Thursday, August 27, 2015

Today's Political Headlines

Congressman John Yarmuth sat with KSR host Matt Jones at DCCC meeting in D.C.

08/26/2015 08:46 PM
Kentucky’s lone federal delegate U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth of Louisville accompanied Matt Jones to a sit-down meeting with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in Washington, D.C., Yarmuth said in an interview with Pure Politics. Jones is being wooed by national Democrats in an effort to find a challenger to Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Barr of Lexington in the 6th Congressional District. “I think he’s an extremely bright, appealing guy,” Yarmuth said of Jones on Tuesday. “He has a built-in base. He... Read more 

Ky. County Clerks Association will propose removing clerks' names from marriage licenses in upcoming session

08/26/2015 12:00 AM
FRANKFORT — The Kentucky County Clerks Association will propose removing clerks’ names from the document in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s legalization of same-sex marriage. Overturning the state’s ban on same-sex marriage has prompted Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis and two others to deny licenses to all couples, drawing a federal lawsuit against Davis as well as calls to change the licensing process. Leslie County Clerk James Lewis, chairman of the association’s elections committee, told reporters Tuesday that his group... Read more 

Yarmuth "unsure" if Joe Biden would be better for Democrats than Hillary Clinton in 2016

08/25/2015 11:12 PM
After his recent criticism of Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton, U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, D-Louisville, says Vice President Joe Biden’s entry in the race “could cause a lot of problems for a lot of Democrats (with) split loyalties.” Speaking to Pure Politics on Tuesday, Yarmuth said he’s “not sure yet” if a run from Biden would be better for Democrats seeking to keep the White House. “Joe is very popular. He is a great public servant,” Yarmuth said. (3:53) “I’ve known... Read more 
Audio Postcard: First Time at the Kentucky State Fair
from Laura Ellis
We’re heading into the second weekend of the Kentucky State Fair, and while the sights and sounds might be familiar to many, there are always first-timers. WFPL’s Ja’Nel Johnson and Ashley Lopez are both relatively new to Louisville: Ja’Nel is from Gary, Ind., and Ashley grew up in Miami. We followed along as they experienced the fair for the first time.[...]
Thu, Aug 27, 2015 11:55:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Defiant County Clerk’s Chances of Winning Same-Sex Marriage Case Narrowing
from Ryland Barton
A federal appeals court on Wednesday ordered Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis to resume issuing marriage licenses while a lawsuit brought against her by four local couples makes its way through the appeal process. Davis plans to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to intercede in the case, but a legal observer says the clerk’s chances for prevailing in the case are narrow. Davis stopped issuing marriage licenses in June after the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage. An Apostolic Christian, she has said her religious views prevent her from endorsing licenses for same-sex marriages. Rather than be accused of discrimination, she said, Davis stopped issuing marriage licenses to [...]
Thu, Aug 27, 2015 10:57:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Appeals Court Upholds Gay Marriage Ruling in Kentucky
from Associated Press
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A federal appeals court has upheld a ruling ordering a Kentucky county clerk to issue marriage licenses to gay couples. Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis objects to issuing same-sex marriage licenses for religious reasons. She stopped issuing marriage licenses the day after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned state bans on same-sex marriage. Two gay couples and two straight couples sued her. A U.S. district judge ordered Davis to issue the marriage licenses, but later delayed his order so that Davis could have time to appeal to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. On Wednesday, the appeals court denied Davis’ [...]
Wed, Aug 26, 2015 9:07:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Appeals court declines to delay order requiring Rowan County clerk to issue marriage licenses
from jcheves@herald-leader.com (John Cheves)
A federal appeals court on Wednesday denied Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis' request for a continued delay in issuing marriage licenses in her county.Click to Continue » [...]
Wed, Aug 26, 2015 8:42:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
State auditor on problems found in Somerset: 'This is not how a city ought to be run'
from bestep@herald-leader.com (Bill Estep)
City officials in Somerset made spending and management decisions without proper accountability and ignored various policies and ordinances, state Auditor Adam Edelen's office said in a report released Wednesday.Click to Continue » [...]
Wed, Aug 26, 2015 4:08:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Ethics panel files more misconduct charges against suspended Pike County judge
from bestep@herald-leader.com (Bill Estep)
A state ethics panel has filed two additional charges of misconduct against Pike Circuit Judge Steven D. Combs, who has been suspended while awaiting a hearing.Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, Aug 25, 2015 8:25:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Today's Political Headlines

