Adam Edelen: Popular Choice In Western Kentucky
The changes in Governor Beshear's Administration has been the buzz this week. I have called around the State and spoken with Frankfort insiders to get the low-down. Everyone is calling it the Patton Plan because of the number of former Patton advisers that are now moving into the Governor's office and various other positions.
Everyone seems to be in agreement that Governor Beshear needs some experienced people around him who possess the knowledge of the inner workings of State Government and the legislature. Sources tell me that State Auditor Crit Luallen has been instrumental in advising the Governor and helping bring some of these folks in.
This move has been welcomed by most of the people I have spoken with in Western Kentucky. The return to the traditional structure of having each area of the State having someone that officials can contact is being lauded. I believe that much of the Governor's unpopularity in the region has been due to the lack of ability by local officials to have a contact in the Governor's office who can address the concerns of city and county governments.
It would seem that Governor Beshear is trying to right his ship and is making some positive changes that are sitting well with most in West Kentucky. New Chief of Staff, Adam Edelen appeared at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner in Murray and was swarmed by folks. Like an old friend who has come home to visit, everyone seemed excited that he will be helping this administration. I understand that Edelen received the same kind of welcome in Hopkinsville and Paducah earlier in the day.The concerns with the Governor's staff up to this point have been that many of these folks do not have the experience with state government and pushing through a legislative agenda. I have not heard any comments that were personal in terms of criticism.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
House Leadership Races Heating Up
I have been working the phones and visiting with legislators this week in the hopes of providing some insight as to the present score of the House leadership races. I attended the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner in Murray on Monday night which provided me the opportunity to speak to the 10 legislators who were present. More on that event later.
There seems to be concensus regarding the present mood and beliefs as to what is going on in some of these races. Speaker Jody Richards appears to be safe for another term but there is still a movement by a few to put up an opposition candidate.
The big news seems to be that House Majority Leader Rocky Adkins may step aside to allow Greg Stumbo to be Majority Leader again. I'm told that a majority of House members along with the Governor would like and need Stumbo's experience back at the forefront of legislative matters. Stumbo would appear to be a consensus leader for which House members and the Beshear Administration would both feel comfortable with. Stumbo I'm told could help bridge the divide in the House as well as help the Administration with a legislative agenda. For all this to work it would be up to Majority Leader Adkins. I understand that the Beshear administration may be providing a great deal of lattitude to secure the political future of Rep. Adkins if he would consider such a move.
Legislators in the First and Second Congressional Districts have responded pretty much the same way regarding the race for Pro-tem and House Caucus Chairman. It is believed that the position for House Caucus Chairman will be a close one but I am told that Rep. Bob Damron will win back this position which he lost to Charlie Hoffman.
I was a little surprised but maybe not that Rep. Larry Clark should win easily for re-election as the Speak Pro-Tem. Most West Ky. Legislators did not want to comment on this race risking making the Speaker mad but it was pretty clear by what they did say and the expressions on their face that they may not always agree with Rep. Clark, but they like him, trust him and respect him.
The race for Majority Whip seems to be up in the air. The race is divided by geography with West, Central and East Kentucky all having a stake. Common sense and a map tells me that the Jefferson County delegation will decide who the next Majority Whip will be. Most tell me that John Will Stacey may have the edge right now?
There seems to be concensus regarding the present mood and beliefs as to what is going on in some of these races. Speaker Jody Richards appears to be safe for another term but there is still a movement by a few to put up an opposition candidate.
The big news seems to be that House Majority Leader Rocky Adkins may step aside to allow Greg Stumbo to be Majority Leader again. I'm told that a majority of House members along with the Governor would like and need Stumbo's experience back at the forefront of legislative matters. Stumbo would appear to be a consensus leader for which House members and the Beshear Administration would both feel comfortable with. Stumbo I'm told could help bridge the divide in the House as well as help the Administration with a legislative agenda. For all this to work it would be up to Majority Leader Adkins. I understand that the Beshear administration may be providing a great deal of lattitude to secure the political future of Rep. Adkins if he would consider such a move.
Legislators in the First and Second Congressional Districts have responded pretty much the same way regarding the race for Pro-tem and House Caucus Chairman. It is believed that the position for House Caucus Chairman will be a close one but I am told that Rep. Bob Damron will win back this position which he lost to Charlie Hoffman.
