The Underground Rooster

Rep. Rocky Adkins Key Note Speaker at Christian County Ag Breakfast

2011-03-16T17:21:00.000-05:00

Rep. Adkins & Speaker Stumbo

House Floor Majority Leader Rocky Adkins will be the featured speaker for the Chamber's Agriculture "Eye Opener" Breakfast Thursday morning in Hopkinsville.

Rep. Adkins who is nationally recognized as an expert in the field of energy will discuss the economic importance of utilizing Kentucky's natural resources.

Rep. Adkins will also be in Hopkinsville tonight to support the Trilogy Center. Adkins will be joined tonight by Rep. Tilley, Rep. Yonts, Senator Pendleton and other West Kentucky Legislators for the Trilogy event.

Hamrick Campaign Generating State Wide Support

2011-03-06T16:52:00.000-06:00

Hopkinsville Democrat Steve Hamrick states that he is very pleased with his campaigns progress to win the Democratic nomination for State Treasurer. Hamrick stated that his fundraising efforts have just begun.

The campaigns first fundraiser was was held last week in Lousiville and was Co-hosted by State Senator Joey Pendleton, Rep. John Tilley, Klint Alexander, Michael Buckman and Melissa Alexander. The event was hosted by Janet Buckman and Elizabeth Alexander at the Alexander home in Louisville.

A recent audit of the State Treasurer's Office by State Auditor Crit Luallen showed that current State Treasurer Todd Hollenbach continues to fail in his responsibilities to properly manage the office and provide the necessary security to protect Kentucky taxpayers. Hamrick said, " Kentucky deserves a full-time State Treasurer who will managed the office properly." Hamrick said the auditor's report raised numerous red flags regarding the ability of Hollenbach to managed the office.

Steve Hamrick is a Murray native who has served on the Democratic Executive Committee in Graves, Christian, Marshall and Franklin Counties. During Gov. John Y. Brown's Administration, Hamrick served as the Program Development Director for the Kentucky Private Industries Council.

Hamrick brings a strong back ground in business having served both Marion and Christian Counties as Director of Economic Development. A graduate of Murray State University, Hamrick also attended Georgetown University and graduate school at Wichita State University.

"I believe that I can perform the duties of State Treasurer far better than our current Treasurer who is either unable or unwilling to correct the problems in his office," said Hamrick. Hamrick also stated that he is encouraged by Democrats across Kentucky who recognize the importance of having a strong and well balanced Democratic Ticket in November.

State Park Employees Feeling Pain of Budget Cuts

2010-12-08T00:07:00.002-06:00

Majority Leader Rocky Adkins

Employees in our State Parks have had their hours reduced to thirty hours a week. Yes, the economy is bad and state government has struggled the past few years but it comes down to priorities. Granted most of our parks are operating in the red but some of that has to do with the economy. As I have toured some of our state parks across Kentucky the last month it's obvious that many are in need of repair. From paint to bedspreads, many of the basic items need replaced. Our park facilities may not be in the best shape as they once were and this may also account for a decline in revenue.

The greatest ambassadors for Kentucky are our parks employees and I found it tough to listen to the choices many of them are having to make because of the reduced hours. One employee who wished to remain anonymous said, "Their cutting our front line employees." Many of the employees said they felt that it was unfair for parks employees to be cut back to thirty hours a week while other state employees were only furloughed six days.

When I asked House Majority Leader Rocky Adkins about this he stated, "We have the best state park system in the Nation because of the dedication and commitment of our state park employees." House Majority Whip John Will Stacy commented on the issue by saying, "Now there is a fifty-eight million dollar projected surplus and there is no need for the men and women of state government to sacrifice with this projected surplus." Rep. Stacy has championed the cause of the state employees and has pre-filed a bill regarding the furlough days.

The time has come for Kentucky to re-invest in our state parks and promote them nationwide. The time has come for Kentucky to upgrade the rooms with refrigerators and microwaves. The time has come to invest in needed small projects like bathrooms and a shower at Ken Lake's pool (My preferred state park). The time is now to restore the morale and the paychecks of our park employees.

It's a matter of priorities and charity & investment start with our people. We didn't have a problem dumping millions of dollars into a fancy horse show that lost money. Many of us in Rural Kentucky are still trying to figure out what the hell that was all about. I have no problems supporting a creation museum that has a big Ark but now probably isn't the best time to be spending money on that especially when we have park employees who are single moms trying to figure out how they're going to buy their kids something for Christmas. Besides we have a big structure in West Kentucky that has two of every kind of animal in it- We call it the State Penitentiary. Maybe we could sell tickets and peddle all that junk left over from the fancy horse show.

Murray Native Sandra Ferony Appears in Garth Brooks Movie

2010-12-07T21:08:00.001-06:00

Sandra Hamrick Ferony has been answering casting calls for a number of years but her most recent experience has provided her some good exposure as a movie extra.

Unanswered Prayers produced by Garth Brooks for the Lifetime Channel is Sandra's latest appearance in a movie. When asked about how she became involved in the movies Sandra said, "Six or Seven years ago a friend of mine and I thought it would be fun to answer a casting call, so we've been doing it ever since."

Sandra said the days can be long and you may or may not end up getting into the movie. Having the opportunity to be around some of the best in the movie industry is exciting stated Sandra Ferony.

Ferony has answered casting calls for a number of memorable movies which include Sum of All Fears with Morgan Freeman and Ben Affleck, Head of State with Christ Rock, Flags of Our Fathers which was directed by Clint Eastwood, Sentinel with Michael Douglas and Kiefer Sutherland, and State of Play with Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, and Rachel McAdams. Regarding State of Play Ferony said, "It was great to be around Russell Crowe and Rachel McAdams all day but the hours can be long. I spent three thirteen hour days on the set of that movie."

Sandra Ferony's efforts over the years has earned her the coveted Screen Actors Guild Card. Ferony who has lived in Virginia for many years says she enjoys being an extra and will continue to answer casting calls that come her way.

Unanswered prayers which is based on Garth Brook's song entitled "Unanswered Prayers" can be seen on the Lifetime Channel on December 9th at 8pm Central and again on New Years Day. Sandra can be seen in a dance scene in which the main characters are dancing.

Kentucky Sportsmen Want Action to Control Asian Carp

2010-12-06T18:38:00.001-06:00

League of Kentucky Sportsmen President Dr. Bill Haycraft believes the time has come to stop talking about Asian carp and do something about it. Dr. Haycraft shared with me his concerns last week in Frankfort regarding the outcry from sportsmen in Western Kentucky.

The Asian carp continue to move into our lakes when barges and boats move through the locks. They compete with the shad for plankton which is reducing the population of sport fish. Sportsmen believe crappie and sport fish are declining thus reducing the tourism dollars for West Kentucky.

While there is a great deal of political upheaval in Kentucky regarding the management of the Department of Fish & Wildlife the issue of Asian carp should not get lost in the midst of political strife. There seems to be no disagreement regarding the damage the Asian carp is causing but there is a difference in opinion as to what extent the Asian carp can be blamed for other perceived problems.

Since sportsmen believe there is a decline in the number of sport fish in Barkley and Kentucky Lake and if so, is the Asian carp to blame? Dan Cayce is President of the Christian-Trigg County Chapter of the League of Kentucky Sportsmen and he believes that the Asian carp are significantly reducing the crappie population. Mr. Cayce is also frustrated with the Department of Fish & Wildlife in what he descibes is a lack attention and effort on the part of the Department. Cayce said, " White crappie is the fish that puts dollars in local tourism's pockets." Cayce believes that the Department is not big enough to address the issue which he feels will ultimately ruin sport fishing on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes.

"The Department needs to enhance the resources not just protect resources which has been their mission," said Cayce. Cayce suggested that more attention be paid to the lakes by taking care of them not just monitoring them. "We need more enforcement and commercial fishing needs to be regulated,"commented Cayce. Allowing commercial fisherman to use larger nets and mechanical arms to harvest the larger carp would be one solution that Cayce would like to see. Sportsmen like Dan Cayce believe that lack of crappie fishing can be seen in the declining tourism dollars in the lakes region. While all sides agree that Asian carp are causing damage, it has opened the debate as to what extent they are harming sport fishing.

Paul Rister who is a biologist for the Department of Kentucky Fish & Wildlife states that the science shows that Asian carp are filter feeders who are competing with the shad. Rister states that this competition has stressed the food chain which inevitably means less shad which in turn means fewer sport fish. There does appear to be a difference of opinion regarding sportsmen and the Department when is comes to Asian carp eating other fish.

Rister believes that while the Asian carp is a serious issue it may not be solely to blame for the decline in sport fish. There are very few solutions to addressing the problem but everyone seems to agree that getting them out of the lakes via more commercial fishing is the short term answer. Rister said that he thought the present regulations are working but believes the Department should consider a longer season. The net season presently runs from November through February. Rister said, " Do we need to liberalize the season?, maybe."

If getting the Asian carp out of the lakes on a large scale is the answer then this solution is probably bigger than the Department of Fish & Wildlife and associations like the League of Kentucky Sportsmen. Harvesting large quantities of Asian carp will mean attracting fish processing plants to build near the lakes. Rister said, "There is a huge market overseas for Asian carp but they must be flash frozen and we don't have the processors right now." The silver carp is said to taste very good at three to four pounds and many compare it to crappie. Unfortunately just the name carp has a tendency to scare people off locally.

I'm sure the debate will continue as to the impact of Asian carp on our sports fish but there are other environmental factors we all must consider. Kentucky and Barkley Lakes are aging and continue to evolve. The progression of farming in the area of no till planting has reduced the amount of silt that washes into the lakes thus causing clearer water. While this has reduced the number of white crappie is has increased the number of black crappie who prefer the clearer water. One can't help but to consider what damage has been done by pollution. I think it safe to say that the poor economy has hurt tourism in Kentucky the last few years. While some folks may not be coming because of less fish I sincerely believe many people just can't afford it right now.

As the lakes evolve so must our solutions. While town hall meetings are important to achieving consensus, solving this problem will require a strong commitment from the legislative and executive branches of government. Sportsmen and the Department alone will not be able to defeat the growing Asian carp population.

Steve Tribble Sworn in as Association President

2010-12-06T12:18:00.000-06:00

Judge Tribble and Rep. John Tilley

Christian County Judge Executive Steve Tribble was sworn in as President of the Kentucky County Judge Executive's Association on December 2nd. Rep. John Tilley swore in Judge Tribble along with the newly elected officers which make up the associations executive board.

The quarterly meeting and ceremony was held at Berry Hill Mansion in Frankfort with Grant County Judge Executive Darrell L. Link presiding. Executive Board Members sworn in by Rep. Tilley were 1st Vice President, Judge R.T. "Tucker" Daniel of Johnson Co; 2nd Vice President, Judge Jim Townsend of Webster Co.; 3rd Vice President, Judge Jim Henderson of Simpson Co; Secretary Judge Gary W. Moore; Sergeant-at-Arms, Judge Kelly Callaham of Martin Co.; and Immediate Past President, Judge Darrell L. Link of Grant Co.

Judge Tribble stated that he was humbled by the trust and support received from his fellow Judges and pledge to serve them and the organization in an honorable manner. Tribble also stated that he was honored to be the second county official from Christian County to be serving as an association president. Christian County Clerk Mike Kem is presently serving as head of the Kentucky County Clerks Association. Christian County Attorney Mike Foster is the Dean of Kentucky County Attorneys and has also served as President of the County Attorney's Association and KACo. Former Christian County Jailer and present Sheriff Livy Leavell served as President of the Kentucky Jailers Association.

Mike Foster stated that historically few association presidents came from Western Kentucky. Foster said, "The distance from Frankfort and the time commitment required made it rare for someone from West Kentucky to be an association President." Mike Foster stated that he was proud of his fellow county officials in Christian County for their willingness to sacrifice so much time to public service.

I want to thank Executive Director Vince Lang and The Marshall of Miller County, Mike Miller, for their gracious hospitality.

Sen. Pendleton & Rep. King Promote Farm Outreach Forum

2010-11-16T10:33:00.000-06:00

FRANKFORT- Senator Joey Pendleton, D-Hopkinsville, and Rep. Martha Jane King, D- Lewisburg, encourage local farmers to take part in a "Farm Outreach" forum that will be held Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. (CT). The forum will be held at the Westside Church of Christ Fellowship Hall in Elkton.

Topics of discussion will include safety regulations, licensing requirement and driver qualifications. The Kentucky State Police/Commericial Vehicle Enforcement Division is partnering with the Todd County Cooperative Extension Service and Kentucky Farm Bureau to provide the forum.

The Westside Church of Christ Fellowship Hall is located at 715 West Main Street, Elkton.

-END-

David Williams Having Identity Crisis

2010-11-12T14:15:00.000-06:00

A tough week for Sen. Williams who continues to struggle with the reality that neither he nor Senator McConnell can control republican politics in Kentucky. The revelation that Jefferson County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw is considering running for Governor has led Williams to a complete melt down this week. Williams failed to gain his high ground with Holsclaw that being a private meeting so he could employ his bullying tactics. I think it's safe to say that Williams went crying to McConnell but to no avail.

So having lost his high ground what does Williams do? He now decides to disrobe and put on a Tea Party jacket. This drew a good laugh from Tea Party folks as well as Republicans from around the state. His comments advocating repeal of the 17th Amendment drew immediate criticism from both Jim Bunning and Mitch McConnell. Sen. McConnell had his own problems this week when it was revealed that McConnell privately asked President Bush to withdraw troops for political gain. President Bush refused McConnell's request at the time because it would have endangered the security of our troops-A fact Sen. McConnell was fully aware of but didn't care about.

Williams failed his ambition this week by not understanding that while political power may induce results it also creates enemies and animosity. Williams ability to force people into submission is now starting to catch up with him. David Williams has misinterpreted the kissing of his ring whereas it has become an act of submission not a sign of respect.

Regardless of where one may stand on the issue of expanded gaming it has become increasingly difficult for those on both sides of the argument to tolerate David Williams participation in the debate. One must call into question the character of a man who believes on one hand it's alright for him to do it but yet on the other hand deny Kentuckians the right to decide the issue themselves.

This week David Williams took all his political clothes off in search of new ones but today he is left standing naked with Richie Farmer holding the only thing he now has to wear-his robe of hypocrisy.

Bob Farmer to File Monday for Agriculture Commissioner

2010-11-11T13:41:00.000-06:00

Bob Farmer Promoting the Almanac

Jefferson County's Bob Farmer said today that he will officially file for Commissioner of Agriculture on Monday November 15th. Farmer stated that he plans to file the necessary paperwork with the Secretary of State's Office at 3pm.

Farmer who is a marketing executive and representative of the Farmers' Almanac stated that he believes his background in marketing and public relations has prepared him for the important role of marketing all of Kentucky's agriculture.

Bob Farmer is also a noted humorist and motivational speaker and has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. Farmer said, "I've been blessed with the opportunity to share family humor and stories over the years in every corner of Kentucky". Farmer believes his background and broad exposure to communities across Kentucky will be a great asset in his bid to become Kentucky's next Commissioner of Agriculture.

"I'm not a politician and I'm not seeking this office just so I can run for another one," said Farmer. Farmer said that he believes having a Commissioner of Agriculture who can support, promote and market Kentucky's Agriculture is more important than ever. Farmer also went on to say that he continues to travel the state listening to the concerns of farmers and agri-business leaders. Farmer stated that his campaign would be releasing his goals and vision for Kentucky's Agriculture Department in January.

Cox Considering Run for Secretary of State

2010-11-11T12:55:00.000-06:00

Will Cox honoring Veterans

Madisonville Mayor Will Cox states that he is considering filing for Secretary of State. Cox, who narrowly lost his bid for a second term as mayor, attributed his loss to the wave of voter frustration that swept across the Nation last Tuesday. Republicans also defeated Sen. Jerry Rhoads in Hopkins County while also picking up a House seat. Cox said that he has received enough encouragement and commitments of support around the state to warrant his serious consideration.

Updating the status of other West Kentucky Democrats:

- Rep. John Tilley states that he is prepared to seek the Attorney General's position should Jack Conway decide not to run. Tilley said, "Jack is a friend and he deserves time to catch his breath and decide what's best for him and his family."

-Steve Hamrick who is seeking the position of Kentucky State Treasurer said that he is beginning to start fundraising now that the general election is over. Hamrick says his Jefferson County supporters are already working on a fundraiser to be held in January.

Mike Karem To Question Sen. Williams Electability on CN-2 Politics

2010-11-07T16:43:00.000-06:00

Karem in a solemn moment in preparation for President Reagan's funeral

The fact that Kentucky Republicans aren't happy has been a story line of mine in recent months. Sources for sometime now have informed me about the behind the scenes activity within the Republican Party to find an alternative to the Williams/Farmer slate.

I was informed yesterday that former Reagan Aide Mike Karem of Louisville will appear with Ryan Alessi on CN-2 Politics. I tracked down Mr. Karem and he agreed to speak briefly about his appearance. Karem stated that he had serious reservations about Sen. Williams electability as the Republican nominee for Governor next year and would be addressing those concerns with Alessi and CN-2 Politics. I asked Mr. Karem if my earlier reports regarding opposition to the Williams/Farmer slate were accurate he replied, "There has been serious concerns from GOP leaders in Washington down to the county level regarding David Williams." Karem went on to say there has been a quiet but strong movement to provide Kentucky Republicans an alternative to David Williams. Karem said, " Tim, your analysis of Kentucky politics has been spot-on."

Mike Karem shared with me his background which most recently includes having served as Senior Advisor to Ambassador Paul Bremer. Karem started his career in the General Council's Office in the Veteran's Administration during the Nixon Administration. Later, Karem would serve in the Chief Council's Office in the U.S. Treasury Department under the Ford Administration. Karem would also serve as a campaign aide to both Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. Under President Reagan, Karem served on the Presidential Transition Team and as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Housing and Urban Development. Karem received the honor of helping prepare the State Funeral of his old friend and boss President Ronald Reagan. Today, Mike Karem serves as a consultant to political leaders and businesses around the world.

Ryan Alessi's interview with Mike Karem can be seen Monday night on CN-2 Politics at 7pm est. I want to thank Mr. Karem for his time, comments and pictures.

West Kentucky Results and My Take on General Election

2010-11-03T01:29:00.001-05:00

Editors Note: While I have edited this post to correct the inaccurate numbers I recieved regarding Rex Smith it in no way changes my editorial comments or my opinion regarding the outcome and overall lesson of the General Election in Kentucky.

It's early Wednesday morning and I'm still reviewing the results from across the state. First, I'm pleased that two of our clients were victorious that being Dennis Parrott in the 10th Senate District and Rep. Carl Rollins who chairs the House Education Committee. I'm sick about Will Cox Jr. losing his re-election bid for Mayor of Madisonville. The Republicans swept through Hopkins County. Sen. Jerry Rhoads retained his seat but lost his home county of Hopkins. Muhlenberg County provided Rhoads enough of a margin to win. The Republicans also picked up Eddie Ballards seat with the help of most big name Democrats in Hopkins. Republican Ben Waide won Eddie Ballard's seat with 56.59% of the vote (6,887 to Mike Duncan's 5,284. Rand Paul carried Hopkins County with 59% of the vote. Will Cox lost the mayor's race by 72 votes. It would appear that the African-American precincts in Madisonville decided to vote for Republicans this year.

Republicans did well in Trigg and Todd County. The Republicans retained the County Judge Executive position while picking up the Sheriff's office. Rand Pual carried Trigg by 19%. In Todd County Paul won also by 19% and Republicans picked up the County Judge Executive's seat.

Rex Smith waged a campaign that appeared to be very one-sided. Smith invested a lot of his own money and it seemed to have paid off. Bob Leeper's campaign was non-existent on the air waves. Smith ran very good commercials promoting his Christian and traditional West Kentucky values by using his Sunday School Class and pictures of himself with his shotgun as a backdrop. Former Governor Julian Carroll was also heavily involved in the Smith Campaign. Leeper did in fact pull the race out in the end with by a small margin from McCracken County losing Marshall and Ballard Counties.

It would appear that the Senate Democrats have lost two seats with Boswell and Reynolds losing and have picked up one Conservative Democrat by gaining Dennis Parrett . It would also appear the Republicans have gained a net 7 seats in the Kentucky House.

So what's the lesson. Well it's the same as its been for the last 26 years. Simply put there has never been nor will there ever be a future for a progressive/liberal agenda in Kentucky. Kentucky should have divorced itself years ago in a public manner from the National Democratic Party. Kentucky Democrats must embrace and promote only the issues important to the majority of Kentuckians. Jack Conway gave away a U.S Senate seat by not focusing and prioritising the federal issues important to Kentuckians that being agriculture, military,veterans, coal & fiscal conservatism. Until Democrats can prove that they are 100% committed to these issues then winning federal races will remain a futile effort in Rural Kentucky.

Democrats like Rex Smith, Will Coursey, and Martha Jane King were all smart enough to champion Christian values, guns, agriculture and veterans. In short, you don't get to hold office and talk about jobs and education until you get right with God and Rural Kentucky. Athough Smith lost his race he ran a very effective camapaine.

The lesson- There is no future in supporting or promoting the left wing platforms of the National Democratic Party. It's time for Conservative Democrats to rule the roost. The alternative-keep losing.

West Kentucky Clerks Predict Voter Turn-Out

2010-11-01T16:04:00.000-05:00

The General Election in Western Kentucky much like the Primary has not appeared to have generated very much enthusiasm but a large number of absentee ballots has convinced a number of clerks that voter turn-out may now be much better than expected. With a few exceptions the grassroots effort in many counties has appeared down for most of the Fall Campaign. I, like many of the clerks that I spoke with, agree that most voters have been turned off and tuned out because of the barrage of negative TV ads. Western Kentuckians have been inundated with TV commercials from Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.

Here are the predictions and thoughts of clerks in West Kentucky. I will try to provide a "part II" depending on the response I get.

Warren County- County Clerk Dot Owens is predicting a 45% turn-out if not more. Regarding absentee voting Owens said, " We have voted 1025 in house which exceeded expectations." Owens also stated "there had never been a waiting line to vote but there was one today." Warren County also sent out 300 absentee ballots by mail.

Daviess County- David "Oz" Osborne is expecting 48-50% turn-out in his county. "Oz" stated that absentee ballots were in line with four years ago with about 1400-1500 absentees. Osborne said, " We have the largest ballot in memory" so he expects a really good turn-out.

Calloway County- Ray Coursey said, "I think we will vote around 25-30% but that might even be a little optimistic." Coursey stated that while absentee voting was about normal there were not as many races on the ballot. Many of the county officials are unopposed in Calloway this year.

Christian County- Mike Kem says there is not as much interest as there was four years ago so he is expecting around a 35-36% voter turn-out in Christian County. Kem said that Absentees were down from four years ago so his prediction may even be optimistic.

Ballard County- Lynn Lane stated that she thought Ballard County voting would be "pretty heavy despite the fact that people were disgusted with all the negative ads". Lane is hoping for a 35-40% turn-out in Ballard County.

Henderson County- Renny Matthews said, "We have more in absentee voting in house and by mail than in May". Matthews said absentee voting had really picked up this week which she considered an indication of a good turn-out. About 35% or better is expected in Henderson County with Matthews saying, " I think the non-partisan races may have something to do with a better turn-out."

Hopkins County- Devra Steckler believes if the rain stays away then she expects a 46-50% turn-out. Steckler said, "Absentee voting has been good and I'm excited about a big turn-out in Hopkins County."

Logan County- Scottie Harper always keeps his cards close to his vest but he said, "We have a decent ballot and the absentees are some what larger with about 275-280 having voted in house and by mail." Harper also stated" We voted 32% in the Primary and I hope it would exceed that."

Lyon County- Sarah Defew said, "Absentees are way up". Defew expects a 58% voter turn-out. "We (Lyon County) vote ten percent higher than the state average." 170 voters had already voted absentee ballot on the machine which is up from 120 in the last election.

