New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, after mastering the art of running questionable investigations in the media, has leveraged that skill into a successful campaign for his state's Governor's Mansion.
Greg Stumbo is doing the same thing with this gas price-gouging foolishness.
Fortunately, The Bluegrass Institute economists are on the case and will have a report out on this in the next few days.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Bill Frist Is Toast
A story getting little coverage outside West Virginia -- yet -- indicates Bill Frist isn't our guy for 2008 or even for the Senate Leader now.
Putnam General, an HCA hospital in West Virginia, announced today it is closing under a flurry of malpractice lawsuits against one orthopedic surgeon. West Virginia has caps on liability but they, rightly, don't apply to something as horrific as this.
The news story in the above link doesn't get into it, but Dr. John King hadn't completed a residency in orthopedics. Nevertheless, he was performing surgeries -- many of them with disastrous effects -- on unsuspecting patients. Hospital staff complaints about Dr. King were routinely ignored. Potential liability is estimated at half a billion dollars.
This case transcends malpractice liability reform, which I believe we need in Kentucky. The real issue, that will come out soon enough, is how hospital managers ignored clear warning signs and then HCA execs sought to dump their liability on the sly and (failing that) started selling shares.
Mitch McConnell might want to start getting ready for his own stint as Majority Leader a little ahead of schedule.
Putnam General, an HCA hospital in West Virginia, announced today it is closing under a flurry of malpractice lawsuits against one orthopedic surgeon. West Virginia has caps on liability but they, rightly, don't apply to something as horrific as this.
The news story in the above link doesn't get into it, but Dr. John King hadn't completed a residency in orthopedics. Nevertheless, he was performing surgeries -- many of them with disastrous effects -- on unsuspecting patients. Hospital staff complaints about Dr. King were routinely ignored. Potential liability is estimated at half a billion dollars.
This case transcends malpractice liability reform, which I believe we need in Kentucky. The real issue, that will come out soon enough, is how hospital managers ignored clear warning signs and then HCA execs sought to dump their liability on the sly and (failing that) started selling shares.
Mitch McConnell might want to start getting ready for his own stint as Majority Leader a little ahead of schedule.
RomneyCare Is a Dog
Just watched a presentation on Mitt Romney's healthcare plan at the Southern Legislative Conference.
I saw nothing to persuade me this is a good thing. The silly tar baby comment Mitt was apologizing for yesterday doesn't hold a candle to this HillaryCare Lite train wreck.
While I was skeptical before about his proposal, I saw no redeeming qualities in this at all. Like when Kentucky's 1994 plan to create healthcare Nirvana caused us to go from 83% insured to 74% insured, this turkey will only hurt matters.
I saw nothing to persuade me this is a good thing. The silly tar baby comment Mitt was apologizing for yesterday doesn't hold a candle to this HillaryCare Lite train wreck.
While I was skeptical before about his proposal, I saw no redeeming qualities in this at all. Like when Kentucky's 1994 plan to create healthcare Nirvana caused us to go from 83% insured to 74% insured, this turkey will only hurt matters.
Romney's Defense of Health Plan
I'm going to Louisville today to hear Mitt Romney talk about his Massachusetts health plan.
It is an alternative to the single-payer government plan pushed by some. I call it a multi-payer government plan as it winds up using government money to buy health policies for everyone who "can't" afford it. As soon as government realizes it can save money by becoming the insurance company, then you have arrived at single-payer.
Wouldn't it be simpler and more in keeping with American principles to remove government impediments to health care transactions?
Anyway, it is an important debate that isn't going away any time soon.
It is an alternative to the single-payer government plan pushed by some. I call it a multi-payer government plan as it winds up using government money to buy health policies for everyone who "can't" afford it. As soon as government realizes it can save money by becoming the insurance company, then you have arrived at single-payer.
Wouldn't it be simpler and more in keeping with American principles to remove government impediments to health care transactions?
Anyway, it is an important debate that isn't going away any time soon.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Spanking Fletcher On CON
There is no justification for allowing the Certificate of Need process to artificially inflate medical expenses.
Dr. Kevin T. Kavanaugh of Somerset nails it.
Dr. Kevin T. Kavanaugh of Somerset nails it.
