All Politics are Local

List of Potential US Senate Candidates Grows

Kenny Colston and Kentucky Public Radio — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:47:58 +0000

Now it's Heather French Henry's turn. The former Miss America has joined a list of half a dozen party activists or leaders waiting for Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes to decide whether she'll run in 2014 against Mitch McConnell for his U.S. Senate seat.

Tea Party Protesters to Rally at IRS Offices

Kenny Colston and Kentucky Public Radio — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:27:59 +0000

Kentucky Tea Party groups are planning rallies Tuesday to protest the IRS targeting of Tea Party and conservative groups for extra review. Two of Kentucky's largest Tea Party groups will protests outside IRS offices in their respective areas: the Northern Kentucky Tea Party will protest in Cincinnati and Louisville's group will join southern Indiana groups to protest in Louisville.

Ethics Questions Raised over Politico Ad

Louisville Public Media — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:46:04 +0000

A Politico video featuring the chief of staff for Senator Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has been removed by the Washington publication after ethical questions were raised. In a story first reported by Roll Call, an idea was pitched to McConnell chief of staff Josh Holmes to appear in a video endorsing Politico's coverage. It shows Holmes explaining his vision for America, love of public service and why he reads Politico all while sitting in the senator's office. Read more...

Rand Paul Seeks Tax Cuts, New Fund for Roads

Kenny Colston — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:57:11 +0000

Through a single piece of legislation, Sen. Rand Paul is hoping to cut a corporate tax and get more revenue for transportation projects.

Senate affirms 'Freedom to Fish' Cumberland River

Kentucky News Content Service — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:48:34 +0000

Washington, DC – The U.S. Senate has passed bill which contains Sen. Mitch McConnell’s measure protecting access to critical Kentucky fishing waters, according to a news release from the Kentucky senator's Washington office.

Mitch McConnell "Will Not Have a Serious Opponent'

Louisville Public Media — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:49:39 +0000

MSNBC host Chris Matthews is predicting the scandal involving the Internal Revenue Service targeting conservatives will benefit Republican Mitch McConnell, and could result in an easy re-election for Kentucky's senior senator. The agency has apologized for flagging political organizations with "tea party" and "patriot" in their name, but Republicans and Democrats have jabbed the Obama administration for not responding forcefully enough. Read more...

IRS Scandal splits Tea Party activists over McConnell

Kenny Colston and Kentucky Public Radio — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:10:30 +0000

As the scandal surrounding the targeting of tea party groups by the I.R.S. continues, some Kentucky tea party activists are upset with Senator Mitch McConnell's role in the process—even as the state party is asking them to support him. In Kentucky, only the statewide 9/12 project has come forward to acknowledge that they were targeted and that they were rejecting the IRS' apology on the matter.

Fairness Ordinance proposed for Frankfort

Ryan Quinn — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:41:22 +0000

The City of Frankfort is drafting an ordinance that would seek to protect lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people from discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations. But if you were among the more than 40 residents who left after the first two-and-a-half hours of Monday night’s City Commission meeting, you probably missed that. That’s because Commissioner Lynn Bowers changed her mind on the issue after the board took a brief break.

Independent House candidate proposes debates

The State Journal — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:42:08 +0000

An independent candidate for the vacant 56th House District seat proposed a series of debates Monday leading to the June 25 special election. John-Mark Hack, a founding partner in Marksbury Farm Market in Lancaster and chairman of the anti-gambling group Stop Predatory Gambling, suggested a series of June debates in Franklin, Woodford and Fayette counties and on cn|2’s Pure Politics program. Read more...

Poll Shows Major Support for Medical Marijuana

Kenny Colston, KPR-Frankfort and Kenny Colston, KPR-Frankfort — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:58:51 +0000

A new poll shows 78 percent of Kentuckians support the legalization of medical marijuana, while others would be fine with widespread legalization. The Kentucky Health Issues Poll has conducted polling on a wide array of issues for the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky over the past few months, from a statewide smoking ban to health insurance coverage.

Comer Calls Trip to Washington a 'Success'

Kenny Colston, KPR-Frankfort — Mon, 13 May 2013 04:00:01 +0000

A trio of Kentuckians who favor the legalization of hemp says a trip to Washington D.C. to meet with lawmakers and executive branch officials was beneficial. Former state treasurer Jonathan Miller, Agriculture Commissioner James Comer and State Senator Paul Hornback spent three days in D.C. pushing for either the national legalization of industrial hemp, or a waiver to grow it in the Commonwealth.

