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Northern Ky. rural residents concerned that sewage pipeline will disrupt their way of life

08/28/2014 07:03 PM

CAMP SPRINGS — Many people who live in rural farm areas do so because they want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In doing so, they sacrifice some conveniences and infrastructure that people in the city enjoy. However, residents of one rural community in Northern Kentucky, Camp Springs in Campbell County, are looking at the possibility that infrastructure from neighboring communities invading their tranquil valley. Sanitation District 1, the agency responsible for the collection and... Read more 

GOP House candidates targeted in push polls in districts using negative attacks

08/28/2014 01:48 PM

At least a half dozen Republican state House candidates say they are the targets of survey calls that have gone beyond message testing for Democrats and crossed into push-poll territory. Republicans, who are in the minority with 46 members compared to 54 Democrats in the House, are seeking to grab control of the chamber for the first time since 1921 with their crop of challengers to incumbents. But Democrats have put up top-flight contenders against entrenched incumbents in some of... Read more 

Edelen predicts 'some pain' in battle over CVG airport board

08/28/2014 11:55 AM

Changing the geographic and political power structure of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport board won’t come without “some pain”, says state Auditor Adam Edelen. Edelen wrapped up a nine-month special investigation into the governance of the CVG board and called on a major restructuring of the appointees less than one week ago. In an interview with Pure Politics on Wednesday, Edelen said there will be a fight with entrenched political leaders in the region for who controls the airport. “Certainly... Read more 

Man behind secret recording of McConnell appears to avoid charges

"I took it as a very good sign that while we didn't get an apology letter from the government or confirmation that the case was closed, that it is not an active case as far as the U.S. government sees it," said Bart McMohan, an attorney for Morrison. [...]

Fri, Aug 29, 2014 1:18:06 PM, Continue reading at the source

Secret recording of Mitch McConnell released by The Nation

The campaigns of both Mitch McConnell and Alison Grimes said a secret recording of McConnell at a recent conference is an accurate reflection of the senator's priorities. [...]

Fri, Aug 29, 2014 1:18:06 PM, Continue reading at the source

State Republicans question Libertarian U.S. Senate candidate's ballot signatures
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman)

The Republican Party of Kentucky has asked the state's county clerks to review and verify the signatures Libertarian U.S. Senate candidate David Patterson filed to get on the ballot.Click to Continue » [...]

Thu, Aug 28, 2014 8:45:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Today's Political Headlines

How Seven Counties Services is illustrating for lawmakers why they could not keep paying into the pension system

08/27/2014 06:43 PM

Representatives for mental health provider Seven Counties Services have been making the rounds in Frankfort to plead their case to lawmakers threatening to take away contracts if the quasi-governmental agency does not pay pension liabilities, but part of what Seven Counties representatives are doing when meeting with lawmakers is explaining just why they had to make the difficult decision to leave the retirement system. Part of how Seven Counties is explaining their fiscal debacle is through a graph which... Read more 

The Chatter: McConnell being hit by Democrats on secret recording plus Romney coming to Kentucky

08/27/2014 11:32 AM

A recording of Kentucky U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell talking strategy and policy with a group of wealthy conservatives has Democrats claiming the remarks prove the senator is only looking out for millionaires and billionaires and not the needs of Kentucky families. In an article from http://www.thenation.com/article/181363/caught-tape-what-mitch-mcconnell-complained-about-roomful-billionaires-exclusive## , a recording of McConnell speaking at a conservative strategy conference hosted by the Koch Brothers on June 15 about issues like the minimum wage, unemployment insurance and other topics. According to the recording, McConnell tells... Read more 

Leaked McConnell Tape Lacks ‘Gotcha Moment’ But Underscores Democratic Narrative
from Phillip M. Bailey

A secret recording of Republican Senator Mitch McConnell telling a summit of wealthy conservatives that he plans to block many populist measures sent Democrats in a fury this week. [...]

Thu, Aug 28, 2014 12:00:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Democratic state Sen. Dennis Parrett mulling run for Kentucky agriculture commissioner
from jbrammer@herald-leader.com (Jack Brammer)

Dennis Parrett, a Democratic state senator from Elizabethtown, said he is "definitely considering" running for state agriculture commissioner in 2015.Click to Continue » [...]

Wed, Aug 27, 2014 8:50:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Democratic state Sen. Parrett eyeing possible run for state farm commissioner
from Jack Brammer

By Jack Brammer jbrammer@herald-leader.com FRANKFORT – Dennis Parrett, a Democratic state senator from Elizabethtown, is “definitely considering” running for state agriculture commissioner in 2015. He said Wednesday that he will decide within the next few weeks whether to enter the race that already has attracted a Democratic candidate. “I have an interest in seeing agriculture move forward in this state,” Parrett, a farm supplier who has represented the 10th Senate district of Hardin and part of Jefferson County since 2011, said in a telephone interview. Parrett, who will turn 55 on Oct. 30, had no opposition in this year's primary and general elections for his [...]

