Jim Pence May 29th, 2008

(Cross posted at Hillbilly Report)
Thank you Scott McClellan for your new book exposing George w. Bush, “Scooter” Libby, Dick Cheney and Karl Rove for the assholes we always knew they were.
Now it’s on with impeachment hearings and we have a brand new and improved product called impeachment spray for chickenshit members of congress.
Buy yourself a can of this stuff spray it on your representative and let the impeachment hearings begin, you have a good day now.

• Dick Cheney , George W. Bush , Impeach George Bush , James Pence , Karl Rove , Scooter Libby , Scott McClellan , Video , Youtube
• Comments(11)

Joe Sonka May 27th, 2008

(crossposted at Barefoot and Progressive and DailyKos-go recommend it, yo)

The McConnell campaign is now officially in full panic mode.

In the wake of the devastating independent polling by Rasmussen showing Mitch McConnell five points behind Democrat Bruce Lunsford (49-44%), the McConnell campaign resorted t0 the classic tactic of a desperate campaign- the bogus “internal poll” showing happy numbers.

But that wasn’t the end of the desperation.

McConnell has now launched an all out war on the Rasmussen polling firm:

McConnell campaign manager Justin Brasell blasted the Rasmussen poll.

“This is an indicator of what we can expect for the next five months,” Brasell said in a statement. “National Journal refuses to print Rasmussen polls, yet Democrat leaders will trumpet bogus polls like this one in a futile effort to create a false sense of momentum for the hand-picked candidate of New York Senator Chuck Schumer and the DSCC.”

Wow, is Rasmussen really that bad of a polling firm? Are they really out to get McConnell too, just like the Liberal Media Boogeyman??? Or is Mitch just falling back on his classic tactic of shooting and smearing the messenger?

Well, let’s take a look at how well they polled KY this Fall in the Governor’s race:

A week before the election, Rasmussen has Beshear winning 54% to 39%. The poll didn’t push undecideds, which broke for Beshear, and he ended up winning 59%-41%. Pretty damn accurate. In fact, if anything the poll was favorable to the Republicans.

Strike one.

And does Rasmussen really have some reputation as a crappy Democratic polling firm?

In 2006, even competitor Mason-Dixon agreed that Rasmussen was right along with them as the most accurate firm on that Fall’s election.

Strike two.

2004?- again, one of the top polling firms.

Strike three.

Oh, and the National Journal? Well, we already know their hackery, so please excuse me for yawning.

And let’s take a look at some testimonials:

“I am an obsessive linker to Rasmussen not just because he has a track record of getting the right answers, he has a record of asking the right questions” -right wing hack Mickey Kaus

“The best place to look for polls that are spot on is Rasmussen Reports”- Michael Barone, right-of-center US News and World Report

“Rasmussen produces some of the most accurate and reliable polls in the country today”- Larry Sabato, UVA

Hmmm…. I don’t seem to find this crappy reputation that you’re alleging, Mitch?

No, it looks just like whining from a campaign that finds itself where it couldn’t have imagined a year ago. On the ropes, scared, and desperate.

Somebody call a whaaaaambulance….

• 2008 KY U.S. Senate Race , Mitch McConnell , Opinion Polls
• Comments(9)

Joe Sonka May 27th, 2008

(crossposted at Barefoot and Progressive)

Some folks were saying that Lunsford would have a much better chance of getting the moderates and conservatives to cross over and vote for him than his main Democratic opponent. Well, check out these crosstabs from the new Rasmussen poll showing Lunsford beating McConnell by five points.

Moderates
McConnell- 37%
Lunsford- 58%

Conservatives
McConnell- 66%
Lunsford- 24%

(the fact that only 66% of conservatives would vote for McConnell is astounding)

Independents
McConnell- 42%
Lunsford - 46%

Republicans
McConnell- 79%
Lunsford - 14%

(once more, only 79% of Republicans voting for McConnell?!?!? Amazing numbers)

McCain voters
McConnell- 67%
Lunsford - 28%

(another wow… 28% crossing over)

Some more interesting numbers

Women
McConnell- 41%
Lunsford - 49%

Perhaps filibustering the bill to guarantee equal pay for women didn’t sit well with them, eh? They’re not fond of you either, Mitch.

Lunsford is also stomping Mitch among those making less than 60K and more than 100K. Regretting that SCHIP filibuster, Mitch?

Among those who feel that the economy is the most important issue?
McConnell- 38%
Lunsford - 53%

This will be THE issue by November. Yur screwed, Mitch.

