The Convention center has been booked to a "Big Name Democrat", and law enforcement has been contacted. Who you say? My guess is Bill Clinton may be coming to Hopkinsville Friday. It is always nice to have the Presidential Campaign come to your area but some concerns have been raised as to the timing.
The Gov. Edward T. Ned Breathitt Dinner which is scheduled for Friday Night could be over shadowed by a Clintion visit. Many Democrats are concerned that the Annual Democrat Dinner may be a bust if the Clinton's scheduled their function to coincide with the Dinner. I guess we will have to wait and see. Christian Co. Democrat Party Chairman, Lindsey Adams said that he can not confirm the reports but he thought somebody was coming to Hopkinsville and it would make sense that it would be Bill Clinton since it has already been reported that he will be in Kentucky on Thursday and Friday.The Presidential race has not drawn much interest to date even though the Obama folks have been on the ground for weeks organizing.
Hillary Clinton made a big show last month by appearing at the Ruby Lafoon Dinner in Madisonville. Madisonville Mayor Will Cox has endorsed Obama and Obama has most of the Party establishment locked up in Christian County. A Big turn out in Christian Co. is not expected but a Clinton visit could probably make Obama's efforts so far null and void. As I have said before, Obama needed to work Kentucky as hard as the Clintons but that did not happen.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
West Kentucky Round-UP
It has been busy the last week and I am way behind in reporting in. Here are a few notes from the past week.
Tennessee's Bruce Pearl Speaks in Hopkinsville
University of Tennessee Head Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl was the guest speaker at University Heights Academy for their basketball banquet. Word has it that Pearl provided a relaxed and amusing time for the crowd. UT signee Scotty Hopson made a few remarks I'm told, that did not sit well with the UK fans.
Louisville Football and Greg Nord
Greg Nord, long-time assistant coach for the University of Louisville was in West Kentucky Monday and Tuesday recruiting. I had the opportunity to visit with Coach Nord Monday afternoon at the Hopkinsville/Christian County baseball game. Greg is visiting with coaches at Hopkinsville, Christian Co, Paducah, Fort Campbell and Mayfield regarding future prospects. Nord said he felt good about Louisville's 2008 team and look forward to their continued success.
State Senate Race
The Democrat Primary heated up Friday with Rick Johnson going negative in his media against Carroll Hubbard. Race should get interesting the next few days.
U.S. Senate Race
U.S. Senate race has still not generated much interest in Western Kentucky. Fischer has come on some but I'm not sure it will be enough to overcome the money and media.
Articles to Come
Madisonville Mayor Will Cox First Year In Office
State Rep. Brent Yonts Lands Coal to Liquid Plant For Area
Fort Campbell Designation as Super Base- Will Expand to 70,000
Tennessee's Bruce Pearl Speaks in Hopkinsville
University of Tennessee Head Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl was the guest speaker at University Heights Academy for their basketball banquet. Word has it that Pearl provided a relaxed and amusing time for the crowd. UT signee Scotty Hopson made a few remarks I'm told, that did not sit well with the UK fans.
Louisville Football and Greg Nord
Greg Nord, long-time assistant coach for the University of Louisville was in West Kentucky Monday and Tuesday recruiting. I had the opportunity to visit with Coach Nord Monday afternoon at the Hopkinsville/Christian County baseball game. Greg is visiting with coaches at Hopkinsville, Christian Co, Paducah, Fort Campbell and Mayfield regarding future prospects. Nord said he felt good about Louisville's 2008 team and look forward to their continued success.
State Senate Race
The Democrat Primary heated up Friday with Rick Johnson going negative in his media against Carroll Hubbard. Race should get interesting the next few days.
U.S. Senate Race
U.S. Senate race has still not generated much interest in Western Kentucky. Fischer has come on some but I'm not sure it will be enough to overcome the money and media.
Articles to Come
Madisonville Mayor Will Cox First Year In Office
State Rep. Brent Yonts Lands Coal to Liquid Plant For Area
Fort Campbell Designation as Super Base- Will Expand to 70,000
Monday, May 5, 2008
Larry Jones and Eight Belles'
The hospitable drink did not taste so sweet for most after watching Eight Belles' go down after running a great race in the Kentucky Derby. Unfortunately bad things happen from time to time in all sports, but the criticism being thrown around by the raving, liberal, lunatics from groups like the Organization for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is ridiculous.
To imply that the jockey or trainer Larry Jones did something wrong does not sit very well with me. Larry Jones, who is a Hopkinsville native, is a really nice guy from a really nice family. I was introduced to Larry many years ago by the late Dr. Frank Pitzer. I see Larry's dad occasionally since we both get our hair cut at the Indian Hills Barber Shop.(Oh, no...I used the word Indian).
