Anne Northup began her campaign on a "Fletcher can't win in the fall" theme. When she saw that gained her no traction, she trotted out a few issues. When she saw that also gained her no traction, she's reverted to "Fletcher can't win in the fall." Sorry, Mrs. Northup, but the Republican voters see right through you. They are rejecting your divisive campaign. The polls, whether they are the Fletcher internal poll showing him ahead by 22 points, or the Survey USA poll showing him up by 12, are reflective of that. Fletcher is pulling away and you are slipping.
Your desperation is showing, be it your latest ad or your ill-advised exchange with Robert Stivers, or the comments that at least two sources have reported that you made at the Kentucky Right to Life dinner. Your service to this state and to the Republican Party is honored by most within the GOP, but you are tarnishing and trashing your legacy by your ill-advised candidacy.
You'll earn the respect of all Republicans, even the most ardent Fletcher supporters, if you will stick to the issues and get off your "Fletcher can't win" mantra. The fact is that he CAN win this fall against any of the seven Democrat candidates.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Par for the Gov
Pathetically, this is typical. Governor Fletcher had an opportunity. Sadly, he made an extremely questionable selection. Fletcher has stated he values education. Unfortunately, his choice reflects the exact opposite.
From the Lexington Herald-Leader:
Critics of the woman tapped to become the next Kentucky education commissioner say they are surprised she was considered for the post because she has a turbulent history with districts she's led in the past 13 years. Several parents and board members in districts in Scottsdale, Ariz., and St. Charles, Ill., said Barbara Erwin, 56, left their districts in disarray with what they described as a "dictatorial" management style that led to high staff turnover.
"You don't come in and explode the place and leave the place in rubble," said Bill Page, a St. Charles parent who has been critical of Erwin in columns he wrote for the Kane County Chronicle. "If you look at her history, she comes into a district, she turns it on its ear, causes a lot of turmoil, and then she's gone."
Erwin, who has 36 years of experience in education, is superintendent of schools for the 15,000-student Community Unit District 303 in St. Charles. Previously, she was superintendent of the Scottsdale Unified School District 2000-04 and of the Allen (Texas) Independent School District 1994-2000. She also was superintendent of the Tipton Community School Corp. in Indiana. She accepted the position in Kentucky last week. The board of education must ratify her contract at its May 9-10 retreat. Erwin is expected to start July 1 with a base salary of $220,000.
Anne Hickie, a former Scottsdale school board member, said some of Erwin's initiatives deepened divisions within the community. "Everything looks great on the surface; it's what's going on underneath that concerns me," she said. "She divided this community and made it very difficult for people to even work together. Divide and conquer, that was the mentality. If I were asked to vote on Barbara Erwin, I would not vote to hire her."
Kentucky state school board chairman Keith Travis said the firm handling the commissioner search "thoroughly" researched Erwin's background. "She's still our top choice," Travis said. "She's been in some roles with challenged areas and in solving those challenges there is going to be some fall-out from that. ... I really hope a few negatives don't overshadow all the positive that she has done."
Erwin said she was not surprised by the criticism. "Guaranteed, you can go back to every place that I've been and find people that are unhappy with decisions I've made," Erwin said. "When you make difficult decisions, you don't please everybody. ... There tend to be naysayers that are more vocal."
Mary Ann Blankenship, executive director of the Kentucky Education Association, said the group heard only a few negative comments about Erwin. "We talked with our counterparts in Illinois and heard a lot of good things," she said. "We were told their loss is our gain."
Christine Schild, a former Scottsdale board member, said Erwin paid about $8 million to buy out the employment contracts of about 170 teachers, administrators and other staff. Schild said Erwin also led the effort to fire a popular elementary school principal -- who allegedly changed six test scores to meet an improvement goal -- and spent more than $225,000 of the district's budget to do so. The principal was escorted off campus in tears, in plain view of teachers, parents and staff, Schild said. Erwin also proposed a plan later rejected by voters to build a sixth high school despite a decline in enrollment as students transferred to charter and private schools, she said. "It's her way or the highway," Schild said. "Morale just went in the sewer. ... Everything got cut to the bare bone. She was very dictatorial."