I was a little surprised but maybe not that Rep. Larry Clark should win easily for re-election as the Speak Pro-Tem. Most West Ky. Legislators did not want to comment on this race risking making the Speaker mad but it was pretty clear by what they did say and the expressions on their face that they may not always agree with Rep. Clark, but they like him, trust him and respect him.
The race for Majority Whip seems to be up in the air. The race is divided by geography with West, Central and East Kentucky all having a stake. Common sense and a map tells me that the Jefferson County delegation will decide who the next Majority Whip will be. Most tell me that John Will Stacey may have the edge right now?
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Landham Enters Kentucky Senate Race
NKY Politics.com is reporting that actor Sonny Landham will be the Libertarian Party Nominee for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Mitch McConnell. Landham who is a Georgia native presently resides in Ashland, Ky.
Landham has had an interesting past from starring in porn movies to top notch mainstream Hollywood movies. Appearing in such blockbuster films as 48 hrs, Predator, Dirty Dozen-The Next Mission, and Southern Comfort.
After checking out his website, I learned that he spent time in prison for which he was later released and exonerated by a Federal Court which stated he never should have been charged.
Kentucky politics, Oh my!! This should make things interesting. My question? who does this hurt-McConnell, Lunsford or neither.
Monday, June 23, 2008
How Noble Will The KDP Be?
I find it interesting that good ole boy politics is usually associated with Rural Kentucky but in this instance it is Jefferson County that may be suspect. The State Democrat Executive Committee will be hearing the appeal of Jeff Noble who won and then lost his seat to represent the 3rd Congressional District on the State Committee.
I have not spoken with Mr. Noble regarding the matter but as I understand the situation it comes down to a number of folks being allowed to vote after the fact. Noble was apparently declared a winner but people who were really late were given the chance to vote after the votes had been counted and the winners announced.
This is supposed to be a new day in Frankfort and a new era for the Party. As I recall, ethics and justice are supposed to be the new themes. For the Liberals in the Democrat Party, I hope that hypocrisy will not be their new standard because traditional Southern Democrats like myself are going to have a field day with this.
I have not spoken with Mr. Noble regarding the matter but as I understand the situation it comes down to a number of folks being allowed to vote after the fact. Noble was apparently declared a winner but people who were really late were given the chance to vote after the votes had been counted and the winners announced.
This is supposed to be a new day in Frankfort and a new era for the Party. As I recall, ethics and justice are supposed to be the new themes. For the Liberals in the Democrat Party, I hope that hypocrisy will not be their new standard because traditional Southern Democrats like myself are going to have a field day with this.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Trigg Co.Democrats Host 4 Person Scramble
The Trigg Co. Democratic Party will host a golf scramble on July 19th at Boots Randolph Golf Course at Lake Barkley State Park in Cadiz, Ky. There will be a 8:00 am "Shotgun" Start. Entry fee is $25 per person, Green's fee not included.
July 19th at Boots Randolph Golf Course
There will be proximity prizes on all holes. Hole sponsorship is $50 & $100. Anyone interested in sponsoring a hole or donating a prize should contact Al Cossey at 270-350-6773.
Anyone interested in participating can contact Al Cossey or contact the Boots Randolph Golf Course at 270-924-9076.
July 19th at Boots Randolph Golf Course
There will be proximity prizes on all holes. Hole sponsorship is $50 & $100. Anyone interested in sponsoring a hole or donating a prize should contact Al Cossey at 270-350-6773.
Anyone interested in participating can contact Al Cossey or contact the Boots Randolph Golf Course at 270-924-9076.
Purchase Area Jefferson Jackson Dinner
The Calloway County Democratic Party will be hosting their Annual Dinner on June 30th beginning at 6pm/Dinner at 7pm at the Curris Center on the Campus of Murray State University. Tickets are $25 per person if paid by June 25. $30 each after June 25th, and can be purchased by contacting Dottie Lyons or Kathy Jo Stubblefield. If you would like to sponsor a table, the cost is $25. Table sponsors and donors to Silent Auction will be recongnized in the program.
