Governor Matt Bevin's analogy he used on a talk radio program for pension reform opponents is drawing some criticism from Democrats.

Bevin spoke to Brian Thomas Tuesday morning on 55KRC in Cincinnati and discussed opposition to the Republican-backed pension reform bill signed into law at the end of the 2018 legislative session. Franklin County Circuit Court Judge Phillip Shepherd ruled the law unconstitutional, and the governor's office has appealed the ruling to the state's Supreme Court.

The law would move new teacher hires into a hybrid plan that puts less risk on the state but doesn't guarantee them the same benefits. Supporters say it was a necessary step to keep the pension system solvent. Kentucky's pension system is one of the worst-funded in the U.S.

Opponents of the pension reform law argued the state was breaking a promise to beneficiaries, and the law was passed in an unethical manner in the legislature, as it was added to a wastewater bill before being passed hours later.

"I'm being fought in some instances by the very people we are trying to save," Bevin said, "It's like saving a drowning victim. It's like somebody, they're fighting you, biting you, pulling you under. You just need to knock them out and drag them to shore."

Kentucky Democrats have quickly used the analogy to criticize the governor.

“Governor Bevin just can’t help himself. Every time he opens his mouth it’s a disaster. He has no respect for the people of this state, especially teachers. He’s arrogant and talks down to hardworking Kentuckians," party chair Ben Self said, "It is offensive for Governor Bevin to suggest that teachers, police officers, and public employees can’t think for themselves or make informed decisions about their own future. Matt Bevin’s sustained, consistent attacks on his own constituents is an embarrassment to the state. Kentuckians deserve better than this.”

Attorney General Andy Beshear has also released a statement in a tweet from his official account. The tweet reads, "Gov. Bevin's comments are offensive. Our public servants aren't drowning victims, they are hardworking men and women who help our families every day. It's time to restore decency in Frankfort."

You can listen to the entire interview with Governor Bevin below.