY RAN THE GOVERNMENT WE HAD ONE DAY TO GO VOTE.

I WANT TO PROTECT OUR GAINS ALL WE'VE DONE TO EXPAND ACCESS FOR OUR PEOPLE AND ALL THE THINGS WE'VE DONE TO IMPROVE SECURITY AS WELL.

>> Renee: Mr. WHEATLEY.

I'M BUDDY WHEATLEY.

I AM A RETIRED FIREFIGHTER FROM COVINGTON WHERE I WAS CHIEF FOR FOUR YEARS.

I HAVE BEEN IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR TWO YEARS.

I AM VERY FAMILIAR WITH PUBLIC SERVICE THAT IS WHY I'M RUNNING FOR SECRETARY OF STATE.

WHEN YOU ARE A FIREFIGHTER, WHEN THE ALARM SOUNDS YOU GO TOWARDS THE EMERGENCY AND RIGHT NOW ALARMS ARE OWNDING HOW MIKE PIKE HAS RUN OUR ELECTIONS N2022 WE HAD THE LOWEST VOTER TURNOUT IN 30 YEARS.

HUNDREDS OF POLLING LOCATIONS WERE REMOVED.

FOLKS THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU HAVE A SECRETARY OF STATE WHO TREATS THE OFFICE AS PART-TIME WHILE HE IS WORKING HIS SIDE JOB FOR ELECTION DENIERS.

WHO ARE HIS CLIENTS OUTSIDE OF THE STATE?

HOW MANY HOURS IS HE WORKING FOR THEM INSTEAD OF KENTUCKIANS?

HE WON'T ANSWER THAT.

BUT HERE'S WHAT WE DO KNOW.

IT WILL TAKE A FULL-TIME SECRETARY OF STATE TO KEEP OUR POLLS OPEN UNTIL 7:00 P.M. TO GIVE KENTUCKY VOTERS TWO FULL WEEKS OF EARLY VOTING TO ALLOW OUR INDEPENDENTS TO VOTE IN OUR ELECTIONS.

I WILL WORK ACROSS THE AISLE AND WITH GOVERNOR BESHEAR TO GET THINGS DONE AS SECRETARY OF STATE.

>> Renee: SO Mr. SECRETARY I WANT TO BEGIN WITH ALLEGATIONS WE HEARD Mr. WHEATLEY ENUNCIATE ABOUT YOU HAVING A PART-TIME GIG AND NOT BEING A FULL-TIME SECRETARY OF STATE.

THERE WAS A REPORT THAT CAME OUT THAT YOU USED PUBLIC FUNDS TO PAY BAR ASSOCIATION DUES.

PLEASE ANSWER THOSE ALLEGATIONS.

>> Mr. WHEATLEY HAS NOT SPENT THIS MUCH TIME IN THE GUTTER AS HE DID WITH WHEN HE CRASHED HIS VEHICLE IN A DITCH.

IT WAS PUT OUT BY THE DEMOCRATS.

IT WAS NOT AN ACTUAL REPORT THEY QUOTED AN LAWYER THE LAWYER FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND DIDN'T CITE THAT IN THE REPORT.

ONE OF THE PROBLEMS WE HAVE IN POLITICS IS FAKE NEWS WHERE PEOPLE SETUP A WEBSITE AND PRETEND TO BE JOURNALISTS AND THEY CONFUSE GULL LIB PEOPLE.

>> .

>> Renee: IT'S NOT TRUE?

>> I SAID AND WHAT I SAY NOW MY OFFICE DOES PAY FOR DUES FOR LAWYERS WHO PRACTICE IN OUR OFFICE, TRUE OF ME AND MY GENERAL COUNSEL AND MY DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL.

WE HAVE ACHIEVED COST SAVINGS BY INSOURCING OUR LEGAL WORK.

I BRIEFCASES, AND I ARGUE CASES ON BEHALF OF THE OFFICE PRO BONO AND THE STATE PAYS FOR THE BAR DUES.

I'M THE FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE TO REMOVE OUR OFFICE FROM THE TAXPAYER DOLL.

WE DON'T TAKE TAXPAYER DOLLARS WE RUN THE SURPLUS BASED ON THE FEES WE ASSESS, $15 A YEAR TO RUN AN BUSINESS IN KENTUCKY WE TURN MONEY BACK OVER TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO PAY FOR EDUCATION AND ROADS AND BRIDGES.

>> Renee: Mr. WHEATLEY YOU HEARD THE SECRETARY'S EXPLANATION YOUR RESPONSE?

>> WELL, YOU KNOW THE BAR DUES BEING PAID BY THE SECRETARY HE DOES DO OUTSIDE WORK OUTSIDE OF THE STATE THAT IS WHERE MY CONCERN IS.

AND THERE IS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WHEN HE IS WORKING FOR CANDIDATES OUTSIDE THE STATE OR WORKING FOR CLIENTS.

AND SOME OF THE WORST POLITICAL PEOPLE WE'VE HAD IN THE COUNTRY SOME OF HIS CLIENTS OUTSIDE OF THE STATE.

HOW MUCH TIME IS HE DOING?

WHAT DOLLARS DOES HE MAKE AND HE FUNDS HIS CAMPAIGNS FROM HIS OWN FUNDS AND WHAT HE MAKES OFF OF ELECTION DENIERS.

THAT IS WHERE MORE OF MY CONCERN IS.

>> Renee: I DO WANT TO GO TO A POINT THAT SECRETARY ADAMS SAID A MOMENT AGO IN HIS RAPID FIRE RESPONSE THAT YOU DID HAVE A VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN A PUBLICLY OWNED VEHICLE WHERE YOU HAD BEEN DRINKING AND YOU DID CRASH THAT VEHICLE.

TELL US ABOUT THAT ON THE OUTCOME?

>> THIS IS AN INCIDENT THAT HAPPENED 15 YEARS AGO THAT MICHAEL ADAMS HAS BEEN MISLEADING PEOPLE ON FOR A WHILE.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT.

RAN OFF THE ROAD.

PAID FOR THE ACCIDENT.

TOOK RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT.

STAYED ON AS THE FIRE CHIEF.

WAS ELECTED TWO TERMS TO A STATE REPRESENTATIVE.

SO KENTUCKIANS ARE FAMILIAR WITH THIS.

THESE ARE THINGS THAT YOU BRING UP WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO DEFLECT FROM FAILINGS OF YOUR OWN OFFICE AND THAT IS WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH MICHAEL ADAMS HERE RELATED TO WHAT HE IS DOING OUTSIDE OF HIS OUTSIDE WORK AS THE ATTORNEY FOR ELECTION DENIERS.

>> Renee: BOTH OF THE SITUATIONS THAT YOU GENTLEMEN BROUGHT UP TONIGHT MIGHT RAISE QUESTION IN KENTUCKY VOTERS MINDS ABOUT THE INTEGRITY OF THE MEN THIS EVENING.

WHY SHOULD KENTUCKY VOTERS TAXPAYERS TRUST YOU AS A SECOND TERM KENTUCKY SECRETARY OF STATE?

>> DON'T TAKE IT FROM ME TAKE IT FROM ANDY BESHEAR HE PRAISED MY INTEGRITY AND MY PERFORMANCE IN THIS OFFICE.

I'VE GOT ABOUT A NUMBER OF TEXTS FROM Mr. WHEATLEY FROM HIS COLLEAGUES IN THE HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS PRAISING MY INTEGRITY AND PRAISING THE JOB I'VE DONE IN THIS OFFICE.

I'VE CLEANED UP HORRIFIC SCANDALS I INHERITED WHEN HIS CRONIES RAN THIS OFFICE THEY DREW IT INTO THE DITCH.

BAGS OF CASH STUFFED FROM MOVIES.

SHE GOT POPPED TWICE BY THE ETHICS CONDITION THAT ANDY BESHEAR APPOINTED FOR MISUSING HER OFFICE AND TAXPAYER RESOURCES TO HELP DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

THIS IS WHAT THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY BROUGHT TO THIS OFFICE BEFORE I TOOK OVER AND RESTORED INTEGRITY.

I WANT TO RESPOND TO FALSE THINGS.

I DON'T REPRESENT ANY QUOTE ELECTION DENIERS.

THAT IS FALSE.

>> I DON'T KNOW WHO HE IS TALKING ABOUT.

I'M TALKING RIGHT NOW.

HE THANKED ME IN A TEXT FOR STANDING UP TO THE PEOPLE.

I WILL READ IT TO YOU AND YOUR VIEWERS.

IT'S FALSE AND SOMETHING WE AGREE ON, THOUGH, IS THAT THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH HAVING AN OUTSIDE PRACTICE WHEN YOU ARE IN THE GOVERNMENT AS LONG AS YOU FOLLOW THE ETHICS LAW.

YOU HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT HE DON'T HAVE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST I DON'T HAVE KENTUCKY CLIENTS I DON'T PRACTICE IN KENTUCKY COURTS OTHER THAN ON BEHALF OF THE COMMONWEALTH.

>> THE QUESTION WAS ABOUT YOUR INTEGRITY AND I CAN SAY THIS.

I'VE SERVED TWO TERMS IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY I'M PROUD OF THE WORK I'VE DONE AND PROUD TO REPRESENT THE PEOPLE OF THE 65TH DISTRICT WHEN I DID.

I GOT INTO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY RUNNING ON ISSUES RELATED TO THE PEPPION SYSTEMS AND PROUD MY BIPARTISAN WORK ACROSS THE AISLE AND TO HELP CALM THAT SITUATION DOWN AND GIVE STABILITY TO OUR PENSION SYSTEMS.

