Someone needs to speak truth to the power that is the Kentucky Democratic Party | Opinion

A few years ago, I did a documentary film aired by KET on Harry Caudill, a lawyer and activist from Whitesburg, Ky. Mr. Caudill saw things for what they were and was fearless in publicly sharing his beliefs. “Sometimes you have to speak truth to power,” he said.

This is precisely what must be done in 2025 regarding the reform and complete restructuring of the Kentucky Democratic Party (KDP). And this “speaking truth” is going to have to be done by county Democratic party leaders.

I propose that, if and when the KDP decides to reorganize, delegates from out in the state should ask party leadership the following questions:

▪ Why wouldn’t a strong statewide party machine help elect and then re-elect a Democratic Governor?

▪ Why wouldn’t a strong grassroots effort that helps identify and elect state representatives and state and U.S. Senators give a Democratic Governor more power and standing?

▪ Why wouldn’t a strong grassroots network help Democrats be elected to local offices, who would then help a Democratic Governor in his election hopes?

▪ Why wouldn’t a bold, clearly defined and consistently voiced message to the people of Kentucky regarding what the KDP stands for help elect a Democratic Governor?

▪ Why wouldn’t opening the KDP up to anyone who wants to volunteer, help out, or yes, even lead, give a Democratic Gubernatorial candidate an even stronger team?

These questions, and likely others, must be asked. If not, the KDP will remain a small, very tightly controlled organization that seeks almost entirely to elect and re-elect a governor.

There is also the matter of upcoming U.S. senate races. My understanding is that these races have been written off as unwinnable. If that is the case, something must be done to reverse that course, and the process of identifying strong, potential candidates for those two races must begin immediately.

So, what is the plan?

Our first option for U.S. senate is obvious. Governor Andy Beshear. I understand his national aspirations, but, here in Kentucky, he stands alone as the one Democrat who could win the McConnell U.S. Senate seat. He is the right person at the right time and Democrats nationwide must start recognizing when those two factors align. Flipping that U.S Senate seat is extremely important not only in Kentucky and the U.S., but clearly, Democratic control of the U.S. Senate has worldwide implications.

A wonderful candidate for the other U.S. Senate seat is Kentucky Sports Radio host Matt Jones. Hopefully, he could still be persuaded. It was unfortunate for Kentucky and for Mr. Jones that the Democratic National Committee picked our candidate for us the last time McConnell ran, and it did not work out well.

So let us consider Jones. A Duke graduate with strong, engaging speaking skills; quick on his feet; affable; fearless; has a huge connection to the people of Kentucky through his consistent radio presence. Jones is extremely electable and would make a strong, strong candidate alongside a statewide, organized KDP on the same page, backing and campaigning for him.

Both of these men have a connection with the people of Kentucky and that is vital when it comes to choosing a successful candidate. If not them, then who?

The KDP MUST adapt to conditions in Kentucky and do so quickly. I have heard that the long-term strategy is to just sit back until 2040 and wait for demographics to change here in our state. I hope this is not the case, but I fear it is. Somehow, some way, KDP MUST begin the process of transforming itself into an option for the moderate Ky voter! Otherwise, from what I am witnessing, three years from now there will barely be any trace of the Party here in Kentucky.

I feel Mr. Caudill’s strong influence as I write this letter. Speaking truth when it’s not popular is not easy, it’s not fun, and there are many other things I’d rather be doing. To those that have also spoken up about this, or plan to do so, I appreciate you! I dedicate this letter to the future of my daughters, Sophie and Emmie.

Jerry Deaton is a retired lobbyist, former Executive and Legislative Branch Employee, author, playwright and filmmaker.

This story was originally published February 5, 2025 at 10:58 AM.