Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Today's Political Headlines

Clinton promises 'to put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business;' Grimes 'disappointed' with comments

03/14/2016 10:11 PM

Democratic presidential front runner Hillary Clinton wants to bring “clean renewable energy as the key to coal country,” and in the process put miners and businesses out of work, she said at a town hall on CNN. The comments have already put Kentucky Democratic politicians in a pickle. During Sunday’s town hall, Clinton said she wants to “make it clear that we don’t want to forget those people” who worked in the coal mines, but she said their industry is... Read more 

Online voter registration begins in Kentucky

03/14/2016 07:44 PM

FRANKFORT – In an effort to make registering to vote more convenient for Kentuckians an online portal was introduced on Monday. Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes launched Kentucky’s online voter registration at Govotekentucky.com where voters will be able to register and update their party affiliation. The move makes Kentucky the 30th state in the nation to have online voter registration. Previously, the only way Kentuckians could register to vote or update party affiliation was to go to the courthouse or DMV. Grimes... Read more 

Despite audit Ky. State Police don't know how many rape kits remain untested; 3,090 identified kits still await testing

03/13/2016 05:45 AM

Splashed across headlines and television screens last year was the number 3,090 the figure represents thousands of survivors of rape who are awaiting justice in the criminal justice system, but Pure Politics has learned that number could be but a fraction of the actual problem. Complicating the situation for victims, advocates, police, prosecutors and state lawmakers are long procurement wait times, systemic failures and financial hurdles at every turn. In April of 2015 former Auditor Adam Edelen launched a review of untested... Read more 

The Chatter: Group hoping for Supreme Court confirmation hearings launches Ky. effort; Jesse Benton joins pro-Trump super PAC

03/12/2016 03:52 PM
As U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his Republican conference promise to deny confirmation hearings for any Supreme Court appointees recommended by President Barack Obama, an organization hoping to pressure senators into reconsidering their blockade has set stakes in Kentucky. Americans United for Change, a left-leaning advocacy group, has tasked Democratic operatives Matt Erwin and Jared Smith with organizing the state ahead of an Obama nomination as reports indicate the president has identified finalists to possibly replace the late... Read more 
Mega Tuesday: Possibly The Most Consequential Day Of Voting Yet
from NPR
Even though Tuesday may not have more delegates or states in play as Super Tuesday, March 1, it’s still a big day, with more than 1,000 delegates at stake. More importantly, the results could end up deciding who the Republican and Democratic presidential candidates will be. Five states are casting votes on March 15, along with one U.S. territory on the GOP side. For the Republicans, it could be their last chance to stop Donald Trump’s march toward the nomination, as the first winner-take-all states begin to vote. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is trying to topple Trump in Rubio’s home state, [...]
Tue, Mar 15, 2016 3:02:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
For Houndmouth, The Work Never Stops
from Kyle Meredith
Houndmouth’s trajectory is impressive to say the least. The New Albany band blasted right out of the gates with massive blog love and a media showcase as their first gig, soon followed by a record deal after a SxSW performance and instant radio airplay. Their song “Sedona” was a bona fide No. 1 hit single on AAA radio last year, getting airplay all over the U.S. But none of it has come without hard work. In fact, the foursome has had little downtime between nonstop tour legs and album releases, even with two of the members recently having children and another opening a boutique clothing/music shop. It’s [...]
Tue, Mar 15, 2016 12:00:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
30 Hours At The Speed Art Museum: A Field Journal
from Ashlie Stevens
In celebration of the Speed Art Museum’s grand reopening, museum director Ghislain d’Humieres decided to throw a party. It wasn’t just any party. It was free and open to the public, and it utilized every inch of the redesigned and expanded 220,000 square feet of museum space. And it ran for 30 hours nonstop. Here’s my field journal from the marathon art party: Saturday Courtesy Speed Art Museum 10:40 a.m. — Atrium The ribbon to the museum has officially been cut. Visitors who have been packed shoulder-to-shoulder in the atrium disperse: some head across the art bridge toward the neoclassical sculpture. Others flock [...]
Tue, Mar 15, 2016 10:50:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
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Friday, March 11, 2016

Today's Political Headlines

Bill requiring more details from area development districts passes House State Government Committee

03/10/2016 10:37 PM

FRANKFORT — Legislation that would provide more oversight to the state’s area development districts cleared a House committee on Thursday, but its sponsors say it’s just half of the bill they’d hoped to see pass. House Bill 438 would enact a slew of changes to laws governing the 15 districts, which provide regional economic development support, and passed the House State Government Committee on a unanimous vote. The legislation would require development districts to give the Legislative Research Commission a detailed accounting... Read more 

