STILL Feeling Gas Pains?

Then you don't want to read this report.

In Kentucky, Feel Free To Shake Your Head -- Once Again.

Read more, and shake away.

Senator Mitch McConnell Hits Bruce Lunsford Again On Fuel Prices, Lunsford Tries To Duck.

Bruce Lunsford "tries" to duck.

HEEEEEE"S Back!

Dear Osi,

During the campaign, Hillary and I didn't have the chance to eat together much because we were usually on the trail in different states. Now that the campaign's over, I'm glad we can share more meals again.

Of all the people I've had the privilege to break bread with, the person I most enjoy is still Hillary.

Now you have a chance to have dinner with her. And if you contribute even as little as $5 today, you can help Hillary retire that pesky campaign debt, and you and a guest might be sitting down to dinner with her soon. Every little bit can make a difference, and I think you should go for it and enter today.

Join Hillary for dinner. Make a $5 contribution today.

Trust me on this one. If you're the lucky winner, it will be a night to remember and one you'll really enjoy.

All my best,

Bill Clinton

Congressman Barney Frank Wants To Decriminalize "Possession Of 100 grams Or Less Of Marijuana".

The bill is HR 5843 and you can read more about the bill, and below is the text of the bill:

Text of Legislation

HR 5843 IH

110th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 5843

To eliminate most Federal penalties for possession of marijuana for personal use, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 17, 2008

Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts (for himself and Mr. PAUL) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL

To eliminate most Federal penalties for possession of marijuana for personal use, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Act to Remove Federal Penalties for the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults'.

SEC. 2. ELIMINATION OF CERTAIN MARIJUANA-RELATED PENALTIES.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no penalty may be imposed under an Act of Congress for the possession of marijuana for personal use, or for the not-for-profit transfer between adults of marijuana for personal use. For the purposes of this section, possession of 100 grams or less of marijuana shall be presumed to be for personal use, as shall the not-for-profit transfer of one ounce or less of marijuana, except that the civil penalty provided in section 405 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 844a) may be imposed for the public use of marijuana if the amount of the penalty does not exceed $100.

Any thoughts out there?

Is It Just Me, Or Is CENSORSHIP At Work In Kentucky.

I have ALWAYS received email press releases from all Governors since I have been in Kentucky -- from Paul Patton to Steve Beshear -- until recently; I NOW NO longer receive ANY press releases from Steve Beshear's office.

Could it be that I wrote something that someone there found objectionable?

I do NOT know, but I wonder if anyone else out there has had something like this happen to them.

It kinda reminds me of when his predecessor asked the Courier Journal and the Herald Leader reporters to submit their questions in writing -- I IMMEDIATELY sent word to Ernie Fletcher that the policy needed to be SNUFFED out, and thankfully it was.

Of course, anyone working for the Governor in the communications office OUGHT to know that the WORST thing to do is to ALIENATE the press -- including people who blog.

I do NOT know how many friends the Governor has, but I would think that he CANNOT, politically, afford to lose some.

BREAKING Medical News: Doctors In Houston, Texas, May Have Discovered A Way To Kill The AIDS Virus.

Read more and watch the video here.

Read excerpts below:

HOUSTON -- There is real hope that what’s happening in a Houston lab might lead to a cure for HIV.

“We have found an innovative way to kill the virus by finding this small region of HIV that is unchangeable,” Dr. Sudhir Paul of the University of Texas Medical School at Houston said.

Dr. Paul and Dr. Miguel Escobar aren’t talking about just suppressing HIV – they’re talking about destroying it permanently by arming the immune system with a new weapon lab tests have shown to be effective. ...

“The virus is truly complex and has many tricks up its sleeve,” Paul said.

But Dr. Paul thinks he’s cracked a code.

“We’ve discovered the weak spot of HIV,” he said.

Paul and his team have zeroed in on a section of a key protein in HIV’s structure that does not mutate.

“The virus needs at least one constant region, and that is the essence of calling it the Achilles heel,” Paul said.

That Achilles heel is the doctors’ way in. They take advantage of it with something called an abzyme.

It’s naturally produced by people, like lupus patients. When they applied that abzyme to the HIV virus, it permanently disarmed it.

“What we already have in our hand are the abzymes that we could be infusing into the human subjects with HIV infection, essentially to move the virus,” Paul said.

Basically, their idea could be used to control the disease for people who already have it and prevent infection for those at risk.

The theory has held up in lab and animal testing. The next step is human trials.

John McCain Gives Republicans Upset Stomachs, Praises Speaker Nancy Pelosi As "One Of The Great American Success Stories".

Read more from SFGate.

Republicans: reach for your Antacids!

California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger Becomes Jobs And Pay "The Terminator".

Watch update below:

For Those Of You Out There Who Want To Know.

Check out the list (note: you can change states).

We Laugh -- Again.

Barack Obama SLAMS John McCain With New "LOW Road" Campaign Ad.

Barack Obama Would Order A Review Of President Bush's Executive Orders, And Undo Any That "Trample On Liberty." Good News To Liberty Lovers Like Me!

Read more on Huff Post.

This is indeed good news for those of us who are UNABASHEDLY Lovers of CONSTITUTIONAL LIBERTY.

Something about "give me liberty or give me death", I suppose!

How about you?

In Kentucky, Former Governor Paul Patton Buys Louisville Condo for $611,042.00.

So says the Arena's Joe Gerth.

I suspect, the former Governor will NOW be more involved in public life, don't you think so also?

Embattled Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Announces Resignation. Can He Take Alaska's U. S. Senator Ted Stevens With Him?

Read more, and watch the video below:


I'm sure the GOP, and many in Alaska, wish he could.

Meanwhile, you can have your laugh below:

BREAKING NEWS from Senator Mitch McConnell's Campaign. Read The GREAT News Below.

This morning I posted a request for our Senator Mitch McConnell to return the campaign contribution he received from Alaska's indicted Senator Ted Stevens, or donate the same to charity.

Notice that the posting occurred at 10:58 A. M. .

An hour later, at precisely 12:40 P. M., I received this GREAT news from Chris Adkins of Team Mitch (thanks, Chris for the VERY PROMPT response from the Senator. This is the kind of LEADERSHIP we've ALWAYS expected and received from the Senator):

To: Osi Onyekwuluje

FYI

Senator McConnell’s campaign will donate $10,000 (the amount received from Senator Stevens in the 2008 election cycle) to Wayside Christian Mission.

Now there's another reason to STICK WITH MITCH: PROMPT DECISIVE LEADERSHIP!

Is The MSM Hating On John McCain For LOVING Salvatore Ferragamo Shoes? Oops, I LOVE Them, Too.

Read more.

Like McCain's Shoes?

Get a pair here.

Ludacris Is "Digging" Barack Obama And "Dissing" Hillary Clinton.

Watch the video below:



Mouth the lyrics:

I'm back on it like I just signed my record deal
yeah the best is here, the Bentley Coup paint is dripping wet, it got sex appeal
never should have hated
you never should've doubted him
with a slot in the president's iPod Obama shattered 'em
Said I handled his biz and I'm one of his favorite rappers
Well give Luda a special pardon if I'm ever in the slammer
Better yet put him in office, make me your vice president
Hillary hated on you, so that b^$&%* is irrelevant
Jesse talking slick and apologizing for what?
if you said it then you meant it how you want it have a gut!
and all you other politicians trying to hate on my man,
watch us win a majority vote in every state on my man
you can't stop what's bout to happen, we bout to make history
the first black president is destined and it's meant to be
the threats ain't fazing us, the nooses or the jokes
so get off your ass, black people, it's time to get out and vote!
paint the White House black and I'm sure that's got 'em terrified
McCain don't belong in ANY chair unless he's paralyzed
Yeah I said it cause Bush is mentally handicapped
Ball up all of his speeches and I throw em like candy wrap
cause what you talking I hear nothing even relevant
and you the worst of all 43 presidents
get out and vote or the end will be near
the world is ready for change because Obama is here!
cause Obama is here
The world is ready for change because Obama is here!

Dick Morris: Obama's Women Problem.

