Mitch McConnell

Memorial Day

one comment
May 26, 2008
By Joe Sonka

Hey there. I know I 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 this morning on the strain the war has had on Ft. Campbell families, 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.

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The Other White Shark

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May 25, 2008
By Joe Sonka


According to the Courier-Journal, that shark would be Mitch. A very whiny Mitchy.

Editorial writers are supposed to be expert with words, but sometimes words fail us.

There simply are no words with which to encompass the full magnitude of Mitch McConnell’s hypocrisy, in post-primary comment on his upcoming re-election race against Democrat Bruce Lunsford.

Mr. McConnell said, “Judging from the just-completed primary, I fully expect Bruce to run the most negative campaign Kentuckians have ever seen.”

Is Mr. McConnell really complaining about negative campaigns?

This from the grand master of negative politics? This from the man who pioneered political slash-and-burn? This from one who has bought a long stay in Washington with cash-and-carry campaigns (special interest cash, carried to the TV stations, to pay for more attack ads)?

This isn’t the pot calling the kettle black. It’s the great white shark complaining about a mudpuppy.

**********

Mr. Lunsford’s plan for America is to (1) bring Mr. McConnell home from Washington for a long-overdue rest, (2) take his place in the Senate, and (3) help enact the progressive agenda that our senior senator relentlessly has blocked. He also plans to remind voters that Mr. McConnell has been George W. Bush’s faithful companion in governing, especially when the President needed to herd votes.

The phrase “Bush-Cheney-McConnell administration” is no political fiction. It’s a grim reality. If pointing that out is negative campaigning, then Mr. Lunsford should do as much of it as possible.

We’re gonna need a bigger war chest…

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McConnell votes against Veterans. Again.

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May 23, 2008
By Joe Sonka

What was Mitch McConnell saying about “personal attacks” earlier? Because it seems like that man has some kind of vendetta against our troops. First, it was his two filibusters against the Webb amendment to restore proper troop rotations between tours for our soldiers. Now, he takes the extra step of voting against the expansion of the GI Bill to help our fighting men and women receive a college eduction. He was one of only 22 senators to vote against the popular bipartisan legislation, and the only Republican running for re-election this year to do so.

Here’s the response of Americans United for Change:


“For all the lip service Senator McConnell pays back home to the sacrifices our troops are making overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan, he sure has a funny way of showing his support in Washington,” said Jeremy Funk, spokesman for Americans United for Change. “He stood with President Bush and tried to stand in the way of a 21st century G.I. Bill that reflects the needs of a struggling economy and skyrocketing tuition costs. That McConnell can vigorously support spending of $12 billion a month to continue this President’s failed Iraq war policies but not a fraction that amount on these brave soldiers’ education when they return home signals just how radically skewed his priorities really are. In fact, the first two years of the new GI bill would cost what we spend in two days in Iraq. Senator McConnell really ought to be embarrassed to face any Kentucky veteran today after voting like this. Despite all his empty rhetoric about supporting the troops, when faced with a simple choice of voting for ’em or against ’em – McConnell voted against ’em.”

“The original GI Bill launched millions of families on a course to achieving the American dream – and set the American economy on the right course after a draining war. It returned $7 to the economy for every $1 spent on it,” added Funk. “Current GI educational benefits pay only about 60 percent of a public college education and 30 percent of a private college education. That’s simply not enough, especially in an economy slipping further and further towards a full scale recession. Ensuring that these men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan don’t have to worry about how they’re going to afford a quality education is the very least we can do to truly show our appreciation and support. But, for whatever reason, Mitch McConnell just said ‘no.’ It’s a real question of priorities, and Mitch has his completely mixed up.”

Had enough?

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United we Stand, United Mitch Falls

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May 23, 2008
By Joe Sonka


Democratic Senate Candidates Come Together, Pledge Unity

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.

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It’s time to Ditch Mitch!

3 comments
May 22, 2008
By Joe Sonka

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.

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SUSA: Lunsford expands lead to 21 points (It’s over…)

no comments
May 19, 2008
By Joe Sonka

It looks like there’s no miracle comeback in store for Greg Fischer.

The new SUSA poll is out, just 18 hours before polls open in KY, and the news is good for Bruce Lunsford. Very good.

Bruce Lunsford has expanded his lead from 18 to 21 points over Greg Fischer. He now leads 47% to 26%.

We may not be happy with it (I’m sure as hell not), but Bruce is our nominee, and he is infinitely better than Mitch McConnell. On the morning of May 21st, it’s time to rally behind him and DITCH MITCH.

