I can't believe the city of Lexington is still paying consultants to come up with low-ball figures on their hoped-for condemnation of Kentucky American Water Co.
Seems like very easy work. The last two read the company's 2005 financial report and came up with the same number as the previous consultant. Pretty good gig if you can get a liberal politician to pay you for it.
That ain't workin'!
Now the blue ribbon committee headed by former Congressman Scotty Baesler is off to show their new numbers to the company, which is going public next year.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
2007: Attorney General Do-Over
I still say the biggest race in 2007 will be for Attorney General. Ciberhillbilly says look for Michael Hogan. Rep. Stan Lee is another possibility. Sounds like Erwin Roberts is leaning against running. It's anathema to the Fletcher administration, but LG Steve Pence could make a strong candidate.
KEEP Gambling On Baker?
A rumor is circulating that Casino Gambling's Kentucky connection KEEP is going to hire former talk radio host Dave Baker to help them convince us to try gambling our way to prosperity.
UPDATE (7/27) : Dave Baker said he will not be going to work for KEEP.
UPDATE (7/27) : Dave Baker said he will not be going to work for KEEP.
"A Politician Or A Fresh Face"
He says he wants a month to think about it, but it sounds like Billy Harper is running for Governor.
Shut Down KY Health Insurance Regulation
Passing the federal Health Care Choice Act would have the effect of helping Kentucky consumers save money on health insurance or buy coverage they can't now afford.
The interesting thing would be to see how many people would buy policies loaded with Kentucky mandates if they didn't have to.
The interesting thing would be to see how many people would buy policies loaded with Kentucky mandates if they didn't have to.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Stumbo's Latest Merit Hiring Scam
Maybe we are selling Greg Stumbo short as a potential candidate for Governor in 2007. The way he controls the media now suggests he will have the Courier-Journal and the Herald-Leader promoting him for "Father Of The Year" despite his deadbeat dad ways.
Twin stories in Kentucky's two largest papers suggest another Stumbo "smoking gun" in his investigation of merit hiring activities in the Fletcher Administration.
Tom Loftis even writes a totally bogus lead sentence in his story that had to please Stumbo. Loftis said:
"A field representative reported to Gov. Ernie Fletcher in May 2004 that progress was being made to replace Democrats in state civil service jobs, according to documents filed by prosecutors Tuesday."
This is totally untrue. The field representative, Willard Hansford, said in a May 7, 2004 report:
"Constituents are ready to fill vacant merit positions and replace Democrats in both merit and non-merit positions."
You can read the report for yourself here. In the heavily-Republican 5th district, I would imagine there were many hundreds of Republican constituents who were "ready" to have a fair shot at jobs they had been shut out of for a generation.
The Herald-Leader's Jack Brammer printed the same quote from Mr. Hansford's report, but followed it up with this statement:
"The state merit law protects rank-and-file state workers from personnel actions based on politics."
This gives the misleading impression that something was happening against the law. Mr. Hansford was only reporting on what the constituents in his area wanted. He was doing his job. Only the most blindly partisan Democrats will choose not to see the truth in this.
Twin stories in Kentucky's two largest papers suggest another Stumbo "smoking gun" in his investigation of merit hiring activities in the Fletcher Administration.
Tom Loftis even writes a totally bogus lead sentence in his story that had to please Stumbo. Loftis said:
"A field representative reported to Gov. Ernie Fletcher in May 2004 that progress was being made to replace Democrats in state civil service jobs, according to documents filed by prosecutors Tuesday."
This is totally untrue. The field representative, Willard Hansford, said in a May 7, 2004 report:
"Constituents are ready to fill vacant merit positions and replace Democrats in both merit and non-merit positions."
You can read the report for yourself here. In the heavily-Republican 5th district, I would imagine there were many hundreds of Republican constituents who were "ready" to have a fair shot at jobs they had been shut out of for a generation.
The Herald-Leader's Jack Brammer printed the same quote from Mr. Hansford's report, but followed it up with this statement:
"The state merit law protects rank-and-file state workers from personnel actions based on politics."