Read more below:

If soccer moms determined the outcome of the 1996 presidential race and security moms tipped the balance in 2004, it is beginning to look as if older moms are the key to the 2008 contest. Obama has a problem among women over 40 and a big problem among women over 50. These groups, normally the staunchest of Democratic supporters, are showing a propensity to back McCain and a disinclination to support Obama.

According to the latest Fox News survey, Obama is winning among women under 40 by 13 points, but McCain is winning among women aged 41-45 by four points. Among women 50 and over, McCain is three points ahead. Obama’s 48-35 lead among women under 40 is normal for a Democrat, but to trail among women in their 40s by 45-41 and by women over 50 by 38-35 is extraordinary.

The problem is that older women don’t like Obama as much as younger women do. While 70 percent of women under 40 have a favorable opinion of the Democratic candidate, only 58 percent of women in their 40s feel the same way, and only 52 percent of those over 50 see him favorably.

For a Democrat to be losing among women over 40 is without precedent in the past 20 years.

In fact, the gap between male and female voting preference in this election is far lower than it normally is. Among people under 40, men back Obama by eight points and women support him by 13. Among those in their 40s, men back McCain by 11 points and women support him by four. And for those over 50, men vote for the Republican by a nine-point margin while women prefer him by three points.

Usually, the gender gap runs at least 10 points in each age group and, more usually, averages a 15-point differential. The lower gap in this race does not indicate any special popularity for McCain or negatives on Obama among men. Men are voting the way they usually do. It’s women who are making the big difference and keeping this race tied.

Part of the problem may stem from Obama’s defeat of Hillary Clinton during the primaries. Hillary drew her strongest support from older women who still remembered the sexism of their youth and their struggles to pierce the glass ceiling. For younger women, sexism has much less personal relevance and they were less drawn to her candidacy.

But a bigger problem may be a cultural alienation older white women feel toward Obama. The Rev. Jeremiah Wright may linger as a worry in their increasingly gray heads as they contemplate an Obama presidency. This fear of the unknown and the gap they seem to feel with Obama is so strong that it is overcoming their normal proclivity to back Democrats.

Of course, McCain is a uniquely attractive candidate to the Democratic and independent base. Long regarded as a maverick Republican, he attracts these swing voters and is ideally positioned to exploit the estrangement between older women and Barack Obama.

Would choosing Hillary as a running mate assuage the concerns of older white women? It might.

They could get enthusiastic, one would think, about seeing a woman sitting a few feet away from the president in the Oval Office (again!).

But Hillary would bring with her a different set of problems. Her candidacy would invite scrutiny of Bill’s financial dealings, most recently exposed in The Wall Street Journal’s coverage of the incredible corruption of his buddy the president of Kazakhstan.

The problem is Obama. And it can only be solved by Obama, not by his running mate. For his part, McCain should take dead aim at this demographic, perhaps by selecting a female running mate who would appeal to them.

The current favorite, Mitt Romney, does him no earthly good with these folks, and his Mormonism is likely to be a big turnoff. But McCain could choose Condi Rice or any number of other Republican women (like Kay Bailey Hutchison, the Texas senator) and attract these dissident women.

Agree or not?

PLEASE NO Laughing: John McCain's Ad Features Paris Hilton And Britney Spears.

Watch the ad below:



Update: John McCain's "negativity" is starting to worry some in the GOP.

The above LAME ad is no exception.

President Bush (In Private) Signs Housing Bill Into Law.

Read more here.

Now "FREDDIE MAC" and "FANNIE MAE" have made out like BANDITS -- or, maybe, they are bandits.

To Senator Mitch McConnell: It's Time To Give Back The Money Or Donate The Money To Charity.

Read more.

U. S. House Passes Democratic Sponsored Resolution Aplogizing For "The Enslavement And Racial Segregation Of African-Americans."

Below is the Democratic sponsored resolution (HR 194):

Whereas millions of Africans and their descendants were enslaved in the United States and the 13 American colonies from 1619 through 1865; (Introduced in House)

HRES 194 IH

110th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. RES. 194

Apologizing for the enslavement and racial segregation of African-Americans.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 27, 2007

Mr. COHEN (for himself, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, Mr. WEXLER, Ms. KILPATRICK, Ms. WOOLSEY, Mr. PALLONE, Ms. LEE, Mr. MCGOVERN, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mrs. MALONEY of New York, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. JEFFERSON, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Ms. WATSON, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. CLEAVER, Ms. CARSON, Mr. ISRAEL, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. DAVIS of Alabama, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. ABERCROMBIE, Mr. HARE, Mr. KENNEDY, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. HODES, Mr. FILNER, Mr. HONDA, and Mr. KUCINICH) submitted the following resolution ; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

RESOLUTION

Apologizing for the enslavement and racial segregation of African-Americans.

Whereas millions of Africans and their descendants were enslaved in the United States and the 13 American colonies from 1619 through 1865;

Whereas slavery in America resembled no other form of involuntary servitude known in history, as Africans were captured and sold at auction like inanimate objects or animals;

Whereas Africans forced into slavery were brutalized, humiliated, dehumanized, and subjected to the indignity of being stripped of their names and heritage;

Whereas enslaved families were torn apart after having been sold separately from one another;

Whereas the system of slavery and the visceral racism against persons of African descent upon which it depended became entrenched in the Nation's social fabric;

Whereas slavery was not officially abolished until the passage of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1865 after the end of the Civil War, which was fought over the slavery issue;

Whereas after emancipation from 246 years of slavery , African-Americans soon saw the fleeting political, social, and economic gains they made during Reconstruction eviscerated by virulent racism, lynchings, disenfranchisement, Black Codes, and racial segregation laws that imposed a rigid system of officially sanctioned racial segregation in virtually all areas of life;

Whereas the system of de jure racial segregation known as `Jim Crow,' which arose in certain parts of the Nation following the Civil War to create separate and unequal societies for whites and African-Americans, was a direct result of the racism against persons of African descent engendered by slavery ;

Whereas the system of Jim Crow laws officially existed into the 1960's--a century after the official end of slavery in America--until Congress took action to end it, but the vestiges of Jim Crow continue to this day;

Whereas African-Americans continue to suffer from the consequences of slavery and Jim Crow--long after both systems were formally abolished--through enormous damage and loss, both tangible and intangible, including the loss of human dignity and liberty, the frustration of careers and professional lives, and the long-term loss of income and opportunity;

Whereas the story of the enslavement and de jure segregation of African-Americans and the dehumanizing atrocities committed against them should not be purged from or minimized in the telling of American history;

Whereas on July 8, 2003, during a trip to Goree Island, Senegal, a former slave port, President George W. Bush acknowledged slavery's continuing legacy in American life and the need to confront that legacy when he stated that slavery `was . . . one of the greatest crimes of history . . . The racial bigotry fed by slavery did not end with slavery or with segregation. And many of the issues that still trouble America have roots in the bitter experience of other times. But however long the journey, our destiny is set: liberty and justice for all.';

Whereas President Bill Clinton also acknowledged the deep-seated problems caused by the continuing legacy of racism against African-Americans that began with slavery when he initiated a national dialogue about race;

Whereas a genuine apology is an important and necessary first step in the process of racial reconciliation;

Whereas an apology for centuries of brutal dehumanization and injustices cannot erase the past, but confession of the wrongs committed can speed racial healing and reconciliation and help Americans confront the ghosts of their past;

Whereas the legislature of the Commonwealth of Virginia has recently taken the lead in adopting a resolution officially expressing appropriate remorse for slavery and other State legislatures are considering similar resolutions; and

Whereas it is important for this country, which legally recognized slavery through its Constitution and its laws, to make a formal apology for slavery and for its successor, Jim Crow, so that it can move forward and seek reconciliation, justice, and harmony for all of its citizens: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

(1) acknowledges the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery and Jim Crow;

(2) apologizes to African-Americans on behalf of the people of the United States, for the wrongs committed against them and their ancestors who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow; and

(3) expresses its commitment to rectify the lingering consequences of the misdeeds committed against African-Americans under slavery and Jim Crow and to stop the occurrence of human rights violations in the future.

Editor's comment: It is BETTER late than NEVER, and so we thank the bill's sponsors (and those who voted for it) as we look forward to similar MAGNANIMOUS act from the Senate.