Schild said two years after Erwin left Scottsdale, she received calls from residents of St. Charles who were unhappy with Erwin's job performance since joining the district in 2004. Several St. Charles school board members, where Erwin is still superintendent, would not comment for this story, saying they feared retribution. During her tenure at St. Charles, Erwin helped create an electronic system that stores student and teacher profiles and testing data. The district also tripled the number of students that scored high on Advanced Placement exams and saw an increase in ACT scores and state test scores.
In Texas, Erwin is credited by spokesman Tim Carroll with raising achievement in the district and introducing innovative technology practices. She was an adjunct professor at Texas Women's University. Questions also surfaced yesterday about an honor listed on Erwin's rŽsumŽ and in a Kentucky Department of Education release, which stated that Erwin was named Texas Superintendent of the Year in 1997 and 1998. The Texas Association of School Boards Web site shows Erwin earned the title only in 1997. However, in 1999 she was the Texas nominee for National Superintendent of the Year, according to the Texas Association of School Administrators Web site.
Brad Hughes, spokesman for the Kentucky School Boards Association, said KSBA considered it reasonable and understandable for a state's nominee for the national award to consider herself that state's superintendent of the year, even if the nomination does not carry with it an award called state superintendent of the year. Hughes said KSBA had not vetted Erwin's rŽsumŽ, but that the association did not "on the face of it" see anything that suggested Erwin was not qualified to be Kentucky's education commissioner.
According to reports in the Dallas Morning News, Erwin was blamed for the loss of several teachers and employees. In an Aug. 14, 1999, article, critics said staff were quitting Allen schools because the atmosphere was intimidating and teachers were afraid to question Erwin. Carroll said yesterday that the turnover was the result of changes Erwin made. "Most people would look back and think the changes needed to be done at the time," he said. "With change comes resistance."
But critics in Scottsdale say Erwin left a legacy that was more harmful than beneficial. "After you look at her track record ... if your board of education still thinks she is the best candidate for the job, then I wish you luck," Schild said.
From the Lexington Herald-Leader:
Critics of the woman tapped to become the next Kentucky education commissioner say they are surprised she was considered for the post because she has a turbulent history with districts she's led in the past 13 years. Several parents and board members in districts in Scottsdale, Ariz., and St. Charles, Ill., said Barbara Erwin, 56, left their districts in disarray with what they described as a "dictatorial" management style that led to high staff turnover.
"You don't come in and explode the place and leave the place in rubble," said Bill Page, a St. Charles parent who has been critical of Erwin in columns he wrote for the Kane County Chronicle. "If you look at her history, she comes into a district, she turns it on its ear, causes a lot of turmoil, and then she's gone."
Erwin, who has 36 years of experience in education, is superintendent of schools for the 15,000-student Community Unit District 303 in St. Charles. Previously, she was superintendent of the Scottsdale Unified School District 2000-04 and of the Allen (Texas) Independent School District 1994-2000. She also was superintendent of the Tipton Community School Corp. in Indiana. She accepted the position in Kentucky last week. The board of education must ratify her contract at its May 9-10 retreat. Erwin is expected to start July 1 with a base salary of $220,000.
Anne Hickie, a former Scottsdale school board member, said some of Erwin's initiatives deepened divisions within the community. "Everything looks great on the surface; it's what's going on underneath that concerns me," she said. "She divided this community and made it very difficult for people to even work together. Divide and conquer, that was the mentality. If I were asked to vote on Barbara Erwin, I would not vote to hire her."
Kentucky state school board chairman Keith Travis said the firm handling the commissioner search "thoroughly" researched Erwin's background. "She's still our top choice," Travis said. "She's been in some roles with challenged areas and in solving those challenges there is going to be some fall-out from that. ... I really hope a few negatives don't overshadow all the positive that she has done."