Marshall County- Dianne McKendree expects a turn-out that could be as high as 50%. McKendree said that 348 had already voted on the machine with another 100 by paper absentee ballots. Regarding her confidence for such a large turn McKendree said, "We have a lot of issues in Marshall County that we're concerned about."

Trigg County- Wanda Thomas expects a large a turn out in Trigg County. "We have a large ballot and five hundred more voters than four years ago." Thomas said that Trigg County four years ago voted 52% and she expects the turn-out to be around 57% this year. H.B. Quinn the long time County Attorney who lost in the Primary is running as a write-in candidate for County Attorney. When asked about voter perception of a write-in candidate Thomas stated that the experience is much easier now for voters with the paper ballots.

Bill Bruce Dies: Longtime Christian Co. Magistrate

2010-10-22T17:35:00.000-05:00

Magistrate Bill Bruce

Bill Bruce died this morning in Hopkinsville of an apparent heart attack. Bruce was in his 20th year of service as the Magistrate for District 7. The news came as a shock to Christian County residents and friends around the state.

Well known Democratic political consultant Dale Emmons said that he had known Bill Bruce for many years and always enjoyed spending time with him on his farm. Emmons said, Bill was a delight to be around and a real gentleman. Bill loved to entertain and I really enjoyed getting to know him more during Bruce Lunsford's campaigns.

Bill Bruce wasn't known for really enjoying politics but he was not shy about going all-in to help friends that were running. Bruce had remained close friends with Bruce Lunsford since their college days at the University of Kentucky and was always in Lunsford's corner.

Christian County Attorney Mike Foster said that Bruce had a love for horses and believed that interest sparked Bill Bruce's political interest in supporting candidates like Gov. Jones and Bruce Lunsford. Foster who also attended the University of Kentucky with Bruce said, "Bill was a dear friend and very dedicated to county government." Mike Foster recalled Bruce's efforts and commitment to the Christian County Health Department stating that Bill Bruce had worked very hard to establish and build a partnership between the health department and Saint Luke's Clinic which provides free health care for those in need.

State Senator Joey Pendleton said that he and Bill Bruce had been friends since high school and certainly wanted to pass his condolences along to the Bruce Family. Pendleton stated that Bill Bruce will always be known for his dedication and tenure with Kentucky Farm Bureau. Senator Pendleton stressed that he hoped that Bill's passing would draw more attention to the need for people to have regular check-ups. "After what I happened to me I was just lucky enough to be in the right place and to get quickly to a hospital. We just never know." said Pendleton.

State Rep. John Tilley stated, "I'm shocked. This is a big loss for our community." Tilley praised Bill Bruce for his service to Hopkinsville and Christian County saying "Bill will be missed in so many ways". Tilley commended Bruce's service to the community and said, " You don't replace twenty years of experience and dedication. This is truly a time to reflect and pay tribute to our friend and his public service."

Kentucky law required that anybody wanting to seek Bill Bruce's seat on Fiscal Court had to file a declaration page by 4pm today with the County Court Clerk's office to be a write-in candidate on November 2nd. The law requires that only write-in candidates be considered eligible after the ballots are printed. If the vacancy would have occurred after the write-in deadline then the Governor would appoint to fill the vacancy.

As of 4pm today, two candidates have filed as write in candidates. Mike Bruce, a farmer and son of the late Rep. Jim Bruce filed. Also filing was David Collins, a good friend of Bill Bruce and the former owner of Collin's Buick. Sources tell me that Bill Bruce's wife will publicly endorse David Collins in the next 24hours to succeed her husband.

Funeral services for Bill Bruce will be held Monday at the First Christian Church in Hopkinsiville with burial to follow at Rose Dale Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday from 4-8pm at Hughart and Beard Funeral Home on South Virginia Street.

Paul Leading Conway In Latest Poll

2010-10-01T13:18:00.000-05:00

Rasmussen Report has just released their latest polling numbers on the U.S. Senate Race in Kentucky. The poll shows that Rand Paul is leading Jack Conway by a 49%-38% margin with 5% preferring an "other" candidate with 8% undecided.

Williams & Farmer May Have Company Soon

2010-10-01T12:53:00.001-05:00

Apparently not all Kentucky Republicans are excited about the prospects of the Williams-Farmer slate. In fact I have been able to confirm that two prominent republicans are considering teaming up to take on Williams and Farmer. My source has provided me emails and correspondence to validate that these two well known republicans met privately last week for 3 hours to discuss a slate. Personal and political considerations are keeping both from going public until after the November election.

Volunteer consultants from within Kentucky and else where have already met and are providing advise as well as lining up support from big name republicans organizations on the national level. I'm told the decision to run will be made in a few weeks but would not be announced until the middle of November.

Rep. James Comer Considering Agriculture Race

2010-10-01T12:35:00.000-05:00

Rep. James Comer of Tompkinsville told me today that he very close to making a final decision about running for Commissioner of Agriculture. "I've been traveling around the state talking to people and I am very seriously considering it", said Rep. Comer.

Since his graduation from Western Kentucky University, the 38 year old farmer from Monroe County has accumulated four farms on his own totaling 950 acres. "I didn't inherit any land", said Comer. The self-reliant Comer commented that he thought that timber was one of the most under utilized crops in Kentucky.

Regarding agriculture Comer stated, "We have unlimited opportunity in Kentucky. Technology is always changing and we stay busy trying to keep up with it." Keeping an open mind and being progressive when it comes to agriculture is very important to the future of Kentucky's agriculture success stated Comer. Opening new markets for Kentucky produce and expanding the Kentucky Proud Program would be initiatives that Comer would champion as Commissioner of Agriculture. Comer is an advocate of government transparency and stated that he would be committed to making the State Agriculture Department completely transparent for the taxpayers online. Comer said that he also would propose putting the resumes of agriculture department employees online so Kentuckians could rest assured that positions were being filled with qualified people not just political appointees.

When asked about the present status of the Agriculture Department Comer said, " There are a lot of good people who work there who have agriculture's best interest in mind." Rep. Comer also commented that he thought that the Agriculture Department was one of the better departments in state government but said, "I believe it's like everything else in state government-it can be improved."

With regard to his role as a member of the House Agriculture Committee Comer stated that he enjoys working on the House Committee and that the Committees' success was due to the truly non-partisan manner in which business is conducted. Rep. Comer also sits on the Appropriation & Revenue Committee and the Banking & Insurance Committee.

Rep. James Comer represents Kentucky House District 53 which is comprised of Cumberland, Green, Metcalfe and Monroe Counties.

Beshear Stepping Up West Kentucky Efforts

2010-10-01T11:35:00.000-05:00

Governor Beshear and his administration seem to be finding their way to Western Kentucky quite a bit these days. In the last few weeks Beshear has worked to help bring some jobs to Madisonville and Hopkinsville. Beshear appeared in Madisonville with representatives of General Electric to provide them some help while also meeting privately with executives who are considering Hopkinsville as a site for a manufacturing plant. There have even been a few appointments for West Kentuckians in recent weeks. A Beshear fundraiser was held in Hopkinsville a couple of weeks ago and sources have estimated the event raised $30,000.

Dan Mongiardo has also been spending a lot of time in West Kentucky in his official role as Lt. Governor. Mongiardo has been addressing and listening to some of the needs in this end of the state while also talking about issues that are dear to him.

I have confirmed that there is an effort to organize an independent slate for Governor/Lt. Governor for 2011. Organizational calls have been coming out of the Purchase Area. People have been disappointed in the lack of attention paid to West Kentucky and it would seem that Beshear's actions as of late would signify that maybe he's working to repair and restore some confidence in this end of the state. I'm not sure that an Independent slate is necessary the right answer to address West Kentucky's concern.

Ryan Alessi & 'Pure Politics' Airs Tonight on CN/2

2010-09-20T14:07:00.000-05:00

Pure Politics hosted by Ryan Alessi will air tonight on CN/2. As reported by CN/2 the half-hour show will provide Kentucky political news and analysis. The program will air weekdays at 7pm est and again at 11:30pm. Insight Communications subscribers in Louisville, Lexington, Central Kentucky and Northern Kentucky will be able to view. Western Kentuckians who subscribe in Bowling Green, Henderson, Dawson Springs and Providence will also be able to watch. CN/2 states that portions of the show will be available online at CN/2 Politics.

Hamrick for State Treasurer Campaign Releases Logo

2010-09-20T11:12:00.000-05:00

The Hamrick for State Treasurer Campaign has released their campaign logo. Hopkinsville resident and Murray native Steve Hamrick stated in a press release that he is excited about the race but has tempered his campaign so far out of respect for other Democrats who are trying to raise money and get elected this Fall.

Hamrick served as Development Director of the Kentucky Private Industries Council under the Gov. John Y. Brown Administation. A former Economic Developoment Director for both Marion and Christian County, Hamrick also served as Executive Director of Capital Expo. Steve Hamrick has served on the Democratic Executive Committee's in Graves, Christian, Marshall and Franklin Counties.

West Kentucky Journal: A New Look

2010-09-20T10:51:00.000-05:00

Ivan and Mary Potter have upgraded their website to provide a new look and better technology. Now simply the "West Kentucky Journal" can be found at http://www.westkyjournal.com/

Kentucky Native Steve Pardue To Play on ESPN 2 Tonight

2010-09-17T13:04:00.001-05:00

Steve Pardue by Scott Sickler

A trivia question for UK fans- What do Wesley Woodyard, Braxton Kelley, Joe Mansour, Mychal Bailey, Randall Burdan, Pat Simmons, Qua Huzzie and Tristian Johnson all have in common? Yes, they all belong to UK but they also all played for Steve Pardue at LaGrange High School in Georgia.
Tonight ESPN 2 will televise the LaGrange vs Carver-Columbus game at 6pm cst/7pm est.

Joker Phillips, Head Football Coach at the University of Kentucky, said, " Steve is as good of a coach that I've been around. He really knows how to relate to kids." Phillips went on say that he has known Steve Pardue for 12 or 13 years and believes there is a number of reasons why Pardue has been so successful. Coach Phillips said, "He's organized and they provide a great environment. Steve has a great staff and he knows the X's and O's."

LaGrange will be a big under dog this evening against a loaded Carver-Columbus team that boast one of the best running backs in the nation. LaGrange Defensive Coordinator Donnie Branch stated that LaGrange did not have as many of the D-1 prospects as in prior years. Branch said that LaGrange Linebacker, Chauncey Smith (#2), would definitely be one player to watch. Smith has committed to Southern Mississippi.

Steve Pardue said," They've got a really good football team and probably have eleven to fifteen D-1 prospects."Carver-Columbus running back Isaiah Crowell may be the best running back in the country according to Pardue. Coach Pardue commented that the ESPN game had generated a lot of excitement. "We had 700 t-shirts and we sold out," said Coach Pardue.

A product of Christian County's football program, Pardue started out as a manager for the late Coach Fred Clayton. Franklin High School (TN) Head Football Coach Craig Clayton was Pardue's position coach at Christian County. Clayton said, "My dad would pick Steve up everyday and take him to practice. He started out as a manager and ended up a scholarship athlete." Clayton stated that Pardue was a solid high school player who turned into a really good athlete at Austin Peay State University. "I told Steve that if he ever made it to a state championship game that we would be there" In 2001 Pardue would make it to his first title game. "Anita and the kids we loaded up the car and drove to Cedartown, Georgia to be with Steve. The good news was he won, the bad news was that we drove all the way back to Kentucky that night."

Coach Pardue commented that while he may be out matched tonight his team had one advantage. "Our kids believe they can win and that makes a big difference". "As excited as I am about the opportunity to play on ESPN I just know how excited my mom would have been and wished she could be here to see it". Coach Pardue's mother passed away in January of this year.

Win or lose, Coach Steve Pardue has enjoyed an exceptional career and he can be assured that friends, family and fans will be watching all across Kentucky.

*My Thanks to Joker Phillips, Craig Clayton, Donnie Branch, and Steve Pardue for taking time to interview. Permission to use photographs from the LaGrange HS Website provided by Donnie Branch.

Sen. Pendleton Treated at Lexington Hospital

2010-09-02T08:37:00.000-05:00

State Senator Joey Pendleton earned himself a couple days rest at Baptist Hospital in Lexington after being treated for a partially blocked artery. Pendleton was admitted late Monday night and test revealed that he would need a stint. Sen. Pendleton is resting comfortably and is expected to be released this afternoon or early Friday morning.

Rep. John Tilley Sponsors Amendment to Protect Hunting & Fishing

2010-09-01T16:58:00.000-05:00

Rep.Tilley by Bud Kraft LRC Public Information

Rep. John Tilley, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, joined fellow lawmakers in sponsoring legislation that would strengthen the rights of those who hunt and fish.

The proposed constitutional amendment proposed by Rep. Leslie Combs and House Speaker Greg Stumbo would ensure that hunting and fishing could never be outlawed without a statewide vote of the people.

A dozen other states have included similar language in their constitution, and voters in Arkansas, South Carolina and Arizona will have the opportunity to add their state to the list in November. A handful of those states took action relatively early in their statehood-1777 in Vermont' case, for example-but most of those votes have taken place since 1996.

"Our constitution protects elemental rights that no legislature or court can override," said Rep. Tilley. I believe the same should hold true in these cases as well."

Rep. Tilley noted that the amendment does not affect local, state, and federal laws that regulate, but not outlaw, hunting and fishing. "This amendment has no bearing on such things as licenses, seasons or trespassing laws," he said. "It simply ensures that hunting and fishing have the protections they deserve, because they are such a crucial part of our heritage and play an important role in our economy. None of us sponsoring this amendment wants to see them curtailed if the only reason is because of those who oppose the sports altogether."

Tilley said, "Earlier this year, the legislature took a positive step forward to ensure that the care of livestock and horses is protected at the state level and not subject to local changes that could unfairly penalize farmers. This constitutional amendment is the next logical step."

The proposed constitutional amendment reads: The citizens of Kentucky have the right to hunt,fish, and harvest wildlife, including the use of traditional methods, subject only to statutes enacted by the Legislature and administrative regulations adopted by the designated state agency to promote wildlife conservation and management and to preserve the future of hunting and fishing. Public hunting and fishing shall be a preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife. This section shall not be construed to modify any provision of law relating to trespass or property rights."

Rep. Tilley,a former prosecutor, was recognized for his work as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee last week by the Kentucky County Attorney's Association. Tilley received the 2010 "Legislative Excellence Award" at the annual meeting last week. Woodford County Attorney Alan George, who presented the plaque and serves as the association's treasurer, said, Rep. Tilley was honored because of his efforts in expanding the DUI law to included mind-altering substances.

**Information quoted from LRC Press Releases

Sen. David Williams Declares Candidacy for Kentucky Governor

2010-09-01T14:56:00.001-05:00

As expected Sen. David Williams has announced his intentions to run for Governor with Ritchie Farmer as his running mate. The question now remains is if Trey Grayson will follow suit. Grayson is holding his cards close to his vest but sources say he wants to run but also wants to wait on a public announcement. Unfortunately for Grayson he probably doesn't have but at best a couple weeks to decide and announce. Williams is already locking up support and courting Conservative Democrats in Rural Kentucky who are unhappy with the Beshear Administration. Williams knows he will need Rural Democrats to win and he is making sure they know that they(Conservative Democrats) will have a friend in David Williams.

The Williams/Farmer Campaign has a three minute video which is actually really good. Their Campaign website is at www.williamsfarmer.com

Another Bounty Hunter Going After Sen. Pendleton?

2010-08-31T20:09:00.000-05:00

What's the old saying, "that which does not kill you only makes you stronger." Opponents have been trying to hunt down Sen. Joey Pendleton for years but with no success. Now, Bill Johnson of Todd County says he may consider opposing Pendleton or possibly making a run at Secretary of State.

Johnson stands on the right side of the big ticket issues in the 3rd District but so does Sen. Pendleton. In 2008, Sen. Pendleton overcame a strong challenge from Republican Tom Jones. Jones, a conservative and a veteran, was well financed. The 2008 election was probably the best chance Republicans could have had with Obama on the ballot. McCain carried all 3 counties in the 3rd District which includes Christian, Todd, and Logan Counties. McCain garnered 61% in Christian, 68% in Todd, and 64% in Logan. Pendleton carried all 3 counties against his Republican opponent winning by 4,931 voters or 56.5%.

In 2004, most local pundits predicted that Pendleton would be upset. The 2004 race got ugly and personal like the 2008 race but again Pendleton fended off the challenge winning with 54% of the vote.

If anything Sen. Pendleton has probably gotten stronger since 2008. After the death of State Rep. Jim Bruce, Pendleton went out of his way to court and add many of the Bruce factions to his organization. Like the Outlaw Josie Wales, Sen. Pendleton is used to roaming the country side out maneuvering and gunning down the bounty hunters. Whether it be Bill Johnson or someone else, I imagine Sen. Pendleton could care less. I didn't bother asking for a response from Sen. Pendleton regarding Bill Johnson but I'm sure his response to Bill Johnson would be to light up a cigar and say,"are you gonna pull those pistols or whistle Dixie."

Jack Conway Stands Up for Kentucky Farmers

2010-08-27T12:54:00.000-05:00

Jack Conway has taken the offensive against Rand Paul's position opposing farm subsidies. Jacob Payne and the folks at Page One Kentucky reported that the Conway Campaign handed out checks (above) at the Kentucky State Fair. Conway has gone on record as supporting farm subsidies. Read the full story at Page One
(Permission granted for use of picture by Jacob Payne,PageOneKentucky)

Trey Grayson Ready to Run for Governor of Kentucky

2010-08-24T18:01:00.000-05:00

Is Trey Grayson about to announce his candidacy for Governor of Kentucky? Sources close to Grayson tell me that he has decided to seek the Republican nomination next year. With all the talk of a Williams-Farmer slate one can expect that Grayson will choose someone from Jefferson County or maybe West Kentucky to be his running mate.

After Grayson's disastrous primary run for U.S. Senate most believe that Grayson has taken on new advisers and will not go down the same road with the McConnell folks this time. There is an old saying in politics that you will never win a race the same way twice and I think that probably should apply to losing.

After spending a week on the road in Louisville and Central Kentucky it has opened my eyes to a few things. It's not just Rural Kentucky that's unhappy-no its everywhere. Democrats and Republicans alike are ready for something more and new. I found in Louisville that Democrats are tired of the left wing and Republicans are tired of the right wing. The mood is about taxes, big government, regulations and the economy. No doubt that Kentucky is divided regionally on certain issues but I think in this election cycle there is more that unifies Kentucky than divides it when it comes to issues.

Those who want to be successful in Kentucky would be well advised to listen to the folks on the street instead of towing the party line.

Mark Hayden: When the Helper Needs Help

2010-08-24T17:03:00.002-05:00

They were known as the "Brethren", a 70's rock and roll cover band from the Purchase Area. Mark Hayden and his fellow musicians would even chart a song called "Never Thought I'd Hear You Say Goodbye" which would make it to #7 on the local Top 40. Mark never relinquished his passion for music passing it on to his children and those around him. Always there ready and willing to use his talent to help those in need, but now this time is different. The helper now needs help.

Mark Hayden was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this Spring. He is no longer able to work and his wife and family are forced to deal with the financial struggle that comes with such a debilitating disease. Friends, neighbors, and fellow musicians are coming together to help Mark and his family this Saturday. A benefit is being held Saturday August 28th from 4-8pm at "His House Ministry" at 1250 Cuba Rd,(State Route 303) outside Mayfield, Kentucky.

Carol Duke, benefit organizer, stated that she has been overwhelmed by the support from local merchants and churches. Duke explained that there will be an auction, bake sale and music to help raise money.

Steve Holshouser, owner of McIntosh Road Studios and an original member of the Brethen said, "Mark is the purest spirit I've ever known, he's unselfish and genuine". Mark Hayden joined with Steve Holshouser last year to record and produce an album entitled "Backporch State of Mind" for which the proceeds went to raise money for the Poly cystic Disease Foundation and the David Celaya Art Scholarships. An anthology of all the songs Mark Hayden has recorded is being produced and will be on sale at the benefit, said Holshouser.

Ronnie Jackson of Murray, Kentucky who has played with many of these musicians for years said, "We've all used our music over the years for good causes and to help those in need but now we must ask for some support in helping one of our own."

Anyone wishing to make a contribution can do so at any Regions Bank location in the U.S. The account set up is called: "Play It Forward".

For more information about the Mark Hayden-"Play It Forward" Benefit
Contact: Carol Duke at 270-804-6363 or email at dragonfly.lady1@hotmail.com

Obama Tune Sends Football Coach to The Showers

2010-08-24T15:33:00.000-05:00

Mayfield native Bryan Glover made national news this week after he was fired from his job at Grassland Middle School in Franklin, Tennessee. Glover, a football coach, was dismissed after he performed and distributed a song critical of President Obama. A national controversy has ensued over the issue of free speech rights.

Early reports stated that Glover's song, "When you're holding a hammer, everything looks like a nail", contained racial overtones for which the Williamson County School System found inappropriate. Not true. After watching the video and then reading the lyrics it is clear that there are no racial overtones. This story has been sensationalized by Fox News and other media outlets across the Nation. By all accounts Bryan Glover is a great football coach, a really good singer/musician and a stand up guy.

Was Bryan Glover just exercising his constitution right of free speech-yes he was. Should Bryan Glover been fired just because he released a song-no he shouldn't have. Should Bryan Glover used school email list and a school computer to distribute it-probably not-ouch!

I spoke with a number of folks in the school system and in the Franklin Community today and all were in agreement. This was an unfortunate incident that left Williamson County Administrators few choices. No one in the school system was willing to go on the record because of possible litigation but while everyone hated the decision to dismiss Glover they understood and accepted it.

A Grassland Middle football booster who agreed to speak with me under the condition of anonymity stated that the Obama issue was blown out of proportion and the only issue was the misuse of school computers. The booster said that Glover had been pressure by someone in the music industry to release the song via email and over the inet so that the music entrepreneur in question could make a buck.

In short everyone lost here. Grassland Middle lost a good coach and Bryan Glover lost his job because he made a poor and rash decision to quickly release a song using a school computer. His dismissal was not about race or Obama but about bad judgement.

Sen. Pendleton Elected Vice Chair of SLC Agriculture Committee

2010-08-10T09:53:00.000-05:00

Sen. Joey Pendleton was elected vice chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee of the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) at its 64th annual meeting. Sen. Pendleton said, " I am honored to chosen vice chair of such an important committee. This position will not only provide me the opportunity to share ideas with my counterparts in other states, but also the concerns and issues facing the Commonwealth."

Sen. Pendleton, a farmer, added that the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee focuses on issues critical to the future of farming and farm communities. As the "engine of the economy," agriculture constitutes a vital sector of the economies of most Southern states.

Recent committee initiatives include updates on international trade and agriculture, consolidation in the farm sector, and conservation and farm land preservation. Other issues in which the Committee has long standing interests are the imported red fire ant, the status of the rural South, and food safety and security. The Committee has focused on the changing face of agriculture across America and conditions in the rural South. The status and future of rural communities is emerging as a major focus of the Committee. The Committee also works annually with public and private agencies, local and federal officials, and the land grant university system to assure the continued vitality of the region's farm and rural communities.

The Agriculture and Rural Development Committee is the oldest of the seven SLC standing committees. Sen. Pendleton represents the 3rd District which includes Christian, Todd, and Logan counties.

Fancy Farm: Behind The Smiles and Singing

2010-08-08T19:12:00.001-05:00

Names and conversations were hemorrhaging from my head as I began to drive home from Kentucky Dam Village this morning. What should I write, what can I say, what stories and people should I share? With only a few notes to lean on, my concerns seemed to diminish the farther I journeyed down Hwy. 68. A quiet ride that provided scenes of our lakes, ducks flying over, a small buck crossing the road, folks heading to church, and wild turkey feeding in the fields was just the reminder I needed to gain my perspective.