Then in January of 2009, we can absolutely hound every move of Lunsford and make sure he knows we won’t allow DINO behavior.

We’ll at least have an ear, whereas with McConnell, we only get a finger…

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Why does Mitch McConnell hate America???

3 comments
May 17, 2008
By Joe Sonka

Notice something missing from Senator 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…

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KDP rips McCain and McConnell on Health Care

no comments
May 16, 2008
By Joe Sonka

The KDP sends out a good email!!! I don’t have to bang my head on the keyboard!!! Woot!!

While John McCain and Mitch McConnell have benefitted from government funded health insurance for three decades both have obstructed numerous efforts to help solve the healthcare crisis faced by working people throughout Kentucky and the nation.

McConnell voted against the reauthorization and expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) six times in 2007. McCain also voted against, or was absent, for each of the six votes, and supported the Bush veto of the expansion despite the pleas of forty-three of the nation’s governors to reauthorize and expand the program. As a result, 3.8 million American children, thousands of them right here in Kentucky, do not have health insurance.[Senate Votes: 307, 8/2/07; 352, 9/27/07; 353, 9/27/07; 401, 10/31/07; 402, 11/01/07; 403, 11/1/07]

Now, as a candidate for president, John McCain is vowing to work with governors to solve the health care crisis; however, he failed to listen to them when they begged for leadership in Washington. We can’t afford four years of the McCain Double Talk Express and McConnell’s obstructionist votes.

McCain offers election year rhetoric about healthcare, but no solutions. His current healthcare plan does not focus on reducing the number of uninsured Americans. “The McCain campaign has no estimate of how many of America’s 47 million uninsured would likely gain coverage under its plan.” [New York Times, 3/2/2008]

Not only does McCain offer no solutions, his proposal might well make the problem worse. His plan to permit people to buy their health insurance across state lines “would allow health-insurance companies to escape state regulations they don’t like, such as rules allowing for appeals when companies deny coverage and rules requiring insurers to cover people with various conditions or to cover particular types of treatments. The companies would likely gravitate to the states with the regulations they most favored.” [Wall Street Journal, 4/19/2008]

McCain and McConnell support making tax cuts permanent for the wealthiest Americans, while blocking legislation to provide working men and women, and their children, with access to quality, affordable healthcare.

Both of our Presidential candidates are offering comprehensive healthcare plans that will work for all Americans. Our Democratic candidates are offering solutions.

Please help send a message to McCain and McConnell this Tuesday. Please do your part, vote May 20 and make sure you tell your friends, families and neighbors to vote.

As we move ahead to November, please join us in getting the message out. Please help us elect Democrats. Please be part of the solution.

Sincerely,

Jennifer A. Moore
Chair, Kentucky Democratic Party

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Big Oil Anne

one comment
May 16, 2008
By Joe Sonka

I get endless pleasure out of the delusions of the right-wing here in Kentucky that think Anne Northup is going to even come within ten points of John Yarmuth this Fall. This thing is going to be a bloodbath, and I’m going to enjoy every second of it.

#1- She proved during her stay in Congress that she is mini-Bush, and Louisville knows that Bush is the worst damned president ever. Who in their right mind thinks that we want to continue on that path of failed leadership when they can keep John Yarmuth? As her primary opponent Chris Theineman pointed out yesterday, Northup voted with GWB 91% of the time. That, in itself, is enough to bury her.

#2- With gas prices out of control, why would you want to put someone into office who is a stooge of the oil industry. As Theineman said yesterday:

As a member of Congress in 2005, she voted for a $14.5 billion tax break for Big Oil (H.R. 6, Vote 445), passing President Bush’s energy bill that amounted to a giant hand-out for oil companies.

She helped her pals in the oil companies again later that year, voting against price gouging standards that would have prevented big oil from over-charging us for gasoline. (H.R. 3402, Vote 500).

It’s no wonder. Anne Northup has received more than $300,000 in political contributions from Big Oil interests.

Northup is nothing but Mitch McConnell’s pawn for the election this November. His crony at the NRCC was responsible for that phony poll showing a close race between Northup and Yarmuth back in January. Why did Mitch want Northup in the race? So she would at least spur a respectable turnout among Republicans in Louisville, thus helping Mitch tread water there in his race, which he thought would be against Andrew Horne.

So… sit back and grab the popcorn, and enjoy watching Northup lose her third race in 2 years and John Yarmuth make right-wingers heads explode in Louisville for many many years to come.

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Mitch gives $70,000,000 to millionaire horse owners

2 comments
May 14, 2008
By Joe Sonka

(crossposted at Ditch Mitch)

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.

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