Erwin said she was not surprised by the criticism. "Guaranteed, you can go back to every place that I've been and find people that are unhappy with decisions I've made," Erwin said. "When you make difficult decisions, you don't please everybody. ... There tend to be naysayers that are more vocal."
Mary Ann Blankenship, executive director of the Kentucky Education Association, said the group heard only a few negative comments about Erwin. "We talked with our counterparts in Illinois and heard a lot of good things," she said. "We were told their loss is our gain."
Christine Schild, a former Scottsdale board member, said Erwin paid about $8 million to buy out the employment contracts of about 170 teachers, administrators and other staff. Schild said Erwin also led the effort to fire a popular elementary school principal -- who allegedly changed six test scores to meet an improvement goal -- and spent more than $225,000 of the district's budget to do so. The principal was escorted off campus in tears, in plain view of teachers, parents and staff, Schild said. Erwin also proposed a plan later rejected by voters to build a sixth high school despite a decline in enrollment as students transferred to charter and private schools, she said. "It's her way or the highway," Schild said. "Morale just went in the sewer. ... Everything got cut to the bare bone. She was very dictatorial."
Schild said two years after Erwin left Scottsdale, she received calls from residents of St. Charles who were unhappy with Erwin's job performance since joining the district in 2004. Several St. Charles school board members, where Erwin is still superintendent, would not comment for this story, saying they feared retribution. During her tenure at St. Charles, Erwin helped create an electronic system that stores student and teacher profiles and testing data. The district also tripled the number of students that scored high on Advanced Placement exams and saw an increase in ACT scores and state test scores.
In Texas, Erwin is credited by spokesman Tim Carroll with raising achievement in the district and introducing innovative technology practices. She was an adjunct professor at Texas Women's University. Questions also surfaced yesterday about an honor listed on Erwin's rŽsumŽ and in a Kentucky Department of Education release, which stated that Erwin was named Texas Superintendent of the Year in 1997 and 1998. The Texas Association of School Boards Web site shows Erwin earned the title only in 1997. However, in 1999 she was the Texas nominee for National Superintendent of the Year, according to the Texas Association of School Administrators Web site.
Brad Hughes, spokesman for the Kentucky School Boards Association, said KSBA considered it reasonable and understandable for a state's nominee for the national award to consider herself that state's superintendent of the year, even if the nomination does not carry with it an award called state superintendent of the year. Hughes said KSBA had not vetted Erwin's rŽsumŽ, but that the association did not "on the face of it" see anything that suggested Erwin was not qualified to be Kentucky's education commissioner.
According to reports in the Dallas Morning News, Erwin was blamed for the loss of several teachers and employees. In an Aug. 14, 1999, article, critics said staff were quitting Allen schools because the atmosphere was intimidating and teachers were afraid to question Erwin. Carroll said yesterday that the turnover was the result of changes Erwin made. "Most people would look back and think the changes needed to be done at the time," he said. "With change comes resistance."
But critics in Scottsdale say Erwin left a legacy that was more harmful than beneficial. "After you look at her track record ... if your board of education still thinks she is the best candidate for the job, then I wish you luck," Schild said.
Same Gov, Same Gov
Governor Fletcher violating a law? Why I am not surprised?
From the Louisville Courier-Journal:
Gov. Ernie Fletcher may be required by state law to pay for his political flights on state aircraft -- despite claims by his campaign that the law doesn't address the matter. A law on the books since at least 1998 requires governors and lieutenant governors to repay the state at commercial air-charter rates for using state airplanes and helicopters for trips that are purely personal or have both official and personal aspects.
In the past three years, Fletcher has taken at least 21 trips in which he combined official business with political fundraisers -- and at least 15 times used state helicopters and airplanes for those trips -- according to an analysis of records by The Courier-Journal. Those flights cost the state more than $9,000 in fuel alone. Fletcher agreed on Friday to reimburse the state for the political portion of such trips, though his campaign maintained that he has no obligation to do so under the law.