After sitting down to read the accounts of all the Fancy Farm events it was pretty clear I hate to say, that the political journalist did a poor job of reporting and seeking out stories. Ryan Alessi and CN/2 are the exception whereas they seemed to be hustling any story they could find. I don't know if others just missed them or chose not to write about them. With that said I will provide what I came home with.

LABOR LUNCHEON

Former Governor Julian Carroll now State Senator gave one of the two best speeches made this past weekend. Carroll gave a rousing speech at the labor luncheon in defense of Western Kentucky and pulled no punches in delivering the feelings shared by a majority of West Kentucky Democrats. We have no representation in Frankfort, we have no state office holders who reside in West Kentucky, we have no one in leadership and on and on commented Carroll. Those outside West Kentucky were calling it a sermon while those in the room from West Kentucky were quietly saying AMEN!!

House Speaker Greg Stumbo provided the much needed levity by telling a story about a preacher, a sinner, and a goat. Stumbo opted not to share the story again which I believe he probably should have. Tell it all brother.

Behind the smiles and singing it was obvious that there was a great deal of anxiety being felt by everyone from everywhere. Many would blame the hard fought primary between Conway and Mongiardo as the problem but all that is simply a symptom of much larger problems.

LABOR

I had the opportunity to meet with some labor leaders from Louisville to hear their take and concerns about candidates and the general election. I appreciated their honesty and their comments. One gentlemen asked me what the hell was wrong with us down here regarding his belief that we (Western Kentucky) were ruining the Democratic Party. He commented that the only thing left in West Kentucky was God and meth. I laughed pretty hard then they shared with me that they were disgruntled with Conway and had their own issues. They made it clear that although they intended to vote for Jack Conway there would be no effort to organize the labor ranks in Louisville on his behalf. After hearing their comments I came to the conclusion that maybe Democrats have some issues in other places beside just West Kentucky.

MARSHALL COUNTY BEAN DINNER

The Bean Dinner or as we refer to it, The Mike Miller Dinner, has become the event for Western Kentucky politicos. The food is always good and I have the most fun at this event. I probably should be ashamed but I get the biggest kick out of standing in the food line and asking people who don't select the onions and pepper relish to put in the white beans if they are from Lexington or Louisville. They always reply,"How did you know that?" There wasn't anything out of the ordinary that happened this year other than those folks who are seeking to run next year.

2011 Candidates

Bob Farmer- of Jefferson County is running for Commissioner of Agriculture.

Rep. John Tilley-is considering the Attorney General position.

Stewart Gritton- of Anderson County is also running for Commissioner of Agriculture.

Steve Hamrick-of Hopkinsville is running for State Treasurer.

Critt Luallen- Most expect her run for Secretary of State. (I was informed a few hours ago of someone in Jefferson County who is seriously considering running for Auditor. This person would be a creditable candidate and comes from a very prominent Kentucky family. They didn't want to go public just yet and I assure you that it's nobody on the present political radar.)

FRIENDS OF LEXINGTON RECEPTION

The Fayette County folks held a nice reception in Mayfield. I enjoyed meeting them and listening to their comments. Some noted that they were frustrated and had been inconvenienced by the cultural differences between West Kentucky and Lexington. I sincerely want people to have a good experience when they visit West Kentucky but I also believe that maybe their experience provided an opportunity. An opportunity to appreciate the diversity Kentucky provides and maybe a better understanding of what is required to build political unity. Don Blevins who is running for the State Senate gave a good speech and made his case for taking back control of the Senate.

GREEN TURTLE BAY RECEPTION

OK, white beans and cornbread is not your forte so why did you not go to the reception at Green Turtle Bay? You said you were frustrated because liquor and beer was not readily accessible so why did you not go to the reception at Green Turtle Bay? You said you had difficulties with the culture and you wanted to smoke and dance so why did you not go to the reception at Green Turtle Bay? You said you were tired of corn fields and barns so why did you not go to the reception at Green Turtle Bay?

Green Turtle Bay offered a really nice venue for those who prefer to be entertained in an upscale environment. Big houses, big boats, a yacht club and a spa- they have it all. I'm not sure how many yacht clubs there are in Kentucky but we've got one in West Kentucky. I could not go in because I don't own a yacht nor am I a member, but I bet it's as nice as the other yacht clubs that I'm not a member of in Kentucky.

This event offered a fancy reception at their spa. They had open bar and featured Woodford Reserve. There was live music and snazzy hor d' vores(snacks) to enjoy. There were really pretty girls who were even nice to me. I've dubbed them the Turtle-etts. Republicans and Democrats alike seemed to enjoy themselves so for those who really like that sort of thing-Why did you not go to the reception at Green Turtle Bay.

The Breakfast at Mayfield High School

This was a standing room only event. Carroll Hubbard was the master of ceremonies and shared the intro responsibilities with Rep. Fred Nesler and Rep. John Will Stacey. The only interesting comments came from House Majority Whip John Will Stacey when said that Rep. John Tilley would make a good Attorney General. This came to the chagrin of a few who are now starting to realize that Tilley has been very quietly locking up support state wide for months.

Fancy Farm

Fancy Farm is an example that big is not always better. The event which I have attended since 1969 (the first one I remember) has lost some of its appeal for me. Fancy Farm is about Western Kentucky. It's about coming to visit us and hearing about our issues and beliefs not everyone else's. Fancy Farm is now over run with those who get hauled in to cheer and jeer to the extent that one might as well be at Six Flags.

The best speech of the weekend was delivered by Governor Steve Beshear much to my surprise. The Beshear speech may have been his best. Conway gets an "A" for delivery but a "D" for content. He rehashed the same speech he has been giving when Western Kentuckians were expecting a speech that was dedicated to West Kentucky issues. Granted Conway mentioned agriculture subsidies but failed horribly to mention any issue that is key to folks in Western Kentucky. Conway is now forced to rely on a strategy that predicates success on the other guy screwing up. Hopefully Conway will put more emphasis on agriculture and military issues in the weeks to come.

KDP

I appreciated the efforts of the KDP staff who genuinely seemed to be interested in the concerns of West Kentucky. After meeting and speaking with Daniel Logsdon I'm convinced he is more concerned about being a work horse as opposed to a show horse. I think Logsdon understands that a "Team Effort" means more than just a few or one area of the state. After getting off to a rocky start I believe he is working hard to mend some fences and get everyone headed in the right direction.

Tidbits

Mike Lawrence- Former McCracken County Circuit Court Clerk is perplexed by the number of democrats who are raising money but aren't on the ballot in November. Many canidates around Kentucky are finding it hard to compete in this fundraising environment. Given Jack Conway's present strategy I would think that he needs Mike Lawerence and Rex Smith to run very competitive races.

Rep. Will Coursey made it clear that he would not be defined or lumped into a crowd with Obama , Reid or Pelosi. Coursey stated he was committed to the beliefs of his district.

Jerry Lundergun was surrounded with lots of new friends all praying that he will push the button on his speed dial that says B.C.

Rep. Jody Richards was the recipient of much good will and support for his bid to become House Speaker Pro-Tem. Richards, not only a West Kentucky advocate, but a life long friend of Labor in Kentucky.

Carroll Hubbard- Rumors were flying regarding Hubbard's intention to run for the State Senate again.

Rocky Adkins- is not closing the door on a possible run for Governor.

Todd Hollenbach-Apparently has visions of sugar plums dancing in his head and notions that he may now want to be Attorney General. Given his inability to raise money and build a credible state wide organization, most pundits believe he will not seek to run for any office next year.

Gatewood- Again

Rex Smith- appears poised to take a good shot at Bob Leeper. Some think Smith can win in a 3 way race. Smith is a former state representative and a successful businessman.

Eddie Jacobs- I just like the guy. He has a nice get together after the bean dinner and I was forced to miss it. I got stuck at Green Turtle Bay when the shuttle did not return.

Observations of Conway's West Kentucky Swing

2010-08-04T23:10:00.000-05:00

I decided to attend a Jack Conway function in Trigg County this evening to see for myself how Conway was adapting to nominee status in Rural Kentucky. I will preface my comments by saying that I have little patience or time to go listen to the same losing tune of another democratic nominee for Congress or the U.S. Senate but Conway earned some points tonight. Conway was at ease and comfortable with his surroundings unlike other events I've seen him at in past years. I think slowly but surely Jack has resigned himself to appreciate the value of Rural Kentucky and it's importance to his chances in November.

I was looking for the usual performance by Louisville candidates which goes somthing like "let's shake their hand, get their money and get the hell out of dodge before we have visions of a certain Ned Beatty scene" but that did not happen. Conway actually seemed to be enjoying himself. Trigg County turned out over 50 people by my count which is a "Communion Sunday" for Democrats in small counties like Trigg. Conway was joined by State Auditor Critt Luallen, Rep. John Tilley, and Rep. Mike Cherry from neighboring Caldwell County.

Conway gave a palatable speech but is probably hammering too much on certain issues that aren't a big priority in Western Kentucky. Agriculture and the Military are big issues and Conway did stress the importance of agriculture while reaffirming his support for the farmers. While the Conway campaign is starting to engage rural issues the window of opportunity to capitalize on them is waining. Rand Paul has missed the boat on a number of these issues and the time is now for Jack Conway to marry a few of them instead of just dating them.

Conway was in Hopkinsville prior to the Trigg County event and sources tell me that he had a better than expected crowd in Benton on Monday night. It would appear that Mongiardo and Conway have worked to bury the hatchet but that doesn't necessarily transfer the Rural Kentucky vote to Conway. Unless Rand Pual's campaign just implodes, what Jack Conway says and does in Rural Kentucky in the next few weeks will determine the fate of his campaign. By my barometer Conway is probably 8-10 points down in West Kentucky but the right words at Fancy Farm could send Rand Paul to the mat.

As a side bar I couldn't resist asking Critt Luallen if her back was hurting from having to pack Todd Hollenbach on Bill Goodman's show Monday night. Luallen was gracious and commented that she thought Todd had a couple good responses. With that segment in mind I was a little surprised that both Luallen and Hollenbach practically endorsed Beshear for a second term. Some are speculating that maybe Hollenbach has made a deal to go to work in the Beshear Administration as opposed to seeking reelection. I would think it premature to endorse a candidate in the primary when you have to run your self. At last word House Majority Leader Rocky Adkins is taking a hard look at the Governor's race and is generating some excitement among West Kentuckians who feel Beshear has not delivered on his promises nor stood with his friends when its mattered.

Next year is ripe for a lot of candidates with a lot of animosity to be created which may very well play into a Republican hand. It should all be interesting!

Tilley Considering Run for Kentucky Attorney General

2010-07-31T16:21:00.001-05:00

Representative John C. Tilley of Hopkinsville will consider seeking the Democratic Party's nomination for Attorney General. Tilley, a long-time former prosecutor, currently serves as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee in the Kentucky House of Representatives. Tilley has been quietly feeling out the race for a number of months. Rep. Tilley said, "I've been encouraged by friends and colleagues privately for some time to consider running for Attorney General and now I think it's time to expand the conversation to Democrats across Kentucky."

Rep. Tilley stated that he has already received strong commitments of support from every region of the Commonwealth. "I'm humbled by the number of Democratic Party leaders who have asked me to seriously consider the race,"said Tilley. In the House Tilley also serves on a number of committees which include Banking & Insurance, State Government and Vice-Chair of the Military Affairs & Public Safety Committee.

As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee Tilley serves as Co-Chair of the Judicial Education Commission and the Court Facilities Standards Committee. Rep. Tilley is also a member and active participant on the National Criminal & Law Justice Committee and the National Judicial Corrections Reinvestment Work Group. Tilley is unopposed for a third term representing the 8th District which includes Christian and Trigg Counties.

Rand Paul Stumbles on Farm Subsidies

2010-07-22T17:43:00.007-05:00

Journalists from around the state have reported that Rand Paul doesn't believe his position on farm subsidies will hurt his bid to be Kentucky's next U.S. Senator. Ivan Potter at the West Kentucky Journal of Politics has written a good piece regarding Paul's visit to the Cayce Community in the Purchase Area. The Potter's also pointed out a report on farm subsidies by Bill Estep and Halimah Abdullah of the Lexington Herald-Leader for which I found very interesting.

After reading the Herald-Leader story I decided to investigate farm subsidies and what they mean to farmers in West Kentucky. I have broken down a few counties to show just how important they are. For a man who was looking at a pretty easy ride to a U.S. Senate Seat I find it hard to believe that Rand Paul blew this one. I'm reminded of the comedian Ron White when he says, "You can't fix stupid". Ryan Alessi of CN/2 politics released their poll on the U.S. Senate Race which shows Paul only leading 41% to 38% with 19% undecided. I think Paul is pushing conservative farm families away from him into the undecided column.

In my analysis of farm subsidies recipients from 1995-2009 I have found the following:These are how West Kentucky counties are ranked in Kentucky according to the amount each county has received.I have rounded down to the nearest million.

#1 Christian Co. $172 m
#2 Graves Co. $146 m
#3 Logan Co. $129 m
#4 Henderson Co. $103 m
#5 Union Co. $103 m
#6 Todd Co. $89 m
#7 Calloway Co. $78 m
#8 Hickman Co. $75 m
#10 Webster Co. $71 m
#15 Fulton Co. $54 m
#16 Caldwell Co. $52 m
#17 Hopkins Co. $52 m
#18 Ballard Co. $50 m
#20 Carlisle Co. $45 m
#21 Trigg Co. $41 m

In 2009 Kentucky recieved $246 million in federal farm subsidies. The First Congressional Distirict recieved the most with $89,423,050.

Upon further review I decided to see how many families these subsidies effect. I broke down four counties and was surprised by just how many farm families might take issue with Rand Paul's stance on farm subsidies.

From 1995-2009 these are the number of farms, farmers and Incorporated farms that have received farm subsidies:

Christian County
-Hopkinsivlle: 2,012
-Crofton: 454
-Pembroke: 259
-Lafayette: 5
-Fairview:18

Trigg County
-Cadiz: 1,064
-Cerulean: 195
-Canton: 1
-Gracey: 20

Todd County
-Elkton: 791
-Trenton: 256
-Guthrie: 208

Caldwell County
-Princeton: 1,292
-Fredonia: 318

By my count that's 6,693 farms that employee and feed people in just 4 counties. That 6,693 farms that buy gas, equipment, tractors, trucks, feed and seed. 6,693 farms that employee people who buy cars, houses, lumber and I think you get the point.

Jack Conway stated at the Kentucky Farm Bureau debate the other night that he was a committed supporter of farm subsidies while Rand Paul could not give that strong of a commitment.Rand Paul might have considered that family values also means feeding our families, providing jobs and maintaining our local economies.

As farmers like to say, "Don't talk with your mouth full".

{statistics were taken from the Farm Subsidy Database at the Environmental Working Group website}.

Hallow Exposes $7 Million Debt Cover Up by RNC

2010-07-21T11:18:00.005-05:00

My friend Ralph Z. Hallow who is the Senior Political Correspondent at the Washington Times has published a story regarding a mountain of debt by the Republican National Committee that was allegedly being covered up by RNC Chairman Michael Steele. Randy Pullen, treasurer of the RNC, claims that Steele and his chief of staff Michael Levitt have tried to hide the debt(7 million) by ordering RNC staff not to communicate with him.

Steele's tenure as RNC Chairman as been marred in controversy and scandal. Republicans leaders around the Nation have been forced to work around Steele to salvage the Republican Party and maintain their momentum going into the 2010 mid-term elections. The American Crossroads PAC was started by former RNC Chairman Mike Duncan of Kentucky and other big name Republicans to counter the reckless and irresponsible actions of Michael Steele.

Read Ralph Z. Hallow's Article at the Washington Times link below:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/jul/20/rnc-fails-to-report-to-fec-7-million-in-debt/

Tilley Responds to Hate Crimes Legislation

2010-07-20T16:52:00.003-05:00

State Representative John Tilley, Chairman of the Kentucky House Judiciary Committee, responded to the comments of Judge Geoffrey Morris regarding his concerns with Kentucky not having a hate crime law for homicide. This issue was brought to light in an article by Jason Riley of the Louisville Courier-Journal.

Representative Tilley said that in wake of this criminal case calling into question whether Kentucky's hate crimes laws go far enough he thought it prudent to request the General Assembly's Judiciary Committee staff to begin researching the issue for clarification. Tilley said, "There have been some concerns brought up in recent days about our hate crime laws, so the next logical step is to see what the General Assembly may need to do in response."

Tilley says that the next step would be to set aside a committee meeting to allow greater discussion within the legal community. "If we have a loophole then we need to make sure it is closed as soon as possible." said Tilley.

Michael Stone was convicted of killing LaMartez Griffin in 2004. The C-J report states that Stone had a shaved head, a confederate tattoo and with a white power symbol. Testimony was given that Stone also made racial comments before killing Griffin.

WHAS-11 & Ronnie Ellis Report on Conway-Mongiardo Divide

2010-07-13T19:43:00.006-05:00

Joe Arnold at WHAS-11 in Louisville is reporting that the divide between Jack Conway and the Mongiardo folks has gotten worse. Arnold sites recent articles by Ronnie Ellis of CNHI. Ellis has quoted a number of County Judges from West and South Central Kentucky that believe Conway has damaged his chances in the Fall for not working harder to win over Mongiardo and Rural Kentucky. Apparently Conway is not interested in helping retire Mongiardo's campaign debt and has said that he will not make that deal which has been an age old gesture in Kentucky politics to assure victory in the general election. Read more about it at the link:

WHAS11

Steve Hamrick To Seek Kentucky Treasurer Position

2010-07-13T12:35:00.004-05:00

Hopkinsville resident Steve Hamrick informed me this morning that he will seek the office of Kentucky State Treasurer and has mailed his "Letter of Intent" to the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance. Hamrick is associated with the college book business and is also an Education Consultant.

A native of Murray, Hamrick is an alumni of Murray State University, attended Georgetown University, and graduate school at Wichita State University. Hamrick has been an active participant in government and politics in Kentucky for almost 40 years. Regarding his interest in the treasurer's race Hamrick said, "We've become a state that's too divided. Yes, I believe Western Kentucky needs more voices in Frankfort but we need to start looking for ways to unify this Commonwealth. I think we need to start focusing on a circle that's inclusive, not just a triangle that represents one portion of the state."

Hamrick's background includes serving as the first County Planner for Marshall County Judge Mike Miller and later working at the Purchase Area Development District. Hamrick also worked for WCBL radio in Benton and served on the broadcast team for Marshall County Football. As a lead developer, Hamrick was instrumental in helping start the Purchase Training Center. During the Brown Administration, he served as Program Development Director for the Kentucky Private Industries Council. Marion County would select Steve Hamrick to serve as its first industrial & economic development director and he would also later be chosen as the first economic development director for Hopkinsville & Christian County. Hamrick's resume also includes having worked for the Kentucky State Park System. Steve father, the late Bill Hamrick, served as the first Superintendent of Ken-Lake State Park and the golf course is named in his honor.

As a former Executive Director of Capital Expo, Hamrick stated that he has been a committed supporter of the arts his entire life. "Community service and participating in activities that help our youth has always been an important part of my life," said Hamrick. Besides his involvement with Marshall County athletics, Hamrick served for many years as the football and basketball announcer for Hopkinsville High School.

Hamrick's political involvement covers 5 decades which includes serving in the campaigns of Grady Stumbo and former Governor John Y. Brown. Hamrick lost a close race to Tom Barlow in 1992 as the Republican nominee for Congress in the First District. Losing in 1994 to the eventual winner Ed Whitfield, Hamrick would serve as a State Co-Chairman of Republicans for Paul Patton for Governor Campaign. Hamrick switched back to the Democratic Party in the mid 90's. Although he has served on the Democratic County Executive Committees in Graves, Christian, Marshall and Franklin counties he said he expects some to be critical of him for having once been a republican. Hamrick said, "I'm reminded of the old saying you don't know how good it is to be a democrat unless you've been a republican first."

Hamrick stated that he has had to work hard his whole life and he believes it's time to get to work. Steves' wife Karen is a native of Louisville and they have 3 children and grand-children who reside there."I'll be working hard in Jefferson County this Summer trying to bend the triangle into a large circle to help restore political unity."

Stephen Kennedy Smith Meets with Wayne Hunt & AG Leaders

2010-07-08T15:11:00.004-05:00

When I was asked to help Stephen Kennedy Smith and Tim Youmans come to West Kentucky to talk about vertical and sustainable agriculture I will admit that I was a little skeptical about how this would go over with the agriculture community. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was scheduled to come and introduce his cousin Stephen and Tim Youmans but had to deal with some family matters and did not make the trip. Yes, there were a few who were disappointed with that but this event was not about the Kennedys it was about new technology and the agriculture community.

Hopkinsville Community College and its president, Dr. Jim Selbe, hosted the event at the community college auditorium. Smith provided a video presentation that was produced by NASA and later explained this new concept called vertical agriculture. This event was put on with just a few days notice and I'm proud to say that per Stephen Kennedy Smith, this was the largest audience they have had anywhere in the United States. Locally, it was our hope and desire to explore what economic development possibilities there might be for West Kentucky.

After the presentation and Q&A session, Smith and Youmans adjourned to have a private meeting with Wayne & Steve Hunt, Don Henderson and other agriculture & financial leaders in the community. Wayne Hunt is known as the "God Father" of agriculture in Western Kentucky and the case might be made for all of Kentucky. Hunt founded Agri-Chem which has locations in Christian & Todd Counties and also in the communities of Clinton and Bardwell. The Hunts also have a bulk liquid and dry fertilizer plant river terminal in Lyon County. H & R Agri-Power belongs to the Hunts which is a farm equipment and supply company(Kubota, New Holland & Case) that boast locations in Christian, Todd, Logan, Daviess, Union, Graves and Vergennes, IL.

I think Smith and Youmans were impressed with the knowledge and expertise of our local agriculture leaders. Christian County has historically been a leader in innovations to the agriculture community. In fact, "no till" farming was invented in Christians Co. and the first "no till" crops were planted in 1961. Christian Co. is home to the ethanol plant which produces ethanol from corn.

All agreed that there is a place for vertical agriculture and that with some more information, planning and partnerships- vertical agriculture could become a reality in Christian County. My thanks to Mary John Celletti for bringing this possible economic opportunity to the Pennyrile. I'm very proud and thankful that all involved were able to put aside labels and political differences to come to the table to discuss something that could be beneficial to our farmers and our environment. Much credit goes to Christian County Attorney Mike Foster and Rep. John Tilley (H-8) who helped promote and nurture this meeting.

Rep. Myron Dossett (H-9) along with Rep. Martha Jane King (H-16) pictured above,were also present to learn more about vertical agriculture. I'm very thankful to the staff at Hopkinsville Community College for providing a great venue and wonderful hospitality for all those who participated.

{Pictured above: Evelda Stearsman,Shirley Haines, Rep. King, Stephen Kennedy Smith, Mary John Celletti, Rep. Tilley, Rep. Dossett, Dr. Selbe}

Picture provided by Rena Young, Director of Marketing & Communication at Hopkinsville Community College.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. & Stephen Kennedy Smith Jr. To Speak In Hopkinsville

2010-07-03T21:29:00.003-05:00

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. & Stephen Kennedy Smith Jr. will be in Hopkinsville to discuss sustainable and vertical agriculture. The Kennedy's will be speaking at the Hopkinsville Community College Auditorium on Thursday, July 8th at 9:00 am.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is considered a leading authority on environmental issues while his cousin Stephen Kennedy Smith Jr. is helping lead the way in the private sector to establish development and manufacturing of commercial vertical crop technology.

The event is open to the public and I will be providing some additional information and coverage from my interviews with them in the next day or so.