Wed, Aug 27, 2014 8:38:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

UK announces $24 million research effort to diversify Kentucky's energy economy
from lblackford@herald-leader.com (Linda B. Blackford)

The University of Kentucky announced a $24 million effort Wednesday to harness the brain power of Kentucky's eight public universities to diversify and develop the economies of the state's struggling…Click to Continue » [...]

Wed, Aug 27, 2014 6:38:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

McConnell agrees to debate on WHAS-TV, but Grimes cites scheduling conflict
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman)

Another proposed debate between Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and his Democratic opponent, Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, appears to have died.Click to Continue » [...]

Wed, Aug 27, 2014 3:29:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Today's Political Headlines

Massie and Yarmuth disagree on U.S. military actions in middle east

08/26/2014 05:57 PM

As President Barack Obama approves U.S. spy flights over Syria to identify Islamic militant forces which have been plaguing Iraq and have beheaded an American journalist in the region, two Kentucky congressmen disagree on the need for military action — and the authority to take the action. U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Vanceburg, and U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, D-Louisville, have a different view on what rights the president can take to bomb targets in Iraq — which has been on-going over... Read more 

KSU president's acts of kindness get worldwide attention

08/26/2014 05:33 PM

Dr. Raymond Burse just began serving as the interim president of Kentucky State University in July, but he’s already brought international notoriety to the school. The KSU Board of Regents named Burse to take over as interim president of Kentucky State University on July 1 after the retirement of Mary Evans Sias. Burse, previously served as president at KSU from 1982 to 1989. Later, he was an executive at General Electric for 17 years before retiring from that company in 2012. However,... Read more 

State to extend control of Breathitt County public schools for three years
from jcheves@herald-leader.com (John Cheves)

FRANKFORT — Breathitt County is not yet prepared to run its long-troubled school district, the Kentucky Board of Education unanimously decided Tuesday.Click to Continue » [...]

Wed, Aug 27, 2014 1:27:00 AM, Continue reading at the source

Grimes, McConnell clash at Red, White and Blue picnic
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman)

OWENSBORO — Emcee Kirk Kirkpatrick began the festivities with a challenge to the crowd to register and vote, and then he played a recording of the Call to the Post,Click to Continue » [...]

Wed, Aug 27, 2014 12:08:00 AM, Continue reading at the source

University of Kentucky set to announce $20 million federal grant to fund energy research

The University of Kentucky plans to announce a $20 million federal research grant Wednesday to support development of a "new energy economy" in the state.Click to Continue » [...]

Tue, Aug 26, 2014 9:58:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Louisville Minimum Wage Ordinance Moving Forward
from Phillip M. Bailey

Now that the Louisville Metro Council has been told it can move ahead on raising the local minimum wage, a group of Democratic lawmakers have announced they’re moving forward with a proposal.As WFPL first reported Monday, Jefferson County Attorney Mike O'Connell told council members they have the authority to establish a wage rate separate from the rest of the state. [...]

Tue, Aug 26, 2014 7:28:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Today's Political Headlines

Fairgoers take center stage with Nick Storm

08/26/2014 01:46 PM

• by Pure Politics

The 2014 Kentucky State Fair is now in the books and the annual event wrapped up with cn|2 Day at the Fair. Pure Politics’ Nick Storm was there and took some time to chat with viewers.  Read more 

Heiner says Frankfort leaders not paying attention when it comes to pensions

08/26/2014 08:15 AM

• by Nick Storm 
• • 3 Comments

Equating the financially struggling public pension system to an ocean liner heading towards an iceberg, Republican primary candidate for governor Hal Heiner says the state needs to come up with an overall plan to deal with the pension system. Heiner said his campaign would have a “holistic plan” to deal with the pension systems in the state which are ranked among the worst funded in the nation. “If it was a liner a — ocean liner it’s an ocean liner... Read more 

Fmr. FBI analyst Max Wise says local police have benefited from federal military programs, but for some towns it is "too excessive"

08/25/2014 04:07 PM

• by Nick Storm 
• • 2 Comments

After a week of images coming from Missouri on national television of heavily armed and armored police clashing with American protesters outside of St. Louis, President Barack Obama has ordered a White House review of the federal government’s strategy of sending military grade equipment to local police departments. Kentucky national security expert and former FBI analyst Max Wise, who won the Republican 16th District Senate primary in May, says local police departments have benefited from counter terrorism efforts after the September... Read more 

GOP primary candidates in governor’s race agree on blame for decline in coal industry, disagree on approach to fixing it

08/25/2014 02:31 PM

• by Jacqueline Pitts 
• • 3 Comments

The Republican candidates in the 2015 governor’s race agree on the idea that the coal industry is in decline in large part to the regulations put in place by President Barack Obama. But while one candidate is looking at other ways to help the region beyond coal, the other says it is time to take some of the harmful federal regulations to court. After recent comments from state Rep. Tom Burch, D-Louisville, about the state needing to “get coal out... Read more 

Mitt Romney coming to Kentucky to raise money for Mitch McConnell
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman)

In 2012, Mitt Romney won Kentucky with 60 percent of the vote, and now he's trying to bring some of that magic to U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.Click to Continue » [...]