The oddest result from the poll is that people tend to have a favorable view of Mitch. What gives? They probably just view him as the failure that he is when it comes to bringing results for the people of Kentucky. They want a change.

And change is what they’ll get.

• 2008 KY U.S. Senate Race , Bruce Lunsford , Mitch McConnell , Opinion Polls
• Comments(3)

Matt Gunterman May 27th, 2008

I have found the best drug ever, my friends. It comes from Germany, and it’s called Schadenfreude. Man, is it good stuff. Better than all the caffeine in the world this morning.

A new Rasmussen poll shows Sen. Mitch McConnell (R) trailing his November Democratic opponent Bruce Lunsford.

As the Kentucky media will no doubt remind us all for the umpteenth time, Mitch McConnell has all the money in the world for his reelection campaign, and he’s spent millions of it already promoting what he’s “accomplished” in his tenure in Washington.

What he’s “accomplished” of course is lots of pork spending and hyper-partisanship on his own part and the war-mongering and wicked handiwork of Pres. George W. Bush (R).

When Mitch McConnell loses this election come November, we can all look back and see that his greatest mistake in the course of this reelection campaign was to spend several million dollars at the onset to remind voters that he’s at the center of power in Washington.

That’s McConnell’s great mistake. His great failure, of course, is the sum total of his Senate career.

• 2008 KY U.S. Senate Race , Opinion Polls
• Comments(9)

Joe Sonka May 26th, 2008

(crossposted at Barefoot and Progressive)

Hey there. I know we provide this little political “entertainment” of sorts for free on this little blog, so if you wouldn’t mind throwing a few bucks to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and Operation Helmet, that would be quite sporty of you.

A couple of links that you should check out today:

CBS had a report this morning on the incredible sacrifices from Ft. Hood in Texas, which has lost 400 soldiers alone, leaving approximately 200 widows.

(See the video here (trouble embedding it))

The Herald Leader has a story on the toll the war has taken on families at Ft. Campbell, as well.

Also, the San Francisco Chronicle has a must-read story on the under-reported tragedy of the war in Iraq:

Thousands of Iraqi and Afghanistan veterans are returning home only to become casualties of war - at their own hands. Suffering from psychiatric injuries, 1,000 veterans under Veterans Administration care are attempting suicide each month. Almost 40 percent of the young men and women returning from combat almost have proven mental health injuries that include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, major depression and traumatic brain injury.

But when they seek help, disabled veterans face a claims system so mismanaged and inefficient that they often must wait more than five years for any assistance. The Department of Veterans Affairs is choking on a backlog of some 600,000 unresolved benefits claims. Even after their eligibility has been established, thousands of veterans cannot obtain adequate mental health treatment. While they wait for the care they are owed, veterans are dying. About 126 veterans per week commit suicide. Vast numbers of veterans are living with mental illness, sometimes so severe that they are unable to work. Nationally, about 154,000 veterans are homeless on any given night and twice that many are homeless at some time during the year.

But as people like Senator Mitch McConnell would say:

“Nobody is happy about losing lives, but remember, these are not draftees, these are full-time professional soldiers“

And folks like Mitch McConnell think it is worth filibustering popular bi-partisan legislation to restore proper troop rotation and rest between tours, an ugly fact which many blame for the horrific suicide rates in the Army, reaching high levels that haven’t been seen since Vietnam.

And folks like Mitch also say that expanding the GI Bill so that these soldiers are able to actually pay for college expenses in the 21st century isn’t necessary.

So let’s remember not just today, but for the next 6 months, who really supports the troops.

• Iraq War , Mitch McConnell , Veterans
• Comments(3)

Jim Pence May 23rd, 2008

Frankfort, May 23, 2008—Party leaders and former candidates
gathered at Kentucky Democratic Party (KDP) Headquarters to pledge their support
for United States Senate Nominee Bruce Lunsford.
Governor Steve Beshear, KDP Chair Jennifer Moore, Attorney General Jack
Conway, Auditor Crit Luallen, and Treasurer Todd Hollenbach were joined by
Lunsford’s primary opponents Greg Fischer and representatives of Michael
Cassaro’s campaign. Andrew Horne was also in attendance.
“We are embarking on an exciting six months,” said Governor Beshear. “We
have the opportunity for real change in Kentucky and across the United States.”
While unable to attend, his other primary opponents have also pledged
their full support for Lunsford’s campaign to unseat Senator Mitch McConnell.
“We cannot afford six more years of Mitch McConnell,” said Moore. “We
cannot afford to send back to Washington a senator who values gamesmanship over
statesmanship.”
Greg Fischer pledged his support for the Lunsford campaign. “Today there
are no differences, it’s time to come together as a party and return Mitch
McConnell to the private sector.”
Lunsford expressed his thanks to his primary opponents for embracing his
campaign and emphasized the need reverse the failed policies embraced by Mitch
McConnell.
“It’s time we stop squandering the wealth and prestige of this nation
internationally,” said Lunsford.
Greg Fischer Speaking.

