Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Today's Political Headlines


Libertarian U.S. Senate candidate David Patterson sues KET over debate criteria

09/29/2014 06:02 PM
Citing a first amendment violation the campaign for Libertarian candidate David Patterson along with the state and national Libertarian Party filed a federal lawsuit against public television provider Kentucky Educational Television over debate criteria. The suit was filed Tuesday afternoon in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and “stems from its new exclusionary policy regarding public debates, eliminating Libertarian participation” according to a press release. Patterson spoke to Pure Politics about being excluded from the October... Read more 

New McConnell ad seeks to highlight experience and humanize Senator with personal story of constituent

09/29/2014 02:57 PM
Kentucky U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell puts his influence on display in a new TV ad released Monday telling the personal story of a Kentucky mother’s mission to get her daughter back after she was taken by her ex-husband. Dr. Noelle Hunter is the focus of the ad titled “Home” which will air statewide and tells the story of Hunter whose daughter, Muna, was abducted and taken to Africa by her ex-husband. Hunter explains in the ad that she did not know where... Read more 

E. Ky. group responds to New York Times article asking, 'What's wrong with Eastern Kentucky?'

09/29/2014 01:52 PM
“What’s the matter with Eastern Kentucky?” — that’s the headline staring back at the nation in June from the New York Times. While residents of Appalachia have seen the story written before it didn’t sting any less, and this time they decided to strike back with their own PR campaign. The group of Eastern Kentuckians launched an initiative aimed at looking past the problems and towards the progress of the area’s entrepreneurs in an effort to tell the story national... Read more 

Grimes campaign launches initiative aimed at online demographic with ad from her husband

09/29/2014 11:22 AM
The campaign of Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alison Lundergan Grimes is reaching out to the online community to show the support behind her campaign through social media and other outlets. The Grimes campaign released a statement Monday morning about the new initiative called “#AlisonCares” which is aimed at encouraging voters of all political affiliations to show their support for the candidate by “submitting letters to the editor, sharing photos and videos online and using the hashtag #AlisonCares on Facebook and Twitter.” The... Read more 
Eying 2016, Rand Paul courts young voters
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul is working to improve the Republican Party's image among young voters as he visits South Carolina, a key state in the presidential primary calendar.Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, Sep 30, 2014 6:54:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Kentucky's struggles with drug abuse take higher profile in U.S. Senate race
from bestep@herald-leader.com (Bill Estep)
News about the expansion of a federal anti-drug program in Kentucky on Monday provided U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell an opportunity to tout his record on an issue that…Click to Continue » [...]
Mon, Sep 29, 2014 11:39:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Sam Youngman: Obama's case for keeping Democrats in control of U.S. Senate
Kentucky voters haven't had the chance to hear much from President Barack Obama about why he wants to deny Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell the opportunity to become majority leader…Click to Continue » [...]
Mon, Sep 29, 2014 9:34:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Legalizing marijuana becomes issue in Ky. Senate race
So far, the top issues to emerge in Kentucky's U.S. Senate race are about coal, jobs and President Barack Obama. [...]
Tue, Sep 30, 2014 12:16:43 PM, Continue reading at the source
McConnell, Grimes fight to get their message across to voters
Political campaigns are on a perpetual spin cycle to cast the best possible light on their candidate's chances, regardless of any internal concerns. [...]
Tue, Sep 30, 2014 12:16:43 PM, Continue reading at the source
Nelson, Madison counties added to Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area
The Office of National Drug Control added Nelson and Madison counties to the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. [...]
Tue, Sep 30, 2014 12:16:43 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Monday, September 29, 2014

Today's Political Headlines


Boyle County schools uses 'blueprint' to success as the only 'district of distinction' in Ky.

