Daniel Cameron: I will bring ‘real change’ in GOP US Senate run, unlike others
The Herald-Leader is profiling the major candidates for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. Read the other profiles at Kentucky.com in coming days, and find more election stories in our Primary Voter Guide.
Daniel Cameron is running through the tape.
Despite President Donald Trump endorsing against him, and despite being massively outspent on television, the ground game, in mailboxes and elsewhere, Cameron is displaying confidence that he still has a shot in his bid for the GOP nomination to U.S. Senate this year.
Though Cameron began the race with many natural advantages — high name ID from running statewide twice before and high favorability among conservative voters — Rep. Andy Barr became the favorite in what’s essentially a two-man race after he scored Trump’s endorsement and Lexington entrepreneur Nate Morris dropped out early this month.
He’s still striking a contrast between himself and Barr, though, as he’s painting the longtime Central Kentucky congressman as an insider beholden to special interests and politics as usual in Washington.
“If you want real change, you don’t need someone who has spent the past 14 years of their life sucking up to the D.C. swamp. You need someone who is focused on the people of Kentucky, and that’s why I’m asking for your vote,” Cameron said at a recent press event addressing Trump’s endorsement.
Cameron is very limited in his means to get that message across. His campaign has raised a fraction of what Barr brought in, hasn’t seen nearly the level of outside PAC support, and recently cancelled television ad reservations in the final week of the campaign.
Cameron’s political career has been defined by bread-and-butter conservative issues like support for law enforcement and opposition to abortion rights.
He was also identified as a strong political talent, who can work rooms and win hearts easier than most, from an early age. Cameron was quickly elevated from staffer for Sen. Mitch McConnell to statewide candidate in his 30s. Cameron was once a close ally of McConnell, and now claims that the senator’s network has gone all-in for Barr.
With disadvantages in traditional modes of paid campaigning, Cameron has attempted to weld together a coalition of conservative factions: He’s leaned heavily into faith communities as well as the “Liberty” wing of the state GOP that usually aligns with Rep. Thomas Massie and Sen. Rand Paul.
Cameron said that coalition formed naturally around his record and public persona.
“People from different walks of life within the Republican Party find a home with Team Cameron,” he said.
Cameron on the issues:
Economic growth and taxes: Cameron said the central responsibility of a U.S. senator is creating conditions that allow Kentuckians to thrive economically. “That means keeping your taxes low,” he said. Cameron also said he would aggressively pursue economic development and job recruitment opportunities for Kentucky.
Agriculture: Cameron said Kentucky’s next senator must be a strong advocate for the state’s agricultural industry and rural communities. He emphasized the need for a new Farm Bill, which is moving through Congress now, rather than repeated short-term extensions.
Pharmacy benefit manager reform: Cameron said reforming pharmacy benefit managers, commonly known as PBMs, would be a major priority. He argued more oversight is needed to protect independent pharmacies from being pushed out of business.
Election integrity: Cameron voiced support for the SAVE Act, legislation Republicans argue would strengthen election security measures.
Law enforcement: Cameron said he wants to continue positioning himself as a strong ally of police and law enforcement agencies. His support for law enforcement was a hallmark of his tenure as attorney general, particularly when his office led the investigation into the police killing of Louisville native Breonna Taylor, which ultimately ended with no state charges being filed against officers for Taylor’s death. One officer faced a charge of wanton endangerment over the incident, but was acquitted at trial.
Who is supporting Cameron’s bid?
As the state’s former “top cop” when he was attorney general for four years, Cameron has received dozens of endorsements from local elected law enforcement officials like sheriffs and jailers.
Cameron also has endorsements from a handful of prominent state legislators in the GOP’s Liberty wing, including Northern Kentucky state representatives Savannah Maddox and T.J. Roberts
Paul and Massie have not endorsed Cameron, but he’s the candidate about whom the two have had the most positive things to say.
“I‘ve been looking at the different candidates and hoping that one of the candidates in the Senate race will talk about what they’re for and what their agenda is ... And I think the one that’s best articulated that message has been Daniel Cameron,” Paul said at a recent press event.
Why he believes he’s the best candidate for GOP nomination
Cameron said he’s been the most consistent on issues of constitutional conservatism, like freedom of religion.
“When it comes to who’s going to help preserve constitutional rights, (voters) think I’m going to be best suited to do that in Washington,” he said.
Cameron also believes he reads as more authentic to Kentucky voters, who have come to know him in recent years via his past electoral campaigns and major news items like the investigation into Taylor’s killing.
“Maybe they don’t agree with (me) on every issue, but they know that what I say,” Cameron said of supporters.
Age: 40
City of residence: Crestwood
Previous politics/government experience: Former attorney general of Kentucky, counsel to Sen. Mitch McConnell
Professional background: attorney, CEO of 1792 Exchange
Learn more: Daniel Cameron for U.S. Senate. Also find him on Facebook and Instagram.
