On Iraq withdrawal debate: Mitch McConnell played "Lucy and the Football" to Harry Reid's "Charlie Brown". Cute.

Read about it here, and stick with Mitch.

Former Secretary of State, James A. Baker, 111, endorses John McCain.

For many of you who may not know, James A. Baker is one of the most respected Conservatives in the nation.

See the growing list of John McCain's endorsements here. And watch the delegate count, showing John McCain ONLY needs 100 to secure the Republican nomination.

I guess he can say: Hello March 4th!

Why is she smiling? Look behind her.

Do you see it?

U. S. Senator, Jay Rockefeller, Chair of Senate Intelligence Committee, endorses Obama.

Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has just announced his endorsement of Barack Obama.

Obama now has the endorsements of 12 fellow Senators by our count, closing in on Hillary Clinton's 13 Senate supporters.

One would have thought if there was a problem about Obama and foreign intelligence, the Senator would know. So much for the ill-conceived fear mongering concerning Obama.

Eastern State Hospital news.

Governor Beshear & House Leaders Announce Agreement to Replace Eastern State Hospital

Plan Involves Partnership with Lexington Community & Technical College System and the University of Kentucky

FRANKFORT, KY (February 29, 2008) – Gov. Steve Beshear and House leadership joined today to announce a plan to replace the 184-year-old Eastern State Hospital facility in Lexington.

The plan authorizes the construction of a $129 million facility to be financed by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government for the state to construct a new facility on land owned by the University of Kentucky at its Coldstream Research Campus on Newtown Pike.

“The current Eastern State Hospital has far outlived its ability to serve as a mental health care facility,” said Gov. Beshear. “I commend House leadership, in particular Rep. Jimmie Lee and Rep. Harry Moberly, for their determination to make this project a reality. I am pleased that we were able to create an innovative partnership among the state, Lexington, UK and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System to develop a plan that will benefit all involved, particularly Kentuckians with mental illness and their families.”

Under the proposal, the state will execute a long-term lease with UK for the Coldstream property. The Finance and Administration Cabinet is authorized to enter into an agreement with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government to provide financing for construction of the facility. The Finance Cabinet will also procure the design and construction of the new facility on behalf of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which will lease the property from the city or its public properties corporation.

“It’s a win-win for Lexington, KCTCS, UK and for individuals in this region with mental illness,” said Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry.

According to the proposal, the Finance Cabinet is authorized to transfer the state property on which Eastern State Hospital is currently located, at West Fourth Street in Lexington, to KCTCS when construction of the new hospital is completed.

Bluegrass Community and Technical College could then construct on the former Eastern State location a classroom/lab building, for which the General Assembly appropriated funds in 2005, and vacate its current Cooper Drive location.

“It is critical to move ahead with this project to serve the population in need of mental health services,” said Rep. Moberly (D-Richmond). “I compliment the University of Kentucky, the City of Lexington, KCTCS and the administration for their cooperation.”

"As I visited Eastern State Hospital over the years I always left embarrassed and ashamed as a policymaker that we allowed these conditions to exist,” said Rep. Lee (D-Elizabethtown). “I have never been able to help, and we just kicked the can further down the road. Today we're going to stop kicking the can."

The General Assembly will receive updates on the status of the project through the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue every six months until the project is complete.

Is John McCain a Liberal Republican? The answer is (*ahem*) yes!

We all knew that already. Yes, no?

Is John McCain a "natural born" citizen eligible to become the President of the United States?

That is the INTRIGUING question that no one yet knows the answer to yet and inquiring minds are wanting to know.

Why, you ask?

John McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone, where his father was stationed in the military!

FYI update: the First Clause of the Second Article of the U. S. Constitution provides:

No person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; ... .

Appeals Court upholds Arizona's anti illegal immigration law. Is anyone in Kentucky's General Assembly reading this?

The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on upheld a District Judge's denial of an injunction against Arizona's anti very effective illegal immigration law, the Legal Arizona Workers Act, discussed earlier on this site, that the Act could either cause irreparable injury or undue hardship to state employers if allowed to operate during trial.

The ruling is a victory for anti immigration folks, and suggests that the Appeals Court thinks that the law is constitutionally valid.

Hopefully, the folks over at the Kentucky General Assembly are reading this post!

Hint!! Hint!!!

New Jersey goes "COLD TURKEY". Will Kentucky follow?

Read about it here.

With all that's happening in Kentucky with the budget and "gaming", will Kentucky follow New Jersey's lead and go "Cold Turkey", too?

Kentucky leads nation in prison population growth. We don't have Mississippi to thank for this one!

Read the report here.

Unfortunately, we don't have Mississippi to thank for this one!

Oh BTW, the U. S. leads all industrialized nations in incarcerating its citizens -- at a rate of more than 1 in 100!!

What do you think that says about US?

Another BTW SAD statistic, one in 30 men between 20 and 34 is locked up, and one in nine black men in the same age group is behind bars.

But like a silver lining in a DARK cloud for Kentucky, Vermont tops the list of states that spend more money on prisons than colleges.

FYI: Rally in Frankfort for school choice.

PARENTS DESERVE A CHOICE SO KENTUCKY'S KIDS HAVE A CHANCE!

RALLY FOR SCHOOL CHOICE
THURSDAY, MARCH 6TH at 12 NOON
CAPITOL ROTUNDA
Frankfort, Kentucky

BE THERE! SHOW UP!

LET LAWMAKERS KNOW YOU FAVOR SCHOOL CHOICE FOR KENTUCKY'S FAMILIES

Free Bus transportation from Louisville with Free box lunch
Call (502)893-2444 for reservations

Governor's pension plan UNANIMOUSLY passes House.

Here's the Governor's press release on the pension plan:

Governor Beshear’s Pension Proposal Unanimously Passes House

FRANKFORT, KY (February 28, 2008) – Governor Steve Beshear’s Kentucky Public Pension Protection and Modernization Act unanimously passed the House today by a vote of 96-0. This bold, consensus plan, sponsored by Rep. Mike Cherry of Princeton, would address the funding challenges faced by the state's public pension systems, result in better oversight, and modernize the systems for the next generation of public employees. It will now go to the Senate for its consideration.

“I am very pleased by the House’s swift action on this bill that would help protect the retirement savings of Kentucky’s teachers and state and local government employees, while continuing to allow the commonwealth to attract the best and brightest to the classroom and to public service,” said Gov. Beshear. "I'm grateful to Rep. Cherry for his leadership on this bill, and look forward to working with the Senate on this critical issue."

HB 600 unanimously cleared the House State Government Committee on Tuesday of this week.

“It was gratifying to achieve a unanimous bipartisan vote on the House floor. I think our effort to have several lengthy and open hearings where all involved could publicly testified was appreciated and critical to the unanimity of the vote on HB 600,” said Rep. Cherry.

The consensus plan has received strong support from all sides of the political spectrum—from Democrats and Republicans, labor unions and the business community, local and county governments, as well as groups representing the interests of public employee and teachers and their retired counterparts. HB 600 built on the foundation laid by former Governor Fletcher's Blue Ribbon Commission, and it incorporated most of the significant recommendations made by that task force.

“This legislation is an important step in the right direction and addresses several key issues in the effort to create a more sustainable system of benefits for public employees,” said Dave Adkisson, president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

RNC Big Brother Is Watching !

RNC Big Brother Is Watching

The Republican National Committee this afternoon scolded the Tennessee Republican Party over their use of "Barack Hussein Obama" in an official press release and warned the state party that they will be denounced by the national committee if they use the Democrat's middle name again, said a GOP official close to the RNC.