Wendell Ford Expected To Be Guest Speaker
Hal Kemp, who is the Party Chairman, informed me this morning that they have a great event lined up which will include: Joe B. Hall, Lt. Gov. Dr. Dan, Crit Luallen, Todd Hollenbach, Carroll Hubbard. Kemp said the Committee was hoping to nail down former U.S. Senator Wendell Ford as the guest speaker.
This is a great event for which I was in attendance last year. Former Party Chairman David Ramey and the Calloway Co. Committee did a nice job putting this event on and I'm sure that Hal Kemp will keep the tradition going. The event has grown to include a lot of folks from all over Western Kentucky.
To make reservations:
Kathy Jo Stubblefield, 3100 Scott Fitts Rd., Murray, KY 42071,Phone- 270-753-3187 or cell at 270-559-3625, kjstubb@apex.net
Dottie Lyons, 1401 Johnson Blvd., Murray, KY 42071,Phone-270-753-6351 or cell at 270-832-1677, dottiel@murray-ky.net
Make checks payable to Calloway County Democratic Executive Committee.
Wendell Ford Expected To Be Guest Speaker
Hal Kemp, who is the Party Chairman, informed me this morning that they have a great event lined up which will include: Joe B. Hall, Lt. Gov. Dr. Dan, Crit Luallen, Todd Hollenbach, Carroll Hubbard. Kemp said the Committee was hoping to nail down former U.S. Senator Wendell Ford as the guest speaker.
This is a great event for which I was in attendance last year. Former Party Chairman David Ramey and the Calloway Co. Committee did a nice job putting this event on and I'm sure that Hal Kemp will keep the tradition going. The event has grown to include a lot of folks from all over Western Kentucky.
To make reservations:
Kathy Jo Stubblefield, 3100 Scott Fitts Rd., Murray, KY 42071,Phone- 270-753-3187 or cell at 270-559-3625, kjstubb@apex.net
Dottie Lyons, 1401 Johnson Blvd., Murray, KY 42071,Phone-270-753-6351 or cell at 270-832-1677, dottiel@murray-ky.net
Make checks payable to Calloway County Democratic Executive Committee.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Kentucky House Leadership Races
It would appear that some of these races are already taking shape in the House Democrat Caucus. Joni Jenkins who represents Jefferson-44 is challenging Larry Clark for the Speaker Pro Tempore position. Jenkins is being supported by House Speaker Jody Richards.
Rob Wilkie's resignation from the House has already drawn three candidates to fill the vacant slot of Majority Whip. Legislators from 3 regions of the Commonwealth have decided to seek the position. The candidates are: Rep. Tommy Thompson(District 14, Daviess & Ohio), Rep. John Will Stacey(District 71,Menefee, Morgan, Rowan & Wolfe) and Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo (76 District, Fayette).
Rep. Bob Damron(District 39, Fayette & Jessamine) is expected to try to regain his position as Caucus Chairman. Rep. Charlie Hoffman (District 62, Fayette and Scott) presently serves as Majority Caucus Chairman.
The big question remains. What will Greg Stumbo do? The former House Majority Leader and Attorney General has returned to the House and commands a great deal of respect and support. Stumbo's open support for anyone position would probably sway the vote. For now the question will remain whether Stumbo will work quietly in the background and continue helping and advising young legislators or will he seize the moment and try to return to power.
Rob Wilkie's resignation from the House has already drawn three candidates to fill the vacant slot of Majority Whip. Legislators from 3 regions of the Commonwealth have decided to seek the position. The candidates are: Rep. Tommy Thompson(District 14, Daviess & Ohio), Rep. John Will Stacey(District 71,Menefee, Morgan, Rowan & Wolfe) and Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo (76 District, Fayette).
Rep. Bob Damron(District 39, Fayette & Jessamine) is expected to try to regain his position as Caucus Chairman. Rep. Charlie Hoffman (District 62, Fayette and Scott) presently serves as Majority Caucus Chairman.
The big question remains. What will Greg Stumbo do? The former House Majority Leader and Attorney General has returned to the House and commands a great deal of respect and support. Stumbo's open support for anyone position would probably sway the vote. For now the question will remain whether Stumbo will work quietly in the background and continue helping and advising young legislators or will he seize the moment and try to return to power.
Whats Going on?