State set to receive $2.6M CDC grant to improve colon-cancer screenings, Gov. Beshear announces

08/25/2015 08:51 PM
FRANKFORT — With colon-cancer screenings in Kentucky improving considerably in recent years, Gov. Steve Beshear said Tuesday he hopes a five-year, $2.6 million federal grant will improve access in low-income communities in Appalachia and Louisville. Beshear announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will send $529,428 per year to the Department for Public Health for five years. The funding will complement other preventative efforts, such as a collaboration among the Kentucky Cancer Program, Horses and Hope, University of Louisville’s... Read more 

Lawmakers concerned about Kentucky jobs in proposed Aetna-Humana merger

08/25/2015 08:16 PM
FRANKFORT – The multi-billion dollar proposed merger of healthcare giants Humana and Aetna has Kentucky lawmakers asking questions about a major Kentucky employer. Members of the Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance heard from insurance provider Aetna on Tuesday as the company moves forward with the merger which is under review by antitrust regulators. The companies announced on July 3 that Aetna, based out of Connecticut would buy Louisville based Humana for $37 billion. The new company would have... Read more 

Pro-Jack Conway super PAC ad sharpens focus on Matt Bevin's refusal to release tax returns

08/25/2015 01:37 PM
Democratic super PAC Kentucky Family Values is sharpening their messaging in their latest TV with a focus on Republican gubernatorial nominee Matt Bevin’s refusal to release his tax returns. The 30-second ad released on Tuesday by the pro-Jack Conway PAC focuses on the “tradition” of gubernatorial candidates releasing their tax-returns for public inspection as a candidate. The ad also turns to the previous tax delinquency claims made by the campaign of U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell in the 2014 GOP primary... Read more 
Stumbo To Propose Expanded Gambling Legislation
from Ryland Barton
House Speaker Greg Stumbo will propose a constitutional amendment that would allow as many as seven casinos to open in Kentucky, with tax revenue from the businesses dedicated to public education, boosting the racing industry and shoring up the state’s ailing retirement system. Under the proposal, the casinos would be operated by private entities and overseen by the Kentucky Lottery. They would be located in each of the state’s six congressional districts, plus one “at large” casino. Stumbo’s initial proposal is to dedicate 40 percent of the revenue for public elementary and secondary education, 30 percent for higher education, 20 percent for the [...]
Tue, Aug 25, 2015 9:54:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Future of Swift’s Cabel Street Lot Could Hinge on Public Health Concerns
from Erica Peterson
A neighborhood group is hoping concerns about public health and the environment will factor into a city board’s decision to grant a conditional use permit to pork producer JBS Swift. Swift has been operating a slaughterhouse in Louisville’s Butchertown neighborhood for decades. For the past nine years, the company has also been using a nearby lot on Cabel Street as a staging area for its trucks. Until earlier this year, the company was renting the lot from the Metropolitan Sewer District. Swift bought the lot for $790,000 in 2014, though questions were raised about the process. Now, the staging lot is a permanent [...]
Tue, Aug 25, 2015 9:33:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Nature’s Methane To Explain West Louisville Plans At Community Meetings
from Ashley Lopez
A company that wants to turn some of Louisville’s food waste into methane gas will hold more community meetings in the city, weeks after a backlash prompted one partner to cancel plans for a facility in West Louisville. Mayor Greg Fischer’s office said Monday it is hopeful more community support will come once the Indiana-based company Nature’s Methane explains new technology proposed for parts of West Louisville. Seed Capital Kentucky, the nonprofit developer of the FoodPort in the Russell neighborhood, had plans to partner with Nature’s Methane to have an anaerobic digester plant at the FoodPort. But earlier this month, Seed Capital Kentucky canceled the plan following criticism [...]
Tue, Aug 25, 2015 9:05:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Ethics panel files more misconduct charges against suspended Pike County judge
from bestep@herald-leader.com (Bill Estep)
A state ethics panel has filed two additional charges of misconduct against Pike Circuit Judge Steven D. Combs, who has been suspended while awaiting a hearing.Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, Aug 25, 2015 8:25:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
In Alaska, Rand Paul says he is preparing for the 'long haul'
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman)
Talking to reporters by conference call while he campaigned in Alaska, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul and his top aide emphasized that they are increasingly looking west for delegates and their…Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, Aug 25, 2015 5:09:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Somerset to drop lawsuit challenging state auditor's authority, mayor says
from bestep@herald-leader.com (Bill Estep)
Mayor Eddie Girdler said Auditor Adam Edelen's office had given the city additional time to respond to the findings of the examination, resolving some concerns. The mayor also he'd decided…Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, Aug 25, 2015 1:49:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
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Today's Political Headlines