"The RNC has notified the Tennessee GOP that they do not support or agree with their approach," said this source, requesting anonymity to discuss the private conversation between a staffer in the national committee's political department and a top aide at the state party. "If they don't refrain from doing so again, they will be publicly repudiated by the Republican National Committee."

Comment: The man's given birth name is "Barack Hussein Obama", so why can no Republican utter his middle name? Blame his parents,including a muslim father, for giving him that name. What in the hell has happened to free speech in this country? Is there a protective bubble around Obama that protects him from attacks,personal or otherwise?

Unless we take the gloves off, this far left liberal will be our next president with a democratic Congress and no check on his power!

Kentucky Legislative happenings: Bills that deserve to IMMEDIATELY pass both chambers.

The following bills have passed one Legislative chanber, and deserve to pass the other. They are:

HB 544, introduced by Kathie Stein, that will allow state and federal governments to share criminal history records;

SB 46, introduced by Ernie Harris, that will allow more victim impact statements during penalty phase;

SB 50, introduced by Dan Seum, that will allow inmates to be tested for HIV/AIDS; and,

SB 194, introduced by Bob Leeper, that will do away with straight ticket voting.

If I have missed any, please let me know.

So what about it, boys and girls? Let's get these rolling.

Stuart Rothenberg: Obama's appeal depends on your definition of "change".

Obama’s Appeal Depends on Your Definition of Change

By Stuart Rothenberg

Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) continues to promise change and stress his ability to unite Americans. It’s a feel-good campaign built on soaring rhetoric and good intentions.

Pardon me if all of the fawning from the national media, and the endorsements from Caroline Kennedy and Garrison Keillor, leave me less than convinced that he can bridge the deep divide that separates Americans.

Withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq won’t bring Americans together. Nor will raising taxes on the affluent or enhancing the power of organized labor to recruit more members. Even a stem-cell research bill won’t bring Americans together, though a clear majority surely supports it.

In politics, the devil is always in the details, and except in rare cases, Obama has either avoided them or, more importantly, failed to note the obvious contradictions in his message and his record.

Yes, Obama is a wonderful speaker, and his calls for change obviously resonate with many Americans. With seven out of 10 Americans agreeing that the country is headed off on the wrong track, it isn’t surprising that every candidate has talked change. No one has promised a third Bush term.

The question, of course, is what kind of change? Does Obama want to find common ground between Democrats and Republicans? Will he push issues and alternatives only with a national consensus? Or is “change” simply a value-neutral word for liberalism?

In the spring of 2005, 14 Senators tried to make Washington run more smoothly by signing an agreement for the 109th Congress that had the effect of killing Democratic plans to filibuster President Bush’s appointees to the appellate bench and eliminating a GOP strategy that would disallow filibusters of judicial appointments.

Barack Obama, who talks about changing the tone in Washington, didn’t join that “Gang of 14.”

Part of the problem with Obama’s message — and part of the reason it has so far been successful in his White House bid — is that different people read different things into his message of hope and change.

During an interview on a Washington, D.C., radio station the morning of the Potomac primary, Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) talked about why he is drawn to Obama’s message of change. One didn’t need to read very hard between the lines to see that Kennedy thinks “change” means a dramatically more liberal agenda.

There is, of course, nothing surprising or wrong with this. You would expect Kennedy to support a candidate with whom he agrees.

But other voters, including some Republicans and many independents, seem to be attracted to Obama because they see him as someone who will improve the tone in Washington, bring Americans together and “get things done.”

Again, those are understandable goals. The only problem is that Kennedy’s view of Obama and the other one are all but impossible to reconcile.

If Obama satisfies Kennedy and the Democratic Party’s most liberal constituencies, it’s unlikely that he is going to bring the country together. And if Obama does truly take steps to find a middle ground between liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans, he certainly will disappoint his party’s base.

The reality is that half of the country leans Democratic and half leans Republican. Yes, there are some issues on which many Americans agree, but if Obama limits himself to those, he’ll have a thin agenda.

Instead, Obama is likely to strike out in a different direction from Bush. And if he thinks his communication skills alone will bring along the whole country (as he seems to), he is deluding himself. America is divided because Americans have very different views.

Obama was rated the most liberal Member of the U.S. Senate in 2007, up from the 10th most liberal Member in 2006 and the 16th most liberal in 2005. That suggests that he will follow a rather predictably liberal agenda if he is elected president later this year.

Even more telling, possibly, was a recent interview Obama gave to television anchor Leon Harris and journalist John Harris. In it, Obama tried to have things both ways.

When he was asked by Leon Harris how he reconciles his support for the D.C. gun ban, which was declared unconstitutional by a federal court last year and which bars all handguns not registered before 1976, with his statement that he has “no intention of taking away folks’ guns,” Obama launched into a confusing explanation of “conflicting traditions in this country.”

He ended his monologue by saying, “We can have a reasonable, thoughtful gun control measure that I think respects the Second Amendment and people’s traditions.” But the D.C. gun ban is based on the premise that the Second Amendment doesn’t give individuals the right to own a gun.

Maybe if Obama wraps up the Democratic nomination in the next few weeks, he’ll give all of us a better idea of what he’d really like to do as president. We can only hope so. Another eight months of soaring but empty rhetoric about bringing people together and bringing about change will leave most of America brain-dead.

"Hit me"!

"Hit me"!

New York City Mayor, Mickael R. Bloomberg, answers question whether he'll run for President.

Here is Mr. Bloomberg's op-ed answering that question which has dogged him all year:

I’m Not Running for President, but ...

By MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG
Published: February 28, 2008

WATCHING the 2008 presidential campaign, you sometimes get the feeling that the candidates — smart, all of them — must know better. They must know we can’t fix our economy and create jobs by isolating America from global trade. They must know that we can’t fix our immigration problems with border security alone. They must know that we can’t fix our schools without holding teachers, principals and parents accountable for results. They must know that fighting global warming is not a costless challenge. And they must know that we can’t keep illegal guns out of the hands of criminals unless we crack down on the black market for them.

The vast majority of Americans know that all of this is true, but — politics being what it is — the candidates seem afraid to level with them.

Over the past year, I have been working to raise issues that are important to New Yorkers and all Americans — and to speak plainly about common sense solutions. Some of these solutions have traditionally been seen as Republican, while others have been seen as Democratic. As a businessman, I never believed that either party had all the answers and, as mayor, I have seen just how true that is.

In every city I have visited — from Baltimore to New Orleans to Seattle — the message of an independent approach has resonated strongly, and so has the need for a new urban agenda. More than 65 percent of Americans now live in urban areas — our nation’s economic engines. But you would never know that listening to the presidential candidates. At a time when our national economy is sputtering, to say the least, what are we doing to fuel job growth in our cities, and to revive cities that have never fully recovered from the manufacturing losses of recent decades?

More of the same won’t do, on the economy or any other issue. We need innovative ideas, bold action and courageous leadership. That’s not just empty rhetoric, and the idea that we have the ability to solve our toughest problems isn’t some pie-in-the-sky dream. In New York, working with leaders from both parties and mayors and governors from across the country, we’ve demonstrated that an independent approach really can produce progress on the most critical issues, including the economy, education, the environment, energy, infrastructure and crime.

I believe that an independent approach to these issues is essential to governing our nation — and that an independent can win the presidency. I listened carefully to those who encouraged me to run, but I am not — and will not be — a candidate for president. I have watched this campaign unfold, and I am hopeful that the current campaigns can rise to the challenge by offering truly independent leadership. The most productive role that I can serve is to push them forward, by using the means at my disposal to promote a real and honest debate.

In the weeks and months ahead, I will continue to work to steer the national conversation away from partisanship and toward unity; away from ideology and toward common sense; away from sound bites and toward substance. And while I have always said I am not running for president, the race is too important to sit on the sidelines, and so I have changed my mind in one area. If a candidate takes an independent, nonpartisan approach — and embraces practical solutions that challenge party orthodoxy — I’ll join others in helping that candidate win the White House.

