Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer

Voters Look for Specifics from Presidential Candidates

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 16:46:39 +0000

The heavy barrage of commercials has wearied many Northern Kentucky voters who hope tonight’s presidential debate will provide more specifics about what Barack Obama or Mitt Romney would do in the White House for the next four years. The vote of George Bowling, 43, of Covington and other undecided voters might depend on how the candidates handle the debates. He thinks both men have been too vague about their plans for the future.

GOP Hopes November Elections will be Turning Point

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:58:13 +0000

Many Republicans in Kentucky believe the November election could be a turning point for them. All year, GOP leaders have expressed confidence they can gain control of the Kentucky House of Representatives for the first time in 91 years and be in a much stronger position to pass conservative legislation such as laws against abortion. The GOP platform released last month calls for reforming the tax code, supporting coal, changing the state legislative pension program and cutting Medicaid spending. It did not include many specifics.

Kentucky Republicans Share Spotlight at GOP Convention

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 17:16:14 +0000

Kentucky Republicans will share the spotlight when the GOP gathers for its national convention in Tampa this week – or, at least, they will when Tropical Storm Isaac lets the convention begin. The convention – originally scheduled to start Monday – has now been postponed until at least Tuesday, bowing to a threat posed by Isaac, which is churning toward Florida from Cuba.

Special Congressional Election Causing Confusion

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 13:41:42 +0000

The special election spurred by U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis’ resignation in July is causing other problems because the ballot deadlines for that election are different from those for the general election. Gov. Steve Beshear has set the special election to fill the vacancy for Geoff Davis’ 4th Congressional District seat on the same day as the general election on Nov. 6. Even though the election is on the same day, the deadlines to finalize the ballots are different.

Pill Mill Bill Affecting Legitimate Patients

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 14:37:58 +0000

Some doctors in Kentucky fear they may face criminal charges or penalties for legitimate prescriptions and clerical errors under the new law designed to curb prescription drug abuse. Lawmakers will review the regulations to House Bill 1 passed this year to crack down on illegal pill mills and will have a hearing Wednesday in Frankfort to get input from the medical industry. While the law is intended to target corrupt doctors, many in the medical community say the extensive standards for controlled substances will make it much harder for patients in need of prescription pain medication to get their medicine.

Geoff Davis Resigns from Congress

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:20:45 +0000

U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis, a Republican who represents Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, cited a family health issue when he resigned on Tuesday, five months before the end of his term. Davis submitted his resignation Tuesday to Gov. Steve Beshear and Speaker of the House John Boehner and said it’s effective at the close of business that day. Gov. Steve Beshear’s office Tuesday night said they are reviewing the process on how to deal with the vacancy and couldn’t comment further with Beshear away on an economic development trip in Germany.

No Funding Source for Brent Spence Replacement

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 15:05:50 +0000

Jennifer Macht has avoided the Brent Spence Bridge in the past year since President Barack Obama spoke in front of the bridge proclaiming the need to replace it. “I won’t get on it. It’s terrifying,” said Macht, 33, of Covington. “When I saw the president speaking about bridges falling down and they’re all in terrible repair, he was literally standing in front of that one.” Since Obama came to town in September 2011 to talk about his American Jobs Act and replacing infrastructure such as the bridge, no clear funding source has materialized for the $2.4 billion needed to replace the 49-year-old bridge.

Gun Law Changes Coming in July

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:58:10 +0000

People won’t need a license to carry a concealed deadly weapon in their home or business that they own when a new law goes into effect July 12. The General Assembly passed House Bill 484 with ease in this year’s regular session, passing the House 86-5 and the Senate 36-1 with the governor signing it into law April 11. Gun owners saw it as a reaffirmation for their right to defend their property.

Tax Reform Panel Faces Monumental Task

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 15:10:26 +0000

The panel appointed by Gov. Steve Beshear to make Kentucky’s tax system more fair and more competitive with other states has a monumental task before it. The list of tax exemptions the state offers alone fills 161 pages. “For example, there’s a sales tax on feed for horses but there’s not a sales tax on feed for cows,” said Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson, who chairs the 23-member commission tasked with making recommendations on how to improve the state’s tax structure.

Massie Win Key for Tea Party, Super PAC's

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:27:55 +0000

Thomas Massie’s Republican primary victory Tuesday could set an example for campaigns across the country, some believe. The involvement of the tea party, super political action committees and Ron and Rand Paul in Massie’s campaign caught nationwide attention and earned front-page ink from the New York Times. Massie won 19 out of the 20 counties in Kentucky’s Fourth Congressional District and beat six other Republicans for the nomination for Congress with 45 percent of the vote. He will face Democrat Bill Adkins in the general election.

