The Rural DemocratThe Rural DemocratA common everyday persons' point of view of politics in Kentucky and the Nation Articles
Kentucky Republican Party Fires First Shot in the Senate District 30 Specia
2007-12-15 03:13:00 The Kentucky Republican Party has filed an ethics complaint against former state Rep. Scott Alexander (D) for illegal campaign expenditures before being an official candidate. From WYMT Scott Alexander Response"The state Republican Party is taking a page out of the Ernie Fletcher playbook; they are lying. I did not commission nor donate to any group not ask for any polling. I am flattered that Brandon Smith and the Republican Party fears me to the point that they are showing signs of desperation. After having lost so badly in the governor race using this type of tactic, I am surprised that Brandon Smith would follow in Ernie Fletcher's footsteps. This alone should tell the citizens of Lieutentant Governor Mongiardo's district that Brandon Smith cannot fill his shoes. We need better representation than that." It is hard to figure out why they filed this complaint. Is it in the name of politics or fear? At this point 3 names are swirling in the mix for the Democratic nod; fo... More About: District , Senate
Eastern Kentucky's Reaction to Col. Andrew Horn's Candidacy
2007-12-14 05:24:00 One Eastern Kentucky Elected Official told me tonight that a Horn e vs. McConnell general election has the potential to go "Bunning and Mongiardo before July". I know what he meant by the Bunning and Mongiardo remark, it means that McConnell may be in for a good old fashion bull in the ring match, for anyone that has not played football ask someone who has and they will explain the bull in the ring drill. I was actually surprised at the discontent toward McConnell in this region because quite a few Democrats seem to support uncle Hal every two years and McConnell seems to always hitch a ride on the Rogers train. Not this time and Horne fever could spread like Harlan County barbershop gossip, that means fast. I have more questions to ask in different parts of this region but for now I am honestly excited about the initial reaction to Horne's candidacy. If the right work is done with the right people, Horne could easily become a solid consensus candidate in this region by March. I ... More About: Andrew , Candidacy , Reaction
New Homeland Security Director
2007-12-14 04:25:00 Adam Edelen was named the head of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security . I was told he is a very smart young man with great potential, this is a tough business and wish him all the luck in the world. I just hope this office rises from the ashes. More About: Homeland Security , Director , Rect
Andrew Horne (D) for U.S Senate!!!!
2007-12-13 15:42:00 Page One got the scoop! It is official now! Horn e for U.S Senat e ! More About: Andrew
Horne and Fischer to Have a Sit Down
2007-12-13 14:15:00 Really don't know the science behind meeting with Greg Fisher, but Horn e seems determine if he is to run for the Democratic nomination for U.SSenate, he will be as close to a consensus candidate as possible and for that I admire him. I just hope he runs, if it is good for him and his family of course, because we will have NO shot with Fischer . I am hearing that another big time candidate could be lurking in the shadows, what is the latest around the rumor mill? Pol Watchers has more on this...
