Friday, May 8, 2015

Today's Political Headlines


Time winding down, Bevin finds himself in a good spot heading into the primary

05/07/2015 05:46 PM
With public and internal polls showing three candidates in the four-way Republican primary for governor running closely together, Louisville investment manager Matt Bevin says the goal is to “peak” at the opportune moment, i.e. Election Day, and he likes “where we are.” GOP voter turnout is expected to be light, creating differing opportunities for Bevin and others to capture the nomination. Though he remains cautiously optimistic, Bevin says the real poll will come May 19. With the final push left and Bevin... Read more 

The Chatter: Comer has ‘great deal of confidence’ Heiner campaign offering accusers money; college ex challenges Comer to lie detector

05/07/2015 05:34 PM
Republican gubernatorial candidate James Comer accused fellow GOP hopeful Hal Heiner’s campaign and a group supporting him of offering money to those involved in allegations against him Wednesday, according to a report by The Cincinnati Enquirer. Comer told the newspaper’s editorial board he could not offer proof. He said he’s awaiting the results of an investigation into alleged harassing communications against his running mate, state Sen. Chris McDaniel, by Lexington attorney Michael Adams, who runs an anti-Comer Tumbler website. “Do I... Read more 

Congressman Andy Barr announces formation of task force to combat heroin abuse

05/07/2015 04:07 PM
LEXINGTON — Combating the growing heroin epidemic in central and eastern Kentucky was the subject of a roundtable discussion hosted by U.S. Rep. Andy Barr on Thursday. Law enforcement, state and federal officials contributed to the discussion including White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Michael Botticelli. Kentucky has the third highest drug overdose mortality rate in the United States. Fayette County is ranked second out of all 120 counties in the state for heroin detected in overdose deaths.... Read more 
The total number of homeless residents in Louisville decreased about 14 percent in the past year, according to the 2014 Louisville Homeless Census. The latest census, released Thursday, shows that just more than 7,300 people are now without permanent housing in Louisville. The tally is the result of a single night street count conducted earlier this year combined with a calculation of how many people were staying in shelters on the same night, said Natalie Harris, executive director of the Coalition for the Homeless. Some of the people included in the count could have been homeless for a day–and others for years, she said. She credits [...]
Fri, May 08, 2015 11:01:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
The sad, twisted and confusing saga of James Comer, Marilyn Thomas and Hal Heiner has left the Republican gubernatorial primary in a stunning state of flux with less than two…Click to Continue » [...]
Thu, May 07, 2015 10:14:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Louisville Metro Council members Steve Magre and James Peden announced Thursday they will propose an ordinance that would relax a rule within the 2006 MSD Flood Plain Management Plan that has left some residents homeless. The 2006 plan currently has a rule that prohibits homeowners from spending more than 50 percent of a home’s value on repairs over the span of a decade. The rule is meant to keep a good community rating with the National Flood Insurance program, which translates into more affordable flood insurance in the area. But, right now there are about 30 people in Louisville who hit that limit— without knowing about past repairs [...]
Thu, May 07, 2015 9:53:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Prominent London attorney Warren N. Scoville died Thursday morning from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to local authorities.Click to Continue » [...]
Thu, May 07, 2015 9:24:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Kentucky and Indiana officials took steps on Thursday to buttress low-income and minority residents from the financial burden of tolls for the new bridge system—but the plan is drawing instant criticism that it doesn’t go far enough. TARC buses will be exempt from the tolls on the new bridge system connecting Louisville and Southern Indiana, and billing equipment will be made widely available for free, the board overseeing the project decided on Thursday. The proposals are the result of a study commission in 2014 that examined the effects tolling would have on poorer residents in the Kentucky and Southern Indiana. The analysis found [...]
Thu, May 07, 2015 9:24:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Today's Political Headlines

GOP candidates for governor continue sparring at Kentucky Sports Radio debate

05/06/2015 08:28 PM
An already tense GOP gubernatorial primary grew testier Wednesday as the four candidates vying for their party’s nomination debated issues – both personal and statewide – on Kentucky Sports Radio. Allegations of abuse levied by a college girlfriend against Agriculture Commissioner James Comer overshadowed the latter half of the hourlong forum. In a one-on-one segment with KSR host Matt Jones, Comer again denied accusations of mental and physical abuse and that he drove his ex to an abortion clinic in 1991... Read more 

