Thursday, May 21, 2015

Today's Political Headlines


For Bevin, observers say advertising and messaging key to unofficial GOP nomination

05/20/2015 09:24 PM
Unofficial Republican gubernatorial nominee Matt Bevin may have some mud on his hands after a bitter primary battle, but GOP observers say the Louisville investment manager’s campaign gradually built momentum thanks in large part to slick advertising and solid performances on the debate and chicken-dinner circuits. Not many predicted Bevin would top the four-man field Tuesday, and he almost didn’t after squeaking by with an 83-vote victory that may be in peril with a recanvass requested by second-place finisher Agriculture Commissioner... Read more 

Rand Paul begins hours long "filibuster" of Patriot Act 

05/20/2015 04:52 PM
Taking to the U.S. Senate floor just after 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sen. Rand Paul began to “filibuster” the Patriot Act and the warrantless wiretapping of American citizens under the program. The issue over the surveillance program has been a key point in Paul’s campaign for president. In his speeches in early primary states and announcing his presidential bid from Louisville Paul says, “Our phone records are none of their damn business.” “I remember having this debate about three years ago... Read more 

James Comer seeks recanvass in razor-thin GOP gubernatorial primary

05/20/2015 04:27 PM
Republican gubernatorial hopeful James Comer, who fell 83 votes shy of unofficial nominee Matt Bevin Tuesday, has formally requested a recanvass, Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes’ office announced Wednesday. Comer and his running mate, state Sen. Chris McDaniel, signed the request for “a full and complete check and recanvass of every one of the voting machines and absentee ballots from all 120 counties,” according to a news release from Grimes’ office. Bevin barely edged Comer after a furious comeback in western... Read more 

Conway's campaign releases jobs-centric Web ad with Republican dust still unsettled

05/20/2015 02:36 PM
His opponent in this year’s gubernatorial election may change after a recanvass, but Democratic Attorney General Jack Conway wasted little time in attempting to set a tone that Republicans have hammered on the campaign trail for months: Kentucky needs more jobs. The 40-second Web ad released by Conway’s campaign features video from an Election Day press conference for Kentucky Democrats as well as news coverage of the event and his primary win over little-known candidate Geoff Young. “My top priority will be... Read more 
Real Change For Property Tax Process Up To Kentucky Lawmakers
from Ashley Lopez
The appeals period for the latest round of Louisville property tax assessments closes at the end of this month. Some appeals will be successful, but others will not. This means a number of Louisville property owners are facing a looming property tax bill this year that may be larger than years before, and possibly out of their budget. Jefferson County Property Valuation Administrator’s Office staff said the residents have several recourses, but any significant changes will likely have to come from state lawmakers. Related StoryProperty Values on the Rise In Crescent Hill, Butchertown, Highlands, OthersResidents in various parts of Louisville, including the Highlands and [...]
Thu, May 21, 2015 11:19:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
2016 prospect Rand Paul in new book: GOP willing to change
Republican presidential candidate Rand Paul reaches out in his most direct way yet to African Americans in a new book that highlights his libertarian policies on government surveillance, the economy…Click to Continue » [...]
Thu, May 21, 2015 7:55:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Centre College invites gubernatorial candidates to debate
Centre College is inviting Kentucky's gubernatorial candidates to debate there at 6 p.m. Oct. 6.Click to Continue » [...]
Thu, May 21, 2015 12:45:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Comer Requests A Recanvass in Republican Kentucky Gubernatorial Primary. What’s Next?
from Ryland Barton
James Comer on Wednesday requested a recanvass of the votes cast the night before in the Republican primary for governor he lost by 83 votes to Louisville businessman Matt Bevin. The recanvass is essentially a re-tabulation of all the results from each precinct. The recanvass will be conducted on May 28. University of Kentucky election law professor Josh Douglas said the recanvass could help Comer decide if he wants to pursue a full-fledged recount. “As long as Bevin’s lead doesn’t increase, if it stays at 83, it won’t surprise me if Comer requests the recount,” Douglas said. In a formal recount, all counties across the state would [...]
Wed, May 20, 2015 9:43:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Sam Youngman: A few thoughts about the race for governor on 'now-what?' Wednesday
A few thoughts from a weird Wednesday and an election so ugly, it just won't end.Click to Continue » [...]
Wed, May 20, 2015 9:41:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Louisville Public Transit Use Among Lowest of Large U.S. Cities
from Jacob Ryan
Louisville residents use public transportation at one of the lowest rates among the nation’s largest cities, according to new research from the University of Michigan. The study, authored by Michael Sivak from University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute, examined data from the U.S. Census’ 2013 American Community Survey to compare commuting habits of the 30 largest cities in the U.S. Just 2.7 percent of Louisville residents use public transit, the study said. That is the 22nd lowest rate among the cities examined. Several of Louisville’s peer cities—as designated by the Greater Louisville Project—were listed in the study. Indianapolis, Memphis, Nashville have lower rates of public [...]
Wed, May 20, 2015 8:08:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Grimes prepares for potential recanvass in GOP gubernatorial primary
from Jack Brammer
By Jack Brammer jbrammer@herald-leader.com FRANKFORT -- Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes said Wednesday that her office is prepared for a potential recanvass in Tuesday’s razor-close Republican primary election for governor. Unofficial results show Louisville businessman Matt Bevin with an 83-vote lead over state Agriculture Commissioner James Comer of Tompkinsville. Comer has said he plans to ask for a recanvass. “Both candidates and the public are entitled to confidence in election results, and I stand ready to facilitate any proceedings necessary to provide those assurances,” said Grimes, the state’s chief election official in a statement. “My office is prepared and will continue to provide [...]
Wed, May 20, 2015 6:36:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Today's Political Headlines

