Robert Conway (Kentucky)

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Robert Haley Conway

Democratic Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2019

Robert Haley Conway (Democratic Party) ran for election for Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture. Conway lost in the general election on November 5, 2019.

Conway completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. Click here to read the survey answers.

Elections

2019

See also: Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner election, 2019

General election

General election for Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture

Incumbent Ryan Quarles defeated Robert Haley Conway and Joshua Gilpin in the general election for Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture on November 5, 2019.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ryan Quarles (R)	58.2	821,414
		Robert Haley Conway (D)	38.6	545,099
	Submit photo	Joshua Gilpin (L)	3.2	44,596

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,411,109
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture

Robert Haley Conway defeated Joe Trigg in the Democratic primary for Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture on May 21, 2019.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Robert Haley Conway	60.2	202,913
	Submit photo	Joe Trigg	39.8	134,009

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 336,922
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture

Incumbent Ryan Quarles defeated Bill Polyniak in the Republican primary for Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture on May 21, 2019.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ryan Quarles	82.2	194,002
	Submit photo	Bill Polyniak	17.8	41,972

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 235,974
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2019

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Robert Haley Conway completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Conway's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

I, like all of the other candidates, is a staunch advocate for hemp and all of the possibilities that it could bring the struggling farmers in Kentucky. Unlike my opponents, however, I wouldn't simply stop with hemp. I am a proponent of the cultivation and sale of medicinal marijuana across the state. It would be lucrative for Kentucky's family farmers and it would ease the suffering of thousands of citizens suffering from debilitating illnesses like cancer. I also propose completely revitalizing our state's agricultural education programs and promoting farming to a new generation of Kentuckians. Its time that we look to green alternatives for our state as well, such as solar energy and hydroponic farming.
My goals, if elected, are to incorporate many of the ideas that I have mentioned relating to the future into action. I also want to save the small family farms across this state. They are being developed at record rates because our farmers are unable to survive the current agricultural and economic climates. Our incumbent is a career politician, with greater political aspirations, and he has left many of the people that need him the most behind. I pledge to help save our farms and help our farmers.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The cultivation of industrial hemp and medical marijuana. Finding a viable alternative to tobacco in Kentucky. Add green and solar technologies to our state's agricultural industry.

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

I have always looked up to my parents who have both passed away. They set a strong example for me to follow to this day.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

"Rudy" because I'm an underdog that will fight for the underrepresented.

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

Honesty. Integrity. Hardworking. Trustworthy.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have an extensive background in business and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is a big business as it has a $50 million dollar annual budget and oversees 200 employees. I am also an eighth generation Kentucky farmer.

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

To resurrect a slumping Agriculture industry here in the Commonwealth.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I worked hard and gave back to my community.

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

JFK was assassinated on my eighth birthday.

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

I once cleaned rest areas along Interstate 75 to pay for college. I also worked in my dad's hardware store growing up.

What happened on your most awkward date?

I don't think that I've had an awkward date.

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Christmas because it brought the family together.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Gone with the Wind

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

George Bailey because I love my hometown.

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

My living room.

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

Anything by Chicago.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I lost my father at 18 and my mother struggled with cancer. I had to help raise my siblings.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government?

A knowledge of Agriculture and the ability to think outside of the box.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

Extensive management and business experience.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

The Commissioner is responsible for inspecting the state's gas pumps.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes. It is vital

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Must be innovative.

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.

See also

2019 Elections

What's on the ballot? U.S. Congress special elections State executives State legislatures State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards Election analysis hub

Government

Who represents me? U.S. Congress State executives State legislators State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards

Newsletters

The Daily Brew The Weekly Brew The Ballot Bulletin Checks and Balances Economy and Society Hall Pass Number of the Day Robe & Gavel Union Station

External links

• Search Google News for this topic