AND THIS IS SOMETHING THAT YOU DON'T HEAR THE PHRASE PENSION CRISIS NEARLY AS MUCH AS YOU USED TO.

I KNOW THE VOTERS HAVE TRUST IN ME.

I THINK MY COLLEAGUES IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HAVE TRUST IN ME AND THE GOVERNOR WHO ASKED ME TO RUN FOR SECRETARY OF STATE HAS TRUST IN ME.

I THINK THERE'S PLENTY OUT THERE.

>> Renee: Mr. WHEATLEY WHEN YOU WERE STATE REPRESENTATIVE THERE WAS HOUSE BILL 574 THAT SECRETARY ADAMS AND OTHERS GOT ACROSS THE FINISH LINE THOUGH YOU HAD PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THAT MEASURE YOU DID VOTE FOR IT.

YOU AGREE WITH SECRETARY ADAMS ELECTION REFORM EFFORTS AS BEING A STEP FORWARD FOR KENTUCKY?

>> I DO, RENEE.

AND IT WAS A STEP FORWARD AND THERE WERE A LOT OF POSITIVE THINGS IN THAT BILL.

WHAT I BELIEVE IS WE MOVED A SMALL STEP FORWARD.

AND KENTUCKY DID STILL ONE OF THE HARDEST PLACES TO VOTE IN THE COUNTRY.

AND WE HAVE THE LOWEST VOTER TURNOUT IN THE COUNTRY.

AND THOSE ARE THINGS THAT ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE.

WE MOVED THAT BALL FORWARD A LITTLE BIT.

BUT WE NEED IT TO MOVE MILES.

I'M PROUD THAT I HAVE WORKED ON THESE ISSUES IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

AND THAT WE WERE ABLE TO PASS THESE ITEMS.

AND THE REASON THAT MICHAEL ADAMS CAN CLAIM THAT HE HAS BIPARTISAN PASSED THESE BILLS BIPARTISAN IS BECAUSE OF MY WORK AND MY CAUCUS.

>> Renee: AND THE GOVERNOR WORKED WITH HIM ON THE PANDEMIC RELIEF EFFORT FOR VOTING IN 2020, RIGHT?

GOVERNOR BESHEAR WORKED WITH SECRETARY ADAMS ON THE PANDEMIC RELIEF OR PANDEMIC EFFORTS TO ALLOW VOTING IN THE PRIMARY IN MAY OF 2020.

>> WE DID.

WE HAD THE PANDEMIC ELECTION WHICH WAS MUCH MORE OPEN AND OPEN ACCESS TO THE POLLS.

I WE WOULD CARRY ON THOSE ACCESS ISSUES INTO THE CURRENT ELECTIONS IS.

WE'VE REVERTED BACK TO OUR RESTRICTIVE WAYS AND YES WERE WE'VE MOVED THE BALL FORWARD BUT NOT ENOUGH.

>> Renee: DO YOU BELIEVE IT'S THE ROLE OF THE KENTUCKY STEAK TO INCREASE VOTER TURNOUT?

>> I DO.

I DO BELIEVE THAT STRONGLY ONE OF THE REASONS I'M RUNNING FOR SECRETARY OF STATE.

UNLIKE OUR CURRENT SECRETARY OF STATE WHO DOESN'T BELIEVE STATED ON THE RECORD HE DOESN'T BELIEVE THAT IS PART OF HIS JOB.

LOOK, WE HAVE THE TRUIST FORM OF GOVERNANCE WHEN WE HAVE THE HIGHEST VOTER TURNOUT.

DEMOCRACY DEPENDS ON VOTER TURNOUT.

LOW VOTER TURNOUT IS UNACCEPTABLE I SUPPORT THE SECRETARY OF STATE PUSHING VOTER TURNOUT AND I WILL DO THAT AS SECRETARY OF STATE.

>> SECRETARY OF STATE MICHAEL ADAMS, DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE THAT IT'S THE ROLE OF THE OFFICE YOU CURRENTLY OCCUPY TO HELP INCREASE VOTER TURNOUT?

>> MY PREDECESSORS NEVER DID ANYTHING NO DISRESPECT BUT THEY NEVER PUSHED LEGISLATION TO EXPAND ACCESS TO THE POLLS.

WHILE OTHER STATES IN OUR REGION AND OTHER STATES WITH OUR POLITICS ARE GOING BACKWARDS ON VOTING RIGHTS WE ARE GOING FORWARD.

BECAUSE OF THIS GUY AND HIS PARTY IN THE 1850s THEY TOOK AWAY EARLY VOTING DAYS THROUGH GEORGE WASHINGTON WE HAD FOUR DAYS TO VOTE AND AND THE DEMOCRATS TOOK OVER THEY TOOK IT AWAY FROM US.

NOW HE IS CALLING ME A VOTE SUPPRESSER SAYING I SLAMMED THE DOOR IN THE FACE OF VOTERS AT 6:00 P.M.

I DIDN'T WRITE THAT LAW.

THERE IS A CHASM BETWEEN WHAT I'VE ACCOMPLISHED A HECK OF A LOT THE REASON WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THIS BECAUSE OF ALL I'VE DONE TO DO TO LEAD TO THIS ISSUE.

HERE IS THE PROBLEM, IN THE REAL WORLD WHERE I HAVE TO GOVERN THERE ARE COSTS AND TRADE-OFFS AND BENEFITS.

WE FOUND IT WAS EASIER TO GET 24 MORE HOURS OF VOTING THREE MORE THREE DAYS OF 8-HOUR VOTING INCLUDING A SATURDAY WHICH IS A GAME-CHANGER FOR WORKING PEOPLE.

THE DEMOCRATS NEVER BELIEVED IN, EVER DID A THING TO DO.

I CAME INTO OFFICE AND I SHAMED THEM INTO IT AND WE GOT THIS PASSED.

AND NOW HE IS COMPLAINING WE DON'T HAVE ONE MORE HOUR ON THAT DAY.

IT'S HARD TO GET POLL WORKERS AND ESPECIALLY HARD IF YOU MAKE THAT DAY ONE HOUR LONGER.

THE CLERKS OPPOSED EARLY VOTING, I CAN SUPPORT THREE DAYS OF EARLY VOTING.

WE KILL OFF OUR POLL WORKERS.

>> DID THE COURT APPROVE TO EXTEND IT TO FIVE DAYS, TWO WEEKS?

>> THERE WAS A LOT OF SUPPORT.

>> Renee: THE CHIEF PROPOSED TO EXTEND EARLY VOTING TO TWO WEEKS.

>> I WAS PART OF THE HOUSE BILL 574 DISCUSSIONS BEHIND THE SCENES WORKING BIPARTISAN WAY TO MAKE THIS BILL AS MUCH OPEN ACCESS TO THE POLLS AS POSSIBLE.

AND WE HAD TWO FULL WEEKS IN THERE UNTIL THERE WAS A LITTLE BIT OF PRESSURE FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF MICHAEL ADAMS PARTY AND HE CAVED.

WE COULD HAVE HAD TWO FULL WEEKS IF WE WOULD HAVE STUCK STRONG AND I BELIEVE, LOOK, KENTUCKY HAS THREE EARLY VOTING DAYS.

THAT'S BETTER.

THE NATIONAL AVERAGE FOR VOTING DAYS IS 23 DAYS.

WE NEED TO MODERNIZE KENTUCKY'S ELECTIONS.

SO WE HAVE THE TWO FULL WEEKS.

THAT IS NOT THE ONLY THING WE NEED TO INCREASE VOTER TURNOUT BUT PART OF A RANGE OF PIECES OF LEGISLATION WE NEED TO GET PASSED TO INCREASE OUR VOTER TURNOUT.

>> Renee: WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU WORK FOR?

>> WE ALLOW OUR INDEPENDENTS TO VOTE IN OUR PRIMARIES.

MANY OF OUR VETERANS ARE INDEPENDENTS IT'S THE FASTEST GROWING VOTING BLOCK.

IT WILL LEAD TO LESS PARTISAN CANDIDATES TO EMERGE FROM OUR PRIMARIES.

I BELIEVE WE CAN HAVE SAME DAY VOTER REGISTRATION.

AND THAT'S SOMETHING THAT IS TECHNICALLY EASIER TO DO.

THERE ARE WAYS THAT WE CAN MAKE MORE ACCESS TO THE POLLS WHEN IT COMES TO WHO CAN -- WHO IS ON THE BOOKS AND WHO IS NOT ON THE BOOKS ON THE VOTING ROSTER AND I SAY THAT MICHAEL ADAMS SAID HE IS THINKING ABOUT PULLING US OUT OF THE ERIC VOTING SYSTEM, THE ERIC BIPARTISAN AGREEMENT THAT PROTECTS VOTER FRAUD.

I'M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THAT.

IT WILL LEAD CAN LEAD TO VOTER FRAUD AND MICHAEL ADAMS SAID HE IS WILLING TO PULL US OUT OF THERE.

>> Renee: I WANT TO COMMENT ON THAT.

>> THERE IS A LOT TO COMMENT ON.

>> Renee: AND WE'LL UNPACK OTHER THINGS.

LET'S START WITH THE ERIC SYSTEM.

>> I WILL START WITH THE FIVE THINGS HE TALKED ABOUT.

NUMBER ONE HE DID NOT PROPOSE A BILL OR AMENDMENT TO HAVE TWO WEEKS OF EARLY VOTING HE LIED TO YOU ABOUT THAT.

HE HAD AN AMENDMENT 3 THAT HAD FOUR DAYS OF VOTING EACH OF THE PRIOR TWO WEEKS NOT TWO FULL WEEKS OF VOTING.

