As a Black man, I can say that Barack Obama CONTINUES to make me EXTREMELY PROUD!

YES, he does, as I just finished watching the Democratic debate. I suspect now, more than ever, that you are most likely going to have an Obama/Clinton ticket (not Obama/Edwards ticket, as I suspect John Edwards will, probably, be Attorney General under that ticket), and an OBAMA/CLINTON ticket will be a FORMIDABLE one!!

I guess all will depend on who McCain picks as his running mate. If he FOOLISHLY picks Mitt Romney, I (and many like me) shall UNDOUBTEDLY abandon the Republican ticket.

On the national front: AL Qaeda's number 3 man is killed by U. S. strikes.

Watch the video of the analysis.

There are still wars going on that we are involved in, we have to remember.

Governor Beshear delivers homeland security money to Harlan County!

Here's the press release:

Governor Beshear Announces Homeland Security Grant

FRANKFORT, KY (January 31, 2008) – Gov. Steve Beshear today announced a $15,000 U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant to be awarded to Harlan County Fiscal Court. The funds will be used to update the communication infrastructure for local law enforcement officials and first responders. The new equipment will improve the interoperable communication capabilities between eight agencies in the Harlan County area.

"In today’s climate, it is vitally important that all first responders have access to interoperable communications," Beshear said. "This equates to greater safety for those answering the call, and it enhances public safety by providing a more coordinated response."

The grant, administered by the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, is made in partnership with Harlan County officials as they work to complete their county-wide interoperable communication plan. It will ultimately affect more than 20 law enforcement, fire, rescue and emergency management agencies. Once the upgrades are in place, it will also improve ability to access the state-wide mutual aid system.

"Ensuring the safety and security of Kentuckians is one of this office’s top priorities," said Adam Edelen, Executive Director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security. "Effective communication is essential to our public safety personnel to help us prevent crime and respond to emergencies."

Update: 8:44 P. M.: Governor Steve Beshear has drawn the ire of some for using the state airplane for this trip?

Is the criticism FAIR OR UNFAIR?

Governor Steve Beshear makes first judicial appointment.

Here is the press release:

Governor Beshear Appoints District Judge

FRANKFORT, KY (January 31, 2008) – Gov. Steve Beshear has appointed the Honorable John Paul Chappell to the office of District Judge for the 27th Judicial District, Division 2, of Kentucky, serving Knox and Laurel Counties. The vacancy was created when Judge Michael Caperton was elected to the Kentucky Court of Appeals.

Chappell, 37, has been in private practice in London since 1999. He has tried civil and criminal cases in state and federal district courts. Chappell also has presented oral arguments before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Kentucky Supreme Court.

He received his undergraduate degree from Eastern Kentucky University. Chappell then earned his juris doctorate from the University of Kentucky College of Law. He lives in London with his wife, Sherri, and their three children.

This appointment shall serve until the November 4, 2008, general election.

Eastern Kentucky politics.

I received this tip from a reader and thought I post it here in its ENTIRETY. Here it is:

Hi,
> This may be of interest to you given the heated nature of the State
> Senate race in eastern Kentucky between Scott Alexander and Brandon
> Smith. Three names were recently sent up to the Governor to fill the
> vacancy for the district judgeship for the 27th Judicial District
> covering Laurel and Knox Counties. One of the three names sent up was
> John Chappell of London Kentucky. In Wednesday's, Corbin Times Tribune,
> Mr. Chappell is quoted as saying that he received notice from the
> Governor's office that he would be receiving the district judge
> appointment this week. This is interesting given the fact that the same
> Mr. John Chappell contributed $200 dollars to the campaign of Scott
> Alexander on January 19, 2008 according to the KREF (Kentucky Registry
> of Election Finance) website, which was shortly before getting his
> notice of appointment. The Governors office has been promoting Scott
> Alexander heavily in eastern Kentucky and raising money for him.
> Apparently, contributions will also get you a judicial appointment as well. Not only is this wrong but
> illegal. For Mr. Chappell filed to run for the judicial vacancy on
> 12/12/2007 with the Sec. of States Office. Under Kentucky Supreme Court
> Rule 4.300, also known as the Kentucky Code of Judicial Conduct, under
> Canon 5(A)(1)(c) "A judge or a candidate for election to judicial office
> shall not solicit funds for or pay an assessment or make a contribution
> to a political organization or candidate...." In this situation
> candidate Chappell has violated the Code of Judicial Conduct with his
> contribution to Scott Alexander, but also it smells that someone is
> getting a judgeship from the Governor for a contribution to the
> Governor's candidate as this reaks of the old patronage system of giving
> money for a job. Please look into this.

I have already investigated the claims and they appear to be TRUE. Here is a link to the Corbin Times referred to in the email, which, with the SOS office, confirms that indeed Mr. Chappell filed last year to run for the office, and KREF site that confirms the campaign donations. In addition, the Supreme Court rule exists, though it may be of questionable constitutional validity in view of the Carey case.

Any thoughts anyone?

Heeeeee's baaaack!

Ralph Nader is seriously considering running for president. Who loses by his entrance into the race the eventual Democratic nominee or John McCain?

As if the news won't get weirder, Britney Spears has been involuntarily committed to a mental hospital.

I guess one can say: "Oops, she did it again". Only in Hollyweird.

