McClatchy Washington Bureau

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Posted on Mon, Jun. 20, 2011

In Kentucky's governor's race, religion isn't an issue

Jack Brammer | Idaho Statesman

last updated: June 20, 2011 01:07:24 PM

FRANKFORT — All three campaigns in this year's race for governor and lieutenant governor say none should try to make an issue of any opponent's religious affiliation.

They also say their campaign would denounce any person or group that tries to make religious affiliation an issue in the race.

Their stances come as former Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson apparently is the first person of the Jewish faith in Kentucky to run for the office of lieutenant governor. He is running with Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear, who is seeking re-election.

Lexington attorney Jonathan Miller apparently was the first Jew to run for governor of Kentucky, where more than 70 percent of the population is Protestant and less than 0.5 percent is Jewish. Miller dropped out of the 2007 Democratic primary election to endorse Beshear.

Republican gubernatorial nominee David Williams said he does not think it appropriate to campaign against someone based on his or her religion, "and my campaign will not engage in that activity."

Read the complete story at kentucky.com