Should Andy Beshear be Kamala Harris' VP pick? Here's what Kentuckians are saying

How do Kentuckians feel about their governor being considered as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris' presidential campaign?

Some would love to see Gov. Andy Beshear become a vice presidential candidate because he has proven himself as "kind and empathetic leader."

Others, meanwhile, don't want to see his name on the Democratic ticket and question whether he's competent to serve in a higher office.

After news broke Sunday that President Joe Biden would no longer seek reelection, The Courier Journal asked readers whether they thought Beshear was right for the VP role.

Here's what they said.

Some want to see Beshear run for higher office — beyond vice president

One reason people support Beshear is because he appeals to both sides of the aisle, with some Republicans expressing they would support him as a vice presidential candidate.

"I’m a Republican for Andy Beshear," said Kelly Schork of Adair County. "He has been so good to Kentuckians, and I’m for him for president, not just VP."

Sherry Collins of Floyd County echoed Schork's comments, saying Beshear would round out a Harris campaign by drawing in more moderates and conservatives.

"He's a Christian and a kind person who cares about people," Collins said. "I'd be sad to lose him as Kentucky's governor because he's a bright light in a red state, but I'd love to see a Harris/Beshear 2024 ticket."

Beshear has won two terms as a Democratic governor in a deep-red state, which experts say is likely appealing to Democratic Party leaders when selecting a vice presidential candidate.

Like Schork, some even hope he ends up running for the step above vice president.

"He would make a better presidential nominee," said Jenny Wood of Marshall County. "Our nation needs a respected, unifying and intelligent choice. Beshear has proven to meet these requirements and would work to unify our country instead of divide it."

Other people highlight his "kindness, empathy and integrity" as to why they would like to see him pursue higher office.

"Andy Beshear has led with honesty, dignity, excellence and integrity as the Governor of Kentucky," said Patrick Nankivell of Louisville. "We have enjoyed him in office as a moderate head and voice against a staunch Republican House and Senate in the state of Kentucky."

Some disagree that Beshear is the right pick

Others would rather not see Beshear's name on the ticket.

Tres Watson, a longtime Kentucky political consultant and former GOP spokesman, criticized Beshear's transparency about the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice, as the U.S. Department of Justice undergoes a statewide investigation into conditions at eight youth detention centers and one youth development center.

"Good news is that Beshear's approach to government transparency will fit right in with the people who brought us Joe Biden," Watson said in a post on social media.

Austin Murrer of Warren County said Beshear has been the "most consequential governor of our state in recent memory."

"Despite this, I believe he is not the right choice for Vice President," Murrer said. "... If he were to be chosen as VP, this would lead to two potential outcomes. Either he wins and is no longer able to continuing serving as our governor. Or he loses, which potentially stains his remaining time in office. Either which way, the Andy Beshear we all know and love will be irreparably affected if he is chosen. I do not believe this is in the best interest of the citizens of our commonwealth, nor for Beshear himself."

Layne Hawley of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, said simply, it's not Beshear's time.

"I support him, but I think he's a better candidate in 2028," Hawley said.

Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at @[email protected] or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Should Andy Beshear be the VP candidate? What Kentuckians are saying