Senate District 30 Democratic Candidate Update
2007-12-13 14:10:00 Looks like former state Rep. Roger Noe (D) has the votes but another former elected official, former state Rep. Scott Alexander (D) is making a late push. Last word on the committee vote is a vote maybe tomorrow or early next week. I will again predict Noe in this one. More on this later. More About: Democratic , District , Senate , Update , Senat
How I will Remember Former Governor Ernie Fletcher (R)
2007-12-11 02:53:00 First I think former Governor Ernie Fletcher (R) will be first remembered as a tragic consequence of the current state of the Republican party. The GOP apparatus is both a corrupt and a brash example of politics gone wrong. Being the GOP's desire to politicize religion or the desire to facilitate an elitists society, the Republican party both needs change and honest leadership. Former Governor Ernie Fletcher (R) was selected to lead that change and his tragic failure will certainly be remembered as an example of what not to do. I draw from my own personal experiences when reminiscing about Fletcher. I was continuously fighting to keep his tainted form of politics out of the only official legislatively created organization that my people have; the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission. His total disregard to decency in leadership convinced me that he was not only a spineless leader that had no control over those around him, it convinced me that he had condoned their actio... More About: Etch
12:01 am, Governor Steve Beshear
2007-12-11 02:33:00 At 12:01am we will have a new Governor ! I expect great things from this administration and have no doubts! From WYMT Beshear, who becomes the state's 61st governor, was to be swornin early Tuesday by Supreme Court Justice Mary C. Noble, who willadminister Kentucky's traditional and archaic constitutional oath.That oath requires Beshear to swear that he has never fought a duelwith deadly weapons, a holdover from Kentucky's frontier days.Beshear's first official act is expected be the signing of anexecutive order appointing Brig. Gen. Edward W. Tonini as adjutantgeneral for the Kentucky National Guard, spokeswoman Vicki Glasssaid. That move satisfies a constitutional mandate that the jobnever go unfilled. More About: Steve , Steve Beshear
Former Governor Fletcher Pardons 83
2007-12-11 01:35:00 What a last day. I will graciously say...goodbye. From the Arena Although 83 pardons seems like a high number, Fleenor said "we've gone 12 years without doing any." While he failed to mention the pardons that were issued in 2005, Fleenor was referring to the fact that Patton left office without issuing any pardons.The 83 pardons are in addition to the 21 he issued yesterday to battered women. More About: Governor , Etch , Fletcher
Michael Vick Sentenced to 23 Months, No Appeal Possible
2007-12-10 16:56:00 Part of the plea agreement Vick made with prosecutors was the fact that he waived his right to an appeal. That could be the most important line item in that plea because Micheal Vick was sentenced to 23 months in Federal Prison for dog fighting charges. I am an animal lover, I absolutely do not condone cruelty to animals but 23 months in Federal Prison seems excessive seeing Vick's ability to create awareness via his star. But now that star has went super nova and if any doubt existed about Vick's future NFL career it can be laid to rest; he will not play in the NFL again. This sentence exceeds prosecutors recommendation by some 100%. Did race play any part in this decision? Analysts are arguing that Vick may have been severely punished because of Vick's participation in killing a dog and a positive marijuana test. Justice is blind and everyone is to be treated equally but this could have set precedence. A damn shame. More About: Michael , Michael Vick , Sentenced , Months
Roger Noe (D) to Push Harlan County Redistricting Plan in Special Election,
2007-12-10 05:05:00 Former state Rep. Roger Noe (D) Harlan will campaign on the need to return Harlan County to a single House District if elected to the State Senate. Of course no legislation on redistricting can be submitted until the 2010 census, redistricting will commence that next year. Harlan was split into 4 Representative districts following the 2000 census and has been a sore point ever since. Many feel that Harlan County's interests and needs are not being served, even though most that reside within Rep. Rick Nelson's (D) section of the county are pleased with his performance and Nelson loves serving the county in which he was born. Noe feels the county should return to a single district and will make that his legislative agenda in the 2010-11 legislative sessions. Noe is currently the front runner to be selected to represent the Democratic Party in the upcoming Senate District 30 special election. Lieutenant Governor Elect Daniel Mongiardo (D) will resign shortly after being sworn in. T... More About: Election , Special , Redistricting
Sunday Opinion: Will Illegal Immigration Push Kentucky Moderates Toward McC
2007-12-09 16:48:00 The political analysis provided (HERE) showed a clear slide for Senator Mitch McConnell (R) among Kentucky moderates. The trends showed a possible continuation of a McConnell slide among not only moderates but voters age 55+ and Independents. BUT will Illegal Immigration help McConnell among Kentucky's most important political and ideological group, Kentucky moderates and Kentucky Democrats better have a battle plan and fast. McConnell's approval rating, due later this month, will provide maybe the most important data of the first qaurter for 2008. It is imperative that Kentucky Democrats and Democratic candidates, or Col. Horne, not allow McConnell to corner the moderate market. McConnell is now pushing a plan (HERE) that will provide legal immigrants ID cards. It is being billed as U.S immigrant employer protection plan. In this year's regular session of the Kentucky General Assembly, a bill has been prefiled ,by Rep. Rick Nelson (D), that would effect the illegal immigration... More About: Opinion , Sunday
Conspiracy: Who is Greg Fischer and Why is He an Instant Player?