Tea Party Plays Major Role in 4th District Race

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:39:38 +0000

Super political action committees, tea party loyalists and sitting members of Congress have taken sides in the campaign for Kentucky’s Fourth District congressional seat. What role each of them had in whoever wins or loses in Kentucky’s primary on Tuesday will likely be the major theme. This race will test the power of the super PAC, said Trey Grayson, who heads Harvard’s Institute of Politics, served as Kentucky’s secretary of state and ran against U.S. Sen. Rand Paul in 2010.

Moore Leads in Campaign Fundraising

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:57:59 +0000

Gary Moore still leads all seven Republican candidates with the most money raised overall for the 4th Congressional District primary and said he believes Thomas Massie to be his biggest competition. But Alecia Webb-Edgington gained some ground by raising the most money in April, Federal Election Commission reports released Friday indicate.

Congressman Calls for Candidate to End Ad

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:00:03 +0000

U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis called for congressional candidate Thomas Massie to pull his first campaign television ad because it used one of Davis’ floor speeches without permission of the congressman. Massie has not pulled the ad but said he will listen to suggestions from Davis on how to improve the ad. Massie serves as the Lewis County judge-executive and is one of seven Republicans vying to replace the retiring Davis in the Fourth Congressional District.

Tax Incentive Bill Will Have to Wait

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 18:37:52 +0000

A tax incentive touted by Northern Kentucky leaders and Gov. Steve Beshear as a way to generate jobs and revenue won’t likely get through the General Assembly this year, legislators say. Some blamed personal politics while others blamed the state’s lean budget for the apparent failure of the angel investment tax incentive this session. While proponents vow to lobby the Senate for an amendment or some way to get the incentive, many think they’ll have to wait until next year for the tax incentive.

Crowds Pose Problems for Responders

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:03:13 +0000

Swarms of onlookers, volunteers and, in a few instances, looters have posed a big challenge for emergency responders after the tornadoes that devastated Kentucky last Friday, local leaders said at a meeting Tuesday. Emergency responders have received praise from residents on up to the governor in their response to the severe storms, which killed four in Kenton County and 22 statewide. But county leaders on Tuesday said they will look at how they might better handle the large crowds that come in the wake of a disaster.

Bill Tries to Bolster Wine Business

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:13:59 +0000

Dan Bryan wanted to open a wine bar but the cost shocked him. Just to get a liquor license could cost more than $25,000. That’s why Bryan and local leaders support a bill introduced by State Rep. Dennis Keene, D-Wilder, that would create a separate liquor license to sell wine by the drink and by the package in wine bars. Winemakers hope this will lead to more bars devoted to wine, particularly Kentucky wine. The state’s wine industry has grown in the past 15 years from four wineries to 65 across the state.

Officials Confident in FEMA Aid

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:07:39 +0000

Federal Emergency Management Agency officials Monday toured the homes in southern Kenton County devastated by the severe storm on Friday that produced the EF3 tornado. Storm victims might get federal aid within a week if President Barack Obama declares a federal emergency, officials said. Gov. Steve Beshear has requested an expedited federal disaster declaration. FEMA will inspect damage in Grant County on Tuesday and might also inspect Pendleton County, officials said.

NKU Makes Plea in Frankfort

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:54:06 +0000

Budget cuts proposed by Gov. Steve Beshear would stunt growth at Northern Kentucky University and in the surrounding job market, the university’s leadership told lawmakers Tuesday. But state legislators appeared pessimistic about finding funding in the two-year budget the General Assembly must pass this year. Beshear’s proposed budget would cut state funding to public universities by 6.4 percent, which equals $3.2 million for NKU on top of $6 million worth of cuts from the previous six years.

State Term Limits Being Considered

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:28:40 +0000

Many state legislators said they would keep an open mind on a bill that would impose term limits on them. House Bill 406 filed by State Rep. Mike Nemes, R-Louisville, would limit both representatives and senators to three consecutive terms but extend the terms from two to four years for representatives and from four to six years for senators. The bill would amend the state constitution, which means voters would have to approve it. Nemes said he filed the bill because people want term limits.

Rand Paul Speaks at Town Hall Meeting

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 16:39:40 +0000

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul looked out at the 200 people assembled in a gymnasium in Alexandria and said the tea party might play just as big of a role this election as it did two years ago. Paul, R-Bowling Green, on Friday spoke to tea party supporters in Alexandria and business leaders in Covington. While in town, he downplayed recent talk of him being a vice presidential candidate on Mitt Romney’s ticket. No one has asked him, Paul said, but he’s flattered people would consider him. Paul, however, has not given up hope his father, Ron Paul, will pick up enough delegates.

