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"It's nothing." Bevin won't answers questions about Lt. Gov's lawsuit

Posted at 1:44 PM, Aug 16, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-16 18:00:31-04

Governor Bevin would not answer questions from reporters Friday in connection to his Lieutenant Governor's lawsuit against him.

According to the lawsuit, filed in Franklin County Circuit Court, Lt. Gov. Janean Hampton claims that Bevin illegally dismissed Steve Knipper and Adrienne Southworth, her chief of staff and deputy chief of staff respectively.

The bad blood began in January when the first firing happened.

She is seeking a court order to restore both staffers to their previous positions. The suit names Bevin and the state Personnel Cabinet as defendants.

Bevin's communications director, Elizabeth Kuhn issued a statement criticizing the lawsuit as premature.

“The matter is currently before the personnel board, and it is inappropriate for a lawsuit to be filed before the board issues its decision," the statement reads. "We will move for immediate dismissal of the complaint.”

The Governor would not take any questions regarding the situation during an appearance in Georgetown today. He told reporters he had addressed the situation on Thursday.

"There is a process for all these things, including this and that's why this is a non-issue. I know you're so excited at the idea of making this into something...it's nothing,"Governor Bevin said to reporters at an event in Georgetown.

A hearing is scheduled 10 a.m. on Aug. 19.