I know some of these groups may provide a valid purpose at times but many times they act in a very irresponsible manner. Larry Jones and the trainer did nothing wrong and some of these critics need to get a real job.
To imply that the jockey or trainer Larry Jones did something wrong does not sit very well with me. Larry Jones, who is a Hopkinsville native, is a really nice guy from a really nice family. I was introduced to Larry many years ago by the late Dr. Frank Pitzer. I see Larry's dad occasionally since we both get our hair cut at the Indian Hills Barber Shop.(Oh, no...I used the word Indian).
I know some of these groups may provide a valid purpose at times but many times they act in a very irresponsible manner. Larry Jones and the trainer did nothing wrong and some of these critics need to get a real job.
Gov. Mabus Campaigns for Obama in West KY.
Former Ambassador and Mississippi Governor Ray Mabus Jr. campaigned in Hopkinsville and Owensboro today for Sen. Obama. Mabus addressed a crowd of local officials and supporters at the Pioneer's Pavilion.
Mabus emphasized the importance of having a nominee and a President who could rise above the traditional polarizing issues of the past. Stating that for American to move forward, we as a Nation must focus on the issues we agree on like the economy, education, and the environment as opposed to "wedge" issues which only divide the Nation.
When asked about his friendship with the Clinton family Mabus replied, "this election is about the future, not the past." Mabus said that he was a close friend of Bill Clinton, having been fellow Southern Governors as well as having served as Clinton's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 1994-96.
A veteran of the United States Navy, Gov. Mabus spoke strongly regarding the implications related to the continued occupation of Iraq by U.S. military forces. Citing how America's economy and the military were overburden and stretched to thin by our continued involvement. Mabus said that he agreed with Sen. Obama position that the War needed to end.
A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Mabus earned a Masters Degree from John Hopkins University and a Law Degree from Harvard. Mabus has distinguished himself in many areas having received the U.S. Army's Distinguished Civilian Service Award and the Martin Luther King Responsibility Award. Known for his expertise on Middle East Affairs, Gov. Mabus has been a member of the Rand Center for Middle East Public Policy and the Council on Foreign Relations.
Mabus emphasized the importance of having a nominee and a President who could rise above the traditional polarizing issues of the past. Stating that for American to move forward, we as a Nation must focus on the issues we agree on like the economy, education, and the environment as opposed to "wedge" issues which only divide the Nation.
When asked about his friendship with the Clinton family Mabus replied, "this election is about the future, not the past." Mabus said that he was a close friend of Bill Clinton, having been fellow Southern Governors as well as having served as Clinton's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 1994-96.
A veteran of the United States Navy, Gov. Mabus spoke strongly regarding the implications related to the continued occupation of Iraq by U.S. military forces. Citing how America's economy and the military were overburden and stretched to thin by our continued involvement. Mabus said that he agreed with Sen. Obama position that the War needed to end.
A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Mabus earned a Masters Degree from John Hopkins University and a Law Degree from Harvard. Mabus has distinguished himself in many areas having received the U.S. Army's Distinguished Civilian Service Award and the Martin Luther King Responsibility Award. Known for his expertise on Middle East Affairs, Gov. Mabus has been a member of the Rand Center for Middle East Public Policy and the Council on Foreign Relations.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Washington Times and My Comments
From time to time I am asked by the Washington Media to provide background information regarding my opinion of the political landscape in Rural Kentucky, Fort Campbell and the South. Last week, Ralph Z. Hallow of the Washington Times asked me to comment regarding the fall out of Rev. Wright's remarks.
While it is sometimes painful, I always give my professional opinion when asked. I believe Rev. Wright has damaged Sen. Obama and the eventual Democrat Nominee. If you stay involved in politics very long your going to have friends on both sides of the fence, friends who you like but don't always agree with, friends of every faith and persuasion. No one wants to publicly denounce a friend but unfortunately for Sen. Obama, Rev. Wright has proven to be no friend.
I don't disagree with every one of Rev. Wright's arguments but because of the media age we live in, many one line comments can be taken out of context. If you were to listen to just one of my sermons on any given Sunday you probably would not be able to understand everything I'm saying unless you had listened to the previous messages.
Although I have not listened to Rev. Wright in depth, it seemed apparent to me that many of his comments have originated from arguments made by Pulitzer Prize winning writer, Talyor Branch. I have read and would recommend Branch's "Parting the Waters". In short, Branch makes his argument surrounding the theme that America has experienced many of its problems because we as a Nation have failed to live up to the promises of the "first revolution", that being the founding principles of our Nation.
