GOP lawmakers in Kentucky assume lead role in fighting COVID

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A landmark decision by the Kentucky Supreme Court has largely shifted responsibility for the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic from Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear to Republicans in control of the legislature.

Now, after mostly watching from the sidelines as Beshear waged an aggressive response during much of the pandemic, the lawmakers will have to own it.

The shift comes as the virus surges. It means Republican lawmakers, who criticized the governor for what they viewed as overly broad and stringent restrictions on Kentuckians, will decide on mask mandates and vaccine incentives going forward.

Beshear, who is expected to seek re-election in 2023, vowed to stay involved. He raised the possibility of calling a special legislative session to address virus-related issues.

“I’m going to do the very best I can in the framework that’s been provided,” the governor said. “I can still work my tail off every day with the tools that I have to protect people the very best that I can.”

Kentucky set another record Tuesday for virus patients in hospitals and intensive care units and on ventilators. The 4,638 new cases statewide were the fifth-highest daily total of the pandemic, and Beshear said the state is in its “most dangerous time we’ve seen in this pandemic.”

Kentucky has reported at least 7,575 virus-related deaths. According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, the state's death count is the 27th highest in the country overall and the 30th highest per capita.

Now Republican lawmakers will bear much of the accountability if those numbers change significantly.

“At a time when the pandemic is hotter than ever, it gets tossed into the lap of the legislature,” said political commentator Al Cross. “They will have to now do more than talk. They...