The last couple of weeks have been busy for me and there has not been a great deal to report on in West Kentucky. My time the last few weeks has been spent helping to put together my 25th Class Reunion at Hopkinsville High and taking care of my flock at church whereas we had a funeral last week.
After the Primary I needed a rest. I have been worn out with the Presidential race. I have been taking some time to back track and catch up on my other blog reading. I was dismayed to learn that Ken Herndon fell in Jefferson Co. in such an ugly manor. I'm sorry that my buddy Jeff Noble was attacked as part of this political plot. I'm a good Ole Southern Boy and don't mind taking the gloves off but Jeff Noble is a damn good guy. Jeff, your welcome in my neck of the woods anytime.
I have some house cleaning duties to take care of on the site. Patrick Crawley's NKY Politics has moved and I need to update this. I also have a few links to add. I'm hoping to complete some stories but good ones take time to research and interview. Now that I have a growing audience in terms of geography it is hard to feed everyone. I will continue to serve West Kentucky first then the larger audience.
The State Democratic Convention is Saturday. I'm not real interested in going although I have offered myself up to be an alternate delegate if needed.
I'm looking to organize another weekend at Ken Lake State Park for Friday and Saturday of Fancy Farm. We had a great time last year and I hope to make this an annual thing. Last year we had Madisonville Mayor Will Cox and his wife Marci, State Rep. John Tilley and his wife Shelly & daughter Emma, Christian Co. Party Chairman John Lindsey Adams, his wife Melissa and their kids, Mary Thom, Chandler & Will(pronounced Wheel), Chief Asst. Christian Co. Attorney- John T. Soyars, Fomer Scott Co. Party Chairman- Bobby McDowell, Mark Henry-Former State KYD President and few folks from the Hollenbach Campaign Staff. The State Revenue Commissioner, Bill Cox, was supposed to have joined us but he decided that he did not really like any of us to begin with so he opted out. I hope a few of our Louisville friends might join us this year.
We had a great time swimming, talking politics and eating cheese burgers & milkshakes at Belews on 68. Ken Lake is a great State Park and often overshadowed by Kentucky Dam. The Park offers cabins, trails, a swimming pool which has great view of the lake. The Lodge and pool sit probably 3-400 feet high overlooking Kentucky Lake.
After the Primary I needed a rest. I have been worn out with the Presidential race. I have been taking some time to back track and catch up on my other blog reading. I was dismayed to learn that Ken Herndon fell in Jefferson Co. in such an ugly manor. I'm sorry that my buddy Jeff Noble was attacked as part of this political plot. I'm a good Ole Southern Boy and don't mind taking the gloves off but Jeff Noble is a damn good guy. Jeff, your welcome in my neck of the woods anytime.
I have some house cleaning duties to take care of on the site. Patrick Crawley's NKY Politics has moved and I need to update this. I also have a few links to add. I'm hoping to complete some stories but good ones take time to research and interview. Now that I have a growing audience in terms of geography it is hard to feed everyone. I will continue to serve West Kentucky first then the larger audience.
The State Democratic Convention is Saturday. I'm not real interested in going although I have offered myself up to be an alternate delegate if needed.
I'm looking to organize another weekend at Ken Lake State Park for Friday and Saturday of Fancy Farm. We had a great time last year and I hope to make this an annual thing. Last year we had Madisonville Mayor Will Cox and his wife Marci, State Rep. John Tilley and his wife Shelly & daughter Emma, Christian Co. Party Chairman John Lindsey Adams, his wife Melissa and their kids, Mary Thom, Chandler & Will(pronounced Wheel), Chief Asst. Christian Co. Attorney- John T. Soyars, Fomer Scott Co. Party Chairman- Bobby McDowell, Mark Henry-Former State KYD President and few folks from the Hollenbach Campaign Staff. The State Revenue Commissioner, Bill Cox, was supposed to have joined us but he decided that he did not really like any of us to begin with so he opted out. I hope a few of our Louisville friends might join us this year.
We had a great time swimming, talking politics and eating cheese burgers & milkshakes at Belews on 68. Ken Lake is a great State Park and often overshadowed by Kentucky Dam. The Park offers cabins, trails, a swimming pool which has great view of the lake. The Lodge and pool sit probably 3-400 feet high overlooking Kentucky Lake.
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