So True. So True.

Yes, and we laugh again.

We Laugh Again. So True.

Funny. We all feel like Uncle Sam.

Update: Indicted Alaska U. S. Senator, Ted Stevens, Says He "Never Knowingly Submitted A False Disclosure Form Required By Law As A U. S. Senator".

Here is the response as posted on his website:

Statement from Alaska Senator Ted Stevens

I have proudly served this nation and Alaska for over 50 years. My public service began when I served in World War II. It saddens me to learn that these charges have been brought against me. I have never knowingly submitted a false disclosure form required by law as a U.S. Senator.

In accordance with Senate Republican Conference rules, I have temporarily relinquished my vice-chairmanship and ranking positions until I am absolved of these charges.

The impact of these charges on my family disturbs me greatly.

I am innocent of these charges and intend to prove that.

Editor's comment (and I give the Senator his "innocent until proven guilty" process that's due him):

Firstly, in a Clintonisque denial, notice the Senator's use of the qualifier "knowingly". That means he did what he has been accused of doing, but his doing was done without being KNOWINGLY done!

Secondly, they all say: "I am innocent of these charges and intend to prove that", just before they COP a Plea!!

And thirdly, notice he limited his statement to his time in the U. S. Senate. That means we should NOT inquire about anything before then!!!

Oh BTW: The mass exodus has begun away from the Senator. As you can read from the link "North Carolina Sen. Elizabeth Dole is giving to charity $10,000 in campaign cash she received from Sen. Ted Stevens".

Below is the Reuters News video of the news of the indictment:

Earthquake Hits Southern California, And It Wasn't From Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Threatening To Cut State Employee Pay.

Watch the earthquake on "Judge Judy's" show taping:

Governor Steve Beshear Grants Partial Pardons To Ex-Convicts.

Read more on the H-l, which excerpts appear below:

FRANKFORT, Ky. --
Gov. Steve Beshear has granted partial pardons to at least eight convicted murderers and 14 rapists over the past five months, allowing them to vote and run for office.

Kentucky Department of Corrections records provided to The Associated Press show that Beshear also granted partial pardons to 23 people convicted of felony sexual abuse.

Beshear has taken action on behalf of 747 released convicts since March, when he streamlined the process for felons seeking to have their civil rights restored.

"Those whose rights have been restored have served their time and paid their debt to society," Beshear said in a written statement. "The primary goal of the corrections system is to rehabilitate those who have committed crimes and return them as contributing members to society."

In Kentucky, convicted felons permanently lose their civil rights unless the governor intervenes.

To make it easier to regain voting privileges, Beshear dropped requirements that felons submit three letters of recommendation and write essays explaining why their requests should be granted.

Some prosecutors object to granting the partial pardons to people convicted of violent crimes.

"In my mind, I never believed those would be the types of people who would be given serious consideration," said prosecutor Linda Tally Smith, former president of the Kentucky Commonwealth's Attorney's Association. "I would think the person who fell victim to these offenders would expect they would continue to be treated as the violent offenders that they are."

In his partial pardons, Beshear restored only the right to vote and hold public office. He did not restore the right to possess weapons or to serve on juries.

In Other Kentucky News, Bruce Lunsford Loses Campaign Spokesperson, And Agrees With Congressman Ben Chandler To "Bury Hatchet" ...

... (Read more here and here), but the important question is: on whose head is the "hatchet" being "buried"?

In Kentucky, Governor Steve Beshear Once Again Promises To Stay Out Of Impending House Leadership Rumble.

Here is what the Governor had to say, according to the folks at Pol Watchers:

"There are a lot of conversations going on now that seem to be involved in the leadership races one way or the other," Beshear said. "As governor I'm going to stay as far away from those leadership races as I can because I don't have a role in those."

The above statement discounts statement attributed to Greg Stumbo:

“What he asked me was if I was interested in getting back into legislative leadership. And I said, ‘Yeah, I enjoyed it (previously),'” Stumbo said. “Then he asked, ‘If you got back into legislative leadership, would you and I have any problems?' And I said ‘No.'”

So maybe, the Governor changed his mind, or maybe Greg Stumbo misunderstood the conversation he had with the Governor.

You choose your side.

BREAKING NEWS: A Sitting U. S. Senator Will Be Indicted Today. Can You Guess Who?

Whoever guesses right will have an honorable mention on this post, so guess away.

Update #1: He is a Republican, who financed the bridge to no where.

Update #2: See hint by way of picture below:



Update #3: Another clue of what lies in store for the Senator:



Update #4: Here's the indictment, and the DOJ's press release.

Note that GOP rules REQUIRE Ted Stevens to give up his leadership position.

And this indictment most LIKELY hands the senate seat to Democrats!

Also, check out a primer below:


With the hints and the news being all over the air now, the "contest" of guessing who is to be indicted is closed. Thanks, everyone.

QUICK Update: Another Tim, This Time It's NBA Referee Turned Game Fixer, Tim Donaghy, "FOULS OUT", Drawing Prison Sentence.

Yes, the sentence is 15 months in jail, and 3 years probation.

A Battle Of Tims: Could Obama Be Planning On Raising Kaine? And Will McCain Find Pawlenty In His Pick?

It appears so, and it may make sense, if he wants to get him those votes from voters in West Virginia and Kentucky (other than voters in Jefferson County and Fayette County)!

But the choice of Tim Kaine, Governor of Virginia, may NOT be enough to move those states into Obama's column.

I would have thought he would pick a woman or a military General, but then again the urge to win Virginia, coupled with other urges, make the pick a wise one -- as far as Obama sees it.

Oh well, lets wait and see what develops next.

I suspect Obama and McCain will choose their running mates this August.

As for John McCain, I suspect his pick is another Tim, who he'll have Pawlenty to talk about -- as in the Minnesota's Governor.

Which Tim wins out in November will also remain to be seen, but for those of you "rooting" for Hillary "I'm wishing on a June assassination" Clinton or Mitt I'll flip flop on ANY issue" Romney, this is your FINAL cue to lay those FANTASIES to ETERNAL rest.

At least you can say you heard it here first.

Guess Who?

Dear Osi,

Summer is a time for simple pleasures: family vacations, baseball games, and dinner out under the stars. At least it is if you aren't running for president!

It sure is nice having a little more time on my hands, and I'd love to spend some of it with you. Would you like to join me for dinner?

During the campaign, I had the chance a few times to grab meals with supporters, but they were always rushed thanks to the frenetic pace of the campaign. This is my first chance to sit down and spend some real one-on-one time with you. If you enter today, we could be having dinner together soon!

Join me for dinner. Make a $5 contribution today.

My staff has been calling this my "retirement dinner" -- not because I'm retiring, of course, but because we're working on retiring the debt we owe to small vendors all over the country. Everyone who acts today will have the chance to join me -- along with a guest -- for a dinner to talk about whatever you'd like.

Let's go to dinner! Every little bit helps, and even $5 can make a real difference. Contribute $5 now, and you and I could be enjoying a summer dinner together soon!

Join me for dinner. Make a $5 contribution today.

Thank you so much for all your wonderful support.

All the best,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

As I Predicted Here, Sonny Landham "Get's Axed" By Libertarian Party.

Although the official word is that the Libertarian party and Landham agreed to ""amicably go their separate ways", as reported by Joe Gerth on the Arena, -- *WINK* -- excuse me if I beg to differ.

My sources tell me that Sonny Landham was asked to drop out of the race by the party and he agreed to do so, if the party will REFUND him his filing fee.

I joked that at this point, the Libertarian party will be glad to refund DOUBLE the amount.

LOL.

Bob Novak: Closer Than He Should Be.

Closer Than He Should Be

By Robert D. Novak
Monday, July 28, 2008; A17

In the contest for president, Barack Obama is a magnetic candidate supported by a disciplined, well-organized campaign. John McCain seems wooden, with a campaign that appears to be in shambles. Yet Obama's lead in the polls over McCain is fragile because he so far has not won the support of a majority of American voters.

An effective and massively publicized foreign trip failed to push Obama above the 50 percent mark. Democratic hopes and Republican fears that he would get a major bounce in the polls when he clinched the nomination and then on his campaign trip abroad have not been realized.