Bruce Lunsford speaking.

Jim Pence ask Bruce Lunsford about Mitch McConnell’s vote on the 21st Century G. I. Bill.

• 2008 KY U.S. Senate Race , Bruce Lunsford , Greg Fischer , James Pence , Video , Youtube
• Comments(11)

Jim Pence May 22nd, 2008

Senator John McCain was a no show. Mitch McConnell and Jim Bunning cut and ran from the troops and voted against the 21st Century G.I. Bill!!! These 3 senators have terrible ratings when it comes to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

According to Time Magazine:
This is not the first time McCain, who has a proud history of opposing what he views as excessive government spending, has found himself at odds with his fellow veterans on legislation. He’s voted for veterans funding bills only 30% of the time, according to a scorecard of roll-call votes put out by the nonpartisan Disabled Americans for America. Under the same system Obama has a 90% rating — though, of course, he has spent a much shorter time in Washington.
“Senator McCain clearly needs to be recognized for his military service and in some respects that will play to his advantage, but when it actually comes to delivering health care and benefits during war, Senator McCain’s going to have some explaining to do,” said Paul Sullivan, director of the nonpartisan Veterans for Common Sense.

Project Vote Smart Ratings Of Senators John McCain, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Mitch McConnell and Jim Bunning.
“The mission of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is to ensure the enactment of policies that properly provide for our Troops & Veterans, keep our military strong, and guarantee our national security for the purpose of a stronger America. We uniquely empower Iraq & Afghanistan combat veterans to use their credibility and experiences to speak truth to power, shape public opinion, and place a priority on these issues.”

Name John McCain Barack Obama Hillary Clinton Mitch McConnell Jim Bunning

Rating D B+ A- D D-

• 2008 Presidential Campaign , 21st Century G.I. Bill , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton , Iraq War , Jim Bunning , John McCain
• Comments(8)

Joe Sonka May 22nd, 2008

(crossposted at B & P)

OK, enough of the damn bickering, Kentucky Democrats/Lefties/Indies. Do you know what time it is today?

It’s time to DITCH MITCH.

And let’s take a look at the pathetic little fundraising letter that our soon to be ditched Senator Mitch McConnell sent out today in response to his new challenger:

Last night, the Democrat plan for Kentucky unfolded on TV screens in Paducah, Louisville, and Lexington.

A plan to end this disastrous war, bring Universal health care, and a sensible economic/fiscal policy. Yes, I’m sure they were quite happy to hear this plan, just like the rest of the country.

While most of America was focused on the Democrat battle for the presidential nomination, Kentuckians had another reason to watch — the “coronation” of a millionaire by Chuck Schumer, the national Democrat Senate Committee, their friends in Big Labor and radicals like MoveOn.

Millionaires are bad? Wow, you must really hate yourself, Mitch. And you must really really hate your bazillionaire wife and her family back home. And aren’t out of state millionaires the only people that donate to your campaign??? Gosh, ya got me scratching my head, Mitchie.

And Labor is bad? Really? I mean, I know that you hate the working class getting paid what they deserve, or protecting them with safety standards like your wife, but do you really want to be that honest in an open letter? People are going to read this crap.

And MoveOn likes Bruce Lunsford??? That’s news to me. I know plenty of MoveOn staff and members, and I’ve never met one that likes Bruce Lunsford. They think he’s kind of a tool, honestly. A million times better than you, sure, but it’s not like they lifted a finger for Bruce. But keep calling us “radicals”…. that gets me so hot and bothered.

If there ever was a time to help me continue to fight for Kentucky, it’s right now.

Typo. “If there ever was a time to help me continue to fight for Kentucky, it’s right now.” Simple mistake, no problem.

Please make a special gift of $25 or more to help me launch my re-election campaign in earnest today.

Until now I have remained reserved about my campaign plans. But last night’s events changed everything.

You see, the National Democrat Party isn’t interested in listening to Kentuckians. They want their hand-picked millionaire to outspend me and “buy” as many votes as possible, just as he did in the primary where he spent nearly $2,000,000 from his own pocket.

Oh, man. I can’t wait to see you present yourself as the poor working class hero of Kentucky. Endless comedy.

