The Advocate-Messenger sent a survey to all local candidates running for office. This is a partial list of state and federal offices. Candidates who did not respond to the survey are not included in this section.

See Boyle County candidates here. See Danville candidates here. See Perryville, Junction City, and school board candidates this Friday.

 

State Representative

 

• Elaine Wilson-Reddy – Democrat

I am a certified educator, and have been for over 35 years. My life’s work has been dedicated to helping others improve their lives, as many have helped me. I believe in the Golden Rule, that we are obligated to treat all people as we expect to be treated.

• Why are you the best candidate for this office?

I am qualified because I am a taxpaying citizen, a professional educator, and law school graduate. Not only do I possess the unique legal perspective on the legislative process, but as an educator, I have also mastered the ability to break complex concepts down so everyone can understand them, which translates into governmental transparency for all of my constituents. I will listen and consider all sides of an issue. State representatives are charged with doing what is best for all of their constituents and the Commonwealth.

• What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

The public education crisis created by over-burdensome policies and unfunded mandates that force local districts to spend more on what the state requires and gives less autonomy to individual districts.

• How would you address this issue in your elected office?

We must find additional funding sources for public education. Budgets were severely cut in 2018 and have not recovered. Legalizing marijuana and using revenue from sales could add over $150 million to public education funding. The state needs to pay for educational mandates and stop passing the costs off to local districts. If the state requires it, the state needs to funds it. Teachers have not received a raised in over ten years.  It would cost less than 1% of the current budget surplus to fund that raise. All of these would give a needed boost to public education.

• Daniel Elliott – Republican

I am a practicing attorney and have served in the Kentucky General Assembly since 2016, when I won a special election to replace now State Auditor Mike Harmon. I graduated from Boyle County High School in 2003; Bellarmine University in 2007; and UofL Law School in 2011.

• Why are you the best candidate for this office?

I am the best candidate for the office for a number of reasons. First, I have been an effective representative for the 46,000 citizens of the 54th district over the past 6 years in Frankfort.  Second, I serve in the majority, where I have a significant amount of input into the legislative process and in deciding which issues we take up and work on.  This input also allows me to advocate within the majority for our citizens and their needs.  Third, my views are in line with the majority of the people of this district. I take their values with me to Frankfort on a wide range of issues.

• What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

Inflation and its negative effect on our economy.  Inflation has disproportionately affected our most vulnerable and poorest citizens. Their purchasing power has decreased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. We have to fight the runaway spending that we see in Washington.

• How would you address this issue in your elected office?

We have to continue to make our state economically attractive for business development and job growth through our tax structure and other potential incentives and appropriate skills and job training for potential employees. Our state workforce participation level is one of the worst in the nation and we must get people back to work.  Additionally, we must continue on a path toward eliminating the personal income tax.  People in our state must be able to earn a competitive, strong wage in order to be able to buy a home and support their families in today’s economic environment.

 

U.S. Senator

 

• Rand Paul – Republican

My family and I live in Bowling Green where I owned my ophthalmology practice and performed eye surgery for 18 years before being elected to the Senate in 2010. As a dedicated physician–not a career politician– I was sent to Washington to shake things up and make a difference for all Kentuckians.

• Why are you the best candidate for this office?

Since being elected to the U.S. Senate, I’ve been a consistent advocate for Kentuckians by standing for fiscal responsibility and supporting local law enforcement. I will continue to fight back against reckless spending, the Defund the Police movement, and any radical liberal attempt to tear down our country and your way of life. I will always advocate for your constitutional liberties, protect your tax dollars, and fight against Big Government. I would be honored to have your support this November.

• What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

Reckless spending by the Biden Administration and both parties in Congress has caused record high inflation and price increases for all Kentuckians. Everything costs more, and I fear it will only get worse with continued out of control spending.

• How would you address this issue in your elected office?

I’ve never voted for an unbalanced budget and have always fought to protect your tax dollars from going towards wasteful spending that has caused record high inflation and price increases. As your Senator, I’ve returned over $5.7 million to the Treasury Department from my office budget. I’ve kept my promise to Kentuckians that I would stand for smaller, more efficient government, balanced budgets, and spending restraint. We can’t continue down the path of reckless spending that aims to destroy our dollar, takes more money from you the taxpayers, and risks ruining our country.

