Beshear's initial rise to political prominence was interrupted in After two and a half years, the family returned to Kentucky, where Beshear joined the In 1973, Beshear began his political career by being elected to represent the 76th District (As a legislator, Beshear gained a reputation as a consumer advocate, and sponsored bills to increase environmental protections and end the practice of commercial Beshear was the first candidate to announce his bid for the post of Two minor controversies marked Beshear's tenure as attorney general. Kentucky Secretary of StateRugeley, "Measure to Remove Perks of Lieutenant Governor Fails"Duke, "Bill Would Strip No. Kentucky Secretary of State"History of Ten Commandments Legislation".
(2017, March 28). Kentucky Secretary of StateCarlton, "McConnell Wins Third Term by His Largest Margin Ever"Jordan, "Wilkinson Tries to Remove Beshear From Case, Fails""Poll: 49% of Voters View Fletcher Unfavorably". In April 2008, he announced that he would divide the state's Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet to form a new Energy and Environmental Cabinet.In September 2008, Beshear's administration attempted to seize control of 141 gambling-related During the organizational session of the 2009 General Assembly, House Speaker Jody Richards was ousted by House Democratic members by a three-vote margin in favor of former Due to the state's worsening economy, the primary issue facing the legislature for the session was a $456 million budget shortfall.The rules of the House of Representatives required that the final two days of the chamber's session be reserved for overriding any vetoes by the governor. Governor". The Daily NewsCohn, "Beshear and McDonald Post Large Victory Margins""1983 Primary Election Results for Lieutenant Governor". On July 19, 2009, Beshear announced that Louisville mayor Jerry Abramson would replace Mongiardo as his running mate in his re-election campaign. In 2001, the firm was hired to represent creditors in a bankruptcy case against Wallace Wilkinson, Beshear's opponent in the 1987 gubernatorial primary.On December 18, 2006, Beshear announced that he would enter the 2007 gubernatorial race with Early polls showed that Beshear and Henry led the Democratic field in name recognition, but both trailed Fletcher and his Republican primary rival In April 2007, Beshear received the endorsement of former Governor Incumbent governor Fletcher emerged from the Republican primary, and Beshear immediately looked to make the investigation against Fletcher the primary issue of the campaign.On January 26, 2009, Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo announced that he would seek the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent Senator Beshear faced no opposition in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, held on May 17, 2011.On November 8, 2011, Beshear was re-elected as governor of Kentucky with close to 56% of the vote in a three-way race.