Friday, January 23, 2015

Today's Political Headlines


Republican Will T. Scott and running mate disagree on expanded gambling but united otherwise

01/23/2015 05:00 AM
Expanded gaming’s divisiveness isn’t simply a partisan matter. Just ask Republican gubernatorial candidate Will T. Scott. One of the principle planks of his campaign platform is to fund Kentucky’s depleted pension systems through proceeds from casino gambling. But if their bid for election is successful and if the General Assembly passes such a constitutional amendment, Scott’s running mate says he will vote against the ballot measure. The two agree on every other aspect of the ticket’s agenda, both candidates told Pure Politics in... Read more 

Former Sen. Wendell Ford to lie in state in Capitol Rotunda Sunday

01/22/2015 08:56 PM
Funeral and memorial services for former U.S. Senator and 53rd Kentucky Governor Wendell H. Ford have been set. Ford passed away at his Owensboro home Thursday morning after battling lung cancer. He was 90 years old. Ford will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. when a memorial service will take place. Visitation will continue from 4-6 p.m. following the service, according to Glenn Funeral Home in Owensboro. The funeral service... Read more 

Auditor Adam Edelen: Too late for ‘no’ in funding teacher pensions

01/22/2015 06:30 PM
FRANKFORT — Kentucky Auditor Adam Edelen came away with a firm conclusion after his staff spent about a year poring over financial statements at the Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System: problems facing the pension system are rooted in money, not mismanagement. Edelen spoke to about 25 KTRS members and officials at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History on Thursday, putting his support behind a plan to pump $3.3 billion into the pension system through bond sales. House Speaker Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg,... Read more 

Republican James Comer files for governor, confident in chances for GOP nomination

01/22/2015 05:58 PM
FRANKFORT — No matter how many enter this year’s Republican gubernatorial primary, Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer said he’s confident he’ll capture at least half the GOP vote on May 19. “The more the better,” he told reporters Thursday. Comer, 42, tossed similar scraps of red meat to about 150 supporters at a Capitol rally before he and his running mate, state Sen. Chris McDaniel, officially filed their candidacy papers. Thursday marked the third time — first at Fancy Farm, then in... Read more 

Attorney General Jack Conway on Wendell Ford's sense of humor

01/22/2015 05:55 PM
Attorney General Jack Conway spoke today about former senator Wendell Ford and what he meant to Kentucky politics and to Conway personally. Conway, who worked for Ford at the age of 17, said he will never forget Ford’s expert timing with one-liners and shared his favorite example of this. Conway was also visibly choked up when discussing his last conversation with Ford. We will have more on that and what Conway said was the reason the Ford was liked by both Democrats... Read more 