Senate committee narrowly approves bill allowing DNA collection at felony arrest 

03/10/2016 09:23 PM

FRANKFORT — Legislation allowing the collection of DNA after a felony arrest narrowly cleared a Senate committee on Thursday. The bill which has proved divisive during the past three sessions continued the trend when it came before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which moved Senate Bill 150 to the chamber floor with a tight 6-4 vote. SB 150, if approved and signed into law, would call for the collection of DNA via a cheek swab from those arrested on a felony... Read more 

Ky. health officials discuss response to Zika virus with first in-state case confirmed

03/10/2016 06:00 PM

FRANKFORT — Kentucky health officials are ramping up their efforts to prevent the Zika virus’s spread after the first case of the vector-borne disease was confirmed on Wednesday. Gov. Matt Bevin, Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Vickie Yates Brown Glisson and Dr. Kraig Humbaugh, senior deputy commissioner for the Department for Public Health, said during a Capitol news conference Thursday that only those who’ve traveled to affected areas need to worry about contracting the Zika virus, commonly transmitted through... Read more 

Legislation which would create charter schools in Fayette and Jefferson counties passes Senate committee 

03/10/2016 05:56 PM

FRANKFORT – Once again this year, a bill which would authorize public charter schools primarily for free and reduced lunch students in Fayette and Jefferson counties was passed by the Senate Committee on Education Thursday. Senate Bill 253, sponsored by Sen. Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, would establish a 5-year charter school pilot project beginning with the 2017-18 academic year and continuing through the 2021-22 academic year, in the two counties and establish the Kentucky Charter School Commission which would oversee operation... Read more 
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Thursday, March 10, 2016

Todays Political Headlines


First day for newly elected representatives will likely include budget vote, Stumbo says 

03/09/2016 08:27 PM

FRANKFORT — For three Democrats and one Republican joining the House of Representatives in the session’s waning weeks, orientation will be more than moving into their Capitol Annex offices and finding their desks on the chamber’s floor. House Speaker Greg Stumbo said Wednesday that the House will likely vote on its version of the $21.8 billion biennial budget the first day that newly elected representatives are sworn into office. The State Board of Elections is set to certify results of four... Read more 

Battle to halt rollback of kynect, Medicaid expansion is about the people, former Gov. Beshear says

03/09/2016 05:52 PM

After two terms in office, former Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear has a fight on his hands to convince first-year Republican Gov. Matt Bevin to halt a rollback of the state’s health insurance exchange and transition expanded Medicaid recipients to the federal government. If Bevin is successful in transitioning services, Kentucky would be the first state in the nation to shut down a working state exchange. Beshear has created a non-profit group, Save Kentucky Healthcare, to oppose changes to the healthcare... Read more 

Bill repealing death penalty in Kentucky flatlines in House Judiciary Committee

03/09/2016 04:35 PM

FRANKFORT — Legislation that would abolish the death penalty in Kentucky met defeat in the House Judiciary Committee on an 8-9 vote on Wednesday. It marked the first time a legislative panel has considered a bill against capital punishment since its reinstitution in 1976, and that gives the House Bill 203’s sponsor, Rep. David Floyd, hope that one day Kentucky will outlaw the death penalty. In his final session this year, Floyd said he would like to see another lawmaker champion... Read more 
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Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Today's Political Headlines

Local option sales tax legislation passes House committee

03/07/2016 07:00 PM
FRANKFORT- Legislation which would give local communities the option to place an additional sales tax to pay for voter approved local investments has cleared a legislative hurdle on Monday. House Bill 2, sponsored by Speaker of the House Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, was passed by the House Standing Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Intergovernmental Affairs on Monday by a 6-1 vote with Rep. Joe Fischer, R-Ft. Thomas, casting the lone no vote. If passed by the House and Senate, House Bill... Read more 

Bevin stalks House chamber in new video claiming no one working; Democrats claim Bevin either misleading or ignorant of the process

03/07/2016 06:14 PM
Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin is taking an unconventional approach to negotiating with House Democrats on a two-year spending plan. Bevin released a video Monday morning on his social media sites claiming lawmakers aren’t showing up for work on the budget. In the video posted below, Bevin goes straight to his supporters with what he claims is inaction on the state’s $21.8 billion biennial spending plan which the House received on Jan. 26. Since the House got the budget their committees... Read more 