Unfortunately for Obama and the Rural White Middle Class there is not a big margin of error allowed. Western Kentuckians and Southerners in general are weary of Democrat Presidential candidates anyway. Cultural beliefs and traditions are more important than gas prices. We like to have our cake and eat it to. We want a candidate who not only offers a better way, we want that candidate to pass our litmus test. To be gift wrapped in a way we find appealing. Being right on the issues does not spell electability. I think there has to be a middle ground. The Right Wing has hurt the Republicans and the Left Wing has hurt the Democrats. The Democrats are going to have to learn from past mistakes and I'm not sure that's happening. The problem with the Democrats when it comes to campaigns is simply this, the Democrats would rather be right than win. That don't buy noth'in on election day!
If you want to read all my comments you can use the Washington Times search engine by keying in Ralph Hallow. I believe the article is entitled "Wright comments at the wrong time". My first name was spelled wrong which I will never live down but try to work through that.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/
While it is sometimes painful, I always give my professional opinion when asked. I believe Rev. Wright has damaged Sen. Obama and the eventual Democrat Nominee. If you stay involved in politics very long your going to have friends on both sides of the fence, friends who you like but don't always agree with, friends of every faith and persuasion. No one wants to publicly denounce a friend but unfortunately for Sen. Obama, Rev. Wright has proven to be no friend.
I don't disagree with every one of Rev. Wright's arguments but because of the media age we live in, many one line comments can be taken out of context. If you were to listen to just one of my sermons on any given Sunday you probably would not be able to understand everything I'm saying unless you had listened to the previous messages.
Although I have not listened to Rev. Wright in depth, it seemed apparent to me that many of his comments have originated from arguments made by Pulitzer Prize winning writer, Talyor Branch. I have read and would recommend Branch's "Parting the Waters". In short, Branch makes his argument surrounding the theme that America has experienced many of its problems because we as a Nation have failed to live up to the promises of the "first revolution", that being the founding principles of our Nation.
Unfortunately for Obama and the Rural White Middle Class there is not a big margin of error allowed. Western Kentuckians and Southerners in general are weary of Democrat Presidential candidates anyway. Cultural beliefs and traditions are more important than gas prices. We like to have our cake and eat it to. We want a candidate who not only offers a better way, we want that candidate to pass our litmus test. To be gift wrapped in a way we find appealing. Being right on the issues does not spell electability. I think there has to be a middle ground. The Right Wing has hurt the Republicans and the Left Wing has hurt the Democrats. The Democrats are going to have to learn from past mistakes and I'm not sure that's happening. The problem with the Democrats when it comes to campaigns is simply this, the Democrats would rather be right than win. That don't buy noth'in on election day!
If you want to read all my comments you can use the Washington Times search engine by keying in Ralph Hallow. I believe the article is entitled "Wright comments at the wrong time". My first name was spelled wrong which I will never live down but try to work through that.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/
Gov. George C. Wallace at Fancy Farm
I can remember being at Fancy Farm in 1975 when George Wallace addressed the crowd, but I did not remember his speech. I was probably eating. Yesterday, Jim Moore who is the owner of WYMC in Mayfield was kind enough to provide me a CD of Wallace's speech. Jim was a reporter in those days at the station and he spoke yesterday regarding how many of the same issues in 1975 are pertinent to today.
I listened to George Wallace's remarks as I drove home and I found it all very interesting. Like going back in time. Carroll Hubbard a newly elected Congressman introduced Gov. Wallace. Wallace acknowledged Gov. Julian Carroll and folks like Bob Gable. I think the most interesting comments beside the Vietnam war, a bad economy and the Washington bureaucracy were the hopeful beliefs Wallace shared about the resiliency of America. How, regardless of what we face, our Nation always come through and prevails.
One the mini-stories from Wallace's appearance were the incidents of light bulbs exploding. Photographers were still using the old fashion light bulbs on their flash units and because of the rain that day it was causing them to explode. Twice, Wallace was distracted and stopped his speech because of the startling noise. Commenting to the crowd Wallace said," Ya know I'm a little bit gun shy". After the second distraction, Jim told me that people in the audience went over and asked folks to stop using the bulbs.
My thanks to Jim for sharing this little jewel of history. I enjoyed our visit and our walk through the past. I will note that Jim's daughter, Valerie, serves on Jack Conway's staff and at one time worked for the House Caucus.
I listened to George Wallace's remarks as I drove home and I found it all very interesting. Like going back in time. Carroll Hubbard a newly elected Congressman introduced Gov. Wallace. Wallace acknowledged Gov. Julian Carroll and folks like Bob Gable. I think the most interesting comments beside the Vietnam war, a bad economy and the Washington bureaucracy were the hopeful beliefs Wallace shared about the resiliency of America. How, regardless of what we face, our Nation always come through and prevails.