Wendell Ford on his own legacy and proudest accomplishments

01/22/2015 12:10 PM
Kentucky political icon Wendell Ford died this morning after a battle with cancer. Ford was the 53rd Governor and served 24 years in the U.S. Senate before retiring in 1999. He spoke with Pure Politics in 2012 about his legacy and the accomplishments that made him proud.  Read more 
Just How Kindergarten-Ready Are Children, Ranked By JCPS School
from Joseph Lord
Some Louisville public schools have a vast majority of kindergarten students ready to tackle the curriculum. Other schools, have a lot of catching up to do, according to data released this week by the state education department. The state has screened new kindergartners the past two years on basic skills, such as knowing the alphabet. State education leaders expressed a desire in recent years to increase the number of children who have basic skills before starting kindergarten; efforts include a push to improve child care centers. This school year, 51.9 percent of JCPS kindergartners were ready to begin their education—a slight decrease from the year before, WFPL’s Devin [...]
Fri, Jan 23, 2015 12:01:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Republican Harmon to file for Kentucky auditor
Kentucky state Rep. Mike Harmon is filing to run for state auditor.Click to Continue » [...]
Fri, Jan 23, 2015 9:06:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
David Tandy Is the New Louisville Metro Council President
from Jacob Ryan
David Tandy was chosen Thursday to succeed the late Jim King as president of the Louisville Metro Council. The council’s 23 members present at Thursday evening’s meeting unanimously elected him following an earlier endorsement by the council’s Democrats, who hold a majority. No other nominations were submitted during the council meeting. He replaces as president Jim King, who died last week. Tandy has been a Metro Council member since 2005 and previously served as council president in 2009. Before the votes were cast, Councilman David Yates, a Democrat from District, said he is confident Tandy will “do a good job” as council president. Related StoryHere Are [...]
Fri, Jan 23, 2015 1:18:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Here Are the Candidates For the District 10 Louisville Metro Council Seat
from Jacob Ryan
Thirteen people have applied to be the next Louisville Metro Council from District 10. The seat had been held since 2004 by Jim King, who died last week. Applications were due Thursday afternoon. Now that the application period has closed, the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office will “double check” each applicant to ensure they are legally eligible for the post, said Tony Hyatt, spokesman for the democratic caucus. To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years old, a legal voter and a resident of the district for at least one year. District 10 includes Germantown, Camp Taylor and Buechel. Once candidates are cleared by the county [...]
Thu, Jan 22, 2015 11:45:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Comer files to run for governor, pledges to fight poverty
Republican James Comer officially filed paperwork to run for governor on a day when the state's unemployment rate dipped below 6 percent for the first time since 2008, another in…Click to Continue » [...]
Thu, Jan 22, 2015 6:57:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Bill Clinton, Mitch McConnell, Steve Beshear, others react to Wendell Ford's death
from jbrammer@herald-leader.com (Jack Brammer)
Kentucky leaders reacted Thursday to the death of former U.S. Sen. Wendell Ford.Click to Continue » [...]
Thu, Jan 22, 2015 5:27:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Thursday, January 22, 2015

Today's Political Headlines


Former Senator and Kentucky Governor Wendell Ford dead at 90

01/22/2015 09:35 AM
Wendell Ford was an icon in Kentucky politics and in the Democratic party. He died early this morning, according to sources close to the family. He was the 53rd Governor and served 24 years in the U.S. Senate before retiring in 1999. Ford was diagnosed with lung cancer and had been undergoing treatment in his hometown of Owensboro.  Read more 

