Herald-Leader endorsement: Candidate in Central KY House race shows political courage.
In his first term in the Kentucky House of Representatives, Rep. Killian Timoney, R-Nicholasville, has been an exemplary public servant for the 45th District, which encompasses southern Fayette County and part of Jessamine.
His work ranges from working on bread and butter issues — such as legislation to ease home mortgages, expanding who can give rabies vaccinations and making it easier for firefighters and police officers to return to the fold after retirement— to the big sweeping ones. That includes defending public education and protecting LGBTQ children from those who wish them harm.
Like traditional Republicans, he supports limited government, gun rights and the GOP push to ban abortion and lower Kentucky’s income tax to zero. But apparently he is not right wing enough for the Liberty wing of the state Republican party, which found an even more conservative Republican to challenge him in the primary.
Thomas Jefferson did not respond to several requests for an interview with our editorial board. But judging from his campaign website, his views are consumed by such culture war battles as transgender athletes that barely affect our state and will do nothing to move it forward.
This editorial board does not agree with Timoney on many issues. But he has earned our endorsement by being a pragmatic conservative who votes for what’s best for his constituents. As a longtime educator, he knows public schools are the best way to ensure Kentucky’s economic viability, and he opposes efforts to divert public school funding to private schools.
As for his heartfelt opposition to Senate Bill 150 in the 2023 session, he ascribed it to his Catholic faith and his belief that government shouldn’t interfere with parents and their children.
“We have always used our faith to provide strength to help other people,” he said. “I want to fight for what I believe the Constitution is written for, equal protection under the law. I’m not afraid to take tough stands.”
In these divided times, Kentucky needs more leaders who eschew cookie cutter politics, people who will fight for what they know is right even when it crosses those inflamed party lines.
Killian Timoney earns our endorsement.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhy we endorse
Newspapers have a long history of political endorsements that give voters more insight into candidates before casting their ballots. Read more about why the Herald-Leader values this process before elections.
Why endorsements are important
The Herald-Leader believes the tradition of candidate endorsements enhances interest and participation in the civic process, whether readers agree with the newspaper’s recommendations or not. The paper has unusual access to candidates and their backgrounds, and considers part of its responsibility to help citizens sort through campaign issues and rhetoric.
An endorsement represents the consensus of the editorial board. The decisions have no connection to the news coverage of political races and is wholly separate from journalists who cover those races.
Unendorsed candidates can respond with 250-word letters that will be published as soon as possible.
This story was originally published May 13, 2024 at 10:14 AM.