Bevin, Comer launch new issue-based ads two weeks before the GOP primary

05/06/2015 02:23 PM
With less than two weeks before the May 19 primary and Kentuckians presumably paying attention, even though candidates expect a dismal turnout, two of the GOP candidates for governor are sharpening their messaging in new television and Internet ads. Agriculture Commissioner James Comer, who is one of four men vying for the Republican nomination for governor, launched his latest ad Wednesday focusing on coal and mentioning Barack Obama alongside Louisville businessman Hal Heiner. A coal miner in the ad, who was identified... Read more 

Bluegrass Action Fund drops anti-Bevin ad focusing on MIT claims and bailouts; Bevin denies he ever listed MIT graduation on LinkedIn page

05/06/2015 01:36 PM
Bluegrass Action Fund has released a new ad against Matt Bevin, reviving arguments that the Louisville businessman scrubbed his online LinkedIn profile of references to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, accepted a $100,000 taxpayer bailout and praised the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program in a 2008 letter to investors. Bluegrass Action Fund, a Kentucky political action committee chaired by Joe Burgan, Hal Heiner’s former campaign manager, released the 30-second spot on Wednesday. The ad is airing “heavily in most of... Read more 

McDaniel stands behind Comer, criticizes K.C. Crosbie for not acknowledging alleged connection to blogger

05/06/2015 12:09 PM
COVINGTON – The message was GOP party unity, but the subject of many of the conversations before the Kenton County Republicans Spring Fling on Tuesday night was the Courier-Journal article which raised allegations that GOP gubernatorial candidate James Comer mentally and physically abused an ex-girlfriend, Marilyn Thomas, while he was a student at Western Kentucky University. Allegations that Comer firmly denies. Comer was not at the northern Kentucky event, but was represented by his running mate for lieutenant governor, Sen. Chris... Read more 
Louisville Metro Council members are scrutinizing new property assessments that, in some neighborhoods, have spiked by as much as 40 or even 150 percent. During a meeting Wednesday of the Council’s Government Accountability and Ethics Committee, members grilled representatives of the Jefferson County Property Valuation Administrator’s office, which is responsible for making the assessments. In the past several weeks, homeowners in the Highlands, Germantown, Clifton and other neighborhoods recieved new home value assessments. Even though a standard increase in home values is around 10 to 15 percent, many residents are reporting 30, 40 and even 150 percent increases. Josh Hancock of the PVA’s office [...]
Thu, May 07, 2015 11:14:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Hillary Rodham Clinton has injected new fire into the immigration debate with her call to allow people in the country illegally to gain citizenship, challenging a centerpiece of Republican presidential…Click to Continue » [...]
Wed, May 06, 2015 10:58:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Gov. Steve Beshear this week signed off on an emergency administrative regulation to prevent campaigning within 100 feet of Kentucky’s polling places during the upcoming primary election. Related StoryKentucky Electioneering Law Struck Down 3 Weeks Before Primary ElectionThe Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals recently overturned the state’s 300-foot buffer for campaigning near voting stations, effectively meaning that Kentucky now has no law on the matter. The court ruled that the 300-foot buffer was unconstitutional because it was too broad and did not exempt private property owners. The emergency administrative regulation enacting the 100-foot ban was approved by the state Board of Elections. Secretary of State Alison [...]
Wed, May 06, 2015 8:49:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Fort Knox is the first military post in the nation with the potential to supply 100 percent of the energy needed to run its operations. At a ceremony Wednesday, officials demonstrated the results of the post’s Energy Security Project, which converts natural gas beneath the installation into electricity. Fort Knox Energy Manager R.J Dyrdek said the effort began in 2009, when a major ice storm hit the region. “It was pretty devastating and Fort Knox was without power for upwards of seven days in some places,” he said. “So we were driven very clearly by our commander to solve that problem and not [...]
Wed, May 06, 2015 8:17:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
The gloves came off Wednesday as the four Republican candidates for governor squared off in a live debate on Kentucky Sports Radio.Click to Continue » [...]
Wed, May 06, 2015 4:32:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Today's Political Headlines

James Comer "flatly" denies allegations of abuse, abortion raised by college ex in letter to Courier-Journal