The changes needed in this country are straightforward enough, but there are always partisan reasons to take an easy way out. There are always special interests that will fight against any challenge to the status quo. And there are always those who will worry more about their next election than the health of our country.

These forces that prevent meaningful progress are powerful, and they exist in both parties. I believe that the candidate who recognizes that the party is over — and begins enlisting all of us to clean up the mess — will be the winner this November, and will lead our country to a great and boundless future.

Michael R. Bloomberg is the mayor of New York.

John McCain breaks through the evangelical movement, receives endorsement of John Hagee.

Read the endorsement here.

While this is a significant endorsement for John McCain, I wonder how the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) feels about the Pastor of a church endorsing in a political arena. Just my thoughts.

Update, 3/4: John Hagee moves to defend himself:

BUCKLEY WAS THE THINKING MAN'S THINKING MAN

If you're under age 35 you probably know the historical legacy and achievements of Bill Buckley, WFB. America's greatest man of letters in the 20th Century, he founded the modern intellectual conservative movement, not just in America but everwhere.

But to see the man in action at his height, when there was only the MSM and he was virtually a one man opposition in the 1960s and 70s-magazine editor, columnist, TV host, political speech writer and party leader, it was a sight to behold. Buckley debated every notable liberal of his day, and just crushed them. At a time when unbelief is the fashionable intellectual garb of the chattering class, here was this man, whose command of the English language and literary skill exceeded an entire Ivy League faculty, arguing for Western civilization,natural law, and traditional Christianity with prayerful devotion and extraordinary good humor. It was absolutely inspiring and glorious for all of us who came of age on the conservative side at that time.

Back then, Buckley was excoriated by the Eastern establishment, way beyond what they dish out to Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh, and every other big name right wing pundit of today. But of course, they could not beat him at his game, and after a while no liberals would come on Firing Line except some of his friends like the lovable clod JK Galbraith, who he went easy on. That's when the program changed and he would do more shows with Malcolm Muggeridge, or would have the special questioner segment with Jeff Greenfield, Michael Kinsley, and the like as the designated liberal. But these guys were too smart to actually engage Buckley, they would just do their smarmy misdirection act to keep from being clobbered.

(That's not to say he was right on everything all the time. Never a bigot, he toyed with a problematic interpretation of civil rights laws in the 1950s, but became the man who drove out the Birchers and others from mainstream conservatism for anti-semitism and racial prejudice. Notice there is no liberal Buckley driving all the kooks out of respectable Democratic Party circles. And he famously lost one formal debate, to Ronald Reagan in 1978 over the Panama Canal. He also lost patience with our war in Iraq, I think mostly because of the tongue-tied stupidity of the Bush-Rove gang, whose politics and prose are quite far removed from his style.)

By the late 1970s, with the conservative movement sweeping into power with Reagan and the vibrant conservative media that has followed in its wake, Mr. Buckley had created for us an enduring legacy, even beyond the many brilliant books, novels, and lectures. He showed the utter intellectual impotence of modern liberal political thought. 500 years from now people will still read about Mr. Buckley and a few of his friends, like Ronald Reagan, and Milton Friedman and John Paul II. But I doubt many of his opponents will endure through history, at least favorably.

Steve and Steve differ on latest "gaming" news.

Republican Party of Kentucky Chair, Steve Robertson, and Governor Steve Beshear, both respond UNDERSTANDABLY differently to the latest "gaming" news coming out of the Legislature:

REPUBLICAN PARTY OF KENTUCKY CHAIRMAN STEVE ROBERTSON ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING HOUSE CASINO BILL

“House Speaker Jody Richards has shown Kentuckians just how easy it is to fix the odds in favor of the ‘house.’ Regardless of where Kentuckians stand on the issue of allowing expanded gambling, it is truly disappointing to see Jody Richards stack the deck against Kentucky’s signature industry in favor of big casinos.”


Statement by Governor Beshear On Proposed Expanded Gaming Amendment

“I am encouraged by the quick response to my call for action to move a version of this amendment along. I am aware of the concerns that Kentucky’s signature industry - the horse industry - has about this version of the amendment, and I plan to continue meeting with House leadership to find a way to address those concerns.”

John McCain continues to be dogged by "CRUEL IRONY" of campaign finance laws.

I previously reported here about John McCain's possible troubles caused by the campaign finance laws he championed.

I reported it as a "curious irony".

Now the Kentucky Democratic Party (KDP) has released a statement accusing John McCain of "Misleads on Kentucky Ballot Application". Here is the release:

McCain FEC Deception Continues:
New Documents Reveal Campaign Misleads on Kentucky Ballot Application

WASHINGTON, DC - Facing questions about whether the campaign leveraged eligibility for public matching funds to gain access to the ballot in several states, the McCain campaign yesterday sunk to a new low. For days the McCain campaign has been playing fast and loose with the facts surrounding McCain's FEC violations. On a call with reporters yesterday, the McCain campaign erroneously stated that the campaign was getting on the Kentucky ballot by collecting signatures. [Wall Street Journal, 2/27/08]

The Democratic National Committee today released documents that show the McCain campaign did not file for the Kentucky ballot by collecting signatures, but by demonstrating that he had qualified for the ballot in at least 20 other states. One of the states the campaign cited was Delaware. As the DNC revealed yesterday, McCain qualified for the Delaware ballot by citing the FEC's approval of his application for matching funds, thereby avoiding the need to collect signatures.

"Not only does John McCain think that he can violate the law by leveraging public funds for private fundraising, but his campaign is clearly willing to mislead in order to cover their tracks," said DNC Communications Director Karen Finney. "How can the American people trust John McCain when he is unwilling to admit he's wrong and follow the law?"

Since the DNC filed its complaint with the FEC on Monday, the McCain campaign has tried to mislead the public by claiming they were withdrawing from the matching funds program in the same way the Dean campaign did in 2003. In fact, unlike McCain, the Dean campaign received FEC approval for withdrawing from the system. McCain's campaign has also refused to admit that the FEC's approval of his application for matching funds helped the campaign secure a private loan and get on the ballot in some states, even though their ballot applications clearly demonstrate that qualifying for matching funds helped them avoid signature collection requirements in Ohio and Delaware. ...

John McCain has refused to acknowledge that the FEC has not approved his request to withdraw from the matching funds program.

Read the Ohio letter for delegates, at-large delegates, and Ohio declaration of candidacy.

CRUEL irony, indeed, that threatens to "do" John McCain "in".

In Kentucky: LDH sums up House Democratic Leadership on "gaming".

"House Democratic leaders, long the most dysfunctional element in Kentucky’s dysfunctional legislative process, once again proved themselves highly capable of screwing up a one-car funeral procession."

- Larry Dale Keeling, H-L Columnist, urging Governor Steve Beshear to "excersise leadership".

Update: Ryan Alessi is reporting that a "gaming" bill, which was predicted "probably dead", has moved out of committee after the move "akin to communism" and the "the cheapest form of petty politics" took place.

Now the real fight begins, despite the gift of the roses and all.

KILLER Cop, Bobby Cutts, Jr., spared DEATH, receives 57 years prison sentence WITHOUT parole.

Ex Cop, Bobby Cutts, who killed his pregnant girlfriend, Jessie Davis, and whose crime has been the subject of my posts here (here is my latest post), has been spared the death penalty. He received instead a 57 year prison sentence WITHOUT parole, and won't be out of prison until he is 86 years old.

Watch the proceedings here.