This gives the misleading impression that something was happening against the law. Mr. Hansford was only reporting on what the constituents in his area wanted. He was doing his job. Only the most blindly partisan Democrats will choose not to see the truth in this.
Why Didn't We Think Of This?
What would we do here in the Horse Capitol of the World without Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT)'s bill to spend $800,000 of our own money to convince us to wear helmets when riding a horse?
Now that Senator Dodd is running for President, maybe he will initiate something really substantial like a "Honk For Peace" campaign.
Oh, that's already taken.
Now that Senator Dodd is running for President, maybe he will initiate something really substantial like a "Honk For Peace" campaign.
Oh, that's already taken.
"Just Joking" Democrats
Alleged petty thief Michael Downs is using the "I was just joking" defense to escape prosecution for his recent crimes.
Democrat strategists who pretend beyond all reason that raising the minimum wage and putting everyone on Medicaid would be terrific economic policy might want to use Mr. Downs' apologia for this one.
Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton hopes you don't remember that her husband's "worst economy in fifty years" campaign slogan was complete bunk.
Democrat strategists who pretend beyond all reason that raising the minimum wage and putting everyone on Medicaid would be terrific economic policy might want to use Mr. Downs' apologia for this one.
Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton hopes you don't remember that her husband's "worst economy in fifty years" campaign slogan was complete bunk.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Frankfort Bans Smoking
The city council in Frankfort tonight voted to ban smoking.
It is just a matter of time now before we ban smoking statewide. The public policy machinations to eradicate tobacco use completely in Kentucky are inevitable and will be very interesting to watch.
Who will finally drop the hammer on criminalizing tobacco?
It is just a matter of time now before we ban smoking statewide. The public policy machinations to eradicate tobacco use completely in Kentucky are inevitable and will be very interesting to watch.
Who will finally drop the hammer on criminalizing tobacco?
Another 'Draft For Governor' Site Coming?
Has anyone noticed LG Steve Pence is helping with a lot of legislative fundraisers this summer?
Ruminating In Red States
Sen. John Kerry was in South Carolina pitching his plan to put middle-class children on Medicaid and raising money for Democrat candidates.
Please, Senator Kerry, come to Kentucky and give us a Hillary Clinton.
Please, Senator Kerry, come to Kentucky and give us a Hillary Clinton.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Hawpe In, The Water Is Fine!
Louisville CJ columnist David Hawpe wades into the school voucher debate this morning and manages not to get his feet wet.
I challenge you to read his column and tell me one thing it adds to the discussion.
We get that Hawpe doesn't like people who want to democratize competition between public and private schools. The closest he gets to a point, though, is when he mentions a report cited in the Wall Street Journal that determined public schools do just as well as private schools if you adjust for race, socioeconomics, and other factors.
But if you adjust for looks, personality, and other factors I would be Brad Pitt -- starring in movies and "dating" Angelina Jolie.
In many public schools, interested parents, secure homes, and happy, motivated, focused kids equal success. Additional resources go to serve disabled and troubled students. The problem is with the large majority who don't fit in these extremes. Smart, happy comfortable kids make up for the statistical problem of middling students who would likely do better with more resources directed their way. But we can't just keep statistically correcting for the core group that is the future of America. Not while generations of driven kids in other less affluent countries keep eating our lunches.
The problem here is a political one and contains the best argument for giving parents the option to leave their neighborhood school, take their tax dollars, and seek a better educational fit elsewhere. Kentucky's school systems are burdened by layers of administrative pork-laden union-protected central office jobs that would have to go if our public schools had to compete -- rather than lobby -- for their position in the marketplace.
KEA types respond to the above logic with personal attacks. Getting past that point is a major key to improving our public education system.
In fact, if we could have a reasonable conversation about how we spend our money on public education, the need to call for vouchers would very likely sink to the bottom of the pool.
I challenge you to read his column and tell me one thing it adds to the discussion.