State retirement systems give early glimpse at their budget requests, calling for multimillion increases

08/24/2015 08:15 PM
FRANKFORT – As lawmakers prepare to draft a two-year spending plan in the upcoming 60-day session, Kentucky’s public pensions will be seeking larger contributions from the general fund. Officials from the Kentucky Retirement Systems and Kentucky Teachers Retirement System presented preliminary budget figures to the Public Pension Oversight Board Monday, with both pensions seeking multimillion-dollar contribution increases from the state. But under pension reforms passed in 2013, only the Kentucky Retirement Systems, which faces $17.8 billion in unfunded liabilities, can wholly expect... Read more 

McConnell says stock market drops are a result of stalling worldwide economy

08/24/2015 04:12 PM
FLORENCE – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told Kentucky reporters on Monday that the drop of the stock market is a reflection of a worldwide economic slowdown. The stock market dropped Monday morning more than 1,000 points in the first minutes of trading, the worst drop since Oct. of 2008. However, the market clawed its way back throughout the day with the Dow dropping 588.47, which is a 3.58 percent tumble. McConnell, who was in Florence on Monday speaking to... Read more 

The Chatter: Matt Jones courted to challenge Andy Barr; Hillary email scandal "political bomb" in Ky. 

08/24/2015 02:59 PM
Controversial sports radio host Matt Jones is considering challenging U.S. Rep. Andy Barr for the 6th District Congressional seat in 2016. Jones, an unabashed supporter of President Barack Obama, first confirmed he has been approached by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to the Lexington Herald-Leader’s Sam Youngman on Sunday. The host of affiliated sports program Kentucky Sports Radio, told his listeners on Monday that he was considering a run for office, but had not yet made up his mind. Jones... Read more 

New academy provides career-ready education in engineering, technology and advanced manufacturing fields