Here's the breakdown of the sentences, which are to run concurrently:

* Murder--for the death of Jessie Davis (15 years)

* Aggravated murder--for the unlawful termination of Jessie Davis' pregnancy. (Life in prison without parole for 30 years)

* Aggravated murder--for the death of baby Chloe. Ohio law provides for such charges involving a viable unborn child or a victim involving a child younger than 13. (Life in prison without parole for 30 years)

* Aggravated burglary--for trespassing into Jessie Davis' home in order to commit the attack.(10 years)

* Gross abuse of a corpse--(2 counts) for the treatment of Jessie Davis' body and her unborn daughter's following their deaths (2 years, 1 year on each count)

* Child endangering--for leaving the couple's young son, Blake, home alone in his mother's home after the murder. (6 months)

I must say, I thought he, who swore to protect and serve, but instead killed and buried, was going to get death. Notwithstanding, it looks like chances are that he will NEVER leave prison ALIVE!

On Roger Clemens: Like I said, it's the lying that get's ya!

Read about Roger Clement's troubles.

As I predicted: "It may not be a crime, but it's the cover up or the lying after that gets ya!"

And so it will be with Roger Clemens.

One QUICK way for John McCain to lose the November election.

Having the guy pictured on the right as Veep candidate will SURE do it -- at least for me. But though the picture says it all, you need to go ahead and read more about why he's in the news.

MCCAIN'S NAGGING PROBLEM

It was hilarious to see the ineptly launched smear campaign by the New York Times last week on John McCain. Gee, they only had 8 years to work on the story and it was a total dud.

Unfortunately, this may not be the last such story and the next one might pack some punch. John McCain is an absolutely fearless warrior, and any attempts to link him to financial wrongdoing are garbage. The so-called Keating 5 was really the Keating 4. The Democrats in charge of the Senate at the time insisted on including McCain in the investigation for which he was totally exonerated, just to provide some bi-partisan cover.

That said, though, McCain's personal life has been pretty shabby. As a young naval officer his passion was fast cars, lots of liquor, and plenty of young women. His first wife left another man for him, but he was never faithful to her. He dumped her after he returned from Vietnam because she was in poor physical shape from a car wreck. After his second marriage in 1979, there were still many reports of bad behavior, including the infamous incident in 1984 of pawing at an attractive woman in the back seat of Duncan Hunter's car (while Hunter and an aid were in the front seat).

Washington insiders have plenty of other tales on this score. It will just be a matter of time before this all starts coming out. Whether this can all be proved is the question. So far, no woman save the one from 1984 who filed a complaint with the Senate Ethics committee has ever come forward. (It was dismissed)

But it's a long way until November or even September when the Republican convention meets, and that's no doubt why Mike Huckabee is in no hurry to quit a race he apparently already lost.

Well I'll be ... . Bruce Lunsford buys Arizona mansion.

B. H. is reporting that Bruce Lunsford has purchased a mansion in Arizona.

You suppose he is moving there AFTER his senate race? Just wondering, as inquiring minds want to know.

John McCain supporter disparages Barack Obama.

But the "Maverick" needs to rein in his supporters and take a cue from what's happening to "Billary" as a result of her race baiting and desperate attacks.

What you ask? Well, watch the video above and read about it here.

John McCain needs to know he can hardly afford to ALIENATE, and lose, supporters (and votes) because of IDIOTS like the subject of this post -- If you believe the recent polls.

Just a word to the wise.

VERY IMPORTANT UPDATE: I just heard John McCain disavow the IDIOT who made the disparaging remarks and promise that it will NEVER happen again.

What a class act.

Republican Party of Kentucky (RPK) files ethics complaint against "House Democratic Leadership" for alleged "BOPTROT 2".

In case you are unfamiliar with Kentucky's BOPTROT, read Ronnie Ellis or WIKI.

Anyway, below is the press release:

REPUBLICAN PARTY OF KENTUCKY FILES “SLOT-TROT” CORRUPTION COMPLAINT WITH LEGISLATIVE ETHICS COMMISION

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Republican Party of Kentucky (RPK) today filed a complaint with the Legislative Ethics Commission asking for an immediate investigation into allegations that House Democratic Leadership are extorting members of the horse industry and race tracks for campaign contributions in exchange for support of casino legislation.

“It is my hope that the Legislative Ethics Commission will make this ‘Slot-Trot’ inquiry a high priority as public confidence in House Democratic Leadership is rapidly eroding,” said RPK Chairman Steve Robertson.

The request for an investigation comes in the wake of WHAS 11 Reporter Mark Hebert’s allegations that members of the horse industry were telling him privately that they were “being taken to the woodshed by Speaker Jody Richards and his close allies” who believe the horse industry spent too much time and cash on Beshear and did not commit enough money to Democratic legislative races this fall. Hebert went public with his accusations on the February 22nd edition of KET’s Comment on Kentucky.

“Hebert’s statements imply that certain House Democrats have violated virtually every principle in the Legislative Ethics Code,” said RPK Chairman Steve Robertson. “In light of these shocking accusations, it is the duty of the Legislative Ethics Commission to restore the public’s trust in the legislative process by either bringing to light or putting to rest these allegations of impropriety.”

According to KRS 6.606, the Legislative Ethics Code states that the proper operation of democratic government requires that:

* A public official be independent and impartial;
* A public official not use public office to obtain private benefits;
* A public official avoid any action which creates the appearance that he/she is using public office to obtain a private benefit;
* Government policy and decisions be made through the established processes of government; and
* The public have confidence in the integrity of its government and its public officials.

“If an investigation into these allegations reveals that Democratic legislators have attempted to engage in extortion, the Ethics Commission should immediately refer this matter to the proper law enforcement agencies,” concluded Robertson.

The Republican Party of Kentucky also forwarded the complaint to the Office of the Attorney General requesting that it launch a parallel investigation.

Stay tuned for further developments, if any.

Meanwhile, permit me to page Steve Pence: "Paging Mr. Pence"!

Governor Steve Beshear aims to strike it rich on House unity bet. Will he?

We will soon know soon enough.

Update: I guess the answer is a resounding NO.


Update 2: With the House's latest actions, Governor Steve Beshear has released the following statement:

Statement by Governor Beshear On Limited Expanded Gaming

“The entire leadership of the House of Representatives has on numerous occasions publicly and privately committed to me to work in a unified manner in passing a Constitutional Amendment allowing the issue of limited expanded gaming to be placed on the ballot.

Today’s actions, as well as inactions evidenced in the Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee, very clearly demonstrate that House leadership remains deeply divided.

House Leadership should remember that more than 80% of Kentucky voters want the right to express themselves on this amendment.

Such a disagreement also seriously threatens the people’s right to decide for themselves whether or not they favor capturing the hundreds of millions of new dollars now being lost to other states. These are dollars that could be available to us for education, health care and other vital services.

I publically [sic] call on them to get their act together quickly. Only with their unified support will this amendment stand a chance of passage.”

With bad spelling and all, can the Governor be losing this "gaming" battle well BEFORE the FIRST shot is fired?

It is beginning to sound like it, unless the Governor can get control of this "about to be runaway train" for him?

Afternoon update: "Gaming" takes STRANGE twist in the House producing "the cheapest form of petty politics I've seen up here in 24 years -- to take a member off a committee because she did not vote the way the speaker wanted."

Former presidential candidate, Senator Chris Dodd, will endorse "formidable" candidate, Barack Obama.

Read about that and other news.

I'm still counting down to March 4th for the demise of "Billary".

CRUEL irony, as John McCain could be "done in" by campaign finance law.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has filed a complaint today with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) concerning Sen. John McCain's (R-AZ) campaign financing problem.

The problem? Read the DNC's summary.

We have to wait and see how this "shakes out". If true, it could financially "handicap" John McCain, thereby crippling his campaign as he will find it EXTREMELY most difficult to outperform Barack Obama's "surging" cash healthy campaign.