State of the Union address largely panned by Kentucky's congressional delegation

01/21/2015 05:29 PM
Newly empowered Republicans, particularly Kentucky’s pair of GOP senators, lambasted President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address Tuesday, saying the president said little to convince them of his readiness to find common ground with the Republican-led Congress. Obama’s penultimate State of the Union address highlighted progress made during his administration, particularly an economy that’s showing continued signs of improvement after a recession that’s lingered in the public conscience since late 2007. Although the president touched on potential areas of agreement... Read more 
Kentucky Community & Technical College System Releases Details of President Emeritus Deal
from James McNair
As the new — and paid — president emeritus of the Kentucky Community & Technical College System, Michael McCall will attend meetings, give advice, provide executive coaching, help hire new executives and help run a systemwide leadership academy now bearing his name. McCall, 67, retired last week as the only president in KCTCS’ 16-year history. The KCTCS Board of Trustees, led by Lexington-Fayette County Urban League President P.G. Peeples, gave McCall a one-year deal to serve as president emeritus at his final year base pay of about $324,000. McCall’s total compensation of about $642,000 in 2013 made him one of the [...]
Thu, Jan 22, 2015 2:01:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
It’s the Last Day To Apply To Represent District 10 on Louisville Metro Council
from Jacob Ryan
The deadline is Thursday to apply for the vacant District 10 seat on the Louisville Metro Council, according to the council clerk’s office. The seat had been held since 2004 by Jim King, who died last week. District 10 includes Germantown, Camp Taylor and Buechel. (Here’s a map.) The Metro Council will choose the next District 10 council member from among the applicants. The council will have 23 days to interview and select a candidate who will serve until November. The seat will then be filled by the winner of an election held in November, and the winner will hold the seat until 2017. Applications [...]
Thu, Jan 22, 2015 11:40:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
New Kentucky House majority whip fires staffer who alleged sexual harassment
from jbrammer@herald-leader.com (Jack Brammer)
New state House Majority Whip Johnny Bell, D-Glasgow, fired a female staffer in the office Wednesday who alleged she had been sexually assaulted by a former state lawmaker from Western…Click to Continue » [...]
Wed, Jan 21, 2015 11:21:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Hal Heiner restarts TV ads as James Comer prepares to file paperwork for gubernatorial bid
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman)
Agriculture Commissioner James Comer plans to file paperwork Thursday to officially become a candidate for governor, even as opponent Hal Heiner has already begun airing his first television ads of…Click to Continue » [...]
Wed, Jan 21, 2015 11:07:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Study: Ark Encounter could bring nearly 500,000 visitors in first year
from lblackford@herald-leader.com (Linda B. Blackford)
A planned amusement park featuring a life-sized Noah's Ark in Northern Kentucky could bring just under 500,000 visitors to Grant County in its first year, and would eventually create between…Click to Continue » [...]
Wed, Jan 21, 2015 10:29:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Elaine Chao Leaves Bloomberg Philanthropies Amid Clean Energy Push
from Ryland Barton
Elaine Chao has resigned from the board of Bloomberg Philanthropies as the foundation revs up its commitment to its clean energy initiative, the office of her husband, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, confirmed Wednesday. Chao, the secretary of labor in President George W. Bush’s cabinet, stepped down from the board before the philanthropic group announced $48 million in clean energy grants on Wednesday. Bloomberg Philanthropies was founded by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. During last year’s U.S. Senate Race in Kentucky, McConnell, a Republican seeking (and eventually winning) re-election, defended his wife’s position on the board of Bloomberg Philanthropies. McConnell’s Democratic challenger, Secretary of State Alison [...]
Wed, Jan 21, 2015 8:43:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Group seeks end of controversial campaign finance measure
from Jack Brammer
By Jack Brammer jbrammer@herald-leader.com FRANKFORT –Five years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court shook up the world of campaign finance by ruling that corporations and unions may spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns. Since then, a very small part of the American public –0.01 percent -- has donated 40 percent of all the contributions. That needs to be stopped, said a small group in front of the Capitol Wednesday that offered the statistic to reporters. They were in support for a 28th amendment to the U.S. Constitution to do away with the 2010 high court ruling called “Citizens United.” A tiny portion of this country [...]
Wed, Jan 21, 2015 8:41:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Today's Political Headlines


ACT and SAT scores to be optional as part of Transylvania's admissions process

01/21/2015 07:00 AM
LEXINGTON — Students who are applying for admission to Transylvania University will soon have the option of not submitting ACT or SAT scores as part of their application. Beginning with the fall 2016 admissions cycle, Transylvania will become the first Kentucky school from the U.S. News and World Report’s top 100 liberal arts colleges to implement the new system, which is becoming increasingly popular with colleges and universities around the country. More than 800 institutions have adopted the test-scores-optional admissions policy. “We recognize... Read more 

Kentucky State AFL-CIO throws its support behind Jack Conway's gubernatorial campaign

01/20/2015 05:13 PM
After collecting endorsements from various labor groups throughout his gubernatorial campaign, Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway received the Kentucky State AFL-CIO’s backing on Tuesday. The AFL-CIO represents a number of labor organizations, some of which have already endorsed Conway’s gubernatorial bid. Still, the group’s support brings the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, United Steelworkers and United Association of Pipefitters, among others, to the fold. Conway and his running mate, House Majority Caucus Chairwoman Sannie Overly of Paris, remain the... Read more 

Former U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning backs James Comer's bid for GOP gubernatorial nod

01/20/2015 03:05 PM
Former U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning has endorsed Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer’s gubernatorial bid, giving the Republican hopeful a fifth current or former member of Congress supporting his campaign. Comer announced the endorsement, first reported by The Lexington Herald-Leader, on Tuesday. Bunning, a Major League Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher from Fort Thomas, served in the Senate from 1998 through 2010 after six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Comer, Bunning said in a news release, “has consistently demonstrated his ability... Read more 

