Rep. Stan Lee will hold a press conference in the Capitol Rotunda next Thursday to announce a school choice bill.
The KEA won't let the Democrats discuss this critical issue intelligently, but it will be very interesting to watch the interested parties come together to promote real improvement in public education in this state.
The starting point is the abuse of special education students by pubic school systems.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Grayson In The Spotlight Again
Impeccable timing is becoming a Trey Grayson hallmark. Looks like everyone is talking about him and spelling his name correctly today -- even the liberal bloggers.
Breaking The Logjam
Nancy Pelosi isn't going to like this.
Democrat Congressman Dan Boren of Oklahoma has broken through his party's restriction against supporting HR 25, The Fair Tax. Closer to home, Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) also signed on as a cosponsor yesterday.
Democrat Congressman Dan Boren of Oklahoma has broken through his party's restriction against supporting HR 25, The Fair Tax. Closer to home, Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) also signed on as a cosponsor yesterday.
Playing To The Peanut Gallery
"There was a complete systemwide effort to purge the merit system of anyone but Republicans," Attorney General Greg Stumbo told Sue Wylie on her Lexington radio show this morning.
Nothing Going On: How About A Headline?
This should be a good indication of what the next fourteen months will look like. Wall-to-wall merit hiring scandal. Hey, I thought that was over!
What is over is any chance of an effective defense.
What is over is any chance of an effective defense.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Slick Willie Coming To Lexington?
A good source reports perjurer-in-chief Bill Clinton is coming to Louisville in October to help raise money for Kentucky Democrats.
Don't Blow Up My WalMart
The Democratic Party's war on WalMart took an odd turn this morning in Nicholasville when a young man named Kenneth Wesley Brady was arrested for terroristic threatening.
2007: Expanding The Slates?
Gubernatorial hopefuls for 2007 in Kentucky are taking an unusual approach to next year's campaign: putting together de facto teams of candidates for all the constitutional offices to run together as expanded slates in the primaries.
Developing...
Developing...
Money-Motivated Learning In America
Robert Samuelson has an interesting essay about formal education versus lifelong learning in America.
He says Americans' thirst for practical knowledge is an explanation of our high productivity despite our schoolkids' poor standing on international math and science tests. In short, we start learning when it starts mattering to us financially.
The trick is to engage that motivation before middle school.
He says Americans' thirst for practical knowledge is an explanation of our high productivity despite our schoolkids' poor standing on international math and science tests. In short, we start learning when it starts mattering to us financially.
The trick is to engage that motivation before middle school.
Return Of Government Takeover
The Lexington Herald Leader is back on the water takeover bandwagon. The evil perpetuated by RWE now involves the most democratic of business moves: taking their company public.
If all those energetic folks who want the government to condemn the water company really want local ownership, they should put their money -- and not taxpayers' -- where their mouths are. Buy some shares.
Today's editorial adds nothing of value to the debate. Just more whining. More on the way between now and election day.
If all those energetic folks who want the government to condemn the water company really want local ownership, they should put their money -- and not taxpayers' -- where their mouths are. Buy some shares.
Today's editorial adds nothing of value to the debate. Just more whining. More on the way between now and election day.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Merit Hiring Mess Starts Again
With a bipartisan grouping of three nominees for the Personnel Board, AG Greg Stumbo begins anew his death of one thousand cuts for Governor Ernie Fletcher.
The bleeding caused by Republicans was slowed briefly two weeks ago when the criminal case against the Governor was dismissed, but it should begin again soon as Stumbo's Personnel Board coup takes shape.
The bleeding caused by Republicans was slowed briefly two weeks ago when the criminal case against the Governor was dismissed, but it should begin again soon as Stumbo's Personnel Board coup takes shape.
More Chaos In Mexico
Mexico's Al Gore refuses to concede the Presidential election he lost in July. This should be interesting.
KY Senate Dems On Thin Ice Tour
State Senate Democrats depend very heavily this fall on two of their members and one candidate, all with serious legal problems, to prop up their party's agenda next year.
Convicted felon Carroll Hubbard's race is the subject of a column in the Herald-Leader today. Paul Patton restored his rights to run for office.
Sen. Johnny Ray Turner has been indicted in a vote buying scandal.
And Sen. Ed Worley is embroiled in LandScam, a racketeering lawsuit in which he is currently struggling to have tape recorded evidence of himself contradicting his own sworn testimony suppressed from the public.
Nice work guys.
Convicted felon Carroll Hubbard's race is the subject of a column in the Herald-Leader today. Paul Patton restored his rights to run for office.
Sen. Johnny Ray Turner has been indicted in a vote buying scandal.
And Sen. Ed Worley is embroiled in LandScam, a racketeering lawsuit in which he is currently struggling to have tape recorded evidence of himself contradicting his own sworn testimony suppressed from the public.
Nice work guys.
Monday, September 04, 2006
We Need A Boston Tea Party
A year ago, Congressional Democrats were congratulating themselves for stifling Social Security reform. Since then, they have refused to suggest an alternative. Their rigid support of the status quo must not go unanswered.
Click here for a bipartisan suggestion, and here for the Republican bill to make it happen. And yes, I know it is a new bureaucracy. But it is one specifically designed to cut spending and we are having no luck cutting spending through the political process.
Click here for a bipartisan suggestion, and here for the Republican bill to make it happen. And yes, I know it is a new bureaucracy. But it is one specifically designed to cut spending and we are having no luck cutting spending through the political process.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
"Give A Man A Fish" Democrats
Labor Day is a good time to give thanks for the freedoms we Americans enjoy because of the continued growth of our economy for future generations. Recognizing that entrepreneurship brings unparalleled vigor to our way of life, forward-looking American public policy generally encourages individuals to strike out boldly on their own in pursuit of the American Dream.
Sadly, Democrats can only manage to nip at the heels of the great American economic engine with pitiful, counterproductive minimum wage tax increase proposals. On Friday, Senator Ernesto Scorsone (D-Lexington) gave us another one.
Sadly, Democrats can only manage to nip at the heels of the great American economic engine with pitiful, counterproductive minimum wage tax increase proposals. On Friday, Senator Ernesto Scorsone (D-Lexington) gave us another one.
Massachusetts Train Wreck 7/1/07
The Boston Globe reports on progress for socialized medicine in Massachusetts. It will be in place by July 1 of next year. The best part will be all the people appealing their premiums on an individual basis, sitting in hearings explaining why $18 a month is too much to pay for health insurance with necessities like cable tv, cell phones, junk food, booze, tattoos, tricked out cars, bling, etc. Should be a hoot seeing all the whining this one is going to cause.
I can't imagine Governor Mitt Romney's bid for the GOP Presidential nomination surviving this mess.
I can't imagine Governor Mitt Romney's bid for the GOP Presidential nomination surviving this mess.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
"Invincible" Americans
My wife and I went to see the Disney movie "Invincible" last night.
Don't go see it unless you actually like inspiring, moving experiences that make you laugh, think, cry -- I got some popcorn in my eye, but you might be moved to tears -- and that leave you wondering how you would stand up under truly difficult economic challenges.
The true story is based on the life of Vince Papale, a 30 year-old Philadelphian struggling to make ends meet in 1976. He lost his job, his wife, and his sense of hope in rapid fire succession before an open tryout with the NFL's Eagles led to a three year pro football career. Part of the story was the pervasive hopelessness spawned by limited economic opportunities for Vince and his friends in their south Philadelphia neighborhood.
That subtext of the movie had me wondering how we would survive under truly difficult circumstances in this country. Some would have us believe we are now about to slip into a Depression to make the 1930's look good, but the truth is we are so wealthy in America that a real downturn would be a horrific shock to most of us.
How would we survive it? I can't help wondering how long we would bicker, fight, and blame before we pulled together and made do to the best of our abilities.
As the fifth anniversary of 9/11 draws near, it is hard to not feel a little nostalgia for the brief time when Americans were on the same page, as well as what it would take to get us back there.
Go see the movie. I think anyone would enjoy it, but it just might leave you pondering the invincibility of Americans.
Don't go see it unless you actually like inspiring, moving experiences that make you laugh, think, cry -- I got some popcorn in my eye, but you might be moved to tears -- and that leave you wondering how you would stand up under truly difficult economic challenges.