Here are the facts:

I love when you use that word.

1. Washington insiders pushed several potential challengers out of the race. Rather than pick someone on the merits, they dug up a candidate who could “self-fund” or write a personal check to go up against me.

First sentence false, only one. Second sentence… actually true. Satan has goose-bumps.

2. Liberal groups like MoveOn, Big Labor, and bitterly partisan national blogs have been running an unofficial campaign against me since 2006. They have had their eyes on my Senate seat since the last election.

Another true sentence! And once more, I’m thrilled that you publicly acknowledge how much we’ve been kicking your ass in the blogosphere. It takes a big man to admit that. And yes, we are bitter (we kind of get mad when people like you and Bush destroy our country/government). And partisan, too (Anyone But Mitch, baby). And yes, we can’t take our eyes off your seat.

Any more of this “truth” stuff and Lucifer will look like Han Solo in Carbon Freeze…

3. Throughout the entire campaign, these same liberals have engaged in tasteless and truly unconscionable personal attacks on me. I’m eager to have a civilized debate about the issues — but name-calling and insults don’t help Kentucky voters make a decision.

I know! Our attacks are so personal that it’s almost like you’re a 12-year old kid or a mother who dares ask you a question, isn’t it? Or the family of a mine worker or soldier in Iraq? Sorry about that.

And names… let’s see: corrupt, heartless, lipless, fancy, soulless, bought, liar, selfish, despicable, Senator Beaker, Howdy Doody, Senator McPorkerson…. I’m sure there are more, help me out in the comments.

The truth is I’m proud of the work I’ve done for Kentucky, and proud to represent Kentuckians in Washington.

And by “Kentucky/Kentuckians”, you of course mean Hunter Bates, criminal foreign arms contractors and the lobbyists you repay with pork, millionaire horse owners (even Bruce, how sporty of you!), and every out of state oil/insurance/big pHarma lobbyist group stuffing your campaign coffers so they can screw over “the people” of Kentucky (like the rabble really matter…).

But the left wing of the Democrat party wants it the other way around. In other words, they want to ram a Washington-style liberal down the throats of Kentucky voters!

(biting tongue biting tongue biting tongue biting tongue …… )

Well, I’m not going to let them get away with it. And that’s why I need your help.

Please join me in battling the left-wing Washington liberals this November by making a secure online contribution right now.

“Left-wing Washington liberals”? Bruce isn’t from Washington. And he sure as hell isn’t liberal (unfortunately). And Matt, Jake, Jim, Terri, Shawn, William, Yellow Dog, Ralph, the Bens and I are all from Kentucky. In fact, YOU are the one who has been in Washington for the past 24 years screwing over Kentuckians, Mitch. When is that last time you’ve set foot in this state when it wasn’t for a fundraiser or to shoot a commercial? If I were you, I’d keep the word “Washington” as far from your lips as humanly possible.

Oops, forgot about the lips.

My opponent has literally millions of dollars in his bank account he can spend at a moment’s notice. He has already spent nearly $17 million of his own money running for office.

But he doesn’t have true grassroots support that can only come from friends like you. I know you believe in our shared vision of having a strong leader representing Kentucky’s interests in the Senate. And that’s why I hope you will help right now.

(See “Kentucky/Kentuckians” above. Same definition applies to “friends”)

Please visit my donation page to make a special gift of $25, $50, $100 or more right now. I’m not exaggerating when I say every single person counts in this effort.

Thanks again for your continued support of my campaign. Together, I know we can win for the people of Kentucky.

Your friend,

Mitch McConnell
Senate Republican Leader

That’s Minority Leader.

P.S. Last night gave us a preview into the national Democrat plan for Kentucky. I think our Senator should represent the people of Kentucky to Washington — not the other way around. Please make your secure online contribution of $25, $50, $100, or more right now to help me continue to fight for you. Thanks in advance for your help.

P.S. Didn’t you say that 3 sentences ago? That seems like a waste of a P.S., doesn’t it? They don’t grow on trees, like the free government health insurance you’ve received for the past 24 years.

—————

Anyway, I think we all need to realize that this is the choice we face:

Do we want six more years of Mitch McConnell “representing” us in Washington?

or

Do you want to unite with everyone who opposes what Mitch McConnell represents, and send him packing for an early retirement?

United we Stand, Divided we Fall.

• 2008 KY U.S. Senate Race , Mitch McConnell
• Comments(4)

Matt Gunterman May 22nd, 2008

Follow me here:

Exhibit 1: Sen. Mitch McConnell (R) spends the last year framing himself as the ultimate of all incumbents. In short, until now he’s essentially argued to Kentucky voters that they should return him to office because he’s at the center of power in Washington. Mitch McConnell wanted everyone to know that he is the establishment.