Early voting bill passes House Committee

03/07/2016 06:12 PM
FRANKFORT – A bill which would allow early voting for any reason cleared a House committee on Monday. House Bill 290, sponsored by Rep. Reginald Meeks, D-Louisville, would allow in-person voting for any reason in the clerk’s office or other approved location at least 12 days before an election, and include the two Saturdays before the date of an election. Currently, if you want to vote absentee in the state, you have to meet certain requirements such as a disability,... Read more 

McConnell and the rise of Donald Trump

03/07/2016 09:04 AM
Kentucky caucus winner Donald J. Trump might be Mitch McConnell’s worst nightmare, but he could also be a manifestation of Congressional Republicans opposition of President Barack Obama the past eight years. There seems to be a pervasive frustration with the president, a deep seated mistrust of Washington, including Congress, in the electorate and establishment Republicans including McConnell are catching the blame they have helped manufacture. “I think people are angry. They’re furious with Washington and Trump is a loud voice and they... Read more 

GOP hopes Ky. presidential caucus boosts prospects for candidates in Tuesday's four special House elections

03/06/2016 08:00 PM
Saturday’s Republican caucus gave Kentuckians a brief spot in the national political limelight as GOP presidential contenders jockeyed for delegates in search of their party’s nomination. But state Republican candidates hoped to capitalize on the thousands of party faithful who churned through caucus sites during a six-hour window this weekend. “I would guess 500 or 600 easily, if not 1,000,” said Georgetown businessman Phillip Pratt, who is vying to fill the term of Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles in the 62nd House District,... Read more 

UPDATED: Ky. GOP presidential caucus goes to front-runner Donald Trump, who saw early double-digit lead shrink to 4 percent margin

03/05/2016 07:47 PM
UPDATED: Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump has won Kentucky’s presidential caucus, edging Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz by 4.4 percent on Saturday. The New York real estate mogul topped Cruz 35.9 percent to 31.6 percent with all counties reporting, according to results posted on the Republican Party of Kentucky’s website. Trump and Cruz traded wins throughout the state, placing first and second in every reported county so far. Trump picked up wins in populous Jefferson County; eastern Kentucky; GOP-rich counties... Read more 

Attorneys compete in special election for 54th district House seat

03/04/2016 07:30 PM
Editor’s Note: Republican candidate Daniel Elliott’s campaign never responded to numerous offers for an interview in the district at a time of their choosing. A current commonwealth’s attorney and a Danville attorney, who once worked for former U.S. Senator Jim Bunning while in college, are battling for the open 54th district House seat which was vacated by current State Auditor Mike Harmon. Fifty-year-old Democrat Bill Noelker, who is the current commonwealth’s attorney for Boyle and Mercer counties, opposes 31-year-old Republican Daniel Elliott.... Read more 

Senate President files two felony expungement bills 

03/04/2016 02:49 PM
FRANKFORT – Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester filed 2 felony expungement bills on Thursday, the last day bills could be filed in the Senate, which would allow those convicted of Class D felonies to have their convictions expunged. Stivers, who has spent considerable time crafting the legislation, says Senate Bill 298 and Senate Bill 299 will work together in concert to bring the desired result when it comes to expunging the record of persons who have committed certain non-violent crimes. “The... Read more 

What to know about Kentucky's Republican presidential caucus Saturday

03/04/2016 08:07 AM
Kentucky Republicans will be heading to assigned caucus locations in the state this Saturday to cast their ballots for president. The Kentucky Republican presidential caucus is only for Republicans — meaning it is a closed caucus — you have to be currently registered as a Republican to participate in the caucus. Voting hours are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. local time at locations around the state. To determine where your caucus location is you can visit the Republican Party of... Read more 

Legislation allowing the Executive Branch Ethics Commission to set lobbying registration fees by regulation heads to House floor

03/03/2016 07:58 PM
FRANKFORT — Legislation that would allow the Executive Branch Ethics Commission to craft regulations on how much executive branch lobbyists must pay in annual registration fees, among other items pertaining to the ethics panel, passed the House State Government Committee on an 18-0 vote Thursday. Five Republicans voted “pass” on House Bill 608, sponsored by House Majority Caucus Chairwoman Sannie Overly. The legislation would also require state employees and officials to report suspected ethics violations, give the commission authority to tap... Read more 

Tackett campaign seeks to have attack ad pulled from airwaves; Ky. Opportunity Coalition questions candidate's salary as magistrate