2007-12-09 00:46:00 Page One touched on this and I agree this is getting weirder and weirder by the hour. Who is Greg Fischer ? And why is the media seemingly excited about a Fischer run for the Democratic nomination for U.S Senate? From Jim Carroll at the Louisville Courier Journal to Brett "the liar" Hall, it seems to me they are pushing his candidacy. Hall even goes so far as to place a photo of Fischer with a big green check mark below a photo of Luallen with a big red X. If that is not a red flag, I don't know what is. Fischer seems to be a Republican sympathizer as Alessi mentions a campaign contribution to former Congresswoman Anne Northup (R) . I am not liking this flavor the week effort to make this Greg Fischer an instant player. He is a seemingly just a wealthy businessman within an elite circle. If we have to fight these battles with the press and GOD forbid within our own party, this will be a long primary season. More About: Player , Conspiracy
UPDATED: Col. Horne or General Stumbo, For Real This Time?
2007-12-08 17:46:00 I have received a dozen emails and 4 phone calls from people wanting to know who the so called Democrats are that McConnell supporters are "SUPPOSEDLY" contacting. I guess the word "fact" stirs up the bees. Don't ask me, because there is absolutely no chance of me divulging that information. We drafted a post with the same round about title a few months ago and now we may actually see this match up. It would provide for an interesting Democratic primary, but I do NOT believe a Horn e vs. Stumbo primary will happen. I could and wrong, like I stated before, trying to nail down Stumbo is like trying to nail down a moving picture frame blindfolded, it is all but impossible. I have to come to this conclusion because Stumbo lowered his flap for a moment and exposed his thoughts. Usually if a potential candidate talks about "political options" it almost always results in the candidate NOT running for the office in question. However his polling, or public p... More About: General , Time , Real
Beshear and Mongiardo Set New High-water Mark for Gubernatorial Fundraising
2007-12-08 06:03:00 The Beshear and Mongiardo campaign has set a new gubernatorial fundraising record. From Pol Watchers Beshear’s total could end up nearly doubling what Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher brought in. Fletcher, who trailed Beshear badly in money for the entire general election, hasn’t yet filed his latest report. They are due by Dec. 12, the day after Beshear is inaugurated. The $7 million Beshear raised in the general election broke Fletcher’s record of $5.6 million collected in 2003. Beshear’s total of $9.5 million also shattered the overall record of $8 million worth of donations in the primary and general elections combined. More About: Fundraising , Water , High , Mark
Mark Hebert: CRIT LUALLEN IS NOT RUNNING FOR U.S SENATE!
2007-12-07 15:47:00 On the Mark : I got confirmation from a source in Washington, D.C. late yesterday that Crit Luallen has decided not to run for U.S. Senat e next year. Alessi is backing it up. This should clear the way for Col. Horne! Page One scoop! More About: Running
If Crits Out, Andrew Horne is Ready to Run
2007-12-07 14:23:00 If State Auditor Crit Luallen (D) stays put, Lt Col. Andrew Horn e (D) will jump in with both feet and run this thing! I think Kentucky could get very excited about a Horne candidacy because he is a man of honor, a true man of honor. Luallen's story is not over, we still have no official word. From Pol Watchers Horne, a Louisville lawyer and Iraq war veteran, said Thursday in an interview that he's beginning to lay the groundwork for a bid to challenge Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell if Luallen and Stumbo indeed officially bow out in the coming days. .... I’m not a politician. I am not afraid of losing. If I was worried about risk and danger, I woudn't have joined the Marine Corps before I graduated high school. That’s not a concern for me," he said. "I respond when my country needs me, not when it’s convenient." More About: Ready
Page One: Luallen is Definitely Out
2007-12-07 05:30:00 Page One is reporting that State Auditor Crit Luallen (D) and the potential front runner for the Democratic nomination for Senate is apparently throwing in the towel before the first bell. Speculation had been growing that Luallen's millions from the big boyz in D.C was more of a dream than reality and now it seems Luallen is out. Two key Luallen staffers are reportedly crossing over to the new Beshear-Mongiardo administration. Joe Myer, a key Luallen advisor, will become Policy Director for the new administration. Luallen's Communications Director Jeff Derouen is reportedly taking the job of Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo's (D) Chief of Staff. Now we wait and see. More About: Page