Mr. WHEATLEY DID NOT PROPOSE MOST OF THE THINGS HE IS TALKING ABOUT TONIGHT.

HIS PARTY DIDN'T WIN WE CONVENED IN JANUARY FOR THIS SESSION.

THEY HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN HIS AGENDA, EITHER.

ALL THE THINGS HE IS TALKING ABOUT HE DOESN'T HAVE THE CONSCIOUS AND THE BELIEFS TO HAVE PROPOSED THESE IN THE LEGISLATURE AND IF HE DID THEY WOULD HAVE FAILED.

I'M NOT SURE HOW HE IS GOING TO BE MORE EFFECTIVE AS THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND PASS THE THINGS THAT HE DIDN'T BOTHER TO TRY TO PASS WHEN HE WAS IN THE LEGISLATURE.

>> Renee: ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF THE OPEN PRIMARIES?

>> THAT IS MY IDEA.

HE AND I AGREE ON I WE TRIED TO WORK TOGETHER BUT I THINK IT IS A GOOD IDEA.

>> Renee: IS IT BECAUSE OF PUSHBACK BY YOUR PARTY?

>> NEITHER PARTY WANTS TO OPEN THE PRIMARIES.

THE DEMOCRATS CREATED THE CLOSED PRIMARY SYSTEM AND POLLS CLOSING AT 6:00 P.M. AFTER ONE DAY.

ALL THE THINGS HE IS INDICTING HE IS INDICTING HIS OWN PARTY HIS OWN PEOPLE AND CAUCUS FOR THEIR FAILURE OF LEADERSHIP AND LACK OF MORALITY.

>> Renee: SAME DAY FOR SAME DAY REGISTRATION?

>> IT IS A TERRIBLE IDEA.

WHEN THE POLLS HAPPEN IF YOU HAVE PEOPLE REGISTERING YOU WILL INCREASE THE LINES THAT VOTERS HAVE.

OUR REGISTRATION IS OPEN 365 DAYS A YEAR UNTIL THE ELECTION STARTS THEN WE CLOSE IT FOR THAT.

BUT YOU HAVE TO HAVE PREREGISTRATION OTHERWISE YOU WILL HAVE PEOPLE RANDOMLY SHOWING UP.

>> AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION?

>> I DON'T THINK IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO AUTOMATICALLY PEOPLE TO REGISTER FOR WHAT THEY DON'T WANT.

ARE YOU IN THE GOVERNMENT SYSTEM, BUT THAT YOU TAKE PEOPLE WITHOUT THEIR CONSENT AND PUT THEM ON THE VOTER ROLLS AND THEY GET CALLED FOR JURY DUTY.

THEY ARE TOO FAR OUT.

>> Renee: LET ME ASK YOU ABOUT THE ERIC SYSTEM ARE YOU CONSIDERING REMOVING KENTUCKY FROM THAT SYSTEM AND WHAT IS THE POINT OF THAT SYSTEM FOR THE VIEWER TONIGHT.

>> HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE.

MY PREDECESSOR WAS SUED AND LOST BECAUSE SHE FAILED TO FOLLOW THE LAW THAT REQUIRES THE VOTER ROLLS TO BE KEPT UP-TO-DATE.

YOU TAKE PEOPLE OFF WHO MOVED AWAY, PASSED AWAY OR PUT AWAY.

THAT IS WHO I WON ON WE HAVE TO FOLLOW THE LAW AND GET OUR ROLLS CLEAN.

THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY SUED TO STOP THE ROLLS FROM THE BEING CLEANED UP.

THEY DON'T BELIEVE IN FAIR ELECTIONS.

I'VE PRAISED THE ERIC NETWORK.

IT'S NOT SOME SHADOWY GROUP IT'S STATES IT'S MEMBER STATES.

I RISKED MY NECK IN THE PRIMARY DEFENDING THE ERIC SYSTEM.

AAFTER THE PRIMARY ERIC IS COLLAPSING OUR DUES ARE GOING UP AND THE INFORMATION THAT WE GET FROM OTHER STATES ABOUT WHO IS MOVING IN AND OUT OF OTHER STATES IS GOING DOWN AND WE'RE PAYING MORE AND GETTING LESS.

I RENEWED ERIC FOR A YEAR BUT I SAID WE SHOULD LOOK AT ALTERNATIVES.

I'VE BEEN LEADING MY COLLEAGUES OTHER SECRETARIES OF STATE BY CONTACTING FEDERAL AGENCIES TO GET INFORMATION FROM THEM DIRECTLY LIKE THE DEATH INDEX AT THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION TO GET THE PEOPLE OFF THE ROLLS.

>> I WANT TO GO BACK TO THE AMENDMENT HOUSE BILL 574 THAT PASSED SWEEPING ELECTION REFORM BILL AND TO SECRETARY ADAMS' POINT THAT YOU DID NOT PROPOSE A FLOOR AMENDMENT FOR TWO WEEKS YOU PROPOSED FOUR DAYS NOT ACCEPTED BY THE BODY.

ARE YOU ACTUALLY PROPOSING MORE NOW THAN YOU WOULD HAVE VOTED FOR THAN WHEN YOU WERE IN THE KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

>> YES, I'M PROPOSING MORE.

THIS IS WHAT YOU DID IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND YOU NEED TO LEARN THIS AS A SECRETARY OF STATE HOW TO MOVE PIECE OF LEGISLATION.

THAT IS SOMETHING WE HAD A CHANCE OF MOVING FORWARD.

BECAUSE THERE WERE BIPARTISAN SUPPORT.

DIDN'T COME OUT IN VOTES THAT WAY BUT THAT IS THE WAY YOU WORK BEHIND THE SCENES TO GET THINGS DONE.

YES, I AM IN FULL SUPPORT OF TWO FULL WEEKS OF EARLY VOTING.

AS FAR AS THE ERIC SYSTEM THE STATES THAT PULLED OUT YOU HAVE TO LOOK WHO THEY ARE AND SOME OF THE MOST CONSPIRACY DRIVEN PEOPLE ARE FROM THOSE STATES AND THE SECRETARIES OF THOSE STATES.

I THINK MICHAEL ADAMS IS CONSIDERING IT IS BOWING TO THE FAR RIGHT OF THAT PARTY.

WE HAVE WORKED TOGETHER.

THERE ARE THINGS THAT WE AGREE ON.

I KNOW IT MAY NOT SEEM LIKE IT TONIGHT BUT THERE ARE STARK DIFFERENCES AND IT'S IMPORTANT TO POINT THEM OUT.

>> Renee: I WILL HAVE YOU ANSWER THAT SECRETARY ADAMS ARE YOU CONSIDERING PULLING OUT BECAUSE WHAT FAR RIGHT STATES ARE DOING?

>> NO, IT IS A BAD DEAL FOR KENTUCKY.

KENTUCKY TAXPAYERS ARE PAYING MORE AND MORE MONEY AND GETTING LESS AND LESS INFORMATION.

>> Renee: WHAT KIND OF INFORMATION DO YOU RECEIVE?

>> SPECIFICALLY WHO IS MOVING NON-OUT OF OUR STATE.

12% OF AMERICANS MOVE EVERY YEAR AND PEOPLE ARE MOVING TO OHIO AND TENNESSEE TO KEEP MY ROLLS ACCURATE.

THE LAW REQUIRES THAT.

Mr. WHEATLEY HAS NOT SHOWN COURAGE IN POLITICS AND SHOWED UP TO THE PARTY WHEN THEY WOULDN'T FOLLOW THE LAW WITH THE ROLLS I'VE CALLED THAT STUFF OUT.

AND PART OF THAT IS HAVING THE VOTER ROLLS BE CLEAN.

Mr. WHEATLEY'S ATTORNEY THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY ATTORNEY SUED ME IN COURT AND SAID WE SHOULD HAVE TO STAY IN ERIC EVEN IF WE DON'T GET A BENEFIT TO DEFRAY THE COSTS FOR OTHER STATES WITH KENTUCKY TAXPAYER DOLLARS I DISAGREE WITH THAT.

>> Renee: HOW ELSE WOULD YOU GET THAT INFORMATION?

>> FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH.

WHAT WE GET FROM ERIC IS FEDERAL DATA.

BUT YOU CAN CONTRACT WITH THE AGENCIES DIRECTLY.

THEY DIDN'T HAVE THAT AS AN OPTION PREVIOUSLY I WAS THE FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE TO CONTACT THE AGENCIES AND SAY CAN WE BUY THIS STUFF FROM YOU.

>> Renee: IS THAT MORE COST EFFICIENT?

>> IT IS MORE CHEAPER THAN BEING IN ERIC.

I WILL GIVE YOU AN EXAMPLE.

WE HAD A MONTH WE TOOK 10,000 DEAD VOTERS OFF THE ROLLS AND NONE WERE KENTUCKIANS THEY LIVED IN FLORIDA AND OTHER STATES.

WE GOT THAT FROM ERIC BUT ERIC GOT IT FROM SOCIAL SECURITY.

IF I CAN GET THAT INFORMATION DIRECTLY IT IS A COST SAVINGS FOR THE TAXPAYERS AND GET THE DEAD VOTERS OFF THE ROLLS QUICKLY.

>> .

>> Renee: RESTORATION FOR FORMER FELONS?

>> I SUPPORT RESTORATION RIGHTS FOR FORMER FELLIONS AND I'M HAPPY THE GOVERNOR PUT THIS INTO AN EXECUTIVE ORDER FOR NOW.

BUT IT CAN GO AWAY IF WE CHANGE GOVERNORS I DON'T THINK THAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN.