05/05/2015 07:01 PM
LEXINGTON — Republican gubernatorial hopeful James Comer again denied accusations that he assaulted a college girlfriend, offering a signed book on Tuesday as evidence of their peaceful split and refusing to take questions from a Courier-Journal reporter who authored the piece raising allegations of physical and mental abuse based on a four-page letter penned by the woman. Comer said he and his attorney, Dick Plymale of Lexington, may sue the newspaper, his ex and anyone involved in the matter once a... Read more 

GOP primary for governor turning into its own horse race

05/05/2015 09:49 AM
The four way primary for the Gubernatorial Republican nomination could come down to a photo finish, one of Kentucky’s top lobbyists said Monday. Bob Babbage, the former Democratic Secretary of State and managing partner of Lexington based lobbying firm Babbage Cofounder described the race in terms of horse racing. “Like the Derby it’s really compressed into January to May, although some candidates have certainly — if not all candidates — have been out in one sense or another for a... Read more 
Indiana voters went to the polls Tuesday to select Democratic and Republican nominees in dozens of mayoral and other municipal races. In Jeffersonville, Republican incumbent Mayor Mike Moore and Democrat Dennis Julius won their parties’ nominations and will be on the ballot in the November general election. New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan defeated David White in the Democratic primary and will face Republican Kevin Zurschmeide in November. Voters in Floyd County also defeated a referendum to raise $80 million for school construction and renovation projects. New Albany-Floyd County Schools Deputy Superintendent Brad Snyder told the News & Tribune that officials are disappointed in the [...]
Wed, May 06, 2015 11:18:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer denied accusations Tuesday that he physically assaulted a college girlfriend, accusing the newspaper that printed them of "Rolling Stone-style" journalism and pledging that his campaign…Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, May 05, 2015 11:14:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Kentucky has taken steps to prohibit electioneering on public property within 100 feet of polling places for the May 19 primary election.Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, May 05, 2015 9:01:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
The Kentucky chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has filed a federal lawsuit for a case in Muhlenberg County over song lyrics in a Facebook post. In August, James Evans of Central City posted lyrics on his Facebook page from a song called “Class Dismissed (A Hate Primer)” by the band Exodus. The 2010 song is about the Virginia Tech shooting. Evans was arrested that month on a criminal charge of first-degree terroristic threatening, a felony. The charge was eventually dismissed. The ACLU of Kentucky filed a federal lawsuit this week claiming Muhlenberg County Police Officer Michael Drake falsely arrested Evans for posting [...]
Tue, May 05, 2015 8:49:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Today's Political Headlines

More twists in GOP primary as Comer’s ex alleges abuse, McDaniel accuses blogger of threats

05/05/2015 12:00 AM
LEXINGTON — State Sen. Chris McDaniel wasted little time in targeting one of his fellow lieutenant governor candidates, KC Crosbie, during Monday evening’s debate on KET’s “Kentucky Tonight” for her link to a controversial blogger who accused Agriculture Commissioner James Comer of assaulting a woman. McDaniel also accused the blogger, Lexington attorney Michael Adams, of threatening his 6- and 10-year-old daughters in email and Facebook messages months ago. He said he took the communications to Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders... Read more 

James Comer first candidate with negative television spot, albeit briefly, in GOP primary

