The Kentucky Supreme Court has heard arguments about whether the governor can cancel a contract awarded by the state attorney general.
Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear hired a group of private law firms to sue nine opioid manufacturers and distributors for their part in the drug crisis. But Republican Gov. Matt Bevin's administration canceled the contract, saying it does not do enough to protect taxpayers.
Beshear is running for governor and could face Bevin in the general election.
Thursday, lawyers for Beshear and Bevin argued before the state Supreme Court. Bevin's lawyer, Steve Pitt, said the attorney general can't spend public money without oversight, as defined in state law.
Beshear's attorney, J. Michael Brown, said Bevin wants to control the actions of a statewide elected official.