03/03/2016 06:52 PM
UPDATED: As the stakes for the House of Representatives increases with four special elections set for Tuesday, candidates are defending their records as attack ads return to the airwaves. That was the case on Thursday as the campaign for Democratic nominee Chuck Tackett sought to defend his time in office at the local level. In the 62nd House District special election, Tackett, a former Scott County magistrate, farmer and businessman, is trying to vindicate his record against attacks from the Kentucky Opportunity... Read more 

Compromise school start day bill clears Senate committee 

03/03/2016 06:34 PM
FRANKFORT – A bill which would create new school calendar committees which would come up with proposals for school start dates unanimously passed out of the Senate Standing Committee on Education Thursday. Originally, Senate Bill 50, sponsored by Sen. Chris Girdle called for schools statewide to start back no earlier than the Monday closest to Aug. 26, saying that later start dates cost the Kentucky economy $432 million in summer tourism dollars and related economic activity by having students go back... Read more 
Bill Would Eliminate Kentucky Mine Safety Inspections
from Erica Peterson
A bill under consideration in Kentucky’s General Assembly would eliminate state mine inspections, a move that a safety advocate said would have adverse effects on mine safety in Kentucky. Senate Bill 297 was introduced last week by Sen. Chris Girdler, a Republican from Somerset. It would repeal parts of Kentucky law that require state mine inspectors to examine underground coal mines at least six times a year, and other coal mines at least every six months. The bill’s text reads: “Whereas the coal industry has been regulated by both the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the Energy and Environment Cabinet, Division of [...]
Tue, Mar 08, 2016 1:00:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Political Control Of Kentucky On The Line In Four Local Elections Today
from Ryland Barton
The outcome of four special elections in Kentucky today could change the political control of the state House of Representatives, the last legislative chamber in the South run by Democrats. If Republicans win all four elections, they would tie the political makeup of the chamber, where Democrats hold 50 seats and Republicans 46. Democrats have held a majority in the House since 1921. A Republican sweep would put the party within one vote of controlling both chambers and the governor’s mansion for the first time in state history. “This would be a fundamental change in the way that Kentucky government operates,” said Al Cross, a Courier-Journal [...]
Tue, Mar 08, 2016 11:50:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Assessing The Kentucky Republican Caucus
from Ryland Barton
Businessman Donald Trump narrowly won Kentucky’s Republican Presidential Contest on Saturday, beating Texas Sen. Ted Cruz by 4 percent statewide. The caucus was originally designed so Rand Paul could run for the White House and Senate re-election at the same time; of course, after a disappointing national run, Paul dropped out of the presidential race last month. On Monday, Capitol reporter Ryland Barton talked with Warren County’s GOP Chair Scott Lasley, who helped organize the caucus. Lasley said despite some concerns from voters about access to polling locations and electioneering, the caucus was “definitely more positive than negative at the end of the day.” Listen to [...]
Mon, Mar 07, 2016 11:10:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
UK Student Government sponsors Oct. 12 forum with down-ticket candidates
from Jack Brammer
HERALD-LEADER FRANKFORT BUREAU Candidates in four state constitutional down-ticket races are to participate in a forum Oct. 12 sponsored by the University of Kentucky Student Government Association. The forum is for candidates for auditor, treasurer, secretary of state and agriculture commissioner. It is to begin at 7 p.m. at UK’s Singletary Center for the Arts and is free and open to the public. Boone Proffit, director of the student government’s government relations, will host the forum. Josh Douglas, a faculty member at UK’s College of Law, will moderate. --Jack Brammer [...]
Tue, Oct 06, 2015 7:38:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Absentee Voting in Nov. 3 General Election Now Open
from Jack Brammer
HERALD-LEADER FRANKFORT BUREAU FRANKFORT – Eligible voters may now cast mail-in absentee ballots in Kentucky’s Nov. 3 general election, Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes said Friday. [...]
Fri, Sep 18, 2015 7:06:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
WEKU to air programs with gubernatorial candidates
from Jack Brammer
Kentucky’s three candidates for governor will be featured in separate hour-long programs airing on WEKU-FM and two other Kentucky Public Radio stations on Sept. 15, Sept. 17 and Oct. 9. The programs will each air at 1 p.m. EDT and feature, in succession, Republican nominee Matt Bevin, independent candidate Drew Curtis and Democratic nominee Jack Conway. [...]
Mon, Sep 14, 2015 9:56:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Today's Political Headlines