Senator Mongiardo's Fight to Improve Kentucky Health Care
2007-10-21 00:00:00 The Lexington Herald Leader captures Senator Mongiardo's passion for health-care and the drive to change our dilapidated system. Dr. Mongiardo, a physician from Hazard Kentucky knows the ropes in regard to politics and he also knows the sting of partisan... More About: Health , Health Care , Fight , Care , Improve
Governor Ernie Fletcher's (R) Approval Rating Continues to Slide
2007-10-20 00:00:00 With 18 days to go Republican Governor Ernie Fletcher's monthly SurveyUSA approval rating has to be heartbreaking for all Republican hopefuls because Fletcher is continues to slide. As you can see in the figure below, Fletcher's Republican approval to disapproval... More About: Slide , Conti , Etch
Thoughts of Katherine Harris (R) might be the Straw that Breaks the Camel's
2007-10-20 00:00:00 The message of a potential partisan nightmare in 08 is resonating throughout the Commonwealth as the race for Secretary of State is quickly becoming part of the Democratic rally cry. From teachers to lawyers, many are drawing lines in the... More About: Thoughts , Katherine , Breaks , Harris , Brea
Native American News Network
2007-10-20 00:00:00 Starting today The Rural Democrat will host another political blog called the Native American News Network . This blog ONLY deals with issues that are important to Native Americans, especially Native Americans in Kentucky. The Native American News Network is an...
Friends of Ernie Fletcher prank call Republicans for Beshear Group
2007-10-19 00:00:00 When the desperation has set in and nothing is left to accomplish many so called grown-ups resort to acting like 6 year olds. The owner of the blog Republican in Kentucky that also sports a 8' x 4' sign announcing... More About: Friends , Republicans , Prank , Call , Ernie Fletcher
Can a Small Town Candidate obtain a Media Endorsement?
2007-10-19 00:00:00 Watching, waiting and wondering if Democratic nominee for Secretary of State Bruce Hendrickson will cash in on ANY media endorsements before election day. I was absolutely not surprised that Secretary of State Trey Grayson(R) obtained the endorsement from the Cincinnati... More About: Media , Small , Town , Endorsement , Small Town
Secretary of State Trey Grayson (R) Releases Inaccurate Voter Registration
2007-10-19 00:00:00 This is surreal, Secretary of State Trey Grayson (R) released voter registration totals that do not jive with independent totals and percentages. The totals are way off and I hope members of the MSM ask for a recount. From the... More About: Accu , Registration , Regis
Analysis: Preliminary Voter Registration Totals and Election Day Prediction
2007-10-18 00:00:00 I feel it may be safe to predict an outcome or two for the general election. However if the multiple GOTV campaigns bare fruit we may see a historical turnout. I am encouraged by the registration totals and the following... More About: Analysis , Election , Registration , Predict , Mina
Jonathan Miller: "Let's Work Together" Democratic Bus Tour to Victory
2007-10-18 00:00:00 From the KDP Our Democratic nominees are spending these final days leading up to Election Day criss-crossing the Commonwealth, taking with them a message of integrity and the need for positive leadership in Frankfort. Beginning Thursday, October 18, the Kentucky... More About: Victory , Work , Tour , Jonathan
Senator Bunning thinks Grayson and Farmer have a tough road ahead
2007-10-18 00:00:00 Republican Senator Jim Bunning is apparently seeing the writing on the wall for Republican hopefuls in this year's general election. He thinks Secretary of State Trey Grayson(R) and Commissioner of Agriculture Richie Farmer (R) have a tough climb ahead of them.... More About: Road , Tough , Ahead
Rally for Steve Beshear and Daniel Mongiardo in Corbin on Thursday
More articles from this author:2007-10-18 00:00:00 Please come by the Corbin Technology Center at 11am and join some of the region's Democrats AND Republicans (not the political parties) for a rally in support of Steve Beshear and Daniel Mongiardo. Hopefully we can gather a large crowd... More About: Rally , Thursday , Steve Beshear 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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