SHE WON'T GO!
Here comes Jodie Haydon.
Lets hope the Democrats can spend $700,000 a little more wisely this time, eh?
Here comes Jodie Haydon.
Lets hope the Democrats can spend $700,000 a little more wisely this time, eh?
Bob Layton has the goods on the next possible move by Beshear to electorally castrate David Williams:
The speculation this summer had been swirling as well that Republican State Senator Tom Buford could similarly seek a higher position within the administration of Governor Steve Beshear. Since then, of course, Buford attended the Beshear-Abramson fundraiser at Nicholasville Republican R. J. Corman’s business location in Nicholasville, and both he and his wife have each contributed the maximum $1,000 contribution to Beshear’s re-election campaign.None of this speculation comes from any source inside the Beshear adminstration, so it may be as accurate as predictions of the U.K. football team going undefeated in 2009. Still, the speculation is being heard from different areas of the state. In addition, there is separate speculation about “flipping” a Republican senator if Haydon wins; that is, having a senator who would either change parties or caucus with the Democratic Party. It is highly possible that before the next general election, control of the Kentucky State Senate.
Yes, please.
Two excellent pieces of news for you, dear readers:
Jake reports that Steve Beshear has just appointed Dan Kelly the 11th Circuit judgeship, and has called for a special election on Dec. 8th for his vacant State Senate seat in the 14th.
This is the equivalent of Beshear kicking David Williams in the junk.
One step closer putting David Williams in the minority, folks.
Another step closer to ousting David Williams!
Jack Ditty (R)- 8402Robin Webb (D)- 8684
Tight race, eh? But the W is all that counts.
If there’s one thing that’s holding Kentucky back from making real legislative progress (and believe me, there are many), it is the fact that Republican David Williams runs the State Senate. As long as he remains the majority leader there, he will block any real reform or legislation that can move our state forward. We can talk about gaining seats in the House, or holding onto the Governor’s mansion, or pushing our Democrats to the left, but as long as he remains in power and has the votes to block any and all legislation, nothing is going to change in Kentucky.
But… there is hope on the way.
On August 25th, there is a special election for State Senate in the 18th District. Democrat Robin Webb is taking on Republican Jack Ditty, and this is the first big opportunity we have to cut into the Senate majority of Williams and the Republicans.
With this Republican seat recently opened, the count in the Senate is 19 Republicans, 16 Democrats, and one Independent. If we can take this seat, we cut the margin to 2 seats. With rumors of another Republican Senator leaving office soon, a win in the next special election could even up the score at 18. The 2010 elections then will serve as the battleground for control of the Senate: a pickup or two that Fall, and David Williams is OUT as Senate Majority leader.
But first things first: electing Robin Webb on August 25th.
So, what can you do to help out?
First, if you live in Bracken, Carter, Greenup, Lewis, Mason or Robertson counties, here is the address for Webb’s campaign office. Go volunteer to make calls and canvas, so we can get every voter out to win this race:
Greenup County
Robin Webb for State Senate
413 Main Street
Greenup, KY 41144Carter County
Robin Webb for State Senate
109 W. Main St.
Grayson, KY 41143Mason County
Robin Webb for State Senate
317 W 2nd St
Maysville, KY 41056
She’s also having fundraisers around the state this week, if she’s in your town, stop by and pitch in:
2009-08-10 – Reception and Fundraiser
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Contribute to Robin Webb’s campaign.
Hazard Country Club 102 Cardinal Drive
Hazard, KY 41701
Perry County2009-08-11 – Reception and Fundraiser
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Meet Robin and contribute to her campaign.
McConnell House 100 McConnell House Dr
Wurtland, KY 41144
Greenup County2009-08-13 – Reception and Fundraiser
7:30 p.m. -
Contribute to Robin Webb’s Campaign.
Mason Residence
Ashland, KY 41102
Boyd County
If you live in the Frankfort or Lexington area, stop by or call your local Democratic HQ to see what you can do to pitch in. (Or visit her volunteer section on her campaign site)
Winning this election won’t get rid of David Williams, but it is a vital Step #1 to finally, at long last, sending him out on his ass.
Let’s get to work!
Could Emperor Williams’ reign be in jeopardy?
Gov. Beshear is on the verge of appointing two Republican state senators to jobs that would take them out of the Senate: sources say it’s virtually a done deal that within days Sen. Dan Kelly of Springfield will become a Circuit Court judge, to fill an unexpired term that would keep him on the bench through 2014; and Sen. Charlie Borders of Russell will become one of the three commissioners at the state Public Service Commission, replacing John Clay, whose term expired June 30.*******
Soon after these appointments, the governor will issue a writ for two special elections to fill the unexpired terms of the senators. The odds are substantial that the Democrats will win both elections.