YES, I SUPPORT IT.

AND THERE WOULD BE CONDITIONS OF NO VIOLENT CRIME AND OR ANY CRIMES RELATED TO ELECTION FRAUD OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT.

>> Renee: WOULD YOU SUPPORT A WAITING PERIOD?

>> THERE COULD BE A WAITING PERIOD.

I HAVEN'T LOOKED EVERY BILL AND EVERY AMENDMENT HAS FINE THINGS IN THERE.

BUT NO, NOT NECESSARILY A WAITING PERIOD AS LONG AS THEY HAVE SERVED THEIR TIME.

>> Renee: AND THIS WOULD BE BY WAY OF A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT I SHOULD HAVE CLARIFIED.

SECRETARY ADAMS YOUR POSITION ON THIS ISSUE?

>> MINE IS CLOSE.

BUT I WAS A LEGISLATOR AND I NEVER HAD A WAY TO PASS THIS AND HE DID AND HE FAILED.

HE FAILS AT EVERYTHING WHICH HE IT COMES OUR ELECTIONS.

I NEVER PASSED A LAW.

THE ONLY THING HE'S DONE IS VOTED FOR MY BILL AND I'M GLAD THAT HE DID.

BUT HE ALMOST KILLED IT.

IF HIS AMENDMENT PASS TO DO WOULD HAVE TANKED THE BILL IN THE SENATE.

YOU HAVE TO WORK WITH BOTH SIDES AND BE RESPECTFUL IN THIS BUSINESS I'M DOING THAT EVERYDAY.

I WORK WITH GOVERNOR AND DEMOCRATS IN THE BOTH THE CHAMBERS.

BUT YOU CAN'T BE A PARTISAN HACK YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO LISTEN AND HE SIDES WITH THIS TRIBE.

THERE'S NEVER BEEN AN OCCASION WHERE HE SPLIT WITH THE PARTY AND DECIDE WITH OTHERS AND NEVER BEEN A CALL OUT ON FRAUD OR VOTER SUPPRESSION.

>> Renee: WOULD YOU BE IN FAVOR OF RESTORATION OF VOTING RIGHTS FOR FELONS AND CONDITIONS THAT YOU WOULD ADVOCATE FOR?

>> LIKE I SAID HE AND I ARE IN SYNC ON THIS ISSUE.

I THINK WE SHOULD DO IT AUTOMATICALLY.

I'M NOT CRITICIZING ANY GOVERNOR BUT WE'VE HAD FIVE OR SEVEN GOVERNORS AND EVERY GOVERNOR THE PARTY CHANGES AND THE RIGHTS PEOPLE HAVE CHANGES.

BASED ON WHO IS IN THE OFFICE.

THEY RETRACT AN ORDER.

LET'S PUT IT IN THE CONSTITUTION AND LET THE VOTERS VOTE ON IT.

I DON'T WANT VIOLENT FELONS HAVING AUTOMATIC RESTORATION THEY SHOULD HAVE TO APPLY TO THE GOVERNOR AND EXPLAIN HOW THEY HAVE BEEN REHABILITATED.

I DON'T THINK ELECTION FRAUD CONVICT SHOULD HAVE IT AUTOMATICALLY YOU SHOULD PAY RESTITUTION PAY WHAT THE COURT ORDERED.

FOR THOSE EXCEPTIONS I THINK IT SHOULD BE AUTOMATIC.

>> Renee: WAITING PERIOD?

>> IF SOMEONE REOFFENDS OR NOT.

A LOT OF PEOPLE REOFFEND THERE IS A HIGH RATE OF RECIDIVISM.

FIVE YEARS OR WHATEVER IT IS, I SHOULD NOTE THAT THE REPUBLICAN CONTROLLED SENATE PASSED A MEASURE THAT IS IDENTICAL TO WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT.

UNFORTUNATELY, THE DEMOCRATS NEVER DID ANYTHING TO HELP GET IT ACROSS THE FINISH LINE.

>> Renee: STRAIGHT TICKET VOTING FOR IT OR AGAINST IT.

WE HAVE IT HERE IN KENTUCKY ONE OF SIX OR SEVEN STATES.

>> IT MIGHT BE LESS THAN THAT NOW.

AND I CAN TELL YOU THIS I HAD A BILL TO ELIMINATE STRAIGHT PARTY VOTING.

I DON'T THINK IT'S GOOD FOR DEMOCRACY OR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.

>> .

>> Renee: WHY?

>> IT LEADS TO MORE PARTISAN CANDIDATES WHEN YOU HAVE STRAIGHT PARTY VOTING YOU DON'T HAVE THE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT WHICH IS A BIG PART OF MY PLATFORM TO INCREASE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND I THINK STRAIGHT PARTY VOTING IS NOT CONDUCIVE FOR THAT.

>> Renee: SAME QUESTION?

>> THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE HOW Mr. WHEATLEY WANTS TO CHANGE THE RULES TO BENEFIT HIS PARTY.

HE WAS FIND WITH GERRY MANNEDDERRING, AND IT HELPED HIM WIN BY 10 POINTS AND THEN HE LOST.

AND NOW HE WANTS TO BAN GERRYMANDERING.

HE WANTS TO [INAUDIBLE] THAT THE SHOE IS ON THE OTHER FOOT HE WANTS TO REPEAL IT.

YOU CANNOT HAVE AN ELECTION OFFICIAL WHO WANTS TO CHANGE THE RULES TO BENEFIT HIS PARTY.

I'VE STOOD UP TO MY PARTY THE RULES NEED TO BE FAIR AND NEUTRAL I WILL WORK WITH THE LEGISLATURE AND GET EVERYONE TOGETHER AND COME UP WITH WHAT IS FAIR.

KENTUCKY IS THE ONLY STATE IN THE KENTUCKY DOING SOMETHING BIPARTISAN FASHION WHEN IT COMES TO ELECTIONS.

>> IT WOULDN'T HAPPEN WITHOUT BUDDY WHEATLEY A LOT OF WHAT MICHAEL ADAMS IS TALKING ABOUT TONIGHT IS THE PAST.

SOMETIMES THE FAR PAST I HEARD HIM REFERENCE 1850s.

THIS IS A DEMOCRATIC PARTY THAT I'M NOT AWARE OF, I WASN'T PART OF, I'M READY TO TALK ABOUT THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING TODAY AND NOT HAPPENING IN THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE.

WE HE TALKED ABOUT FUNDING THAT IS NOT NECESSARILY OR NOT NEEDED OR TURN BACK IN.

KENTUCKY'S ELECTIONS NEED MUCH MORE FUNDING WE NEED FUNDING FOR MODERN EQUIPMENT.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE OUR COUNTY CLERKS HAVE WHAT THEY NEED.

HE'S GONE ON THE RECORD SAYING HE WILL NOT GO AFTER FEDERAL FUNDING.

IT'S OUT THERE.

DO WE WANT THE DOLLARS GOING TO CALIFORNIA OR TEXAS OR TENNESSEE?

WE NEED ALL THE DOLLARS WE CAN GET TO RUN OUR ELECTIONS AND INCREASE OUR POLLING LOCATIONS AND THAT'S WHERE WE REALLY NEED TO HAVE THE DOLLARS THAT MICHAEL ADAMS IS NOT GOING TO WORK FOR.

>> I HAVE TO RESPOND TO THAT.

THIS GUY IS A PATHOLOGICAL LIAR.

HE SAID I MADE IT HARD TO VOTE.

I WOULDN'T SEEK FEDERAL FUNDS.

ALL THINGS WE KNOW ARE FALSE.

IT'S PUBLIC RECORD THAT I HAVE DRAWN DOWN TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF NEW FEDERAL FUNDS AND I DON'T KEEP THIS MONEY I GIVE IT TO THE COUNTY CLERKS IT GOES TO THEM TO UPGRADE THEIR EQUIPMENT.

WHY KENTUCKY MODERNIZED OUR ELECTIONS IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS.

WE HAVE CHANGED EVERY VOTING EXPERIENCE NOW TO A PAPER BALLOT EXPERIENCE THAT WASN'T FREE.

THAT WAS FROM MONEY THAT I GOT FROM CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENT AND THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATION IN WASHINGTON MONEY THAT I GOT FROM OUR LEGISLATORS THAT I WENT AND BEGGED FOR TO PASS IT TO THE COUNTY CLERKS $25 MILLION IN NEW FUNDING FOR MACHINE UPGRADES AND INCREASED BASE FUNDING.

THIS GUY MAKES STUFF UP THAT IS WHY YOU CAN'T TRUST HIM TO BE YOUR ELECTION OFFICIAL.

>> I CANNOT GO WITHOUT SAYING PATHOLOGICAL LIAR.

IT'S BENEATH THE DIGNITY OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE SO SAY THINGS LIKE THAT.

AND TO SAY HE'S CALLED PEOPLE IDIOT ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE QUOTING SOCIAL MEDIA FROM HIS OFFICIAL ACCOUNT.

THIS IS NOT THE MICHAEL ADAMS THAT KENTUCKY REALLY NEEDS TO KNOW.

>> Renee: WE HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS FROM VIEWERS THAT I WANT TO GET AROUND TO.

ANDY FROM OWENSBORO.

WOULD EITHER OF YOU BE WILLING TO APPROACH LEGISLATORS TO MOVE THE PRIMARY IN KENTUCKY UP?

BY THE TIME THE PRIMARY HAPPENS IN KENTUCKY OFTEN THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE HAS BEEN CHOSEN FOR BOTH PARTIES MOVE IT UP TO MARCH?