Marty Ryall, Fletcher's campaign manager, said yesterday that the campaign's understanding of the law is based on a review by Fletcher's office of general counsel. David Fleenor, Fletcher's general counsel, said his office has interpreted the law to mean that Fletcher is required to repay the state only for trips that are purely personal, or when the personal portion of a trip requires an additional leg. Fleenor said, for example, that if Fletcher were flying to Danville for both official and political events, he wouldn't be required to pay for any portion of the flight.
But, he said, if Fletcher were flying to Danville for an official visit and then on to Somerset for a political visit, he would be assessed the cost of the flight to Somerset. Fleenor said the governor didn't fly on any trips in which there was a purely political leg. State law generally forbids the use of state aircraft for personal business. But it allows the governor and lieutenant governor to use state planes and helicopters for such trips "for reasons of security, protocol, ceremonial functions or overall demands of time."
The campaign said Friday that it would reimburse the state for the cost of the aircraft using a formula based on the number of official and campaign-related events. If there were one official event and one campaign event, for example, the campaign would pay half the cost.
Yesterday the campaign of one of Fletcher's opponents in the May 22 Republican primary, former U.S. Rep. Anne Northup, called on Fletcher to immediately identify all trips using state helicopters, airplanes and cars that have included political functions and to pay for those trips before the May 14 deadline for filing campaign finance reports. "Republicans across Kentucky know what waste, fraud and abuse is, and this is it," Northup spokesman Barry Peel said in a statement. "Give the voters an accounting."
Ryall said that the campaign hopes to make the reimbursements to the state by Friday and that Northup had no impact on the campaign's decision to repay the state, as her campaign claimed in the release. "Our plans have nothing to do with her constant negative attacks," he said.
From the Louisville Courier-Journal:
Gov. Ernie Fletcher may be required by state law to pay for his political flights on state aircraft -- despite claims by his campaign that the law doesn't address the matter. A law on the books since at least 1998 requires governors and lieutenant governors to repay the state at commercial air-charter rates for using state airplanes and helicopters for trips that are purely personal or have both official and personal aspects.
In the past three years, Fletcher has taken at least 21 trips in which he combined official business with political fundraisers -- and at least 15 times used state helicopters and airplanes for those trips -- according to an analysis of records by The Courier-Journal. Those flights cost the state more than $9,000 in fuel alone. Fletcher agreed on Friday to reimburse the state for the political portion of such trips, though his campaign maintained that he has no obligation to do so under the law.
Marty Ryall, Fletcher's campaign manager, said yesterday that the campaign's understanding of the law is based on a review by Fletcher's office of general counsel. David Fleenor, Fletcher's general counsel, said his office has interpreted the law to mean that Fletcher is required to repay the state only for trips that are purely personal, or when the personal portion of a trip requires an additional leg. Fleenor said, for example, that if Fletcher were flying to Danville for both official and political events, he wouldn't be required to pay for any portion of the flight.
But, he said, if Fletcher were flying to Danville for an official visit and then on to Somerset for a political visit, he would be assessed the cost of the flight to Somerset. Fleenor said the governor didn't fly on any trips in which there was a purely political leg. State law generally forbids the use of state aircraft for personal business. But it allows the governor and lieutenant governor to use state planes and helicopters for such trips "for reasons of security, protocol, ceremonial functions or overall demands of time."
The campaign said Friday that it would reimburse the state for the cost of the aircraft using a formula based on the number of official and campaign-related events. If there were one official event and one campaign event, for example, the campaign would pay half the cost.
