Cameron selects Sen. Robby Mills as running mate, a decision that could help the deliver rural votes for the Republican gubernatorial hopeful

Western Kentucky lawmaker Robby Mills has shown he can defeat a Democratic incumbent, as he did narrowly in 2018 – and with pollsters suggesting a close race for governor this year, Cameron may be hoping Mills can put him over the top.

Mills wasted little time taking aim at Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear in his opening remarks at the state GOP's Frankfort headquarters.

"I've seen Andy Beshear push his radical agenda into our schools, into our businesses, and into our homes," the newly-minted candidate said, echoing a recurring theme in the day's remarks. "He has failed to support our values and it's time for a change in the Kentucky governor's office."

Cameron called Mills a “rock-ribbed conservative” and a “job creator,” adding that Mills was among the first to “sound the alarm on radical gender ideology.”

"Back in 2020, he introduced legislation to ban boys from playing girls' sports," Cameron said. "That bill finally took effect after the legislature overrode Andy Beshear's veto."

In a statement, Kentucky Democrats called Mills “extreme,” and criticized the lawmaker for opposing medical cannabis and pushing to “slash pensions for teachers.”

Analysts will now be watching to see whether the choice moves the needle in the closely-watched governor’s race, in which Republicans have sought to tie Beshear to national Democrats.

Asked whether he would welcome former President Donald Trump to campaign for him, Cameron said he wants anyone who recognizes the “values of Kentucky” to be a part of the campaign, including the embattled former president.

What does the choice tell us?

In selecting Mills, Cameron opted for a reliably conservative voice in the legislature who might not bring a great deal of name recognition statewide, but University of Kentucky political analyst Dr. Stephen Voss says the senator makes up for some potential shortcomings for Cameron. He points to Mills’ appeal in rural areas – with his home base of Henderson also having ties to the coal industry.

"Mills gives balance to Cameron in terms of regional coverage," Voss tells WUKY. "Mills also helps make the election more about social and cultural issues and less about economic ones."

On the other hand, by choosing a more traditional old school male Kentucky politician, Cameron might shed some votes from women, especially in more urban areas where Democrats have made some small gains. The UK political observer also says Mills isn’t the kind of flashy choice that might have shaken up the race in more unexpected ways.

"Cameron lost the ability to surprise people and really get a big splash announcement, in favor of instead offering a ticket that he hopes voters will see as a safe move," Voss adds.

While it may not grab as many headlines, Voss says the strategy may prove a good one if Kentucky voters are already leaning Republican. Normally, that might be the assumption in state where the GOP dominates both legislative branches by wide margins, but the Democratic incumbent has proven resilient in job approval polls — making for a more uncertain political landscape.

Still Voss says the dynamic in the commonwealth remains consistent with contests across the country, with Democrats zeroing in on local and economic concerns and their rivals hoping for a referendum on national political leadership and a focus on social issues seen as more favorable for Republicans in red states.

"The messaging we've seen from both sides about Cameron's running mate choice shows you that same divide between economic versus cultural issues that we see all the time," he says.

The crossfire commences

The buzzwords on the GOP side are already fairly well-cemented. Kentucky values. Common sense. Law and order. Mills also took Beshear to task over his response to the pandemic, blaming school shutdowns for learning loss, accusing the Democrat of governing on his own, and tying Beshear to Washington.

"Wouldn't it be nice to have a governor in Kentucky who shared the values Kentuckians hold dear, who will actually work with us in the General Assembly to make common sense solutions? Would that be nice?" Mills asked. "That person is standing right behind me... Daniel Cameron."

Beshear was asked about Mills during a press conference on the latest crime report. He briefly responded, referencing a pension law that drew large teacher protests under his Republican predecessor, Matt Bevin. Democrats often refer to the legislation under its original label, calling it “the sewer bill.”

"Robby Mills led the effort to pass a sewer bill that would have stripped the earned retirements of every teacher, police officer, firefighter, social worker, every state, city, and county employee that was made a promise," Beshear said. "And he was willing to break it."

One thing that's certain: Both the tenor of the debate in the coming months and the ultimate results of the race will be closely monitored by both parties, as they look for hints about the electorate’s mood heading into 2024.