This story has been updated to include a statement from Governor-elect Bevin.

A cringe-worthy editorial cartoon in the Lexington Herald-Leader is drawing criticism for referencing the children of Governor-elect Matt Bevin.

Editorial cartoonist Joel Pett created an image of Bevin shivering under a desk with an aide holding a frame with a child's picture in it. "Sir, they're not terrorists," the aide says in the cartoon, "they're your own adopted kids!"

Bevin has nine children, four of whom are adopted and are natives of Ethiopia.

The cartoon appears to be a commentary on Bevin's position regarding Syrian refugees. Bevin opposes the entrance of any refugees into Kentucky.

“The recent terrorist attacks in Paris serve as a warning to the entire civilized world that we must remain vigilant. It is imperative that we do everything in our power to prevent any similar attack by evildoers from taking place here in America," Bevin said in a statement this week. "My primary responsibility as Governor of Kentucky will be to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth. This is why I am joining with other governors across the country in opposing the resettlement of Syrian nationals until we can better determine the full extent of any risks to our citizens.”

Bevin responded to the cartoon on Thursday afternoon.

"They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Indeed, today, the Lexington Herald-Leader chose to articulate with great clarity the deplorably racist ideology of "cartoonist" Joel Pett. Shame on Mr. Pett for his deplorable attack on my children and shame on the editorial controls that approved this overt racism," the governor-elect said in a statement. "Let me be crystal clear, the tone of racial intolerance being struck by the Herald-Leader has no place in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and will not be tolerated by our administration."

Some state legislators weighed in on Twitter about the cartoon.

"This is wholly inappropriate," wrote Senator Whitney Westerfield (R-Hopkinsville) in a tweet that included a cut-out of the printed version of the cartoon. The cartoon is not available online. "You should acknowledge that and issue an apology."

"This is reprehensible," said Senator Damon Thayer, a Georgetown Republican who represents southern Kenton County. "The (Herald-Leader) must apologize and enact consequences." Thayer asked for the paper's president & publisher, Rufus Friday, to lead.

From there, a growing chorus of criticism began to sing on social media calling for an apology from the paper.

This is wholly inappropriate, @heraldleader. You should acknowledge that and issue an apology. pic.twitter.com/NrbPctn7DC — Whitney Westerfield (@KyWhitney) November 19, 2015

The @heraldleader publishes a cartoon suggesting that Bevin is afraid of his own family because they're not white. Liberal tolerance, y'all. — Sarah Carey (@sarahlizcarey) November 19, 2015

This is totally beyond the pale. I sincerely hope @MattBevin and team revoke @heraldleader press pass https://t.co/h0AvJodAPP — Eddie Runyon (@EddieRunyon) November 19, 2015

Disgusted by the @heraldleader's cartoon. They should be ashamed — Corey Thomas (@PresidentJamaal) November 19, 2015

Bevin had well-documented problems with some members of the media during the campaign in which the Republican surprised many in defeating Democrat Jack Conway by a wide margin earlier this month. The Herald-Leader's Sam Youngman, in particular, detailed difficulties he had with Bevin.

This op-ed cartoon appears to be positioned to widen that rift.

-Michael Monks, editor & publisher