Westerfield, Ball and Quarles form GOP down ballot for the general election

05/20/2015 12:51 AM
As a recanvass takes place to determine the top of the ballot for the GOP, down-ticket candidates now have a slate to face Democrats in November. In the race for attorney general, Republican Sen. Whitney Westerfield of Hopkinsville bested Lawrence County Attorney Mike Hogan by 12,217 unofficial votes. “I’m thankful that Republicans of Kentucky have selected me as the Republican attorney general nominee,” Westerfield told Pure Politics in a phone interview Tuesday evening. Westerfield said that Hogan was “very gracious in... Read more 

Comer supporters say they'll support Bevin in November

05/20/2015 12:24 AM
FRANKFORT — While the roller coaster evening ended in potential disappointment for James Comer supporters, the feeling around the room at the Capital Plaza Hotel is that they will unite behind Republican nominee Matt Bevin in the fall. A tearful House Minority Leader, Jeff Hoover, R-Jamestown, expressed his appreciation for the campaign Comer ran. “I’m so proud of my friend Jamie Comer,” Hoover said. “He’s been through so much, his wife’s been through so much, his family.” Hoover feels certain that... Read more 

Recanvassing the GOP primary for governor what happens now?

05/19/2015 11:49 PM
With 83 unofficial votes separating Matt Bevin and James Comer from the Republican nomination for governor the Primary Election will come down to a careful review of the ballots. As Agriculture Commissioner Comer unofficially falls less than 100 votes shy of Bevin he has signaled that he would call for a recanvass of the votes. “We overcame a lot and I owe it to our supporters to ask for a recanvass,” Comer told a crowd of supporters in Frankfort Tuesday... Read more 

Recanvass forthcoming, Bevin declares victory in GOP primary for governor

05/19/2015 11:37 PM
UPDATED: Although the specter of a recanvass hangs over his slim 83-vote victory, Matt Bevin emerged from a landslide thrashing at the hands of Kentucky’s most powerful Republican last year to narrowly clip Agriculture Commissioner James Comer for the GOP gubernatorial nomination. Bevin took the stage at 10 p.m., an hour later than expected as his supporters gathered at The Galt House and watched him lose a sizable lead to Comer once returns began rolling in from western Kentucky. Comer has... Read more 

Comer hoping for a successful recanvass, but pledging to support Bevin if need be

05/19/2015 11:05 PM
Republican gubernatorial candidate Jamie Comer is holding out hope for a recanvass of votes to go his way. But he said Tuesday night that he called opponent Matt Bevin and promised to walk door to door with him to help him beat Jack Conway in the fall, if it came down to that. Hear his speech below:  Read more 

Hal Heiner to Matt Bevin: "I need you to beat Jack Conway in the Fall!" 