SECRETARY ADAMS?

>> WE TRIED THAT IN 1988.

WE MOVED OUR PRIMARY ACTUALLY IT USED TO BE IN AUGUST.

THE REASON FANCY FARM IS IN AUGUST BECAUSE THAT IS WHEN THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY WAS.

WE MOVE TO DO FROM AUGUST UP TO SUPER TUESDAY AND WE HOPED TO GET PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES TO COME HERE AND CAMPAIGN AND IT DIDN'T WORK.

AND THEN OTHER STATES ARE NOW JUMPING PAST EACH OTHER PLAYING LEAPFROG TRYING TO GO EARLIER AND EARLIER SOME STATES HAVE LAWS THAT SAY THEY HAVE TO BE THE FIRST EVEN IF IT'S BEFORE THE ELECTION.

IOWA AND NEW HAMPSHIRE WOULD BUMP THEIR PRIMARIES INTO DECEMBER.

LET'S BE HONEST WE ARE NOT A SWING STATE WE ARE A SMALL STATE.

WE DON'T HAVE A LOT OF DELEGATES THE LIKELIHOOD OF GETTING THAT ATTENTION IS PRETTY LOW.

AND AGAIN WE SHOULDN'T CHANGE THE ELECTION RULES TO CHASE THE SILLY GOALS.

THEY SHOULD BE FREE AND FAIR.

>> I WOULD BE IN FAVOR OF IT IF IT DID INCREASE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND VOTER TURNOUT.

I'M NOT SURE THAT IT WOULD.

>> Renee: ANONYMOUS QUESTION.

WOULD YOU KEEP QUOTE PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP OFF THE BALLOT IN 2024 SINCE HE HAS BEEN INDICTED BY THE 14TH AMENDMENT HE SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO RUN?

>> Mr. WHEATLEY.

I'M NOT IN FAVOR OF PULLING ANYBODY OFF THE POLLS LET THE KENTUCKY VOTERS DECIDE THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT MIGHT BE THINGS HAPPEN IN THE COURTS THAT ARE UNKNOWN AT THIS POINT.

NO, I WOULDN'T PULL DONALD TRUMP OFF THE BALLOTS.

>> WELL, THE SECRETARY OF STATE IF HE FOLLOWS THE LAW DOES NOT FAVOR CANDIDATES YOU LET PEOPLE FILE AND IF SOMEONE WANTS TO CHALLENGE THEM.

WHEN Mr. WHEATLEY FILED HE DIDN'T FILL THE FORM OUT RIGHT, HE LEFT THE OFFICE BLANK.

THEY CAN SUE HIM BUT I WILL BE NEUTRAL ON IT.

>> Renee: A RECENT POLL RELEASED LAST WEEK IT TALKED ABOUT THE GOVERNOR'S RACE BUT THERE WERE OTHER QUESTIONS IN THAT POLL IT SAID KENTUCKY VOTERS WERE ASKED WHICH COMES CLOSEST TO THEIR VIEW AND 0 THE 2020 PRENLY ELECTION.

47% THINK BIDEN STOLE THE 2020 ELECTION AND 36% THINK HE WON FAIR AND SQUARE.

17% ARE UNSURE.

KENTUCKY VOTERS WHO VOTED FOR TRUMP IN 2020 OVERWHELMINGLY THINK THE ELECTION WAS STOLEN BY BIDEN AT 72%.

SECRETARY ADAMS TONIGHT FOR THE RECORD DO YOU BELIEVE THAT JOE BIDEN WON THE 2020 PRESIDENCY FAIR AND SQUARE?

>> I DO THREE HE WON IT.

I -- I THINK HE WON T THERE WERE SECRETARIES OF STATE IN OTHER STATES THAT WERE FAST AND LOOSE BUT I DON'T THINK THEY WERE A MILLION BALLOTS THAT FAVORED ONE CANDIDATE AND AGAINST THE OTHER CANDIDATE.

I THINK JOE BIDEN IS THE PRESIDENT.

>> Renee: YOU SAY WHAT TO ELECTION DENIERS?

>> WELL, I SAY THE SAME THING I'VE BEEN SAYING FROM DAY ONE IN KENTUCKY OUR ELECTIONS ARE FREE AND FAIR.

AND YOU KNOW, MY OPPONENT IS SORT OF THE DEMOCRATIC STEVEN NIPPER HE MAKES UP THIS CRAZY STUFF ABOUT THE MYTH OF SUPPRESSION.

YOU KNOW WHO DISAGREES?

ANDY BESHEAR IS RUNNING A CAMPAIGN FOR REELECT SON BRAGGING ALL WE'VE DONE TO EXPAND VOTING RIGHTS.

I HAD A LOT TO DO WITH THAT.

SOMEONE SAYS I'M SLAMMING THE DOOR IN VOTERS FACES AND CUTTING FUNDING IS FALSE.

>> Renee: ARE ARE YOU BEING DISINGENUOUS?

>> ABSOLUTELY NOT.

PEOPLE CALLED MICHAEL ADAMS TREATMENT OF THE 2022 ELECTION CALL TO DO VOTER SUPPRESSION AND THE ALLEGATIONS HE IS RIPPING OFF HERE UNFOUNDED, NOT TRUE YOU KNOW, THERE'S SO MANY THINGS TO SAY THAT IT'S NOT TRUE.

WE KNOW THAT HE REPRESENTED CHRIS COALBACK AND ONE OF THE WORST ELECTION DENIERS.

TO SAY HE DOESN'T PROFIT OFF OF ELECTION DENIERS I DON'T THINK THAT IS TRUE.

>> MY CLIENT WAS A PRIMARY CAMPAIGN FOR U.S. SENATE.

WHAT ELECTION WAS HE DENYING?

HE DIDN'T DENY THE 2020 ELECTION HE LOST AND YOU CONCEDED FEET.

WHAT IS THE DENIER?

>> DENYING THE BIDEN ELECTION.

>> HILLARY CLINTON DENIED THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY.

YOU HAVE FOLKS ON YOUR OWN SIDE.

>> HE HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE FEC DIDN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE ELECTION.

IT WAS A REPORTING ERROR.

I HELP PEOPLE FOLLOW THE LAW.

>> Renee: DID THIS CLIENT DENY -- >> I HAVE NOT SEEN HIM DENY ANYTHING HE DENIED TRUMP WON I DON'T THINK HE DENIED THAT TRUMP WON.

>> HE DENIED THE BIDEN PRESIDENCY.

>> NOT WHEN I REPRESENTED HIM.

I REPRESENTED HIM IN 2020, WHEN HE HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE FEC.

>> ANOTHER QUESTION THIS FROM LEXINGTON.

DO YOU ALL HAVE A POSITION ON RANKED CHOICE VOTING Mr. WHEATLEY?

>> RANKED CHOICE VOTING IS INTERESTING.

THERE ARE DIFFERENT VARIETIES THAT YOU CAN DO RANK CHOICE VOTING I'M NOT OPPOSED TO IT.

IT WOULD TAKE A LOT OF MOVEMENT IN THE STATE AND THE SECRETARY POINTED OUT MOVES SLOW ON ELECTION LAWS.

THERE ARE PRIORITIES OF OPENING ACCESS TO THE POLLS BEFORE I WOULD PUSH RANKED CHOICE VOTING.

>> Renee: WE GOT RID OF RUNOFFS AND IT WOULD SETUP THE SIMILAR SITUATION.

>> IT'S NOTHING LIKE A RUNOFF.

IT IS A BAD IDEA.

I DON'T HAVE PRINCIPLE OBJECTION IN THEORY BUT IN PRACTICE IT'S BAD FOR TWO REASONS.

IT TAKES MUCH, MUCH LONGER TO FIGURE OUT WHO WON THE ELECTION AND FOLKS I'VE SEEN WANT TO KNOW WHEN THEY GO TO BED WHO WON AND WHO LOST ONE THING PEOPLE LOVE ABOUT KENTUCKY PEOPLE KNOW WHO WON AND LOST ON ELECTION.

NIGHT.

AND THE LAST THING I NEED IS TO HAVE ALGOMA-MANITOULIN RICH INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS AND MAKE IT MORE COMPLICATED.

YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE HOW MANY VOTERS CANNOT FILL OUT A BALLOT CORRECTLY AND HOW MANY SITUATIONS WE HAVE TO ASSESS.

IF YOU MAKE THIS COMPLICATED YOU ARE GOING TO HURT TURNOUT YOU WILL MAKE IT HARDER FOR PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE.

THEY WILL BE COWED BY THE NOTION OF THIS COMPLICATED SYSTEM.

>> Renee: DOES YOUR OFFICE WORK TO CURE IT OR THE CLERKS YOU ENCOURAGE THEM TO CURE THE BALLOTS?

>> THAT IS SOMETHING I'VE DONE THAT HIS PARTY NEVER CARED ENOUGH TO DO I CREATED A CURE PROGRAM VOTERS WILL BE CONTACTED AND GIVEN A CHANCE TO CURE THE BALLOT.

AS EARLY VOTING SO WAS A PORTAL TO FACILSTATE ABSENTEE VOTING THESE ARE THINGS THAT HE NEVER DID.

>> Renee: AND YOU SUPPORT THOSE THINGS, Mr. BHETLY?

>> I SUPPORT ANYTHING THAT OPENS ACCESS TO THE POLLS.

THERE HAVE BEEN MINOR MOVEMENT.

BUT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT GOING A COUPLE INCHES WHEN WE NEED TO GO A COUPLE MILES.

>> Renee: MAKE CLOSING REMARKS.

>> THANK YOU RENEE.