Overnight surveys by Rasmussen for the past two weeks have shown Obama hovering around 46 percent, while McCain has declined to 41 percent from 45 percent after the wild acclaim for Obama in Berlin. That five-point advantage is by no means insurmountable. These numbers have prompted speculation among Republican political practitioners that McCain can back into the presidency, just as he backed into his party's nomination.

Not even Bob Dole's dismal candidacy in 1996 generated less enthusiasm in GOP ranks than McCain's current effort. In winning the nomination this year, when he had been counted out after the disintegration of his campaign structure, McCain showed more fortitude than skill. He was blessed by a weak field of Republican competitors, who eliminated each other and left McCain as the last man standing.

But Obama is no Huckabee, Giuliani or Romney. He is the most spectacular campaigner of his generation, with an appeal that extends well beyond Democratic ranks. That he lingers below the 50 percent mark is a mystery among politicians in both parties. It is particularly troubling to Democrats who recall past Democratic presidential candidates taking a huge lead over the summer before being overtaken or nearly overtaken by a surging Republican opponent. In 1976, Jimmy Carter took a 33-point summer lead over President Gerald Ford and won in a photo finish. In 1988, Michael Dukakis led George H.W. Bush by 17 points after being nominated in Atlanta but ultimately lost the election. Al Gore and John Kerry were ahead of George W. Bush in the summer.

One candid Republican consultant says that the massive Carter and Dukakis summer leads were illusory, based on large generic Democratic leads. But the party's generic lead is back at 15 points after eight years of George W. Bush and, until 2006, 12 years of a Republican Congress.

Clearly, Obama has not yet convinced the people to accept a young, inexperienced African American as their president. Obama had virtually clinched the nomination when white working men in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia poured out to vote and comfortably delivered their states to Hillary Clinton. This was not because of unalterable affection for her.

Obama's difficulty in reaching the 50 percent mark reflects an overwhelmingly white undecided vote of 10 to 15 percent.

These were the voters Obama was targeting when he ventured into the war zones to demonstrate his mettle as a future commander in chief. He looked good, sounded good and committed no serious gaffes. But sitting by the popular Gen. David Petraeus and disagreeing with his military judgment may not have been the way to win over undecided white working men.

The toughest interrogation of Obama came from CBS anchor Katie Couric in Jordan last Tuesday. She asked four times whether the troop surge he had opposed was instrumental in reducing violence in Iraq. Obama answered straight from talking points by citing "the great effort of our young men and women in uniform." That sounded like the old politics. He would have sounded more like a new politician if he had simply said, "Yes, the strategy did work." That would have infuriated antiwar activists but not enough for them to drop Obama.

Several Democrats I have talked to noted that recent Democratic presidents were elected with a minority of the vote and also that McCain is further below the 50 percent standard than Obama. But McCain, running a flawed campaign in a big Democratic year, is dangerously close. He still could back into victory unless Obama closes the deal.

Laugh Away, Courtesy Of Joel And Nick!

Bush Approves Soldier's Execution, First Since 1957.

Read more or check out this excerpt below:

Citing "brutal crimes," President Bush on Monday authorized the execution of an Army private convicted of a spree of rapes and murders in North Carolina in the 1980s.

It was the first time a commander in chief has affirmed a military death sentence since 1957, half a century ago.

The solider, Ronald A. Gray, committed the crimes in the Fayetteville area while stationed at Fort Bragg.
Gray has been on the military's death row at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., for 20 years.

White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said in a statement on Monday evening:

"President Bush this morning accepted the recommendation of the Secretary of the Army to approve a sentence of death for Army Private Ronald A. Gray, affirming the sentence that resulted from a general court martial for multiple charges of murder and rape committed while serving as a member of the Armed Services. While approving a sentence of death for a member of our Armed Services is a serious and difficult decision for a Commander-in-Chief, the President believes the facts of this case leave no doubt that the sentence is just and warranted. Private Gray was convicted of committing brutal crimes, including two murders, an attempted murder, and three rapes. The victims included a civilian and two members of the Army. Because additional legal challenges are expected in this case, we will decline to comment further. The President’s thoughts and prayers are with the victims of these heinous crimes and their families and all others affected."

University Of Louisville Grant FIASCO Takes On A BIZZARE Twist.

Watch the video above, and ask yourselves what else may be lurking in the corridors of other institutions of higher learning.

Spawning Like A Rabbit.

Yes, indeed.

Craigslist Turns A Rapist Loose.

Yes, Craigslist has.

BREAKING Kentucky News: Republicans Select Lexington-Fayette Urban Councilman, Chuck Ellinger II, To Run For Ernesto Scorsone's Senate Seat.

According to the website for the local government:

Chuck Ellinger II is in his second four-year term as an At-Large Council member.

Ellinger is an attorney who graduated from the University of Kentucky Law School with an undergraduate degree from Rollins College and continuing studies toward a Masters in Public Administration at UK’s Martin School.

He belongs to a number of civic and professional organizations, including the Housing and Support Services Commission, the National League of Cities’ Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy Committee, the Senior Intern Commission, The Lexington Rotary Club, and the Kentucky and Fayette County Bar Associations.

Ellinger serves on the Budget and Finance committees.

In Kentucky, You Can Scratch Your Head On This One.

What am I talking about?

Remember the news about Governor Steve Beshear's policy of ONLY flying flags at half staff for Kentucky natives killed in action?

You can check it out here on C-J.

What about it, you ask?

Well, toady Kentucky's Adjutant General has reversed, with the Governor's approval, the policy.

Back to square one, and you can scratch your head on this one.

Update On Earlier Post About Who Voted For -- Or Against -- The Housing Bill.

Check out the map. View the list below:

Yea : 72 Members

Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Ted Stevens (R-AK)
Jeff Sessions (R-AL)
Richard Shelby (R-AL)
Blanche Lincoln (D-AR)
Mark Pryor (D-AR)
Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
Ken Salazar (D-CO)
Christopher Dodd (D-CT)
Joseph Lieberman (I-CT)
Joseph Biden (D-DE)
Mel Martinez (R-FL)
Bill Nelson (D-FL)
Saxby Chambliss (R-GA)
Johnny Isakson (R-GA)
Daniel Akaka (D-HI)
Larry Craig (R-ID)
Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Richard Durbin (D-IL)
Evan Bayh (D-IN)
Richard Lugar (R-IN)
Sam Brownback (R-KS)
Pat Roberts (R-KS)
Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
John Kerry (D-MA)
Benjamin Cardin (D-MD)
Barbara Mikulski (D-MD)
Susan Collins (R-ME)
Olympia Snowe (R-ME)
Carl Levin (D-MI)
Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
Norm Coleman (R-MN)
Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Claire McCaskill (D-MO)
Thad Cochran (R-MS)
Roger Wicker (R-MS)
Max Baucus (D-MT)
Jon Tester (D-MT)
Kent Conrad (D-ND)
Byron Dorgan (D-ND)
Chuck Hagel (R-NE)
Ben Nelson (D-NE)
Judd Gregg (R-NH)
John Sununu (R-NH)
Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ)
Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
Jeff Bingaman (D-NM)
Pete Domenici (R-NM)
Harry Reid (D-NV)
Hillary Clinton (D-NY)
Charles Schumer (D-NY)
Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
George Voinovich (R-OH)
Gordon Smith (R-OR)
Ron Wyden (D-OR)
Robert Casey (D-PA)
Arlen Specter (R-PA)
Jack Reed (D-RI)
Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
Tim Johnson (D-SD)
Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
Robert Bennett (R-UT)
James Webb (D-VA)
Patrick Leahy (D-VT)
Bernard Sanders (I-VT)
Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Russ Feingold (D-WI)
Herbert Kohl (D-WI)
Robert Byrd (D-WV)
John Rockefeller (D-WV)

Nay : 13 Members

Jon Kyl (R-AZ)
Charles Grassley (R-IA)
David Vitter (R-LA)
John Ensign (R-NV)
Tom Coburn (R-OK)
Jim DeMint (R-SC)
John Thune (R-SD)
Bob Corker (R-TN)
John Cornyn (R-TX)
Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX)
Orrin Hatch (R-UT)
John Barrasso (R-WY)
Michael Enzi (R-WY)

Not Voting : 15 Members

John McCain (R-AZ)
Wayne Allard (R-CO)
Thomas Carper (D-DE)
Daniel Inouye (D-HI)
Tom Harkin (D-IA)
Barack Obama (D-IL)
Jim Bunning (R-KY)
Edward Kennedy (D-MA)
Christopher Bond (R-MO)
Richard Burr (R-NC)
Elizabeth Dole (R-NC)
James Inhofe (R-OK)
Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
John Warner (R-VA)
Patty Murray (D-WA)

Mitch McConnell's Weekly Update.

