CRESTWOOD, KY (Nov. 7, 2023) – Kentucky Attorney General-elect Russell Coleman delivered the following remarks -- as prepared for delivery -- following his election as the 52nd Attorney General of Kentucky:
I want to thank God, my family, and the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky… I stand here tonight at the end of an 18-month job interview, filled with gratitude, humility, and more determination than ever. To all of those listening in this room and around Kentucky… whether you supported me or not… I promise you this: We will protect your family, we will defend your rights, and we will back the blue! For the neighborhoods in West Louisville struggling to address violence... For rural counties and small towns fearful that Washington’s radical agenda is attacking our values and our way of life… For the parents across Kentucky who lay awake at night worrying their kids may fall victim to the poison flooding over our Southwest Border… And for the law enforcement leaders who risk their lives every day, who will be out there on dark country roads and responding to calls long after we’re sleeping in our beds tonight… I see you. I hear you. And I will represent all of you.*** To Representative Stevenson, we may come from different parties and bring different philosophies, but I appreciate her service to our Commonwealth and our nation. As Attorney General, I look forward to working with anyone–regardless of party–who will stand with our law enforcement, protect our families, and help put violent criminals and drug traffickers behind bars where they belong. *** Getting elected today was a team effort. What a privilege to be a part of such an incredible Republican ticket. We spent many hours together at Lincoln Day dinners, Fancy Farm and on the bus tour and I can tell you that Allison, Mark, Jonathan, and Mike are all first-rate leaders with great competence and integrity. Above all, I’m proud to congratulate my friend, Attorney General Daniel Cameron. He is a man of faith, character, and once-in-a-generation talent. I always knew Daniel Cameron was destined for great things…so much so that I named a kid after him! To paraphrase our Treasurer-elect, I can't possibly fill my predecessor's shoes, but I will strive to walk in them. *** Ronald Reagan was fond of saying, “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.” Much easier said than done in politics! This victory isn’t just mine…it’s YOURS. It belongs to all of you who prayed for me, contributed precious resources, and welcomed me into your homes. The best part of this campaign was meeting the amazing people in every corner of this Commonwealth. And the BBQ, can’t forget that BBQ! To our Commonwealth’s and County Attorneys, sheriffs, and police chiefs… To my brothers and sisters in the Fraternal Order of Police, who stood up early and often to support this campaign… This is YOUR win. You won’t just have a seat at the table; supporting you will be our focus in the Attorney General’s Office. To my team… From volunteers, to the best in the business crew at Run Switch PR, Thank you for allowing me and this campaign to be the beneficiary of your considerable talent. You made me better.I want to say a special thanks to Gavin Henshaw, a young man who has become family. He spent countless hours in the truck from the mountains to the river counties and everywhere between, always with a smile and an encouraging word. Gavin has made his native Paducah and his family proud. And most importantly, to my amazing wife, Ashley, and our incredible kids. You made one sacrifice after another for this moment. *** As I close, I am in awe of this journey. From a kid growing up in rural Western Kentucky who dreamed of being an FBI agent, fulfilling that dream and serving my country here and abroad, to the medical challenge that left me paralyzed, leaning on my wife and medical team learning to walk again, to Senator Mitch McConnell for offering me a role on his DC staff and changing the trajectory of my professional life. Make no mistake, I did not make this happen. “I do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” I stand here today thanks to HIS blessings and the love and support of the people in this room. I am honored to be your next Attorney General. May God protect the men and women of Kentucky law enforcement and the people of our Commonwealth!
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