09/28/2014 09:21 AM
DANVILLE – The Boyle County School district is one of eight statewide and the only county school district in the commonwealth to receive the Kentucky Department of Education’s “District of Distinction” award. Boyle is not your stereotypical high performing school district in the fact that 50 percent of its students are on free and reduced lunch. Boyle County High School has gone from having 50 percent of its graduates college and career ready seven years ago to over 90 percent today. The... Read more 

With midterms looming, McConnell expects — but doesn't want — quick confirmation on Holder successor

09/27/2014 06:45 PM
Count Kentucky U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell among Senate Republicans who prefer holding confirmation hearings on outgoing U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder’s replacement after a new Congress is sworn into office in January. But McConnell expects Democrats to push a nominee through the Senate after this fall’s elections since the party controls the chamber’s agenda and needs only a majority vote to confirm President Barack Obama’s executive branch nominees, thanks to a change in Senate rules by Democratic leader Harry Reid last... Read more 

Outside groups for McConnell entering Kentucky as Election Day nears

09/26/2014 03:00 PM
UPDATED WITH GRIMES CAMPAIGN RESPONSE: A week after Kentucky’s U.S. Senate candidates traded fire in competing gun ads, the National Rifle Association is running a six-figure television spot against Democratic candidate Alison Lundergan Grimes. The move comes as another outside group, Crossroads Grassroots Political Strategies, readies to unload $1.2 million for McConnell in October. The NRA, which has endorsed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s re-election bid, has spent $308,874 through its Political Victory Fund to produce and distribute television advertising opposing Grimes,... Read more 

Libertarian David Patterson makes pitch to GOP, calls for end to marijuana prohibition

09/26/2014 02:38 PM
David Patterson, the Libertarian candidate running for U.S. Senate, has just $5,000 in his campaign coffers and a plea to voters to compare his stance on the issues with Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell’s record. In August, Patterson, a 43-year-old Harrodsburg police officer, filed his paperwork after collecting 5,000 voter signatures and $500 to enter what some say may be the most expensive U.S. Senate race in American history. Pundits estimate candidates and outside groups will pour nearly $100 million into... Read more 

