Kentucky House of Representatives District 85 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in Kentucky, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Kentucky House of Representatives District 85 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

• Click here to see candidates and election results.
• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Kentucky House of Representatives District 85

Incumbent Shane Baker defeated Bryon Vaught in the general election for Kentucky House of Representatives District 85 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Shane Baker (R)	81.9	11,756
		Bryon Vaught (D)	18.1	2,606

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 14,362
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Bryon Vaught (D)

Protect our public schools and advocate for our educators.

Support local businesses and our essential workers.

Ensure equality and fairness for all Kentuckians.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Bryon Vaught (D)

I believe we have to start working in our own best interest, not just blindly following party lines. Kentucky has such a rich history and culture. We can be a national force in the political, economic, and education sectors while maintaining our regional values and identities.

I believe we should not be taking away from our public school, our teachers, and the opportunities of our children to fund private charter schools. These private charter schools are not held to the same standards as our regulated public schools, and they will siphon off sorely-needed funding as well as increase the tax burden on citizens.

I believe we can support local businesses as well as protect and advocate for our workers.

I believe that every Kentuckian should have the same opportunities and rights. No law in Kentucky should be used as a was to oppress or discriminate against any Kentucky citizen..

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Bryon Vaught (D)

My dad is probably the person closest to me that I look up to. I've never seen him raise his voice in anger, and he's always been a constant positive force in my life. Politically, I look up to people who aren't afraid to stand up for what they believe in, someone who keeps their word to voters. I know that he is a polarizing figure, but Bernie Sanders has done what no other politician can claim: he has stayed true to his principles and beliefs.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Bryon Vaught (D)

Honest and integrity.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Bryon Vaught (D)

to represent the people who elected them to the best of their abilities,

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Bryon Vaught (D)

The first major historical event that I experienced in my lifetime would be the space shuttle Challenger incident. in 1986 I was in 8th grade. The teacher was showing the launch on the television in front of class.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Bryon Vaught (D)

My first job was as a bagger at Kroger. I started the week I turned 16 and kept working there all through high school, so just over 2 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Bryon Vaught (D)

The Road by Cormac McCarthy. It is a novel that illustrates the good and bad inherent in man, and is ultimately about hope even during the most trying of times.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Bryon Vaught (D)

James Tiberius Kirk.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Bryon Vaught (D)

Waiting Room by Fugazi

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Bryon Vaught (D)

It may be politically naive, but I believe the legislature should be pushing people's agenda, no their own or the governor's.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Bryon Vaught (D)

Political division.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Bryon Vaught (D)

That much power should not be consolidated.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Bryon Vaught (D)

No. I believe the less experience dealing with politics or the government are probably more beneficial to the people they are representing.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Bryon Vaught (D)

Yes of course. I'm assuming it will be very difficult to get anything accomplished with building rapport with your peers.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Bryon Vaught (D)

It should be decided by a third party that has no political affiliation or bias.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Bryon Vaught (D)

Education. Local Business.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Bryon Vaught (D)

Nope.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Bryon Vaught (D)

My dad has the eyes of an eagle and the heart of a lion. That's why we're not allowed to go back to the zoo.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Bryon Vaught (D)

Yes.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Bryon Vaught (D)

Yes. To an extent. Compromise on some topics are necessary. I am not looking to get elected to office to solely represent my views, I am there to represent my constituents and do what is best for them.

See also

More about these elections:

• Kentucky House of Representatives elections, 2022

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