• Charles Booker – Democrat

I’m a proud native of Louisville’s West End and a proud husband and father. I grew up in poverty and understand what it means to live with this insecurity. I have had to ration my insulin in order to provide food for my family and I am a former State Rep. for District 43 in Louisville.

• Why are you the best candidate for this office?

I’m the best candidate for this office because I want to bring real change to the lives of Kentuckians. While my opponent is focused on keeping things the same, or making us even more hyper-individualized, I understand that we are a community that depends on each other for our livelihoods and that our policies should reflect that. From healthcare to social security to poverty reduction; these are all issues of justice that could be better. It will be my focus to address the immediate needs of the people of Kentucky, not just to sit back and let things play out as they always have.

• What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

The right to privacy. Rand Paul believes the government should force a pregnant person’s body to become state property. He believes even if a child is raped, they must give birth. He claims this topic should be left up to the states to decide, yet he introduced The Life at Conception Act.

• How would you address this issue in your elected office?

I support codifying Roe v Wade in Congress. The right to privacy that the case for Roe v Wade was built upon is essential to many other rights and freedoms we enjoy in the United States today. With the codification of Roe, Kentuckians and women across the country will be ensured equitable access to necessary reproductive healthcare. I will not support legislation that makes women and those who can become pregnant state property.

 

District Judge

 

• Stacy Coontz

I’m from Danville. I graduated from BCHS, UK, and the UK College of Law. I’ve been practicing law for 21 years; 16 as a public defender, and 5 in private practice. I handle all types of cases, from speeding to murder, and civil cases from small claims to mass torts.

• Why are you the best candidate for this office?

District Court has jurisdiction over many types of cases, and I have handled every type. I have done misdemeanor jury trials, probate cases, small claims and civil cases, guardianship, and juvenile cases. I have practiced for 21 years, and I am familiar with the entire District Court process. I have several ideas for how to improve the court to best serve the communities of Mercer and Boyle Counties. I believe the position of District Judge requires a knowledgeable person who will listen to everyone, treat each person equally, and apply the law. I believe I can fulfill that role.

• What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

Often in juvenile and district court, we have people with drug addictions or mental health issues, and frequently, both. I believe that the sooner these issues are addressed, the better for everyone.

• How would you address this issue in your elected office?

I would like to have a misdemeanor drug court that operates similar to the Drug Court program now underway in Boyle and Mercer Counties.  I would also like to return the Juvenile Coordination Program (JCP), which showed great success in Boyle County, and start the same program in Mercer.  Those programs can assist people in their recovery from addiction, and help them treat mental health issues. I believe instituting such programs can truly help the communities.

• Patrick F. Barsotti

I am a candidate for District Court Judge. I am a graduate of Boyle County High School, Centre College, and the University of Kentucky College of Law. I am a career prosecutor with a few years of experience in private practice focusing on criminal defense.

• Why are you the best candidate for this office?

I believe in our judicial system and understand the importance of strong leadership when it comes to preserving the integrity of the rule of law. I have handled a wide variety of legal issues both working in private practice and as the Assistant Boyle County Attorney where I serve the community now. As District Judge, I look forward to putting my experience to work for all citizens of Boyle and Mercer Counties. It was in these communities that I learned the principles and values that it takes to serve as a firm and fair leader in the courtroom.

• What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

Drug and alcohol abuse has had a tremendous impact on our community. This public health crisis has impacted individuals, family members, and the community at large. Many of these problems manifest themselves in the form of various criminal charges that ultimately come before the District Court.

• How would you address this issue in your elected office?

One of the primary goals of the criminal justice system is rehabilitation. As it relates to substance abuse, rehabilitation should be the primary focus when the District Court is confronted with addressing these issues. As District Judge, I will be committed to identifying individuals who are serious about recovery, and I will hold them accountable throughout the process by utilizing the jail when appropriate. By increasing communication between the court, law enforcement, and providers in our community, it is my belief that we can combat this public health crisis and see success.