Is "gaming" providing the spur kick for Kentucky Legislators to BOPTROT -- again?

It sure sounds like it, if you believe the above exchange!

So sad. Louisiana is about to clean up its politics, thanks to Governor Bobby Jindal. Kentucky will be all ALONE in that corrupt politics regard!

Here's an update from the Republican Party of Kentucky:

REPUBLICAN PARTY OF KENTUCKY URGES LEGISLATORS TO BLOW THE WHISTLE ON CORRUPTION

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Republican Party of Kentucky (RPK) today urged any legislator who has knowledge that House Democratic Leadership is extorting members of the horse industry and race tracks for campaign contributions in exchange for support of casino legislation to come forward and report the information to law enforcement immediately.

“Any legislator who knows about an illegal quid pro quo and does not come forward is nothing but a co-conspirator,” said RPK Chairman Steve Robertson. “This is no longer a Democrat or Republican issue; this is a criminal issue.”

This plea comes in the wake of a statement made by WHAS 11 television reporter Mark Hebert that members of the horse industry were telling him privately that they were “being taken to the woodshed by Speaker Jody Richards and his close allies” who believe the horse industry spent too much time and cash on Beshear and did not commit enough money to Democratic legislative races this fall. The reporter went public with his accusations on the February 22nd edition of KET’s Comment on Kentucky.

Robertson added that the Republican Party of Kentucky plans to file a complaint with the Legislative Ethics Commission and the Attorney General’s office tomorrow asking for an immediate investigation into this matter.

Potential violations include various provisions of state and federal law.

“While we will be asking these watchdog agencies to investigate, it is our hope that House Democrats will blow the whistle on this illegal activity and restore integrity to the legislative process,” concluded Robertson.

Another update, 5:32 p.m.: It sounds like Governor Steve Beshear has scheduled a meeting with the Democratic leaders for tonight, right after he flies back from Washington, D. C. .

I wonder out LOUD if it has something to do with the story, especially since there is a lot of chatter that FBI agent or agents have taken an interest in Frankfort.

Stay tuned for more. I am unsure yet whether there is substance to ALL of this or just speculation, but we'll soon find out.

You knew John McCain was winning because NYT slammed him; now you know Obama is winning because "Billary" is slamming him out of DESPERATION!

Here's the picture the "Billary" camp released to the Drudge Report hoping to capitalize on America's xenophobia or worse.

SHAMEFUL act of desperation, if you ask me!

"Billary" can now kiss that Veep spot goodbye!!

How about others, you ask? See below, including the OFFENSIVE half of "Billary" on your left, and the other half on your right:

Midway through Kentucky General Assembly session, 577 House bills and 173 Senate bills later NONE passed.

Anyone else for bi-annual sessions?

Words to live by.

As our Legislature considers what to do with the budget deficit, we urge them to remember these words of advise:

"In a general sense, all contributions imposed by the government upon individuals for the service of the state, are called taxes, by whatever name they may be known, whether by the name of tribute, tythe, tallage, impost, duty, gabel, custom, subsidy, aid, supply, excise, or other name."

-- Joseph Story (Commentaries on the Constitution, 1833)

Reference: Story, Commentaries on the Constitution, 337.

Surprise! Surprise!!

Surprise, indeed. Wink!

T-R-O-U-B-L-E for Democrats: R-A-L-P-H N-A-D-E-R.

Read about it here.

T-R-O-U-B-L-E for John McCain: L-O-B-B-Y-I-S-T-S.

Read about it here.

Here's what now President Bush attacked him with in 2000:

The bad news "gaming" did not need!

The bad news that may spell t-r-o-u-b-l-e for "gaming" in Kentucky has this gem of a quote: "The first thing I thought was: How do you take that kind of money and nobody notices?"

My thoughts, exactly.

Conservatives' Conservative, U. S. Senator Tom Coburn: Iraq war "probably a mistake".

Read about it here.

That is NOT comforting news for ANY pro war Conservative to hear!

"Billary" blows up on Obama; reveals she "can't handle the truth" about herself!

"Billary" blowing up above.

Update: Obama responds to "Billary".

Rothenberg Political Report: Clear advantage for incumbent, Senator Mitch McConnell.

Read the report and Stick with Mitch.

It may not be a crime, but it's the cover up or the lying after that gets ya!

And so it may well be with this guy.

Person for the week: Fidel Castro, plus other mentions.

Can anyone question that the news of "Comrade" Fidel Castro's "retirement" qualifies him for the person for the week (if for nothing else, then for the newsworthiness).

Honorable mentions go to Barack Obama, who keeps "kicking "Bilary" Clinton's a*#, and John McCain who keeps doing the same -- particularly to the New York Times newspaper.

For dishonorable mention for the "person" of the week, look no further than the New York Times newspaper, which attempted to smear John McCain, but instead got "rotten egg" splattered all over itself.

Fidel Castro wants a vacation. I suppose he won't be going to Disney World!

Read Fidel.

For "Billary" Clinton, "Ides of March" may come on the 4th.

Notice "Billary" doesn't mention that she will go on after March 4th!

Even more telling is what the "Bill" in "Billary" had to say:

Join me in saying: Bye bye, "Billary".

GOP lawmaker, Rep. Rick Renzi, has been indicted.

Read land deal.

When it rains, it pours.

Herald-Leader: Fix bill to "sunshine" all 527s. I agree.

Read "under the influence".

I agree. What about you?

Democrats file ethics charges against Doug Hawkins.

Above is the website the complaint is about and below is the press release:

Democratic Chair files ethics complaint against Hawkins

Councilman using publicly-funded webpage to promote Senate campaign

FRANKFORT – Kentucky Democratic Party Chair Jennifer Moore today filed an ethics complaint with the Louisville Metro Ethics Commission against Republican Doug Hawkins, who is running for State Senate against Democratic incumbent Perry Clark in the 37th District.

Hawkins, a Louisville Metro Council Member from District 25, posts a link to his State Senate campaign website on his taxpayer-funded Metro Council webpage, a clear violation of the Louisville Metro Ethics Ordinance.

"This is a blatant abuse of power. Doug Hawkins is simply using his position as a Metro Council Member to support his State Senate campaign and that is in violation of the ethics code," Moore said. "I am confident that, after reviewing our complaint, the Commission will agree."

After serving as House Representative for the 37th District for 12 years, Clark won the 37th District Senate seat in a 2006 Special Election.

Thoughts?

Update: Doug Hawkins said the link that formed the basis for the complaint was a mistake and will be taken down! Good for him.

Governor Steve Beshear releases few details of pension plan.

Here are the details of the plan that will be filed today:

Highlights of the Kentucky Public Pension Protection and Modernization Act include the following:

Adjustments for Current Teachers, Employees and Retirees:

* Setting the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) at 1.5 percent, providing equity between the KRS and KTRS. The COLA may be enhanced if approved and pre-funded by the legislature;
* Reducing health insurance costs through the collaboration of all stakeholders, while improving and expanding wellness programs; and
* Reforming provisions for returning retirees that will strengthen the system for current employees, teachers and retirees.

Adjustments for Future Hires:

* Incentives for employees to work longer;
* Longer vesting periods for retirement and health benefits;
* Closing loopholes that provide benefits to few, but significant costs to the state and other retirees;
* Limiting hazardous duty benefits to those who daily risk their lives; and
* Differentiating between long-term, career government employees and short-term hires.

New York Times smears John McCain with STALE story of marital infidelity.

Read the STALE story. John McCain denies it.

The questions for me are: (1) why is the Times resurrecting this story now, and (2) where's the "smoking gun"?

Bring on those "non embroynic" stem cells.

