Stumbo: Governor’s reported threat could be impeachable offense

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – A state lawmaker says he felt threatened by a voicemail from Governor Matt Bevin. Russ Meyer is a Democratic state representative who serves parts of Fayette and Jessamine Counties. He says that the governor tried to get him to change parties and when he didn’t, he says Governor Bevin left him a 42-second voicemail that said, in part, “I want you to be very aware of the impact of those decisions as it relates to you, your seat, your district.”

Meyer says he interpreted that as a threat to pull transportation projects from his legislative district.

Democratic House Speaker Greg Stumbo released a statement regarding Representative Meyer’s claims. “I am appalled by this latest allegation that Governor Bevin abused the power of his office by threatening a legislator and then wasting $650,000 in taxpayers’ dollars to carry out his threat. If true, these acts are criminal in nature and in my judgement rise to the level of an impeachment offense.”

Governor Bevin responded to Speaker Stumbo’s statement. “Speaker Stumbo’s threats of impeachment are a desperate attempt to save his political career,” Bevin said.