I think you are right that this was only one of a series of problems. It seems that Fletcher sort of dissed Kentucky’s signature horse industry:
From the “Bloodhorse” http://www.bloodhorse.com/articleindex/article.asp?id=39505
Beshear and Mongiardo “discussed their vision for improving the equine industry throughout the state, while at the same time advocating for every horse owner and rider in Kentucky” during their meeting at the board’s invitation. The statement said Gov. Ernie Fletcher didn’t respond to a request to meet with the board.
“Steve Beshear and Daniel Mongiardo outlined a clear vision of support for horse owners and the entire Kentucky horse industry,” the statement said. “Their top priority to help Kentucky horse owners will be the repeal of the unfair sales tax placed on horse feed and equipment. Owners of all other livestock in Kentucky do not pay sales tax on feed and equipment for their animals.
“For some reason, Kentucky has placed a sales tax burden only on the animals that comprise our signature industry. Mr. Beshear and Mr. Mongiardo have pledged to make the repeal of this unfair tax a top priority of their administration, thereby providing tax relief to every horse owner in Kentucky.”
The June 25 release also said the two men discussed their vision to convert old railroad beds to horse trails throughout the state, open up state parks to equine use, and create a network of trails connecting various state parks.
“In addition, they support expanded gaming, which will help our racing industry remain competitive with surrounding states that enhance their purses with proceeds derived from expanded gaming,” the statement said.”
From Another:
“Beshear early on said he would push for a public vote on casino gambling — much of it at racetracks — to raise about $500 million in revenue per year for the state. Fletcher through most of his four-year term indicated he didn’t support a gambling expansion but wouldn’t oppose a public vote. After the primary election, however, Fletcher said he would oppose any vote on casino gambling. Various polls in Kentucky have reflected a strong desire by the public to vote on casino gambling in a referendum.”
And another article:
“One of the longstanding traditions of Derby week is the Trainer’s Dinner at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Louisville. Each trainer gets a few moments in the spotlight to talk up, or down, their horses’ chances in the big $2-million dollar race on Saturday....During the presentation portion of the evening after the dinner, a pair of faux pas bookended the program. Early on, Gov. Ernie Fletcher was introduced…and Kentucky’s top pol was a no-show.
Beshear and Mongiardo ought to be shoveling horse crap out of stalls instead of running for governor, but then again, horse stalls, politics, no difference.