**** BREAKING NEWS *BOMBSHELL*: Chris Thieneman abandons Congressional race, will endorse John Yarmuth. ****

Chris Thieneman, a Republican candidate in Louisville's 3rd Congressional District, said this morning that he's abandoning the race, will switch parties to become a Democrat, and endorse the candidacy of Democratic candidate, Congressman John Yarmuth.

This is TRULY a bombshell, one sure to have reverberations in the Republican Party, which tends to favor Republicans who were once Democrats (like Chris Thieneman, and Mitt Romney) over REAL Republicans.

By contrast, Democrats view Republicans, who become Democrats, with suspicion.

I guess one can say that is what Republicans get and deserve.

Stay tuned for more developments.

Is Bill Clinton Now Inhaling Or Just Stupid?

"We just have to slow down our economy and cut back our greenhouse gas emissions 'cause we have to save the planet for our grandchildren."

Bill Clinton in a Denver speech

Comment: Yea, it makes a lot of sense to slow down our economy when we are headed into a recession. I think Bill is now inhaling.

I wonder if Hillary shares this ludicrous and insane view? Will any of the liberal MSM ask her to comment on this asinine quote during the next debate?

Back to Kentucky: Legislative news.

Senate barely passes domestic partner benefits bill; House passes the worthwhile ethics reform bill; another worthwhile bill is HB 413, introduced in the House, to "sunshine" the legislative budget approval process; and, a Senate panel narrowly passed SB3 -- one of my favorites already discussed here -- to move the filing deadline for elections, in an attempt to keep Legislators honest.

Any thoughts?

Huckabee has Chuck Norris and McCain has Sylvester Stallone, now Obama has "Hulk Hogan".

It is funny how Hollyweird wants to stay engaged in national politics.

What's next, Brittany Spears endorsing Hillary Clinton?

Wanna know how BAD it's gonna get for Mitt" I can flip flop on any issue" Romney?

Well, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to endorse John McCain, thereby handing him California, and starting a domino effect that will engulf Mitt's campaign, and send him into political oblivion.

Wanna know who else is endorsing McCain? Keep a daily check here.

REMEMBER: Don't wear that Mitt!

As for Rudy Giuliani, former New York Mayor, Ed. Koch, proclaimed that the "Beast is dead". Ouch.

As predicted here, Rudy "9/11" Giuliani drops out of presidential race and endorses John McCain.

Read about my prediction and the news. Bye bye Mitt "I can flip flop on any issue" Romney.

I told you all NOT to wear that Mitt!

John Edwards is officially out, keeps mum on endorsement.

John Edwards has made his abandoning the presidential race official. While he did not immediately endorse any candidate, I suspect he will end up endorsing Obama, possibly with a Veep candidate tit for tat.

What think ye?

With filing deadline for legislative races over, expect Legislators to introduce controversial bills. Be watchful & let us know if you hear of any.

That way we can keep them HONEST.

BTW, remember to do everything you can to help pass SB3, Senator David Williams' bill to extend the filing deadline for legislative races, so that the Legislators will have to "show their hands" to the voters well before they know if they'll have opposition.

Vending Cannabis.

Only in California.

Obama's new ad.

"Shenanigans" or a need for "new blood"?

The surprise retirement, and the immediate withdrawal of the candidacy of, Congressman Ron Lewis, and the immediate filing for the seat by his chief of staff, Daniel London, all done at the "blink of an eye" by Daniel's wife, in the final waning moments of the Tuesday's filing deadline, has drawn the ire of some Republicans, forcing Ron Lewis to explain himself.

Lewis' explanation of the need for "new blood" and that he "didn't make the decision until the very end," did NOT prevent an accusation of political "shenanigans" which "are rarely rewarded and, in the end."

Senator Mitch McConnell was said to be miffed at the turn of events, stating that "I am sorry my friend Ron Lewis chose not to continue his public service. However, I am delighted to learn that Senator Brett Guthrie has thrown his hat in the ring and I look forward to a spirited race."

Mitch McConnell's tacit support was of course directed to my state senator, Republican state Sen. Brett Guthrie, who is described as an "A-list candidate", and is said to have caught wind over the weekend of Lewis' possible retirement, which prompted him to also file -- at the last moment.

News of the McConnell statement had Lewis stating that "Senator (McConnell) can make choices about what he wants to do, but I would think with his own election, he probably wouldn't want to create any divisions in November."

Whether or not one agrees with the "shenanigan" label or a need for "new blood", I would suggest to Ron Lewis that it's already too late to prevent "any divisions in November", with Ron Lewis openly supporting his chief of staff, Daniel London, and others, including Senator Mitch McConnell, tacitly supporting Brett Guthrie.

Steve Beshear presents his budget, and we wonder what happened to Fletcher's $700 million "surplus". Where's Houdini when you need him?

After listening to Governor Steve Beshear's state of the state address on January 14th, comparing it to Fletcher's of February last year, and listening to Beshear's budget speech tonight, you can say that inquiring minds like me, want to know the mystery behind the vanishing "surplus" of $657 million -- (click on the image above to enlarge it and read what I'm talking about) -- that appear to have vanished into thin air.

Did we get "hood-winked" as that "Wascally Wabbitt", Bugs Bunny, will say, or did we get "slickered", as that fictional HillBilly, Jed Clampett -- yep, the same one "who barely kept his family fed" -- will say?

