The spin would have you believe that Anne Northup is a day late and a dollar short in unveiling her political platform. She should have released details statements on dozens of major issues with actuarial analysis to back them up, goes the thinking of Fletcher supporters. But what was Ernie Fletcher’s strategy back in 2003 when he was a candidate for Governor?
From the archives of the Kentucy Post, snippets from this op-ed by John David Dyche: The May primary is less than seven weeks away, but so far the primary characteristic of Kentucky's campaign for governor has been its sterile superficiality.
The six serious contenders have made a hodge-podge of public pronouncements, which the press has partially and selectively reported. But citizens search in vain for systematic statements of candidates' plans and positions. Nobody in either party has put forward anything approaching a comprehensive program for Kentucky's future. […] At www.fletcher2003.com, Ernie Fletcher backs medical malpractice reform and calls for "fiscal discipline that reduces waste, while ending the political patronage."
Fletcher wants to "cut political paybacks, not raise taxes" and believes "this can be accomplished while maintaining strong support for education, healthcare, public safety and other vital services." While his site shows him praying with President Bush, browsers' prayers for substance on issues go unanswered.
The articles themselves are paid access only, but the headlines are free… and speak volumes:
Lexington Herald-Leader (KY)
April 8, 2003
GOP Hopefuls Vow To Restore Integrity... Say Little on Platforms
Lexington Herald-Leader (KY)
May 4, 2003
Governor's Race Clogged With Visionless Clones, Everyone's Running on 'Me, Too' Platform
Lexington Herald-Leader (KY)
May 22, 2003
Now To Find The Issues, Candidates Have Yet To Outline Real Differences
Courier-Journal, The (Louisville, KY)
July 3, 2003
Gubernatorial candidate outlines ethics- reform proposal
Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer (KY)
October 26, 2003
Fletcher's platform is more about style than substance
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