We get that Hawpe doesn't like people who want to democratize competition between public and private schools. The closest he gets to a point, though, is when he mentions a report cited in the Wall Street Journal that determined public schools do just as well as private schools if you adjust for race, socioeconomics, and other factors.
But if you adjust for looks, personality, and other factors I would be Brad Pitt -- starring in movies and "dating" Angelina Jolie.
In many public schools, interested parents, secure homes, and happy, motivated, focused kids equal success. Additional resources go to serve disabled and troubled students. The problem is with the large majority who don't fit in these extremes. Smart, happy comfortable kids make up for the statistical problem of middling students who would likely do better with more resources directed their way. But we can't just keep statistically correcting for the core group that is the future of America. Not while generations of driven kids in other less affluent countries keep eating our lunches.
The problem here is a political one and contains the best argument for giving parents the option to leave their neighborhood school, take their tax dollars, and seek a better educational fit elsewhere. Kentucky's school systems are burdened by layers of administrative pork-laden union-protected central office jobs that would have to go if our public schools had to compete -- rather than lobby -- for their position in the marketplace.
KEA types respond to the above logic with personal attacks. Getting past that point is a major key to improving our public education system.
In fact, if we could have a reasonable conversation about how we spend our money on public education, the need to call for vouchers would very likely sink to the bottom of the pool.
Upcoming GOP Primary Event
No not THAT primary, just the 2008 Presidential primary.
Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is scheduled for an exclusive get-together at The Jefferson Club in Louisville on Monday, July 31.
Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is scheduled for an exclusive get-together at The Jefferson Club in Louisville on Monday, July 31.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Little Birdy Report
Spotted in Lexington talking turkey today: Rep. Lonnie Napier and a former Fletcher fundraiser.
Finally, A Democrat Upset With Taxes
I don't even know what to say about this one.
Howard Dean is really a piece of work. I guess a push for gay conjugal visits is next on the agenda.
Howard Dean is really a piece of work. I guess a push for gay conjugal visits is next on the agenda.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Best Headline Of The Day
Ross Mann of Conservative Vanguard weighs in on the Kentucky Democrats' financial mismanagement with this gem:
Should've Brought Hillary In Four Times
Should've Brought Hillary In Four Times
Domestic Partner Showdown Monday
Expect to see a huge food fight Monday afternoon at the Capitol Annex in Frankfort.
Senator Dick Roeding will be giving an update on the E-Health Network Board to the Joint Interim Committee on Health & Welfare at 1 pm.
Liberals want Roeding to resign for his opposition to risking state tax dollars on the University of Louisville's political activism.
Senator Dick Roeding will be giving an update on the E-Health Network Board to the Joint Interim Committee on Health & Welfare at 1 pm.
Liberals want Roeding to resign for his opposition to risking state tax dollars on the University of Louisville's political activism.
2008 GOP POTUS Straw Poll
Even if you are undecided about who you think should be the Republican nominee for President in 2008, you should take this poll. Pick all the candidates you find acceptable and unacceptable.
Who do you like and why?
Who do you like and why?
Thursday, July 20, 2006
FairTax Update
Next week U.S. House leaders will see a major move Capitol Hill for the FairTax.
Democrats are invited to this bipartisan affair, but those who are trapped by Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid can't come out and play.
Democrats are invited to this bipartisan affair, but those who are trapped by Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid can't come out and play.
Hal Rogers Site Not Dead
Yes, it looks like the media reports that the draft Hal Rogers site had been pulled down were not correct.
Just got an email from the person who put the site up:
"Who am I? Let's just say that I'm a Republican betrayed by Fletcher and have seen all the double-dealing going on with Patton Democrats. But, more importantly, I am a firm believer in Hal Rogers' ability to be Governor and to do the right thing."
Just got an email from the person who put the site up:
"Who am I? Let's just say that I'm a Republican betrayed by Fletcher and have seen all the double-dealing going on with Patton Democrats. But, more importantly, I am a firm believer in Hal Rogers' ability to be Governor and to do the right thing."
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