Where, oh where, is Harry Houdini when you need him, to help us figure out this "illusion"?


For additional reading on the topic, check out this nugget from Governor Steve Beshear's state of the state address:

"We are facing nothing short of a budgetary crisis for the coming biennium," a BIG "... shortfall [of] approximately $434 million."

Listen to the audio; watch the video of Beshear addressing the "shortfall"; read the Medicaid "surplus" which "Whistled" away; the it was all "hocus pocus"; and the budget speech referred to above.

If anyone can figure all of this out, please let the rest of us know.

Meanwhile, we are encouraged by, and are "banking" on, these words from Governor Steve Beshear in his state of the state address:

"Although the construction and evolution of this problem occurred before I was elected, it is my job to solve it. We’re setting about to do exactly that."

President Bush talks about his past alcohol addition.

GET HIM, MITCH!

I don't think most people have any idea just what a crook Bruce Lunsford is or what a rip-off Vencor was. But after Mitch McConnell spends about $25 million on TV explaining it all, even Steve Beshear won't want to be seen with him.

What is it with these characters anyway? Lunsford should have gone to jail, but didn't, now flaunts his ill-gotten wealth at the race track and in the middle of statewide elections. He's almost Clintonian in his lack of contrition, and will richly deserve the video evisceration he is in for.

Dont't pull any punches, Mitch, this guy really has it coming.

As expected here, Mitt "I'll flip flop on any issue" Romney couldn't buy Florida, as John McCain PREVAILS.

After outspending John McCain by nearly 10 to one, Mitt "I'll flip flop on any issue" Romney couldn't buy Florida.

Rudy "9/11" couldn't scare up enough votes either, now we are expecting him to drop out and endorse John McCain.

AFTERWARDS, we can expect Mitt Romney to spend some more millions, all to no avail.

On to Super Tuesday for John McCain.

Update: CBS is reporting that Rudy Giuliani will drop out and endorse John McCain.

Al Sharpton advises Bill Clinton to "shut up". Many of us wish he'd take his own advise.

Steve Beshear releases statement on Bruce Lunsford's candidacy; also a new parks commissioner is named.

Here it is:

In response to media requests, please find below a statement from Governor Steve Beshear in regards to the filing
by Bruce Lunsford for US Senate.

"Last December, before any of the other Democratic candidates had decided to run, I called Bruce and asked him to consider running for the U.S. Senate. I felt that he had name recognition, the financial resources and the ability to appeal to a large cross-section of Kentuckians, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike, all of which would make him an exceptionally strong candidate. The other candidates may be able to develop those attributes, and I wish them well."

"While I am not endorsing any candidate in the Democratic Primary for the U.S. Senate at this time, I am pleased that Bruce has agreed to throw his hat into the ring."

Any thoughts?

Also, a new parks commissioner is named. Here's the news release:

Gerry van der Meer Named Commissioner of Kentucky State Parks

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Commerce Secretary Marcheta Sparrow announced today that hotel management veteran Gerry van der Meer will serve as the commissioner for the Kentucky Department of Parks.

The new commissioner most recently served as general manager of the Crowne Plaza Campbell House Inn in Lexington and was also general manager of the Hilton Suites of Lexington Green. Before coming to Lexington in 1991, he worked in management positions for hotels in Colorado and Massachusetts during his 35-year career in the hospitality industry.

Van der Meer has been active in several civic organizations in Lexington, including the United Way and Rotary, and is chairman of the board for the YMCA of Central Kentucky. He received the Garner B. Hamson Hotelier of the Year Award in 2003 from the Kentucky Hotel Lodging Association.

“The Kentucky State Parks expose us to the wonders of the outdoors,” van der Meer said. “I really believe they are treasures in our own backyard.”

Sparrow said she was honored that van der Meer agreed to become parks commissioner. “He is a consummate professional and highly respected by Kentucky’s hospitality industry. We are extremely fortunate to have him as part of our team,” she said.

The Kentucky State Park system in made up of 52 parks and historic sites and include 17 state resort parks.

BREAKING NEWS: Congressman Ron Lewis has retired!

First District Congressman has retired and will NOT file papers for his re-election. He is replaced on the ballot by his Chief of Staff, Daniel London, and my state Senator, Brett Guthrie.

Read about it here and stay tuned for further developments.

Until then, I wonder what brought about this "sudden" decision to retire, UNLESS it was planned all along to CURTAIL interest!

Congressional races shape up, Hal Rogers is the ONLY one to escape opposition!

Go here to see who has filed. In a nutshell, in the first district Ed Whitfield has drawn TOKEN Democratic opposition; in the second, Ron Lewis has drawn Republican challenger, as Reid Haire and David Boswell battle for the Democratic nod; in the third (Louisville), Anne Northup is facing 3 (count them, three) challengers for the right to face John Yarmuth; in the fourth, Goeff Davis has drawn the attention of three Republican challengers; and in the fifth, Hal Rogers stands unopposed, while Ben Chandler in the sixth is unopposed in the democratic primary, as two Republicans vie to oppose him!

Every Democrat is running against Mitch McConnell, including Bruce "money bags" Lunsford. They MUST love pain and can't wait to feel the "Boulder"!

After the line up of Democrats beat up on each other and Bruce is left standing, I can't wait to see what's left of him after Mitch unleashes the "BOULDER".