Yesterday the campaign of one of Fletcher's opponents in the May 22 Republican primary, former U.S. Rep. Anne Northup, called on Fletcher to immediately identify all trips using state helicopters, airplanes and cars that have included political functions and to pay for those trips before the May 14 deadline for filing campaign finance reports. "Republicans across Kentucky know what waste, fraud and abuse is, and this is it," Northup spokesman Barry Peel said in a statement. "Give the voters an accounting."
Ryall said that the campaign hopes to make the reimbursements to the state by Friday and that Northup had no impact on the campaign's decision to repay the state, as her campaign claimed in the release. "Our plans have nothing to do with her constant negative attacks," he said.
Nice Thought…
Ministers, your suggestion is excellent. Do not expect our Governor’s involement.
From the Louisville Courier-Journal:
When the Rev. Clay Calloway showed up at 35th Street and Broadway Monday morning, shortly after 21-year-old James Bland was fatally shot, the B-Line Food Mart parking lot was packed with people at a time when most around the city were either headed to school or work. "It looked like it might be a festival," he remembered last night, standing in the same parking lot with about 20 other people, mostly ministers, who want to help bring an end to the violence. Calloway said that experience and a nonfatal shooting a few blocks away on Tuesday afternoon showed him that "there’s a great need to provide some employment opportunities."
Calloway and other members of No Murders Metro joined with members of the Louisville Urban League last night to let at-risk young adults know there are opportunities. With them were three or four Louisville Metro Police officers who were there to show their support. One opportunity is the Urban Youth Empowerment Program, which provides job-skills training and education to at-risk people ages 18 to 21 who have not been convicted of violence or sex offenses. Each participant has a career coach who can give one-on-one help, said Juanita Sands, director of work force development for the Louisville Urban League.
The league’s goal is to serve 60 young adults, but it is only about half full. "There’s a real sense of hopelessness on the street right now," said the Rev. Jamil Armstrong, 27, a youth minister at St. Stephen Church. "People can only go as far as they can see." Instead of drugs, guns and money, young people need to be shown why they should not give in to these temptations, which are glorified on television and through other media, Armstrong said. "They think that’s what they have to have," he said.
There have been 20 homicides in Louisville this year, including one in Jeffersontown and two that involved police officers. In April there were seven homicides, with four of them in the downtown and western Louisville police divisions.
Earlier this year, several ministers from the Interdenominational Ministerial Coalition issued a 10-point plan that includes creating church activities aimed at alternatives for youth, better vigilance among residents, stronger family ties and adopting a corner to combat gang and drug activity. Among the ministers gathering last night was the Rev. Jerome Garrison, who suffered a broken bone and facial injuries after being beaten last fall by a gang of youths across Broadway from the B-Line market. Disconnected young people need to be shown that "you don’t have to be a gangster to be somebody," he said.
Despite the beating he suffered, Garrison remains hopeful that residents in his area can show the rest of the city that "the West End is still the best end." Anyone who would like information on the Urban Youth Empowerment Program can call Sands at the Urban League, 566-3370.
From the Louisville Courier-Journal:
When the Rev. Clay Calloway showed up at 35th Street and Broadway Monday morning, shortly after 21-year-old James Bland was fatally shot, the B-Line Food Mart parking lot was packed with people at a time when most around the city were either headed to school or work. "It looked like it might be a festival," he remembered last night, standing in the same parking lot with about 20 other people, mostly ministers, who want to help bring an end to the violence. Calloway said that experience and a nonfatal shooting a few blocks away on Tuesday afternoon showed him that "there’s a great need to provide some employment opportunities."
Calloway and other members of No Murders Metro joined with members of the Louisville Urban League last night to let at-risk young adults know there are opportunities. With them were three or four Louisville Metro Police officers who were there to show their support. One opportunity is the Urban Youth Empowerment Program, which provides job-skills training and education to at-risk people ages 18 to 21 who have not been convicted of violence or sex offenses. Each participant has a career coach who can give one-on-one help, said Juanita Sands, director of work force development for the Louisville Urban League.
