Governor Steven L. Beshear
Whether it was taking the lead as a young State Representative to help fund a desperately needed expansion for the UK hospital's neo-natal unit, or his role as Attorney General in curbing consumer fraud, Steve Beshear's initiatives are varied and memorable.
As Lieutenant Governor he created and led the Kentucky Tomorrow Commission, realizing back then how essential it was for state government to think far ahead – to plan for the future rather than only the present. His past dedication and range of activities illustrate a diversity of interests today. A few examples of the many organizations where he participated, assisted and provided guidance include Commerce Lexington, Inc., the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, God's Pantry Food Bank, Bluegrass Tomorrow, the Kentucky World Trade Center and the UK College of Law Visiting Committee.
The Dawson Springs native grew up one of five children. Within the Beshear home one always found a powerful sense of values, faith in God and a steadfast work ethic. The Governor's father, Russell, a funeral director, also was a Baptist minister, just like his father. His mother, Mary Elizabeth, dedicated herself to numerous community endeavors – making life better for others.
After graduating from Dawson Springs High School, the future Governor entered the University of Kentucky – "thanks to the second mortgage on our house," he often notes. He was elected student body president in his junior year while at the same time performing quite well academically. Graduation meant law school, also at UK, where he graduated with honors.
Next began a whirlwind life. During his under-graduate days he met his future wife, Jane. Then on to practice law in New York before returning to Kentucky. Early days also brought military duty for Kentucky's 61st Governor. After completing law school he served as an intelligence analyst in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Now married for 38 years, the Beshears have two married sons. Jeff practices veterinary medicine in Virginia, and he and his wife, Emily, have a four-year-old son, Nicholas.
Andy followed in his father's footsteps to practice law, and he and his wife, Britainy, live in Louisville.
In 1974, today's Governor was State Representative Beshear. Five years later Kentuckians elected him Attorney General. In 1983, Kentucky voters elected him Lieutenant Governor.
Subsequent races for Governor and the U.S. Senate fell short, but the end result facilitated re-entry into private law practice where he became senior executive of a multi-state firm. A good portion of that workload, along with management responsibilities, involved counseling large and small business enterprises – the backbone of job development. At the same time community banking captured his interest, which added another dimension to his preparation for future government leadership.
Kentucky's Chief Executive credits his final decision to seek the Democratic nomination this year to three factors: 1.) Successes as a Legislator, Attorney General and Lt. Governor; 2.) Lessons learned during early races – successful as well as otherwise; and 3.) Experiences acquired during nearly two decades in the business sector.
A shared vision for the betterment of all Kentucky exists within the team of Governor Steve Beshear and Lt. Governor Daniel Mongiardo. Achieving sustainable economic growth, lifelong learning opportunities – beginning with pre-kindergarten – and affordable health care are matters of utmost priority.
An avid golfer, Beshear also enjoys horses and takes considerable satisfaction in watching any of the Commonwealth's athletic teams defeat opponents from various parts of the country. Yet he realizes that limitations on time will curtail these pleasures because duty comes first. It's another lesson in life taught by his parents.
VISIT GOVERNOR BESHEAR'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE: governor.ky.gov