Rangel(D-NY): Baby Needs Concrete Shoes
Missed from the weekend was Charlie Rangel's on-the-House-floor reaction to the combo Minimum Wage/Estate Tax vote:
"It's almost like taking a child and talking about 'I want so badly to increase the minimum wage for them' and then you put these concrete shoes on them and you throw them into the ocean alone and not being able to swim. If you care about poor folks, act like it!"
"It's almost like taking a child and talking about 'I want so badly to increase the minimum wage for them' and then you put these concrete shoes on them and you throw them into the ocean alone and not being able to swim. If you care about poor folks, act like it!"
Gov. Romney Gets His Close-Up
Mitt Romney brings his presidential campaign south today and tomorrow with a stop in Louisville. He is in town to speak to the Southern Legislative Conference about his health care plan. His visit kicks off tonight at a reception with supporters and potential supporters of his 2008 run for the White House.
I found an interesting website, Evangelicals For Mitt, that seeks to dispel the notion a Mormon can't get the GOP nomination. It should be interesting to watch. The 2008 primary will be a huge battle for the heart and soul of the Republican party. Liberal Republicans and Conservative Republicans will be slugging it out in a way we haven't seen in a long time.
I found an interesting website, Evangelicals For Mitt, that seeks to dispel the notion a Mormon can't get the GOP nomination. It should be interesting to watch. The 2008 primary will be a huge battle for the heart and soul of the Republican party. Liberal Republicans and Conservative Republicans will be slugging it out in a way we haven't seen in a long time.
Earmark Reform Not Happening
Congressman Jeff Flake's 19 amendments in June brought earmarking out into the open.
The bright light illuminated a pretty ugly picture.
U.S. Representatives Hal Rogers, Anne Northup, and Ben Chandler joined 278 other members in voting for all 19 pieces of pork.
This is where Democrats really don't serve America well as an opposition party. It goes without saying they would only be worse on spending, so there is no way to hold GOP legislators' feet to the fire on this stuff.
The Club for Growth does good work knocking off the worst big spenders of both parties. They represent our best hope to restrain federal government waste. Help them if you can.
The bright light illuminated a pretty ugly picture.
U.S. Representatives Hal Rogers, Anne Northup, and Ben Chandler joined 278 other members in voting for all 19 pieces of pork.
This is where Democrats really don't serve America well as an opposition party. It goes without saying they would only be worse on spending, so there is no way to hold GOP legislators' feet to the fire on this stuff.
The Club for Growth does good work knocking off the worst big spenders of both parties. They represent our best hope to restrain federal government waste. Help them if you can.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Punchline France
A UN resolution calls for Hezbollah terrorists to stop killing people. Right now.
For some reason this reminds me of John Kerry saying none of this would be happening if he had been elected President.
For some reason this reminds me of John Kerry saying none of this would be happening if he had been elected President.
Gas Prices
We keep hearing that Republicans are going to lose elections this year because of widespread anger over gas prices. But, seriously, what are Democrats going to do other than make the situation worse?
The same applies to national defense, government spending, education, taxes, and reform of lobbying, immigration, and entitlement policies. What have Democrats ever done to suggest they have better answers on any of these issues? The problem, as I see it, is liberal Republicans standing with Democrats in the way of conservative solutions.
Democrats blame Republicans for their control of the Do Nothing Congress. But do the math: Democrats plus liberal Republicans have controlled both chambers for several years. That's your problem right there. The solution is not to elect more Democrats to Congress.
The same applies to national defense, government spending, education, taxes, and reform of lobbying, immigration, and entitlement policies. What have Democrats ever done to suggest they have better answers on any of these issues? The problem, as I see it, is liberal Republicans standing with Democrats in the way of conservative solutions.
Democrats blame Republicans for their control of the Do Nothing Congress. But do the math: Democrats plus liberal Republicans have controlled both chambers for several years. That's your problem right there. The solution is not to elect more Democrats to Congress.
Flying In From D.C., Arms Tired
The hottest rumor commuting between Washington D.C. and Frankfort is that Senator Mitch McConnell is casting about for a Democrat to back for Governor next year.
McConnell biographer John David Dyche's puff piece in this morning's CJ on Rep. Ben Chandler should serve to throw flame to that fire.
