The move comes along with a question being asked nationally for Republican candidates is increasingly becoming: Is Trump an asset or a liability?
Archived versions of Alvarado’s website reviewed in late August show a significant change in tone since he won the May primary. At least five written references to Trump were removed, along with a prominent photograph of Alvarado standing beside Trump with both men giving a thumbs-up.
The campaigns and homepage messaging have shifted as well. Rather than emphasizing Alvarado as an ally of Trump, the campaign now highlights bipartisan cooperation and affordable health care. The changes have drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, including Governor Andy Beshear.
"Well, you see right here in the sixth, Ralph Alvarado is running away from him," Beshear said. "He's taken him off of his material. It would be interesting to hear what the President would have to say about that given he provided that endorsement."
Alvarado’s campaign rejects the criticism. Campaign manager Andy Westberry called it a “socialist smear campaign,” defended Trump’s endorsement and accused Democrat Zach Dembo of trying to distract voters from the issues.