YOU GET A CHANCE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE CANDIDATES ARE LIKE.

AND WE HAVE HEARD WHAT THE CANDIDATES ARE LIKE.

I AM A 20-YEAR VETERAN OF A FIREFIGHTING SERVICE PUBLIC SERVICE IS IN THE BLOOD.

MICHAEL ADAMS IS A POLITICAL OPERATIVE THAT IS ALL HE'S BEEN HIS PROFESSIONAL LIFE.

WE'VE TALKED ABOUT THINGS TONIGHT FROM THE PAST.

THINGS THAT HAVE NOT HAD AT ALL ANY EFFECT ON THE CURRENT SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE AND WHAT I WILL DO AS SECRETARY OF STATE.

AND THAT'S BEST FOR MICHAEL ADAMS BECAUSE HE CAN DEFLECT FROM WHAT IS MISSING.

THERE IS A 30-DAY DELAY WITH OUR BUSINESS FILINGS THAT IS HAPPENING.

WE HAVE MICHAEL ADAMS THREATENING TO PULL US OUT OF ERIC THAT IS HAPPENING TODAY.

WE HAVE THE LOWEST VOTER TURNOUT IN 30 YEARS-LONG LINES IN THE 2022 ELECTION.

THE FIRST ELECTION MICHAEL ADAMS WAS IN CHARGE OF.

THESE ARE THE THINGS WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT.

I WILL BE A SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ALL KENTUCKIANS.

I WILL BE THERE FOR THE IF WHETHER YOU LIVE IN A CITY, IN A SUBURB, OR A ON A FARM OR IN A SMALL TOWN YOU HAVE A SAFE, SECURE WAY TO VOTE WHEN I'M SECRETARY OF STATE.

>> Renee: THANK YOU.

Mr. ADAMS?

>> WELL, THE KEY QUESTION WHEN YOU HAVE AN INCUMBENT RUNNING FOR REELECTION SHOULD YOU FIRE THE GUY?

THAT IS THE KEY ISSUE.

HIS SONS SAY FIRE MICHAEL ADAMS THAT IS A FAIR ASSESSMENT OF WHAT THIS RACE IS ABOUT.

AND I WOULD SUGGEST NO WE SHOULDN'T.

SHOULD WE FIRE THE GUY WHO HAS BEEN MORE EFFECTIVE THAN ANYONE EVER HAS IN IMPROVINGIC PROTECTTY AND ACCESS FOR OUR PEOPLE.

SHOULD WE FIRE THE GUY THAT SAVED THE 2020 ELECTION THE FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO RUN AN ELECTION DURING A PANDEMIC.

THAT OTHERS USED AS A MODEL WITH NO FRAUD, CORRUPTION AND CASUALTIES AND NO SUPPRESSION.

SHOULD WE FIRE THE GUY THAT BROUGHT EARLY VOTING TO KENTUCKY AFTER DECADES OF EMPTY PROMISES FROM HIM AND HIS PARTY?

SHOULD WE FIRE THE GUY THAT BROUGHT NEW TECHNOLOGY PAPER BALLOTS MORE SECURE TO OUR VOTERS SO WE CAN DO AUDITS AND RECOUNTS.

WE HAVE IT NOW BECAUSE OF ME.

IF I LOSE THIS RACE IT WILL BE BAD FOR THE COUNTRY BECAUSE IT'S GOING TO SHOW REPUBLICANS WE CAN'T ELECT SOMEONE LIKE ADAMS AND HE WILL LOSE.

WE HAVE TO HAVE A CRANK AS OUR NOMINEE.

IT WILL BE BAD FOR ELECTIONS IN OUR STATE.

IT WILL HURT THE CAUSE ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

IT'S IMPORTANT NATIONALLY THAT I WIN THIS RACE STRONG.

>> Renee: THANK YOU Mr. ADAMS AND THANK YOU Mr. WHEATLEY WE APPRECIATE YOU BEING HERE THIS EVENING.

AFTER THE BREAK YOU WILL HEAR FROM SIERRA ENLOW THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER THAT IS NEXT RIGHT AFTER THIS.

WELCOME BACK TO KENTUCKY TONIGHT.

WE ARE JOINED NOW BY SIERRA ENLOW, THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE.

HER REPUBLICAN OPPONENT IS JONATHAN SHELL.

HE DECLINED OUR INVITATION TO APPEAR.

WE STILL WANT YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS.

SEND THOSE BY X FORMERLY TWITTER AT KY TONIGHT, SEND AN E-MAIL TO KET.ORG OR USE THE WEB FORM AT KET.ORG/KY TONIGHT OR CALL...

WELCOME THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

I'M SUPER EXCITED TO BE HERE TODAY AND CERTAINLY WISH MY OPPONENT HAD BEEN HERE TO DISCUSS ISSUES WITH US TONIGHT.

>> Renee: THE TIME IS YOURS WE'LL ALLOW YOU TO REINTRODUCE YOURSELF TO THE KEN "KENTUCKY TONIGHT" AUDIENCE AS YOU DID BACK IN THE PRIMARY BUT PERHAPS PEOPLE NEED A REFRESHER.

>> I'M SIERRA ENLOW AND I'M RUNNING TO BE YOUR NEXT COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE IN KENTUCKY.

I GREW UP ON A FIFTH GENERATION FAMILY FARM IN LaRUE COUNTY AND I SPENT TIME IN 4H AND FFA AND LEARNING THE INS AND OUTS OF THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY.

I CONTINUED THE PASSION FOR THE INDUSTRY AS I PURSUED MY MASTERS DEGREE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY.

I WORKED ON PROJECTS WITH THE USDA.

AND THAT'S IMPORTANT AND THAT IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF MY BACKGROUND AS VOTERS ARE CONSIDERING WHO TO VOTE FOR YOU NEED TWO THINGS TO BE AN EFFECTIVE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE.

YOU NEED PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE WHICH I HAVE FROM MY EXPERIENCE ON THE FARM AND YOU NEED BUSINESS EXPERIENCE.

AND THAT'S SOMETHING I'VE WORKED HARD OVER MY CAREER TO ACQUIRE.

IN MY CAREER AS AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPER I'VE HELPED A BILLION INVESTMENT IN KENTUCKY AND THINK ABOUT HOW WE NEGOTIATE WITH THE EXECUTIVES TO BRING BENEFIT TO KENTUCKIANS AND THAT IS SOMETHING YOU WILL SEE AS A CONTRAST.

MY OPPONENT DOES NOT HAVE THAT BUSINESS EXPERIENCE AND WHEN IT COMES TO PICKING SOMEONE TO BE YOUR CHOICE FOR THIS OFFICE YOU NEED TO LOOK AT THOSE COMPARISONS.

>> Renee: FOR THOSE WHO WONDER WHETHER YOU ARE READY OR NOT TO TAKE ON THE COMMISSIONER ROLE YOU WOULD SAY WHAT?

>> YEAH.

I WOULD SAY I'VE SPENT MY ENTIRE LIFE PREPARING FOR THIS POSITION AND THIS CAREER.

IT HAS BEEN MY GOAL SINCE I WAS AN FFA PRESIDENT TO RUN FOR THIS OFFICE.

AND IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT JONATHAN AND I ARE THE SAME AGE OUR CAREERS HAVE PARALLELLED EACH OTHER AND THAT EXPERIENCE I'VE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURSUE THINGS OUTSIDE THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY AND LEARNING THOSE BUSINESS INTERESTS SO WE KNOW HOW TO BRING THOSE SPECIFIC INTERESTS BACK TO KENTUCKY.

AND PART OF THIS RACE FOR COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE IS NOT JUST ABOUT PRODUCTION OF AGRICULTURE.

THERE IS A REASON EVERY KENTUCKIANS VOTES FOR RACE BECAUSE EVERY KENTUCKIAN IF THEY ARE NOT INVOLVED IN PRODUCTION OF AGRICULTURE IS INVOLVED IN CONSUMPTION AGRICULTURE.

AND IT'S IMPORTANT THAT YOU HAVE SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS AGAIN THAT PRODUCTION AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING HOW PEOPLE OF KENTUCKY INTERACT WITH THE INDUSTRY IN THIS PARTICULAR OFFICE.

>> Renee: HOW WOULD YOU USE YOUR BUSINESS EXPERTISE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EXPERTISE TO FURTHER THE OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER OF AG?

>> ONE OF THE THINGS WE'RE SPECIFICALLY GOING TO HAVE TO LOOK AT FOR THE NEXT COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE HOW WE BRING MARKETS TO KENTUCKY.

WE'VE TOLD KENTUCKY FARMERS A LOT OF FAIRY TALES ABOUT CROPS THEY SHOULD RAISE AND THINGS THEY SHOULD CONSIDER LOOKING INTO WITHOUT THINKING HOW WE'RE BRINGING THOSE MARKETS TO THOSE KENTUCKY FARMERS.

AND AS AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPER THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT.

YOU WANT TO BRING THE MANUFACTURER HERE, THE PROCESSOR, THE RETAIL OPERATIONS HERE.

AND WE HAVE TO DO THAT BEFORE WE CAN GIVE A GOOD INDICATOR TO KENTUCKY FARMERS TO RAISE A CROP.

AND I THINK THAT IS SOMETHING I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO BRINGING TO THE OFFICE AND HELPING DRIVE HOME NOT ONLY FOR FARMERS BUT ALSO AS WE'RE LOOKING AT AGRICULTURE AND OTHER ASPECTS OF THE ECONOMY.