Conway Not Interested In Rural Kentucky Support

2010-06-30T10:27:00.004-05:00

A house divided... you know the line. I can't say that I'm surprised about Jack Conway's lack of effort or desire to kiss and make up with Rural Kentucky. I've seen this so many times from urban candidates that the only thing I can't figure out is whether it's arrogance or stupidity or both. I should have posted this story yesterday because I had the scoop after speaking with Mongiardo staffers but the credit goes to Karla Ward at the Lexington Herald-Leader. Ward quoted Lt. Governor Daniel Mongiardo as saying that he would not be taking a position in the U.S. Senate race.

Sources within the Mongiardo campaign confirmed that Conway has put little effort into trying to win Mongiardo over. In fact, I'm told that actions by the Conway campaign can be best described as offensive to Mongiardo and Rural Kentucky. One Mongiardo staffer who applied for a position with the Conway campaign was told in an interview that they were from West Kentucky and that meant that they were not progressive enough to work for Jack Conway.

I guess the question now is whether Rural Kentuckians are progressive enough to vote for Conway. At this point I'm afraid that the only progressive movement that will be made by Rural Kentucky will be a progressive movement to the Rand Paul side of the tracks. West Kentucky rarely needs an excuse to vote Republican and its the responsibility of any Democrat who wants to be elected, to not only empower moderate and conservatives in Rural Kentucky, but also to convince them in blood that they are not going to fall lock step behind the much too liberal democrats in Washington.

Bill Cox once shared a story with me about how he and his father the late Rep. John Henry Cox ran into Henry Ward outside the Seelbach Hotel in Louisville. Ward was the democrat nominee for governor that year. Ward approached Cox and commented that although he and John Henry Cox had differences,that He (Ward) still valued his opinion. Henry Ward asked Rep. Cox what would be the one thing he could do to be elected Governor of Kentucky in November. John Henry Cox replied, "Get on a damn plane and go to Florida and stay there until after the election is over." Ward was defeated in general election by Louie Nunn.

Rand Paul 49%

Jack Conway 42%

**Minus Rural Kentucky Democrats Not Factored In

Well, the latest polling in the Senate race came out a few hours ago and Rasmussen reports that Rand Paul is leading 49%-42%. If you factor in that Conway will not have the support of Lt. Gov. Dr. Dan Mongiardo, Conway's lack of wanting to empower Rural Kentucky not too mention an apparent lack of respect then its probably going to be tough going for Conway come November.

It sounds like Jack Conway may need to heed the advice John Henry Cox gave Henry Ward all those years ago-Pack a bag and sun tan lotion.

Geveden To Replace Adam Edelen? & U.S. Senate Race

2010-06-29T11:12:00.009-05:00

I will have to put this in the rumor category but a number of sources confirm that they have heard that Charles Geveden will replace Adam Edelen as Chief of Staff for Governor Beshear. Edelen is expected to seek the Democratic Nomination for State Auditor.

Geveden is the Deputy Secretary of Justice and Public Safety and served in the Kentucky House of Representatives for 17 years. I have bounced this off a number of folks and the response is mixed. While no one had anything negative to say about Geveden most agreed that if this move occurs it would be done so in an attempt to strengthen Beshears ties to the Unions and maybe pacify West Kentucky a little.

The reactions I received from people were pretty similar in regard that they thought any efforts by Beshear at this point to appease West Kentucky were "too little, too late". A number of democrats in counties that have little or no union influence thought an appointment with ties to the unions would be counter productive for the democrats in their counties.

UPDATE: A source has informed me that Mike Haydon and possibly someone from Abramson's staff may still be considered.

It would appear to me that Gov. Beshear, Conway and the Party are putting together the traditional general election campaign that empowers unions, liberals, and minorities. A strategy that has spelled doom since 1984. Rand Paul will surely run against Obama and a liberal agenda. The usual "Golden Triangle" strategy has failed time and again but always looks good on paper to the DNC.

Obama garnered a 49, 136 vote margin out of Jefferson and Fayette and ending up losing Kentucky by 296,477 votes. Lunsford had about the same margin of victory out of these two counties but lost by almost 107,000 votes. Here are some statistics of this failed strategy over the last 26 years.

1984

McConnell: 644,990

Huddleston: 639,821

1990

McConnell: 478,034

Sloane: 437,976

1996

McConnell: 724,794

Beshear: 560,012

1998

Bunning: 569,817

Baesler: 563,051

2002

McConnell: 731,679

Weinberg: 339,634

2004

Bunning: 873,507

Mongiardo: 850,855

2008

McConnell: 953,816

Lunsford: 847,005

"Those who don't know history are destined to
repeat it"

Edmund Burke

By my assessment of the last 26 years I have concluded that for the democrats to win they must employ a "must win" strategy in 5 counties which included Barren, Christian, Warren, Hardin and Daviess. Only a moderate to conservative stance on just about every issue will be required. The main themes will have to be agriculture, military, veterans and industry. The margin of error is very slim for the Jack Conway. Conway will have to prove that he is committed to staunchly defending Fort Knox and Fort Campbell as well as Agriculture. I think its important for democrats in Rural Kentucky and these 5 counties to hear that Conway will seek a seat on Agriculture and Defense Committees and Sub Committees.
In the last 26 years in these 7 U.S. Senate races the democrats have only carried 3 of these counties on 4 occasions. Huddleston carried his home county of Hardin by only 465 votes in 1984. In 1990, Harvey Sloane carried Daviess County by 655 votes over McConnell. In 1998, Scotty Baesler carried 2 of 5 by winning in Barren County by 187 votes over Bunning and he also carried Daviess County by 1350 votes.

Rep. Rocky Adkins on KET

2010-06-26T08:49:00.003-05:00

Rep. Rocky Adkins will join Bill Goodman as his guest Tuesday night June 29th on the KET public affairs program One on One. Rep. Adkins is the Majority Leader in the Kentucky House of Representatives. The show airs at 7:30/6:30 ct on KET 2.

Connie M. Huddleston to Speak at Columbus Belmont State Park

2010-06-23T09:52:00.002-05:00

Columbus Belmont State Park will host author and Owensboro native Connie Huddleston. The West Kentucky Journal of Politics & Issues reports that Huddleston will be discussing her book about the history of Kentucky's Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The event is Sunday June 27th at 4pm. Read more at the http://westkypolitics.org

John Tilley As State Party Chair: A Missed Opportunity

2010-06-22T13:01:00.002-05:00

It's a time honored tradition with Kentucky Democrats to allow the sitting governor the pleasure of choosing their own state party chairman. Last week Governor Beshear made his selection of Daniel Logsdon and the State Central Committee swiftly approved his choice. Yesterday, Jack Brammer of the Lexington Herald-Leader wrote an article about Logsdon's contributions to republican candidates. This bomb shell, while dismissed by the Governor, does not sit well with Democrats across Kentucky.

Although I don't know all the people Governor Beshear considered, I do know that Rep. John Tilley of Hopkinsville was considered to be the popular choice by many across Kentucky. Many felt that it was important to have a young, active chairman from Western Kentucky who could relate and unite all regions of the state. It is no secret that Jack Conway had recommended Tilley to the Governor while Ben Chandler and Critt Luallen had voiced their support for Tilley. I consider John Tilley a friend and believe he would have provided the neccessary leadership to help repair and mend fences around the state. I think Democrats across the state would concur that Rep. Tilley looks for ways to unite people and his selection would have gone a long way in healing the many open wounds felt by Rural Kentucky.

I don't know Daniel Logsdon and I'm sure he is probably a very capable person but this issue has already left a bad taste in a lot of mouths. I think at this point we should probably review the selection process. I am still in favor of allowing the Governor to choose a party chairman but I also think we should consider changing the process a little. I would suggest to the State Central Committee that we allow the Governor to choose 3 candidates for chairman and then allow those 3 candidates to make their case to the Committee thus allowing the Committeee to select the chairman. This allows the Governor some political cover while allowing the Committee the opportunity to decide which candidate will best serve all Democrats in Kentucky.

This was probably no big loss for Rep. Tilley but I think it was a missed opportunity for Kentucky Democrats. I asked Rep. Tilley to comment for this story and he declined.

State Party Chair Contributed To Republicans

2010-06-21T19:02:00.002-05:00

Jack Brammer of the Lexington Herald-Leader has posted a story on Bluegrass Politics regarding the political contributions made by Daniel Logsdon the new Chairman of the KDP. Brammer reports that Logsdon has contributed to Mitch McConnell, Ernie Fletcher and Richie Farmer. Click the Bluegrass Report link to your right to read Jack Brammer's article.

Jim Host Quietly Considering Kentucky Governor's Race

2010-06-21T14:02:00.000-05:00

Jim Host, Chairman of the Louisville Arena Authority Inc., is quietly feeling out a possible run for Governor. Sources close to Host tell me that he is only bouncing the idea around with old friends at the moment. Jim Host is not necessarily a household name in Western Kentucky but it would probably not take him long to get acquainted given his long history with Kentucky football and basketball.

A native of Ashland, Host began a broadcasting career in Lexington after graduating from the University of Kentucky in 1961. Host did play-by-play on WVLK for UK basketball and football. At age 29, Host was chosen by Gov. Louie Nunn to serve as Commissioner of the Dept. of Public Information. In 1971 he won the republican nomination for Lt. Governor but lost the General Election. Tom Emberton was the republican nominee for governor that year and the Emberton/Host slate lost to Wendell Ford and Julian Carroll.

Jim Host would leave politics and go on to start Host Communications a media and sports marketing firm. Within 15 years Jim Host would be known nationally as the "Father of sports marketing". Starting with garnering the exclusive rights to radio for Kentucky basketball, Host would later add Tennessee, Texas, Alabama, LSU, Boston College and many more. A publishing Company was also founded by Host to produce UK football and basketball programs.

Jim Host is given credit for helping provide a financial package to lure Rick Pitino to Kentucky and created the first NCAA sponsorship program. Host also served as head of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet in the Fletcher Administration.

Host would have to be considered one of the two top contenders for the Republican nomination along with Mike Duncan former Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Republican insiders that I spoke with concur that Host and Duncan would be the front runners at this time. Senate Majority Leader David Williams was dismissed as a serious contender by all the Republicans I spoke with. Williams is considered to have too much baggage and has done serious damage to many relationships he once enjoyed within the Republican Party.

One long-time Republican activist who wished to remain anonymous said in regard to Sen. Williams, "Ronald Reagan was fond of saying that he knew what he knew and knew what he didn't know. Sen. Williams knows what he knows but unfortunately doesn't know what he doesn't know."

Most consider Richie Farmer to be a possible candidate for governor but many of those who I spoke with were critical of what they considered as his "hot and cold" moods regarding making a decision. Bill Johnson who withdrew from the U.S. Senate race is also considering seeking the nomination.

Sources tell me that Cathy Bailey of Louisville is also canvassing the political landscape for support for a possible candidacy for Lt. Governor. Bailey is a known GOP fundraiser and served as Ambassador to Lativia under President George W. Bush. Jefferson County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw seems to be the favorite among those I spoke with to seek the Republican nomination for Lt. Governor. Holsclaw was elected County Clerk in Jefferson County in 1998, Prior to being elected clerk, Holsclaw worked in the U.S. Attorney's office and for former Sen. Majority Leader Bob Dole.

UPDATE: Ryan Alessi at CN-2 Politics informed me that Jim Host stated that he was not going to run for governor. Alessi has gone ahead and posted his story and video. I re verified my information from my sources and they are sticking with their story.

Harry Lee Waterfield Coming Home to West Kentucky

2010-06-15T10:49:00.000-05:00

The announcement that Harry Lee Waterfield Jr. had been appointed to the Murray State Board of Regents came as welcomed news for folks all across Western Kentucky. Decisions made by Randy Dunn the President of MSU have left many people across the region shaking their heads in recent years.

Many have felt locked out the room while certain areas of the region remain without a voice on the board. The appointment of Harry Lee Waterfield Jr. will no doubt go a long way in restoring confidence and bringing equity to those whose voices have been silenced.

Harry Lee Waterfield Jr. told me yesterday that he was excited about the appointment and the opportunity to come home to his native Western Kentucky to serve the University his father helped build. Harry Lee Waterfield Jr. is the son of former Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Harry Lee Waterfield Sr. Governor Waterfield was elected twice Kentucky's Lt. Governor serving under Happy Chandler and then Ned Breathitt.

Harry Lee Waterfield Jr. currently serves as President of Investors Heritage Insurance in Frankfort. I am personally gratified by this appointment and know this may be the best appointment West Kentucky as received in the Beshear Administration. I claim a political heritage that includes Chandler, Waterfield and Collins so I share a sense of pride that Harry Lee Waterfield is coming home.

I really enjoyed talking with Harry Lee yesterday and sharing some memories of mutual friends and years gone by. I avoided all the controversial subjects because I know Harry Lee Waterfield will do what's in the best interest of Murray State University and the people of Western Kentucky. I will also say thank you Governor Beshear.

West Kentucky Football All Stars Defeat S. Illinois

2010-06-15T09:53:00.000-05:00

Fort Campbell's Shawn Berner and his staff led the West Kentucky High School Football All Stars to a 29-12 victory over Southern Illinois at Stewart Stadium Saturday night. I would like to say that I got to see a lot of the game but unfortunately I did not. My duties as game director kept me hopping most of the night.

An estimated crowd of over 700 attended the game which may be a record. I am infinitely thankful to the media in West Kentucky for helping promote this game. I spent many years helping with football but I will admit that this was a big undertaking and could not have been accomplished without help.

The West Ky. players arrived last Wednesday to the Murray State Campus to check-in and begin practice. Players spent 3 days at MSU to prepare for the game. It's no easy task to feed and keep up with over 45 players. I want to thank Janeen Winters at Murray State for her assistance in helping arrange all our meals. Mike Thieke, facilities and game management coordinator at MSU provided me the crown jewel of help by enlisting the services of Mark "Bones" Perschel. The game went off without a hitch thanks to "Bones" who constantly help me put out fires and keep my head above water. In a stadium that big it was impossible for me to manage everything in a timely matter. "Bones" is actually the football video coordinator but he did it all Saturday night. He gets my MVP award!!

Lance Harper served as the Trainer all week and provided an invaluable service. I'm not sure anybody put in the time he did. Lance has been the trainer at Mayfield High School but has accepted the position as trainer for Murray High School.

Dave Winder, MSU Asst. Athletic Director, was gracious enough to provide us Kyle Rogers who served as our PA announcer. Mike Thieke was able to hire Ross MeLoan on our behalf as the score/clock keeper. We started the week with not many folks on board and I appreciate Mike and Dave putting up with my many visits begging for help. I also want to thank John Brush for help and advice as well as Fulton an MSU Trainer who provided us use of his training rooom for the week.

I have to hand it to Coach Berner and the staff he chose to serve as coaches for the game. They wanted to win and took this event very seriously all week. Ron Barnard of Marshall County High School served as the Defensive Coordinator while Scott Lowe of Fort Campbell served as the Offensive Coordinator. Other positions coaches were: John Hedges of Reidland, Nate Moore, Tyrone Johnson and Kenny Caver all of from Fort Campbell.

My thanks to WKFCA President Steve Lovelace of Christian County HS and WKFCA Treasurer Bob Nelson of Russellville for their assistance.

The Murray State Football Staff made themselves available at every turn to provide assistance when we needed it. Many thanks to Coach Hatcher and Coach Faulkner for all their help. All in all a good week and a great game. I look forward to next year and hopefully growing and improving this game.

Hollenbach Suffers Self Inflicted Gun Shot Wound

2010-06-14T22:43:00.000-05:00

In an apparent attempt of political suicide, State Treasurer Todd Hollenbach shot himself in the foot and alienated most of his political supporters in Rural Kentucky. Mary John Celletti was let go from her position as Deputy Treasurer today. Many had expected this move by Hollenbach's chief of staff Maurice McDaniel. To political insiders it had been no secret that McDaniel resented Celletti's presence in the office. McDaniel, who is not known for his political skills came to the Hollenbach camp after serving in Tony Miller's office in Jefferson County.

McDaniel who considers himself a sort of "rain maker" is in all actuality a sort of "rain man". Those close to McDaniel confirm that he rarely makes a decision without conferring with Larry Clark the House Speaker Pro-Tem. Celletti has been a popular figure in the Kentucky Democrat Party for over 25 years. Known for her political savvy and understanding of the legislative process, Celletti provided the much needed experience in an office that has none.

It's been widely reported about the work habits of Todd Hollenbach and Maurice McDaniel who spend more time some place else than the State Treasurer's Office. Hollenbach, once thought to be an up and coming star in the Democrat Party has stumbled at every gate since taking office. Lacking in work ethic and the ability to raise money most expect Hollenbach to be a weak candidate should he choose to seek re-election.

With the news of Celletti's firing Steve Hamrick of Hopkinsville announced that he may seek the office of State Treasurer himself. Hamrick is a native of Murray and has been active in politics and government for over 40 years in Western Kentucky. Steve Hamrick's father, the late Bill Hamrick, was the first superintendent of Ken Lake State Resort Park. The golf course at Ken Lake is named in his honor.

The decision by Hollenbach and McDaniel will certainly play a role in uniting Rural Kentucky behind Jody Richards in his attempt to unseat Larry Clark as House Speaker Pro-Tem. In 2007 Hollenbach's best showings in Kentucky were in Western Kentucky carrying the Democratic ticket in Christian and Trigg Counties. Hollenbach also racked up big numbers in Calloway and Marshall Counties. I think its safe to say that Mr. Hollenbach will have to look for votes else where next year. Hollenbach, McDaniel and Clark have made it clear that they are no friend to Western Kentucky.

Ryan Alessi has a story also on this subject at http://www.politics.mycn2.com/

West Kentucky High School Football All Stars To Play Southern Illinois All Stars

2010-06-04T15:24:00.000-05:00

Murray State University's Stewart Stadium To Host Game

HOPKINSVILLE, Kentucky- The 2010 West Kentucky versus Southern Illinois All Star Game will be held Saturday June 12, 2010 at 7:00 pm, at Roy Stewart Stadium on the campus of Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. Shawn Berner, head football coach at Fort Campbell High School will serve as the head coach for the West Kentucky All Stars. General admission is $5.00 and coaching cards will be honored.

Steve Lovelace, President of the West Kentucky Football Coaches Association and the Christian County Head Coach stated, "I'm pleased with the support we get from Murray State to hold this event and look forward to working with Coach Hatcher and his staff." The All Star game is an honor bestowed upon athletes providing one last opportunity to play or showcase their talent before college. Shawn Berner said, "I'm honored to have the opportunity to serve as head coach of the West Kentucky All Stars." Berner has also been chosen as the head coach for the Kentucky All Star Game.

Head Coaches Josh McKeel of Calloway County, Joe Morris of Mayfield, and Steve Lovelace of Christian County have worked with Coach Berner and Game Director Tim Havrilek to continue what has become a tradition for West Kentucky Football. Coach Lovelace said, "It's my goal to return our association events back to the prominence and profile we enjoyed just a few short years ago." The association also sponsors the All Conference banquet which was established in the 1920's. The banquet was moved from high school cafeterias to the Curris Center at Murray State in 1993 with the help of former MSU coach Houston Nutt.

Jefferson Davis Birthday Celebration: Historian William Turner

2010-06-04T13:11:00.000-05:00

At first glance some outside the Pennyrile might raise an eyebrow to the fact that Ron Sydnor is the park manager at the Jefferson Davis Monument Historic Site. Ron is an African-American who has served in the U.S. Marine Corp and also served the Kentucky State Park System at Ken Lake and Barkley. I don't want to put words in the mouth of Christian County Historian William Turner, but I think he would probably tell us that having an African American in a position of leadership is nothing new to our area.

Christian County had the first black sheriff in Kentucky and one of the first, if not the first black district judge. Hopkinsville's only Rhodes Scholars were black. F.E. Whitney served as one of the earliest and longest serving elected officials in Kentucky and I could go on and on. As a footnote some of my liberal friends might question my use of black versus African- American and I have to admit that sometimes I struggle with the political correctness because of one brown teacher I had in high school. This teacher made it clear that she was not African-American, was not from Africa, and was not black but brown. So one can see my dilemma.

Ron shared with me his story and the goals he has for the park. Ron admitted that the only culture shock he had was coming from the largest state park at Barkley with over a 100 employees to Jefferson Davis with a staff of 5. Ron said he is working on elevating the park to be open year round as opposed to the seasonal schedule it is on now.

The Jefferson Davis Birthday Celebration will begin tomorrow when the park opens at 9:00 am. Christian County Historian William Turner provided me with some insight regarding the monuments beginnings. A reunion of the Orphan Brigade was held in Bowling Green in 1907. Most of this brigade whose members were from the Glasgow area were killed at Stone's River. They wanted to honor Jefferson Davis and in 1909 with the support of the United Confederate Veterans and the Daughters of the Confederacy they began the effort to buy land a build a monument.

William Turner stated that Jefferson Davis shared the same popularity of George Washington in the South. "He was considered our George Washington," said Turner. Ground was broken in 1917 just prior to WW I. Turner explained that the monument was being constructed with Portland cement but was halted due to a moratorium placed on the cement by President Wilson. "President Wilson took all the concrete and sent it to Henry Ford so he could build his concrete ships which sank," said Turner.

Short of money and materials the construction was on and off again until the monument was finally completed and dedicated in June of 1924. A steel stairway provide access to the top but an elevator was installed in 1929. Turner commented that there was no electricity in the area and an electric line had to run all the way from Fairview to Hopkinsville to operate the elevator. William Turner offered that visitors in the early years often quipped and wondered why they did not bother to use some of the concrete to provide something besides a muddy path as a drive way to get to the monument.

Historian William Turner is the author of a number of books providing a photographic history of the area and will be having a book signing at the monument on Saturday.

Kentucky enjoy and benefits from having one of the finest state park systems in America. In my opinion Kentucky has failed to provide the funding to retain our position as the best of the best. Our state parks provide an opportunity to generate tourist dollars while also providing many great opportunities for Kentuckians. I spoke with Chris Kellogg today who is the Communications Director for the Kentucky State Parks. Chris shared with me about the diversity and choices Kentucky's Park System offers with 52 parks and 300 events a year. There is something for everyone at Kentucky's parks and I have never understood why Kentuckians would spends the hours and money to go out of state when we have so much to offer here at home. In these economic times and budget cuts I think it is as important as ever to show our support to the state park system. We may have some muddy waters but at least there is no oil to contend with.

Saturday June 5

9:00 Park Gates Open

10:00 Ladies Tea

10:30 William Turner Book Signing

1:00 Miss Confederacy Pageant

2:00 Historical Presentation by William Turner

7:00 Band providing period music

8:00 Cannon/Artillery firing

Sunday June 6

Worship Service-Bethel Baptist Church

2:00 Cannon salute to Jefferson Davis

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I want to thank William Turner, Ron Sydnor and Chris Kellogg for their time and assistance for this article.

Visit the Kentucky State Parks online and become a friend of Kentucky Parks on Face Book at links below.

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http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kentucky-State-Parks/152588316577

http://parks.ky.gov/

CN2-Politics Shares Beshear Response to Bourbon Bill

2010-05-27T13:18:00.000-05:00

Ryan Alessi at CN2 Politics reports on Governor Beshear's response to the vote yesterday in the Kentucky House of Representatives. Link to aticle below.

http://politics.mycn2.com/2010/05/27/beshear-baffled-over-bourbon-bill-blow-up/

Tim Havrilek Discusses KY Senate Race With Washington Times

2010-05-27T12:18:00.000-05:00

Rand Paul's nomination as well as his most recent controversial statements have provided a lot of interest around the nation. Although his comments were ill advised and not thought out, I don't believe that it provides an issue for the Democrats in Rural Kentucky.

The Washington Times interviewed me for their story and if you so desire to read my take on Rand Paul's comments and how they will effect the Senate race in Kentucky then follow the link below.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/may/26/paul-staff-shake-up-aims-to-quell-furor/print/

Rep. Moberly Angry at Gov.: No Free Bourbon

2010-05-26T12:22:00.001-05:00

The Kentucky House of Representatives voted down, in an apparent act of defiance to the Governor, legislation to allow Kentucky distilleries the ability to give away samples. Rep. Harry Moberly of Madison County gave a speech that condemned Gov. Beshear for what he called a lack of leadership. "Where are you", proclaimed Moberly in referring to Governor Beshear's leadership.