July 28, 2008
To: Friends and Allies of Team Mitch
Fr: Justin Brasell & Scott Jennings, Campaign Advisors
Re: Weekly Campaign Update
________________________________________
The debate over energy policy continued this week. Bruce Lunsford responded to our first ad of the general election. Interestingly, nowhere in his ad or his campaign’s statements does Bruce Lunsford disavow or deny that he was integral in raising gas taxes on Kentuckians. As you talk to people in your communities, it is important to remember this talking point: Because of Bruce Lunsford’s work in Frankfort, Kentucky has an automatically increasing gas tax which Bruce has bragged about in his own campaign’s videos and that has resulted in Kentucky’s gas tax going up each year since 2004, including this year. Perhaps more remarkable, even in the middle of the worst energy crisis since the Carter Administration Lunsford was traveling the state bragging on his role in implementing this secret automatic tax.
In Lunsford’s response ad, he attacks Senator McConnell for taking a number of votes in the Senate. By attacking those votes, he is saying he would assume the opposite position.

We now have Bruce Lunsford on the record on the following items:

• Roll Call # 339, 11/17/2005 – This amendment to the Tax Relief Act of 2005 would have created a $3 billion windfall profits tax. Senator McConnell opposes windfall profits taxes, because the costs would be passed on to consumers who already pay too much at the pump. Bruce Lunsford is on the record supporting Jimmy Carter’s energy policy of imposing taxes on American energy companies, which led to greater dependency on foreign oil in the 1980’s. This is a position even the democratic chairman of the Senate Energy Committee opposes.
• Roll Call # 222, 6/21/2007 – Senator McConnell voted in favor of an amendment stating that tax increases on oil companies would not go into effect unless the Department of Energy certified that 1) the tax increases would not result in an increase in retail prices for gasoline and 2) that the increased taxes would not result in making the U.S. more dependent on foreign oil. Bruce Lunsford is now on the record as believing that it is more important to raise taxes on drivers than it is to ensure the cost of gas at the pump does not rise and more important than the U.S. achieving energy independence.
• Roll Call #223, 6/21/2007 – This was a vote on cloture on the tax title of the Democrats’ energy bill. Senator McConnell opposed cloture, because the measure would have increased taxes by $28 billion and led to higher gasoline prices. One of the tax increases in this measure would have applied a 13% excise tax on oil produced in the Gulf of Mexico – making the U.S. even more dependent on Middle Eastern oil. Again, Bruce Lunsford is on record supporting higher taxes and policies that increase our dependency on foreign oil.
• Roll Call #146, 6/10/2006 – Senator McConnell voted against cloture on the motion to proceed to Senator Harry Reid’s energy bill, which included billions in increased taxes in the form of a windfall profits tax that would’ve resulted in increased prices for consumers. More of Lunsford’s support for the Jimmy Carter approach to energy policy is as consistent as it is misguided.
Please tell as many people as you can about www.lunsfordgastax.com.

Meanwhile, in the U.S. Senate…

While our campaign continues to tell voters about the two candidates’ clear positions, Senator McConnell is fighting in the U.S. Senate to force votes on expanding domestic energy production. As Senator Alexander of Tennessee told the Courier Journal this week, "Senator McConnell is actually a bright spot because he's gotten our party on the offensive on the No. 1 issue in the country, which is $4 gasoline."

Congressional Democrats used procedural moves and even cancelled committee meetings out of fear that many in their own caucus would join Republicans in voting for measures to increase domestic energy production:
THE NEW YORK TIMES: “Democrats, worried about defections in the ranks, are scrambling to avoid votes on expanded drilling and this week canceled a series of Senate committee sessions that could have provided an opening for Republicans.” (“Spotlight on Gas Prices, and Parties in Stalemate,” The New York Times, 07/24/08)
WALL STREET JOURNAL: “Majority Leader Reid has decided that deliberation is too taxing for “the world’s greatest deliberative body.” This week he cut off serious energy amendments to his anti-speculation bill.” (Editorial, “Democrats Against Drilling,” Wall Street Journal, 07/24/08)
DOW JONES: “While U.S. Democrats consider a bill that seeks to rein in speculation in the petroleum markets, they've suddenly found themselves on the defensive from an orchestrated Republican attack pushing the majority to ‘Drill More, Use Less.’” (“Dems On The Defensive Over GOP Push For More Oil,” Dow Jones, 07/24/08)
CQ: “Democratic leaders have tried to stave off a floor vote on the issue, in part, GOP leaders say, out of fear that some Democrats may cast pro-drilling votes.” (“Republicans Refuse to Discuss Futures Bill Without Coastal Drilling Vote,” CQ, 07/24/08)
THE HILL: “But the GOP is positioning itself as the party willing to do whatever it takes to lower gas prices. The Republicans say Democrats are scared to cast votes on new drilling in the face of voter anger over high gasoline prices, and they point to the majority's decision to scrap appropriations bills to avoid a debate over lifting the congressional ban on drilling along the Outer Continental Shelf.” (“Senate GOP issues ultimatum to expand oil drilling,” The Hill, 07/24/08)
POLITICO: “Democratic leaders, caught off guard by a swing in public opinion and undermined by some of their own members, are scrambling to run down the clock on calls to lift the ban on offshore oil drilling.” (“‘Gang Of 10’ Fights For Increased Drilling,” Politico, 07/23/08)
Scheduling Notes

Fancy Farm is this coming Saturday, August 2. Hopefully, we’ll see you in far Western Kentucky. Senator McConnell will appear at the Graves County Republican Breakfast before Fancy Farm.
Days Until Election Victory: 99.
Thanks for your support, and please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail if you have any questions or comments for the campaign.

According To Folks At Polster.com, The Election Is Already Over, Advantage: Obama 284 To McCain's 147 -- 270 Needed.

Check out the interactive map here.

This conclusion jibes with the map that you see on the right hand side of this blog.

Do you believe that it's really over -- with about 90 days to go in the Presidential election -- or do you think the pollsters have been smoking something?

Let us know.

Kentucky's SOS, Trey Grayson, Elected President-elect Of The National Association Of Secretaries Of State (NASS).

We congratulate my friend Trey on this achievement. Below is the press release:

(Grand Rapids, Michigan) – Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson was elected by his national colleagues today to serve as president-elect of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) and will assume the presidency of the organization during the summer of 2009. NASS represents top state officials charged with oversight of such areas as business services and elections.

"I am humbled by the confidence that my colleagues have placed in my leadership,” stated Secretary of State Trey Grayson. “I look forward to working with federal, state, and local leaders to improve a host of issues facing citizens across the nation.”

Grayson has served on the NASS Executive Board and in various leadership positions since 2004, when he first became a member of NASS including his current position of treasurer. He has served as chair of the elections committee, voter participation committee, and has served two terms as co-chair of the presidential primary sub-committee, where he is a national authority on presidential primary election reform. He will continue to serve in this position during the 2008-2009 officer cycle with his re-appointment by current President Pedro Cortes, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of State.

Grayson has also previously served two terms as the chairman of the Republican Association of Secretaries of State.

In addition to serving as chief election officer of the Bluegrass State, Grayson oversees business filings, notaries public, and a host of other services. In 2007, he became one of only two Republican state-wide elected constitutional officers to win a second consecutive term in modern history. Since taking office, Grayson has quickly become a national leader in elections, civics, business services, and government innovation.

At the conclusion of the 2009 NASS summer conference, Grayson will lead a slate of NASS executive officers who will oversee the association’s activities for the coming year, including its direction on election administration, business services, electronic government and state federal relations with the White House, Members of Congress and the various federal agencies.