Read all about it.

BAD news for "Billary" as Teamsters and the Brotherhood endorse Obama.

Read the news report, and check out the Teamsters. Also endorsing Obama is the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers.

Though "Billary" has the support of 12 AFL-CIO-affiliated unions, plus the United Farm Workers, this endorsement appears significant, not only because of the Teamsters 1.2 million members, but because it is the most popular of them all.

Though he cannot win the delegates he needs for an outright nomination, I think Obama is CRUISING to Democratic nod as the party's nominee.

A good bill, SB 14 as amended, deserves to pass. So do others, discussed below.

A good bill, introduced by Senator Damon Thayer, "to abolish the office of Treasurer" and "require that the candidates for the offices of the Auditor of Public Accounts and the Attorney General be nonpartisan candidates" deserves to pass.

Another bill deserving to pass is SB1, educators will tell you, to do away with CATS testing in Kentucky. Many, if not all educators, will tell you that CATS testing is a REAL J-O-K-E for sure! There doesn't seem to be much to debate about it.

SB 161 is another good bill to do away with annual sessions, and so is this one.

John McCain wins in Wisconsin and claims mantle of Republican nominee.

And he is right. Delegate shows him at 908 delegates to Huckabee's 245. He needs 1191, or 283, while Huckabee needs almost a thousand.

But like I have been saying, in the very likely scenario of a John McCain versus Barack Obama race, whether McCain succeeds depends on who he chooses for his Veep candidate. In that and other regard, this and this cannot help but spell BAD news for McCain at this point.

Obama keeps piling on Clinton with two more state wins, delegate count: 1,315 to 1,245 -- advantage Obama.

Read the news account of Obama's decisive wins in Wisconsin and Hawaii.

S-L-O-W-L-Y but surely, "Billary" has started to lose this thing, and her plagiarism attacks did not stick, in order to divert attention from her foibles.

Get well soon!

Funny, isn't it?

A world best left behind or investigated? You be the judge.

Read about how a hospital both got, and gave, preferential treatment, and you be the judge of what happened.

The story sure sounds like a quid pro quo. But then again it sounds surer as Kentucky politics. What do you think?

Two "sister" blogs launched: Real Conservatives Speak, and, Black Robes Speak.

I have launched two "sister" blogs, Real Conservatives Speak -- dealing with issues of concern to REAL Conservatives (Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike, as long as they subscribe to the Conservative ideals) and Black Robes Speak -- dealing with issues of concern to those interested in the law and jurisprudence, whether or not you are a practitioner.

Check them out, and I hope you enjoy them. Anyone who wants to contribute to any of the sites is welcome to email me. Enjoy.

Ain't it the truth?!

Ain't it the truth?!

Here we go -- again?

Here is a press release:

The Democratic County Executive Committees of Harlan and Perry counties met last night and nominated Scott Alexander to run in a special election to fill the 84th House District vacancy.

Alexander is the owner of MJ&M Sales, a mining supply company. He previously served as State Representative and is prepared to begin work in the House Chambers immediately.

"I was pleased to learn tonight that Scott Alexander will be the Democratic nominee for the 84th House District vacancy. The nomination process shows that Democrats continue to work together as a united front to nominate quality candidates," Chair Jennifer Moore said. "Scott's prior experience in the legislature makes him uniquely qualified to fill this vacancy for the remainder of the term and work to help make the transition smooth for the next Democrat who will be elected in November."

Here we go -- again?

***** BREAKING NEWS: END of an era, as Cuba's Fidel Castro announces resignation.

Here is Fidel Castro's resignation letter to Comrades:

Message from the Commander in Chief

Dear compatriots:

Last Friday, February 15, I promised you that in my next reflection I would deal with an issue of interest to many compatriots. Thus, this now is rather a message.

The moment has come to nominate and elect the State Council, its President, its Vice-Presidents and Secretary.

For many years I have occupied the honorable position of President. On February 15, 1976 the Socialist Constitution was approved with the free, direct and secret vote of over 95% of the people with the right to cast a vote. The first National Assembly was established on December 2nd that same year; this elected the State Council and its presidency. Before that, I had been a Prime Minister for almost 18 years. I always had the necessary prerogatives to carry forward the revolutionary work with the support of the overwhelming majority of the people.

There were those overseas who, aware of my critical health condition, thought that my provisional resignation, on July 31, 2006, to the position of President of the State Council, which I left to First Vice-President Raul Castro Ruz, was final. But Raul, who is also minister of the Armed Forces on account of his own personal merits, and the other comrades of the Party and State leadership were unwilling to consider me out of public life despite my unstable health condition.

It was an uncomfortable situation for me vis-à-vis an adversary which had done everything possible to get rid of me, and I felt reluctant to comply.

Later, in my necessary retreat, I was able to recover the full command of my mind as well as the possibility for much reading and meditation. I had enough physical strength to write for many hours, which I shared with the corresponding rehabilitation and recovery programs. Basic common sense indicated that such activity was within my reach. On the other hand, when referring to my health I was extremely careful to avoid raising expectations since I felt that an adverse ending would bring traumatic news to our people in the midst of the battle. Thus, my first duty was to prepare our people both politically and psychologically for my absence after so many years of struggle. I kept saying that my recovery "was not without risks."

My wishes have always been to discharge my duties to my last breath. That’s all I can offer.

To my dearest compatriots, who have recently honored me so much by electing me a member of the Parliament where so many agreements should be adopted of utmost importance to the destiny of our Revolution, I am saying that I will neither aspire to nor accept, I repeat, I will neither aspire to nor accept the positions of President of the State Council and Commander in Chief.

In short letters addressed to Randy Alonso, Director of the Round Table National TV Program, --letters which at my request were made public-- I discreetly introduced elements of this message I am writing today, when not even the addressee of such letters was aware of my intention. I trusted Randy, whom I knew very well from his days as a student of Journalism. In those days I met almost on a weekly basis with the main representatives of the University students from the provinces at the library of the large house in Kohly where they lived. Today, the entire country is an immense University.

As expected, President George Bush, Sr., has endorsed John McCain.

The endorsement is a no brainer, and probably doesn't make a difference at this point.

Senator David Williams explains senate support for "gaming".

Senator David Williams explains support for "gaming" in the Senate.

Words to live by.

Of particular importance to Governor Steve Beshear are these words of wisdom from yesterday's pages of the Courier-Journal:

"While Fletcher's staff was made up of youngsters who thought they knew everything, Beshear's is filled with oldsters who know what it took for them to succeed 15 or 20 years ago. Too bad for them, but times and circumstances have changed."

Another reason to support John McCain but NOT Hillary "OINK, OINK" Clinton.

It's the "PORK", stupid!

Charles Barkley slams FAKE Republicans/Conservatives.

Here we go -- again.

Read about it here.

It seems to me that we went through this once before. Let me think -- it had something to do with reading lips.

Better way to fight cervical cancer: Provide women with "daily stress free environment".

Read about the "daily stress free environment" way to fight cervical cancer.

Kentucky should pass a law to remove daily stress from women's lives, especially for those in Eastern Kentucky, instead of trying to experiment with our girls with Merck's Gardasil vaccine.

SURVEYUSA poll: Kentuckians still don't like President Bush, confirms "it's the economy, stupid!"

Read the poll's tabs.

As we get closer to the November elections, President Bush could end up being the BIG elephant in the room, literally and figuratively -- especially for John McCain, STOPS being the "straight talking Maverick" and instead opts to embrace the present political -- read, Bush -- establishment.

2008 will MOST LIKELY prove to be the year of the OUTSIDER or ANTI-ESTABLISHMENT candidate. That's why we have John McCain and Barack Obama "thumping" their opposition.

