AG candidates wrangle over Davis case

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Kentucky’s candidates for attorney general have wrangled over the case of a clerk who chose jail over issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Republican Whitney Westerfield says Gov. Steve Beshear should issue an executive order to exempt Kim Davis and other clerks from issuing licenses to same-sex couples due to religious objections. Minus as executive order, Westerfield says a special session of the legislature should take up the issue.

Democrat Andy Beshear says the governor cannot change a section of law by executive order. He calls it “law school 101.”

Beshear says a special session would be a waste of taxpayer dollars.

The candidates made a joint appearance on Kentucky Educational Television Monday night.

Beshear is the son of Gov. Steve Beshear. Westerfield is chairman of the state Senate Judiciary Committee.