05/19/2015 09:03 PM
Republican gubernatorial candidate Hal Heiner took the stage at about 8:45 election night to thank his staff, volunteers and family for their support. He said although the race didn’t end the way that he and his running mate KC Crosbie wanted it to end, they are still proud of their journey and would not trade the experience for anything. He said he called Matt Bevin to congratulate him on his victory and told him he needs Bevin to beat Jack Conway... Read more 

The Democratic and Republican Governor's Associations weigh in on AG Jack Conway's Primary Victory

05/19/2015 08:09 PM
The chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, Montana Governor Steve Bullock, released the following statement congratulating Jack Conway for becoming the Democratic nominee for Governor of Kentucky. “I had the privilege to serve as a fellow attorney general with Jack. He has been a leader in standing up for Kentucky consumers, cracking down on crime, and combating drug abuse. He’ll bring that same approach as Kentucky’s next governor, working to create jobs and improve the education system. Jack’s victory tonight shows... Read more 
Louisville Again Falls Near Bottom of List Ranking Park Systems
from Erica Peterson
Once again, Louisville has ranked poorly on the annual ranking of city park systems from a national group. The Trust for Public Lands has been calculating “ParkScores” for U.S. cities for the past four years. They evaluate park systems on the three factors—the median size of parks, accessibility of parks and facilities and investment—and assign a rating. For the fourth year in a row, Louisville falls near the bottom of all the cities included in the ranking. This year, the city is ranked 72nd out of 74. Minneapolis and St. Paul tied for the top spot, followed by Washington, D.C., and San [...]
Wed, May 20, 2015 11:00:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
GOP primary for governor remains undecided in Kentucky
James Comer's request to review the razor-thin results of Kentucky's Republican primary for governor could delay the party's efforts to coalesce around a single candidate, giving Democratic nominee Jack Conway…Click to Continue » [...]
Wed, May 20, 2015 8:35:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Turnout for Kentucky voting more than projected
Turnout for Kentucky's primary election surpassed the secretary of state's original projection and reached more than 12 1/2 percent by the time most of the votes were counted.Click to Continue » [...]
Wed, May 20, 2015 4:40:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Kentucky Republican Gubernatorial Candidates Trade Lead In Indecisive Primary Night
from Ryland Barton
Louisville businessman Matt Bevin on Tuesday night claimed an 83-vote campaign victory to become the Republican nominee for Kentucky governor—but the official result may not be known for several days. His nearest opponent, Agriculture Commissioner James Comer, said he’d ask for a recanvass of the votes. The winner will face Democrat Jack Conway in the November general election. The recanvass could be completed by May 28. The night saw Bevin leading the results most of the night—until the western part of the state began showing strong support for Comer. For a period late in the night, Comer took a slight lead. But Bevin would [...]
Wed, May 20, 2015 3:50:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
State Sen. Westerfield wins Republican nomination for AG
State Sen. Whitney Westerfield has won the Republican nomination for Kentucky attorney general.Click to Continue » [...]
Wed, May 20, 2015 3:25:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
International Art Critic Says High Prices For Select Pieces Causes Issues For Market
from Tara Anderson
The international art market has seen a recent spike in extremely high prices for select pieces, including a Picasso that sold at auction for nearly $180 million earlier this month. Anna Somers Cocks is the founder of the Art Newspaper, a UK-based publication that tracks the art world, and she was in Louisville to Tuesday evenign about the international art market at the Kentucky Center for the Arts as part of the Speed Museum’s lecture series. In a conversation with WFPL’s Jonathan Bastian, Cocks said those astronomically high prices cause problems in the rest of the market. “I think it distorts everything [...]
Tue, May 19, 2015 10:42:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Today's Political Headlines

No matter which GOP candidate becomes nominee, Democratic group says negative race has weakened candidates

05/18/2015 12:39 PM
An out-of-state Democratic group says the negative twists and turns in the GOP primary for governor have woefully hurt whomever emerges as the Republican nominee. In a web ad released Monday, the Democratic Governors Association sought to highlight the negative turns of the GOP primary in Kentucky. The DGA ad, titled “The Ugly Turn,” relies heavily on Kentucky political news stories to make the point of the nasty race being waged and the negative effect it could have on Republicans... Read more 

