Beshear, Bevin to be at tree lighting tonight
FRANKFORT, Ky. - Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear and Republican Gov.-elect Matt Bevin on Monday night are expected to have a rare joint appearance at the annual lighting of the state Christmas Tree.
It has been a Frankfort tradition during transition years that the departing governor and his family invite the incoming governor and family to the holiday event.
Beshear’s office on Saturday put out a news release saying the lighting will take place on the Capital lawn at 6:30 p.m. The release made no mention of Bevin.
But Jessica Ditto, spokeswoman for Bevin’s transition team, said in an email Monday morning that Bevin and Lt. Gov.-elect Jenean Hampton will be attending the event.
The news release from Beshear’s office says that those attending the ceremony “are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to benefit those in need.”
Tom Loftus can be reached at tloftus@courier-journal.com or at (502) 875-5136.