WHEN WE LOOK AT FOOD ACCESS IN KENTUCKY THAT CERTAINLY SOMETHING THAT EXISTS IN WESSEL AND EXISTS IN TREMBLE COUNTY THAT DON'T HAVE A GROCERY STORE AND YOUR NEXT COMMISSIONER SHOULD HAVE EXPERIENCE IN HELPING RECRUIT BUSINESSES TO HELP WORK ON THAT ISSUE OF.

>> Renee: IN ADDITION TO RECRUITING BUSINESSES WHAT ARE THE TOP TWO TO THREE ISSUES YOU THINK KENTUCKY FARMERS ARE REALLY FACING RIGHT NOW?

>> SO I THINK THERE ARE ISSUES VARIED ACROSS THE STATE.

THE KENTUCKY FARMERS ARE FACING AND ONE OF THE ONES THAT WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT IS WHERE THE NEW MARKETS ARE GOING TO COME FROM AND WHAT WE ARE DOING TO DIFFERENTIATE KENTUCKY AG PRODUCTS WHERE THE COMMISSIONER SHOULD BE AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPER WE HAVE TO THINK HOW WE MOVE A BUSTLE OF SOYBEANS OFF THE NATIONAL MARKET AND MOVE IT INTO FOOD PROCESSING.

IT'S REALLY TRUE WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE DISTILLERY INDUSTRY IN KENTUCKY AND HOW WE'RE CREATING VALUE ADDED BENEFITS FOR KENTUCKY FARMERS WE HAVE TO LOOK HOW WE'RE GETTING KENTUCKY GRAIN INTO THE DISTILLERIES AND KENTUCKY IS IN A GOOD POSITION.

AND WE HAVE FARMERS TESTING NEW CROPS SO WE CAN MAKE SURE WE'RE MEETING SOMETHING THAT IS AN ESTABLISHED MARKET DEMAND AND NOT SELLING SOMETHING THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE A FUTURE KENTUCKY CROPS.

>> Renee: MEDICAL MARIJUANA WE ARE THE 38TH STATE TO LEGALIZE HAVE A CANNABIS LAW.

IT DOES NOT HAVE A HOME GROW OR A GROWING PROVISION FOR FARMERS DO YOU THINK IT SHOULD?

IS THAT SOMETHING THE ASSEMBLY SHOULD WORK ON AND WOULD YOU PUSH THEM IN THAT DIRECTION?

>> ITH MEDICAL MARIJUANA IS PROVIDING A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY.

AG WE NEED TO DEVELOP TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY IN THE NEXT DECADE.

AND BY HAVING LEGISLATION SETUP IT'S PROVIDING US TO BETA TEST AN INDUSTRY BEFORE US BEFORE WE LOOK AT INVESTING AT OTHER CROPS IN THE SAME CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT.

SO I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING HOW THAT PLAYS OUT AND WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA.

I ALWAYS THINK IT IS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR KENTUCKY FARMERS.

BUT AGAIN WE HAVE TO HAVE THE MARKET BEFORE WE HAVE THE HOMEGROWN PROVISIONS AND BEFORE WE START FLOODING THE MARKET WITH A PRODUCT.

SO AT THIS STAGE, I THINK WE'RE TAKING THE RIGHT BABY STEPS TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS INDUSTRY.

AND I THINK WE'VE DONE THIS IN A RESPONSIBLE WAY.

>> Renee: AND YOU FAVOR THAT LAW?

>> YES.

>> Renee: LET'S TALK ABOUT HEMP.

WHICH A DECADE ON IT'S REALLY NOT LIVED UP TO THE LUCRATIVE PROMISE IT WAS HOPED FOR.

SEVERAL LARGE PROCESSORS HAVE GONE BANKRUPT AND A DOWNTURN AND FARMERS COLLECTIVELY LOST MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS DRIVING A LOT OUT OF THE BUSINESS.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY CAN BE DONE AND WHAT WOULD YOU ADVOCATE FOR AS AG COMMISSIONER TO HELP TURN THIS INDUSTRY AROUND OR CAN IT BE TURNED AROUND?

>> I THINK THAT THIS INDUSTRY IS MAYBE IN SOME WAYS A MISSTEP FOR KENTUCKY AGRICULTURE BUT IT IS A MISSTEP WE'VE MADE FOR OTHER INDUSTRIES WHERE WE HAVE PROMOTED AN INDUSTRY AND TOLD FARMERS A FAIRY TALE BEFORE MAKING SURE THAT MARKET WAS IN PLACE FOR THAT.

THERE ARE A FEW THINGS AS AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPER I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN KENTUCKY TO HELP TRANSFORM THE HEMP INDUSTRY AND MOVE IT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

IN PARTICULAR WE NEED A TAX CREDIT THAT SUPPORTS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE STATE AND A ROBUST WAY.

AND IF WE CAN EVEN TARGET THAT MORE TOWARDS AGRICULTURE PRODUCTS I THINK THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING GREAT TO DO.

BUT I THINK WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO THINK ABOUT WHAT WE TELL KENTUCKY FARMERS TO GROW AND HOW WE TELL THEM TO GROW IT BECAUSE WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE THE MARKETS IN PLACE.

>> Renee: NEXT GENERATION FARMERS LET'S TALK ABOUT THAT.

I THINK THE AVERAGE AGE OF THE KENTUCKY FARMERS IS 62, 64, 65.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO AND YOU HAVE THAT FFA BACKGROUND, WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO ENCOURAGE YOUNGER FOLKS TO GET INTO THE AG INDUSTRY AND ARE THERE OFF CHUTES OF INDUSTRIES THAT THEY SHOULD BE CONSIDERING AND YOU WOULD ADVOCATE FOR THAT ARE CONNECTED TO AGRICULTURE?

>> YES.

AND THIS IS A FREIGHT QUESTION BECAUSE THIS IS THE BACKGROUND OF PART OF MY RESEARCH IN THE MASTERS DEGREE PROGRAM AT U.K.

THERE ARE A LOT OF ISSUES.

AND ONE OF THE ISSUES IS THAT THERE'S LESS MINORITY REPRESENTATION AND LESS ABILITY FOR THOSE MINORITY PARTICIPANTS TO ENTER INTO THE MARKET.

ONE OF THE THINGS I WILL DO AS AG DMER IS WORK WITH THE KENTUCKY AG DEVELOPMENT FUNDS TO PROVIDE EQUITABLE ACCESS TO THE FUNDS GOING OUT IN AN EQUITABLE WAY AND NOT FOCUS ON THE QUALITY OF THE ACCESS TO THE APPLICATION AND THAT IS IMPORTANT FOR MINORITY FARMERS.

AND I ACKNOWLEDGE I HAVE PRIVILEGE WITHIN THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY BECAUSE I GREW UP ON A FIFTH GENERATION FARM WHICH MEANS I KNEW A BANKER THAT COULD HELP ME WALK THROUGH MY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS I KNEW AN ACCOUNTANT AND THE ATTORNEYS TO PREPARE THE APPLICATIONS AND TO HAVE SUCCESS WITH THE PROGRAMS.

MINORITY FARMERS DON'T HAVE ALWAYS HAVE THAT ACCESS OR SUCCESS AND TRUE WITH BEGINNING FARMERS.

AND THAT'S SOMETHING WE HAVE TO WORK ON.

WE HAVE TO PROVIDE THE WRAP AROUND SERVICES TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE EQUITABLE SUCCESS IN THE PROGRAMS NOT JUST EQUAL ACCESS TO THE APPLICATION.

>> Renee: WOULD YOU DEVELOP A DIVERSITY, EQUITY INCLUSION PROGRAM OR DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE AG.

>> SURE.

AND THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR CROSS COLLABORATION.

THOSE RESOURCES EXIT WITH A LOT OF OUR CHAMBERS AND BUSINESS GROUPS.

MY GOAL IS NOT TO REINVENT THE WHEEL BUT MAKE OPERATIONS MORE EFFICIENT.

AND I WOULD LIKE TO BUILD THOSE BRIDGES AND CONNECTIONS WITH THE EXISTING RESOURCES PARTICULARLY WITH THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE FUNNELING THOSE OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP SUPPORT MINORITY FARMERS AND BEGINNING FARMERS DOWN TO THEM AND THEY ARE GETTING ACCESS TO THOSE RESOURCES.

>> Renee: DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT BUDGET YOU WOULD NEED TO CARRY THAT OUT?

>> I THINK WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO START WITH A PILOT PROGRAM.

I MEAN IT'S GREAT WE HAVE ROBUST AG DEVELOPMENT FUNDS.

WE'VE HAD GREAT SUCCESS IN MAINTAINING THOSE.

I WOULD LIKE TO THINK OUR PAST LEGISLATORS AND ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO PROTECTED THOSE.

BUT ANY GOOD PILOT WOULD START WITH SOMETHING LIKE A MILLION TO $2 MILLION AND THAT IS WHAT WE'RE SEEING WITH PILOTS LIKE THE BLUEGRASS AG TECH INITIATIVE.

IT'S ENOUGH TO BETA TEST SOMETHING AND MAKE SURE WE'RE GET TO GO OUT THERE BUT NOT SO MUCH THAT WE ARE INVESTING IN SOMETHING SO HEAVILY THAT MAY HAVE FLAWS WHEN IT HAS A ROLL OUT.

>> Renee: IF YOU WERE TO ASK FOR ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION BY THE KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY, YOU WOULD BE WORKING WITH A SUPER MAJORITY REPUBLICAN PARTY.

HOW DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO CONVINCE THEM TO WORK ALONGSIDE YOU TO CARRY OUT SOME OF YOUR AGENDA ITEMS?