The true story is based on the life of Vince Papale, a 30 year-old Philadelphian struggling to make ends meet in 1976. He lost his job, his wife, and his sense of hope in rapid fire succession before an open tryout with the NFL's Eagles led to a three year pro football career. Part of the story was the pervasive hopelessness spawned by limited economic opportunities for Vince and his friends in their south Philadelphia neighborhood.
That subtext of the movie had me wondering how we would survive under truly difficult circumstances in this country. Some would have us believe we are now about to slip into a Depression to make the 1930's look good, but the truth is we are so wealthy in America that a real downturn would be a horrific shock to most of us.
How would we survive it? I can't help wondering how long we would bicker, fight, and blame before we pulled together and made do to the best of our abilities.
As the fifth anniversary of 9/11 draws near, it is hard to not feel a little nostalgia for the brief time when Americans were on the same page, as well as what it would take to get us back there.
Go see the movie. I think anyone would enjoy it, but it just might leave you pondering the invincibility of Americans.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Northern KY Scandal Brewing
Sources in Frankfort report a juicy lawsuit is about to explode all over Democrat House candidate Randy Blankenship.
Apparently he has a little problem with other people's right to privacy. This one will be fun to watch.
Apparently he has a little problem with other people's right to privacy. This one will be fun to watch.
Liberals Attack Suburbanites Again
I couldn't resist commenting on Mark Nickolas' blog after he congratulated Lexington for being named the 9th smartest city in America. Stunningly, the man who tried to run Ben Chandler into the Governor's Mansion suggested that Louisville got dumber when the city merged with the county.
Somehow, it is fitting that he posted it to his "Education" label since liberals in Kentucky seem to think the best way to boost education testing statistics is to cut out the special education kids and to include private school students when it is convenient to do so.
Somehow, it is fitting that he posted it to his "Education" label since liberals in Kentucky seem to think the best way to boost education testing statistics is to cut out the special education kids and to include private school students when it is convenient to do so.
Sammy Brown Tracks Down Suspect
Nicholasville murder suspect Melissa Helton would have been arrested in Kentucky yesterday, but instead had to be located in South Carolina where she was apprehended by local authorities.
Jessamine County Sheriff Captain Kevin Corman, who is the Democrat candidate for Sheriff this year, told the Lexington Herald-Leader he did not know how she came to be located there.
That's funny, because if he had only thought to ask Deputy Sheriff Sammy Brown, his Republican opponent, he would know.
Brown is the one who spent the day Thursday tracking Helton and arranging for her to be apprehended.
Jessamine County Sheriff Captain Kevin Corman, who is the Democrat candidate for Sheriff this year, told the Lexington Herald-Leader he did not know how she came to be located there.
That's funny, because if he had only thought to ask Deputy Sheriff Sammy Brown, his Republican opponent, he would know.
Brown is the one who spent the day Thursday tracking Helton and arranging for her to be apprehended.
Hacker Denies Helping Worley
Mark Hebert of Channel 11 News in Louisville reports on his website that Ralph Hacker, a member of the Kentucky GOP Executive Committee, hosted a fundraiser for scandal-tarred Sen. Ed Worley (D-Richmond).
Hacker denies helping Worley raise money. He said he agreed to write a check when asked, but did not do so.
Hacker denies helping Worley raise money. He said he agreed to write a check when asked, but did not do so.
President Photoshop?
Hillary Clinton is moving closer to announcing her bid for President of the United States.
We know Photoshop can clean up Katie Couric and even Rosie O'Donnell, but can it do anything about Hillary's extreme views on healthcare, social issues, government spending and her flabby national defense flip-floppery?
We know Photoshop can clean up Katie Couric and even Rosie O'Donnell, but can it do anything about Hillary's extreme views on healthcare, social issues, government spending and her flabby national defense flip-floppery?
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Name That Fraud Contest
We have just about reached the point where Ed Worley's fraud-for-land scandal deserves a name.
Any ideas?
Since Sen. Worley was caught on tape trying to wiggle out of a world of woe in the multi-million dollar racketeering lawsuit he faces, I thought some kind of alliteration would be catchy, but I am struggling to come up with a good one.
A special prize to the reader who comes up with the best name.
Any ideas?
Since Sen. Worley was caught on tape trying to wiggle out of a world of woe in the multi-million dollar racketeering lawsuit he faces, I thought some kind of alliteration would be catchy, but I am struggling to come up with a good one.
A special prize to the reader who comes up with the best name.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Worley Scandal Makes Front Page
The Richmond Register picked up on Sen. Ed Worley's (D-Richmond) fraud trial today with a front page story.
Unfortunately, the Register story swings a wide berth around the most interesting facts made public so far about the case.
For example, we know Ed isn't happy part of his scheme got caught on audio tape. Sen. Worley's effort to get the tape thrown out of court is humorous as he seems not to know that telephone calls in Kentucky can be recorded by one party to the call without the knowledge of the other.
A closer look at his complaint shows even more. Worley says in an August 23 court motion that the tape of his conversation was "improperly concealed" and should have been presented as part of the discovery process. The victim in the case, Earl Estes, responded in an electronic filing today as follows:
"The defendents (Worley and partner A.D. Grant), having
defrauded the Plaintiff, having been caught in the fraud on
tape, and then having testified falsely under oath about the whole
thing, now cry foul and claim that Plaintiff's failure to turn over the
tapes or the transcripts before they perjured themselves in their
depositions isn't fair."
The taped conversations with Worley and Grant are pretty funny, knowing what we know now, but prior to the depositions in which they both contradicted their taped statements, the victim could not have known the tapes represented valuable evidence to confirm what he previously only suspected.
Again, from today's filing by the attorney for the victim:
"Up until Worley and Grant gave their depositions it was not at all clear that the statements would become impeachable evidence, since until then there was no way of knowing what their story would be."
Unfortunately, the Register story swings a wide berth around the most interesting facts made public so far about the case.
For example, we know Ed isn't happy part of his scheme got caught on audio tape. Sen. Worley's effort to get the tape thrown out of court is humorous as he seems not to know that telephone calls in Kentucky can be recorded by one party to the call without the knowledge of the other.
A closer look at his complaint shows even more. Worley says in an August 23 court motion that the tape of his conversation was "improperly concealed" and should have been presented as part of the discovery process. The victim in the case, Earl Estes, responded in an electronic filing today as follows:
"The defendents (Worley and partner A.D. Grant), having
defrauded the Plaintiff, having been caught in the fraud on
tape, and then having testified falsely under oath about the whole
thing, now cry foul and claim that Plaintiff's failure to turn over the
tapes or the transcripts before they perjured themselves in their
depositions isn't fair."
The taped conversations with Worley and Grant are pretty funny, knowing what we know now, but prior to the depositions in which they both contradicted their taped statements, the victim could not have known the tapes represented valuable evidence to confirm what he previously only suspected.
Again, from today's filing by the attorney for the victim:
"Up until Worley and Grant gave their depositions it was not at all clear that the statements would become impeachable evidence, since until then there was no way of knowing what their story would be."
More 2007 Buzz
Linda Greenwell got 49% of the vote for Auditor of Public Accounts in 2003, narrowly losing to Paul Patton's cabinet secretary Crit Luallen.
She is running again.
"I'm definitely running," Greenwell said. "I plan to file the day after the election in November."
Other speculation has Richie Farmer weighing a run for Governor.
She is running again.
"I'm definitely running," Greenwell said. "I plan to file the day after the election in November."
Other speculation has Richie Farmer weighing a run for Governor.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Free Speech and Fair Tax
The Johnson amendment allows the federal government to use the U.S. Tax Code to abuse the free speech rights of non-profit organizations.
The Fair Tax would help. Here is how.
The Fair Tax would help. Here is how.
GOP Losing On Gas Prices?
How can the Republicans possibly be losing support because of gas prices when the closest the Democrats have gotten to an actual idea on the subject has been to raise gas taxes by fifty cents a gallon?
And that was four years ago.
And that was four years ago.
Monday, August 28, 2006
The Dropout Problem In Kentucky
The best problems for big government to have are those that have no solution but do possess a very active constituency. So much the better if that active constituency persistently campaigns for increasing sums of money to "solve" the problem.
The high school dropout rate is a great problem for big government fans in Kentucky. Any education bureaucrat worth his salt can preach convincingly on the need to reduce the dropout rate. The income statistics and crime statistics tied to education attainment -- or lack of it -- really are compelling.
