Ernie Fletcher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ernie Fletcher
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Official portrait, c. 2003
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| 60th Governor of Kentucky | |
| In office December 9, 2003 – December 11, 2007 |
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| Lieutenant | Steve Pence |
| Preceded by | Paul E. Patton |
| Succeeded by | Steve Beshear |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kentucky's 6th district |
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| In office January 3, 1999 – December 8, 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Scotty Baesler |
| Succeeded by | Ben Chandler |
| Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from the 78th district |
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| In office January 1, 1995 – January 1, 1997 |
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| Preceded by | Leslie Trapp |
| Succeeded by | Tom McKee (redistricting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ernest Lee Fletcher
November 12, 1952 Mount Sterling, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Glenna Foster
(m. 1970) |
| Alma mater | University of Kentucky (BS, MD) |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  U.S. Air Force |
| Years of service | 1974–1980 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Awards | Air Force Commendation Medal Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
Ernest Lee Fletcher (born November 12, 1952) is an American doctor and politician. He served as the 60th Governor of Kentucky from 2003 to 2007. Before becoming governor, he was a member of the United States House of Representatives for three terms.
Fletcher is a member of the Republican Party. He was a family doctor and a Baptist minister. He was the first Republican governor of Kentucky since 1971.
Fletcher studied at the University of Kentucky and joined the United States Air Force. He hoped to become an astronaut. However, budget cuts and later his eyesight prevented him from pursuing this dream. He then became a doctor. He also served as a Baptist minister.
He became involved in politics and was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1994. He later ran for the U.S. House of Representatives and won in 1998. In Congress, he focused on health care laws.
In 2003, Fletcher was elected governor. He worked to save money for the state by changing how the government was organized. He also tried to update the state's tax laws. An investigation into hiring practices in his administration caused some challenges during his term. He lost his re-election bid in 2007 to Steve Beshear. After his time as governor, he returned to the medical field.
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Early Life and Education
Ernest Lee Fletcher was born in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, on November 12, 1952. He was one of four children. His family owned a farm and a store. They moved a few times before settling in Lexington.
Fletcher went to Lafayette High School in Lexington. He was a talented saxophone player. After high school, he attended the University of Kentucky. He married his high school sweetheart, Glenna Foster, after his first year. They have two children and four grandchildren.
Air Force Service and Medical Career
Fletcher wanted to be an astronaut. He joined the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. In 1974, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. He then joined the U.S. Air Force. He flew F-4E Aircraft and helped protect North American airspace.
In 1980, he left the Air Force as a captain. He received the Air Force Commendation Medal. He then went to medical school at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He hoped a medical degree would help him become a civilian astronaut. However, his eyesight worsened, ending his astronaut dreams.
In 1983, Fletcher became a lay minister at his church. In 1984, he opened a family medical practice in Lexington. He also helped start South Lexington Family Physicians. He later became a pastor at Porter Memorial Baptist Church.
Political Career
Fletcher became active in the Republican Party in Fayette County. In 1994, he was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives. He worked on poverty issues and higher education. He also helped reform the state's health care system.
Serving in Congress
In 1996, Fletcher ran for the U.S. House of Representatives. He lost that election to Scotty Baesler. In 1998, Baesler left his seat to run for the U.S. Senate. Fletcher ran again for the congressional seat. He won the election against Ernesto Scorsone.
In Congress, Fletcher quickly became a leader among new Republican lawmakers. He joined committees on education, workforce, budget, and agriculture. He focused on health care laws, especially the Patients' Bill of Rights. He believed patients should have more rights with their health plans.
Fletcher was re-elected to Congress in 2000 and 2002. He faced no major opponents in 2002.
Becoming Governor of Kentucky
In 2002, Senator Mitch McConnell encouraged Fletcher to run for governor. Fletcher announced his candidacy in December 2002. He first chose Hunter Bates as his running mate. However, Bates was found not to meet residency rules. Fletcher then chose Steve Pence as his new running mate.
In the Republican primary, Fletcher won with 53% of the vote. In the general election, he faced Attorney General Ben Chandler. Fletcher promised to improve the state government. He won the election with 55% of the vote. This made him the first Republican governor of Kentucky since 1971. He took office on December 9, 2003.
Governor of Kentucky's Actions
As governor, Fletcher focused on creating jobs. Kentucky ranked fourth in the U.S. for new jobs during his term. He reorganized the state government, reducing the number of cabinet positions. He also worked to improve the state's Medicaid program. He launched "Get Healthy Kentucky!" to promote healthier living.
State Budget Challenges
During Fletcher's term, Republicans controlled the Kentucky Senate, and Democrats controlled the House. This made it hard to pass new laws. In 2004, Fletcher proposed a plan to update the state's tax laws. However, the legislature could not agree on it or the state budget.
Because no budget was passed, Fletcher had to create a spending plan for the state. The Kentucky Supreme Court later ruled that the legislature acted unconstitutionally by not passing a budget. They also said Fletcher acted outside his power by spending money not approved by the legislature. This ruling set a precedent for future budget disagreements.
Promoting Kentucky and Health Care
In 2004, Fletcher launched a plan to create a unified brand for Kentucky. This was to improve the state's public image. After some jokes about it on late-night TV shows, Fletcher appeared on The Tonight Show. He presented a Louisville Slugger baseball bat to host Jay Leno. The slogan "Kentucky: Unbridled Spirit" was chosen. It was printed on road signs and state documents.
Fletcher also proposed changes to state workers' health benefits. He wanted to encourage healthier behavior. State employees, especially teachers, opposed some of these changes. Fletcher called a special meeting of the legislature. They passed a plan that added more money for health insurance and restored popular benefits.
Investigation into Hiring Practices
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In May 2005, an investigation began into whether Fletcher's administration followed state rules for hiring employees. This system, called the merit system, aims to ensure fair hiring based on skills, not political connections. The investigation looked into claims that political loyalty influenced hiring decisions.
Several officials in Fletcher's administration faced accusations. Fletcher stated that his office might have made "mistakes" but denied illegal actions. He later issued pardons for those accused in the investigation, but not for himself. The investigation continued and eventually included accusations against Fletcher himself.
In August 2006, Fletcher and Attorney General Greg Stumbo reached an agreement to end the investigation. Fletcher acknowledged that evidence "strongly indicated wrongdoing by his administration." He also agreed that the investigation was a necessary part of the Attorney General's duty. The charges against Fletcher were dropped.
2007 Gubernatorial Election
Fletcher announced his plan to run for re-election in early 2005. His Lieutenant Governor, Steve Pence, decided not to run with him again. Fletcher then chose Robbie Rudolph as his new running mate.
The investigation into hiring practices continued to affect his re-election campaign. He faced challenges in the Republican primary from Anne Northup and Billy Harper. Northup argued that Fletcher's involvement in the scandal made him unable to win. However, Fletcher won the primary with over 50% of the vote.
In the general election, Fletcher faced former Lieutenant Governor Steve Beshear. Fletcher tried to make the expansion of casino gambling the main issue. Beshear supported allowing a public vote on gambling, while Fletcher opposed it. However, the hiring investigation remained a significant topic. Beshear defeated Fletcher in the election with 59% of the vote.
After leaving office, Fletcher founded Alton Healthcare in 2008. This company helps health care providers use technology more efficiently. He has served as the CEO of the company, which is based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
See also
In Spanish: Ernie Fletcher para niños
- List of Delta Tau Delta members
- List of University of Kentucky alumni
- List of United States representatives from Kentucky
- List of governors of Kentucky
