Daniel Cameron sworn in as Kentucky’s first black attorney general
Daniel Cameron recorded several firsts Tuesday morning as he was sworn into office as Kentucky’s top chief law enforcement official.
In addition to becoming Kentucky’s first black attorney general, he also became the first African American to hold a Kentucky constitutional office after running independently and the first Republican to hold the state office in 70 years.
Cameron, 34, was administered the oath of office by U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove, with his mother, Sandra Cameron, holding the Bible for the swearing-in ceremony in his Capitol office and his father, Lavonnie Cameron, looking on.
Cameron was elected to the office on Nov. 5, defeating Democrat Greg Stumbo. He was supposed to take office Jan. 6, but new Gov. Andy Beshear appointed him to the job, effective Tuesday, to fill the remainder of his term in the office.
Cameron, Kentucky’s 51st attorney general, said his election said “a lot about Kentuckians who made the decision to give me an opportunity to serve in this role.”
“All they cared about was what my vision was for this office, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve,” he said. “I hope it says that people who look like me, that regardless of what your political affiliation is, that not only can you cast your ballot in an election but you also can put your name on that ballot, And you will be judged on your merits, talents, skills rather that the color of your skin.”
Beshear, who attended the ceremony, told Cameron he was taking on one of the best jobs ever.
“Every day you will be able to wake up and fight for those who can’t fight for themselves,” said Beshear, who once worked with Cameron at the Louisville law firm of Stites and Harbison.
He said he knows Cameron’s “convictions are real.”
U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman, whom Cameron called his best friend, prayed for Cameron at the start of the ceremony. He prayed that Cameron “be salt and light in our commonwealth.”
Cameron’s deputy, Barry Dunn of Oldham County, presided over the ceremony. Attendees included several state House Republican leaders.
A few minutes after being sworn in, Cameron was asked if he would name a special prosecutor — as several state lawmakers have called for — to investigate controversial pardons issued by former Gov. Matt Bevin.
He smiled and said he will need more time to make that decision.
In addition to selecting Bevin’s general counsel, Steve Pitt, to work in his office, Cameron has hired Bevin’s communications director, Elizabeth Kuhn of Louisville, to hold that job for him. Her husband, Matt Kuhn, who was an attorney for Bevin, will hold that post in Cameron’s office.
Cameron has hired Krista Locke of Lexington to be his deputy communications director.
This story was originally published December 17, 2019 at 9:46 AM.