A former effort to reduce the dropout rate had us forcing kids to stay in school or lose their drivers licenses. This law served an educational function as hundreds of affected teenagers learned how to exploit the hardship loophole when caught driving on a license suspended due to dropping out of school. (Hey, it was more fun than civics class!)
We keep trying program after program to reduce the dropout rate, all to no avail. Yet the next program is just a brainstorm away. Open your checkbooks. Here it comes!
I have an alternative approach. Let's see how high we can push the drop-out rate. Class sizes are always a problem so let's see how we can encourage those who don't want to be in school to clear out so willing students can get what they need.
If the state offered to pay sixteen year old public school students $500 to drop out of school, we would see those who valued education that little head for the exits.
Good riddance, good luck with the job search, and -- most important -- good for the willing students who remain in school. And good for the state as well. Five hundred dollars and a pat on the back is much less money than it would cost to house an uninterested student for another couple of years and no real public benefit.
Okay, the diploma counts for something. So let's give $1000 to the same would-be dropout if he can pass the GED exams. A little incentive is a good thing.
This would be a positive for everyone involved. Kids who don't value education will get more than they eat up otherwise to hit the street. Some of those same low achievers will decide to hit the books before hitting the door in order to get the extra GED money. In the process, they will pick up a diploma. The most important lesson will be for those who stay in school, seeking higher education rather than going for the quick -- and small -- bucks.
The high school dropout rate is a great problem for big government fans in Kentucky. Any education bureaucrat worth his salt can preach convincingly on the need to reduce the dropout rate. The income statistics and crime statistics tied to education attainment -- or lack of it -- really are compelling.
A former effort to reduce the dropout rate had us forcing kids to stay in school or lose their drivers licenses. This law served an educational function as hundreds of affected teenagers learned how to exploit the hardship loophole when caught driving on a license suspended due to dropping out of school. (Hey, it was more fun than civics class!)
We keep trying program after program to reduce the dropout rate, all to no avail. Yet the next program is just a brainstorm away. Open your checkbooks. Here it comes!
I have an alternative approach. Let's see how high we can push the drop-out rate. Class sizes are always a problem so let's see how we can encourage those who don't want to be in school to clear out so willing students can get what they need.
If the state offered to pay sixteen year old public school students $500 to drop out of school, we would see those who valued education that little head for the exits.
Good riddance, good luck with the job search, and -- most important -- good for the willing students who remain in school. And good for the state as well. Five hundred dollars and a pat on the back is much less money than it would cost to house an uninterested student for another couple of years and no real public benefit.
Okay, the diploma counts for something. So let's give $1000 to the same would-be dropout if he can pass the GED exams. A little incentive is a good thing.
This would be a positive for everyone involved. Kids who don't value education will get more than they eat up otherwise to hit the street. Some of those same low achievers will decide to hit the books before hitting the door in order to get the extra GED money. In the process, they will pick up a diploma. The most important lesson will be for those who stay in school, seeking higher education rather than going for the quick -- and small -- bucks.
Why Liberals Hate WalMart
A Washington Post (!) essay comes to a devastating conclusion that Democrats have turned on WalMart because the company does more to help low-income people in its normal business practices than government entitlement programs could ever pretend to.
Now is a great time to point out pandering to anti-business interests is good for Democrat pot-stirrers but bad for the nation.
Also would be nice to see more analysis about the demonization of oil companies. That is another one out of their playbook that doesn't hold water.
Now is a great time to point out pandering to anti-business interests is good for Democrat pot-stirrers but bad for the nation.
Also would be nice to see more analysis about the demonization of oil companies. That is another one out of their playbook that doesn't hold water.
Not Big Steve Henry Fans
Wow. The Louisville Courier-Journal has a happy re-cap of Dem Gov. wannabe Steve Henry's habit of blaming his misdeeds on others for the last decade.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Lie Into The Microphone, Ed Worley
The federal racketeering lawsuit against KY Democrat Senate leader Ed Worley is getting interesting.
Apparently, Worley got caught saying something on tape that he wishes he hadn't said.
In a motion Worley filed Wednesday is U.S. District Court, he said "At no time did Earl Estes disclose to me that any conversation I ever had with him, including any conversation I had with him in November of 2005, was being recorded and I did not know the conversation was being recorded. I did not and do not consent to being secretly recorded and would not have talked to Mr. Estes if I knew that I was being recorded."
Kentucky law does not require a crime victim to notify a perpetrator he is recording a telephone call to collect incriminating evidence.
Apparently, Worley got caught saying something on tape that he wishes he hadn't said.
In a motion Worley filed Wednesday is U.S. District Court, he said "At no time did Earl Estes disclose to me that any conversation I ever had with him, including any conversation I had with him in November of 2005, was being recorded and I did not know the conversation was being recorded. I did not and do not consent to being secretly recorded and would not have talked to Mr. Estes if I knew that I was being recorded."
Kentucky law does not require a crime victim to notify a perpetrator he is recording a telephone call to collect incriminating evidence.
KY Republican Revolution 2006
I'm hearing reports all over the state of Republican candidates for local office who are winning wide support despite Ernie Fletcher's woes.
In the last few hours I have heard very encouraging central Kentucky news from County Judge candidates John Wilson in Garrard county, Danny Godbey in Lincoln county, and Randy Bowen in Powell county. All three seek to succeed Democrat incumbents. Lincoln and Powell counties are both historically Democrat counties.
I hesitate to wonder out loud how things might be turning out with a Republican governor engaged in the local races all this year.
In the last few hours I have heard very encouraging central Kentucky news from County Judge candidates John Wilson in Garrard county, Danny Godbey in Lincoln county, and Randy Bowen in Powell county. All three seek to succeed Democrat incumbents. Lincoln and Powell counties are both historically Democrat counties.
I hesitate to wonder out loud how things might be turning out with a Republican governor engaged in the local races all this year.
Friday, August 25, 2006
GOP "Insurgency" Not Dead Yet
Larry Forgy said of the Fletcher Deal: "I feel the Republican insurgency is killed by this."
I'm not sure which side is actually leading the "insurgency," but the Fletcher administration can't depend on yesterday's end of the merit hiring court case to heal what ails his bid for re-election.
It is going to take one heck of a 2007 General Assembly session to do that.
I'm not sure which side is actually leading the "insurgency," but the Fletcher administration can't depend on yesterday's end of the merit hiring court case to heal what ails his bid for re-election.
It is going to take one heck of a 2007 General Assembly session to do that.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Warning To State Employees
E-mail scammers have apparently sent a phony message to Kentucky state employees and their families who have accounts at Commonwealth Credit Union. The subject line on the e-mail is "Urgent Notice: Five question survey" and promises to insert $100 into the accounts of people who respond.
The Commonwealth Credit Union did not send this message. Spread the word.
The Commonwealth Credit Union did not send this message. Spread the word.
All Allegations?
Governor Fletcher issued a statement this afternoon that read "I have been cleared of all charges against me and exonerated of all allegations."
I wish he had stuck to "moving Kentucky forward."
The Republican primary for Governor will be moving forward very soon. Billy Harper is polling right now.
I wish he had stuck to "moving Kentucky forward."
The Republican primary for Governor will be moving forward very soon. Billy Harper is polling right now.
Greg "Cut And Run" Stumbo Gives Up
Saying the Governor was likely to pardon himself anyway, AG Greg Stumbo today gave up the merit hiring investigation that he hoped would cause Kentucky voters to forget his own sordid past.
What a coward.
The big question now is will Governor Fletcher make the most of this mulligan and engage significant policy initiatives for the next session of the General Assembly?
There are no white hats in this affair and this event serves only to pour gasoline on the already-raging political fire in Frankfort. In giving Stumbo a pass today on his "political witch hunt," Governor Fletcher doesn't look so hot either.
This issue now just settles in as a nebulous public sense of the same old cronyism in Frankfort that we were already sick of.
What a coward.
The big question now is will Governor Fletcher make the most of this mulligan and engage significant policy initiatives for the next session of the General Assembly?
There are no white hats in this affair and this event serves only to pour gasoline on the already-raging political fire in Frankfort. In giving Stumbo a pass today on his "political witch hunt," Governor Fletcher doesn't look so hot either.
This issue now just settles in as a nebulous public sense of the same old cronyism in Frankfort that we were already sick of.
Stumbo Press Conference Set
Today at 12:30.
Stay tuned.