FEMA is killing them softly. Where's "Brownie" when you need him?

High Levels of Formaldehyde in FEMA Trailers Force Agency to Seek Alternatives.

In case you didn't know, here's how Formaldehyde is commonly used.

I guess you can say that FEMA was killing these folks softly -- with the WRONG prescription.

Person for the week: John McCain and Barack Obama.

The week belonged to two individuals, likely opponents for the presidential election. They are Senators John McCain and Barack Obama, and they share the honor of being our person(s) for the week.

NO DICE STEVE

Paul Patton is certainly not a guy Democrats want to remember fondly, if at all, but Steve Beshear could have learned something from the Pride of Pikeville. Specifically, the largely successful first term he enjoyed and the way he went about including Democrats and minority Republicans into his legislative agenda.

Instead, Gov. Beshear has somehow got it in his head if he just wishes hard enough it will be the 1970s all over, when Wendell Ford or Julian Carroll could just bark orders up to the third floor of the Capitol.

Sorry to break the news, but there is a big majority of Republicans in the state Senate (keeps getting bigger) and they are led by the man Gov. Beshear wanted to blow off a few months ago, you know, the one tap-dancing on the grave of the casino bill.

And the Democrats in the House are already bugging out, the Bob Damrons and Jim Gooches are going full bore right wing on gun laws, domestic partner insurance and illegal immigrants. Who needs Republicans here? Rep. Jim Wayne, not exactly your conservative maverick type, has even begun calling Beshear a "Rip Van Winkle" asleep from Kentucky politics for 20 years.

This session of the General Assembly is already set as a bust for the new administration. It will be interesting to see who gets canned in May and if a modern approach can be found. But Gov. Beshear does have one thing going in his favor as he regroups and thinks over his situation the rest of the year. Jack Conway probably won't indict him.

David Williams: Beshear is guilty of "fraud in advertising" for "the biggest joke" with "no legs", while "burning up time" needed 4 "belt tightening".

These are indeed harsh words from the Senate President, David Williams, for Gov. Steve Beshear's casino legislation. Here is an excerpt from Pol Watchers:

Williams, a Burkesville Republican who opposes casino gambling in Kentucky, first criticized the wording of Beshear's proposed constitutional amendment after reporters questioned him about it.

The proposed amendment from the Democrat governor first asks voters if they favor increasing financial support for education and other needs in the state before it mentions casinos.

“If the words of the constitutional amendment could be held to the fraud in advertising standard, this would be fraud in advertising," Williams said.

“It begins by asking are you for education, are you for the good fairy, blah, blah, blah. It’s a non sequitur.”

Williams called the wording “bait and switch.”

“I see very little support for casino gambling in the Senate," Williams said.

Asked about the enabling legislation specifying that the race tracks would get casinos, Williams said. “They’re giving a monopoly to a private company.”

Williams said of the proposed legislation: “There’s nothing in this for horse racing, for the horse farmers.”

“This will close racing tracks” because patrons will be interested in casino gaming, not betting on horses," he said.

“This is the biggest joke I’ve seen in my life,” Williams said. “This bill will have no legs.”

Williams said of Beshear: “He knows gaming is not going to pass. . . . He can push, threaten, coerce and do whatever he wants. It will never pass the House.”

The Republican leader also said Beshear "could have been more honest. He wants a funding source for his attempt to have total control of the government. He’s not interested in it passing.

“He’s beating the casino drum and it has a hollow sound.”

Williams said this is the first big effort by gambling interests to gain great influence over Kentucky politics.

“The gambling money will control the body politic in this state” if it is not opposed and defeated, he said.

Williams said Beshear is “burning up time” that could be put to better use by focusing on “belt-tightening” to solve the state’s budget problems.

Asked whether he thought the budget shortfall was manufactured, Williams said, “I think it is manageable.” But he declined to say how big he thinks the shortfall is.

Harsh words, indeed. I note some House members appear to be gun shy, too.

As soon as we have Governor Steve Beshear's response, we'll be sure to post it.

Talking about terror, gunman repeats "Virginia Tech" at Northern Illinois University. Could Kentucky prevent, or encourage, it?

Read the story here.

With Kentucky's new bill to arm students at Kentucky schools, could this tragedy REPEAT here or be PREVENTED by this new bill (if passed)?

Inquiring minds want to know.

In a fight with President Bush over "telecom immunity", U. S. House lets FISA expire!

Read about it here.

Do you suppose both sides still remember what compromise is all about?

The war on terror DEFINITELY deserves BETTER attention from both sides.

Don't you think?

More bad news for "Billary" as defections commence.

Read the story here.

More expected in the very near future.

Mitt Romney endorses John McCain. Someone please tell Mike Huckabee the nominee has been chosen.

As at the last count, John McCain had a total of 839 delegates. Add to that number the roughly 280 delegates from Mitt Romney, and you have a total of 1119 (he needed 352)! So now John McCain really needs 72, assuming Republican Party rules allow Mitt Romney to pledge his delegates as Romney proposes.

Makes one wonder why Mike Huckabee is "fooling" himself, pretending that he matters at this point..

Happy Valentine's Day. It is my wedding anniversary, too.

So please join me in wishing my better half a happy wedding anniversary, with many, many more happy returns.

SURVEYUSA poll comes calling for Senator Mitch McConnell -- with good news.

Read the poll results and follow the graph (click on it to enlarge it) below:

Governor Steve Beshear's "gaming" plan includes seven casinos at tracks and five "free standing" ones.

The seven casinos will be built on race tracks sites, although they could be built off track, subject to local approval). The five "free-standing" casinos are subject to local approval, and could be located in Daviess County, Christian County, Kenton or Campbell counties, Boyd or Greenup counties and Laurel or Whitley counties.

All 12 casinos, if built, could produce up to $599.3 million a year from wagering taxes and license fees. Initially, the license fees would produce $500.9 million in 2008-2009 and $481.9 million in 2009-2010, according to estimates from the state budget office.

To be implemented, the plan will require two thirds majority approval from the House (where prospects for passage appears favorable) and the Senate (where its passage appears doubtful). Then a constitutional amendment will have to be approved by the voters in November. Here is a proposed constitutional amendment for it:

"Are you in favor of increasing state financial support for elementary and secondary education, expanding health care for senior citizens, children and others, support for local governments, and combating drug and alcohol abuse and other important programs by permitting the General Assembly to authorize up to five casinos subject to approval of the voters in the city or county where the casino is located; and up to seven casinos licenses for existing horse racing associations, all of which will be subject to the approval of a state agency created to oversee casino gaming?"

What do you think about the proposed "gaming"? If you approve, is the number too many or just right? What about the proposed locations, and the idea of local approval?

Mitt Romney will endorse John McCain today; and, Lincoln Chafee has endorsed Barack Obama.

Mitt Romney will endorse John McCain today and release his 280 delegates to him.

It's a no brainer or shocker, but welcomed anyway. With this action, the nomination is now John McCain's. Now the focus is on Mike Huckabee, as we wonder why he keeps insisting on "fighting on", when there's NOTHING for him to win.

Meanwhile, the shocker is that former Republican U. S. Senator from Rhode Island, Lincoln Chafee, has endorsed the Obama campaign.

SURVEYUSA poll comes bearing bad news for Steve Beshear.

Read the poll results and look at the graphics for more information (click the graph to enlarge it):

In Kentucky, a sensible point of view.

Don't you think?

A message from the desk of John McCain.

Here is the message:

My Friends,

I am writing to you because today, we must begin to unite as party and prepare for the upcoming election in November. If I am so fortunate as to be the Republican nominee for president, I will stand on my conservative convictions and offer Americans a clearly conservative approach to governing. But my friends, I cannot succeed in this endeavor without the support of dedicated conservatives like you. And today, I write to ask for your support.