You BETTER Stick with Mitch.

Today is Florida's primary, and Rudy "9/11" Giuliani's political last stand. Next up, Mitt "I'll flip flop on any issue" Romney.

Bye bye Rudy. We hardly knew you in this campaign.

Where has the "State of the Union" George Bush being all these years?

I watched Bush's speech tonight and I have wondered where the Bush, who gave the "State of the Union" speech tonight being all these years?

The arrogance was gone; so was all that bravado; in fact, he sounded more presidential to me and less confrontational than previous years. maybe, the reality has hit him and he decided to try and shoot for a legacy.

I loved the Bush I saw and heard tonight. How about you?

Kansas Governor, Kathleen Sebelius, who will endorse Obama any day now, gave a good speech, listen here or here, seeking end of partisanship and gridlock.

All of this made me want to ask everyone to hold hands so we can sing KUMBAYA!

"Political Prophetess" Anne Northup seeks her Congressional seat back. This blog will stay neutral in the primary, but our love is for Anne.

Yep, we make no bones about it. Anne Northup gets our love.

And with Rudy "9/11" Giuliani dropping out of the presidential race, after a DISSAPOINTING fourth place finish in Florida, she should be freed (thank God Almighty) to devote her time to running for Congress.

Sorry for the s-l-o-w post; I have been out of pocket. Here we go: The answer to my riddle about Brandon Smith was supplied by Naphilem, and it is ...

... (drum roll, please), Brandon Smith is a sharp dressed man.

Here's the riddle.

Congratulations to Naphilem who supplied the answer.

Naphilem: You MUST be smart, and also a ZZ Top fan!

Economy and Iraq LOOM, as President Bush delivers his last State of the Union address tonight.

Read some of the highlights. I will be updating the post later.

(BTW, John McCain has indicated he will skip the President's speech.)

Meanwhile, speaking of Iraq, hear what Saddam Hussein did with the WMDS and other issues:

Words to live by.

"I will venture to assert that no combination of designing men
under heaven will be capable of making a government unpopular
which is in its principles a wise and good one, and vigorous in
its operations."

-- Alexander Hamilton (speech to the New York Ratifying Convention,
June 1788)

Reference: The Works of Alexander Hamilton, Henry Cabot Lodge,
ed., II, 29.

Senator Ted Kennedy will endorse Barack Obama tomorrow. Bye bye "Slick Hillary"?

Read the news story.

It sounds like more and more Democrats are figuring out the REAL "Slick" Bill and Hill.

Cheney backs Romney. No surprise there. Good news for Romney if you like the Cheneys. Bad news for him if you don't.

Read about it here.

You know where I stand.

February 5th special elections pit Smith against Alexander for Mongiardo's seat; Brown against Stumbo; and, Wilson against Coursey.

Democrat Scott Alexander (pictured on the left with Governor Steve Beshear) and Republican Brandon Smith (pictured on the right with U. S. Congressman, Hal Rogers), will vie for Lt. Governor Daniel Mongiardo's seat in the 30th district.
Read about the Democrats, and the Republicans.

The elections will make for interesting commentary come Tuesday night. If Brandon Smith wins, it shows that the gubernatorial elections were about Fletcher. Otherwise, Democrats have made some significant gains from the past elections.

The other races will also help decide the Fletcher issue, but not as much as the Smith Alexander race.

One side note about Brandon Smith: he reminds me of the musical group, the ZZ Top. Anyone who guesses correctly why will receive an honorary mention and post. So let's have fun guys -- and girls.

Thought provoking, isn't it?

Isn't it?

Talking about Obama, he sure beat up on "Slick Will" and "Slick Bill" and their SHAMEFUL race baiting!

That ought to teach those two Slicksters, especially with Obama winning across demographic lines.

Speaking of endorsements, Caroline Kennedy has endorsed Barack Obama -- "a president like my father". S-W-E-E-T!

Read about "a president like my father".

Even REAL Democrats are NOT too crazy about "Slick Hill" and "Slick Bill".

Speaking of Florida, and particularly for those of you who SHOULD be keeping count, count Florida Governor Charlie Crist's endorsement of John McCain.

Read about it here.
Bye-bye Rudy.

Next up, Mitt Romney. So don't wear that Mitt!

Come Tuesday, we won't have Rudy "9/11" Giuliani to kick around anymore!

Yep. Next Tuesday is Rudy's lat stand in Florida.

Turn signal shines spotlight on Beshear administration.

The story of the turn signal has shined the spotlight on the young Beshear administration, even to the extent of drawing a rare sort of rebuke from the liberal Herald Leader, that is normally forgiven of Democratic actions, foibles and all.

As the newspaper stated, while urging the administration to "send the right signal" and " ... end the spoils system":

Gov. Steve Beshear spoke about trust in his inaugural address, first quoting Henry Clay: "Government is a trust, and the officers of the government are trustees. And both the trust and the trustees are created for the benefit of the people."

Beshear went on to say in his own words, "We need to get our own house in order before we can be trusted to do the people's business."

He was absolutely right.

That's why the newly installed left-turn signal close to the home of Beshear's Transportation Cabinet secretary is a problem.

So while the amount in question may be small compared to other more questionable government expenditures, this outcry over the turn signal must serve to continuously remind the Beshear administration that it is under the people's (or, at least, the press') microscope, so to speak.