Exhibit 2: The 2008 political environment shapes up to be the most hostile for establishment candidates in at least a generation.

Exhibit 3: Democrats nominate an African American candidate who inspires record turnout among minorities and the college demographic in Kentucky’s urban areas.

Exhibit 4: While the average rural Kentucky voter [there are a decent number of progressives in rural Kentucky, but they aren't the average] despises the idea of President Barack Obama (D), that voter is nevertheless very unhappy with sustained $4/gallon gas, rampant inflation for food and energy, the withering of conservative ideology within the Republican party [e.g., its refusal to get too worked up over the legalization of gay marriage in California and the state's Republican governor's endorsement of said marriages; why isn't Mitch McConnell denouncing Gov. Arnold Schwarznegger (R), by the way?], an anemic national economy, and continuing war in Iraq. Thus, even though the average rural voter in Kentucky hates Obama, he or she will stay home in large numbers because of disgust with the Republicans and the very possible scenario shaping up that presidential nominee John McCain (R) is headed for major, lopsided defeat. Also, staying home is a good way to passively punish Mitch McConnell and his fellow unpopular Republicans.

Exhibit 5: Progressives across the state (rural and urban) are motivated and energized as never before; conservatives are resigned to defeat and walking in ideological wilderness in a way not seen since the 1970s. Bruce Lunsford’s millions of dollars backed by the political organizations of Reps. John Yarmuth (D) and Ben Chandler (D) in their respective districts produce record turnouts and excellent margins for Lunsford. Turnout in rural Kentucky is only about 60 percent of what it is in the major urban areas, and many of the voters in rural Kentucky decide to split their ticket. They vote for McCain, but immediately vote for Lunsford. It’s somehow cathartic for them. Mitch McConnell is narrowly defeated on the strength of turnout for the urban vote.

Some interesting statistics:

Jefferson County:
African American population = 18.9 percent
Year: (% Dem. primary) / (% general)
2008: 50.3 / XX.X
2007: 24.5 / 44.6
2006: 22.2 / 53.1
2004: 19.4 / 70.9
2003: 20.2 / 43.6
2002: 24.7 / 51.4
2000: 16.1 / 68.9

Fayette County:
African American population = 13.5 percent
Year: (% Dem. primary) / (% general)
2008: 48.1 / XX.X
2007: 26.6 / 41.4
2006: 23.1 / 43.3
2004: 17.2 / 75.1
2003: 23.9 / 49.7
2002: 30.6 / 48.4
2000: 14.0 / 69.6

• 2008 KY U.S. Senate Race , Bruce Lunsford , Mitch McConnell
• Comments(5)

Matt Gunterman May 21st, 2008

I’ve had to answer so, so many questions about the Clinton victory in Kentucky from international friends. I’ve been answering as best I can and in as nuanced a way as possible [ahem]. Here’s a little (brilliant) international perspective. Before you know it, we’ll be having gay marriages all over Kentucky.

From The Guardian (UK):

• 2008 Presidential Campaign , Hillary Clinton
• Comments(6)

Jim Pence May 21st, 2008

• 2008 KY U.S. Senate Race , Bruce Lunsford , Greg Fischer , Video , Youtube
• Comments(12)

Jim Pence May 21st, 2008

Kentucky exit polls indicate that 21% of KY voters said race was important. My question is this, how many folks were asked that question, but didn’t respond honestly?
I suggest the racist voted yesterday and they have been exposed and it can no longer be said, with any honesty, that race doesn’t matter here in Kentucky.

CNN exit polls indicate that 21% of KY voters said the race of the candidate was important. Of them, 81% voted for Hillary Clinton, while 16% cast a ballot for Barack Obama.
Meanwhile, 18% of those who said race was important to them were white, and almost nine of 10 voted for Clinton.
For all the talk of the impact of gender bias in the Democratic contest and, most notably, in media coverage of the battle, the race of the IL senator persists as a variable for many rural, white voters

• 2008 Presidential Campaign , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton , Kentucky , Racism
• Comments(7)

Terri Whitehouse May 20th, 2008

I hope you stocked up on booze yesterday, because you’re SOL until after the polling places close. Something tells me that you won’t *really* have to worry about stocking up until the general elections in November, though.

Check out the ballots where you live here, and double-check your polling location here.

For Jefferson County voters, ballots for individual precincts can be found here. The Courier-Journal provides profiles for down-ticket candidates here, and Metro Council candidates answered questions here.

