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Gov. Bevin extends contract to investigate predecessor

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky Republican Gov. Matt Bevin's administration has extended a contract with an Indiana law firm to investigate corruption in his Democratic predecessor's administration.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports the potential cost to Kentucky taxpayers for Bevin's investigation of former Gov. Steve Beshear's administration has doubled to reach $1 million.

Bevin's administration approved a two-year, $500,000 extension in June of its contract with the Indianapolis office of Taft Stettinius & Hollister to search for corruption in Beshear's administration. It had awarded the contract to the firm in 2016 through the state Finance and Administration Cabinet.

Cabinet spokeswoman Pamela Trautner said Tuesday the renewed contract is for investigative and legal services.

Beshear says Bevin "has now decided to waste another half a million dollars and another two years to continue his fruitless search."