UPDATE: The charges against Governor Fletcher have been dropped by Judge Melcher and can't be brought again. Apparently, Governor Fletcher admitted some wrongdoing by his administration.
Stay tuned.
UPDATE: The charges against Governor Fletcher have been dropped by Judge Melcher and can't be brought again. Apparently, Governor Fletcher admitted some wrongdoing by his administration.
The Next Misleading Liberal Rant
Daily Kos is a leftist website with a lot of readers. Because of its many readers, Daily Kos is very likely to cause big problems for Governor Ernie Fletcher next year in his run for re-election.
Yesterday, the site put up a small notice with very large implications:
Mark Nickolas over at Bluegrass Report updates us on his lawsuit against the state of Kentucky. As you might recall, the Republican governor ordered all state agencies to block liberal blogs like his, while leaving conservative ones alone.
They know this isn't true. Kentucky Progress remains one of several conservative sites blocked. But the truth hardly matters here. There will be only three gubernatorial races nationwide next year. When Daily Kos calls on its liberal readers from sea to shining sea to send money to Kentucky to defeat the Governor who blocked liberals, literally millions of dollars will flow in to the campaign of the Democrat nominee.
Yesterday, the site put up a small notice with very large implications:
Mark Nickolas over at Bluegrass Report updates us on his lawsuit against the state of Kentucky. As you might recall, the Republican governor ordered all state agencies to block liberal blogs like his, while leaving conservative ones alone.
They know this isn't true. Kentucky Progress remains one of several conservative sites blocked. But the truth hardly matters here. There will be only three gubernatorial races nationwide next year. When Daily Kos calls on its liberal readers from sea to shining sea to send money to Kentucky to defeat the Governor who blocked liberals, literally millions of dollars will flow in to the campaign of the Democrat nominee.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Merit Hiring Settlement Rumor
All is quiet on the merit hiring case, but rumors are swirling that a settlement is in the works.
Official Frankfort has been buzzing all day with speculation and denials.
Who cares? I don't know. And this late in the day, nothing seems likely to come out before tomorrow anyway.
Just the latest scuttlebutt.
10:53 P.M--- Apparently the Lexington Herald Leader has the whole story and they are holding it for the morning paper. Perhaps a noon press conference.
Official Frankfort has been buzzing all day with speculation and denials.
Who cares? I don't know. And this late in the day, nothing seems likely to come out before tomorrow anyway.
Just the latest scuttlebutt.
10:53 P.M--- Apparently the Lexington Herald Leader has the whole story and they are holding it for the morning paper. Perhaps a noon press conference.
An Issue We Can Agree On?
I'm still waiting for my liberal friends to convince me Kentucky's Certificate of Need (CON) program does anything to lower healthcare costs. Interestingly, I'm still waiting for the same thing from my conservative friends as well.
Could it be the only people who support limiting competition in healthcare benefit financially from the lack of competition?
An example might be illuminating. Do you need a heart catheterization in Kentucky? That will be $10,000, thank you very much.
But in Ohio, $900 will get 'er done.
The only difference is Kentucky has CON and Ohio doesn't.
Why isn't everyone talking about this when we have a doctor for a Governor?
Could it be the only people who support limiting competition in healthcare benefit financially from the lack of competition?
An example might be illuminating. Do you need a heart catheterization in Kentucky? That will be $10,000, thank you very much.
But in Ohio, $900 will get 'er done.
The only difference is Kentucky has CON and Ohio doesn't.
Why isn't everyone talking about this when we have a doctor for a Governor?
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Do Crystal Methamphetamine
A U.S. Senate candidate to our west in Missouri is getting some unwanted attention because of her alleged fondness for crystal methamphetamine.
Even better, Claire McCaskill is having stoner Willie Nelson in for a fundraiser tonight. Should be a wild time.
Even better, Claire McCaskill is having stoner Willie Nelson in for a fundraiser tonight. Should be a wild time.
Sex Offenders, The New Pioneers?
Defending sex predators has to be a thankless job. Not that I am about to thank Marlene Gordon of The Coalition For The Homeless for trying, but it is easy to see how hard she is working to drum up sympathy.
She wants us to believe Kentucky's new law to ban sex offenders from living within 1000 feet of certain places where children congregate is a bad thing. Gordon says the law is causing predators to conceal their whereabouts, driving them underground, and making them more likely to strike again.
Nonsense.
The whole idea behind making life uncomfortable for sex offenders is to make them think twice before committing their crimes. Failing that, they deserve whatever they get. In fact, they deserve worse than our society will inflict upon them.
Even if your bleeding heart won't let you see that tougher laws against sex offenders protect society by giving us more weapons to prosecute them with, you can't really believe, as Gordon states, that therapy and a desire to "safely re-integrate these folks" does anything but keep our most vulnerable citizens at a strategic disadvantage to perverts.
Despite the hopes and dreams of the ACLU-types, we should support this good law and seek more of the same.
She wants us to believe Kentucky's new law to ban sex offenders from living within 1000 feet of certain places where children congregate is a bad thing. Gordon says the law is causing predators to conceal their whereabouts, driving them underground, and making them more likely to strike again.
Nonsense.
The whole idea behind making life uncomfortable for sex offenders is to make them think twice before committing their crimes. Failing that, they deserve whatever they get. In fact, they deserve worse than our society will inflict upon them.
Even if your bleeding heart won't let you see that tougher laws against sex offenders protect society by giving us more weapons to prosecute them with, you can't really believe, as Gordon states, that therapy and a desire to "safely re-integrate these folks" does anything but keep our most vulnerable citizens at a strategic disadvantage to perverts.
Despite the hopes and dreams of the ACLU-types, we should support this good law and seek more of the same.
Monday, August 21, 2006
The Real Referendum On Gambling
Greg Stumbo is as much a legitimate candidate for Governor as the Easter Bunny is ready to start making little rabbits with Jennifer Aniston. His position on gambling is interesting, but in no way does it erase concerns about his past.
There is a referendum on gambling this year and it will take place in the 34th Senate district of Madison, Lincoln, and Rockcastle counties. Senator Ed Worley (D-Richmond) is an outspoken supporter of casinos and racinos. Senator Worley's opponent, Barry Metcalf, is against expanded gambling.
If you want to know which way casino gambling is going in Kentucky, this is the race to watch.
There is a referendum on gambling this year and it will take place in the 34th Senate district of Madison, Lincoln, and Rockcastle counties. Senator Ed Worley (D-Richmond) is an outspoken supporter of casinos and racinos. Senator Worley's opponent, Barry Metcalf, is against expanded gambling.
If you want to know which way casino gambling is going in Kentucky, this is the race to watch.
Concentrating On 2006
First-term legislator Jim DeCesare (R-Bowling Green) is the kind of leader Kentucky needs. His was one of only two votes against the state budget earlier this year.
For conservative people, that was a very good thing.
Lots of people give lip service to smaller government and conservative principles. Jim is the real deal.
For conservative people, that was a very good thing.
Lots of people give lip service to smaller government and conservative principles. Jim is the real deal.
Democrat Math Stays In Vegas
Greg Stumbo wants to spend education dollars without teaching basic math, fight crime while establishing "criminal enterprise zones," and cut property taxes while blowing the lid off the state social service liability.
That's right, Stumbo wants casinos in Kentucky. And he wants them now.
We will need several extra layers of education bureaucracy to avoid actually using the revenue casinos bring in on teaching kids the reasoning skills that might otherwise keep them out of casinos. Should we go ahead and start condom programs and free needle exchanges for the extra hookers and junkies who will be drawn to the neighborhoods near our casinos? And the three dollars in social services damage for every one dollar in casino tax revenue will only satisfy those same kids who aren't learning any math.
All this from the same people who don't want you earning any more on your savings than Social Security wants you to have.
That's right, Stumbo wants casinos in Kentucky. And he wants them now.
We will need several extra layers of education bureaucracy to avoid actually using the revenue casinos bring in on teaching kids the reasoning skills that might otherwise keep them out of casinos. Should we go ahead and start condom programs and free needle exchanges for the extra hookers and junkies who will be drawn to the neighborhoods near our casinos? And the three dollars in social services damage for every one dollar in casino tax revenue will only satisfy those same kids who aren't learning any math.
All this from the same people who don't want you earning any more on your savings than Social Security wants you to have.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Bubba And Hillary Parse The War
The most dangerous political hacks in America try to spin "cut and run."
KAPT Goal: Fleece Taxpayers?
