Beshear criticizes JD Vance on lack of Eastern Kentucky flood recovery support; Vance says he has

Gov. Andy Beshear criticized Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance during a visit to Eastern Kentucky for not supporting the region after 2022’s deadly floods, but one area resident says the controversial candidate did give money privately.

Vance has drawn criticism for referencing his Appalachian roots in Breathitt County in recent campaign appearances, which were also outlined in his 2016 memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy.”

Though Vance grew up in Middletown, Ohio, he wrote he visited family in Jackson, Kentucky each summer.

Beshear has repeatedly called Vance out on the references, saying Vance has taken an opportunistic stance with tenuous ties or support for the region.

“I don't know of any other efforts (to help),” Beshear said of Vance’s response to the floods on Friday. “When you have profited from a book talking about Eastern Kentucky, I think it gives you an obligation to invest back in Eastern Kentucky.”

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But Hazel Green resident Vanessa Treft said she called Vance after the first waves of donations in the aftermath of the floods dried up. He offered to help, she said, and wrote a $10,000 check to the Hazel Green Food Project, allowing the organization to buy needed food and cleaning supplies.

"He was there when we needed it and he did not want any public praise for it," Treft told The Courier Journal on Friday.

William Martin, spokesperson for the Vance campaign, criticized Beshear for the attack, saying it was the second time in as many days he had been wrong about the candidate.

"It’s exactly the type of desperate plea for attention you would expect from a spoiled brat whose daddy handed him the keys to the Governor’s Mansion," Martin said.

Beshear said he remains focused on trying to be supportive of all people in need, regardless of political stance.

“I watched the people of Eastern Kentucky come together the way that we are supposed to, not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Kentuckians, as Americans, as people who live the golden rule that we love our neighbor as ourselves,” Beshear said. “We show up when times are tough, and we lean on each other and those that have lost friends and family members.”

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This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Andy Beshear, JD Vance argue over support for east Kentucky floods