The BETTER "stimulus package": BETTER full disclosure.

A NEED FOR BETTER FULL DISCLOSURE.

NORTHUP V. THIENEMAN

I happened to see Ann Northup today and she was not shy about saying she was still leaning toward jumping in the 3rd District race. I also talked to Chris Thieneman earlier this week and it struck me how both of them size up the race pretty much the same way.

First, they both see Yarmuth as vulnerable. The Democratic Congress has greatly dissappointed even a lot of die hard supporters. In a Red State swing district, Yarmuth may be seen as a "one-term" wonder by the voters come November, especially if Hillary Clinton has to write off Kentucky early.

Second, fundraising will be difficult for any non-incumbent, but the public interest and earned media of a Northup/Thieneman primary may be significant, and should give them a chance to engage the voters earlier in the year.

And third, they both thought the primary would be run in a positive way and the winner can come out of the May primary with a lot of momentum.

Republicans in Louisville usually don't have county-wide primaries of two strong candidates. But it may be an energizing event inside the party and 2008 promises to be anything but an ordinary year.

More endorsements for John McCain, including many former FredHeads, and now Former U. S. Senator and GOP National Chair, Mel Martinez, joins.

Check the endorsement news here and daily updates here.

Person for the week: Fred Thompson.

The person for the week is none other than Fred Thompson. Enough said, or more like a lot needs to be left unsaid.

Is this the beginning of the end of bi-partisanship in Kentucky?

Well, is it?

Texting the mayor.

Texting, texting!

Bob Heleringer makes state senate run official.

Former state Rep. (R-Louisville), and former Lt. Governor candidate for Steve Nunn's gubernatorial race, Bob Heleringer, has filed to run for the state Senate. Bob will take on current state Senator, Tim Shaughnessy (D-Louisville).

I do not know much about that particular district in Louisville, but I do know that Bob Heleringer will run a very HARD campaign, and he's extremely smart to boot.

I also know that Tim was the only Senator (if my memory serves me right) who rose to defend Lt. Governor, Steve Pence, when state Senator, Julian Carroll, took the senate floor -- on two separate occasions -- to denounce him for NOT siding with Fletcher.

Are there any thoughts from those of you with "an ear to the ground" in Louisville?

The NYT Kiss Of Death For McCain!

Excerpt from today's NYT:

We have strong disagreements with all the Republicans running for president. The leading candidates have no plan for getting American troops out of Iraq. They are too wedded to discredited economic theories and unwilling even now to break with the legacy of President Bush. We disagree with them strongly on what makes a good Supreme Court justice.

Still, there is a choice to be made, and it is an easy one. Senator John McCain of Arizona is the only Republican who promises to end the George Bush style of governing from and on behalf of a small, angry fringe. With a record of working across the aisle to develop sound bipartisan legislation, he would offer a choice to a broader range of Americans than the rest of the Republican field.

Comment: When the NYT says McCain has "a record of working across the aisle to develop sound bipartisan legislation" it means he has sided with Teddy Kennedy more than with his fellow Republicans on issues important to conservatives!

PRIMARY PACE PICKS UP

Next Tuesday's GOP primary in Florida may just decide the whole shooting match. Big Mo' is everything, as we go to super-duper Tuesday, and no candidate has the money to be on TV in all those states. If you are the front-runner coming out of Florida, it's likely all those juicy winner- take-all primary delegates start falling in your lap.

South Carolina, as I thought, has already shaken it down to two, McCain and Romney, although McCain could have put it away already, by beating Romney in Michigan. His personal money and organizational skills have kept him in the race thus far.

McCain is the media darling again and establishment money and support is ebbing to him. Talk radio is for Romney. Interestingly, Gov. Jeb Bush is strongly backing in Romney, whereas most of the Bushies had bet on Giuliani. Is Jeb the X factor in all-important Florida?

A McCain win in Florida, even by bit, would seem to seal the deal. A Romney win, even by lot, may leave him with more work to do, but again, Big Mo' is everything. The more I look at this, in any event, I dont see the GOP race going past March. We should know which one by then.

The Dems have a different situation, with all those "super delegates" and proportional primaries. It may not be mathematically possible to have a guaranteed winner before the convention vote. Until then, we can be both appalled and entertained, as the Clinton crime family plays out every dirty trick they know. Certainly Obama should have known better on the openings he leaves Hillary. Musing philosophically about Ronald Reagan in the middle of a primary? (Even though Hillary has said much the same thing)

The thing about most Democrats is they are embarrassed about the Clintons, and will walk away from them, if only it can be done quietly. Hillary's strategy is to refight the 1990s, and make the primary voters as uncomfortable as possible, so they can't quit the Clintons so easily. That may work to win the nomination, but should leave everyone else with a mighty sour feeling in November. Who would want another 4 years of such people?

The New York Times endorses John McCain ... and Hillary Clinton.

Here's McCain's endorsement; here's Hillary Clinton's "Mrs. Clinton is more qualified, right now, to be president" endorsement..

As to why the newspaper is NOT backing the other Republican candidates, here's an excerpt from the endorsement:

The real Mr. Giuliani, whom many New Yorkers came to know and mistrust, is a narrow, obsessively secretive, vindictive man who saw no need to limit police power. Racial polarization was as much a legacy of his tenure as the rebirth of Times Square.

