Thursday, May 10, 2007

Which Dem Campaign Will Have Most Impact On Policy In Kentucky?

Bruce Lunsford would give us Canadian-style healthcare. Steve Beshear would invite in casinos.

We would contend with the possibility of these policies if one of these candidates actually won election. Neither initiative, though, is very likely to gain passage through the legislature. But Jody Richards may have more of an impact by losing than most other candidates would have by winning.

Richards' poor showing in the race should result in his removal from the Speaker post in the House. Who the House Dems will serve up in his place to lead in the General Assembly will determine which bills get a hearing in that chamber. A governor might alter state policy substantially, but Richards' ouster on May 22 and again in January will create very interesting opportunities for change in state government.