Per the State Board of Elections, if you’re in line by 6:00 P.M., you can vote. You must be known to the precinct officer or provide identification. Acceptable forms of I.D. are driver’s license, Social Security card, credit card, or other I.D. that has your picture and signature. The Voter Fraud Hotline number is (800) 328-8683.

For some leisurely reading, check out this new post at Crooks & Liars. It reports on the fallacy of “voter fraud” and the wastefulness of Republicans who wish to suppress the franchise at taxpayer expense.

Consider this an open thread for today’s election. If you have any anecdotes to share, local information, profiles for other candidates throughout the state, etc., please do so in the comments section. Keep it above the belt!

• 2008 First CD Race , 2008 KY U.S. Senate Race , 2008 Presidential Campaign , 2008 Second CD Race , 2008 Third CD Race , Action! , Blogging , DitchMitchKY.com , General Knowledge , Kentucky , Voter suppression
• Comments(7)

Jim Pence May 20th, 2008

(Cross posted at Hillbilly Report)
Last night Michelle Obama thanked Barack Obama supporters in Lexington, Kentucky and it was a sight to behold, click here to view photos of the event. I put together the video, you can view below to give you a flavor of the event here in “Red State” Kentucky. As a blogger I’ve been very fortunate to get press passes and shoot videos of several Barack Obama events. I owe a special thanks to Brooke Pardue for having the confidence in me to secure my first press pass, thank you Brooke.
Videos I have shot of Barack Obama:
Slugger Field Louisville, Kentucky September 2006:
Full Version.
Short edited version.

Springfield, Ill. Barack Obama’s Announcement Feb. 10, 2007.

Barack Obama Lexington August 27, 2007

Barack Obama Louisville May 11, 2008:
Full version.
Short edited version.

• 2008 Presidential Campaign , Barack Obama , James Pence , Michelle Obama , Video , Youtube
• Comments(3)

Jim Pence May 18th, 2008

• George W. Bush , Golf , James Pence , Video , Youtube
• Comments(2)

Joe Sonka May 17th, 2008

Notice anything missing from Mitch McConnell’s official pic???

Yes, that right…

HE HAS NO AMERICAN FLAG LAPEL PIN!!!!!

Senator McConnell, I have to ask you, why do you hate America and our troops?

Do you not love your country?

Are you fit to be a U.S. Senator when you don’t even wear a flag pin on your jacket?

Can you really be trusted with that power?

I await your response…

(oh, and from the comments… lips, too)

• Mitch McConnell
• Comments(12)

Jim Pence May 17th, 2008

Remember Heather Ryan, well she gave one helluva speech at the Ned Breathitt Day Dinner, In Hopkinsville, Kentucky yesterday.
Heather Ryan, in the opinion of this writer, has been shit on by the Right Wing Neocons in Paducah, Kentucky and it’s time for “Yellow Dog” Democrats” all across Kentucky to stand up for this young lady and help her in her quest to out Congressman Ed. Whitfield.
I believe the right wing neocons in Paducah tried to label Heather and her daughter Heaven as two crazy females, but I’m here to tell you that Heather is anything but crazy and her daughter Heaven is one well behaved child.
My question for Western Kentucky Democrats is this: “Which Side Are You On“?

• 2008 First CD Race , Heather Ryan , James Pence , Video , Youtube
• Comments(16)

Jim Pence May 17th, 2008

• David Tandy , James Pence , Video , Youtube
• Comments(0)

Jim Pence May 15th, 2008

Greg Fischer Democratic Primary Senatorial Candidate in Kentucky holds press conference in response to opponents new TV ad which he, Greg Fischer, claims is negative campaigning.
The video was shot in Louisville, Kentucky May 15, 2008 at 10:00am.

• 2008 KY U.S. Senate Race , Greg Fischer , James Pence , Video , Youtube
• Comments(3)

Jim Pence May 15th, 2008

• James Pence , Video , Youtube
• Comments(3)

Joe Sonka May 14th, 2008

(crossposted at B&P)

There is no greater advocate of handing out pork in return for political favors than Senator Mitch McConnell.

And it appears that Mitch McConnell has outdone himself again in political cronyism.

While Mitch McConnell is busy filibustering to stop the expansion of health care for poor families, he has finally found a constituency that is worthy of our tax dollars.

Millionaire thoroughbred owners.

Seriously.