Mr. Giuliani’s arrogance and bad judgment are breathtaking. When he claims fiscal prudence, we remember how he ran through surpluses without a thought to the inevitable downturn and bequeathed huge deficits to his successor. He fired Police Commissioner William Bratton, the architect of the drop in crime, because he couldn’t share the limelight. He later gave the job to Bernard Kerik, who has now been indicted on fraud and corruption charges.

The Rudolph Giuliani of 2008 first shamelessly turned the horror of 9/11 into a lucrative business, with a secret client list, then exploited his city’s and the country’s nightmare to promote his presidential campaign.

The other candidates offer no better choices.

Mitt Romney’s shape-shifting rivals that of Mr. Giuliani. It is hard to find an issue on which he has not repositioned himself to the right since he was governor of Massachusetts. It is impossible to figure out where he stands or where he would lead the country.

Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas, is an affable, reassuring Baptist minister who talks about a softer Christian conservativism. His policies tell the real story. To attract Republican primary voters, he has become an anti-immigrant absolutist. His insertion of religion into the race, herding Mr. Romney into a defense of his beliefs, disqualified him for the Oval Office.

I CANNOT say I disagree with the Times on the Republican field, and I CANNOT say I agree with them on their choice of Hillary.

Any thoughts?

Like Santa Claus in January, Congress set to hand out money, money, money -- it's called "stimulus package"! Elections must be coming up!!

Read about it here.

I believe it is too little too late, but like many people I do NOT plan on sending my $600.00 back.

Nonetheless, I want to know why there is no outrage from people who believe the market should be free of government intervention -- I suspect they are all planning what to do with their checks.

I also want to know why government took our money (that they are now giving back to us) in the first place?

Dennis Kucinich, long ignored by ALL, exits presidential race.

Yep. I had forgotten he was still in it until mentioned in this piece.

General Norman Schwarzkopf Endorses John McCain For President.

General Norman Schwarzkopf has endorsed John McCain For President. By doing so, he joins more than 100 Admirals and Generals who have so far done so. You can view the other growing list of supporters and newspaper endorsements.

For many of you wondering, I am waiting to see who Fred Thompson will support (hopefully, it will be someone who will offer him the Veep post) before jumping in. I am hopeful it will be John McCain!

Update: Huckabee has his Chuck Norris, now McCain has his Sylvester Stallone. Yo!

Blog postings and other information.

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Thanks for reading.

And speaking of New York, here's another reason Rudy "9/11" Giuliani is BAD for us.

Read it here.

New York Observer newspaper endorses Obama, rejects "Slick Hillary".

Here's an excerpt:

The stakes have rarely been higher in a presidential election. The question is not if there will be change in American leadership, but what kind.

And the change that is being offered has a focus and intelligence that is kindred to the best American traditions. It is embodied by one candidate in the Democratic Party who is offering a reinvigorated America: Senator Barack Obama.

The New York Observer urges New York Democrats to support Mr. Obama in the state’s presidential primary on Feb. 5.

Please read on here.

Be careful if he calls you a friend!

Yep. Oh yea, and don't let him fool ya.

Who let her in the room?

From Pol Watchers:

Joan Rich, 62, said she moved to Woodford County from Lexington several years ago to escape the city’s influx of Hispanic immigrants, many of whom arrive illegally, carry diseases, drive drunk and drain the welfare system, she said.

The thoroughbred horse industry, in which Rich works, has pushed aside American laborers in favor of illegal immigrants who do a shabbier job for cheaper wages, she said.

"Believe me, it’s an invasion, folks," Rich told the panel. "Here’s how it works: You come here, you get on every welfare and supplemental program you can, and then the money you make, you send back to your home country because the American taxpayers are paying for you to stay here."

M question?: Who let her in the room?

Judge, ordered to offer bail to fen-phen lawyers, requests $102 million -- in CASH!

Read about it here.

Whether or not the request is constitutional, I wonder if the lawyers will come up with that much CASH.

Inquiring minds want to know. Don't you?

Nothing new here -- right?

Right?

"Slick Willy" is back, and helping "Slick Hillary".

"Slick Willy" is back, and is helping his wife, "Slick Hillary".

Mitch McConnell Sets Tone & Agenda For 2008 Senate

In an op-ed printed in Human Events today, Senator Mitch McConnell laid the groundwork for the work to be done in the Senate this year.

He commented briefly on last year's events, the Democrats' inability to do what they wanted to do last year, and how they tried to exclude Republicans from the legislative process. Then he said:

"As we move into 2008, the problems we face are big, they're real, and they're urgent. And Americans expect competence, cooperation, and results. It's in our power to deliver. And it's in everyone's interests that we do."

He wrote about military goals, FISA, empowering individuals, "promoting research into new treatments and cures," "investing in new information technology," "letting small businesses pool resources to get the same deals from insurers that big businesses do," confirming circuit court judge nominees, and a couple of other things.

McConnell:

These goals have a common theme: protecting and strengthening America. It's a theme that can and should guide us this year in everything we do.

And, up next Bruce "money bags" Lunsford?

(Hat tip: Page One). Stick with Mitch.

And, a heckler heckles her way out of a job. Stick with Mitch.

Stick with Mitch.

Back in Kentucky, a woman first.