Moberly chastised Governor Beshear for not communicating with House Leadership and its Members. Moberly criticized the Governor for putting the sampling legislation on the extraordinary session agenda while leaving off charter school legislation. By not passing legislation that would establish some form of charter schools in Kentucky it cost the Commonwealth the opportunity to receive 175 million dollars in federal education dollars. Kentucky needed to add points to its "race to the top" application to qualify for the money.

I think most legislators thought the sampling bill would pass but after the vote it was obvious that Moberley's speech had convinced and provided enough legislators an outlet to send the Governor a message. Moberly went on to say this would be the worst budget he ever voted for.

Rep. Jim Wayne of Louisville spoke about his displeasure with the budget bill but was later called to the carpet by Rick Rand the House Appropriations and Revenue Chairman. Rand pointed out that if Rep. Wayne was so concerned about the bill he probably should have attended Tuesday's A & R committee meeting. In regard to Rep. Wayne missing the meeting Rand said, "He could have done his posturing there".

In other notes- Rep. Sannie Overly did a wonderful job presenting the transportation and road bill. Former Speaker Rep. Jody Richards rose to speak about former Sen. Walter Baker who passed away this week.

The air in the House Chambers was notably thick with frustration. The present political climate combined with the lack of a credible working relationship with Sen. Williams has left many in the House feeling angry and powerless.

Kentucky now struggles with a state divided into many political and geographical parts. Democrats are bitterly divided between Rural and Urban areas. Republicans have controlled the federal delegation for 16 years but now have a libertarian as their nominee for the U.S. Senate. The Kentucky House is controlled by the Democrats, the Senate is controlled by the Republicans and the Governor now seems to be on the outs with both chambers. We are in the midst of a U.S. Senate race but the governor's race for next year has already begun. Rumors are flying about and I have heard that Rocky Adkins the House Majority Leader is now considering running for Governor. Mitch McConnell has lost the power and control he once wielded in the Kentucky Republican Party.

I think the word that best describes Kentucky's political climate is "Anarchy". As I have said for the past 3 years success is going to be finding some folks who can be a unifying force. The Democrats need it, the Republicans need it and Kentucky needs it.

Kentucky Politics: "The Baby Bourbon Bottle Session"

2010-05-22T09:37:00.000-05:00

As legislators are fond of saying "the devil is in the details."Lawmakers tell me they have an agreement in principle on most issues but as many as 75-100 "specifics" are yet to be ironed out. The "specifics" are the exact language and numbers that apply to the legislation. It would appear that 5 days is not going to be enough time to reach an agreement. The consensus seems to be taking into account the holiday, that as much as 2 weeks will be needed.

The road plan lacks an agreement and may very well be scrapped. Kentucky would work off the existing 6 year plan if legislators choose not to pass one this year. House Democrats don't care to be offered an "all or nothing" proposition but would rather have as many as 4 options to choose from. Some Democrats have told me that they prefer to re-visit the road plan in January as opposed to allowing the Republicans any projects to campaign with in November.

Schools that have been rated a category 5 which are deemed the highest priority for replacement will be provided funding this session. Although education is not immune to politics in Kentucky it would seem that both Democrats and Republicans have decided not to hold these dilapidated schools hostage.

No word on charter schools but it sounds like Kentucky Distilleries will carry the day in their effort to be able to dispense samples of Kentucky Bourbon at events.

Conway Begins 25 Points Down

2010-05-20T11:21:00.000-05:00

The Rasmussen Report released their latest Kentucky polling data showing that Rand Paul enjoys a 59-36% lead over Jack Conway. Only 59% of the Democrats polled said they supported Jack Conway. The polling revealed that 63% of Kentuckians disapproved of Obama, 63% favor immigration laws like Arizona and 52% disapprove of Gov. Beshears job performance.

The poll also showed that 78% believe that police officers should be required to check the status of immigrants during a traffic stop or if they suspect the person might be an illegal alien. You can check the rest out at the Rasmussen Report website.

West Kentucky: Post Election Notes

2010-05-19T16:04:00.000-05:00

Trigg County Attorney H.B. Quinn was upset last night by Randall Braboy. Quinn had served for over 20 years and was facing his first challenge. Most considered that Quinn would be re-elected.

Peanuts Gaines the sheriff of Warren County won the primary again by 63% of the vote. Gaines has served-well let's just say no one can remember when he was not the sheriff.

Rep.Jim Gooch (12th House District) rolled through his opposition by winning 77.8% of the vote.

Michael Duncan( 10th House District) of Dawson Springs won the Democratic nomination to replace Eddie Ballard in Hopkins County. Duncan defeated Monroe Slaton winning 52.69% of the vote.

Brock Thomas the incumbent Caldwell County Judge Executive won his primary by carrying 56% of the vote. Also in Caldwell County- Rodney Heaton won the primary for a spot on the Fiscal Court by winning 28% of the vote in a 4 way race. Heaton was endorsed by Sen. Joey Pendleton.

THE U.S. SENATE RACE

Not any surprises other than the turnout was even lower than predicted in many counties. The low turn out state wide made the race very close. Conway did not fare well in Western Kentucky as expected. Most agree that the low turnout can be chalked up to the fact that people are waiting to vote Republican in November.

Paul has a few issues that will could hurt him with farmers, military and veterans but Conway has serious negatives with his stance on coal, guns, abortion and gay rights. West Kentucky will probably be very tough on the Democrats come November.

AROUND THE STATE

Rep.Tom Riner in the 41st house district won his primary carrying 61% of the votes.

Rep.Sannie Overly won the Democratic primary in the 72nd house district. Probably the only race that really mattered in Kentucky.

West KY Clerks Predict Voter Turn Out

2010-05-17T11:30:00.000-05:00

The predictions for voter turnout made by County Clerks in the First Congressional District appears to vary from county to county. I have tried to provide as many counties as possible but many clerks were out setting up voting machines as one might expect. I did ask each clerk if the U.S. Senate race had generated much interest in their respective counties. With the exception of one clerk all responded with a "NO". Most said there was little to no activity regarding yard signs and or not much TV advertising. All commented about how negative the senate races had gotten which they believed had accounted for at least some of the apparent lack of interest. An over whelming majority said this would not be the case in November and expected a huge turnout then. Probably not a good sign for the Democrats or incumbents.

"It's too wet to plant and not wet enough to frizzle the ladies hair"- Christian County Clerk, Mike Kem

Christian County Clerk Mike Kem said that he expected a 30% turnout. "I think it will be a little more than normal because it's too wet to plant and not wet enough to frizzle the ladies hair." There are 36,061 registered Republicans and Democrats in Christian County.

Ballard County Clerk Lynn Lane said she expects 30-40% turnout which is much lower than normal. Lane said, "historically we vote 60-75%." The only contested county wide race is the Jailer's race although 4 of 5 magistrate districts are contested.

Trigg County Clerk Wanda Thomas predicted voter turnout at 32% for Trigg County. There are 10,012 registered R's & D's in Trigg County. Thomas stated that there has been 600 new registered voters in the last 4 years. County Attorney H.B. Quinn has opposition for the first time since being elected in the 80's. There are 4 magistrate races and a sheriff's race on the ballot. Thomas stated that there had not been much activity in the senate race but hoped that voters would decide to take it seriously because it was important.

Todd County Clerk Billy Fowler said that his county would probably be around the 50% mark. Fowler alluded to the number of local races on the ballot. Fowler said there were 6 candidates for sheriff, 2 for county clerk and 6 candidates for magistrate in district 2 alone. In regard to the senate race Fowler said, "I don't think people even know who is running."

Hopkins County Clerk Devra Steckler is expecting about 30% of the voters in Hopkins County to turn out. Steckler said the senate race had not generated very much enthusiasm for which she credited to the negative campaigning. "Voters don't like all the bad mouthing", said Steckler.

Caldwell County Clerk Toni Watson was very optimistic about voters turning out. Watson said she thought turnout would be between 50-55% but thought it may go as high as 60%. In regard to local interest in the senate race Watson said, "there is some interest but not much."

Calloway County Clerk Ray Coursey expects 30-35% of voters to turnout in Calloway County. Coursey noted that there were 26 candidates for 12 spots on the Murray City Council, 3 running for mayor, 2 magistrate races and a contested sheriff's race.Murray's council and mayor races are non-partisan. Regarding interest in the senate race Coursey said, "there is interest among the party faithful but that's it. Independent minded voters will vote in November."

Henderson County Clerk Renny Matthews is expects 40-45% voter turnout based on past elections. Matthews believes that local races have generated a lot of interest. "We have heated races here," said Matthews. The race for U.S. Senate had generated some interest in Matthews opinion.

Graves County Clerk Barry Kennemore said he was hoping for 40-50% turnout in the county. Regarding the senate race Kennemore said,"Not much interest in the senate race".

McCracken County Clerk Jeff Jerrell office stated that Mr. Jerrell predicted a very light turnout around 15-20%.

Marshall County Clerk Dianne McKendree is making her first prediction as Clerk and estimates a voter turn out in Marshall County at 50% or higher.

Carlisle County Clerk Theresa Owens does not expect more than a 20% turnout even though the U.S. Senate race had generated a lot of interest.

Lyon County Clerk Sarah Defew says voter turn out is usually very good and she expects any where from 63-68%. Defew said, "there is no interest in the senate race, people are waiting until November."

Logan County Clerk Scotty Harper said he was not sure about the turnout but would guess a low to moderate one. Regarding the senate race Harper said, "I have not heard much about it."

Kentucky Politics: Ryan Alessi Helps Launch CN/2 Politics

2010-05-13T21:56:00.000-05:00

Ryan Alessi became a household name in Kentucky by bringing to light the scandals at KACO and KLC as a political reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader. Now Alessi has accepted a new challenge as Director of Public Affairs for Insight Communications. The Commonwealth Network on Channel 2 (CN-2) will launch their public affairs programming next Tuesday to provide coverage of the Kentucky primary elections.

CN-2 has a political website aptly named CN/2 Politics to compliment their the public affairs programming. Insight Communications will also unveil a weather and sports channel. I spoke with Ryan Alessi about his new role and he said,"I'm excited about the opportunity to help build a new organization from the ground up." The website states they will provide "news and analysis about campaigns, elections, state and local government and the commonwealth federal delegation."

Alessi stated that the public affairs programming would compliment Comment on Kentucky which airs on KET. In the coming weeks CN/2 will be hiring new reporters to cover the issues across Kentucky. As always I voiced my concerns about the state wide media coverage (or lack of) of Western and Rural Kentucky. Ryan assured me that public affairs issues and politics would be covered in an even handed manner and reporters from Rural Kentucky would be included.

I give a thumbs up to the political website. It's laid out well and should probably move into the "top dog" spot of political websites in Kentucky. There is usually a good political story in Kentucky if you have the time and energy to seek it out. I for one welcome some good hard political news. Nothing wrong with a little political gossip or an occasion rant, God knows I'm guilty of a good rant every now then. In my conversation with Ryan I believe the thing I liked best was the desire to provide some balanced state wide coverage. As I cried for Western Kentucky, Ryan was quick to take me to task about coverage being a two way street and he was right. I don't like reading the Courier Journal or the Lexington Herald-Leader only to rarely read about Western Kentucky unless it's something negative. If we are going to bridge the obvious social, political, and cultural divide in this state then the Rural Media has a responsibility to provide balanced coverage even if we don't always agree. It was correct and bold of Ryan to call me on this issue which was pretty gutsy considering he ain't real big.

I enjoyed talking about the primary and the political climate around the state and nation. We talked about football and the important role athletics can play in helping students improve their lives. Insight Communications made a good decision by providing Ryan Alessi the opportunity to build their News & Public Affairs Programming. Alessi's enthusiasm combined with his knowledge and desire should provide CN/2 the tools they will need to be successful. I appreciate Ryan spending some time with me and wish him the best of luck in this new endeavor.

CN/2 Politics http://politics.mycn2.com

Mongiardo Covers State In Kentucky Senate Race

2010-05-12T10:14:00.000-05:00

Dr. Dan Mongiardo is taking no chances and leaving no stone unturned in his bid to win back a Senate seat for Kentucky Democrats. Mongiardo is a moderate democrat from Rural Kentucky and is considered the best and only candidate who will keep Democrats from voting Republican in November. Mongiardo is not as conservative as the left wing liberals would have you believe nor is he as liberal as some right wing conservatives would have you believe.

Mongiardo strikes the best balance for Kentucky Democrats in a state that is very diverse. While Conway is an attractive candidate and no doubt intelligent and politically savvy, he formed his campaign with the heavy weights at the DNC at a time that most Kentuckians are dissatisfied with party leadership. The race mirrors the nation in regard to the divide between rural voters and urban voters. The winner (I think) will be the one that can convince the voters that they will be able to strike that balance when it comes to representing them. In Western Kentucky I have not seen Conway earn the support of moderate or conservative democrats.

As the campaign comes to a close Mongiardo has chosen to spend the last week with the people of Kentucky as he travels across the state visiting 5 or 6 counties a day. I have included the West Kentucky schedule for those who are interested.

THURSDAY

*8:00 am cst- MURRAY- at Judicial Building

9:40 am cst- BENTON- at Cactus Grill, 109 Carroll Rd. Draffenville

11:20 am cst- MAYFIELD- at City Hall

1:00 pm cst- FULTON- at Pontotoc Community Building

2:30 pm cst- CLINTON- at Senior Citizens Building

3:45 pm cst- BARDWELL- County Judge Executives Office

5:00 pm cst- LA CENTER- Chamber of Commerce Building

FRIDAY

7:00 am cst- CADIZ-at Cadiz Restaurant

8:00 am cst- HOPKINSVILLE-at Pennyrile Allied Community Services on Liberty

10:30 am cst- MADISONVILLE-on Court House Steps

12:30 pm cst- HENDERSON- at Judicial Center

6:30 pm EST- ELIZABETHTOWN RALLY

at Nolin Rural Electric Cooperative Building

For more information contact:

Annette Lee- 859-951-8052 or aml@drdan2010.com

Emily Gallt-502-226-4841 or emily@drdan2010.com

The Wendell Ford Legacy: 1994

2010-05-10T14:42:00.000-05:00

The Wendell Ford legacy is not necessary one to be proud of if your a democrat from Rural Kentucky. If you recall 1994, Ford was in his hay day of power as Majority Whip and the undisputed king of the Kentucky Democratic Party. When the opportunity presented itself for Ford to stand up to the Clinton Administration and stand behind Kentucky traditions and beliefs, what did Wendell Ford do? He sold out Kentucky and Kentuckians responded by wiping out the Democrats.

Issue after issue, Wendell Ford sat idle and let the liberal establishment do whatever they wanted. Because of Ford the Kentucky Democratic Party has never recovered and probably never will. It's unfortunate but for some reason Kentucky Democrats have always had an inferiority complex or felt the need to be validated by the east coast liberals. Why I don't know. My Mother always said that there was nothing wrong with being nice to people but that didn't mean you had to invite them home for dinner. Some where along the line I guess Ford decided he liked having dinner at their house instead of coming home to Kentucky to have dinner.I find it ironic that the KDP headquarters which bears his name resembles the present condition of the Kentucky Democratic Party-empty,dilapidated,disingenuous, and wore out.

I do know that Rural Democrats hold people like Wendell Ford and Bill Clinton responsible for destroying our party in Kentucky.The farmers have not forgotten. The military has not forgotten. The veterans have not forgotten. The gun owners have not forgotten. Home schoolers have not forgotten. Christians have not forgotten.

Now, Wendell Ford wants us to vote for Jack Conway? I guess I would like to ask the good Senator if he expects Jack Conway to continue where he left off- Selling out the values and traditions of Rural Kentucky Democrats. Ford had his moments but in the end he sold out his own people to be popular in Washington. Light one up Senator and let's lose a few more seats for old time sakes-how bout it!!

Political Climate In Western Kentucky & The South

2010-05-07T13:53:00.000-05:00

Trying to catch up after being on the road for much of the last few weeks. My travels have taken me all over the South and I came away with a pretty good feel for the political climate. I must admit that I have not kept up with Kentucky politics as of late and have spent the last few days trying to catch up.

In Western Kentucky there does not seem to be a great deal of interest in the Primary. Folks are either angry, turned off or both. The consensus is that people are waiting until November to get even with Obama, Pelosi and Reid. I think a low turn out in Rural Kentucky would probably be to Jack Conway's favor if they turn out in the Urban areas. It's obvious this race has turned ugly. I still think Monjiardo would be the best candidate in November given the back lash to the ultra liberal agenda in Washington. Conway has gotten caught up trying to secure his liberal base while at the same time trying not to get blown out in Rural Kentucky. It would appear that most of the Democrat Leaders in Kentucky have decided that they will stand with Liberal factions in Washington and the DNC as opposed to saving and rebuilding a moderate to conservative party in Kentucky. This is not surprising because I have witnessed this through out the South in the last few weeks. The result is that the Democratic Party in most Southern states in non-existent. I could not find any Democrats who were willing to support the Democratic Party at any level. I once thought that the Democratic Party in the Southern States were smart enough to keep their wits about them but I think that is no longer true.

While the Democratic Party will continue to thrive in Urban areas championing a liberal social agenda there is no longer a future for Democrats in the South. I'll will go ahead and say it-the Democratic Party is DEAD in the South and probably Western Kentucky for good. There are not many issues or platforms that will sell down here nor is there anybody who is interested in hearing about it. In short- taxes, immigration, abortion, gun control, moral issues, cap & trade, coal, tobacco and entitlement programs have forced moderate and conservative Democrats away or to the sideline.

In Kentucky, I have friends on all sides of this Senate race but I fear that having a primary is probably an act of futility because I think the Republicans win big in November. For those who have not drank the liberal waters then they stand a fighting chance. Ten percent of voters who consider themselves neither liberal or conservative will decide many of the elections around the nation. These middle class voters are rarely engaged in politics. They have been known as the "Silent Majority", "Reagan Democrats", Perot supporters, Independents and now Tea Party folks. I think it is a mistake for any candidate or party to discount them or disparage their concerns. The Tea Party organization did not create this outrage or movement-they simply stepped in front of the crowd and said let's go. As history has shown this will be short lived and by next year it will be politics as usual in many places for another 15 or 20 years.

Voters are not interested in solutions that cost them more money or lead to tax increases. They are mad and they want taxes cut, spending reduced and government to stop trying to solve problems with their money. In Kentucky and across the nation polling is consistent regarding how voters feel about elected officials, debt and taxes. Americans don't trust Washington to solve problems and they don't trust the Democratic response to the problems which is to create costly entitlement programs and hope our economy remains better than Greece.

In Kentucky decisions have to made by the General Assembly but right now politics is only about one thing and that's what I call the "Eastern Kentucky Sand Box". The General Assembly is run by two East Kentucky boys who don't let other children play in their "Sand Box". As of late these two seem willing to do nothing but keep defecating and covering up the mess with more sand. In the end the "Sand Box" is theirs and but at some point somebody is going to have to clean out the mess because it's starting to smell. The answer is simple to save their political skins. No new projects. No new spending, no borrowing, cut government, no legislation that calls for spending revenue. Pretty simple folks.

Speaker Stumbo who has years of experience and a good track record of working with other Rural Legislators will have to probably make the unpopular choice which is keeping Frankfort running on a bare minimum without new projects. It's time to play Harry Truman. It's not a fun role but it's one that people will respect and vote for. If everyone in Frankfort wants to sit at the track and waste time waiting on a long shot to come in, then that's OK by me but in the mean time I would suggest bringing forth a budget even if it hurts.

While working in races in many other states I see that most folks share the same concerns from state to state and it is not a good time to be holding hands with liberals in Washington. Enough politics for now. I hope to talk about my flood experience in Franklin, TN and share some insight from my seminars and the Society of Business, Industry and Economics Conference I attended a few weeks ago.

Kentucky Legislators Agree to One Year Budget

2010-03-30T19:27:00.000-05:00

It is 7:28 CST and the word out of Frankfort is that legislative leaders have agreed to a one year budget. It is my understanding that nobody got everything they wanted. Compromise being the key word here. I also hear that the Governor may very well veto certain portions and is none too happy about certain programs that are near and dear to him being axed. I guess we will all get the details in a few hours.

Robert Penn Warren: Interview With Justice Bill Cunningham

2010-03-30T15:59:00.000-05:00

What makes a good story? For me it is one that begets many more. Tomorrow, Supreme Court Justice Bill Cunningham & Governor Beshear will be in Todd County to dedicate the new signs which promote the childhood home of Robert Penn Warren.

The Warren house is in the small town of Guthrie, KY which sits along the Kentucky-Tennessee line south of Elkton. It's not an easy find even if your looking for it. I have travelled to Guthrie many times and have gotten turned around. Tiny Town which sits down the road is an intersection of Highways 41,79, and 181. I can remember a few years ago I had to fill the pulpit at Gurthie & Elkton Christian Church and bout not made it.

Robert Penn Warren was America's first poet laureate and that should be a big deal to Kentuckians. He was from Guthrie by the way not Louisville or Lexington. (Sorry, could not help myself). I asked Justice Cunningham to share with me some of his thoughts about the subject and he seemed to feel strongly that the missed storyline is about the community of Guthrie. " I can't wait to be there", said Justice Cunningham who spoke of how this small community non-profit organization has worked tirelessly to preserve the Warren home and legacy. "They have struggled, preserved it and restored it on a tight budget," said Cunningham. At one time there was consideration to moving the house to Western Kentucky University Cunningham pointed out. We talked about how we (the communities)had to give something up for the sake of progress with the new four lane 68/80. We both agreed that something was lost now since the road bypasses all the small towns between Hopkinsville and Bowling Green. Cunningham commented, "I really appreciate being able to get to Bowling Green faster but I miss the history and beautiful scenery driving through places like Fairview, Elkton, Auburn.We need to get people off the highways and I think this signage will help."

In 1965 Robert Penn Warren conducted numerous reel-to-reel interviews for his book Who Speaks for the Negro? My research for this post led me to an article from the Fall 2008 Edition of "arts AND SCIENCE", the magazine for Vanderbilt University's College of Arts and Science. The article written by Sandy Smith tells the story of how Mona Fredrick and Sarah Nobles found the semi-lost reel-to-reel interviews by Robert Penn Warren. Smith shares with us how Fredrick, the executive director of the RPW Center for Humanities and staff associate Sarah Nobles track down these interviews. The Journey led them to the library at Yale University where they found some of them. They had apparently never been catalogued. The remaining interviews were found at the University of Kentucky. Neither school knew what they had in their possession. The article is a good read and I would suggest it. The great thing is that Fredrick and Nobles were able to reunite the collection and move it all to digital recordings.

Robert Penn Warren had collected and what is now considered a treasure chest of interviews with civil rights leaders and activist. This list includes interviews with Stokley Carmichael, Charles Evers, Vernon E. Jordan, Jr, Martin Luther King Jr., Adam Clayton Powell Jr, Carl T. Rowan, Malcolm X, Andrew Young and many more.

Link to listen to Robert Penn Warren interviews- http://whospeaks.library.vanderbilt.edu/

This archival collection is available to listen to for free. I have included a link. I want to thank Supreme Court Justice Bill Cunningham for sharing some time with me. Justice Cunningham has written a number of books about places and events in Western Kentucky and I have included a link to his website. A good story leads to many more and this one did for me. I did not share everything but I believe if you take some time to follow the bread crumbs I have left for you then you will be rewarded with more stories not yet told.