Ben Chandler to Lead Kentucky Humanities Council

Kenny Colston, KPR-Frankfort — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:08:12 +0000

The Kentucky Humanities Council has named former Congressman Ben Chandler as its new executive director. The non-profit group is not affiliated with the state, but works closely with state tourism and arts organizations. It is affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Senator Mitch McConnell Questions Governor's Decision to Expand Medicaid

Louisville Public Media — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:56:31 +0000

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell questioned Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear's long-awaited decision to expand Medicaid coverage under the president's health care law, arguing it will expose Kentuckians to increasing costs. As Kentucky Public Radio's Kenny Colston reports, Beshear, a Democrat, announced the state's Medicaid program will extend coverage to over 300,000 Kentuckians under the Affordable Care Act or what opponents calls Obamacare.

Group Says Rand Paul's Proposals Would Strip Environmental Protection

Louisville Public Media — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:40:54 +0000

Kentucky Senator Rand Paul has introduced three amendments to a bill before the Senate that environmental groups say would gut protections for the environment. Rand Paul and West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin introduced the amendments to the Water Resources Development Act, which authorizes flood protection measures and infrastructure improvements.

Congressman John Yarmuth Optimistic on Immigration Reform

Louisville Public Media — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:49:57 +0000

Appearing on MSNBC Wednesday, Congressman John Yarmuth, D-Ky., says he is optimistic comprehensive immigration reform will pass in Congress this year despite an undertone of setbacks. The "gang of eight" in the Senate are trying to gain a super-majority as Democrats and Republicans continue to negotiate. Among the issues being hashed out are provisions dealing with a pathway to citizenship that are linked to tighter enforcement of the U.S. borders.

Jack Conway, Hal Rogers Protest Urban Outfitters' Prescription Bottle Merchandise

Kenny Colston, KPR-Frankfort — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:45:52 +0000

Two Kentucky elected leaders are joining their peers in asking a national clothing retailer to stop selling questionable pint and shot glasses. Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway and U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers are asking retailer Urban Outfitters to stop selling an array of pint glasses, shot glasses and flasks that are made to look like prescription pill bottles.

Gun Control Groups Petition Mitch McConnell to Support Background Checks Bill

Louisville Public Media — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:28:45 +0000

Gun control advocates rallied outside of Republican Mitch McConnell’s downtown Louisville office to deliver a petition asking Kentucky’s senior senator to change his position on expanded background checks. Progressive Change Campaign Committee and Moms Demand Action had over 30 members demonstrating outside McConnell's office before delivering 1,200 signatures urging Congress to support "sensible" gun reforms.

Kentucky Republicans Beef Up Campaign Army for U.S. Senate Race

Kenny Colston, KPR-Frankfort — Mon, 06 May 2013 17:46:56 +0000

Senator Mitch McConnell's next election is a year and a half away, yet he doesn't have a serious opponent. But this hasn't stopped him from amassing significant money and personnel for his re-election. Each week, the effort to re-elect McConnell adds new field directors, political staff and fundraisers.

Kentucky Lawmakers Focused on Special House Election

Kenny Colston, KPR-Frankfort — Sun, 05 May 2013 17:35:53 +0000

The special election for the 56th House District—covering Woodford County and portions of Fayette and Franklin county—will likely be the only election this year. This puts added pressure on both parties to come through with a victory, as Democrats try to maintain their majority and Republicans attempt to make in-roads in taking the House. Republican nominee Lyen Crews faces defeat Democrat James Kay on June 25

McConnell Announces Pro-Coal Bill in Pikeville

Elizabeth Thompson and Appalachian News-Express — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:28:46 +0000

While U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell believes the new Coal Jobs Protection Act will expedite the EPA’s permitting process, he acknowledges that the bill maybe difficult to get passed during the next U.S. Senate session which begins next week. McConnell announced the new measure during a press conference at Whayne Supply in Pikeville on Monday.

Stumbo Encourages Beshear to Call Special Session for Redistricting

Kenny Colston, KPR-Frankfort — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:15:52 +0000

House Speaker Greg Stumbo is encouraging Gov. Steve Beshear to soon call a General Assembly special session so that lawmakers can pass new state legislative redistricting maps and end a federal lawsuit. Last week, several county clerks in Northern Kentucky filed a federal lawsuit claiming the state's inability to finish redistricting violated federal law. In response, Stumbo sent a letter to the governor encouraging him to call a special session.

