By Associated Press
Frankfort, KY – The largest recent contributions to Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear's re-election campaign and the state Democratic Party have come from a Republican who Beshear appointed to office. This is according to an analysis by The Courier-Journal. The study shows William C. Britton, who Beshear recently appointed to the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees, gave Beshear $2,000 dollars in March of 2010, and gave the Kentucky Democratic Party $50,000 dollars this year. Richard Beliles, the Chairman of Common Cause of Kentucky, says there is nothing illegal about the contributions, though he would prefer state appointees be more politically independent. A spokesperson with Gov. Beshear's office says he welcomes contributions from all supporters, but they do not affect his appointment decisions.