Link to Justice Bill Cunningham- http://www.billcunninghamonline.com/

Governor Beshear Loses Friend and Business Associate

2010-03-29T16:12:00.000-05:00

I was saddened to hear of the death of Paul K. Tuner of Hopkinsville. Paul was known for having a sharp legal mind and a quiet demeanor. Most folks, even in Christian County, didn't know that Paul Turner was one of Governor Steve Beshears closet friends. Both were raised in Dawson Springs and it is common knowledge that both shared success as associates in the banking business.

Judge Turner had served as a former City Judge and Circuit Judge for Hopkinsville and Christian County. A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Judge Turner had also served in the U.S. Army.

The Turner family were neighbors for much of my life. Paul was the last of the Judges to resided on Sunset Circle. I grew up on North Sunset and the Turners lived on South Sunset. Just about all the old families are gone now from the Sunset subdivision which I believe started about 1960. It was a neat place to grow up. We were only a couple hundred yards from Hopkinsville High and Middle School. As a teenager our neighborhood provided for all our needs. Judge Soyars was Circuit Judge and lived next door. Judge Ruff was District Judge and lived a few doors up. Mr. Cavanaugh owned the Miller beer distributorship and he lived three doors up. Mr. Meece owned the Dairy Queen and he lived behind us. General Lindsey Freeman owned a fur shop and there was always something cool to find in his garage. The good General was also known to have a few cases of Coors beer around back before it was available to folks outside Colorado. By my count their are only four families who remain from the 60s.

Judge Turner's visitation is tonight and most expect the Governor to pay his respects. My thoughts and sympathy go out to the Turner Family.

Conway Getting Out of Race: Rumor or Fact?

2010-03-13T13:05:00.000-06:00

In the midst of the South Eastern Conference Basketball Tournament comes the word that Jack Conway may be getting out of the U.S. Senate race in Kentucky. This may be a rumor but in fact, it could be the case. Conway fared very poorly in just about every category in the USA Poll that was released last week.

I admit that it crossed my mind a few weeks ago that Conway might withdraw and instead seek the nomination for Governor next year. Not the best time to be an incumbent or a Democrat running for a seat in Washington. Incumbent Governor Steve Beshear has alienated most of Rural Kentucky and if you pair Conway with a popular figure from Western Kentucky then you might have one hell of a Primary next year.

I guess we will just have to see how all this shakes out.

The Warning: A Must See PBS Documentary

2010-02-20T13:44:00.000-06:00

I will have to admit that I'm behind the curve regarding having seen this documentary. Much to my surprise I can't find anybody who has seen it. This appeared in October of 2009 and I caught it a few days ago. Regardless of one's political stripes this is a must see. This is a jaw-dropping documentary that quite frankly may scare you when you see that the same folks are in charge of our financial markets today.

The story is about how one woman, Brooksley Born, who tried to warn Congress and the American people of a financial situation and practices that could possibly cripple our financial institutions. Born, who was Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, tried to regulate what is known as over the counter derivatives. This has to do with things that derive their value from something else like currency or bond rates.

Our financial guru's at the time and at present, Alan Greenspan, Robert Rubin, Arthur Levitt, and Larry Summers set out to stop her and they did. Born's credibility was attacked from every sector from Congress to Wall Street. This documentary offers up her testimony before Congress as well as interviews with all those who now admit she was right and they were wrong. I find it a little frightening that the Lieutenants of Greenspan and Rubin( Summers & Geitner) are now running things in Washington. I was amazed at watching Greenspan admit that everything he spent a lifetime believing about financial markets was wrong. These men freely admit in this segment that they did not like or respect this woman sticking her nose into areas that were reserved for them.

This is worth dedicating an hour to watch if you want to have a better and inside look at how and who put the Nation into this financial mess.

The program is a Frontline Documentary on PBS entitled "The Warning".

www.pbs.org

Kentucky Senate Race: Mongiardo Has Big Week

2010-02-20T10:42:00.000-06:00

Dan Mongiardo took a big step this week towards winning the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Kentucky.

It was almost 10pm eastern time when I picked up the phone and found Lt. Governor Dan Mongiardo on the other end. I figured that I would keep it short considering the time and knowing the brutality of a day in Kentucky politics. I just knew the Lt. Governor would be tired and at best I was receiving a short courtesy call.

Well-I was wrong. I suddenly felt that I was at Fancy Farm standing in front of the podium listening to Dan Mongiardo speak. Was the Lt. Governor fired up!, that would be an understatement. Not only was he excited, but he was obviously mad and frustrated. I asked about the present mood of the voters regarding the national debt and Mongiardo replied," I've been to every county, people are upset, Washington works great for Wall Street. The majority in the Senate is not Democrats or Republicans, it's lawyers."

Mongiardo Has 18 Point Lead Over Conway
Receives Louisville Area Labor Council Endorsement
Jefferson County Leaders Announce Support

We covered many issues in our conversation from regional issues to those that concern all of Kentucky. Dan discussed in length about how our national debt and dependence on foreign oil have become issues of national security. Mongiardo has been a long time champion of creating jobs through the harvesting of Kentucky's natural resources- Agriculture & Coal. Committed to an energy policy that utilizes every possible source of energy to decrease foreign dependence, Mongiardo stated that the U.S. should invest in clean coal technology in a manner that creates jobs from coal and not reduce them.

We talked about what is a good use of taxpayers dollars and the Lt. Governor was adamant about government wasting money when we should be investing in infrastructure. "locks and dams, roads, high-speed rails, this is where we should be investing," said Mongiardo. "If we help create more jobs then this will mean more revenue."

I wanted to hear more about the mood of the voters and kept pressing the issue with the Lt. Governor. Mongiardo said he wanted to be clear on this issue and reemphasized that voters all across Kentucky were not only angry but very concerned about the direction Congress was taking regarding fiscal responsibility. Mongiardo said, "Tim, when I was growing up we had to have a litmus test for spending because we did not have any money to waste. It's a simple test, do we need it, do we have to have it, can we do without it."

We also talked about the military and our veterans. With Fort Knox and Fort Campbell being in Kentucky and growing everyday, I asked Lt. Governor Mongiardo how the military and veterans issues stacked up against other issues. Mongiardo replied, "National security is the most important issue." Regarding our veterans Mongiardo spoke of his experience as a medical doctor serving our veterans at the Lexington VA Hospital. "We have to take care of them when they come home, it is our responsibility to make this county a better place while they are fighting for us and I don't see that happening."

The health care debate is a hot topic and we discussed the issue. It was clear that Dr. Daniel Mongiardo believed that the issue has to be addressed in Washington and that any solutions would have to lower cost for people.

A good interview and a good week for Kentucky's Lt. Governor, Dr. Daniel Mongiardo. He topped off his week with the announcement that many prominent leaders in Jefferson County had given their support to him as opposed to Jefferson County resident Jack Conway. While many times these announcement's don't mean much I believe this announcement cut the Conway Campaign to the bone. I have listed some these folks below.

Larry Clark-Kentucky House Speaker Pro-Tem

(All Democrat State Senators in Jefferson County)

Sen. Denis Harper Angel, Sen. Perry Clark, Sen. Gerald Neal & Sen. Tim Shaughnessy.

Rep. Tom Burch- Chairman of the House Health & Welfare Committee

Sherry Conner-Mayor of Shively

David Karem-Former Senate Majority Leader

4- Metro Council Members, not to mention 4 former Chairman of the Jefferson County Democratic Party.

And a whole list more of local civic and labor leaders.

I appreciate the Lt. Governor spending some time with me on the phone and only wish I had the energy he did. As a former football coach I'm convinced that Mongiardo does not waste countless hours looking at himself in the mirror and combing his hair.I've said many times that winning the nomination for U.S. Senate would require bridging the gap between Urban Kentucky and Rural Kentucky and I think Dr. Daniel Mongiardo has successfully accomplished that this week in a big way. Dr. Daniel Mongiardo has proven that he is willing to work like a dog for all Kentucky. If Kentucky Democrats want to have success in the field come November, I believe it may be time to take the leash off- because this dog can hunt.

Sen. Pendleton Cleared After Long Witch Hunt

2010-01-25T17:14:00.000-06:00

The Attorney Generals Office cleared State Senator Joey Pendleton of any wrong doing from a partisan complaint that was filed years ago. Pendleton, who served many years as the Farm Manager at Murray State University had been accused of- what I'm not real sure but something about being paid as an MSU employee while serving in the Legislature.

Murray State University President Randy Dunn cut the position and the Agriculture budget when he became President. Dunn came to Kentucky after his exodus from Illinois as a political lieutenant to indicted former Governor Blagojevich.

I'm glad this matter has come to a close and I know Senator Pendleton is also glad to put this lame issue to rest. Many a political opportunist have hung this issue over Senator Pendleton's head using the issue at hand as a tool for political blackmail. In the end if your going to throw skubala at a State Senator of 17 years you better hope it sticks, because I would imagine the good Senator being a farmer probably has a field or two of it to throw back.

Rep. Tilley Files for Third Term

2010-01-25T16:23:00.000-06:00

It seems like yesterday that we were sitting up to all hours of the early morning in my den working on issues, ads and strategy. Not much sleep to be had in the Fall of 2006 between handling the issues and media for Tilley, Madisonville Mayor Will Cox, & Rep. Carl Rollins. I'm starting to look back on that fondly as the years go by. At the time it could be aggravating staying up late while Rep. Tilley sat in my floor working endlessly for hours at a time to maybe change one word, in one sentence, in one paragraph. Tilley, the son of an English major, has an OCD streak in him when it comes to details. Some nights his wife Shelly would be forced to just fall asleep in one of my chairs. There were times I just went to bed and left Tilley and his campaign manager John Lindsey Adams with his one word to fix.

Today, four years later, Rep. John Tilley has filed for another term. Many things have changed since then. Rep. Tilley is now Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Carl Rollins is Chairman of the House Education Committee, & Will Cox will be seeking his second term as Mayor of Madisonville.

The last couple of years have gone by quickly. John & Shelly were married before the Fall Campaign began and now have a new baby. John has work tirelessy on many issues that don't make headlines as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He has managed well in representing his constituents in a very diverse district. House District 8 includes the City of Hopkinsville and part of Trigg County.

I am proud to say that the passage of the Military Income Tax Exemption will go down as one of John Tilley's greatest accomplishments. I often tell Rep. Tilley that one day we will look back and see just how important this legislation was to our area. Many have pushed the Exemption and deserve a piece of the credit but Tilley made it a center piece of his agenda from day one.

Why will John Tilley go unopposed in the Primary and General Election? because he respects the beliefs of his constituency even though he might not always agree. Tilley understands that you run at home not in Frankfort. District 8 is a tough district. The South West end of Hopkinsville along with the Trigg County portion is very Conservative. Inner City Hopkinsville has one of the largest African-American populations in Kentucky per capita. The district comprises a large number of military families and veterans.

Rep. Tilley understands that he can't always balance the geography & ideology with his votes but he can and does try to find issues to champion, that unite the District instead of dividing it. Focusing on issues like education, protecting our children, health care and our military & veterans is the reason why Rep. Tilley will be returned to Frankfort without opposition.

Conway Embraces Conservatism in West Kentucky

2010-01-24T22:00:00.000-06:00

I don't think a candidate should be criticized for changing their mind on an issue every once in a while but for Jack Conway to come to Western Kentucky and claim to be the Conservative candidate well that is a stretch for me. The good folks at West Kentucky Journal of Politics & Issues reported that Conway was campaigning as the Conservative choice. You can read their full report at www.westkypolitics.org

I gave credit to Conway's campaign in 2007 for doing a much better job with their media in the General Election. If you remember Jack slapped on some boots and boarded a tractor to lessen the Liberal Louisville image. Remember "Jack's Got Your Back"--It worked!

In the past year Lt. Governor Dan Mongiardo has worked Western Kentucky as hard any candidate since maybe Grady Stumbo or Wallace Wilkerson. It would be hard for anyone to claim that Mongiardo does not line up well with most Rural Kentuckians on most issues. I'm glad to see that Conway is coming to the middle on issues but in all fairness you can't blame the Mongiardo Campaign for taking him to task on his quick exodus from the left after the upset in Massachusetts. Mongiardo's Campaign called his conversion "An Extreme Make Over" in a press release this week.

Now is Rand Paul just smarter than everyone else-capitalizing on a message & platforms that ended up being dead on? I don't know but but he gets an "A" for timing anyway. The interesting thing about the Kentucky Senate race for the Democrats is that you have to be able to win a Primary without losing the General Election in the process. This is not an easy thing to do because unless you have your own millions to spend then Democrats are forced to raise money like a Liberal and run like a Conservative. It sounds like hypocrisy but as a Southerner, hypocrisy is probably our finest trait with the exception of our hospitable demeanor.

Again, I'm glad that Conway is getting right with God & West Kentucky as they say, but Jack could be going down a dangerous road if his shift ends up being disingenuous. Kentucky is a diverse place with contrasting political opinions. People in the Golden Triangle support certain issues as vehemently as we do certain issues in Western Kentucky. So who is right then? I don't know but I will assure you that God and myself will figure that out one day and we will let you know.

Mongiardo has every right to call into question Conway's shift and the media has a responsibility to inform the voters where each candidate stands. Conway is correct and probably smart to focus on jobs, the economy, deficit reduction & a health care reform package we can afford and live with. Rand Paul has been running on these issues for a long time while Trey Grayson and everyone else slept. Conway has a harder row to hoe than Mongiardo. Conway does not expect to win Western Kentucky but he must get his fair share of vote out of here and still leave himself room issues wise to have a chance in November. Mongiardo has an easier road because Urban folks in Kentucky or more apt to vote for Mongiardo in November than Rural folks for Conway.

In truth- it is going to be a tough going for either candidate come November. People are mad and folks down here like to get even when there angry. As I like to say, West Kentucky would rather vote against somebody as opposed to voting for someone. I don't blame them though, the Democrat Party has done a poor job or maybe a good job of opposing the political and religious beliefs of most Rural Kentuckians.

Candidates such as Jack Conway or anyone else for that matter need to be forthcoming and truthful on all the issues. I noticed at Conway's website he does not talk about very many issues that are important to Rural Kentucky. Jack has shown that he is pretty good at dating the issues but he is going to have to marry some if he is going to have any success in Rural Kentucky. People who disagree with you can still respect you and even vote for you if they know that your sincere in what you believe.

There is an ever growing gap between the political thought of Urban Kentucky and Rural Kentucky. The results in Massachusetts have caused the Democrats to vellicate. Now that they are convinced that even Urban America is not happy with a Liberal Democrat Agenda- everyone is changing their make-up. It's OK by me to change your position or switch directions but candidates like Jack Conway need to discuss all the issues important to Rural Kentucky not just the ones that smell good to him on a windy day.

Gov. Beshear Punts on Third Down

2010-01-19T22:16:00.000-06:00

They say offense wins games and defense wins championships. Well, tonight Governor Beshear punted on third down. I'm guessing that he is hoping that his defense will hold and he can win in over-time.

As a friend likes to say, "he kicked the can down the street." Governor Beshear delivered his budget address to a joint session of the Kentucky General Assembly tonight, presenting his budget that included revenue from expanded gaming. Revenue that does not exist mind you.

My conclusion is that the Governor has decided that he is not going to be the "bad guy" all by himself anymore. If the Legislature is not going to give him his gambling bill then he is going to let the House and the Senate share the blame of having to cut government jobs & services. The Governors action served a dual purpose tonight politically. I will have to admit that I expected Beshear when he was elected to be better at the governing aspect of the job as opposed to the political piece. Much to my surprise he has been a pretty shrewd politician.

As I like to say he has put an "X" where there was an "O". Not much offense but a good defense. I did not think so until he chose Jerry Abramson as his running mate. At first I thought that was a lousy choice but after careful review it began to appear to me as a quite brilliant political maneuver. With the growing popularity and power of the triumvirate faction of Chandler, Conway & Luallen, most expected that Conway would would run for Governor as a fall back position should he lose the Senate race. By choosing Abramson as his running mate it would be awful hard for someone from Jefferson County to run for Governor. Beshear also gave a nice position to Chandler's wife. Actions that compromise. He put an "X" where there was an "O".

I have been disappointed in the Governor's efforts to empower Western & Rural Kentucky. When he was campaigning we were led to believe that we would have a seat at the table but that has not happened. The Governor has filled most of his positions and appointments with Liberals and fellow trial lawyers. So what does the Governor do as opposed to being labeled a Liberal?,he endorses Lt. Governor Dan Monjiardo, a Rural Populist, over the Liberal Jack Conway. Again, He puts and "X" where there was an "O".

So what was the dual purpose served by the Governor's actions tonight.First, By punting the ball to the Legislature he eliminates any free ride Speaker Stumbo might have regarding a possible Primary challenge. Stumbo along with Sen. Williams will have to assume some shared responsibility regarding any negative outcomes from a budget.

Secondly, remember about kicking the can- well, the Governor may also be able to buy some time here. Call it waiting on Washington. The General Assembly may very well put all this off until a Special Session can be called giving time to see if Kentucky will prevail in receiving more stimulus dollars. More Federal help will buy time while we wait on a better economy and possibly delay in making drastic cuts to government jobs and services.

Beshear was elected by appealing to a small fraction (10%) of independent minded voters. He works to end up in the middle most days and that will be more important than ever come next year. Beshear was elected in the first wave of these newly defined, undecided & independent minded voters. This started in 2006 not in New Jersey or Virginia. I will be discussing this new era in my next post. The problem with sticking to the middle sometimes is that eventually you will get hit by traffic from both ways. The Governor will have to be careful not alienate Rural Kentucky any more than they already are because the political environment is ripe for a good Republican candidate like Mike Duncan to run.

Even though I have not been real happy so far with Steve Beshear, I will have to give him credit-he can tread water in the deep end with a gun in his hand. He has one hell of a defense but he still going to have to put some points on the board.

Rep. Mike Cherry: 2010 Session

2010-01-19T11:19:00.000-06:00

Rep. Mike Cherry represents District 4 in the Kentucky House of Representatives which includes Caldwell, Crittenden, Livingston, & part of McCracken county. Cherry is Chairman of the House State Government Committee. Rep. Cherry has sponsored the following legislation:
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(HB-145) Amend KRS 18A.205 to provide that a retiree who has been reemployed in a full-time position within state government on or after Sept. 1,2008, shall be eligible for life insurance benefits; amend KRS 61.510 and 78.510 to provide that the retirement systems shall add one or more fiscal years to the fianl compensation calculation for employees participating in the Kentucky Employee Retirement System or the County Employee Retirement System on or after Sept. 1, 2008, if the member does not have five complete fiscal years of service upon retirement; amend KRS 61.637 to make technical changes.
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(HB-146) Amend KRS 61.645 to require that two of the three members appointed by the Governor to the Kentucky Retirement Systems Board of Trustees posses ten years of investment experience and to define investment experience; amend KRS 61.650 to establish a five member investment committee for the Kentucky Retirement Systems comprised of the two gubernatorial appointess with investment experience and three trustees appointed by the board chair; limit the amount of assets managed by a single external investment manager to no more than 15% of the systems' portfolio; amend KRS16.642 and 78.790 to clarify that the investment committee established by KRS 61.650 is the investment committee for the State Police Retirement System adn the County Employees Retirement System; limit the amount of assets managed by a single external investment manager to no more than 15% of the systems' portfolio.
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(HB-164) An act relating to the transfer of faculty and staff providing educational services to Dept. of Corrections' inmates and declaring an emergency.
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(HB-75) An act to honoring military service. Amend KRS 18A.150 t require that an employing state agency offer an interview to all finalists entitled to preference points if there are fewer than five finalist, and to no fewer than five if there are five or more; amend to clarify veteran eligibility.
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(HB-96) To permit the surviving spouse of a Purple Heart recipient to keep special license plate assigned to the recipient.
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(HB-147) Amend KRS 65.003 to include property valuation administrators with in local governments' codes of ethics'. Require codes of ethics to include policy on employment of members of families of PVA's with exemption as to employees hired prior to effective date of Act; amend KRS 132.370 to provide that PVA's are subject only to local governments codes of ethics.
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(HB-148) relating to organizational units with the Dept. of Law, to create an office of Criminal Appeals, office of Consumer Protection, Department of Criminal Investigations, office of Special Prosecutions, office of Prosecutors Advisory Council, office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control, office of Civil and Environmental law, office of Victim's Advocacy and office of Administrative Services, and abolish the Child Support Enforcement Commission, Administrative Hearing Division, and Financial Integrity Enforcement Division; amend various other statutes to conform.
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(HB-149) An act relating to executive branch employees and declaring an emergency.

Update On Sen. Pendleton & AT&T

2010-01-16T00:17:00.000-06:00

As I reported regarding Senator Joey Pendleton being upset with Hopkinsville officials regarding the lawsuit filed by the City of Hopkinsville pertaining to AT&T's attempt to provide internet protocol video service to Hopkinsville: The Hopkinsville City Council reached an agreement with AT&T that was satisfactory to them. The City of Hopkinsville also dropped its lawsuit. It's all butterflys and rainbows now. Never discount the value of a big stick.

Constitution Party In West Kentucky

2010-01-15T23:46:00.000-06:00

The West Kentucky Star reported that the Constitution Party in Western Kentucky was going to be hosting their regular meeting in Paducah which led my curiosity to look them up. If I was going to write a creed for what most Western Kentuckians believe in then I could have not done a better job than that which the Constitution Party advocates.

People in Rural Kentucky are not happy with the Democrats at the State or National level. I think they are not real happy with the Republicans either. People down here vote their beliefs and values not that of a political party. Every day 2010 shapes up like another 1994. With Congressman Tanner and Gordon getting out, Huntsville's Congressman switching to the Republican Party and the bad economy all leads one to surmise that Rural folks are not happy.

All politics are local and most Democrats down here are smart enough not to stick their neck out too much for the State or National Party. I think most have taken 1994 to heart and are not going to make the same mistakes of the past. Getting to far out in front of the crowd does not make one a leader. It might make you right but the only thing you will be leading after the November elections will be a boy Scout Troop or a life in the private sector.

What I found really interesting was that the guest speakers for the West Kentucky Constitution Party meeting are going to be Supreme Court Justice Bill Cunningham and a representative of the Kentucky Right to Life. I let you draw your own conclusions for now.

Rep. Brent Yonts 2010 Session

2010-01-15T23:21:00.000-06:00

Brent Yonts represents the 15th District which includes Muhlenberg, Christian & Hopkins

Counties in the Kentucky House of Representatives. Yonts has sponsored the following pieces of Legislation in the 2010 Session.

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(HB- 140)- Provides effective July 1, 2012 compulsory school attendance shall be between the ages of 6-17 by July 1, 2013 it shall be between the ages of 6-18.

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(HB- 37)- Would allow a person to request a report relating to that person's own records generated with the electronic controlled substance reporting data base.

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(HB-38) Would require use of the American Medical Association's Fifth Edition guide in disability determinations.

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(HB-124)- Extend deadline to register petroleum tanks, extend small operator assistance account and small operator tank removal account.

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(HB-144) Require university acceptance of transfer credits earned by students in dual enrollment programs, the KY Community Technical College System, and other public colleges & universities. Prohibit universities from requiring transfer students to repeat or incur cost for courses they have already passed at another institution.

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(HB-129) Allow the loan forgiveness tax credit if there are insufficient funds available to the Higher Education Assistance Authority for certain loan forgiveness programs.

Some Loose Ends

2010-01-15T22:30:00.000-06:00

A few things I wanted to mention and forgot about the past few weeks.

Larry Dale Keeling's article this week was good entitled "Welcome to the Buzzard Triangle".
One can read at his blog: www.kykurmudgeon.bloginky.com

Ivan Potter at the West Kentucky Journal of Issues and Politics has some in depth commentary on the environment and West KY this week at their site.(Linked on the Rooster)

In my Tribute to the Contributions of WHOP radio and the Lackey family I failed to mention a bunch of people but wanted to mention Hank Lindsay. Hank worked at WHOP and was press secretary for Gov. Collins. Hank worked in a number of Administrations before retiring to Puerto Vallara Mexico with his wife Vickie. Former Collins Assistant Polly Vicars also retired to Puerto Vallara.