08/24/2015 11:50 AM
CARROLLTON – As Kentucky high school students settle in for another year at their respective schools, 42 freshmen from Gallatin, Owen, Carroll, Trimble and Henry Counties are getting accustomed to a brand new school where there are no books or chalkboards. The iLead Academy, which opened in a renovated strip mall this month in Carrollton, is not your traditional high school. It’s Kentucky’s first regional academy for students who are interested in engineering, software technology, and advanced manufacturing fields. House Appropriations... Read more 
State Legislators Slam EPA Clean Power Plan
from Ryland Barton
Kentucky lawmakers are criticizing the federal Clean Power Plan, which will place the first-ever national carbon dioxide restrictions on existing power plants. Released earlier this month, the federal plan orders Kentucky  to reduce power plant carbon emissions by 31 percent by 2030. The EPA’s final rules were much more stringent than the 18 percent reduction outlined in a previous draft version. The Environmental Protection Agency predicts Kentucky will meet the standards a decade early due to market pressures and current regulations on the coal industry. But Eastern Kentucky lawmakers on Monday said the new regulations would cripple the already ailing coal industry in the [...]
Tue, Aug 25, 2015 11:55:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Why Republicans Might Not Get A Voter Turnout Surge in Kentucky Next Year
from Ashley Lopez
As members of the Republican Party of Kentucky debated on Saturday whether to approve a rule change creating a presidential caucus in March — at Sen. Rand Paul’s request — one of the biggest selling points was that the caucus would help build the party. “I am thoroughly convinced that were I not in this race, that this is just good for the Republican Party, that we will grow our lists and excite people and get more people to turn out,” Paul told reporters following the vote in Frankfort. In fact, most Republicans who rose in defense of holding a separate caucus in [...]
Tue, Aug 25, 2015 10:55:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Somerset to drop lawsuit challenging state auditor's authority, mayor says
from bestep@herald-leader.com (Bill Estep)
Mayor Eddie Girdler said Auditor Adam Edelen's office had given the city additional time to respond to the findings of the examination, resolving some concerns. The mayor also he'd decided…Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, Aug 25, 2015 1:49:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Louisville Teachers File Federal Lawsuit Against State Over Underfunded Pensions
from James McNair
Foiled in state court, a Jefferson County Public Schools teacher filed a federal court suit Monday claiming the Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System illegally raised teachers’ share of pension contributions to shore up a retirement plan that is only half-funded. Randolph “Randy” Wieck, a history teacher at DuPont Manual High School, launched the legal battle last November by filing suit in Jefferson County Circuit Court. The case was dismissed with a recommendation that it be refiled in Franklin County, he said. Instead, Wieck filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Louisville. As before, Wieck is asking that the roughly 141,000 teachers and [...]
Mon, Aug 24, 2015 10:48:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Matt Jones: Decision on congressional race will come before basketball season
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman)
Kentucky Sports Radio host Matt Jones told his radio audience Monday morning that he is actively considering a run for the U.S. House of Representatives, and he will make a…Click to Continue » [...]
Mon, Aug 24, 2015 5:32:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Legal fight over Kentucky's same-sex marriage ban could cost taxpayers $2.3 million
from jcheves@herald-leader.com (John Cheves)
Two months after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Kentucky's gay marriage ban, teams of attorneys who successfully represented the same-sex couples have submitted a bill for just over $2…Click to Continue » [...]
Mon, Aug 24, 2015 1:50:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Sunday, August 23, 2015

Today's Political Headlines

Thayer: Gov. Beshear "has broken the law," Jack Conway is a "complicit partner"

08/23/2015 09:30 AM
GEORGETOWN — Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer is known for his ability to stir the pot when it comes to partisan politics. Thayer, R-Georgetown, is doing just that in the gubernatorial election by connecting Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jack Conway, the state’s attorney general, to an imbalance in university board appointments in the state which has landed a previous Republican governor in court. “The for sale sign is up” in the executive branch, Thayer said, pointing to reporting done by... Read more 

Ky. GOP moves ahead with caucus, allowing Rand Paul to seek presidency and second Senate term

08/22/2015 04:58 PM
UPDATED FRANKFORT — The Republican Party of Kentucky’s central committee has approved a March 5 presidential caucus, clearing the way for U.S. Sen. Rand Paul to continue his presidential campaign and defend his seat in Congress. But Saturday’s 111-36 secret-ballot vote also came with a caveat: $250,000 must be in an RPK account by Sept. 18 or the caucus will be nixed. Financing the caucus, which has been budgeted at $500,000, was a primary concern for some on the central committee.... Read more 

Matt Bevin refuses to endorse Rand Paul's presidential run 

08/21/2015 09:12 PM
SOMERSET — U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., stumped for Republican gubernatorial candidate Matt Bevin on Friday, but Bevin refused to endorse Paul’s presidential bid when asked by reporters after the event. Paul offered a Peyton Manning-style, two-minute-drill pitch to supporters asking them to back Bevin in the election against Democratic nominee Jack Conway and independent candidate Drew Curtis. “You know what I think people are really hungry for in Kentucky? A Republican governor,” Paul told the crowd. “I think that... Read more 

Winner of $11.4M verdict, represented by Andy Beshear, is largest creditor to Bullitt County city that filed for bankruptcy

08/21/2015 03:28 PM
A Bullitt County city has declared bankruptcy, largely due to its inability to pay a multimillion-dollar jury verdict won by clients of Democratic attorney general candidate Andy Beshear in 2012. Hillview, a city of about 8,000 residents, filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection in federal court Thursday, seeking relief from $50 million to $100 million in debt. Truck America Training in Shepherdsville, which had been awarded $11.4 million by a Bullitt County jury in August 2012, is listed as the city’s... Read more 

Candidates for Secretary of State and State Auditor make pitch to Northern Kentucky Chamber

