There is a contended Republican primary race for Kentucky State Representative in District 8, and the two candidates faced off in debate Monday evening.
Incumbent Walker Thomas has an opponent in Caldwell County Judge Executive Larry Curling on the ballot this year, and the two discussed things they agreed on, disagreed on and what they would do differently to advance the state.
On the topic of the minimum wage, Curling says that wage will adjust itself as need be to meet demand, but he does agree the wage is low and an increase could help address the labor shortage.
Thomas says the market dictates the minimum wage, and he’s not sure that’s something the legislature should be responsible for addressing.
Both men were against legalizing medical marijuana and both agreed that broad tax reform is important, including modernizing the gasoline tax and state income taxes.
Curling says some of his top priorities if elected would be infrastructure, such as finding a way to expand broadband internet access in rural areas and addressing state road repairs. Thomas say he’s focused on tax reform and getting tax exempt military pensions passed in the state.
Whoever wins in the May primary will go on to face Democrat Pam Dossett in the November general election.
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