05/04/2015 02:48 PM
UPDATED: After complaining bitterly for weeks about negative spots against him by the 501(c )(4) group Citizens for a Sound Government, Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer became the first candidate to air an attack ad in this year’s GOP gubernatorial primary, his campaign manager confirmed Friday. The spot, which targeted former Louisville Metro Councilman Hal Heiner’s River Ridge Commerce Center development in southern Indiana, was easy to miss, though. Edwin King, Comer’s campaign manager, said the ad mistakenly aired for the... Read more 
Republican U.S. Sens. Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul of Kentucky introduced legislation Monday aimed at helping bourbon producers. The AGED Spirits Act allows bourbon producers to write off whiskey as it ages. At the moment, the tax code is written such that distilleries can only deduct bourbon once it is bottled and sold. Eric Gregory, President of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, said this has been a problem for the industry for decades. “It really puts us at a competitive disadvantage in the global market place when we are the only place in the world that discriminates–from a tax standpoint–against aged spirits,” he said. [...]
Tue, May 05, 2015 11:13:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
The Republican primary for governor turned toxic Monday night as a woman publicly accused James Comer of physical abuse in 1991 and Comer's running mate assailed Hal Heiner's campaign for…Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, May 05, 2015 2:53:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
A record number of Kentuckians are registered to vote just ahead of the primary election on May 19, the secretary of state’s office announced Monday. Despite this, voter turnout in this year’s primary is still expected to be low, with estimates ranging from 15 percent down to the single digits. Kentucky has 3,175,905 voters registered, up from 3,147,157 in the November general election last year—the state’s previous record for voters registered. “I am excited to see that more and more Kentuckians are registering to vote, and I hope these newly registered voters will exercise their right and responsibility to vote in the primary [...]
Mon, May 04, 2015 9:19:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Less than a month ago, Kentucky junior U.S. Sen. Rand Paul announced he was running for president as a "different" kind of Republican. Who could've guessed that Paul meant he…Click to Continue » [...]
Mon, May 04, 2015 9:11:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Monday, May 4, 2015

Today's Political Headlines


Kentucky Democrats happy to avoid contentious primary for governor as they watch the GOP horse race

05/02/2015 10:28 PM
As throngs of Kentucky Derby-goers packed Churchill Downs on Saturday, Kentucky Democrats are enjoying another race that could come down to the wire later this month: the Republican gubernatorial primary. “It’s a lot of fun,” House Speaker Greg Stumbo said of the four-way GOP primary. Gov. Steve Beshear added: “They’re having a good time it looks like among the four of them going back and forth.” This year’s race for the governorship is an oddity, with only Attorney General Jack Conway seeking the... Read more 

Thayer believes Republicans will unite behind GOP gubernatorial nominee despite bickering

05/01/2015 04:10 PM
FRANKFORT — Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer believes that, despite the testy exchanges in recent weeks between GOP gubernatorial candidates Matt Bevin, James Comer and Hal Heiner, Republicans around the state will come together and support the May 19 primary winner and mount a strong campaign against Democratic nominee Jack Conway in the fall. Former Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Will T. Scott is the fourth GOP candidate, but has not been part of the bickering between the other three. “I think there... Read more 
Republican Presidential candidate Rand Paul’s efforts to appeal to minority voters hit a rough patch over the past week. The junior senator from Kentucky made some off-hand comments during the peak of unrest in the city of Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray—a black man who died in police custody. State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby recently said there is probable cause to file criminal homicide charges against six police officers following Gray’s death. Paul told a conservative talk show host Tuesday he was glad his train didn’t make a stop in Baltimore during the riots and protests there. There was almost immediate backlash, mostly from [...]
Mon, May 04, 2015 11:28:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
The Kentucky Derby drew its largest crowd ever on Saturday–more than 170,000 people watched the favorite, American Pharoah, win the big race. The racetrack was packed with people sporting hats, colorful suits or dresses and mint julep cups in their hands. Most activities–from betting to eating–required a little patience, but the crowd from the infield to the paddock to the rest of the track appeared largely to be having a good time. Jacob Ryan | wfpl.org WFPL’s Jacob Ryan and Joseph Lord went through the track on Derby day to ask fans to name their one rule when attending the big race. Here’s [...]
Sun, May 03, 2015 1:14:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Favorite American Pharoah won the Kentucky Derby on Saturday before the largest crowd in the race’s history. The Bob Baffert-trained horse beat Firing Line in the stretch. Dortmund, also a Baffert-trained horse, finished third. It was Baffert’s fourth Derby victory. American Pharoah paid $7.80 for the win in the $2 million race. Jockey Victor Espinoza rode the horse to victory; Espinoza previously won the race aboard 2002 winner War Emblem and California Chrome last year. The race drew 170,513 people, topping the previous largest crowd in 2012 of 165,307. [...]
Sat, May 02, 2015 11:28:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
James Comer, the Kentucky commissioner of agriculture, said he is the only candidate for governor would be able to work with both sides of the aisle to tackle changes needed…Click to Continue » [...]
Sat, May 02, 2015 11:11:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
In the Churchill Downs stands — from Millionaire's Row to the finish line — politicians were either clocking in and looking for hands to shake or clocking out and just…Click to Continue » [...]
Sat, May 02, 2015 9:42:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

