Kentucky Values, an affiliate of the Republican Governors Association, launched a new TV ad criticizing Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear for putting liberal politics over Bluegrass State parents.
The spot, entitled “Without,” airs on television and digital platforms and represents “a significant investment,” the group said in a press release.
It begins with black-and-white video footage of President Joe Biden saying “there is no such thing as someone else’s child,” with a voiceover narrator then chiming in to claim “the radical left has declared war on parents.”
“Andy Beshear is with them,” the female narrator continues. “Beshear supports making it easier for children to get abortions, without telling their parents.”
The claim refers to Beshear’s veto of a sweeping abortion bill passed in 2022 that, in addition to banning abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, makes it more difficult for minors to obtain an abortion in the state by adding a provision requiring a consenting parent or legal guardian to make a “reasonable attempt to notify” another parent at least 48-hours before providing consent for the minor to obtain an abortion.
The Republican-led legislature overrode Beshear’s veto.
The 30-second ad also claims Beshear “supports allowing schools to refer children to psychological treatment without telling parents” and that he supports “allowing school employees to secretly help children change genders, without telling their parents.
Both claims refer to a bill (SB 150) that requires schools to notify parents about health and mental health services available and if a child is referred to mental health services. The bill also bans gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Beshear vetoed the bill noting that it was government overreach and blocked parents from making health care decisions for their children. Republicans overrode his veto.
“Andy Beshear has joined Joe Biden’s radical left war on parents at every turn. Whether it’s making it easier for children to get abortions, allowing schools to refer children to psychological treatment, or allowing school employees help children change genders, Beshear has supported all of these radical policies. Andy Beshear puts liberal politics over parents,” Republican Governors Association National Press Secretary Courtney Alexander said.
Beshear is seeking re-election as Governor. He faces Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron.