Here is the news release:

Governor Beshear Taps First Woman to Head State Corrections Department

Kentucky Native LaDonna Thompson is 18-year Veteran of DOC

FRANKFORT, KY (January 22, 2008) – Gov. Steve Beshear today named LaDonna Thompson as Kentucky’s Corrections Commissioner, marking the first time a woman has been tapped to head the state’s Department of Corrections.

"Commissioner Thompson has dedicated her career to the Department of Corrections. I am confident that her training and experience have prepared her well for this important post and given her a keen understanding of the issues and needs facing the department," Gov. Beshear said.

Thompson, 45, has spent the last two and a half years as Deputy Commissioner of the agency. She is an 18 year veteran of the Department of Corrections. While serving as a project manager, she was instrumental in implementing a statewide offender management system – a comprehensive project that combined three large, outdated systems to allow for a seamless flow of information.

"She has literally worked her way up, tackling multiple challenges and making significant improvements in Corrections," said J. Michael Brown, Justice and Public Safety Secretary. "Her leadership in this area will be critical to our mission of ensuring the safety of our Commonwealth."

As one of the original correctional officers at the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex, Thompson moved on to hold a position at Kentucky State Reformatory and Luther Luckett Correctional Complex in LaGrange. She made her way up through the ranks, working with the VINE program (Victim Information and Notification Everyday), inmate classification and population management divisions.

During her career in Corrections, Thompson received numerous awards, including three honors for distinguished service to the department. A recent graduate of the Leadership Kentucky class of 2007, her awards also include two for recommendations that resulted in fiscal savings for the Commonwealth. Thompson was a 2007 recipient of the "Breaking the Glass Ceiling" Award presented by the National Center for Women and Policing, and was selected as a participant in the 2006 NIC Executive Leadership for Women class.

"I’m honored to have been selected. I want to thank Governor Beshear and Secretary Brown for the confidence they have expressed in me, and I look forward to the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead," Thompson said. "I will be working with a team of talented and professional men and women every day who work in our prisons, probation and parole offices, and county jails across this state."

A graduate of Morehead State University, Thompson received her degree in psychology and sociology. She and her husband Brian, a detective with the Louisville Metro Police Department, live in Bullitt County with their two sons.

More on Fred Thompson: Unconfirmed rumor worth repeating. You read it here FIRST.

I do NOT normally post rumor, but this one is worth repeating. The talk has it that one BIG reason for Fred's sudden departure is that his STAUNCH supporter, the former NY Senator Alfonse D'Amato, is going to endorse John McCain.

For whatever it's worth, I GREATLY suspect that for that to have been discussed, and for Fred Thompson to have abandoned his campaign in support of that move, the tit for tat would have been for Fred to get the Veep nod, should McCain become the nominee as we all -- well, many of us -- believe.

The loser may end up being the winner in this case, something that will delight a lot of Fred supporters. Go Fred!

Maybe, it's nothing but wishful thinking, but only time will tell. Stay tuned.

Gloves were on, ring announcer was done, but the bell never rang.

Watch and see.

What's up in Missouri?

One wonders what's up in Missouri as the Republican Governor, Matt Blunt, all of a sudden decides to abandon his run for re-election. Listen to his announcement below:

Could this be the reason or is there something more sinister?

Mitt Romney is courting Blacks. Ain't that a funny thing to behold!

Mike Huckabee's aides working without pay, some leaving.

Maybe, this is the beginning of the end for him, too.

THOMPSON PROBLEMS TYPICAL

I was sorry but not surprised to see Fred Thompson drop out of the Presidential race. He was excellent on most issues and had some strengths on the debate circuit. His problem was basically what all our guys have, except Romney- no organizational skills and no understanding of modern presidential campaigning.

First off, Presidential campaigns need at least the full 4 year cycle to get going. That's what Reagan did, that's what both Bushes did.

Second, if you want to run for President, you need to go out and organize in all 50 states. That's what Romney has done, and he may win this thing, just because he can collect delegates everywhere, while McCain and Rudy go one state at a time.

Third, you need to take advantage of free media. How is it gadflys like Allen Keyes and Pat Buchanan are always on TV or giving speeches around the country, while Capitol Hill movers and shakers like Duncan Hunter and Sam Brownback are unknown outside their home states? No PR savvy and unwillingness to put in the time to get that "earned" media.

Fourth, you need to control your costs. The Democrats have raised millions and already burned through them; McCain (who at least knew enough to start early) burned through his millions by last fall!

I don't know if Romney would be any good running a crisis like Katrina or the mess of a big Middle East War. But so far, in just the little test of a straightforward campaign, he seems to have at least figured out how to get going without going broke.

BREAKING NEWS: Fred Thompson's presidential campaign is ... well, DEAD. So SAD.

Fred Thompson has pulled out of the Presidential race. It is SO SAD.

Now the ONLY Conservative worth supporting is John McCain, and hopefully, he'll pick Fred as his Veep.

What do you all think?

"Big Sandy" in U. S. Supreme Court news.

The federal prison in Inez, KY, known as Big Sandy, made news today in an opinion released by our nation's highest court.

The case, Ali v. Federal Bureau of Prisons, 06-9130, 552 U. S. __, (2008), involved the interpretation of the Federal Tort Claims Act, 28 U.S.C section 171, particularly whether a Muslim inmate can sue the government over the disappearance of the prisoner's personal property, such as copies of the Qu-ran and a prayer rug.