08/21/2015 03:15 PM
COVINGTON – The Republican and Democratic candidates for State Auditor and Secretary of State made their pitch for support during the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce meet the candidates Government Forum on Friday. Democratic Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, who’s running for re-election, made her case to around 50 people who attended the event that a boom in business has happened in the state under her watch. “We’ve laid the foundation,” Grimes said. “I’m not just a brick layer, I’m... Read more 

Funding remains a chief concern for some with Rand Paul's caucus plan

08/20/2015 11:56 PM
As U.S. Sen. Rand Paul readies his final pitch for a presidential caucus, he will need to assuage concerns from some Kentucky Republicans still unclear about how much money Paul had promised to cover the cost of the caucus process. Recollections of those interviewed by Pure Politics were mixed. But the concerns expressed by several Republican Party executive committee members underscore how important the cost factor will be as they decide Saturday whether to fundamentally alter Kentucky’s presidential nominating process, at... Read more 

GOP state senators propose delaying start of Kentucky's school year

08/20/2015 05:22 PM
GEORGETOWN — Sen. Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, and Sen. Chris Girdler, R-Somerset, are working on legislation that would mandate schools in Kentucky not return from summer break until at least the Monday closest to August 26. Keeping kids on break longer will positively impact Kentucky’s tourism economy, Thayer said, remarking on a Georgetown water park and boaters at Lake Cumberland in mid-August. “There are no older high schoolers available to work and there are no families with kids out of school that... Read more 
Washington Democrats try to recruit Kentucky Sports Radio's Matt Jones to challenge Andy Barr
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman)
The Transylvania University and Duke law school graduate said he has been listening to the recruiting pitches but doesn't want to talk much about it until he has a chance…Click to Continue » [...]
Mon, Aug 24, 2015 12:01:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Sam Youngman: In caucus debate, McConnell snatches Rand Paul from brink of certain defeat
were it not for the efforts of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his allies, Sunday's conversation probably would have been about the rebuke Rand Paul received from in-state…Click to Continue » [...]
Sun, Aug 23, 2015 9:09:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Louisville Beaded Treasures Project Gives Refugee Women Skills, Confidence
from Tara Anderson
In a conference room in the basement of Highland Baptist Church, several women gathered around a large table picking through containers of colorful beads. Beaded Treasures Project founder Surekha Kulknari buzzed around the table offering advice, encouragement and wire clippers. “So today, you can do whatever you like,” Kulkarni said to the group. “If you want to make a necklace, if you want to make a bracelet, earrings, I’ve got everything and we can just get started. So what would you like to make?” The women making jewelry came to Louisville from Congo, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, and they were all learning English, too. [...]
Sun, Aug 23, 2015 11:55:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
State Republican Party Approves Caucus For Rand Paul
from Ashley Lopez
The Republican Party of Kentucky’s central committee on Saturday approved a plan to hold a presidential caucus next year instead of a primary election, allowing Sen. Rand Paul to run for president and re-election to the U.S. Senate simultaneously in the state. The vote also means county party officials will be tasked with carrying out an election next year. The plan is contingent on Paul providing $250,000 to the party next month to carry out the caucus. Paul asked party members to move to a caucus to get around a state law prohibiting candidates from appearing twice on a ballot. Ahead of the vote, Paul called [...]
Sat, Aug 22, 2015 9:53:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Kentucky Republicans vote to give Rand Paul a caucus, if the money is there
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman)
It wasn't unanimous, but Kentucky Republicans voted Saturday to hold a presidential preference caucus next year, helping U.S. Sen. Rand Paul get around a state law prohibiting a candidate from…Click to Continue » [...]
Sat, Aug 22, 2015 8:05:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Potential Lawsuit To Claim Kentucky Broke the Law in Permitting Coal Mine
from Erica Peterson
An Eastern Kentucky resident says he’ll sue the state and federal government next month over coal mining permits he says were illegally issued. For the past decade, Rick Handshoe has watched the two streams on his property in Floyd County turn colors — orange, black. There’s been a mysterious foam in the water, too. He’s conducted his own water sampling, and found high levels of chemicals including iron, manganese and aluminum. Handshoe said the situation got so bad that he had to leave his property — and abandon his plans to build a house on the land to leave to his daughter. He [...]
Sat, Aug 22, 2015 1:30:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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