My good friend Drex Davis Sr. passed away over the holidays. Drex was always there for me and supporting me through all my KYD elections. I will pay special tribute to him later.

Former Christian County Jailer Joe Witherspoon died at age 91. I want to do a little research on the family because this should make an interesting story. Joe's father and daughter both served as Jailers in Christian County.

I was excited to find the West Kentucky Star. They have probably the best website for providing regional news in Western Kentucky. They earned a link on the Rooster.

I was very glad that WHOP has updated their website to provide more local and regional news. They are moving forward. Baby Steps. I will probably also award them with a link.

I will start soon on the U.S. Senate Race in Kentucky bringing a profile of each candidate running.

Also, we will begin to look at the West Kentucky Delegation in the Kentucky General Assembly to see what legislation each is sponsoring this year.

UK and Hollenbach Host Symposium at Capital

2010-01-12T23:27:00.000-06:00

I don't know much about taxes other than I always seem to owe them and that I don't much care for them. A neccessary evil to some extent. The call for tax reform in Kentucky is growing by the day. The experts say Kentucky's tax structure is outdated and needs to be changed. Just the debate leaves me a little skeptical because I figure when the music stops playing somebody is not going to have a chair. From what I have been reading I do believe we need to have better oversight of the tax encentives we give, making sure they are creating jobs and enhancing our State's economy. I think Kentuckians and the General Assembly have nothing to lose by listening. I do agree with Governor Beshear that now is not the time to be raising taxes. If we can pull back on some of the sweet heart deals to help with the revenue shortage then I think most Kentuckians would be willing to go along.

Rural Kentucky is already raw with a bad economy and the expectation that they are going to be paying more for health care & energy. I believe Rural Kentuckians are willing to do their share but most have learned that conversation and debate usually leads to a negative outcome. Many folks in the Golden Triangle view Rural Kentucky as Conservative, obstinant,and not real progressive. Well, there is a reason for this and that is we have always been smart enough to know that when reasonable people come to the table to engage in a serious debate on an issue like taxes-well, we are usallly the ones that come home with our panties around our necks.

I still believe the General Assembly and the Governor need to think outside the box regarding the better use of our tax dollars. I have preached for years the idea that Bill Cox shared with me back in the 80's. Cox proposed consolidating our Education Dollars to leverage our buying power. In short, instead of a 176 school districts buying buses, copy machines, paper ect.. individually, we should purchase items as a State not a school district. By doing this, Kentucky could not only save money but use this as a tool to bring jobs and industry. By signing long-term exclusive contracts with companies we could then use this as a tool to lure companies to Kentucky.

On Wednesday the Martin School of Policy and Administration at the University of Kentucky along with Kentucky State Treasurer Todd Hollenbach are hosting a Sympsoium on "An Economic Perspective on Kentucky Tax Structure". This is going to be held in room 171 in the Capital Annex. The sympsoium begins at 8:00 am and will end at 11:45. Kentuckians can watch this live by going to the Kentucky State Treasury website.

Those speaking will include: William Fox, Professor of Economics and Director, Center for Business and Economic Research, University of Tennessee. David Wildasin, Endowed Professor of Public Finance and Professor of Economic, University of Kentucky. Kenneth Troske, Chair and William B. Sturgill Professor of Economics and Director, Center for Business and Economics. Paul Coomes, Professor of Economics and National City Research Fellow, University of Louisville. William Hoyt, Director, Martin School of Public Policy and Administration and Professor of Economics, University of Kentucky.

Maybe it is time for the General Assembly to look at possible changes that could benefit the Commonwealth. I will be listening and if you would like to then:

Listen Live by going to: Kentucky State Treasurer>Fiscal Literacy Initiative>Symposium

Sen. Pendleton Angered by Hopkinsville Officials

2010-01-08T20:48:00.000-06:00

State Senator Joey Pendleton lashed out at Hopkinsville City Officials at a 1pm news conference today which was held at the James E. Bruce Convention Center. Pendleton is very upset over the manner in which AT&T has been treated regarding their effort & investment to provide a new Internet Protocol TV service to Hopkinsville.

Senator Pendleton told me that he felt the City of Hopkinsville was running away one of the best corporate sponsors the city had. The issue is this- should AT&T be subject to to local franchise requirements and regulations by the Hopkinsville Cable Oversight Authority? Local providers such as New Wave & Mediacom have cable franchise agreements and are bound by local regulations & oversight.

In a statement issued by Hopkinsville Mayor Dan Kemp, he states that AT&T has stated that they will not apply for a franchise and nor do they wish to submit to being regulated by the local Cable Oversight Authority like other providers. AT&T contends that they are not subject to the same rules and regulations as other cable providers. AT&T maintains that they can provide Internet protocol video services under its telephone franchise granted by the Kentucky legislature.

Well, I have talked to Senator Pendleton, Mayor Kemp, and a good number of other folks so now I'm going to take some liberties and call it- like I see it.

-Senator Pendleton feels strongly that the City of Hopkinsville is acting contrary to legislative intent and I believe by his comments takes it personally. Pendleton stated in his press release,

" I worked hard to help pass a broadband bill that has resulted in new investment and the expansion of high-speed Internet access across my district. I believe wholeheartedly that our collective success is tied to having access to leading edge technologies that can keep us connected."

"After all the time I have spent working to encourage investment and the expansion of high speed Internet access, I am perplexed by the actions of Mayor Kemp and the Hopkinsville City Council. Especially during this down economy, we should all be working together to bring new capital to our communities and we certainly should not be filing lawsuits that tell leading technology companies that their investment and innovation aren't welcome here."

So who is right and who is wrong? The City of Hopkinsville has filed suit in Christian Circuit Court asking the Court to clarify the law on the question of whether providers of Internet protocol video services are subject to local franchise requirements and regulations. The Kentucky League of Cities is helping the City of Hopkinsville with the financial aspects of the law suit.

-Some Council folks think AT&T are just taking advantage of a loop hole so as to have an unfair advantage. Some told me that advantage or not, we should be thankful that AT&T is willing to invest in the community and the technology which will provide a benefit to the area.

-Many are upset over waisting money on a lawsuit even though the Kentucky League of Cities is bearing much of the cost. This was probably under estimated by Mayor Kemp regarding the degree of contempt harbored by many citizens regarding the financial mess at KLC and KACo.

-I raised the question of why the City just did not request an Attorney Generals Opinion but was told that Attorney General Jack Conway has a big conflict since his Father-in-Law is an AT&T Executive. Between the Attorney Generals relatives and his millions in natural gas stock it would seem that Jack would be better suited as a lobbyist as opposed to a AG or Senator?

-In fairness to Mayor Kemp, who is mild mannered and a process thinker, his comments seemed to me that he was in favor of AT&T positions but at the same time could not ignore the legitimate concerns that some had regarding the legal question that had been raised. Kemp was a successful attorney before running for Mayor. Kemp said," I'm trying to help resolve this, I am for choice and competition."

For me, I guess I share Senator Pendleton's frustration!! In a bad economy, and an economy that is not getting any better in Rural Kentucky, why in the world are we picking a fight with someone who wants to invest in our community. Yea, we might all feel different in a better economy but beggars can't be choosers. Is AT&T pulling a fast one? Who knows. Is New Wave and Mediacom going to get screwed some where down the line? Probably. Is Mayor Kemp spending too much time trying to be fair and provide process to all as opposed to just being a good politician for a change? Probably. Did City Council pass the buck as opposed to just making a decision? Probably

So, what do we know for sure? I think we can safely say that Senator Pendleton ain't happy. The good Senator is becoming more like Jim Bruce everyday-"Busting heads and watch um scatter". It would probably serve a number of local politicians well to stay out of his way for a while. As for me I don't watch much TV or cable anyway. Support your library-it's free.

WHOP Radio: A Birthday, Broadcasting and Politics

2010-01-07T13:59:00.000-06:00

On January 8, 1940 WHOP radio in Hopkinsville opened its door and took to the air waves. This week the station has been celebrating the history, the personalities, & the contributions that have been made to the area for 70 years. This milestone brings to light the legacy of one family that helped pioneer the broadcasting industry & three generations of public service in Western Kentucky.When Ernest Lackey became Mayor of Paducah in 1916, little did he know that three of his seven sons would help pioneer radio and politics in Kentucky.

Three Generations: Six Mayors, State Senator, State School Board Chairman,Kentucky Public Service Commission, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Charitable Gaming.

It all began when Pierce Lackey who had made money in numerous business ventures such as insurance and real estate convinced the Federal Radio Commission (FRC) to grant him a license. Then head of the FRC was no other than a man named Herbert Hoover. "Pierce was the guy who started it all", said Henry Lackey. Lackey, who is the nephew of Pierce Lackey, owns WSON in Henderson. Henry told me that Pierce Lackey had the money, the ability, and the personality to succeed. "Pierce was known to enjoy a drink and the race track, he could win ten thousand dollars one day and lose twenty the next weekend."

Pierce Lackey would be granted a license to start WPAD in Paducah in the 1930's making it the 5th oldest station in Kentucky. Pierce would follow in his Father's footsteps and serve as Mayor of Paducah from 1940-1944. After getting WPAD off the ground Pierce would dispatch his brother Hecht Lackey to Hopkinsville to open WHOP in January of 1940. Hecht would soon move on to Henderson to open and operate WSON for Pierce. Ernest "Dutch" Lackey, who was the youngest of the Lackey sons was sent to Hopkinsville to run WHOP.

Besides WPAD, WHOP, &WSON the Lackey brothers would start and purchase more stations in Mayfield, Madisonville, Illinois, and Richmond, Indiana. Hecht and Dutch Lackey would later buy their respective stations from brother Pierce in Hopkinsville and Henderson. Hecht and Dutch would also follow the lead of Pierce by getting involved in politics and public service.

Henry Grider Lackey, son of Hecht Lackey would also serve as Mayor of Henderson and State Senator. Sherry Lackey Jeffers, Daughter of Dutch Lackey would serve as Mayor of Hopkinsville and be appointed to the Public Service Commission by Governor Collins.

The History

-Ernest Lackey: Mayor of Paducah (1916)

-Pierce Lackey: Mayor of Paducah (1940-44)

-Hecht Lackey: Mayor of Henderson (1954-62)
State School Board Chairman

-Dutch Lackey: Mayor of Hopkinsville (1958-65)

-Sherry Jeffers: Mayor of Hopkinsville (1982-86)
Member Public Service Commission
{Daughter of Dutch Lackey}

-Henry G. Lackey: Mayor of Henderson (2003-06)

State Senator (1981-86)(1990-94)
Commissioner-KY Dept. of Charitable Gaming (present)
{Son of Hecht Lackey}

Some Interesting Notes:

Hecht Lackey ran unsuccessfully for Lt. Governor in 1937 finishing 4th. Also lost a bid for the State Senate in 1961.

Henry Lackey notes the really bad names all the Lackey men were stuck with: Pierce, Hecht, Grider, Pruitt, Herndon, Ezell. "Why in the world would you name your son Ezell" said Lackey. Of course they were all family names.

Katherine Peden: Dutch Lackey would name Peden General Manager of WHOP in Hopkinsville in the 1950's. "This was unheard of for a Woman to be GM of a station in Kentucky or else where then", said Mike Chadwell General Manager for WHOP. Note this happened in Hopkinsville not Louisville or Lexington. Peden would go on to help run Ned Breathitt's campaign for Governor, serve as the first woman Commissioner of the Kentucky Dept. of Commerce & serve as the only woman on the National Advisory Committee on Civil Disorders. The Los Angeles Times in an article regarding Peden stated that she had visited Watts in 1967 after the riots and help the Kerner Commission conclude in their report that the "nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white--separate and unequal."

-Katherine Peden died on January 8, 2006. WHOP went on the air January 8, 1940.

-Hecht Lackey married Rebecca Woodruff of Hopkinsville. Rebecca's sister Helen married Coach McWright for which Paducah Tilghman's football stadium is named. McWright had been the head football coach at Hopkinsville and left legend has it, for more money at Paducah.

-Pierce Lackey after starting WPAD in Puducah added the first FM station in Kentucky in 1946. In the 1970's the call letters were changed to WDDJ. Bristol Broadcasting would purchase the stations in 1996 after several owners. Bill Hagy who has been with Bristol Broadcasting since the 1960's said that he appreciates the history of the Lackey Stations and the contribution to the broadcast industry. Hagy stated." stations must be nurtured and grown."

Henry Lackey is the last of the family to own a station and as we celebrate the birthday of one of the original Lackey stations we pay tribute to their history, their contribution & service to Western Kentucky.

Thanks to Henry Lackey, Mike Chadwell, Bill Hagy.

New Murray State Athletics News Web Site

2009-11-17T20:22:00.000-06:00

In my quest to provide more information and stories about Western Kentucky I'm pleased to report that Murray resident David Ramey is writing again about Murray State Athletics. Ramey is writing for Examiner.com with a column/blog exclusively on MSU Athletics.

David backgrounds includes having served as the Sports Information Director at MSU, a former Sports Editor for the Murray Ledger and Times, and also a reporter at The Shelbyville News. I met David a couple of years ago after he commented on the Rooster or as he refers to it as the Underground Chicken. I'm still laughing. Ramey served at the Chairman of the Calloway County Democrat Party from 2004-08.

David is a Iroquois High School and Murray State graduate. David resides in Murray with his wife and children and is the Allstate Agent. I have enjoyed reading his articles to date and I think you will also. I have provided a permanent link on this site for those who wish to keep up with MSU sports happenings. David can be reached at:

racerexaminer@gmail.com

Anna Garrott- A West Kentucky Connection

2009-11-17T17:34:00.000-06:00

Country Music singer Anna Garrott grew up in Troy, Alabama but she is not far removed from her family's roots in Western Kentucky. M.C. Garrott, Anna's Grandfather, served many years in public relations at Murray State University. Anna's Father, Dr. Steve Garrott is a native of Mayfield and earned his Master's Degree at Murray State. Dr. Garrott presently serves as a Professor of Marketing at Troy University in Alabama.

Anna was discovered a few years ago by Rick Holt of Bluesteel Records and that began her career. "What A Way To Go" is Anna's new single which is starting to attract some attention from the country music industry.

Check out Anna & her music at:

www.annagarrott.com
www.bluesteelrecords.com

Backporch State of Mind

2009-11-17T15:22:00.000-06:00

This past weekend a friend 0f mine, Steve Hamrick, shared with me a new album which a mutual friend of ours had help record. The album is entitled "Backporch State of Mind". I knew our friend Ronnie Jackson could sing and play guitar but I was a little surprised about him being involved with an album. The music was good but the story behind the album was even better, so I called Ronnie to get the whole story.

The story goes that for years David Celaya of Mayfield would gather his friends and family on the back porch to share their musical talents. Good friends, good drink, good music. A 1972 Mayfield graduate, David Celaya was a known photographer in the area. Having worked for the Mayfield Messenger, the Murray Ledger & Times as well as a couple of photography studios. David had also served on the Mayfield City Council and founded the Mayfield-Graves County Animal Shelter.

David Celaya passed away at the age of 53 on July 5, 2007. Leaving behind not just a wife and two daughters but a music venue and lot's memories for his friends and family. A backporch- a place gather, to play, to fellowship and now also a place to remember.

"I would have quit playing guitar a long time ago if it had not been for David providing me a venue to play," said Jackson. I asked Ronnie how the album came about and he explained that they wanted to do something to honor David's memory and so the idea came about to produce an album to raise money for two art scholarships in David's name. The hope is to raise enough money to provide two $500 scholarships for a student at both Mayfield HS and Graves County HS.

As the process evolved Jackson said that a member of the group had Polycystic Disease. David Passmore of Bentonville, Arkansas and a native of Union City, TN was able to receive a kidney transplant just a few short weeks ago.

So with the passing of David Celaya and another member of the group fighting Polycystic Disease they had plenty of incentives to try to produce and distribute an album. "Everything that went into producing this album was donated", said Jackson.

Steve Holshouser who owns McIntosh Road Studio in Boaz, Ky. produced the album. Jackson stated that Holshouser was even able to retain the assistance of Grammy Award winning producer David R. Lehman. When Lehman heard the story and that David Celaya had played harmonica that was enough for Lehman who also plays harmonica.

Everyone who sat and continues to sit on that back porch helped in some manner to produce this album. There are 12 songs from the cover song "Backporch State of Mind" by Rachel Holshouser & Leandra Celaya to songs like "California Dreamin'." I have to admit that I really liked the Songs Ronnie Jackson did which include singing Dylan's "Wagon Wheel".

Other than Ronnie Jackson I don't know any of these folks but I liked the music and their cause. I guess having a father and grandfather who were professional photographers and a Grandfather who was a city councilman I can relate a little bit.

The proceeds all go to help two worthy causes, The David Celaya Art Scholarship & The Polycystic Disease Foundation. If you would like to know more or purchase the album I have attempted to provide some links and information. Many of the songs and live recordings are on U-tube. The album was just released about a week ago.

http://www.backporchparty.com/

Better Together, Inc.

101 Arbor Crest Dr.

Mayfield, KY 42066

West Kentucky Political Update

2009-10-23T11:43:00.000-05:00

Well, there has not been much to say that everyone else has not already brought you. I do plan to bring everyone up to date on a few happenings in Western Kentucky. I will bring some thoughts regarding the Senate race on all sides. No one is very interested in the Senate race right now and they are especially not interested in hearing from the Democrats. I have some thoughts about how local folks are lining up. I have a number of interviews and profiles just about ready for print.

Some thoughts on Madisonville Mayor Will Cox choosing to seek re-election as opposed to running for Eddie Ballard' seat. Teams making a run for a State Championship in Football. It also seems that the Governor is putting a Liberal Team together to sell education as a way to get expanded gaming in Kentucky. I will argue for more cuts and eliminating the Kentucky Income Tax as opposed to spending any money.

Also some of the latest gossip in the KACo mess. I think things are being brought to light that will hurt many local officials in Western Kentucky next year.

Today I'm blogging from Kokomo, Indiana. Heading Saturday for South Bend to watch Notre Dame play Boston College. Time to visit Ben the Steer and Walmart.

Wet Forces Win in Trigg County

2009-09-29T19:31:00.000-05:00

WKDZ is reporting that the Wet/Dry Election has been won by the Wet forces. Of the 10, 339 registered voters 5,294 showed up to vote. The results: 2,665 for & 2,629 against. Most people think that since Trigg County has the 3rd highest unemployment rate in Kentucky at over 16% this played a large factor in the results. Trigg County is home to Lake Barkley State Resort Park and has a large tourism base whereas it borders Lake Barkley. I thought it would be close but I was not sure how the chips would fall. I will be honest and must admit that I was not sure that this would be a good thing for them. I don't know. I do know you can't stop progress and one can only help shape it so it does some good. Legal Liquor in Trigg County-who would of thunk it!!

Safety Grants Awarded to West Kentucky by KOHS

2009-09-25T09:14:00.000-05:00

Chuck Geveden, Director of the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety, is pictured above presenting two grant checks to Rep. John Tilley along with representatives of the Trigg County Sheriff's Dept. & Cadiz Police Dept.

The two agencies received a total of $16,200 to help curb impaired driving, speeding and other dangerous driving practices. The grant is to be used also to help educate the public regarding child safety seats and seat belt usage.

Over $124,000 in checks were presented to West Kentucky communities to help improve safety in the region. The federally funded grants from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are administered by the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety.

Geveden's press release stated that 17 more lives have been lost so far in 2009 on Kentucky highways, compared to the same time period in 2008. There were 826 fatalities on Kentucky roadways in 2008, including 649 people in motor vehicles. Of those, 70% were not buckled up and over 20% involved alcohol.

This brings to mind the issue of the large number of deaths on Kentucky waterways. I believe I am correct in stating that we have already set a record for deaths on our waterways. Rep. Tilley and I discussed the need to also address this issue.

Those receiving grants yesterday were:

Ballard Co. Sherriff Dept. $9000

Princeton Police Dept. $9,650

McCracken Co. Sheriff Dept. $10,000

Marshall Co. Health Dept. $10,250

Eddyville Police Dept. $12,192

Graves Co. Sheriff Dept. $12,390

Benton Police Dept. $15,800

Marshall Co. Sheriff Dept. $20,000

Paducah Police Dept. $25,000

Oak Grove Police Dept. $18,250

For more information visit KOHS at http://highwaysafety.ky.gov/.

*Picture provided courtesy of Ryan Watts, KOHS

Dave Stengel Will Cost Jefferson Co. Millions

2009-09-17T18:19:00.000-05:00

In a correct and just decision a Louisville-Jefferson County Jury found former Pleasure Ridge Park football coach Jason Stinson not guilty of charges. Stinson had been charged with reckless homicide and wanton endangerment involving the on the field death of Max Gilpin.

A case where everyone jumped to conclusions- Jefferson County School System, the Commonwealth Attorney's Office and the Media led to an unfounded witch hunt, of the likes that no one has seen before. It took the Louisville Courier Journal weeks if not months to start providing the facts instead of capitalizing on the tragedy it self. We don't expect much more from such a rag as the CJ. At least I am thankful they were smart enough to point & shoot a camera so the public could watch much of the trial.

Unfortunately this case is not over and for the family of Max Gilpin they like Coach Stinson have been put through hell all for some headlines. So whats left to be done? Coach Stinson will sue and rightfully so for the malicious prosecution of this case. He should hold the Jefferson County School System and the KHSAA accountable for if nothing else their cowardice. I'm betting that Stengel and their insurer will settle out of court for millions. I hope KACO does not insure them they don't need another hit right now. You can bet that the insurer who ever they may be will demand a confidential agreement to settle so the tax payers will never get to know.

I heard and I am proud that football coaches around Kentucky and the South raised $70,000 for Coach Stinson's defense. I bet they are motivated now to raise twice that to help someone run against Dave Stengel. Did anyone else find it surprising that Stengel dumped this case off on a couple of assistants? Well, that's normal for most elected prosecutors-they take the credit when its all good and send in the assistants when its time to get eaten by the lions.

I have a campaign slogan for Stengel- "Politics before Justice". I bet Stengel throws a few back tonight. At the Commonwealth Attorney's website it boldly proclaims:

"Aggressive, competent & ethical prosecution of criminal cases.."

Well Dave- 1 out of 3 ain't real good in my book. You now might consider the importance of stamina and getting in shape because I bet if your going to stay in politics your going to really need to prepare for your next race. Thanks Dave for ruining people's lives and costing the taxpayers millions.

Sorry Dave we don't give helmet stickers out for performances like yours which may lead you to consider-as coaches like to say-"Taking it to the house".

Conway Responds to Purdue Pharma Article

2009-09-13T17:30:00.000-05:00

I appreciate Attorney General Jack Conway giving me a few minutes and responding to the story I wrote concerning Purdue Pharma. Marianne Skolek who is an advocate bringing to light the actions of companies like Purdue Pharma had questioned a grant excepted by the Kentucky Attorney Generals Office.

Skolek was very concerned that the Grant provided by NADDI was being funded by Purdue Pharma and other drug companies. In response, Attorney General Conway said that he was well informed regarding the funding issue. Conway said many of these grants are funded in part by the pharmaceutical industry. Conway responded emphatically, "The only issue is the budget". With the budget cuts we have and continue to face I'm not concerned that a part of the grant money comes from the industry said Conway. Conway continued on saying that when I can take this money and put it to good use to help in the fight against drugs and crime then I'm going to continue to do so.

St. John Picnic Reveals Mood of West Kentucky

2009-09-13T16:05:00.000-05:00

It's probably been over 20 years since I attended the St. John Picnic and my what a change. I worked the crowd speaking to folks for about an hour and I was very surprised at the comments that I received. Usually attitudes I find reserved in my backyard along the Hwy 68 corridor were alive and well in the Purchase.