McConnell biographer John David Dyche's puff piece in this morning's CJ on Rep. Ben Chandler should serve to throw flame to that fire.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Fancy Farm 2006 News
Sources report Governor Fletcher is not going to speak at Fancy Farm.
This is a mistake.
Staying home may be a good way to avoid any more unfortunate noodling references, but the Governor needs to show up for this. It's a symbolic gesture and an event that few people actually see, but the inevitable "run and hide Republicans" label is something that doesn't help at all.
A quick thinking GOP gubernatorial hopeful might do well to try to fill in.
This is a mistake.
Staying home may be a good way to avoid any more unfortunate noodling references, but the Governor needs to show up for this. It's a symbolic gesture and an event that few people actually see, but the inevitable "run and hide Republicans" label is something that doesn't help at all.
A quick thinking GOP gubernatorial hopeful might do well to try to fill in.
Friday, July 28, 2006
More Democrat Economic Development
U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Cleveland) has a plan to lower your gas prices that is so progressive, so forward-looking, so brilliant and...
Actually, this is a bill Kim Jong-il would love. It is a 100% tax on "excess profits" of oil and gas companies. Take a look at the bill. My favorite part is the establishment of a "Reasonable Profits Board" to figure out when oil and gas companies have made enough money.
This is a perfect example of why people who aren't happy with Republicans have nothing to gain by voting for Democrats. One bright spot: a close look at the bill suggests that the next cold winter would result in natural gas companies having little choice but to stop providing heat to just about everyone.
That would have an interesting impact on the global warming movement.
I'm not any happier than you are about how much it costs to fill up my gas-guzzling SUV, but it seems every effort to convict Big Oil of price gouging has fallen flat. If their average 8% profit margin were found to be by any means excessive, don't you think the Kuciniches would have trumpeted that news from the rooftops?
Actually, this is a bill Kim Jong-il would love. It is a 100% tax on "excess profits" of oil and gas companies. Take a look at the bill. My favorite part is the establishment of a "Reasonable Profits Board" to figure out when oil and gas companies have made enough money.
This is a perfect example of why people who aren't happy with Republicans have nothing to gain by voting for Democrats. One bright spot: a close look at the bill suggests that the next cold winter would result in natural gas companies having little choice but to stop providing heat to just about everyone.
That would have an interesting impact on the global warming movement.
I'm not any happier than you are about how much it costs to fill up my gas-guzzling SUV, but it seems every effort to convict Big Oil of price gouging has fallen flat. If their average 8% profit margin were found to be by any means excessive, don't you think the Kuciniches would have trumpeted that news from the rooftops?
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Cindy Sheehan? In Kentucky?
I'm chasing a rumor that Cindy Sheehan -- straight from dancing with Cynthia McKinney at her primary loss party -- is coming to Kentucky to campaign with Democrat candidates.
Now that's a good idea.
Now that's a good idea.
Chandler: Gimme A Big Ed Pork Sammich
Rep. Ben Chandler (D-Versailles) misses the point of the effort to improve public education in America. He has filed a bill in Washington to spend an additional $32 Billion -- at least -- over five years to improve school BUILDINGS.
We already pay local and state taxes to maintain school facilities. Chandler wants to ding us at the federal level too.
Also part of his education "plan" is hiring gobs of computer technicians for the schools and "essential broadband access."
Good grief.
Big Education spends way too much on administration to start talking about opening new money spigots.
We already pay local and state taxes to maintain school facilities. Chandler wants to ding us at the federal level too.
Also part of his education "plan" is hiring gobs of computer technicians for the schools and "essential broadband access."
Good grief.
Big Education spends way too much on administration to start talking about opening new money spigots.
KY Governor 2007 Quote
"It isn't even about R's and D's up here. It's a northern Kentucky issue that we re-elect Ernie Fletcher."
-- Senator Dick Roeding (R-Lakeside Park)
-- Senator Dick Roeding (R-Lakeside Park)
Move The Filing Deadline
The Bluegrass Institute nails the status quo once again. There really is no reason for a January 31 election filing deadline unless you actually WANT lawmakers sitting around watching the clock for a month every other year.
This and putting committee votes online are two no-brainers that present no valid excuse for foot-dragging.
This and putting committee votes online are two no-brainers that present no valid excuse for foot-dragging.
Money For Nothing, Chicks For Free!
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.
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.
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.
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