In a 5-4 ruling, the court ruled that the federal law prohibits lawsuits against federal corrections officers.

Justice Clarence Thomas, writing for a majority, consisting of an unusual alliance of the court's conservative Justices,Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Samuel Alito, and Antonin Scalia, and Liberal Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, found that the law "forecloses lawsuits against the United States for the unlawful detention of property by 'any,' not just 'some,' law enforcement officers".

The dissenters, consisting of the court's other Liberals, Justices Stephen Breyer, Anthony Kennedy, David Souter and John Paul Stevens, found "[t]he seizure of property by an officer raises serious concerns for the liberty of our people and the act should not be read to permit appropriation of property without a remedy."

It appears that Congress will have to change the law, if it disagrees with the Court's ruling. Until then, law enforcement officers, including correction officers, have immunity from lawsuits, such as Ali brought in this case.

Campus gun bill is about to be "shot down".

Democratic Representative and Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Kathy Stein, has made it clear she will NOT allow House Bill 411, the bill to authorize college students to carry guns in their cars, to come up for a hearing. With opposition from Speaker Jody Richards, the bill appears DEAD for this session.

What are your thoughts?

Editor's note: TYPO. The bill is HB 114. Thanks to David for catching it.

Cartoonist picks on Republicans ...

... and gives the other party a pass.

$20 Million: Not Bad For A Hick From Hope!

From today's Wall Street Journal:

Former President Clinton stands to reap around $20 million -- and will sever a politically sensitive partnership tie to Dubai -- by ending his high-profile business relationship with the investment firm of billionaire friend Ron Burkle.

Mr. Clinton is negotiating to end his relationship with Mr. Burkle's Yucaipa Cos. as part of a broader effort to protect the presidential campaign of his wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton, from potential conflicts of interest. Details of Mr. Clinton's involvement in Yucaipa and his efforts to unwind it come from documents and interviews with people familiar with the matter.
[Ron Burkle]

The former president has had links to Yucaipa since early 2002, when Mr. Burkle -- a longtime friend and political contributor -- offered him a role there. Mr. Clinton's association with the firm began at a time when he was looking to earn large amounts of money, partly to pay heavy legal bills accumulated to defend himself and Mrs. Clinton from several investigations during his presidency.

Comment: As I recall, he grossed around $8 million from his initial book deal! Wasn't that enough to pay his legal bills without jumping into bed with the Arabs and Burkle? Burkle is a well-known Democratic supporter and fundraiser who has raised more than $1,000,000 for the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign.

On Martin Luther King, Jr., day: Bill Clinton has a "dream" of his own.

Was the message that BORING?

Has Chuck Norris taken too many kicks to the head, or is John McCain REALLY too old to be President?

(Chuck Norris is 67, John McCain is 71). Inquiring minds want to know.

What do you think?

Meanwhile, John McCain has promised to send his 95 year old mother (pictured below) to wash Chuck Norris' mouth with soap.

On Martin Luther King, Jr., day, why can't we love one another as Christ commanded us to do?

(Martin Luther King, Jr., delivering his 'I Have a Dream' speech from the steps of Lincoln Memorial. (photo: National Park Service))

On today, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s day, we are reminded -- once again -- of the words of the Great American (reprinted below), as we witnesses that racism continues to rear its UGLY head in our society, with Presidential candidates trading accusations of racism with one another, and a couple of them (who will remain nameless) even openly flirting with racist groups.

I ask each and every one of you, why we find it so difficult to love one another as Christ commanded, yet many of us profess to be Christians?:

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check — a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating "For Whites Only". We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

My New York Giants make it to Super Bowl in overtime ....

... but a win is a win -- right?. Now let's go get the Patriots. It's about time the Giants won the Super Bowl since the '80s.

Shocking allegation of Mike Huckabee and the white supremacist movement.

Read the stories here.

Very disappointing to read about racism from a Christian Conservative.

I'm right, again: Obama wins (most delegates in) Nevada, McCain cruises in South Carolina (Florida is next) & Thompson GREATLY disappoints!

I am proven right -- again.

Read the story from the AP.

It's looking more and more like it's going to be McCain. Fred Thompson's supporters MUST begin to look to join up with McCain to STOP Romney and Giuliani.

As for Democrats, they can figure it out for themselves, but they better start figuring out how to STOP Clinton or, as they say in the entertainment world, "it's all curtains" after that.

As I predicted, Duncan goes "hunting", quits presidential race.

As I predicted earlier, Duncan Hunter is the next Republican presidential candidate to quit. He did so today.

Rudy "9/11" Giuliani strikes again.

I guess I was wrong when I suggested that Rudy had stopped exploiting the tragedy of 9/11 -- even though he was largely AWOL during the recovery and aftermath.

When he loses in Florida, we can thankfully be rid of his fear mongering.

Kentucky Senate President, David L. Williams, is on to something good.

Read about it here.

Let's support this measure, shall we?

What's a noose got to do with golfing?

Well ... I'm glad you asked. Read about it first here then here.

Obama likes Reagan as an agent of change, Edwards objects.

Barack Obama likes Ronald Reagan as an agent of change.


John Edwards objects.

Saddam? No, George.

AT UK, the Joker is in?

It appears so.