>> I THINK REPUBLICANS ARE BUSINESS MINDED.

AND I THINK A GOOD REPUBLICAN LEGISLATIVE BRANCH REALLY FOCUSES ON HOW WE FIX BUSINESS ISSUES FOR KENTUCKIANS AND THAT IS WHERE WE HAVE THE SAME VALUES WE ARE HERE TO MAKE BUSINESS REAL BUSINESS DECISIONS TO HELP REAL KENTUCKIANS AND THAT IS SOMETHING I THINK MOST REPUBLICANS CAN GET BEHIND.

AND I IN A LOT OF WAYS SUPPORT SOME OF THEIR POLICIES FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND WHAT WE ARE LOOKING AT TO DRIVE THE STATE TO BRING MORE PEOPLE TO KENTUCKY TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE OUR BUSINESS GROWTH AND THAT IS ALL I'M ASKING IS FOR US TO MAKE GOOD BUSINESS DECISIONS FOR KENTUCKIANS.

>> Renee: YOU MENTIONED ABOUT FOOD INSECURITY AND LET'S TALK ABOUT THAT ACCORDING TO A RECENT REPORT 1-8 PEOPLE FACE HUNGER.

WHAT IDEAS DO YOU HAVE ABOUT ADDRESSING THE FOOD DESERTS AND QUALITY FOOD DESERTS ACROSS THE STATE?

>> THAT ISSUE IS TWO SEPARATE ISSUES.

THE ISSUE OF A FOOD DESERT IS AN ISSUE OF ACCESS AND MAKING SURE WE CAN PROVIDE ACCESS TO PEOPLE.

ONE OF THE ISSUES THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE FIXED WE DON'T HAVE AN INCENTIVE TO HELP SUPPORT GROCERY STORES TO MOVE INTO LOW INCOME COMMUNITIES.

WE HAVE GREAT MODELS IN KENTUCKY FOR SALES TAX BASED TAX INCENTIVES WITH OUR TOURISM TAX INCENTIVES.

OTHER STATES HAVE GREAT MODELS AND THERE'S OPPORTUNITIES FOR US TO CREATE SOLUTIONS SPECIFICALLY TO ENCOURAGE GROCERY STORES TO GO INTO UNDERSERVED AREAS TO ADDRESS THAT ACCESS ISSUE.

THE OTHER ISSUE OF FOOD INSECURITY AND NOT HAVING ENOUGH FOOD TO EAT TAKES NUANCES TO HOW WE SOLVE IT.

ONE OF THE PROGRAMS I WOULD SUPPORT AS THE CHER OF AGRICULTURE IS FREE LUNCH FOR STUDENTS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH.

BOTH BECAUSE IT HELPS WITH THE FOOD INSECURITY ISSUE BECAUSE IT HELPS WITH EXPOSURE TO KENTUCKY AGRICULTURE PRODUCTS.

AND IT IS A TWO FOLD SOLUTION.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE PROGRAMS LIKE FARM TO FOOD BANKS CONTINUE TO HELP AGAIN WITH THAT FOOD INSECURITY ISSUE.

AND THEN SEVERAL OF THE OTHER FEEDING KENTUCKY PROGRAMS THE DOUBLE DOLLARS THAT KENTUCKY FARMERS MARKETS THOSE ARE ALSO GREAT EXAMPLES OF PROGRAMS I WOULD LIKE TO SEE CONTINUE AND FUNDED AT A GREATER SCALE TO SOLVE THAT FOOD INSECURITY ISSUE.

>> Renee: AND WE KNOW MENTAL HEALTH IS AN ISSUE THAT AFFECTS INDUSTRIES AND AGRICULTURE IS NO EXCEPTION THE SUICIDE RATE AMONG FARMERS INCREASED.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES?

>> I TELL PEOPLE THAT IF THERE WAS ONE THING I WOULD WAVE A WAND AND FIX TO PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL HEALTHCARE FOR KENTUCKY FARMERS.

IT'S EXPENSIVE TO PURCHASE HEALTH INSURANCE AS A FARMER AND SOMETHING WE HAVE TO ADDRESS IF WE WANT TO KEEP GROWING ROBUST AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SHIP ENVIRONMENT AROUND THAT.

WITH THE MENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVE EVEN GETS AMPLIFIED BECAUSE FARMERS ARE LOOKING AT -- LACKING THE ACCESS TO THE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AND MAYBE THE WAY TO PAY FOR THAT.

AND THOSE ARE CERTAINLY SOMETHING I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A DEEPER LOOK AT.

I KNOW THE FOUNDATION HAS ALREADY BEEN LAID THROUGH THE RAISING HOPE PROGRAM THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO TACKLE THESE ISSUES.

BUT LOOKING AT MAKING SURE WE ARE DELVING INTO THAT AND FIGURE OUT HOW WE SUPPORT OUR FARMERS.

FARMING IS A RISKY BUSINESS AND IT IS A REALLY SCARY BUSINESS TO BE PART OF AND TO HAVE SO MANY THINGS OUTSIDE OF THE CONTROL OF YOUR OPERATION, AND YOU KNOW, LOOKING FORWARD TO FIGURING OUT HOW WE SUPPORT OUR FARMERS BETTER THROUGH THAT.

>> Renee: AND SUSTAINABILITY, ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP ARE THOSE AREAS THAT YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT AND HOPE THAT MORE FARMERS WILL EMBRACE EVEN BY THE TYPES AND SOURCES OF ENERGY THAT THEY USE?

>> SURE.

KENTUCKY'S UNIQUE OUR ORGANIC CERTIFICATION RUNS THROUGH OUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

WE ARE THE ONLY STATE WHERE THE CERTIFICATION RUNS THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT AND IT ALLOWS US TO DO A COUPLE OF THINGS.

IT ALLOWS US TO CERTIFY ORGANIC FARMERS AND WORK WITH ORGANIC FOR EDUCATION ON ORGANIC INFLUENCE TECHNIQUES AND THERE ARE 400 OTHER FARMERS.

KENTUCKY 200 REGISTERED ORGANIC OPERATIONS AND THERE ARE 400 OPERATIONS USING TECHNIQUES INFLUENCED BY THE RESEARCH AND THE WORK WITHIN THE OR BEGANNIC ASSOCIATION.

LOOKING FORWARD TO SUPPORTING THAT.

AND SUPPORTING THOSE TYPES OF INNOVATIONS WITHIN THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY.

AND IT REALLY DOES COME DOWN TO FIGURING OUT HOW WE SUPPORT ENERGY AND DO IT IN A RESPONSIBLE MANNER.

WE HAVE AT A STATE IN KENTUCKY AGRICULTURE WHERE OUR FARMERS ARE GETTING A LOT OF STARTING TO SEE INTEREST IN SOLAR INSTALLATIONS ON THEIR FARMS AND WE'RE LOSING VALUABLE AGRICULTURE LAND TO THE SOLAR INSTALLATIONS.

WE NEED THAT DIVERSITY IN ENERGY BUT WE NEED TO DO IT IN A RESPONSIBLE WAY.

AND I THINK THERE'S GREAT PROGRAMS LIKE THE USDA REAP GRANTS THAT SUPPORT INSTALLING SOLAR AND ROOF SPACE ON A LOT OF AGRICULTURE OPERATIONS.

I WOULD LOOK FORWARD TO IMPLEMENTING AND ENCOURAGING FARMERS TO EVALUATE THOSE AVENUES TO DIVERSIFY OUR ENERGY CONSUMPTION.

>> Renee: LAST QUESTION FOR THE NIGHT.

WOULD YOU SUPPORT PUSHING ETHANOL MORE AND BOLSTER CORN GROWTH IN KENTUCKY.

>> LOOKING TO DO WHAT WE CAN TO BOLSTER CORN GROWTH AND THAT IS SOMETHING WE HAVE TO ADDRESS FROM A NEXT ADMINISTRATION FOR THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE AND HOW WE SUPPORT ETHANOL AND WHAT WE HAVE AS FAR AS TAX INCENTIVES AND INVESTMENT IN ETHANOL AND MANUFACTURING IN KENTUCKY PROCESSING.

AND YOU KNOW THAT IS SOMETHING THAT I THINK IS VERY IMPORTANT AND I'VE NEVER SHIED AWAY FROM SAYING WE NEED TO GET MORE AGRICULTURE PROCESSING PLANTS IN KENTUCKY IN ANY FORM OR FASHION WHETHER IT BE ETHANOL OR BOURBON INDUSTRY.

THOSE ARE INDUSTRIES WE NEED TO LOOK AT AND THAT IS WHERE MY FOCUS AS COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE IS GOING TO BE IN THAT MANUFACTURING PROCESSING SPACE FOR KENTUCKY AGRICULTURE PRODUCTS.

>> Renee: MS. ENLOW WE HAVE TO LEAVE IT THERE.

WE THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE WITH US TONIGHT.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

I APPRECIATED BEING HERE TONIGHT.

>> Renee: THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

NEXT MONDAY ON "KENTUCKY TONIGHT" AN ANALYSIS OF THE RACES WITH JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO.

BE SURE TO JOIN US NEXT MONDAY NIGHT AT THE SAME TIME.

BUT ALSO CHECK OUT OUT AT 6:30 EASTERN FOR KENTUCKY EDITION AND OF COURSE, ON FRIDAY BILL BRYANT AND A TEAM OF JOURNALISTS WILL BE HERE TO DISCUSS THE NEWS OF THE WEEK.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING "KENTUCKY TONIGHT" I'M RENEE SHAW TAKE GOOD CARE AND I'LL SEE YOU SOON.

HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.

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