Tue, Aug 26, 2014 4:27:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Kentucky Libertarians Object to KET Senate Debate Criteria
from Phillip M. Bailey

Kentucky Libertarian David Patterson is taking KET to task for its new criteria excluding his participation from their scheduled Senate debate.Republican incumbent Mitch McConnell last week accepted the public television network's invitation to face-off against Democratic challenger Alison Lundergan Grimes on Oct. 13. Grimes had accepted earlier in the summer. [...]

Tue, Aug 26, 2014 3:59:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Madeline Albright endorses Grimes for Senate

Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has endorsed Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alison Lundergan Grimes.Click to Continue » [...]

Tue, Aug 26, 2014 2:14:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Centre College Cancels McConnell-Grimes Senate Debate Efforts
from Phillip M. Bailey

Centre College has canceled its efforts to host a Kentucky U.S. Senate debate between Republican incumbent Mitch McConnell and Democratic challenger Alison Lundergan Grimes.The decision comes days after Centre launched an online campaign asking voters to help persuade both campaigns to agree to their Sept. 2 date. [...]

Mon, Aug 25, 2014 11:18:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Centre College calls off attempt to host debate between McConnell and Grimes
from jbrammer@herald-leader.com (Jack Brammer)

Centre College has hosted two vice presidential debates this century but could not get the U.S. Senate campaigns of Republican incumbent Mitch McConnell and Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes to face…Click to Continue » [...]

Mon, Aug 25, 2014 9:46:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Centre College drops efforts to host U.S. Senate debate
from Jack Brammer

By Jack Brammer jbrammer@herald-leader.com Centre College has hosted two vice presidential debates this century but could not get the U.S. Senate campaigns of Republican incumbent Mitch McConnell and Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes to agree over details for a debate between them this year on the Danville campus. Centre College President John A. Roush said there did not appear any willingness by any campaign to come to an agreement. Centre College's website announced Monday that the liberal arts college has canceled efforts for a U.S. Senate debate on Sept. 3. The decision came after weeks of planning and several conversations with the two candidates' campaign officials [...]

Mon, Aug 25, 2014 9:30:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Council Can Establish a Minimum Wage Just for Metro Louisville, County Attorney Says
from Phillip M. Bailey

The Louisville Metro Council can legally establish a local minimum wage within the city limits, according to a legal opinion issued Monday by Jefferson County Attorney Mike O'Connell's office.The opinion clears a legal hurdle for wage increase advocates: whether the council has the legal authority to increase the minimum pay rate in the city. [...]

Mon, Aug 25, 2014 5:26:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Today's Political Headlines

Barr defends spending on mail to constituents saying it comes with cuts of other spending in office

08/25/2014 09:29 AM

Spending more taxpayer dollars on mailing in his first term in office than most other members of Congress, Kentucky U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, R-Lexington, says he will not apologize for communicating with his constituents and defends his office’s fiscal record of cutting other wasteful spending. Barr’s use of franked communications, where members of Congress use their signature as postage on mail, has totaled a $190,000 in taxpayer money to send mail and conduct other constituent services during his first term in... Read more 

Beshear says focus will be on jobs and education in final session as governor

08/24/2014 09:00 AM

Gov. Steve Beshear says he will continue to focus on the “basic tools” that Kentucky has to have to compete among the top states in the country in his final 16 months in office. Beshear said the state is breaking through the last vestiges of the economic downturn which will help fuel expansion of jobs and businesses in the state. “We’re going to continue to create great jobs for our people. We are coming out of this great recession... Read more 

Louisville Councilwoman Attica Scott on unrest in Ferguson and U.S. Sen. Rand Paul

08/23/2014 08:15 AM

LOUISVILLE — Democratic Louisville Metro Councilwoman, Attica Scott, says the conversations on race and the American justice system around the country need to be happening and people like U.S. Sen. Rand Paul have a responsibility to have those conversations too. Scott traveled to Ferguson, Missouri last weekend to take part in peaceful protests after 18-year old Michael Brown was shot and killed by police. “It’s actually scary,” Scott said describing how she and other protestors were met after curfew with smoke... Read more 

Barr wants divide between police and military but worries about cost to local businesses