It has been my experience that the men are usually the most outspoken at these events but not yesterday. I spoke with ladies from 15 to 70 years old and they were all in agreement in their dislike, disgust and opposition to the the National Democratic Party agenda. Obama, Pelosi and so on. I predicted to most over a year ago that I was afraid that next year would turn into another 1994 in Rural Kentucky and if yesterday was any indication- I may be right.

After reflecting a while last night I thought maybe I was interjecting some of my own personal frustration into my thoughts until I read Bill Bartleman's article this afternoon. We saw and heard the same things. The hit speech of the day came from Republican candidate Bill Johnson of Todd County. Johnson who is a Gulf War Veteran brought a roar from the crowd when he said that the solution to America's problems was returning the Nation to the values of the Ronald Reagan Era. Much to my surprise, folks when asked were not as concerned with the economy as they were moral issues, big government, abortion, gun control. In short- most responded that regardless of the problems that faced Kentucky and the Nation they did not want government being any part of the debate or the solution.

There were no bus loads of people brought in to support any one candidate. No, these were average, educated, middle-class people. From public school teachers to Union members-no one was happy with the Democrats.

I was surprised at Jack Conway's speech and I suppose one can look at it two different ways. Personally I like Jack Conway but I don't line up very well with him on many issues. In one respect I can admire the nads it took to step up and say the things he said but I don't think he gained any votes and probably lost some. Jack emphasized that the most important reason for voting for him was that the National Democrat Party was in a battle for control of the U.S. Senate. I don't think anyone told Jack that West Kentucky Democrats have no interest in a Democrat Controlled Senate run by Liberals. Jack's remarks drew a long quiet response from the crowd.

Conway also bragged that one of the crowning achievements of the Democrats in Kentucky was (KERA) the Kentucky Education Reform Act. Not a smart political move down here.You have heard me say many times, KERA in my opinion was probably the worst piece of legislation in Kentucky History. So all in all probably not a good day for Conway. My sources tell me that the Conway fundraiser at Barkley Lodge was only attended by 25 people at best. I don't know how much he raised from the event.

It was obvious that the majority of Democrats at St. John and the Hickman County Democratic Dinner were for Monjiardo. But neither Monjiardo nor Conway were the crowd pleasers among the Democrat Candidates. Darlene Price, a veteran who has testified before Congress and appeared on numerous national talk shows, gave a passionate speech about the need for campaign finance reform.

Rand Paul gave a very articulate speech which was well received by the crowd. I was party to conversation Paul was having and he said that his campaign was on track to have more than enough money to run head to head with Trey Grayson who was not in attendance.

Gatewood was entertaining as always and folks seem to appreciate State Treasurer Todd Hollenbach making the drive to be a part of the event.

Supreme Court Justice Bill Cunningham was the Master of Ceremonies. Appellate Court Judge Shea Nickel sang along with newly appointed Circuit Judge Tim Kaltenbach. Many local dignitaries on stage spoke or were recognized including State Rep. Fred Nesler and former Congressman Carroll Hubbard.

I met Glenda Ransom who was appointed McCracken County Circuit Court Clerk upon the retirement of Mike Lawrence. Lawrence was the Democrat nominee against Steve Rudy. I spent a few minutes talking politics with Mark Riddle who is running Jack Conway's Campaign. As always it was good to see Jimmy Morphew who is a First District Representative on the State Democratic Executive Committee.

So what's my take on the present mood of Democrats and Republicans in Western Kentucky right now? They are not going to vote for a Liberal or Progressive candidate and they probably are not going to vote for any Democrat in November 2010.

Local Democrats in Western Kentucky are going to have to walk a fine line because defending a National Democrat Party agenda may spell doom for some. Right now people are mad as hell at the Democrats and the Government at every level.

I will be posting interviews with Bill Johnson and Darlene Price. Both candidates are long shots and have very little money but both offer something different that everyone including myself found interesting

Hollenbach Doing What Others Won't

2009-09-11T14:19:00.000-05:00

I understand that it is hard for elected officials to balance their positions with family and political life. But when your elected you assume a certain amount responsibility and sacrifice that comes with the job.

In 2007 I traveled to the Purchase to Columbus-Belmont State Park for this event. I reported what a great event it was. Yes, it was election year. Yes there were hundreds of people there. The Democrat nominee Steve Beshear was supposed to have been there but was a no-show. I had decided to go on behalf of Todd Hollenbach Jr. because he had a conflict but had not committed to be there.Coach Joe B. Hall was recruited within a couple of hours to come save the day.

Fast Forward to this year for the Hickman County Democratic Fish Fry. We have two big name candidates seeking the Democrat nomination for U.S. Senate. Both are going to be at the St. John's Picnic in McCracken County so why not make it a point to attend the functions of smaller, Rural Counties especially when your in the area.

In the case of Hickman County, Lt. Governor Dan Mongiardo committed to coming and Conway did not. I really think both candidates ought to make every attempt to be at County Party functions. Fundraisers and events should take a back seat in the schedule.

The State Party Chairman and the Governor should be strongly urging our Democrat State Office holders to divide up the Party functions to at least insure that one official will be in attendance at each event instead everyone showing up to speak at the big ticket events. This would also not too much burden on any one State Office holder.

I was speaking with State Treasurer Todd Hollenbach regarding this issue and we both agreed on how hard it is sometimes to juggle everything but Todd did agree that Rural Kentucky was probably getting the short end of the stick and being ignored.

Regarding the Hickman Co. Dinner, Todd Hollenbach agreed that more attention should be paid to our Rural Counties and said that he was going to do his best to attend the Hickman County Democratic Fish Fry on Saturday Evening.

Hollenbach who has never taken Rural Kentucky or West Kentucky for granted saw the fruits of his labor in 2007. I can't remember the last time a successful candidate from Jefferson County posted his 4 best county results in Western Kentucky. Hollenbach carried the Democratic Ticket in Christian & Trigg County as well as racking up in Marshall and Calloway.

I appreciate Todd Hollenbach making the effort to come all the way down to far West Kentucky and I know the Democrats of Hickman County and the Purchase Area will to.

Conway's Office Threatens National Activist

2009-09-11T12:38:00.000-05:00

While scanning the blog world this morning I found an interesting link offered up by Page One www.pageonekentucky.com

My curiosity led me to follow it to an article in the Salem-News www.salem-news.com . After reading the article I decided to investigate and hear for myself the details regarding this situation.

I don't think Marianne Skolek ever expected to become one the Nations high profile activist/advocates pursuing the pharmaceutical industry and companies like Purdue Pharma. I don't think Marianne Skolek ever expected her daughter Jill Carol to die as a victim of Oxy Contin in 2002.

Skolek has helped the FDA and States hold Purdue Pharma accountable. When she heard that Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway accepted a $50,000 grant from the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI), she could not believe it. Skolek claims that NADDI is indirectly funded by none other than Purdue Pharma.

When Skolek called Jack Conway's office to inform them and discuss what she considers a very poor decision on Conway's part what did she get. Well- she got threatened to be charged with Jury Tampering by an Assistant Attorney General. Wow!! I don't think Marianne was shaking in her boots then or now. Apparently at the end of the conversation the Assistant Attorney General decided to retract his threat says Skolek. Apparently Kentucky is involved in litigation in, I think she said, New York. A case that has not even come to trial yet.

Marianne Skolek continues to pursue this cause through public awareness. She continues to write on this issue for the Salem-News and also has a book coming out soon.

Skolek seemed surprised when I told her that Jack Conway was a candidate for the U.S. Senate in Kentucky. We both wondered out loud if Conway has excepted and if so, how much from the pharmaceutical industry. "Having worked long and hard on this issue for seven and half years and then have your Attorney General shake hands with an organization connected with Purdue is a slap in the face", said Skolek.

"Companies like Purdue have no conscience, this is a full time job and what I find everyday never ceases to amaze me."

After talking with Marianne about the severity of the drug problem and prescription drug problems that plague Kentucky I kinda felt like I should apologize but I didn't. I think Attorney General Conway needs to look into this matter and and apologize himself. As far as the $50,000 grant goes, maybe Conway needs to investigate this himself. If any of this money has come directly or indirectly from Purdue Pharma then we probably need to give it back. In fairness to Conway's office I really don't think that they would have knowingly accepted this money if it has the ties as claimed by Marianne Skolek.

With a little homework Jack Conway should be able to put this issue to bed but his office I think, owes Marianne Skolek an apology for being a tad bit over zealous and maybe a little too defensive. Make lemonade out of lemon's Jack-invite Marianne Skolek to Kentucky to help you in this fight against prescription drug addiction.

As far as Marianne Skolek is concerned she said, "I will continue to be the voice of my daughter and fighting the greedy pharmaceutical companies."

Marianne Skolek can be reached at mskolek@aol.com

West KY Fire Fighters Respond to Greenville Fire

2009-09-11T09:54:00.000-05:00

Fire Fighters from surrounding cities responded to Greenville's call for help late last night. A fire that could have swept through much of Greenville's Downtown area was contained thanks to the response of fire departments in Western Kentucky.

My media contact at the Leader-News in Central City confirmed that the fire started at Lynn's Diner. The Fire was contained to the Diner and another adjacent structure. The call for help went out sometime after 11:00 pm for more fire fighters and equipment.

Madisonville Mayor Will Cox authorized his fire chief and a Ladder Truck to assist the City of Greenville in their efforts to save the downtown. While all the details are not available, it is my understanding that the City of Owensboro along with a number of other communities answered the call.

Apparently it took all night to contain the fire to make sure it did not spread to other buildings. Mayor Cox reported to me that his firemen did not return to Madisonville until 8:00 am this morning.

Hickman County Democratic Fish Fry

2009-09-09T14:13:00.000-05:00

The West Kentucky Journal Politics and Issues reports that the Hickman County Democratic Fish Fry will be held this Saturday September 12th at Oak Hill Country Club. Lt. Governor Daniel Mongiardo will be the guest speaker.

5:30 Doors open

6:00 Dinner served

6:30 Program begins

Event is free. Contributions excepted.

I will note that it concerns me that candidates for all offices should be speaking at these local events instead of having fundraisers at the same time. I'm sure that both candidates are guilty of this. I realize that money is important but if you want Rural folks to be a part of the party then there needs to be opportunities for folks to get to hear and know the candidates without paying much or traveling far. I thought that's why we have all these local events?

** Update. I have been informed by someone involved with the Hickman Co. Event that Jack Conway was also invited to speak and was sent an invite but chose not to respond.

Conway Hosting Fundraiser at Barkley Lodge

2009-09-09T14:01:00.000-05:00

The Conway Campaign has informed me that they will be hosting a fundraiser at Barkley Lake State Resort Park this Saturday. Details below.

Conway for U.S. Senate

Saturday September 12th

Barkley Lake-Main Lodge

5:30-7:00pm

$250.00 suggested minimum contribution

Libertarian to oppose Rep. Nesler

2009-09-04T19:00:00.000-05:00

Libertarian candidate Jeff King has announced his intentions to seek the 2nd District House seat now held by Rep. Fred Nesler of Mayfield. The District includes Graves and part of McCracken Counties. King is a resident of Graves County.

I asked Mr. King some questions and he provided lengthy answers. I could not provide the entire answer to each question but provided enough I think for one to understand Mr. King's positions.

I also spoke with Rep. Nesler who stated that he was not aware of Mr. King's candidacy but said, " For 17 years I have done my best to be the voice of my constituency and to represent them in a fair way. I have tried to be responsive to my constituents concerns and have always tried to work with the elected officials in my district."

Representative Nesler is listed as serving as a Vice Chair of Appropriations and Revenue as well as Economic Development; Military Affairs, Seniors & Public Safety and the Rules Committee.

When the General Assembly meets in January they will again be faced with tough decision regarding KY's revenue shortfall. If elected where and how would you decide what programs to cut?

"I think everyone agrees that spending in Frankfort is out of control. This is because we continue to elect politicians instead of regular people. A regular person, like you or I, can look at a project, look at the projected cost, surmise that the projected cost will rise significantly before the project even gets started, and then decide whether it’s good for the state, or not. Our Representatives currently are concerned with one thing, and one thing only; the next election. Should I be elected I would not go to the Capitol and wonder what grand project I can put my name on, or what state money I can scoop up for my district. I know that bringing home the “pork,” like Representative Nesler has done, would endear me to certain demographics and industries, especially area construction firms, but we have to look at our state government as a whole. It’s almost like there’s a culture among our elected officials to go to Frankfort, hold out their hands, and rake in as much cash as possible, when they’re actually supposed to be acting on behalf of their constituents, not just out-spend other districts.. I’m quite sure that the 2nd district doesn’t want higher taxes, they want accountability, fiscal responsibility, and reform."

If elected, what committees would you ask to serve on? and why?

"If elected I would ask first and foremost for the Rules Committee. I think that the people want a genuine reform of the way our government works, and that has to start with how the House works. Beyond that I would ask for the Agriculture and Small Business Committee, as my district needs and deserves a voice there."

Would you caucus with the Democrat's, Republicans, or neither side?

If I were a Republican or Democrat I would be running as one. I am a Libertarian, but I’m also a political realist. My views are much more in line with the Republicans, and I would consider caucusing with them if asked, but I would hardly be a vote to be coerced, or bought.

The Speaker of the House directs leadership ie..Committee Chairs and all committee assignments as well as all legislation, if you chose not to caucus with either side-Do you think you could still be affective for your District?

"As I said, I’m more in line with the Republicans, but I am a Libertarian. If I didn’t caucus with either I would imagine I’d be left out in the cold, such is the political reality of modern times. Government is always resistant to change, and a change from the two-party domination of the General Assembly would surely anger many in both parties. Could I be effective though? Certainly so. If they think I will just show up and take my seat and keep my mouth shut like a good little boy then they have another thing coming. I’m running for more than just my district here, I’m running for all Kentuckians who feel forgotten, ignored by, and are just generally sick of the broken, corrupt, two-party system we’ve been stuck with."

If elected as a Libertarian do you think you could represent your district well considering House Rules? Leadership decides what Bills go to the different Committees. You only get to speak in Committee if the Chairman calls upon you. Only the Chairman can call a Bill before his/her Committee.
You’ve just illustrated, quite well actually, what’s wrong with the status-quo. If the second district wants a Legislator who knows the right people, can maneuver themselves onto the most powerful committees, and can get into those smoke-filled backrooms to pat the most corrupt, and well-off members on the back, then they will re-elect Fred Nesler. It’s important to note, however, that such a member that’s “in” with the right circles is, and forever will be, a hostage to his party’s agenda. In Frankfort we see the Democratic Party spending us deeper into the red than Texas on an electoral college map, pushing for state-sponsored casino gaming, marred in scandals across the state, and they’ve managed to also find time to raise cigarette taxes to astronomical levels, hurting one of Kentucky’s most important industries. That’s not an agenda that I can support, and I don’t hear any 2nd district voters saying that they do. I think when they finally do get a real choice they will decide to let an outsider have a shot. One thing is clear, though, if we DON’T want reform we’ll send Fred Nesler back to Frankfort.

You mention the alcohol and tobacco tax along with expanded gambling. What other issues separate you from Rep. Nesler and do you have an alternative plan for raising revenue?

Fred Nesler and I are different sorts of people, first and foremost. He’s nearly forty years older than me, and was a successful realtor before becoming a legislator. I’m young, couldn‘t afford college, wasn‘t handed a successful career, and don’t have the long record of supporting tax hikes, corrupt politicians, and government waste. Fred Nesler is a career politician who’s held the 2nd district seat since 1993. I was 12 years old in 1993. Our area needs a new voice in Frankfort, someone who is dedicated to giving voice to those that Fred Nesler would be ashamed to be seen with. Whether you’re unemployed, on food stamps, work fast food, work in the hot sun, or drive a tractor for a living, everyone is in agreement that we need change in Kentucky. Fred Nesler is not change, he’s a part of the tax-raising, pork addicted, “good ol’ boy” Democratic establishment that rode their party’s former glory to the position of power. If we want real change in Kentucky we will have to vote these guys out, and that’s where I come in. I represent the new generation of Kentuckian.

Mr. King invites anyone wishing to learn more about him or his campaign to check out his website at http://www.JeffreyKing4Ky.com

As a footnote- Again I had to shorten some of the questions and answers to fit it all in. As always I try to be fair and provide information about candidates across Kentucky and Party Line if they are willing to answer my questions.

Judiciary Committee In Hopkinsville

2009-09-03T23:13:00.000-05:00

Press Release from House Judiciary Chairman John Tilley.

Rep. Tilley to welcome state lawmakers to Hopkinsville
Panels co-chaired by Tilley will hold Friday meetings at Justice Center

FRANKFORT – Rep. John Tilley, D-Hopkinsville, is bringing legislators from across the state to Hopkinsville on Friday, September 4, for legislative committee meetings on criminal justice policy and other issues.

“It’s good for legislative panels to occasionally get outside of Frankfort to make sure we’re hearing a wide variety of voices on the issues of the day,” said Tilley. “This will be a good opportunity for officials and citizens in our area to have input on some of the issues lawmakers will be making decisions on when the 2010 legislative sessions starts in four months.”

The General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee will meet at 10 a.m. in District Courtroom #1 at the Justice Center, 100 Justice Way, in Hopkinsville. The Subcommittee on Penal Code and Controlled Substance Act will meet at the same place at 1 p.m.

Both panels are co-chaired by Tilley.

The Judiciary Committee meeting will focus on issues ranging from efforts to curb drunken driving offenses to the Justice Cabinet’s legislative proposals for the 2010 legislative session. Members will also receive an update from state officials on Northpoint Training Center, the medium-security prison in Boyle County where prisoners rioted and started fires that caused extensive damage to the facilities last month.

Members of the Subcommittee on Penal Code and Controlled Substance Act will hear testimony on possible code reforms and other issues from University of Kentucky Law Professor Robert Lawson, as well as district and circuit judges and other local justice officials.

Both meetings are open to the public.

--END--

Sen. Pendleton Fundraiser

2009-09-03T12:17:00.000-05:00

State Senator Joey Pendleton has announced that his Fundraiser Golf Outing will be held September 23rd at the Links at Novadell in Hopkinsville. Lunch will be served at 12 noon with a shotgun start a 1pm.

Pendleton represent the 3rd District which includes Christian, Todd & Logan Counties.

Hole Sponsorship is $100.00

Entry Fee Ticket is $125.00 per person

Team Entry is $500.00

Prizes and more!!

Those interested in sponsoring a hole or wishing to make a contribution can do so by forwarding to:

Pendleton for Senate- P. O. Box 1016, Hopkinsville, KY 42241-1016

Democrat Activist Convicted in Trigg Co. "Scopes Trial"

2009-08-29T17:34:00.000-05:00

In Kentucky's version of a modern day "Monkey Trial", a Marshall County resident and Democrat activist was convicted Friday in Trigg County District Court.

Let me set the scene for you: 79 year old Clarence J. Latham Jr. is the defendant charged with disorderly conduct. Mr. Latham's attorney is prominent Labor attorney Buddy Culter of the Louisville firm Priddy, Cutler, Miller & Meade. Cutler is a graduate of Yale and Cornell Law. The presiding Judge is James R. "Jamus" Redd III who is a graduate of Harvard. The prosecuting attorney is Duncan Cavanah who is an assistant County Attorney for Trigg and Christian Counties. Cavanah is a Transylvania Grad and UK Law Grad.

In 2008 Mr. Latham was granted a permit to have his "float", in this case a little wagon with Democrat signs and stickers with a spinner, in the Trigg County Ham Festival Parade. Keep in mind this same float with the same slogans have appeared before in the Trigg County parade as well many others around West Kentucky for years.

Parade organizers had been concerned about a sticker the year before that included a word that was printed as "Bullsh-t" on it. Out of respect Mr. Latham had covered it up. in 2008, one of the parade organizers approached Mr. Latham saying " I see your here again and have that "Nigger" shirt on," referring to his Obama T-shirt he was wearing. The Organizer told Mr. Latham" Your out of here". Mr. Latham stated that he asked if the "Bullsh-t" sticker was the problem. The reply he received was that police were being called to remove him from the parade.

The parade organizer in question is Craig Fowler. In fairness to all, my sources tell me that Mr. Fowler is a Democrat and that they believe it would have been really out of character for Mr. Fowler to have used the word "Nigger". There appears to be no witnesses so it is matter of whose story you choose to believe.

I spoke with Mr. Latham and he states that police showed up and basically told him he was under arrest. Mr. Latham said, " They would not even tell me what I was being charged with." The 79 year old Mr. Latham was taken downtown in handcuffs and If that was not bad enough, Mr. Latham said that the Cadiz police even used ankle chains on him.

Mr. Latham said he was willing to resolve the matter if all parties offered an apology and apparently my sources tell me that the Commonwealth was more than willing to dismiss the charges but with prejudice. As this matter progressed everyone offered up an apology Mr. Latham said, except the City of Cadiz who he states even opposed having the charges dismissed.

True to his word, Mr. Latham decided that if the City would not apologize then he wanted his day in court. Mr. Latham got his day in court but to no avail. Mallory Lawrence who is very respected in the Trigg County business and political community along with former Congressman Carroll Hubbard testified for Mr. Latham.

Mr. Latham was convicted of disorderly conduct and was only ordered to pay the $250 fine. Judge Redd waived the court cost and fees.

I know Judge Redd personally and the prosecutor Duncan Cavanah. Duncan is a fair & mild mannered person who unlike many prosecutors does not make his job personal. Duncan is someone who does his job and goes home at the end of the day. I'm sure he probably had better things to do than waste a day prosecuting this.

On Friday it was announced that the Ham Festival would no longer have a parade. UMMMh. Interesting timing don't you think.

Defense attorney Buddy Cutler told me today that he was very disappointed in the verdict. " I believe this case is about exercising the right of free speech". "Mr. Latham just wanted to have his float in the parade. We're disappointed," said Cutler. Mr. Cuttler said he did not know at this point if there would be an appeal or further legal action in this matter.

Mr. Latham in our interview said that " had I been given the chance I would have just loaded up and gone home." Someone said, stated Latham " Get the fucking thing on the trailer and get out", but the next thing I knew I was being arrested.

Mr. Latham will undergo open heart surgery on Tuesday at Lourdes hospital in Paducah. He told me that he is glad this is over and stated," I don't have to live with the lies like Cadiz does."

So where does this leave us? What does all this have to say?

First of all even though I'm pretty conservative on certain issues I defend the right of free speech just like I do the right to bear arms. God does not give a tinker's damn about bumper stickers, signs or T-Shirts. Besides the word "Bullsh-t" is not going to offend anyone old enough to know what it means. I feel pretty certain I have heard worse in Trigg County before.

Anyway you cut it this is a black eye on the City of Cadiz and the Trigg County Ham Festival. A 79 year old man in ankle chains-give me a break. Cancelling the parade using the excuse of liability insurance. Maybe, maybe not. Sounds like Trigg County folks may be fearing who might want to be in the parade after this embarrassing episode.

It appears that everyone involved picked their poison. Mr. Latham got his trial and the City of Cadiz and the Ham Festival got rid of activist they don't agree with.Maybe

The Ham Festival will go on and I am going out on a limb and predict that there will be hundreds of people wearing T-Shirts with a lot more the "Bullsh-t" on it this year.

As one friend suggested to me today that Mr. Latham's only problem was bringing bull into a Ham Festival and maybe I ought to get him a sign that says,

" I Got Porked in Cadiz, KY"

Oh, Trigg County. You have the highest unemployment rate in West Kentucky & one of the highest in Kentucky. Your Churches are threatening to throw people out of their congregations for signing an alcohol sales election petition. Sounds like you need to work on repairing your image and reputation. If you truly believe what you say then you best be apologizing to God. Don't worry about Mr. Latham, I think a bunch Democrat activist will be paying you a visit in October to make the Trigg County Ham Festival one to remember so make lots of bar-b-que.

** Thanks to West Kentucky Journal of Politics for bringing this to my attention from their site. Thanks to my sources and Mr. Latham & Mr. Cutler for their interview.