One the mini-stories from Wallace's appearance were the incidents of light bulbs exploding. Photographers were still using the old fashion light bulbs on their flash units and because of the rain that day it was causing them to explode. Twice, Wallace was distracted and stopped his speech because of the startling noise. Commenting to the crowd Wallace said," Ya know I'm a little bit gun shy". After the second distraction, Jim told me that people in the audience went over and asked folks to stop using the bulbs.
My thanks to Jim for sharing this little jewel of history. I enjoyed our visit and our walk through the past. I will note that Jim's daughter, Valerie, serves on Jack Conway's staff and at one time worked for the House Caucus.
Kentucky Democrat Party Fundraiser
The Kentucky Democrat Party will be hosting a fundraiser on Friday May 9th at 7pm at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville. The general admission cost(stadium seats) is $50. If you want to hang with the big boys & girls you will have to call Lee Boyd or Sara McGown at 502-695-4828 for table and floor seating cost.
Hillary Clinton as excepted an invitation to speak at the function. No word on Obama.
Hillary Clinton as excepted an invitation to speak at the function. No word on Obama.
Senate & Presidential Race in West Kentucky
"His words are no longer going to achieve what his deeds will now have to accomplish."
After spending the day riding around Western Ky. and speaking with my media sources it is obvious that there is not a great deal of excitement for the upcoming primary election. With the exception of Christian County, I did not see a single political sign or hear a radio commercial.
U.S. Senate Race
We are seeing some T.V. but not much grassroots movement. Fischer has a few signs up in Christian County. Fischer has been able to generate some support through his ties to Vanderbilt Alumni in the area. With Hopkinsville being so close to Nashville, there are quite a few folks who have ties to Vandy.
Presidential Race
It is obvious that the Obama Campaign has the grassroots organization but Clinton has most of the Party establishment locked up in Western Kentucky. Obama is going to have to work hard to get the African-American, the Youth and the Anti-Clinton Folks out to vote. The Rev. Wright episode has driven many of the White middle class back to a point of uncertainty regarding Obama and the Democrats as a whole. Obama, I believe will fair poorly in Kentucky unless he makes up for lost time. This will require more than a visit. He will have to try to rival all the Clinton visits which will be hard to do. Obama must whistle stop through Paducah, Murray, Hopkinsvillle, Bowling Green and Owensboro with major appearances in Louisville and Lexington just to get his fair share of delegates. Congressman Ben Chandler's endorsement was a boost but because Clinton has taken the "Big Mo" from Obama, his words are no longer going to achieve what his deeds will now have to accomplish.
The Clinton's have out worked Obama. With appearances at the Derby this weekend and Hillary's announced attendance at the Kentucky Democrat Party fundraiser on may 9th in Louisville, Obama must start working the State himself. Obama has a nice mailer which hit the streets today but it will not replace the energy generated from personal appearances.
After spending the day riding around Western Ky. and speaking with my media sources it is obvious that there is not a great deal of excitement for the upcoming primary election. With the exception of Christian County, I did not see a single political sign or hear a radio commercial.
U.S. Senate Race
We are seeing some T.V. but not much grassroots movement. Fischer has a few signs up in Christian County. Fischer has been able to generate some support through his ties to Vanderbilt Alumni in the area. With Hopkinsville being so close to Nashville, there are quite a few folks who have ties to Vandy.
Presidential Race
It is obvious that the Obama Campaign has the grassroots organization but Clinton has most of the Party establishment locked up in Western Kentucky. Obama is going to have to work hard to get the African-American, the Youth and the Anti-Clinton Folks out to vote. The Rev. Wright episode has driven many of the White middle class back to a point of uncertainty regarding Obama and the Democrats as a whole. Obama, I believe will fair poorly in Kentucky unless he makes up for lost time. This will require more than a visit. He will have to try to rival all the Clinton visits which will be hard to do. Obama must whistle stop through Paducah, Murray, Hopkinsvillle, Bowling Green and Owensboro with major appearances in Louisville and Lexington just to get his fair share of delegates. Congressman Ben Chandler's endorsement was a boost but because Clinton has taken the "Big Mo" from Obama, his words are no longer going to achieve what his deeds will now have to accomplish.
The Clinton's have out worked Obama. With appearances at the Derby this weekend and Hillary's announced attendance at the Kentucky Democrat Party fundraiser on may 9th in Louisville, Obama must start working the State himself. Obama has a nice mailer which hit the streets today but it will not replace the energy generated from personal appearances.
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