*******
If the Democrats win both elections, it would change the count in the Senate to 19 Rs, 18 Ds, and 1 independent (Sen. Robert Leeper of Paducah), who caucuses with the Republicans.
Sounds interesting, but why would it take gambling to finally light a fire under the Dems and make them realize that hardball is the only ballgame that you can play with Sir Williams?
Eh, whatever works…
On Friday’s broadcast of “The Francene Show” on Louisville’s WHAS-AM radio, U.S. Rep John Yarmuth stressed that Senate President David Williams now “holds the fate of Kentucky racing in his own hands”. Yarmuth was of course making note of Williams continued resistance against gambling slots at racetracks, an issue that is likely to be on the agenda if the KY legislation is called into session this June. Many have noted, like Yarmuth, that many horse owners and trainers are now seeking the larger purses often found at racetracks that offer video lottery gambling. This has forced local tracks, such as Churchill Downs, to cut races due to not enough horses racing. The horse industry apparently agrees with Yarmuth, which has recently begun an advertising blitz intended to persuade Kentuckians to allow casino style gambling.
While I agree that the horse industry is a vital part of Kentucky’s economy, I feel that David Williams holds a much more important fate in his hands, and that is the fate of this state’s government. Right now it appears that Kentucky is about to face a $1 billion shortfall. If this legislature doesn’t find some means to generate revenue then we are going to be in some real pain. Think UK and UofL have faced tough cuts already? Just wait until this shortfall takes place.
Casino gambling at race tracks is by no means a silver bullet to this problem, but anything that can bring in additional state revenue must be seriously considered. I, however, doubt this will happen. Knowing Williams, I expect he will again block any such bill. He will argue that this state must protect it’s citizens against the corruption that gambling brings. But isn’t it the state’s job to provide protection against disease, hunger and ignorance? If so, then how is the state to provide that without money? Overall, I think this state’s government can stand a little more corruption, what I don’t know is if this state, or it’s horse industry, can take anymore budget shortfalls.
PPP’s poll came out as promised today, and ohhhhh is it some zesty poll porn. Here are some numbers of note:
Jim Bunning
Approval- 28%
Disapproval- 54%
(i.e. you’re in deep shit, Jimbo)
Jack Conway
Approval- 40%
Disapproval- 21%
Dan Mongiardo
Approval- 41%
Disapproval- 34%
(34%? Yikes! Shades of Lunsford disapprovals to come?)
David Williams
Approval- 28%
Disapproval- 41%
(go for it, David!)
Trey Grayson
Approval- 46%
Disapproval- 19%
(glad you’re not running, Trey!)
I left out Crit and Chandler, because they are not running, but their numbers were good, as you can see at the link above.
In the crosstabs, Dan Mongiardo once again shows anemic support among Democrats, as his approval/disapproval is 58/18, as opposed to Conway’s at 57/10. Among indendents, Mongairdo fares poorly (35/48), while Conway does quite well (35/28). Homophobic opportunism and mountaintop removal shilling coming back to bite you, Lt. Dan?
And the head to head matchups are even juicier. Chandler beats Bunning by 14, but again, he’s not running.
In the matchup that we WILL see in November 2010, we have some great news:
Jack Conway- 42%
Jim Bunning- 33%
Zesty! Mongiardo is also ahead, but by a lower margin.
Dan Mongiardo- 43%
Jim Bunning- 36%
So first things first: let’s put to rest that tired meme that we need to nominate a homophobic and environmentally catastrophic candidate, or else we can’t win the Kentucky senate seat. That meme is officially DEAD. We can do better, and the more progressive Democratic candidate POLLS BETTER than the Blue Dog conservative Democrat.
It’s time for Jack Conway to get in this race and start thumping Lt. Dan, then send Jim Bunning to the showers.
I’m hearing that Greg Stumbo is going around telling people that he is going to primary against Steve Beshear in 2011. Funny…
Of course, this makes no sense whatsoever, but you must realize that Greg Stumbo has probably the biggest ego in Frankfort, outside of David Williams. First Jody, then Steve, right? No, this would likely end in embarrassment, as Stumbo still continues to cram his baggage full of junk.
More to come…
Why doesn’t David Williams move to Russia and run for PM?
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