“Secretary Grayson is a tremendous leader and valuable asset to NASS,” said Secretary of State Pedro Cortes (D-Pennsylvania), the incoming NASS President. “Trey is a tremendous personal friend, and I delighted to work along side him to improve issues critical for American citizens.”

When he assumes his post next year, Grayson will be the first secretary from Kentucky to be NASS president in the organization’s 105-year history. He also becomes one of the only Kentucky constitutional officers to ever serve as president of his or her respective officer organization. Most recently, former Governor Paul Patton served as President of the National Governor’s Association.


NASS is the oldest professional, nonpartisan organization of public officials in the United States. It was founded in 1904 so that respective secretaries of state could exchange information, suggestions and methods of operation and proposals for improvement.

The association serves as a medium for the exchange of information and fosters cooperation between state governments in the development of public policy and helps each secretary of state to more effectively fulfill his or her duties and responsibilities. This benefits not only his or her home state, but the nation as a whole. Its membership includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“Thanks to this position, Kentucky citizens will be exposed to the best innovations to make our office even greater service for them. I am grateful for the opportunity the citizens of Kentucky provide me to serve them in this capacity,” said Secretary Grayson.

Slaughter In Iraq, As "Militants" Continue Their Own "SURGE" In Violence.

Female bombers struck Kurdish political protesters in Kirkuk and Shiite pilgrims in Baghdad on Monday morning, leaving at least 48 people dead and 249 wounded in one of the bloodiest sequences of attacks in Iraq this year.

Just as we are celebrating the military success in Iraq due to our military "surge", Iraq "militants" are instituting their own "surge" in violence.

Could there be an end in sight to the violence?

We shall see.

Bomber Spreads A Lot Of Carnage In Istanbull.

"Madman" Takes Out Frustration On Tennessee Unitarian Church.

Every Monday Redbox Movie Promo Code. Enjoy.

Below is your Monday ONLY Redbox Promo code good for one FREE movie Today ONLY.

The code is:

JH4KB6

Here's a secret: You can use the code for one card. That means if you have multiple credit cards, you can rent multiple videos.

Do not say I told you so.

SSSHHHHHHH!

BREAKING News: Syndicated Columnist, Robert Novak, Suffers From Brain Tumor.

Our thoughts are with him, and his family, for a speedy recovery.

Update:

Attorney General's Report Finds Illegal Political Hirings.

The newly released report from the U. S. Attorney General's Office finds rampant illegal political hirings by aides to former Attorney General, Alberto Gonzales.

You can read the full report here.

According to the report, " [Monica] Goodling [the department's former White House liaison] improperly subjected candidates for certain career positions to the same politically based evaluation she used on candidates for political positions".

In one instance, the report found that Goodling objected to hiring an assistant prosecutor in Washington because "judging from his resume, he appeared to be a liberal Democrat".

In another, she rejected an experienced terror prosecutor to work on counterterror issues at a Justice Department headquarters office "because of his wife's political affiliations".

Below is an excerpt:

Our investigation found that Goodling improperly subjected candidates for certain career positions to the same politically based evaluation she used on candidates for political positions, in violation of federal law and Department policy. With regard to requests from interim U.S. Attorneys to hire [assisant U.S. attorneys], we determined that in two instances Goodling considered the candidate’s political or ideological affiliations when she assessed the request. For example, in one instance when the interim U.S. Attorney in the District of Columbia sought approval from Goodling to hire an AUSA for a vacant position, Goodling responded that the candidate gave her pause because judging from his résumé he appeared to be a “liberal Democrat.”

Goodling also stated that because Republicans had lost control of Congress after the November 2006 elections, she expected that Republican congressional staff might be interested in applying for AUSA positions in Washington. Eventually, after the interim U.S. Attorney complained to [Chief of Staff Kyle] Sampson about Goodling’s response to his request, the U.S. Attorney was allowed to hire the AUSA. The evidence also showed that Goodling considered political or ideological affiliations when recommending and selecting candidates for other permanent career positions, including a career [senior executive service] position in the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) and AUSA positions. These actions violated federal law and Department policy, and also constituted misconduct.

In addition, we determined that Goodling often used political or ideological affiliations to select or reject career attorney candidates for temporary details to Department offices, including positions in EOUSA that had not been filled by political appointees. Goodling’s use of political considerations in connection with these details was particularly damaging to the Department because it resulted in high-quality candidates for important details being rejected in favor of less-qualified candidates. For example, an experienced career terrorism prosecutor was rejected by Goodling for a detail to EOUSA to work on counterterrorism issues because of his wife’s political affiliations. Instead, EOUSA had to select a much more junior attorney who lacked any experience in counterterrorism issues and who EOUSA officials believed was not qualified for the position.

Attorney General Michael Mukasey says in a statement that he's "disturbed" by the findings:

"I have said many times, both to members of the public and to Department employees, it is neither permissible nor acceptable to consider political affiliations in the hiring of career department employees ... And I have acted, and will continue to act, to ensure that my words are translated into reality so that the conduct described in this report does not occur again at the department."

You can read the report for yourselves, and Monica Goodling's testimony before Congress, but one thing is clear: some poeople are going to face prosecution, and could lose their law licenses as a result of this "hiregate".

Stay tuned, and laugh at the cartoons below:

Hey Googleheads: Cuil (Cool) Is Launched To "Out Google" Google.

Check it out and see if you are Cuil (cool).

As I Predicted, A BRAWL Is Brewing In Kentucky's House Speakership Between Jody Richards And Greg Stumbo, Governor Steve Beshear Has Stumbo's Back.

Read more, and prepare for body parts to fly. Meanwhile, read the story below:

Battle brewing between Richards, Stumbo over Speaker job

If recent rhetoric is any indication, a leadership battle indeed is brewing between House Speaker Jody Richards and the man who helped install him in that post nearly 14 years ago.

State Rep. Greg Stumbo, the Prestonsburg Democrat who returned to the House this spring after a four-year stint as attorney general, has gradually ramped up his pointed criticism of the House leadership and, specifically, Richards.

”I think the membership feels that the session was pretty much a disaster. And the truth is, when your company goes bad or something happens, the guy in charge gets the blame. Rightly or wrongly, I hear more people complain about Speaker Richards than any of the other members of leadership,“ Stumbo said.

He added that he's ”not obviously campaigning at this time“ to challenge Richards for the speaker's post during the legislative leadership elections in January.

”But on the other hand, there's a growing number of members that have expressed extreme disappointment“ with Richards, Stumbo said.

Richards, a Bowling Green bookseller who has served in the House since 1976, said he has been collecting commitments from the more than 60 Democrats in that chamber since the regular session ended in April.

His message to Stumbo is: Bring it on.

”If that's what he chooses to do, that's fine. I feel very, very good. I feel like there's more support for me now,“ Richards said. ”Where I'm really surprised is the support in Eastern Kentucky, especially against Greg.“

After Stumbo, who was the House Democrats' floor leader from 1985 to 2003, returned to the legislature in the spring, he said it was unlikely he'd take on Richards, whom he pushed to get the speaker's post in 1995.

Then in June, Stumbo told the Herald-Leader ”it was a mistake for the Democratic leadership in the House not to support“ Gov. Steve Beshear in the 2008 session more than it did.

Last week, he told The Courier-Journal of Louisville that he hadn't eliminated a run for the speaker position.

And in an interview Friday, he said he's sensing hints of tectonic shift among his party's lawmakers that he had not felt in more than a decade.

”The question is how widespread is it? Is it just 15 people or is it more like 30 or 35 people? And you have to wait and engage that,“ Stumbo said. ”What I do know is that there's not a groundswell of support to keep going the way things have been going.“

All this has escalated the likelihood of the fiercest intra-party skirmish since Richards wrested the speaker's podium from Joe Clarke in January 1995. In fact, there's eerie symmetry between current conditions and what happened then.

In August 1994, Stumbo — then considered the most powerful lawmaker in the House — held a private meeting to decide whether Richards or Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark of Louisville should take on Clarke. When they came out, Richards was the anointed challenger.