Will you join my campaign today by making a generous contribution? We will have a hard-fought battle against either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama, and I know that by joining together, our party will prevail on Election Day.

In just a few short days, Senators Clinton and Obama have raised nearly $10 million online for their respective campaigns. I know that I must take the time now to replenish my campaign's funds to prepare for what will undoubtedly be the most expensive campaign for president in our history. That is why I ask you to make an urgent contribution of $25, $50, $100, $250, $500 or more today.

This election is going to be about big things, not small things. And I intend to fight as hard as I can to ensure that our shared conservative principles prevail.

Senators Clinton and Obama want to increase the size of the federal government, raise your taxes, and withdraw our forces from Iraq based on an arbitrary timetable designed for political expediency. I intend to reduce the size of the federal government, cut your taxes and win this war. I have had the distinct honor of serving our great country for many decades and with your support, I will be able to serve her for a little while longer.

I am proud to have come to public office as a foot soldier in the Reagan Revolution. My friends, twenty-five years later, I am still proud to be a conservative and it is my greatest hope that you will join me in this campaign today. Thank you.

Sincerely,

John McCain

Ya'll should thank Mark Hebert for ...

... this little investigative report.

More bad news for "Billary", as Bill Clinton's former national campaign manager and former DNC chair. backs Obama.

Read about the endorsement here.

Seems like "Billary" is in for a RUDE Giuliani style awakening!

President Bush signs economic "stimulus" package into law.

Read about it here.

So how you gonna spend yours?

Barack Obama continues his state sweep of Hillary Clinton, as her deputy resigns and she adopts Rudy Giuliani's "winning" strategy.

Barack Obama continued his winning ways against Hillary Clinton (delegate count is almost tied), winning the three primaries yesterday in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia (Washington, D. C.).

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton's deputy campaign manager resigned this morning and we now hear that she has adopted a Texas, Ohio "last stand(?)" strategy (more Texas, really) sans Rudy Giuliani's Florida "last stand".

And it may be Hillary's last stand, indeed, as many politicos are now publicly saying that Obama will likely be the Democrat's nominee, unless Texas saves Hillary's hide.

I do NOT find it far fetched that Obama could end up being the Democrat's nominee, but the skeptic in me wants to wait until I see it happen.

How about you?

Chris Matthews' "Obejective Assessment Of Barack "All Style & No Substance"Obama

"I have to tell you, you know, it's part of reporting this case, this election, the feeling most people get when they hear Barack Obama's speech. My, I felt this thrill going up my leg. I mean, I don't have that too often. No, seriously. It's a dramatic event. He speaks about America in a way that has nothing to do with politics. It has to do with the feeling we have about our country. And that is an objective assessment."

Comment: Doesn't sound like an objective assessment to me!

I am sure the German people felt that thrill going up there leg when they listened to a mesmerizing Hitler in the 1930s.

While communication skills are a good trait for a leader there also must be some substance to his beliefs. How is Obama going to react when his ultra-liberal voting record is scrutinized by the American people between now and November and when they contemplate the cost of his social programs and promises!

John McCain continues sweep of states as Mike Huckabee vows to continue.

Senator John McCain continued his winning ways yesterday by winning all three states in contest. He won the primaries in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia (Washington, D. C.). Meanwhile, his challenger, Gov. Mike Huckabee, vows to continue fighting -- a losing battle, if you ask me.

Join John, if you will.

Trey Grayson: Turnout for last general election "lowest in modern history."

According to Trey Grayson, "Statewide turnout was 37.8% for the general election, marking the lowest turnout in modern history for a Kentucky gubernatorial election cycle."

Continuing, Trey said that "Turnout in the 2003 general election, the most recent comparable election, was 40.2%. Turnout for the 2004 and 2006 general elections were 64.7% and 49.5%, respectively."

And the counties with the highest and lowest turnouts? Franklin County had the highest turnout percentage with 59.7% of registered voters turning out to vote. Martin County had the lowest turnout percentage with 19.3%. (I guess you know who Franklin County wanted to run out of town!)

Statewide, Democrats beat out Republicans -- 40.8%, 36.2% -- and voters listed as “other” turned out at 21.6%.

So much for some people who attributed Fletcher's loss to a HUGE Democratic turnout, and a small Republican turn out!! The voting statistics prove them WRONG.

That should prove a warning to all FALSE Conservatives.

A day after Jack Richardson quit as Jefferson County GOP Chair, Brad Cummings is first out the gate to seek to replace him.

Here's his announcement:

Louisville – In light of recent events, Louisville Republican Bradford Cummings has announced his candidacy for the position of Jefferson County Republican Chairman. With much success, Cummings has been working hard to win support from key Republicans in Jefferson County.

“I am happy to say that the people I have talked to about my candidacy are excited to back me. They know that I am in this race to bring about a new direction for the JCRP” Cummings said. “I look forward to reaching out to as many Republicans as possible and want everyone within our Party to know that their input will be valued.”

Drawing on his experience as Political Director and Louisville Coordinator for Secretary of State Trey Grayson’s recent reelection, Cummings looks forward to uniting the county Party behind a strong grassroots effort in this upcoming election.

“The Jefferson County Republican Party, above all else, should be there to aid campaigns as they march on to victory in November” said the 30 year old Cummings. “My recent Louisville track record and focused passion for the core values of the Republican Party will help push our first-class slate of candidates over the top on Election Day 2008.”

While Cummings readily admits that there is much work to do in order to unify the Party, he feels confident that he is the right man for the job.

“For whatever reason, we have experienced a lack of unity in our local Party in recent years. Fortunately, during this upcoming nominating process, we have the opportunity to leave the past where it belongs” said Cummings. “It is now time that the JCRP moves forward and unifies all regions of Jefferson County behind a cohesive and productive party structure. After all, when the Republican principles of fiscal conservatism, sound family values and strong national defense are articulated effectively, Jefferson Countians overwhelming support our candidates.”

“With valuable input and support from Republicans across Jefferson County, I hope to be in the position to steer our Party towards a more promising future.”

Anyone in Jefferson county care to enlighten us on what's going on there?

A sister blog is born, where REAL Conservatives Speak! Check it out.

I have started a new blog -- a place where REAL Conservatives (of ANY political persuasions) Speak!

Please check it out and feel free to contribute as you wish. I will leave the blog for any number of contributors to express their CONSERVATIVE viewpoints WITHOUT fear or favor.

I intend to see that REAL CONSERVATIVES take over the state and country -- CONSERVATIVES comprising of Republicans, Democrats and Independents.

So lets have at it, guys and girls. If you want to contribute to the site, all you have to do is email me (the link is on the website). The qualifications are to be Conservative, have a desire to share and influence Conservative ideas to take root in our society and refrain from overly abusive behavior.

Now check out the site. It is Real Conservatives Speak, and I am still putting the finishing touches on it, so please bear with me!

RICHARDSON OUT!!!!

To paraphrase Macbeth- Nothing so became Jack Richardson's political life as the leaving of it.
For an old misogynist like the outgoing Jefferson Chair, to take off while under fire by talk show host Francene must be particularly galling. From what I heard, this has been in the works for quite a while, as even he realized he was not going to be re-elected at the county reorganization this year anyway. The powers that be in Frankfort have decided the Jefferson County caucuses March 1 would be a fair election.

There is a very green person he is backing to suceed him; this gentleman, may or may not even be actually interested in doing it. However it turns out, there are many loyal Republicans in Jefferson County ready to work in the party. We'll see who actually steps up to run for party office.

What has been lacking is leadership that understands the right reasons to be involved in party politics. And unfortunately, Jack Richardson was far from being the only person to suffer this all-too common affliction.