Kentucky's Affordable Pre-paid Tuition program (KAPT) keeps losing money.
The taxpayer-backed program is due to release its actuarial analysis any day now. Expect to see the program's deficit to have gotten several million dollars larger.
Investment performance continues to lag tuition inflation and so its stated investment policy goal needs to be adjusted. Currently, the program seeks to "meet or exceed tuition inflation."
The programs ROI since its inception is 6.12%. That means investments are picking up a little more than half of the program's liabilities. You get to pay the other half.
The taxpayer-backed program is due to release its actuarial analysis any day now. Expect to see the program's deficit to have gotten several million dollars larger.
Investment performance continues to lag tuition inflation and so its stated investment policy goal needs to be adjusted. Currently, the program seeks to "meet or exceed tuition inflation."
The programs ROI since its inception is 6.12%. That means investments are picking up a little more than half of the program's liabilities. You get to pay the other half.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Left Meets Right In Lexington
A very interesting political event takes place September 7, at a fundraiser for Lexington city council candidate KC Crosbie.
The guest speakers for the event will be former Republican party chair Ellen Williams and former Democratic party chair Terry McBrayer.
The guest speakers for the event will be former Republican party chair Ellen Williams and former Democratic party chair Terry McBrayer.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Reckless Disregard For Truth
Newspaper editorialists are quite fond of looking down their noses at those who play fast and loose with the truth. They like to depict those who spin or lie as beneath contempt, slimy, dirty, despicable, and evil.
Given that, how can they possibly rationalize today's drive-by smearing of Supreme Court Justice John Roach?
You might not like John Roach. You might hate him and want him to lose this November and go away. Even so, you can't justify the treatment he got on the editorial page in today's CJ.
They define a campaign poll by Justice Roach they haven't seen as a "low down, dirty poll." They turn a "no comment" answer to another paper into "his handlers at first wouldn't even admit ... they had conducted the survey." That would be the low-down, dirty survey they have never seen, but feel compelled to comment on nonetheless. The paper states without attribution to any source (the source happens to be the campaign of Roach's November opponent): "A number of angry voters say they were asked in the phone survey such slimy questions as whether it matters that Mr. Roach's opponent is "married with no children," is "soft on crime" and "feels that judges can create laws if the legislature has failed to act."
This isn't true.
What is important is The Courier Journal might know that it isn't true. What is critical is they should show some kind of discretion when they aren't sure what the truth is.
That is what libel laws are for.
It is tempting -- and perhaps prudent -- to ignore the wild spinning from Judge Mary Noble's campaign. Having the state's most venerable newspaper vilify him may be a net-positive for Justice Roach.
But today's editorial provides an open-and-shut case of libel and it would be fun to watch the pointy-heads at the CJ have to defend the indefensible when it counts.
Given that, how can they possibly rationalize today's drive-by smearing of Supreme Court Justice John Roach?
You might not like John Roach. You might hate him and want him to lose this November and go away. Even so, you can't justify the treatment he got on the editorial page in today's CJ.
They define a campaign poll by Justice Roach they haven't seen as a "low down, dirty poll." They turn a "no comment" answer to another paper into "his handlers at first wouldn't even admit ... they had conducted the survey." That would be the low-down, dirty survey they have never seen, but feel compelled to comment on nonetheless. The paper states without attribution to any source (the source happens to be the campaign of Roach's November opponent): "A number of angry voters say they were asked in the phone survey such slimy questions as whether it matters that Mr. Roach's opponent is "married with no children," is "soft on crime" and "feels that judges can create laws if the legislature has failed to act."
This isn't true.
What is important is The Courier Journal might know that it isn't true. What is critical is they should show some kind of discretion when they aren't sure what the truth is.
That is what libel laws are for.
It is tempting -- and perhaps prudent -- to ignore the wild spinning from Judge Mary Noble's campaign. Having the state's most venerable newspaper vilify him may be a net-positive for Justice Roach.
But today's editorial provides an open-and-shut case of libel and it would be fun to watch the pointy-heads at the CJ have to defend the indefensible when it counts.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Fletcher, Worley, Moberly
Hard to miss a strange sign on Main Street in Richmond at the Chamber of Commerce. It says "Ernie Fletcher, Ed Worley, Harry Moberly, August 25."
I've gotten several calls from people wondering why Governor Fletcher is campaigning with Democrats this close to an election.
Well, he isn't.
Governor Fletcher is coming to Richmond to announce a Recovery Kentucky Center.
The General Assembly has nothing to do with this, so Worley and Moberly will just be getting in the way trying to pick up a little free publicity.
I've gotten several calls from people wondering why Governor Fletcher is campaigning with Democrats this close to an election.
Well, he isn't.
Governor Fletcher is coming to Richmond to announce a Recovery Kentucky Center.
The General Assembly has nothing to do with this, so Worley and Moberly will just be getting in the way trying to pick up a little free publicity.
Some D's We Actually Need
Two Kentucky schools have institutionalized grade inflation in order to fake better results. They have eliminated D's from their grading system.
I did something similar with my kids when they started school. I told them D stood for "dead" and that they didn't want to know what F stood for.
But being non-violent types, administrators at no-D schools are telling teachers they get D students back for a repeat unless they bump them up to a C.
There are, of course, no indications this policy does anything good for anyone.
Putting students with a D in in-school suspension would be far more effective at incentivizing achievement.
I did something similar with my kids when they started school. I told them D stood for "dead" and that they didn't want to know what F stood for.
But being non-violent types, administrators at no-D schools are telling teachers they get D students back for a repeat unless they bump them up to a C.
There are, of course, no indications this policy does anything good for anyone.
Putting students with a D in in-school suspension would be far more effective at incentivizing achievement.
Old Messes
Steve Henry still says he didn't take the $162,000 he paid back to the government to settle his Medicare/Medicaid fraud case.
I don't know. Maybe he didn't.
The former Paul Patton lieutenant governor should definitely run for the Democratic nomination for governor next year.
I don't know. Maybe he didn't.
The former Paul Patton lieutenant governor should definitely run for the Democratic nomination for governor next year.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Grayson, Napier Campaigns Roll On
The Danville Advocate Messenger caught up with two gubernatorial candidates in Lancaster yesterday.
Good News For Gov. Fletcher?
Brian Goettl at Conservative Edge reports the Kentucky Supreme Court may pick up the merit hiring case.
An opportunity to get out of indictment limbo should be very good news to Ernie Fletcher.
An opportunity to get out of indictment limbo should be very good news to Ernie Fletcher.
Barack Obama, Gas Hog
Beautiful.
Actually, this foolishness about fossil fuel usage hastening the end of the world is no more true coming from these folks now than it has been for the last half century. It is pathetic that the industry that keeps the free world moving faces such brainless attacks today.
Nonetheless, it is fun to see one of the chief purveyors of hot air get caught like this.
Actually, this foolishness about fossil fuel usage hastening the end of the world is no more true coming from these folks now than it has been for the last half century. It is pathetic that the industry that keeps the free world moving faces such brainless attacks today.
Nonetheless, it is fun to see one of the chief purveyors of hot air get caught like this.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Mary Lou Marzian To Chair KDP?
Some Dems are ready to make Chairman Jerry Lundergan walk the plank. It will be fun to see what they might do next.
Thanks For Saving Us Democrats!
On a day like today when the Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 132 points, I'm sure glad Democrats saved us from bankrupting ourselves by allowing some people to opt for private investment accounts for their Social Security dollars.
Whither Ernie?
There can be disagreement about how the Fletcher Administration reached its current doldrums, but few would argue anymore that no real problems exist.
If you were advising the Governor, what would you suggest he do?
Two things don't count: suggesting either that he resign or that everything is fine are both out of bounds.
I think pushing for repeal of Certificate of Need laws and giving parents some form of school choice would help generate some much-needed support.
If you were advising the Governor, what would you suggest he do?
Two things don't count: suggesting either that he resign or that everything is fine are both out of bounds.
I think pushing for repeal of Certificate of Need laws and giving parents some form of school choice would help generate some much-needed support.
Good: Republicans For Lieberman
When an opponent is hurting himself, the shrewd action is to let him do it.
Watching Republicans save the once-proud Democratic Party from its own Ned Lamontiacs runs counter to that old dictum, but it is the right thing to do.