Matt Bevin avoids negativity, appeals to civic duty in last TV and radio ads

05/18/2015 10:35 AM
Republican gubernatorial candidate Matt Bevin is urging voters to the polls in television and radio ads released Monday, appealing to the electorate’s sense of civic duty in his campaign’s final advertising pitch before Tuesday’s primary Any mention of soiled political beds, the controversy of abuse allegations embroiling the governor’s race and food fights are gone. Instead, Bevin’s television and radio commercials, which largely follow the same script, focus on what he says he can offer as the Republican gubernatorial nominee on... Read more 
A Kentucky Governor From Jefferson County? It Could Happen For the First Time Since 1955.
from Ryland Barton
Louisvillians don’t get to be governor. Like the Chicago Cubs’ century-long failure to win the World Series, Kentucky’s rejection of gubernatorial candidates born in Louisville has been absolute. But this could be the year. Democrats are lining up behind Attorney General Jack Conway, a born-and-raised Louisvillian, and two of the three Republican frontrunners–former Louisville Metro Councilman Hal Heiner and businessman Matt Bevin–work and live in the River City. The most recent polls show the Republican primary as a virtual three-way tie between Bevin, Heiner and Agriculture Commissioner James Comer. Comer is the only one of the three who doesn’t call Louisville home. If Conway wins the Democratic [...]
Tue, May 19, 2015 11:00:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Things To Know About Today’s Kentucky Primary Election
from Joseph Lord
Kentucky voters head to the polls today to determine major party candidates for statewide offices, including governor. Well, some voters will head to the polls. Voter turnout is projected to be at about 10 percent. For those who plan to venture out and cast a ballot, here’s what you need to know. When and where can I vote? Polls open at 6 a.m. local time and close at 6 p.m. You can find your polling place here, and also double-check your registration status. Who am I voting for? That depends on how you’re registered—Kentucky voters can only cast primary ballots for their own registered party. For Republicans, [...]
Tue, May 19, 2015 10:00:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Louisville Celebrates Graduating Students’ College Pursuits
from Jacob Ryan
Timothy Poynter says he is out to prove some things. Poynter, 17, is a senior at Moore Traditional High School and in the fall will begin studying pre-law and sociology at Transylvania University in Lexington. He’s made about a dozen visits to the campus already. He’s met with teachers, track coaches and team members and future peers. He said he felt a sense of community at the school immediately, and now, still months away from his first day of class, he said it feels like home. Poynter said his father, a Louisville Metro firefighter, pushed him to continue his education. And he said he is [...]
Tue, May 19, 2015 3:36:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Sam Youngman: It's hard to come back from where Kentucky Republicans have gone
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman)
When the sun comes up Wednesday morning, it will dawn on a fractured Republican Party of Kentucky.Click to Continue » [...]
Mon, May 18, 2015 9:27:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
GOP gubernatorial candidates stick close to home on eve of primary
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman)
There's no place like home. And in the final hours of a vicious battle for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, that's where the candidates slowly made their way Monday.Click to Continue » [...]
Mon, May 18, 2015 8:14:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Rand Paul goes to Independence Hall to battle Patriot Act, McConnell, Obama, GOP opponents
As his fellow Republican Kentucky senator, Mitch McConnell, pushes this week to reauthorize the Patriot Act, Rand Paul took his presidential campaign to Independence Mall on Monday and said he'd…Click to Continue » [...]
Mon, May 18, 2015 5:59:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Monday, May 18, 2015

Today's Political Headlines

McConnell doesn't want the U.S. to "go dark" over NSA bill, explains split with Paul on issue

05/17/2015 05:25 PM
U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell further illustrated the split between himself and U.S. Sen. Rand Paul over government surveillance programs while speaking on a Sunday morning program. McConnell told ABC’s “This Week” the surveillance program operated by the National Security Administration that bulk collects Americans’ telephone records under the Patriot Act, which is set to expire at the end of the month, is vital to protecting the United States. “We know the terrorist overseas are trying to recruit people in our country... Read more 

GOP treasurer candidate Allison Ball says office should be used as financial watchdog

05/16/2015 12:30 PM
The three-way race to become the Republican nominee for state treasurer is largely a geographic contest with each of the candidates representing a portion of the state. Prestonsburg bankruptcy attorney Allison Ball faces western Kentucky state Rep. Kenny Imes of Paducah and former Fayette County Judge-Executive Jon Larson in the primary Tuesday. Ball, who was the first entrant in the race, says she was influenced by her work in bankruptcy to make sure Kentuckians find a “sound financial footing.” “Whoever holds that... Read more 

Muddy waters still murky as some details change in retellings of New York meeting between Comer and his accuser