This week, Congress is expected to take up a $300 billion farm bill, which President Bush has vowed to veto. The AP reports that the bill “contains something for everyone” — including the following important project tucked within the massive bill:

A tax break for horse owners was included by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

Politico’s Crypt explains:

The measure would essentially allow race horse owners — who pay millions for Triple Crown contenders — to write down their investment over four years. … Senate aides say it will cost between $60 million and $70 million.

Shocking, eh?

Well, if sick kids can’t get the health care they need, at least our millionaires will be able to cover all of their thoroughbreds’ veterinarian bills. After all, we need to have our priorities in order, right Mitch?

Anyway, a review:

Covering sick kids from poor families = socialism

Giving $70 million in tax breaks to millionaires = The American Way

And once more, I can’t wait to see Mitch “Porky” McConnell and John “Pork-Intolerant” McCain on the same stage campaigning this year. I will literally pay money to see that uber-awkwardness.

• Corruption , John McCain , Mitch McConnell , SCHIP
• Comments(7)

Jim Pence May 14th, 2008

Update from Pol Watchers: Bruce Lunsford, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, apologized Wednesday for a misstatement during a statewide televised debate on Monday about his prior campaign contributions to Republican candidates.

 

LOUISVILLE, May 13, 2008 – Bruce Lunsford did not tell the truth during the KET Democratic Senate Primary debate last night when he said he didn’t donate “tens-of-thousands of dollars” to Republicans. According to state and federal election finance records, Lunsford has given more than $60,000 to Republican candidates since 1990.

In the most heated moment of the debate, Lunsford criticized Fischer’s financial contributions to Democrats as insufficient. Responding to the attack, Fischer pointed to Lunsford’s financial contributions to Republican candidates. “Bruce has given tens-of-thousands of dollars to Republicans,” Fischer said.

Lunsford then accused Fischer of distorting the truth “I haven’t given tens-of-thousands of dollars to Republicans. In fact it’s just the opposite,” Lunsford said.

The following list of Lunsford contributions to Republicans shows that Lunsford gave $60,850 to Republicans from March 1990 to Ocober 2006. The list is compiled from records from the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance; Arkansas Secretary of State Office, New York State Board of Elections; and the Federal Election Commission.

 

06/10/97 National Republican Senatorial Committee $2,500.00

07/10/97 Bluegrass Committee (Sen. McConnell’s PAC) $2,500.00

07/11/97 Citizens for Bunning $1,000.00

07/30/97 New Republican Majority Fund $5,000.00

03/16/98 Bluegrass Committee (Sen. McConnell’s PAC) $2,500.00

04/24/98 Northup for Congress $250.00

07/09/98 Northup for Congress $1,000.00

10/27/99 McConnell for Senate $250.00

04/07/00 Bush for President Inc. $1,000.00

05/01/02 Lamar Alexander for Senate $1,000.00

05/15/02 Mike Huckabee $1,000.00

05/22/02 Janet Huckabee $500.00

05/25/04 Republican Party of Kentucky $1,000.00

06/23/04 Northup for Congress $500.00

03/14/05 Northup for Congress $500.00

10/13/05 New York State Senate
Republican Campaign Committee $1,000.00

10/31/05 Rep. Trey Grayson, Sec. of State $1,000.00

05/15/06 Northup for Congress $1,600.00

05/15/06 Northup for Congress $500.00

10/05/06 Northup for Congress $1,500.00

Total $60,850.00

 

“I don’t enjoy having to point out this discrepancy,” said Fischer. “But when a candidate for public office stands before a statewide audience on live TV and says something that’s blatently false, I think you have to point that out.”

In another misleading attack during last night’s debate, Lunsford lambasted Fischer for failing to support Democratic Congressman John Yarmuth in 2006. However, Lunsford failed to disclose that he himself contributed $4,100 to Yarmuth’s opponent, Republican Anne Northup in that campaign.

“Lunsford has a problem with the truth. He’s demonstrated a pattern of distortion when it suits his purposes,” said Kim Geveden, Fischer campaign political director. “He’s bending the truth when he describes Vencor, a company he bankrupted, as one of the greatest business success stories in Kentucky. He’s bending the truth when he defends his record as CEO of Vencor, by saying the company never admitted guilt when it paid a $104 million fine to settle Justice Department charges of fraudulent billing. And he outright lied last night when he said he hadn’t donated tens-of-thousand of dollars to Republicans.”

“The pattern is clear,” Geveden said. “When you confront Lunsford with facts he doesn’t like, he twists, distorts and hides the truth.”