First campaign ad of 2015 pushes political outsider message

01/20/2015 10:21 AM
Republican gubernatorial hopeful Hal Heiner aired the first television ad of the 2015 election cycle on Tuesday, continuing his portrayal as a political outsider as he seeks his party’s nomination in a competitive primary battle. The ad, titled “Outsider” and airing statewide, highlights the 63-year-old former Louisville Metro Council member’s career in the private sector, noting Heiner helped attract and create 4,000 jobs. The 30-second spot features Heiner behind a desk, at a job site, at church and in a warehouse... Read more 
Kentucky Compares Favorably in Graduation Rate Against Other States
from Devin Katayama
The Kentucky Department of Education is touting the state’s graduation rate during the 2012-2013 school year, which was above the national average. In a news release sent Tuesday, the education department cited data from the National Center for Education Statistics that show the state’s 86 percent graduation rate was among the highest rate in the U.S. The state shares its graduation rate with six other states, including Connecticut, Kansas, Maine, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Nine states share the top three spots, including Indiana with a graduation rate of 87 percent. Iowa had the highest graduation rate at 90 percent. “In the past four years we have [...]
Wed, Jan 21, 2015 12:01:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Transcript: GOP Response To State Of The Union Address
from NPR
Full text of the GOP response to President Obama’s State of the Union address as prepared for delivery and given by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa): Good evening. I’m Joni Ernst. As a mother, a soldier, and a newly elected senator from the great State of Iowa, I am proud to speak with you tonight. A few moments ago, we heard the President lay out his vision for the year to come. Even if we may not always agree, it’s important to hear different points of view in this great country. We appreciate the President sharing his. Tonight though, rather than respond to a speech, [...]
Wed, Jan 21, 2015 3:26:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Transcript: President Obama’s State Of The Union Address
from NPR
President Obama’s State of the Union address as prepared for delivery on Jan. 20, 2015: Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, my fellow Americans: We are fifteen years into this new century. Fifteen years that dawned with terror touching our shores; that unfolded with a new generation fighting two long and costly wars; that saw a vicious recession spread across our nation and the world. It has been, and still is, a hard time for many. But tonight, we turn the page. Tonight, after a breakthrough year for America, our economy is growing and creating jobs at the fastest pace since 1999. [...]
Wed, Jan 21, 2015 2:18:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Kentucky Southern Baptist leader blasts medical marijuana bill
from jbrammer@herald-leader.com (Jack Brammer)
The leader of the state's largest religious organization voiced opposition Tuesday to a proposal in the state legislature that would make it legal for people to use marijuana in Kentucky…Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, Jan 20, 2015 11:03:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Alvarado is pursuing defamation lawsuit against Palmer in state Senate race
from Jack Brammer
By Jack Brammer jbrammer@herald-leader.com FRANKFORT – Republican state Sen. Ralph Alvarado of Winchester is pursuing his defamation lawsuit against R.J. Palmer, the Democratic incumbent he ousted in last November’s election. Alvarado’s attorney, Christopher Hunt, of Lexington, said Tuesday that even though Alvarado won the election, Alvarado wants to defend his reputation not only for himself and his family but to make sure others will not be discouraged from running for office who face similar tactics. During the election campaign last October, Alvarado, a medical doctor, sued Palmer and Palmer’s campaign consultant, Dale Emmons, for defamation involving a campaign ad. Alvardo also sought a restraining [...]
Tue, Jan 20, 2015 8:24:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Baptist leader blasts Stumbo’s medical marijuana bill
from Jack Brammer
By Jack Brammer jbrammer@herald-leader.com FRANKFORT — The leader of the state’s largest religious organization voiced opposition Tuesday to a proposal in the state legislature that would make it legal for people to use marijuana in Kentucky for medical purposes. “The very idea of thwarting the authority of the Food and Drug Administration and allowing Kentuckians to smoke marijuana under the guise that it is somehow medically beneficial is absurd,” said Paul Chitwood, executive director of the 750,000-member Kentucky Baptist Convention. “Just because other states have taken this step doesn’t mean we should legalize another intoxicant, especially one that has been proven to be the [...]
Tue, Jan 20, 2015 4:23:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Today's Political Headlines


New Kenton Co. judge-exec. looking forward to even more growth 

01/18/2015 10:31 AM
COVINGTON – Kris Knochelmann, who took over last week as Kenton County’s new judge-executive, is facing challenges ranging from a new makeup of the Kenton County Airport Board to finding a way to fund the Brent Spence Bridge which linking his county with Ohio. Knochelmann, who has served as a county commissioner the past 8 years, defeated Republican incumbent Steve Arlinghaus in the primary and was unopposed in the general election. One of the things the new judge-executive faces is... Read more 