Friday, May 1, 2015

Today's Political Headlines

Sen. Ralph Alvarado makes impact during his first year in the General Assembly

04/30/2015 07:30 PM
FRANKFORT — Freshman Republican state Sen. Ralph Alvarado, who defeated former Senate Minority Floor Leader R.J. Palmer in the fall of 2014, hit the ground running when he arrived in Frankfort. Alvarado, a physician and Winchester Republican, worked on various pieces of legislation related to the medical field during the 2015 session, including a bill that passed which makes it easier for Kentuckians to be screened for colorectal cancer. Alvarado’s interest in running for the Senate to begin with was related... Read more 

The Chatter: Heiner apologizes to Comer over blogger, Comer seems to take a familiar shot at Heiner in new ad

04/30/2015 06:15 PM
Republican gubernatorial candidate Hal Heiner has issued an apology after reports surfaced that the husband of his running mate had communicated with a blogger who promotes material against James Comer, one of Heiner’s GOP opponents in the May 19 primary. The Lexington Herald-Leader’s Sam Youngman reported the story on Wednesday. The newspaper obtained emails that showed Scott Crosbie, husband of Heiner’s lieutenant governor pick KC Crosbie, speaking in the fall with Lexington attorney Michael Adams, who operates a website dedicated... Read more 

Kenton County prosecutor favors tougher penalties for assaulting police dogs with deadly weapons

04/30/2015 11:38 AM
COVINGTON — For the second time in eight months, a police K-9 is recovering from gunshot wounds, and Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders thinks it’s time that harsher penalties are given to suspects who wound police dogs with deadly weapons. Covington K-9 Ernie was shot by a man in on April 23 who was accused of stabbing his own mother in the head. Police responded to the scene, where the suspect wounded Ernie before fleeing. Covington police then arrested the suspect,... Read more 
Tens of thousands of residents and visitors descend on Churchill Downs this week for the annual running of the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby. Law enforcement will also be out in full force. About 1,100 officers will be stationed at Churchill Downs during race day, said Major Kelly Jones, commander of special operations for Louisville Metro Police. Hundreds others will be part of the Derby City Crime Detail, monitoring social “hot spots” for post-race indulgence, including Fourth Street Live, Bardstown Road and west Broadway, Jones said. Since 2010, Louisville Metro police have issued citations to or arrested just more than 3,300 people on Oaks [...]
Fri, May 01, 2015 10:42:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Some people thought there might be fireworks at a Republican forum in Adair County on Thursday night after a Herald-Leader story confirmed that a blogger contacted people associated with Hal…Click to Continue » [...]
Fri, May 01, 2015 2:36:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Coal jobs in Kentucky declined sharply in the first quarter of this year, according to the state’s latest quarterly coal report. As of April 1, there were an estimated 10,356 people employed at Kentucky coal mines. That’s a decrease of 1,230 jobs—or 10.6 percent—from Jan. 1. And the job losses weren’t limited to Eastern Kentucky, where market conditions and power plant retirements have hit hardest. Western Kentucky coal mines shed 13.7 percent of coal jobs during the quarter, while the Eastern Kentucky coal workforce decreased by 8.7 percent. And these numbers will likely decline further. Division for Energy Development and Independence [...]
Thu, Apr 30, 2015 7:52:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
The Metropolitan Sewer District will purchase Jim Porter’s Good Time Emporium on Lexington Road for $5 million, the agency announced Thursday. MSD plans to use the site in “conjunction with the construction of the proposed Interstate 64/Grinstead Drive CSO Storage Basin,” according to a statement released Thursday. The building will be demolished by the end of the year, said MSD chief engineer Steve Emly. Emly said he expects Jim Porter’s to be shuttered within three to six months. Ben Rogers, owner of Jim Porter’s Good Time Emporium, said the business will remain open “as long as possible.” “It will simply be business as usual until further notice,” Rogers said [...]
Thu, Apr 30, 2015 7:46:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
A Lexington blogger, who has repeatedly alleged but offered no proof that Commissioner of Agriculture James Comer once assaulted a woman, acknowledged this week that he communicated with people associated…Click to Continue » [...]
Wed, Apr 29, 2015 6:22:00 PM, Continue reading at the source