05/15/2015 09:53 PM
One of the key components of Republican gubernatorial candidate James Comer’s deflection of allegations that he was abusive to a former girlfriend more than two decades ago was that the two stayed on good terms and even met up when Comer was on a legislative trip in New York City in 2001. But in instances over the past two weeks in which he has told that story, some details of the meeting have changed. Further adding to the murkiness, Comer and his... Read more 

Hal Heiner criticizes other campaigns for capitalizing on abuse claims in new TV ad

05/15/2015 09:39 AM
Republican gubernatorial candidate Hal Heiner is accusing two of his opponents of using abuse allegations against Agriculture Commissioner James Comer “to score political points” in a television ad released Friday. While Comer and Louisville investment manager Matt Bevin have cried foul for negative ads aired by outside spenders supporting Heiner’s candidacy, this marks the first time Heiner has gone on the attack on TV. He has previously declined to comment on the allegations against Comer. “Instead of protecting the young lady and... Read more 
Louisville Metro Asks Residents to Complete Community Health Survey
from Ja'Nel Johnson
The Louisville Department of Public Health and Wellness is conducting the 2015 Community Health Needs Assessment survey to help the department and local hospitals determine which programs, policies and services will lead to a healthier Louisville. This is the second time the health department has conducted the survey. “Health care services need to be responsive to the real needs of people, so what we’re doing right now is surveying people to see what they want to see in health care services coming up,” said Dave Langdon, a spokesman for the department. Langdon said it is a requirement of the Affordable Care Act for each [...]
Mon, May 18, 2015 11:00:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Bill would make college tuition-free
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders will introduce legislation Tuesday to make college tuition-free in the United States.Click to Continue » [...]
Mon, May 18, 2015 10:40:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Mitch McConnell shrugs off Rand Paul's NSA filibuster threat
WASHINGTON — The split in the U.S. Senate's Kentucky delegation over the government's surveillance powers was on full display again Sunday.Click to Continue » [...]
Mon, May 18, 2015 10:30:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Kentucky pharmacists now allowed to dispense heroin-fighting drug without a prescription
from bmusgrave@herald-leader.com (Beth Musgrave)
Under emergency state regulations filed last week, a pharmacist may dispense naloxone to a family member of an addict or to first responders such as police and firefighters without a…Click to Continue » [...]
Sun, May 17, 2015 10:48:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Coal Association Says New Bank Policies Won’t Have Much Effect on Kentucky’s Industry
from Erica Peterson
Earlier this month, Bank of America became the latest large financial institution to announce it would limit its financing of coal companies. The move stemmed from concerns about climate change and regulatory factors that make investing in the industry more risky. The new approach to coal companies was pushed by environmental groups such as the Rainforest Action Network. But in Kentucky, the head of the coal association said the policy would likely have little practical impact on the coal industry. “I think when you consider the challenges we’re facing in the coal industry in Kentucky, access to capital is really not one of those [...]
Sun, May 17, 2015 12:22:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
American Pharoah Wins Preakness on Sloppy Track
from Associated Press
BALTIMORE — American Pharoah has won the Preakness in a driving rain, keeping alive his Triple Crown bid. With victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, American Pharoah needs a win in the Belmont Stakes to become the sport’s first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. American Pharoah will bring a six-race winning streak into the Belmont, which will be run on June 6 in New York. Trained by Bob Baffert, American Pharoah was a heavy favorite in the Preakness despite starting from the unfavorable No. 1 post. Breaking fast on a sloppy track Saturday as thunder roared in the background, American Pharoah [...]
Sat, May 16, 2015 11:40:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
James Comer confirms that Rand Paul reached out with encouraging message
from Accountability Editor
By Sam Youngman syoungman@herald-leader.com Republican gubernatorial candidate James Comer, under fire for allegations that he abused his college girlfriend, confirmed a report that U.S. Sen. Rand Paul reached out recently with a supportive message. Politico reported Friday that Paul texted Comer after Monday night's gubernatorial debate on KET with the message to keep his head up during trying times. Comer did not elaborate on what Paul told him, but he did confirm to the Herald-Leader that the senator, who is running for president, contacted him with a supportive message. Comer has repeatedly denied allegations that he was physically and verbally abusive to his college girlfriend. Both [...]
Fri, May 15, 2015 5:59:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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