FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear has appointed his wife to an unpaid position on the Kentucky Horse Park Commission in one of his final acts as governor.
Beshear issued an executive order on Friday appointing Jane Beshear to the commission for a term that will expire on Jan. 1, 2019. Beshear finishes his second term as governor on Monday. Republican Gov.-elect Matt Bevin will be sworn-in on Tuesday.
Bevin spokeswoman Jessica Ditto called the appointment “self-serving ” and an “embarrassment.” Beshear spokesman Terry Sebastian noted Jane Beshear has served on the Horse Park Commission in the past, having been appointed by former Gov. Martha Layne Collins. Steve Beshear served as Collins’ lieutenant governor.
Sebastian said Jane Beshear has been a champion of the horse park and the state’s horse tourism industry.