Larry Clark, still the speaker pro tem, is now on the outs with Richards. Richards is supporting Shively Rep. Joni Jenkins' challenge to Clark for the pro tem spot in January.

So Stumbo might again end up choosing between those two men if he aligns with Clark to take on Richards and Jenkins.

One other variable in this is what role Democrat Beshear plays.

Last week, Beshear said he would stay out of House leadership races and didn't speak to Stumbo about that subject when the two met in Prestonsburg earlier this month.

But Stumbo had a different recollection.

”What he asked me was if I was interested in getting back into legislative leadership. And I said, "Yeah, I enjoyed it (previously),' “ Stumbo said. ”Then he asked, "If you got back into legislative leadership, would you and I have any problems?' And I said "No.' “

Who can best unite Democrats — administration officials and legislators alike — might be the crux of a Stumbo-Richards fight.

”I believe people want to see things done and are tired of this bickering going on. We as Democrats make ourselves look worse,“ he said. ”And I didn't come back here to be a part of nothing.“

We Need A Laugh.

Words To Live By.

These words are particularly apt, as we have celebrated our country's independence, and wonder why those who CLAIM to serve us, are ONLY influenced by the expectation of the rewards of serving themselves, and their PRIVATE benefactors. Read below:



“I am not influenced by the expectation of promotion or pecuniary reward.”

— Nathan Hale, who was hanged for his service to his country

Senator Mitch McConnell: "We Need To Find More Energy And Use Less." I AGREE!

Read the op-ed, or read it below:

The Courier-Journal editorial board believes Kentuckians ought to pay higher gasoline taxes. You've held that position for a long time, and aggressively promote it every chance you get. And on this issue, you're in total agreement with my opponent.
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I believe differently. I'm convinced Kentuckians don't want their taxes to increase, especially at a time of record high gas prices. Talk about adding insult to injury.

There's a better way. I have a plan to help solve this energy crisis, bring down the price at the pump and reduce our dependence on Middle East oil.

The answer is simple: We need to find more energy and use less. This will take a three-pronged approach of greater energy exploration, new technological innovation and more conservation.

America is the third-largest oil-producing country in the world behind Saudi Arabia and Russia. Yet, you would never know it by the extreme restrictions placed on energy exploration here at home. With gas prices topping $4 a gallon, the majority of Americans believe we need to unlock more of our own natural resources to help lower them.

We should allow responsible energy exploration off the Outer Continental Shelf, at least 50 miles from the coast, where states choose to do so. After all, the offshore areas off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts contain more oil than total U.S. imports from all Persian Gulf countries over the last 15 years combined -- yet 85 percent of this area is currently off limits.

We should also scrap an ill-conceived moratorium on developing oil shale in our Western states, which could yield three times the proven reserves of Saudi Arabia.

Innovation to develop new sources of energy is important, too. That's why I support greater federal funding for research and development for plug-in electric cars and trucks, and clean-coal technology, a resource Kentucky has in abundance.

Finally, we need greater conservation efforts, which is why I supported the first increase in fuel-efficiency standards for cars and trucks in three decades.

Taken as a whole, these proposals can win bipartisan support in Congress and be signed into law. Kentuckians deserve no less from their elected officials. I intend to keep working in the Senate to pass this much-needed legislation so we can lower the price of gas and reduce our reliance on Middle East oil.

MITCH McCONNELL

Washington 20005

Sen. Mitch McConnell, a Louisville Republican, is seeking re-election this November. -- Editor.

Editor's comment: I am in agreement with the three pronged approach of CONSERVATION, FINDING AND USING MORE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES, and SOME LIMITED EXPLORATION (as a LAST resort). For immediate relief, we need to go after oil speculators who have broken our antitrust laws and release fuel from the strategic oil reserves.

What about you?

Al Smith: Democrat, Pete Mahurin Of Bowling Green, Makes Case For Democrats -- And Barack Obama.

Read more here, and the story below:

In addition to the usual personal fireworks between candidates of opposing parties, next Saturday's speeches at the fabled Fancy Farm picnic should include an amplified attack by Democrats on President Bush's economic policies.
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That's the advice of my longtime friend Pete Mahurin of Bowling Green who grew up poor on Short Creek in Grayson Country and then worked his way up to chairman of Hilliard-Lyons Financial Services without ever leaving his base in rural Kentucky.. He wonders why so many Democrats fall silent when Republicans say they are the party of "tax-and-spend liberals."

Mahurin, whose business success has not separated him from his loyalties to the Democratic Party nor kept his views a secret from conservative customers, says Democrats "need to stop playing defense and go on the attack about the economy." Nationally, the ideal messenger, he thinks, is the Nebraska investment guru Warren Buffett, like Mahurin a supporter of Barack Obama for president.

Pete called me recently after a client predicted that the stock market and the economy "will really go to hell" if Obama wins.

No, the problem has been the Republicans who accepted the "borrow-and-spend" policies of George W. Bush and the Democrats who let them get away with it, he said he told his client.

"The question is, 'How large do you want the deficit to be?' I insisted that the Bush deficit had weakened our dollar, our economy, raised the price of oil and was causing the sale of our country to foreign interests."

The next week, Mahurin flew to Chicago for an Obama fund-raiser, sharing a table with Buffett himself whose speech was the main draw. Buffett also attacked the deficit, mocking Republicans who fear estate taxes ("paid in only one of every 200 deaths") and who grumble that taxes discourage incentive. In his storied career managing money, Buffett told Pete, no one has ever pleaded, "Don't make me any more because taxes are high."

"I laugh when people think one has to be a Republican to succeed in business," Pete said. How he succeeded as a Democrat who became a confidante of notable business leaders like Bill Gatton, for whom the University of Kentucky business school is named, Owsley Brown II of Louisville and Jim Gray of Lexington, is an intriguing story.

When we met 40 years ago he had quit teaching high school physics to be a fledgling stock broker. Not a stereotypical slick salesman then, nor now, he is slow talking, behind a toothy smile, and continues to drive a beat-up car. In the old days, he didn't play golf or belong to a country club, and his wife Dixie bought his suits off the rack.

For many years the leading salesman at Hilliard-Lyons, which has a force of 1,000 in eight states, he was named chairman after Houchens Industries of Bowling Green became the largest stockholder -- a deal in which he helped return the venerable company to Kentucky control. Along the way, Mahurin acquired six rural banks for his own account. When we first met, he was pitching a courthouse bond issue to Logan County officials by visting their farms at sunset milking time. I was a weekly editor in Russellville whom he helped to buy a paper in Leitchfield.

Mahurin, 68, thinks Kentuckians have been "brain washed" into believing they are "too conservative" to support national Democrats. If he were speaking at Fancy Farm Saturday, he says he would tell a history lesson from his own life about "a great party called capitalism. The Republicans in general want only a selected few invited -- like the George Bushes of the world who, as Ann Richards said, were born on third base and thought they hit a triple.

"I consider the Democrats still a party of hope and opportunity. I was poor on a farm, but Democratic programs enabled me to slip in the side door, or kick in the back door, and attend this great party called capitalism. Today, my family and I can walk into the front door anywhere in the country."

Should Obama win, the politicians who are afraid to say much for him at Fancy Farm may not fare so well, but I wouldn't be surprised if one of those front doors that open to Pete Mahurin, the capitalist from Short Creek, will be at the White House.

Al Smith, whose newspaper company was based in western Kentucky, is writing a memoir. He retired last year as host of KET's Comment on Kentucky.

GOOGLE Heads: Say Hello To KNOL.

Check out Knol here, and read more about Knol.

Enjoy.

The Next Time I turn On The Television And I Hear John McCain Refer To Us As "My Friends", I promise To Shoot My Television. AAARRRGGGHHH!

Yes, I will.

Just kidding.

LOL.

Nevada Supreme Court Upholds Term Limits For State And Local Officials. Could Kentuckians Use One, Too?

Read more here.

Could we?

More Laughs, Courtesy Of The New (Higher) Federal Minimum Wage.

Barren County Jailer, Leyland Cox, Arrested On 40 Counts Of Sexual Abuse.

Read more.

Barren County is the county next to Warren, in Glasgow.

Below is the brief info:

Barren County Jailer Leland Cox, 58, relinquished his position on Friday pending the outcome of a criminal investigation.