Rubio, Kasich announce new endorsements in run up to caucus

02/29/2016 08:12 PM
The campaigns for Republican presidential candidates U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and Ohio Gov. John Kasich continue to name new endorsements from former Congressmen in the scramble for delegates in Kentucky. The endorsements come a day ahead of Super Tuesday and less than a week before Saturday’s Kentucky GOP caucus. On Sunday, Rubio garnered the endorsement of another former member of Kentucky’s Republican federal delegation with the backing of former 4th Dist. U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis. Davis’ announcement came in the... Read more 

House Majority Floor Leader says that House being deliberate with budget plan; does not need 51 votes for initial passage

02/29/2016 06:53 PM
FRANKFORT – House Majority Floor Leader Rocky Adkins, D-Sandy Hook, feels that the House budget discussions are progressing, but can’t pinpoint when the final proposal will hit the chamber floor for a vote. Adkins says the he and other House legislators are carefully mulling over the budget and trying to craft the best fit for everyone. “Our budget subcommittees are basically dissecting the budget in each division, each agency, each cabinet secretary, coming before their subcommittees,” Adkins said. “I think we’re... Read more 

Ben Carson campaigns in Kentucky ahead of March 5 caucus 

02/29/2016 06:21 PM
LEXINGTON — Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson’s campaign limped into Kentucky on Tuesday seeking votes and pleading for critical thinking from voters in the GOP. At a town hall Carson told a crowd of 1,000 at the Lexington HIT Center that the country and his party are in trouble. Carson compared the recent GOP presidential debate to the blood sport of the Roman gladiators. “It reminded me so much of ancient Rome and the Coliseum,” he said. “And society was... Read more 

Gov. Bevin takes to social media to defend proposed budget cuts; vows to not sign budget bill that includes new debt

02/28/2016 09:26 AM
Gov. Matt Bevin is defending his two year state spending plan with a direct message to the people of Kentucky via a video on his social media sites. Bevin’s message, taped in his Capitol office, comes after weeks of testimony predicting devastation to Kentucky’s universities, court system, watch dog agencies and the ability to hold elections, because of his proposed 4.5 percent cuts in the current fiscal year and 9 percent spending reductions over the biennium. “It was a fiscally... Read more 

With GOP caucus a week away, Republicans see excitement, advantages of holding March nominating contest

02/27/2016 10:10 PM
CYNTHIANA — With Kentucky’s 45 Republican delegates up for grabs more than two months earlier than normal in a high-profile and bare-knuckled presidential contest, Harrison County Republican Party Chairman Mike Fisher says members of his party are eager to participate in next Saturday’s GOP caucus. “People are excited this time around,” Fisher said Saturday before the Harrison County GOP Lincoln Day Lunch. The five remaining presidential hopefuls will turn their focus to Kentucky and three other states after Super Tuesday, and New... Read more 
Bellarmine President Joseph McGowan Dies
from Staff
Longtime Bellarmine University President Joseph J. McGowan has died. He died Tuesday morning after a brief illness, according to a Bellarmine spokesman. McGowan had led the independent Catholic college in the Highlands neighborhood since 1990, overseeing years of expansion and a transition from a college to a university. “Jay McGowan was a visionary leader who took Bellarmine from college to university, from a local learning institution to an international destination for innovation and knowledge,” Mayor Greg Fischer said Tuesday in a statement. “He led a physical and educational transformation on campus that challenged his staff, faculty and students to set high goals and [...]
Tue, Mar 01, 2016 3:33:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
‘Disrupt’ Author Luke Williams Discusses Challenging Conventional Thinking
from Bill Burton
Luke Williams, author of “Disrupt: Think the Unthinkable to Spark Transformation in Your Business,” is the keynote speaker at Leadership Louisville Center’s Best of Leadership Summit on Thursday. Williams spoke with WFPL News about challenging conventional business thinking. Listen in the audio player above. “If you’re motivated to grow, you also have to be motivated to lead innovation,” Williams said. [...]
Tue, Mar 01, 2016 1:00:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Anti-Dogfighting Bill May Make Dogfighting Easier In Kentucky
from Ryland Barton
The wording of legislation intended to curb dogfighting in Kentucky may have the opposite effect, making the prosecution of dogfighters more difficult, critics say. The bill would ban owning, training and breeding dogs for the “primary purpose” of dogfighting, making it a class D felony. The state Senate unanimously approved the legislation last week. But prosecutors would have difficulty proving that a dog spent its time “primarily” dogfighting, said Rob Sanders, the Kenton County commonwealth’s attorney. “I think it’s basically impossible that the dog could do more fighting than anything else,” Sanders said. “A criminal defendant could claim that the primary purpose — which is whatever the [...]
Tue, Mar 01, 2016 11:50:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
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