If Ned Lamont runs Joe Lieberman out of the U.S. Senate, he benefits Republicans by pulling Democrats to the left on the War on Terror. It won't happen. Fortunately, Republicans are playing a role for the good of the nation. There aren't enough conservative voters in Connecticut to elect a Republican, but independents, Republicans, and Democrats will come together in Connecticut to preserve common sense on the issue that matters most to America.
While we are all watching Connecticut, it is time to get Alan Schlesinger to drop his embarrassing run for the Senate. America needs his votes (about 8%) to re-elect Lieberman.
Watching Republicans save the once-proud Democratic Party from its own Ned Lamontiacs runs counter to that old dictum, but it is the right thing to do.
If Ned Lamont runs Joe Lieberman out of the U.S. Senate, he benefits Republicans by pulling Democrats to the left on the War on Terror. It won't happen. Fortunately, Republicans are playing a role for the good of the nation. There aren't enough conservative voters in Connecticut to elect a Republican, but independents, Republicans, and Democrats will come together in Connecticut to preserve common sense on the issue that matters most to America.
While we are all watching Connecticut, it is time to get Alan Schlesinger to drop his embarrassing run for the Senate. America needs his votes (about 8%) to re-elect Lieberman.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Divided Loyalties
No, I'm not talking here about Republicans. The party of fighting cats will have kittens at election time. It's Democrats in a quandry.
Sometime between now and November it will occur to Kentucky Democrats who want Ben Chandler to run for Governor that they have to hope their party doesn't take over the U.S. House of Representatives this year.
If they do win, he stays put and the Dems are left flat-footed for 2007.
Actually, I think Democrats will wish after the November elections they had been able to find some candidates named "Generic Democrat." And Rep. Chandler still won't run for Governor.
Sometime between now and November it will occur to Kentucky Democrats who want Ben Chandler to run for Governor that they have to hope their party doesn't take over the U.S. House of Representatives this year.
If they do win, he stays put and the Dems are left flat-footed for 2007.
Actually, I think Democrats will wish after the November elections they had been able to find some candidates named "Generic Democrat." And Rep. Chandler still won't run for Governor.
Later Filing Date, Less Corruption
Rep. William "Cash in My Freezer" Jefferson (D-LA) faces 12 opponents in his bid for re-election. Last Friday was the filing deadline, so there won't be any more. If his state's filing deadline were in January like it is in Kentucky, he would likely have no opponent.
To clean up the mess in Kentucky, we need to move the filing deadline for elections in the state.
To clean up the mess in Kentucky, we need to move the filing deadline for elections in the state.
'06 Will Be The Epic Battle
Political types keep saying we need to stop letting the 2007 statewide races distract from the Congressional, General Assembly, and local races happening this year.
There is no chance of that happening. "I'm concentrating on the 2006 elections" is code for "Don't ask me any hard questions about next year's Governor's race." But the aftershocks of 2006 will still be felt well into the 2007 election season. And then we start on 2008.
Speaking of 2008, here is one for John McCain.
There is no chance of that happening. "I'm concentrating on the 2006 elections" is code for "Don't ask me any hard questions about next year's Governor's race." But the aftershocks of 2006 will still be felt well into the 2007 election season. And then we start on 2008.
Speaking of 2008, here is one for John McCain.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Here Come The 2007 Dems
Steve Henry is set to announce tomorrow his choice of a running mate: state Treasurer Jonathan Miller.
Jerry Lundergan As Sandy Berger
Remember when former Clintonista Sandy Berger got caught sneaking classified documents in his socks? I thought Jerry Lundergan might be doing the same thing when I read this story in which he contradicted media reports and his own campaign finance filings to claim KDP is doing well financially.
The question is, where is he hiding the money?
The question is, where is he hiding the money?
Time To Apologize To Larry Forgy
Larry Forgy had a bad day yesterday.
In addition to losing the vote for a seat on the Kentucky Republican Party Executive Committee -- which should be a given for a former gubernatorial nominee -- he got slandered in the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Letter writer Kurt Volk of Lexington said "Remember Larry Forgy, who kept almost $1 million in campaign funds after pulling out?"
This never happened. Kurt Volk of Lexington is making stuff up to attack Republicans. The Herald-Leader should apologize for printing this.
In addition to losing the vote for a seat on the Kentucky Republican Party Executive Committee -- which should be a given for a former gubernatorial nominee -- he got slandered in the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Letter writer Kurt Volk of Lexington said "Remember Larry Forgy, who kept almost $1 million in campaign funds after pulling out?"
This never happened. Kurt Volk of Lexington is making stuff up to attack Republicans. The Herald-Leader should apologize for printing this.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Mark Twain On Fletcher/Pence
Rumors of Steve Pence's political demise have been greatly exaggerated.
Lucas First Dem To Get 'Liebermanned'
SurveyUSA.com reports Republican Rep. Geoff Davis leading Democrat challenger Ken Lucas in their latest poll.
If the widely anticipated Dem takeover of Congress is turned back this November, the post-mortem on the election will be very interesting. And it will have a lot to do with the lack of new ideas on the Democrat side. But also, Republican supporters are going to have long talks with their elected representatives. Being better than Democrats is one thing, but simply taking that for granted and continuing the spending orgy is a terrible disservice to our nation.
If the widely anticipated Dem takeover of Congress is turned back this November, the post-mortem on the election will be very interesting. And it will have a lot to do with the lack of new ideas on the Democrat side. But also, Republican supporters are going to have long talks with their elected representatives. Being better than Democrats is one thing, but simply taking that for granted and continuing the spending orgy is a terrible disservice to our nation.
Saturday Morning Violence
Hey, who needs cartoons? This morning at RPK Headquarters the state Executive Committee will witness a battle of surrogates for Governor Ernie Fletcher and Senator Mitch McConnell.
Larry Forgy and Steve Pence's Chief of Staff Steve Huffman are both vying for an open at-large seat on the committee.
The last time Larry fought a battle there in February of 2004, he was successful with the backing of Senator McConnell.
The environment has changed a little since then.
Larry Forgy and Steve Pence's Chief of Staff Steve Huffman are both vying for an open at-large seat on the committee.
The last time Larry fought a battle there in February of 2004, he was successful with the backing of Senator McConnell.
The environment has changed a little since then.
Friday, August 11, 2006
GOP 2007 Fight Begins
Billy Harper has his running mate.
Dick Wilson of Paducah has signed on with Harper to run as a slate against Ernie Fletcher.
Dick Wilson of Paducah has signed on with Harper to run as a slate against Ernie Fletcher.
More Gubernatorial Intrigue
Sources report Rep. Lonnie Napier will be among the growing crowd of Trey Grayson supporters at the Louisville fundraiser tonight.
Please, No Exoneration Pep Rallies
Now that Governor Fletcher can't be charged in the merit hiring case, he should go to Louisville tonight to support his Secretary of State.
Hubbard: "Confused" About Civil Unions
Convicted felon state Senate candidate Carroll Hubbard told Project Vote Smart he opposes same-sex civil unions.
Then he inexplicably attacks an entire region of the state like this:
"Civil unions between same-sex couples - the public needs educated as to what this includes. Most western Kentuckians are opposed to same-sex marriage but are confused as to civil unions between same-sex couples."
You want to try that again, Carroll?
Then he inexplicably attacks an entire region of the state like this:
"Civil unions between same-sex couples - the public needs educated as to what this includes. Most western Kentuckians are opposed to same-sex marriage but are confused as to civil unions between same-sex couples."
You want to try that again, Carroll?
Thursday, August 10, 2006
The Next Big Thing In Frankfort
Kentucky's General Assembly passed an unconstitutional budget this year.
Some pretty high profile people are about to break their silence on this, too.
Here is some background info, courtesy of the Bluegrass Institute.
Some pretty high profile people are about to break their silence on this, too.
Here is some background info, courtesy of the Bluegrass Institute.
More Good News For America
Now that the United States has unilaterally -- with England and Pakistan -- violated the civil rights of two dozen more Islamic freedom fighters actively seeking to kill Americans, Democrats look pretty silly thinking they can win elections on raising the minimum wage and surrendering the war.
McCain Coming To Kentucky
Senator John McCain (R-AZ) will speak at a fundraiser for the KY Senate Republican Trust on Monday September 25, 2006.
Memo to Hillary Clinton: he will be leaving the proceeds here to benefit Kentuckians.