Democrats Nominate James Kay for House Special Election

Kenny Colston, KPR-Frankfort — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:51:09 +0000

The Democratic candidate is in place for a key special election in Central Kentucky. Attorney James Kay of Versailles will run for the Kentucky state House seat being left vacant by Carl Rollins. Rollins is leaving office to work with two state education groups.

Rand Paul Endorses Mark Sanford for Congress

Louisville Public Media — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:42:43 +0000

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky is endorsing fellow Republican Mark Sanford's bid for the South Carolina's First Congressional District seat. The special election is next week and features Sanford, a former governor, in a tight contest against Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch, a political newcomer who is the sister of comedian Stephen Colbert.

McConnell to Introduce 'Coal Jobs Protection Act'

Louisville Public Media — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:21:22 +0000

U.S. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell plans to announce a bill to put limits on the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulation of coal mining. McConnell’s bill—which he’s calling “The Coal Jobs Protection Act”—would set deadlines for the EPA to approve or veto coal mining permits. If McConnell’s bill becomes law, the agency would have 270 days to act on some permits for water pollution. For valley fill permits, the bill gives the EPA a year to conduct an environmental assessment. This is a time-intensive process that the EPA estimates takes an average of three years.

Health Group Starts Ad Campaign in Support of Kentucky Medicaid Expansion

Kenny Colston, KPR-Frankfort — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:48:38 +0000

A leading health organization in Kentucky is putting the pressure on Gov. Steve Beshear to expand Medicaid services under the Affordable Care Act. Kentucky Voices for Health Executive Director Regan Hunt says her group is launching a two-week radio ad campaign pressure Beshear to expand Medicaid. The radio ad campaign will be partnered with a month long online ad campaign.

Franklin County Courthouse Evacuated After Bomb Threat Found

The State Journal — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:05:27 +0000

An evacuation occurred at the temporary Franklin County courthouse Monday morning after the words “bomb in build” were found spray-painted on the building. The black spray-painting was on the left side of the building, near the door where judges enter. An employee first noticed the spray-painting about 8 a.m., when the courthouse opened. The employee notified the Franklin County Sheriff’s office, which is housed in the opposite end of the building. A search of the building turned up nothing.

Advocate Says Charter Schools Movement May Get Bump From Carl Rollins' Resignation

Louisville Public Media — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:41:59 +0000

A leading Kentucky charter schools advocate says he’s hopeful the state House leadership will choose a new chairman for the House education committee who is open to charter schools. The chairmanship became vacant last week when Democratic state Rep. Carl Rollins resigned to lead the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority and the CEO of the Kentucky Higher Education Student Loan Corporation.

Richie Farmer Faces Lengthy Trial

Kevin Wheatley, State Journal — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:13:03 +0000

Former Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer may be on trial for three weeks in Frankfort’s federal courthouse, prosecutors said Thursday during Farmer’s arraignment. In addition, U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Wier told Farmer he could not take a planned vacation to Mexico and must remain in the state until his trial begins. Farmer, who played on the 1992 University of Kentucky basketball squad dubbed “The Unforgettables,” pleaded not guilty to four counts of misusing state resources and one charge of accepting property in exchange for a Department of Agriculture grant.

Richie Farmer Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Charges

Beth Musgrave, Lexington Herald-Leader — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:15:51 +0000

Former Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal charges that he misused more than $450,000 of state money and property during his eight years as Kentucky's top agriculture official. Farmer, a former University of Kentucky basketball player whose retired jersey hangs in Rupp Arena, appeared Thursday afternoon with his attorney, J. Guthrie True, at the federal courthouse in Lexington. A grand jury has charged Farmer, 43, with four counts of misappropriating property and money, and one count of soliciting property to influence agriculture department business.

Super PAC Slams Mitch McConnell Over Gun Background Check Vote

Louisville Public Media — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:57:58 +0000

A super PAC founded by former Democratic Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is calling out Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell for voting against gun control measures in a new radio advertisement. Americans Responsible for Solutions was formed by Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly, and is launching the spots in the Louisville and Lexington areas. Giffords, who was shot in the head during a 2011 shooting rampage in Tucson, Ariz., has been an outspoken proponent for gun control measures since retiring from Congress.