The Republican candidates include owner of a Glasgow outdoors shop, Bob Bryant, Greensburg Agricultural Specialist David Givens, and local Newspaper Publisher Jeffrey Jobe. The three candidates hail from very different backgrounds, and each has a very different perspective on how to handle education in Kentucky.

"They want their kids to have a good education and to do that, you've gotta’ have money," says Bob Bryant. "I think that Frankfort needs to look at this and put their priorities in a little better frame of mind as far as how they've got their priorities now."

"We give teachers and our state workers and our city workers one percent pay increases, and at the same time, we turn around and as legislators, we require our building contracts to pay employees, entry level employees, $47.00 an hour," Jeffrey Jobe explains. "People know that's not right."

"On the question of education, sadly enough, I do think Frankfort is doing everything in its power, given the revenue status of the state," says David Givens. "The cuts have been painful for everyone. No one has enjoyed this budget. I think the solution goes back to growing our economies, growing out businesses."

"Our governor is focused on bringing casino gambling to this area," Jobe continues. "The situation is not as bad as we believe and education is very important. To use it and try to scare people to promote your agenda, that's wrong."

"I do not feel that any type of tax is necessary, whether that be a cigarette tax, whether that be any other forms of taxes we may be looking," adds Bryant. "I think right now, the money is in Frankfort. We just need to pull it out and put it toward the areas it needs to be put towards."

"I think the system is doing the best it can with the sources it's been given," says Givens. "I certainly do not favor increasing any taxes. My drive is going to be, grow businesses, and grow the economy. The rising tide lifts all boats."

To hear the complete, unedited interviews with both the Republican and Democratic candidates running for District Nine of the State Senate, click on Kentucky Politics.