State Senate election battles to watch this fall in Kentucky
from jbrammer@herald-leader.com (Jack Brammer)
Races this fall for the Kentucky Senate are not getting as much attention as those for the Kentucky House, but the Senate is offering up some spirited elections, along with…Click to Continue » [...]
Mon, Sep 29, 2014 1:49:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
How much will expanded Medicaid cost Kentucky?
from jcheves@herald-leader.com (John Cheves)
How much will expanded Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act cost Kentucky? Pressed for answers by state lawmakers, Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear's administration says it does not yet know.Click to Continue » [...]
Sun, Sep 28, 2014 4:00:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Economists reject Republicans' claims that health law is decimating Kentucky jobs
from jcheves@herald-leader.com (John Cheves)
Key Republicans running for election Nov. 4 say the federal Affordable Care Act is putting Kentuckians out of work, but employment data and interviews with Kentucky-based economists suggest otherwise.Click to Continue » [...]
Sun, Sep 28, 2014 12:39:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Young Voters Figure Large in Alison Lundergan Grimes’ Game Plan
from Phillip M. Bailey
Kentucky’s youngest voters have enough pull to decide the outcome in this year’s U.S. Senate race, according to a Tufts University report.That fact is pivotal for Democratic challenger Alison Lundergan Grimes, who many believe needs a strategy shakeup in order to defeat Republican incumbent Mitch McConnell this fall.In 2008, McConnell won re-election by about 106,000 votes. This year’s contest could be much closer. [...]
Thu, Sep 25, 2014 11:00:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Congressman John Yarmuth Puts Political Weight Behind Louisville Minimum Wage Bill
from Phillip M. Bailey
The Metro Council minimum wage ordinance is the last hope for Louisville workers seeking a wage hike.That’s according to Democratic Congressman John Yarmuth, who joined advocates at a local business Monday morning.Yarmuth said he plans to be heavily involved in an effort to pass minimum wage legislation locally. [...]
Tue, Sep 23, 2014 10:21:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Beshear seeks federal aid for four flooded E. Ky. counties
from Jack Brammer
HERALD-LEADER FRANKFORT BUREAU FRANKFORT -- Gov. Steve Beshear has asked President Obama to issue a major disaster declaration and provide emergency assistance to four Eastern Kentucky communities recovering from recent flooding. Strong storms from Aug. 19 to 23 caused heavy rain and flash flooding, which washed out roads and forced people from their homes throughout the eastern part of the state. Communities in Floyd, Knott, Johnson and Pike counties were the hardest hit. “These severe storms and subsequent flooding caused widespread destruction to the state and community infrastructure in Floyd, Knott, Johnson and Pike counties, as well as to private homes,” [...]
Tue, Sep 23, 2014 2:56:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Wage Hike Provides Dividing Line in Louisville Metro Council District 9 Debate
from Phillip M. Bailey
Louisville Metro Council candidates Bill Hollander and Laura Rice jousted in a debate Monday night over a variety of issues, including a proposed wage hike.The two are seeking to succeed retiring Democratic Councilwoman Tina Ward-Pugh, who will serve out her term through December. [...]
Tue, Sep 23, 2014 2:26:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Japanese metalworking company plans to open facility in Corbin
from Jack Brammer
By Jack Brammer jbrammer@herald-leader.com FRANKFORT -- A Japanese metalworking company is to open its first North American plant in Corbin, Gov. Steve Beshear announced Monday at a Capitol news conference. Kowa Kogyosho Co., based in Nagoya, Japan, plans to create 30 jobs by April 2018 and invest $8.3 million into the project at the Corbin Regional Speculative building in the city’s Southeast Kentucky Business Park. It will provide metal surface treatment for automotive suppliers, through a highly advanced process known as electroless nickel plating. “Kentucky welcomes Kowa as its newest corporate citizen, one that will significantly enrich the southeastern Kentucky region as well as the[...]
Mon, Sep 22, 2014 4:09:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Sarah Jackson to retire as head of election finance registry
from Jack Brammer
HERALD-LEADER FRANKFORT BUREAU FRANKFORT -- Sarah M. Jackson, who has been head of the state agency that enforces state campaign finance laws since 1999, is to retire Nov. 1. Craig C. Dilger, board chairman for the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, announced Jackson's retirement Thursday at a board meeting. "Sarah has been a tremendous asset to the agency and a true professional as executive director. The agency is stronger for it," Dilger said in a release. Jackson, 57, was general counsel for the state Cabinet for Workforce Development from 1998 to 1999 and was director of the Division of Charitable Gaming in the Justice [...]
Thu, Sep 18, 2014 9:42:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Grimes talks Ky., sports and politics with Matt Jones on KSR
Secretary of State and senatorial candidate Alison Lundergan Grimes joined Matt Jones on Kentucky Sports Radio this morning to talk Kentucky, sports and today's political issues [...]
Mon, Sep 29, 2014 12:42:03 PM, Continue reading at the source
Womens vote key in Grimes, McConnell Senate race
Alison Lundergan Grimes launched an initiative on Tuesday aimed at "mobilizing women and highlighting Alison’s strong leadership on issues important to Kentucky women and their families." [...]
Mon, Sep 29, 2014 12:42:03 PM, Continue reading at the source
Yarmuth supports airstrikes, urges Congressional review
New numbers are coming in on the attacks by the United States and its Arab allies against ISIS militants in Syria. [...]
Mon, Sep 29, 2014 12:42:03 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Friday, September 26, 2014

Today's Political Headlines


Political and economic worries jeopardize expanded gaming before Beshear's final session

09/26/2014 08:46 AM
As Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear’s second and final term comes to a close, his campaign pledge to expand gambling opportunities in Kentucky appears to be sputtering. Political and economic factors have caused the issue’s dimming prospects in the General Assembly, as explained by Beshear and Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer. Beshear told Pure Politics after an event in Louisville Wednesday he hates “seeing all this Kentucky money” flowing to other states as residents gamble in surrounding areas, such as Ohio, Indiana... Read more 