08/22/2014 04:28 PM

As unrest in Ferguson continues and many lawmakers discuss the possible need for legislation to demilitarize the police forces, Kentucky U.S. Rep. Andy Barr says the federal government needs to make sure they are not hurting businesses selling that type of equipment in the process. As reported by WFPL , Congress voted down a measure proposed by a Democratic Congressman to de-militarize the police forces. The bill would have banned the use of funds to transfer a wide range of very... Read more 

Kentucky GOP files FEC complaint against Grimes campaign; Ky. Dems call for ethics investigation into McConnell

08/22/2014 02:05 PM

Kentucky’s Democratic and Republican parties entered an allegation fray on Friday calling for investigations into the U.S. Senate candidates. The Republican Party of Kentucky filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission alleging Grimes violated campaign finance laws by accepting a 45-foot bus from Signature Special Event Services, Grimes’ father’s company, below fair market rates. From the Republican Party’s FEC complaint: “Even if Signature Special Events were to provide any transportation services to others who are not Alison Lundergan... Read more 

Stumbo says he will call on Rep. Burch to resign when Elaine Chao steps down from board positions

08/22/2014 12:37 PM

House Speaker Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, says he will call for one of his Democratic members to resign his seat in the Kentucky legislature when U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell’s wife leaves her post on a board which has been linked to anti-coal donations. “I’ll call for Tom Burch’s resignation when Elaine Chao resigns from the anti-coal boards she’s on,“Stumbo said. “I can’t fathom the fact that she was paid almost half a million dollars a year to serve on boards that are... Read more 

Comer looking to 2015 general election saying he is not scared of running against Conway

08/22/2014 10:46 AM

Agriculture Commissioner James Comer is already looking beyond the Republican primary for governor with a message to Democratic candidate Jack Conway saying he has “no fear” of Conway “what so ever.” In a recent poll on the 2015 race, Conway was ahead of all potential Republican challengers. But of those head-to-head matches, the poll had Comer only three points behind Conway. At this point, Conway is the only Democrat to announce his candidacy in the race with many of the other big... Read more 

Sen. Rand Paul calls Hillary Clinton a 'war hawk'

Calling Hillary Rodham Clinton "a war hawk," Sen. Rand Paul says that if the former secretary of state seeks the presidency, some voters will worry that she will get the…Click to Continue » [...]

Sun, Aug 24, 2014 1:02:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Sen. Rand Paul uses surgical skills in Guatemala; Citizens United founder brings film crew along

SALAMÁ, GUATEMALA — Brothers Juan and Andres Hernandez traveled more than four hours here by bus for the chance to reunite with the man they call "Dr. Pablo."Click to Continue » [...]

Sat, Aug 23, 2014 12:48:00 AM, Continue reading at the source

Potential 2016 candidates cautious on Ferguson

The police shooting and death of Michael Brown has gripped the nation amid clashes between protesters and the police in suburban St. Louis. But for most of those who want…Click to Continue » [...]

Fri, Aug 22, 2014 6:46:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Kentucky Democrats Seek Ethics Probe Into McConnell; GOP Files FEC Complaint Against Grimes
from Phillip M. Bailey

Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell and Democratic challenger Alison Lundergan Grimes were hit Friday with allegations of federal ethics and campaign finance violations by each other's respective political parties. [...]

Fri, Aug 22, 2014 5:37:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

‘Comment’ focuses on U.S. Senate race; ‘KY Tonight’ will discuss energy
from Jack Brammer

The latest in the U.S. Senate race in Kentucky between Republican incumbent Mitch McConnell and Democratic challenger Alison Lundergan Grimes will be discussed on this weekend's "Comment on Kentucky," a public affairs show on the Kentucky Educational Television network. Joining interim host Bill Bryant of Lexington's WKYT-TV will be three journalists -- Phillip M. Bailey of WFPL in Louisville, Amanda Van Benschoten of The Kentucky Enquirer and Sam Youngman of the Lexington Herald-Leader. The show will air live at 8 p.m. Friday on KET. On the Monday, Aug. 25, edition of "Kentucky Tonight" at 8 p.m. on KET and at KET.org/live, host [...]

Fri, Aug 22, 2014 3:22:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Pro-McConnell Super PAC Asks to Rent Grimes' Bus for Same 'Sweetheart Deal'
from Phillip M. Bailey

A super PAC supporting Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell is taking advantage of Democratic challenger Alison Lundergan Grimes' tour bus controversy by asking if it can use the vehicle for a similar price.Kentuckians for Strong Leadership sent a letter Thursday to Signature Special Events Services seeking to rent the 45-foot-long bus adorned with Grimes’ photo and logo for $456 per day. [...]

Fri, Aug 22, 2014 3:14:00 PM, Continue reading at the source