Lunsford’s history of supporting Republicans is well documented. In 2003, Lunsford entered the Democratic Primary race for Governor against fellow Democrats Jody Richards and Ben Chandler. However, four days before the election, Lunsford abruptly quit the race. Then during the general election for governor, Lunsford endorsed Republican Ernie Fletcher and appeared at a press conference with Sen. Mitch McConnell to make the announcement. After Fletcher won the governor’s race, Lunsford chaired the Fletcher transition committee that re-cast Kentucky’s executive branch in a Republican mold.

• 2008 KY U.S. Senate Race , Bruce Lunsford , Greg Fischer , Uncategorized
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Cliff Schecter May 13th, 2008

A new website (firethelobbyists.com) has been created by the pro-campaign finance reform organization Campaign Money Watch, to convince Senator McCain to fire three lobbyists in the top levels of his organization that have lobbied for ruthless dictators. You may recall that over the past two days, two McCain aides have resigned because of their willingness to do public relations work for the Burmese Junta.

Ahh, working for the public good. It must feel so refreshing.

Of course, turn over any stone in The McCain Campaign, and one can only guess what might come crawling out. It turns out that they have even more friends in low places. I contacted David Donnelly, Director of Campaign Money Watch, for a comment. He explained what his group is trying to accomplish:

John McCain ought to immediately fire three lobbyists — Charlie Black, Tom Loeffler, and Peter Madigan — whose lobbying for brutal dictators and foreign governments is every bit as bad as the two lobbyists who left his campaign over the weekend. Frankly, McCain’s campaign is turning out to be an effort of, by, and for these types of Washington influence peddlers. His credentials as a reformer are gone.

Pretty strong words. Yet, if you read what this triad of McCain lobbyists have been up to, perhaps not strong enough. It ain’t pretty:

Charlie Black, McCain’s senior counsel and spokesman, began his lobbying career by representing numerous dictators and repressive regimes

Black’s firm represented the governor

Continue Reading »

• 2008 Presidential Campaign , Cliff Schecter
• Comments(1)

Jim Pence May 13th, 2008

Who would of thought, right here in Red State Kentucky people would line up for blocks to to see Barack Obama?
I can tell you it occurred and and I have photos and video to prove it.
Click here to view photos of regular folks going to the Obama event.
The event attracted so many Kentucky folks that a 1000 seat overflow was set up with closed circuit TV, but that was not enough. Some folks still had to be turned away.
I’m a 68 year old man and I’m here to tell you that what occurred here in Kentucky was a “Happening“, or as a person my age might call a “Hootenanny” bigger and better than anything I’ve ever seen here in Kentucky!!!!
I have put together videos of the event, Congressman Ben Chandler speaking at the event and a short edited version of Barack Obama speaking at the event. Click here to view the entire speech.
A special thanks to all the folks that helped this lowly Kentucky blogger get a press pass to the event.
Today, I’m one very proud Kentuckian!!!!!!!
Enjoy

• 2008 Presidential Campaign , Barack Obama , Ben Chandler , James Pence , Video , Youtube
• Comments(13)

Joe Sonka May 12th, 2008

(crossposted at B&P)

We all know that the only thing Sen. Mitch McConnell cares about is advancing his own power. Issues, principles, constituents, the welfare of America… all of those can be sacrificed when it comes to looking after Mitch.

And we now learn that Mitch is seeking help in order to determine what issues he should pretend to care about. In order to, you know, help Mitch deceive you into thinking that he cares about you and win re-election this Fall.

KY’s best journalist, John Cheves, brings home the goods:

Late last week, McConnell mailed out a “Kentucky Issues Survey” to people whom he identifies as “select” conservative voters.

********
McConnell warned that his political opponents could undermine the United States’ economy and national security by catering to Democrats, trial lawyers, labor unions, MoveOn.org and other “radical left” interest groups. Then he offered a quiz, including:

“Which issue, if any, do you believe I should focus on between now and Nov. 4?”

The choices: “Abortion, Economy, Education, Health Care, Immigration, Judges, Second Amendment, War on Terrorism, Other.”

“What do you think is the best way for my campaign to communicate with voters?”

The choices: “Direct mail, Internet, Door-to-door canvassing, Large public events, TV/radio ads, Other.”

And finally, “Can I count on you to return this SURVEY DOCUMENT along with your generous gift in the next seven days?”

The choices: “Yes Mitch! I am returning my completed SURVEY DOCUMENT along with the most generous gift I can afford in the amount of $1,000, $500, $250, $50, $25, other.”

Or, in much smaller type: “You have my complete support! However, I cannot give a contribution at this time, but I have enclosed $13 to cover the costs of tabulating the results of my survey.”

Pretty pathetic, Mitch.

• Mitch McConnell
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