Memo to Hillary Clinton: he will be leaving the proceeds here to benefit Kentuckians.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Little Birdy Report: KY GOV 2007
Spotted together at the Lexington Bluegrass Airport this afternoon were Paducah businessman Billy Harper and State Rep. Lonnie Napier (R-Lancaster).
The 7% Destruction Of Democrats
Understanding the gap between perception and reality is pretty important when it comes to public policy, especially when we are at war.
Enter Harry Reid and Chucky Schumer. In a joint statement, they said "The perception was that (Lieberman) was too close to George Bush and this was, in many respects, a referendum on the president more than anything else."
That might be interesting, but in reality today they are turning the Democratic Party into the war protesting party based on yesterday's vote of slightly more than 7% of the registered voters in the state of Connecticut.
Enter Harry Reid and Chucky Schumer. In a joint statement, they said "The perception was that (Lieberman) was too close to George Bush and this was, in many respects, a referendum on the president more than anything else."
That might be interesting, but in reality today they are turning the Democratic Party into the war protesting party based on yesterday's vote of slightly more than 7% of the registered voters in the state of Connecticut.
Affording Enviro-Fascists Here At Home
Now that British Petroleum's screw-up is going to cut oil supply (and raise gas prices) we must take another look at Alaska.
Fletcher Campaign Imploding Over Grayson
Two sites (here and here)have picked up yesterday's Kentucky Progress story about Fletcher campaign people trying to shut down a Trey Grayson fundraiser. (How about a link, boys?)
This story is developing rapidly and sources have suggested a bombshell announcement may be coming this afternoon related to this story.
This wound is self-inflicted, guys.
This story is developing rapidly and sources have suggested a bombshell announcement may be coming this afternoon related to this story.
This wound is self-inflicted, guys.
Kathy Stein Lies For ACLU
The internet makes it much more difficult for moonbats to do this stuff.
Rep. Kathy Stein is on the Sue Wylie Show this morning denying that the ACLU ever represented the pro-pedophile group North American Man/Boy Love Association.
Gotcha.
Rep. Kathy Stein is on the Sue Wylie Show this morning denying that the ACLU ever represented the pro-pedophile group North American Man/Boy Love Association.
Gotcha.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Lieberman Loses
There has been and will continue to be massive speculation over what Ned Lamont's primary victory over Sen. Lieberman means.
I don't think it matters much. Sure, the Daily Kos boys finally won one, sort of. It was a primary and Lieberman will win the general as an independent.
Other than a few big Dems falling over themselves about who to support, there is nothing to see here. Move along...
I don't think it matters much. Sure, the Daily Kos boys finally won one, sort of. It was a primary and Lieberman will win the general as an independent.
Other than a few big Dems falling over themselves about who to support, there is nothing to see here. Move along...
Final Meltdown For McKinney
Wildwoman Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) is going down to defeat tonight. Her last statement on her campaign website isn't quite as bizarre as some of her other behavior on Capitol Hill, but is noteworthy nonetheless.
Here she says that her opponent Hank Johnson is lying about her just sponsoring one bill that was passed in Congress. Then she unleashes a 1000 word essay in which she admits that Johnson was right. Her best excuse includes something about getting lost in traffic.
And no, I'm not kidding about that one. Goodbye Cynthia.
Here she says that her opponent Hank Johnson is lying about her just sponsoring one bill that was passed in Congress. Then she unleashes a 1000 word essay in which she admits that Johnson was right. Her best excuse includes something about getting lost in traffic.
And no, I'm not kidding about that one. Goodbye Cynthia.
Can't Make This Stuff Up
When asked to comment on Trey Grayson, Governor Ernie Fletcher said "he's been described as a rising star. I hope he's not a shooting star."
Good grief.
Now I am hearing from invitees to a Louisville fundraiser for Grayson this Friday. They say Fletcher supporters are telling them not to go and and not to support Grayson.
A very large crowd is anticipated at the event.
Good grief.
Now I am hearing from invitees to a Louisville fundraiser for Grayson this Friday. They say Fletcher supporters are telling them not to go and and not to support Grayson.
A very large crowd is anticipated at the event.
Hey Guido, Those Creeps Are Stealing Our Money!
Best letter to the editor of the day from Conrad Reynolds of Louisville. Followed by some BBB drone suggesting that those stealing from casinos should obey the 8th commandment.
I thought that was funny.
Also funny is the fact this is responsible gambling week or some such nonsense over at the American Gaming Association. "Be Responsible. Get Educated" is their sage advice.
Someone should ask New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine for his take on that one, as he is getting what amounts to a third kick from the proverbial mule as his state has repeatedly squandered all the money from their glorious casinos.
I thought that was funny.
Also funny is the fact this is responsible gambling week or some such nonsense over at the American Gaming Association. "Be Responsible. Get Educated" is their sage advice.
Someone should ask New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine for his take on that one, as he is getting what amounts to a third kick from the proverbial mule as his state has repeatedly squandered all the money from their glorious casinos.
Ben Chandler Is Out Of '07 Race
Steve Pence is running for something. Not sure exactly what, but he looks like someone getting ready to launch a campaign. Despite conventional wisdom, Trey Grayson looks like he really is running -- and not for Secretary of State. In fact, he doesn't seem to be auditioning for a role as someone else's LG either.
For the D's, Ben Chandler is NOT running for Governor. I'll stipulate for argument's sake that if he runs, he wins. But that means nine years of serious lifestyle change and I don't think he goes there. Ben laughed off a suggestion he might run for President yesterday on Lexington radio, saying Presidents age 20 years in four. A Kentucky Governor in today's environment may not pack on years at that rate, but he would do so at a faster rate than a Congressman does.
For the D's, Ben Chandler is NOT running for Governor. I'll stipulate for argument's sake that if he runs, he wins. But that means nine years of serious lifestyle change and I don't think he goes there. Ben laughed off a suggestion he might run for President yesterday on Lexington radio, saying Presidents age 20 years in four. A Kentucky Governor in today's environment may not pack on years at that rate, but he would do so at a faster rate than a Congressman does.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Who Is In Charge Here?
Democrats keep talking about how bad things are with Republicans in control of Congress. But the numbers that don't lie show voting blocks of loyal Democrats combined with liberal Republicans putting the Left in charge on most key issues already.
Again, the "throw the bums out" sentiment should hit some deserving Republicans, but giving Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi more power isn't the best way to create positive change.
John Fund nails it in the Wall Street Journal.
Again, the "throw the bums out" sentiment should hit some deserving Republicans, but giving Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi more power isn't the best way to create positive change.
John Fund nails it in the Wall Street Journal.
Massaging The Data
Found a Top 10 college list with no connection to sports and -- surprise! -- found the University of Kentucky checking in at number seven.
My first thought was, what the heck, they don't even have domestic partner benefits at UK. How can this possibly be?
But, alas, the story behind the numbers has more to do with U.S. News' poor ranking for our state's flagship university than with anything good.
My first thought was, what the heck, they don't even have domestic partner benefits at UK. How can this possibly be?
But, alas, the story behind the numbers has more to do with U.S. News' poor ranking for our state's flagship university than with anything good.
Inflating Our Way To Prosperity
A caller to the Jack Pattie Show in Lexington this morning asked Congressman Ben Chandler how we address the inflationary impact of a minimum wage tax increase Chandler wants.
His response was a decent political non-answer answer, but it displayed a pitiful grasp of simple economics.
Chandler said "prices have already gone up without the minimum wage going up."
So how exactly is more inflation going to benefit us, then?
His response was a decent political non-answer answer, but it displayed a pitiful grasp of simple economics.
Chandler said "prices have already gone up without the minimum wage going up."
So how exactly is more inflation going to benefit us, then?
Sales Tax Holiday Gains Illusory
This past weekend was a big one for state sales tax holidays.
National Retail Federation spokesman Craig Shearman summed up the fake consumer benefits like this:
"Americans have hated paying taxes going back to the Boston Tea Party, and when they have an opportunity to avoid it, they love it," he said. "The psychological appeal far outweighs the amount of money being saved."
Any day now, Kentucky will be getting a pre-filed bill to institute one of these sales tax holidays. The Christmas-like feeding frenzy traffic is way out of proportion to the amount of actual consumer saving occurring. The hype just doesn't play out to the advantage of consumers.
What's interesting is some states report increased sales tax revenue during sales tax holidays because eager shoppers buy more things that aren't exempt from the tax than they normally would.
Sheep get sheared, as usual.
