Last week a firm was hired to investigate allegations of political corruption during former Democratic Governor Steve Beshear’s administration.
The law firm Taft Stettinius & Hollister, based out of Indianapolis, was awarded the two year, $500,000 contract by Republican Governor Matt Bevin last Friday. The cover sheet of that contract, filed with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office says the investigation will focus on “possible violations of the Kentucky Model Procurement Code and alleged coercion of state employees for campaign contributions in violation of campaign finance laws."
During a press conference this past spring, Bevin claimed that there was a “pay-to-play method of conducting government” while Beshear was in office. Bevin said he would begin an investigation through the Finance and Administration Cabinet.
Beshear called the accusations baseless and said that “Procurement laws were followed. There was never any attempt to pressure employees to make political contributions.”
Attorneys at the Taft firm have contributed to political campaigns and parties in the past, including members of the state’s GOP Congressional Delegation and former Governor Steve Beshear and state Attorney General Andy Beshear. The firm has offices in six states including Kentucky.