Detectives with the Drug Enforcement Special Investigation (DESI) West Branch of the Kentucky State Police arrested Cox on Friday for 40 counts of third-degree sexual abuse, a Class B Misdemeanor, according to the KSP.

Each count carries a sentence of less than 90 days, with all to run concurrently, according to the Kentucky Penal Code.

Cox was transported and lodged in the Warren County Jail on Friday.

Jail officials said he was later released on bond. Barren County Judge-Executive Davie Greer said the amount was $2,500.

Cox’s only comment Saturday morning was an allusion to a written statement that was read at the conclusion of a special meeting of the Barren County Fiscal Court on Friday.

“I relinquished my authority at the jail to the sheriff until this matter is resolved,” Cox said, adding that he has not yet obtained an attorney and declined further comment.

Since the charges are misdemeanor, the case will be handled in district court.

Barren District Judge John Alexander said he has recused himself from the case because of the court’s work with the jailer. He added that the process of appointing a special judge is ongoing.

Cox had not been arraigned as of Saturday morning.

The investigation is on going and no other details are being released at this time, according to the KSP.

Is The Libertarian Party Itching To Dump Senate Candidate Sonny Landham? It Sure Sounds Like It, And We'll SOON Find Out.

Yes, we will, as Sonny Landham is accused of rants against Arabs and Muslims.

Read more, and wait until Monday or Tuesday for more info.

This could prove to be interesting.

Talking About Race, Have You Been Watching the CNN EXTRAORDINARY Series "Black In America", Hosted By Soledad O'Brien? You Should.

You have a chance to catch another episode tonight starting at 8:00 P. M., Eastern Time (7:00 P. M. Central).

You'd be glad you did.

I predict, Soledad O'Brien, the hostess, will win awards for the series.

She will have deserved the honors (remember you heard it here FIRST.

Biracial Twins Born To Interacial Couples, Screams The headline. Racists Everywhere Scratch Their Heads, And Are At A Loss To Explain Phenomenon.

BREAKING NEWS: U. S. Senate Joins House, Passes Sweeping Housing Bill. President Bush Promises To Sign Bill ASAP.

Read more here.

I will follow up with an update, and FULL specifics of the bill (for now, read a quick snapshot here), including a roster of Senators (and House members) who voted for -- and against -- the bill.

I still don't feel good about "FREDDIE" and FANNIE".

So stay tuned.

Driver Said U. S. "Botched" Chance To Kill Osama Bin Laden Between 1996 And 2000. Guess Who Was President Then? Yep, Bill "BUBBA" Clinton!

Read more here, and the excerpts below -- before you do, please be reminded that "BUBBA" Clinton is the other half of BILLARY Clinton, with Hillary being the other. So much for Hillary "I wish upon a June assassination" Clinton's experience:

GUANTANAMO BAY NAVY BASE, Cuba — In his seventh of month of U.S. captivity, Osama bin Laden's driver told a pair of FBI agents that it was America's fault that the al Qaida leader was alive.

The message was, ''You had these opportunities, America. You didn't do anything,'' FBI agent George Crouch Jr. testified Friday at Salim Hamdan's war crimes trial.

The United States could have killed bin Laden in Khartoum, Sudan, before he moved to Afghanistan in 1996, Hamdan told his interrogators. They could have killed him after al Qaida's 1998 twin bombings at the U.S. Embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania. Or after the October 2000 suicide bombing of the USS Cole, at the port of Aden in Yemen, which left 17 U.S. sailors dead.

Instead, ''Bin Laden was emboldened.'' So he struck with the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, leaving nearly 3,000 dead.

Making Out Like Bandits?

You be the judge.

We Laugh Again, Courtesy Of Joel Pett.

Yes, we do.

Person For The Week: Barack "BLACK JFK" Obama.

Our person for the week is CLEARLY Barack Obama, dubbed the Black JFK by Germans during his speech yesterday.

If you have to wonder why Barack Obama is our person for the week, then you either have being living under a rock some in the jungles of New Guinea or you are one of those "whining" about all the press Barack Obama is getting -- press which John McCain unwittingly sent his way, by daring him to visit the Middle East.

I'm sure you'd agree that I need say NO more.

Susan Estrich: Arrogance Will Not Help Get Obama Elected.

Below is Susan's piece, published here:

Now that Barack Obama has completed his beyond much-publicized overseas trip, it’s hard to argue that the trip wasn’t everything his strategists hoped for.

Could the speech have been better? I’m not sure how. Could the crowds have been bigger? They were plenty big. Could the coverage have been more exhaustive? The Beatles come to America! Barack Obama goes abroad!

True, each of the three network anchors, especially Katie Couric, who got savaged on the blogs the most harshly for it, managed to actually sound like reporters asking real questions, but who was listening? (Literally, in one of the few press availabilities, even if you were listening, you could only hear Obama, since he was the only one with a microphone). People watched, and the pictures couldn’t have been better.

But, will it make any difference in terms of who is going to win this election? I’m not sure.

The point of the trip, of course, was to give Obama gravitas on foreign policy issues, to help voters forget that he is only six years removed from the Illinois State Senate and only eight years from having his credit card declined when he tried to rent a car at the 2000 Los Angeles convention (a story he used to tell on himself). So there he was, looking, acting, being treated, like he is already president, walking in the footsteps of John Kennedy and Ronald Reagan in Berlin, even borrowing their words. Every Obama supporter I know was in heaven.
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Problem is, there aren’t enough Obama supporters yet to carry the election. It’s the folks in the middle, the folks who haven’t deecided, the folks who need convincing or are inclined not to like him, or are still smarting from the defeat of Hillary Clinton, who will decide this election. Did the foreign trip move them?

In the prayer he left at the Western Wall, Senator Obama asked the Lord to protect him from pride and despair. Maybe he should have added something about protecting his campaign from the related danger of arrogance. It might be the biggest threat to Obama’s success.

“They think they can’t lose,” one of the smartest people I know said to me this week, describing the attitude he sees on display in the Obama campaign. He isn’t the first one to say it.

There was a crop of stories, as the trip was ending, suggesting that the Obama campaign, which used to pride itself on its openess and transparency as compared to the Clinton machine, has now abandoned openess and transparency in favor of tight controls, attacks on reporters who write less-than flattering pieces, and a particularly unattractive form of hardball that people who think they are on the way to the White House, or already there, often adopt. It will not serve him well.

There is no reason for arrogance. Yes, the economy stinks. Yes, people are sick of the war in Iraq. Yes, they think the country is headed in the wrong direction, that the Bush years have cost us dearly, that we need change. The generic Democrat beats the generic Republican. John McCain is old and has, since winning the nomination, run a pretty uninspired campaign. He’s on a tightrope between now and the convention, rightly concerned that he not offend the right in a way that leads to a repeat of the disastrous 1992 Republican Convention, where conservatives were determined to dominate even at the expense of their candidate, and did, to his great detriment.

But even with all this, even with the press cooing, the Republican stumbling, his message muddled and his base shaky, the polls are showing the race neck-and-neck, Obama within the margin of error, behind in the key state of Ohio. And this without even factoring in, or trying to, just how many people are giving the politically correct answer to pollsters, saying they’re for Obama when they aren’t. This is, my solid blue friends, no time for arrogance.

Once he gets past the convention, McCain will run a better campaign. He will run as an insurgent, an independent, a man who defies labels, the guy who championed immigration reform and stood up to his colleagues on the left and right (remember the Gang of Fourteen that broke the logjam on judges), the guy who is tough enough and experienced enough to be president. If he’s within a few points now, he will be stronger then. The Republicans will unite because they might not love McCain, but they love the White House and control even more.

I’m not saying McCain will win. Maybe the pollsters are all wrong in their predictions of what the electorate will look like this time. Maybe so many more blacks and 18-29 year olds will be moved to vote that it won’t matter that seniors, who always vote, don’t think McCain is too old. Maybe McCain the independent will lead at least some of the conservative Christians who helped put Bush in office, twice, to stay home, or not make their phone calls. I just wouldn’t count on it. Obama could win, but he also could lose. If his campaign doesn’t understand that now, they will pay for it in November.