FRANKFORT, Ky., Nov. 6 (UPI) -- Democrat Steve Beshear ousted Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher, winning Tuesday's election by a landslide.
Beshear was ahead by 17 percentage points, The Lexington Herald-Leader reported.
Fletcher, who would have been the first Republican ever to serve a second term as Kentucky governor, was tainted by a scandal involving the merit system for appointment of state officials. He was indicted himself on three misdemeanor counts and pardoned a number of associates.
In his concession speech, Fletcher said wryly that "high office brings distinction but also trouble. I wish I had seen that more clearly when I stood here flush with victory four years ago."
Beshear called for unity.
"Folks, the people of this state have spoken and they’ve handed the reins of this state to us," Beshear said as he declared victory. "We all have one thing in common: tomorrow we’re all going to be Kentuckians."
Beshear, after serving as state attorney general and lieutenant governor, lost a Democratic gubernatorial primary 20 years ago. He retired from politics a few years later after losing a U.S. Senate race.
