Kentucky Senate President, David Williams, Responds To Courier-Journal Ethics Reform Editorial.

To use baseball parlance, executive branch ethics reform died in the 2008 General Assembly session because the House of Representatives balked as the Governor called the pitches. But you don't have to take my word for it. According to your editorial penned on April 10, "The hold-up [on ethics reform] is over a provision added by the Republican-controlled Senate that would prohibit lobbyists and state contractors from giving to gubernatorial candidates and others running for statewide office. So far, the Democratic-controlled House has refused to go along and limit their governor's fundraising ability."

There you have it, folks. According to the State Government Committee chairman, Rep. Mike Cherry, D-Princeton, a ban on lobbyists and state contractor contributions would create "unacceptable" fundraising limits on the Governor. The fact of the matter is that the Senate embraced the Governor's reforms and in a bipartisan manner, we passed legislation that went even further. It is unfortunate that the Governor, and now apparently your editorial board, appear timid.

DAVID L. WILLIAMS

President, Kentucky Senate

Frankfort, Ky. 40601

Editor's comment: I CANNOT say that "King" David is NOT "on the money" on this issue!

Article courtesy of the C-J.