Judge rules LRC must produce discovery in sexual harassment lawsuit

09/25/2014 05:53 PM
The Legislative Research Commission must provide more comprehensive discovery to attorneys for two staffers suing the agency in its handling of their sexual harassment allegations against a former lawmaker, a judge ruled Wednesday. Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate wrote in an order the LRC must “supplement the vague discovery responses” it has given Louisville attorney Thomas Clay, who is representing LRC employees Yolanda Costner and Cassaundra Cooper in their lawsuit against the agency and former Democratic Rep. John Arnold of Sturgis.... Read more 

Moffett and Miller focused on issues facing the district despite personal attacks

09/25/2014 04:33 PM
The race to replace state Rep. Julie Raque Adams in an east Louisville district has become contentious as the candidates are facing personal attacks but say they want to continue talking about the issues. After redistricting, the area currently represented by Adams—who is leaving the position to run for state Senate—now contains more registered Democrats, but the candidates say the area still leans conservative. Both of the candidates are hearing the economy and health care are the issues on the minds... Read more 

Grimes' defense of online gambling domains brings issue to Senate race

09/25/2014 02:20 PM
When the state took the unprecedented move to seize 141 Internet domains accused of operating illegal online gambling websites in September 2008, it sparked a complicated legal case that continues to this day. On one side of the courtroom stood attorneys for the state. On the other, amid an army of lawyers representing holders of the domains snatched by the government, stood Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alison Lundergan Grimes. Grimes, then an associate with Stoll Keenon Ogden, was one of three attorneys... Read more 
Lexington Mayor Jim Gray releases first TV ad of fall campaign
from bmusgrave@herald-leader.com (Beth Musgrave)
Mayor Jim Gray released his first television advertisement of the general election on Friday.Click to Continue » [...]
Fri, Sep 26, 2014 4:34:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Republicans rallying behind religious liberty
Prospective Republican presidential candidates are promoting religious liberty at home and abroad at a gathering of evangelical conservatives, rebuking an unpopular President Barack Obama while skirting divisive social issues that…Click to Continue » [...]
Fri, Sep 26, 2014 8:16:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Courting Big Blue Nation, Grimes says it's time to discuss legalizing marijuana
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman)
Appearing on a radio program for University of Kentucky sports fans Thursday, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alison Lundergan Grimes said it's "worthwhile" to discuss legalizing marijuana and requiring background checks…Click to Continue » [...]
Thu, Sep 25, 2014 7:31:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Young Voters Figure Large in Alison Lundergan Grimes’ Game Plan
from Phillip M. Bailey
Kentucky’s youngest voters have enough pull to decide the outcome in this year’s U.S. Senate race, according to a Tufts University report.That fact is pivotal for Democratic challenger Alison Lundergan Grimes, who many believe needs a strategy shakeup in order to defeat Republican incumbent Mitch McConnell this fall.In 2008, McConnell won re-election by about 106,000 votes. This year’s contest could be much closer. [...]
Thu, Sep 25, 2014 11:00:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
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Thursday, September 25, 2014

Today's Political Headlines


Heiner seeking online donations while he publicly helps state House candidates

09/24/2014 08:35 PM
Republican gubernatorial candidate Hal Heiner has been headlining fundraisers in an effort to flip the state House from Democratic control. The Louisville businessman has also made a big deal about sidelining his own fundraising efforts while running for office in 2015. Heiner spent Monday evening at the home of former U.S. Secret Service officer Carl Nett, seeking contributions for the Republican’s bid to unseat seven-term incumbent Rep. Jim Wayne, D-Louisville. In his pitch to attendees Heiner said it’s incumbent upon voters... Read more 

