Steve Beshear

A native of Kentucky, Steve Beshear was born in Dawson Springs within Hopkins County. He was one of five children of a Baptist minister and a mother who was dedicated to her community. His parents instilled values of integrity, strong religious faith, hard work and respect for others - values which Steve strives to exemplify in his political career. Following Dawson Springs High School Beshear graduated from University of Kentucky and its College of Law - both with highest honors. He was elected Student Body President during his third undergraduate year, an early indication of not only leadership credentials but his interest in public service. While at the University of Kentucky he met his future wife Jane, who grew up in Bowling Green and Lexington. Later, Beshear became a Spec 4 enlisted man in the Army Reserve as an intelligence analyst and carried out certain Judge Advocate General duties. District the Kentucky House of Representatives. As a state representative, he championed projects such as the modernization and expansion of neo-natal facilities at the University of Kentucky hospital and in the referendum to reform the Kentucky Judicial System. Following his term as a state representative, he was elected Attorney General of Kentucky in 1979. Beshear saved countless taxpayer dollars by successfully cracking down on statewide food stamp fraud. He also gave citizens the opportunity to file consumer protection complaints in their respective communities rather than being burdened with bureaucratic delays. Additionally, Beshear fought and won to hold down utility rates across Kentucky. Beshear was elected lieutenant governor of Kentucky in 1984. As lieutenant governor, he created and headed the Kentucky Tomorrow Commission. Beshear has also led a successful private sector career. As a respected attorney plus senior executive of a multi-state law firm, a he counseled large and small business enterprises, which Beshears believes is the backbone of job development. Steve's counsel helped guide many clients into successful ventures. Steve's various civic activities include such organizations as CommerceLexington, 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.