Down-ticket race, already looking past May primary, jumpstarts 2015 debate season

01/17/2015 07:54 PM
BOWLING GREEN — A pair of candidates met in the 2015 election cycle’s first debate on Friday, but it wasn’t one of the 60 sought by Republican gubernatorial hopeful Hal Heiner. A group of Kentucky grain farmers associations hosted a forum between Kentucky agriculture commissioner candidates Jean-Marie Lawson Spann, a Bowling Green Democrat who hosts a weekly agriculture-based radio show and works in international marketing, and state Rep. Ryan Quarles, a three-term Republican attorney from Georgetown. With the Jan. 27... Read more 

U.S. Supreme Court to decide same-sex marriage nationwide 

01/17/2015 11:46 AM
On Friday the United States Supreme Court agreed to definitively answer whether or not states can ban same-sex marriage, after several courts overturned bans in multiple states — including in Kentucky. In February of last year a federal judge struck down Kentucky’s ban on same-sex marriage which was enacted by ratification of Kentucky voters in 2004. At the time the federal judge said Kentucky’s Constitutional view of same-sex marriage violated the United States Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection under the... Read more 

Louisville pastors endorse Hal Heiner’s gubernatorial bid

01/16/2015 05:41 PM
Standing beneath the image of the first African-American to successfully challenge segregation at the University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Pastors Action Coalition endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Hal Heiner Friday, citing his support for public charter schools as a key factor in the decision. Heiner, one of three Republicans vying for the party’s nomination, accepted the endorsement at Lyman T. Johnson Traditional Middle School with about 30 supporters. Some in attendance, such as Bishop Michael Ford Sr. of Christ Temple Christian Life... Read more 
Forum Focuses on Fourth Street Live and Relations With African Americans
from Jacob Ryan
Jacob Ryan | wfpl.org Gary Brice doesn’t plan on spending any of his money at Fourth Street Live any time soon. At a forum Sunday on the downtown entertainment district, Brice said doesn’t like Fourth Street Live’s brand of entertainment. But he said he is also fed up with tales of discrimination and harassment that he sees as being synonymous with the Cordish Companies-owned enterprise—especially when it comes to the dress code. He said the Fourth Street Live dress code is “attacking” young black men with restrictions like sagging and long t-shirts. But Cordish’s chief operating officer disagrees. “We are not in the business of discrimination,” said Cordish [...]
Tue, Jan 20, 2015 1:01:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Obama, In Tonight’s State Of the Union, Will Focus On Middle Class
from NPR
President Obama delivers his State of the Union tonight and is expected to focus on the state of the economy and its impact on the middle class. U.S. economic growth has been brisk and the unemployment rate has fallen to 5.8 percent. But economic challenges remain, including, as Obama told NPR’s Steve Inskeep last month, for white working-class voters “who haven’t seen enough progress economically in their own lives.” The president will likely discuss these issues tonight in front of the Republican-majority Congress, but, as The Washington Post notes, Obama’s “tone and tenor” since the Democrats badly lost the midterm elections in [...]
Tue, Jan 20, 2015 12:06:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Soon, Landfill Gas Will Power Part of Toyota’s Georgetown Plant
from Erica Peterson
The Toyota Assembly Plant in Georgetown is nearing completion on a system that will power part of the plant with gas from a nearby landfill. The project uses gas from a landfill about seven miles away from the plant. Landfill gas is about half methane, which is also the primary component of natural gas. These gases are created when garbage ferments in landfills. Toyota has built a generating station at the landfill, and is in the process of running an underground electricity line to the plant. Here’s how Toyota described the process in an infographic: Erica Peterson | wfpl.org Chief Environmental Officer Kevin Butt [...]
Tue, Jan 20, 2015 12:01:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Former U.S. Sen. Bunning endorses Comer for Ky. governor
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman)
In a statement provided to the paper, Jim Bunning, who served in the Senate from 1999 to 2010, said that James Comer "has consistently demonstrated his ability to fight government…Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, Jan 20, 2015 2:51:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
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