Brent Spence Toll Discussed

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:35:36 +0000

The likelihood of tolls on the Brent Spence Bridge joined several other issues business leaders from Northern Kentucky discussed with the Kentucky General Assembly on Thursday. More than 50 people traveled to Frankfort with the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce for the “Northern Kentucky Day in Frankfort.” Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville, told the group the $2 billion Brent Spence Bridge replacement likely won’t get built without tolls.

Younger Candidates?

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:18:29 +0000

At the age of 23, Elizabeth Fricke is one of the youngest elected officials in the state. Fricke has started serving her third year on the city council of Kenton Vale, a city of about 110 people situated in between Covington and Fort Wright. Legislation in the Kentucky General Assembly might encourage even younger politicians by dropping the minimum age to run for city offices to 18. Kentucky law sets the minimum age to run for mayor at 25 and for a city legislative body at 21.

Northern Kentucky Dems Seek Congressional Candidate

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:21:26 +0000

Many names surfaced as potential successors to U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis when Davis announced last month he would not run for re-election, but few were Democrats. Local Democratic leaders believe Davis’ Fourth Congressional District seat is winnable and said a viable candidate or candidates will step forward by the filing deadline of Jan. 31. No one has yet filed or confirmed that they will run for Kentucky’s Fourth Congressional District seat as a Democrat. Two Republicans have filed, Boone County Judge-executive Gary Moore and State Rep. Alecia Webb-Edgington, R-Fort Wright.

Legislature Opens with Redistricting Talks

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:38:39 +0000

An agenda laden with redrawing political boundaries, a tough state budget and many other issues greeted state legislators as they convened Tuesday for the first day of the three-month regular session of the Kentucky General Assembly. “This is my sixth year, and this is probably the biggest agenda of issues that we’ve had since I’ve been here,” said state Rep. Adam Koenig, R-Erlanger. “Hopefully the spirit of cooperation exists, and we can plow through a lot of this stuff.”

Legislators Push for REINS Act

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:05:14 +0000

A bill filed in the General Assembly by two Northern Kentucky lawmakers would require legislative approval for new administrative regulations that have at least a $500,000 economic impact. State Reps. Joe Fischer, R-Fort Thomas, and Addia Wuchner, R-Burlington, modeled the bill after U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis’ Regulations from the Executive In Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act introduced in in Congress. Wuchner cited a proposed increase in private landfill fees a few years ago she fought to stop as the type of regulations she wants the legislature to scrutinize.

State Lawmaker: "Confederate Pension Must Go"

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:42:57 +0000

More than a half-century after the last Civil War veterans died, a chapter in Kentucky law still offers a $50-a-month pension to any veteran who can prove service in the Confederate Army. State Rep. Adam Koenig, R-Erlanger, pre-filed a bill to repeal Kentucky Revised Statutes chapter 206 on Confederate pensions. "There's so much stuff in the law that's a waste, that needs to be repealed." Koenig said.

Possible Tea Party Challenge for State Senator

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:45:29 +0000

An electrical contractor from Scott County will challenge state Sen. Damon Thayer in the 2012 Republican primary and hopes to get support from the tea party. Ricky Hostetler has filed a letter of intent to run for the Republican nomination for Kentucky's 17th Senate District, which covers part of southern Kenton County and Grant, Owen and Scott counties.

Tea Party Did Not Violate Election Laws

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:26:56 +0000

The Northern Kentucky Tea Party did not violate campaign finance laws by paying for a November 2010 newspaper ad that listed candidates that supported tea party values, the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance board decided Wednesday. The board dismissed a complaint filed by Hebron resident Jonathan Brown that alleged the ad endorsed candidates and therefore required the Northern Kentucky Tea Party to register as a campaign committee where it would have to report its contributions and expenditures.

Consequences for Neck Tattoo

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:51:00 +0000

A tattoo on the neck could prevent someone from serving in the military, and a Kentucky lawmaker wants to make sure people know this when entering tattoo parlors. State Rep. Ron Crimm, R-Louisville, pre-filed a bill that would require tattoo parlors to post a sign reminding patrons of the military restrictions.

Lawmakers Draft Legislation for Petition Clarification

Scott Wartman, The Kentucky Enquirer — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:02:58 +0000

Kentucky lawmakers will draft legislation that could make the petition process in the state more consistent and easier. The issues that surrounded the petition submitted by the Home Builders Association of Northern Kentucky and the Northern Kentucky Tea Party in Kenton County in August have led the state Legislature to look at how referenda work in Kentucky.