Grimes counters outside group's amnesty ads

09/24/2014 11:36 AM
UPDATED WITH SECOND KENTUCKY OPPORTUNITY COALITION SPOT: Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alison Lundergan Grimes released a web ad Wednesday, countering an attack ad from a pro-McConnell group last week that said she supports amnesty for undocumented immigrants. Grimes’ spot, titled “Say Anything,” features Republican U.S. Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina speaking in favor of an immigration reform bill that passed the Senate, without McConnell’s support, last year. The legislation ultimately died in the House. “This is... Read more 
As feud escalates, John McCain ally says Rand Paul is either a fool or despicable
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is trading insults with a longtime adviser to fellow Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who maintains that Paul is either a liar or in the thrall of…Click to Continue » [...]
Wed, Sep 24, 2014 9:15:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
On battling Islamic State, Mitch McConnell is Barack Obama's 'Kentucky candidate'
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman)
When it comes to battling the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is President Barack Obama's "Kentucky candidate."Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, Sep 23, 2014 11:27:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Hemp test crop sees first harvest
The University of Kentucky legally harvested its experimental crop Tuesday morning, one of 15 allowed in the state this year after state and federal legislation cleared the way. [...]
Thu, Sep 25, 2014 12:45:08 PM, Continue reading at the source
Womens vote key in Grimes, McConnell Senate race
Alison Lundergan Grimes launched an initiative on Tuesday aimed at "mobilizing women and highlighting Alison’s strong leadership on issues important to Kentucky women and their families." [...]
Thu, Sep 25, 2014 12:45:08 PM, Continue reading at the source
Yarmuth supports airstrikes, urges Congressional review
New numbers are coming in on the attacks by the United States and its Arab allies against ISIS militants in Syria. [...]
Thu, Sep 25, 2014 12:45:08 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Today's Political Headlines


Miles and Warren say partisan politics not part of their character in 7th District House race

09/23/2014 06:55 PM
OWENSBORO – For the second time in less than a year, the same state house seat is up for grabs. And Democrats are looking to gain the western Kentucky seat back from Republican control. State Rep. Suzanne Miles, R-Owensboro, won a special election for 7th House district seat in December to replace John Arnold who resigned in September 2013 after allegations of sexual harassment, allegations which he has denied. Miles is a Transylvania graduate, a former clothing store owner in... Read more 

As Democrats targeted in new calls, candidates on both sides say they want clean campaigns

09/23/2014 05:02 PM
Now that Democrats are targets of a new round of phone calls, House candidates on both sides of the aisle say they’re irritated with the tactics of outside groups in competitive state House districts. Democratic candidates confirmed to Pure Politics that an unknown group or groups have paid for robo calls and survey-like calls making accusations about their records and personal lives. This comes after Republicans were targeted in calls featuring some message testing. One of the most targeted Democrats... Read more 
On battling Islamic State, Mitch McConnell is Barack Obama's 'Kentucky candidate'
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman)
When it comes to battling the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is President Barack Obama's "Kentucky candidate."Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, Sep 23, 2014 11:27:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
As coal jobs disappear, planning continues for effort to diversify economy of Eastern Kentucky
from bestep@herald-leader.com (Bill Estep)
There were 13,000 fewer people working in a 23-county area in Eastern Kentucky's coalfield in May 2014 than a year earlier. That sobering statistic brought sharp focus to the challenge…Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, Sep 23, 2014 11:10:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Congressman John Yarmuth Puts Political Weight Behind Louisville Minimum Wage Bill
from Phillip M. Bailey
The Metro Council minimum wage ordinance is the last hope for Louisville workers seeking a wage hike.That’s according to Democratic Congressman John Yarmuth, who joined advocates at a local business Monday morning.Yarmuth said he plans to be heavily involved in an effort to pass minimum wage legislation locally. [...]
Tue, Sep 23, 2014 10:21:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
GOP state Senate candidate calls on Mayor Jim Gray to apologize for comments at Latino festival
from jbrammer@herald-leader.com (Jack Brammer)
Ralph Alvarado, a Republican candidate challenging state Senate Minority Floor Leader R.J. Palmer, is calling on Lexington Mayor Jim Gray to apologize for touting Palmer last Friday during a Latino…Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, Sep 23, 2014 10:18:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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