National Retail Federation spokesman Craig Shearman summed up the fake consumer benefits like this:
"Americans have hated paying taxes going back to the Boston Tea Party, and when they have an opportunity to avoid it, they love it," he said. "The psychological appeal far outweighs the amount of money being saved."
Any day now, Kentucky will be getting a pre-filed bill to institute one of these sales tax holidays. The Christmas-like feeding frenzy traffic is way out of proportion to the amount of actual consumer saving occurring. The hype just doesn't play out to the advantage of consumers.
What's interesting is some states report increased sales tax revenue during sales tax holidays because eager shoppers buy more things that aren't exempt from the tax than they normally would.
Sheep get sheared, as usual.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
500,000 Reasons For Domestic Partner Benefits
The Courier-Journal keeps alive for now their drive to extend state university health benefits to include anyone who can lie on an affadavit.
Actually, they get closer to a strong case by finding a $500,000 a year rainmaker at the University of Wisconsin who took himself and his partner to another school because UW didn't do partner benefits either.
That got my attention.
My concern with extending domestic partner benefits is primarily that single state employees would then be able to sign a piece of paper and obtain coverage for a sick friend taxpayers would wind up paying for. The "step toward gay marriage" stuff doesn't concern me quite as much because private companies are already doing it. Still shouldn't be condoned by the state, but the bigger problem is with the money.
Nevertheless, since General Assembly Democrats will want to avoid another "marriage amendment" fiasco like 2004, legislation to ban this practice will sail through and be signed into law quickly in January.
I have an idea.
Looking at the case of the $500K a year man UW lost, why don't we allow any university employee who brings in grants every year of $500,000 or more to add one person to his or her health plan. Heck, if they bring in a million we might even let them have two. We won't bother with them promising that they love each other or live together or are having sex. If they bring in this much money, they get a freebie. Spare us the details.
The liberals on this will be somewhat appeased, since they make their case that this benefit is critical to getting and keeping valuable people. So the people who more than pull their weight financially can sign up a friend. Social conservatives will be appeased somewhat because the people involved don't pretend to be married to get benefits. If we keep it a purely financial transaction, we have more winners than losers.
This will just make the "homosexuality is a civil right" folks mad, but their alternative is to get nothing.
Actually, they get closer to a strong case by finding a $500,000 a year rainmaker at the University of Wisconsin who took himself and his partner to another school because UW didn't do partner benefits either.
That got my attention.
My concern with extending domestic partner benefits is primarily that single state employees would then be able to sign a piece of paper and obtain coverage for a sick friend taxpayers would wind up paying for. The "step toward gay marriage" stuff doesn't concern me quite as much because private companies are already doing it. Still shouldn't be condoned by the state, but the bigger problem is with the money.
Nevertheless, since General Assembly Democrats will want to avoid another "marriage amendment" fiasco like 2004, legislation to ban this practice will sail through and be signed into law quickly in January.
I have an idea.
Looking at the case of the $500K a year man UW lost, why don't we allow any university employee who brings in grants every year of $500,000 or more to add one person to his or her health plan. Heck, if they bring in a million we might even let them have two. We won't bother with them promising that they love each other or live together or are having sex. If they bring in this much money, they get a freebie. Spare us the details.
The liberals on this will be somewhat appeased, since they make their case that this benefit is critical to getting and keeping valuable people. So the people who more than pull their weight financially can sign up a friend. Social conservatives will be appeased somewhat because the people involved don't pretend to be married to get benefits. If we keep it a purely financial transaction, we have more winners than losers.
This will just make the "homosexuality is a civil right" folks mad, but their alternative is to get nothing.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
News From Fancy Farm
Secretary of State Trey Grayson announced at Fancy Farm he is considering a run for Governor in 2007. This adds a layer of interest to the fundraiser he is headlining on August 31 in Stanford for Barry Metcalf.
Meanwhile, gubernatorial wannabe Steve Henry was talking a little too loudly about his difficulty in finding a running mate. He was also talking up scandal-tarred Sen. Ed Worley as a potential candidate for the top job himself, leading to speculation both that Henry wants Worley to run with him and that he isn't paying enough attention to know Ed's exploits have severely damaged his prospects.
Meanwhile, gubernatorial wannabe Steve Henry was talking a little too loudly about his difficulty in finding a running mate. He was also talking up scandal-tarred Sen. Ed Worley as a potential candidate for the top job himself, leading to speculation both that Henry wants Worley to run with him and that he isn't paying enough attention to know Ed's exploits have severely damaged his prospects.
Courier Journal Proves My Point
The Louisville Courier-Journal printed an editorial today that perfectly underscores the entire purpose for the conservative blogosphere.
Selective dissemination of facts and biased use of terms in the editorial titled Silk-stocking Setback beg for correction. At issue is the minimum wage/estate tax bill Senate Democrats killed this past week.
The Courier repeats the baseless assertion that raising the minimum wage helps the poor, but its frequent repetition renders that one hardly noteworthy anymore.
The big red flag comes with use of the liberal Center on Budget and Policy Priorities as a source on the estate tax issue. The untrained eye might let slip the description of those liberal think tankers as "non-partisan," which is the label the CJ tries to apply to them. These are the same journalists who dismiss The Bluegrass Institute as a "conservative propaganda mill."
When the CJ cites the infamous "several reports" as proof that the estate tax has no impact on small business and farms and then rolls seamlessly into a distortion of the number of affected estates -- based only on year 2009 projections with the higher exemptions that will be gone by 2011.
And businesses placed at risk by this deadly tax affect not just the owners, but their employees as well.
Liberals hang their hats on the fact Americans continue to survive their policies, citing our endurance as proof that the policies aren't as bad as we say they are. But American ingenuity has made our country great despite bureaucratic roadblocks, not because of them. It makes no sense that we spend tax dollars incentivizing some new businesses to grow with one hand and then risk the existence of others because of the death of an owner in the name of collecting tax dollars.
Just another reason to tax consumption rather than income and wealth.
Selective dissemination of facts and biased use of terms in the editorial titled Silk-stocking Setback beg for correction. At issue is the minimum wage/estate tax bill Senate Democrats killed this past week.
The Courier repeats the baseless assertion that raising the minimum wage helps the poor, but its frequent repetition renders that one hardly noteworthy anymore.
The big red flag comes with use of the liberal Center on Budget and Policy Priorities as a source on the estate tax issue. The untrained eye might let slip the description of those liberal think tankers as "non-partisan," which is the label the CJ tries to apply to them. These are the same journalists who dismiss The Bluegrass Institute as a "conservative propaganda mill."
When the CJ cites the infamous "several reports" as proof that the estate tax has no impact on small business and farms and then rolls seamlessly into a distortion of the number of affected estates -- based only on year 2009 projections with the higher exemptions that will be gone by 2011.
And businesses placed at risk by this deadly tax affect not just the owners, but their employees as well.
Liberals hang their hats on the fact Americans continue to survive their policies, citing our endurance as proof that the policies aren't as bad as we say they are. But American ingenuity has made our country great despite bureaucratic roadblocks, not because of them. It makes no sense that we spend tax dollars incentivizing some new businesses to grow with one hand and then risk the existence of others because of the death of an owner in the name of collecting tax dollars.
Just another reason to tax consumption rather than income and wealth.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Big Endorsement For Bill Farmer
State Rep. Bill Farmer (R-Lexington) has an opponent this fall that some liberals just love. Chris Frost is a teacher who wants to raise taxes to spend more money on schools.
But his rhetoric, for some reason, hasn't garnered any credibility for his campaign.
The Kentucky Education Association has just endorsed Rep. Farmer's re-election and sent him a $1000 contribution. If Frost can't get that one, he might as well start spending more time with his family.
But his rhetoric, for some reason, hasn't garnered any credibility for his campaign.
The Kentucky Education Association has just endorsed Rep. Farmer's re-election and sent him a $1000 contribution. If Frost can't get that one, he might as well start spending more time with his family.
Do Some Good: Income Tax Holiday
This weekend, several states are putting on their Sales Tax Holidays. In retail, ten percent discounts are routine for the asking and these marketing stunts -- complete with legislative lobbying and yammering politician support -- provide little of real value to consumers.
You want to do some good? How about an income tax holiday for regular income and commissions? Exempt bonuses, but give the folks a break where it counts.
You want to do some good? How about an income tax holiday for regular income and commissions? Exempt bonuses, but give the folks a break where it counts.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