The league’s goal is to serve 60 young adults, but it is only about half full. "There’s a real sense of hopelessness on the street right now," said the Rev. Jamil Armstrong, 27, a youth minister at St. Stephen Church. "People can only go as far as they can see." Instead of drugs, guns and money, young people need to be shown why they should not give in to these temptations, which are glorified on television and through other media, Armstrong said. "They think that’s what they have to have," he said.
There have been 20 homicides in Louisville this year, including one in Jeffersontown and two that involved police officers. In April there were seven homicides, with four of them in the downtown and western Louisville police divisions.
Earlier this year, several ministers from the Interdenominational Ministerial Coalition issued a 10-point plan that includes creating church activities aimed at alternatives for youth, better vigilance among residents, stronger family ties and adopting a corner to combat gang and drug activity. Among the ministers gathering last night was the Rev. Jerome Garrison, who suffered a broken bone and facial injuries after being beaten last fall by a gang of youths across Broadway from the B-Line market. Disconnected young people need to be shown that "you don’t have to be a gangster to be somebody," he said.
Despite the beating he suffered, Garrison remains hopeful that residents in his area can show the rest of the city that "the West End is still the best end." Anyone who would like information on the Urban Youth Empowerment Program can call Sands at the Urban League, 566-3370.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Good News… She’s Only Losing
From Blue Grass, Red State:
After hearing obviously bogus reports of a poll that shows Fletcher up 22 points on Anne Northup, I decided to go another source of information, a Northup campaign insider. This is what I found out:
They did do internal polling.
They will not release the poll because it would give the Fletcher campaign too much information.
They are not being beaten by anyone by 22 points.
They are down by about 5 points.
That paints quite a different picture than the one that other guy did for you last week, doesn't it? Well, this one is true. It makes much more sense, considering Northup's television blitz.
So, keep on keeping on Northup supporters! She can definitely gain 5 points in three weeks if we keep working! That other poll was probably a survey of one county or something.
These are the facts… Anne Northup is not losing huge. She is merely losing. This picture is different. Last week, Fletcher said Northup is losing huge. She is not. She is only losing. Everyone must know this. She is ONLY losing.
After hearing obviously bogus reports of a poll that shows Fletcher up 22 points on Anne Northup, I decided to go another source of information, a Northup campaign insider. This is what I found out:
They did do internal polling.
They will not release the poll because it would give the Fletcher campaign too much information.
They are not being beaten by anyone by 22 points.
They are down by about 5 points.
That paints quite a different picture than the one that other guy did for you last week, doesn't it? Well, this one is true. It makes much more sense, considering Northup's television blitz.
So, keep on keeping on Northup supporters! She can definitely gain 5 points in three weeks if we keep working! That other poll was probably a survey of one county or something.
These are the facts… Anne Northup is not losing huge. She is merely losing. This picture is different. Last week, Fletcher said Northup is losing huge. She is not. She is only losing. Everyone must know this. She is ONLY losing.
Derek Combs (Blogging Between the Lines)
From Blue Grass, Red State:
Lexington, Kentucky
Today I join Senator Bunning, Steve Pence and many others around the Commonwealth! I proudly and enthusiastically announce that I am endorsing Anne Northup for the Republican Nomination for Governor. Over the last several years I have watched the current administration bumble, stumble and fall.
(Today, I joined Senator Bunning, Steve Pence, and many others in renouncing my mind. I proudly and enthusiastically announce I support someone with one three word talking point. I am not deterred by her campaign, which has bumbled, stumbled, and fallen repeatedly)
I watched the Governor make numerous puzzling decisions in politics, taxes, and policy. In the early days of this administration, I have observed this Governor go after the teachers health care. In a Commonwealth that proclaims "Education Pays", I couldn't help but wonder why the current Governor would go back on his campaign promise and attack hard working teachers' health care. There are teachers in the Governor's home county of Montgomery, that have cried out to me about the hardships of those original policies. Fortunately, the teachers brought enough pressure to make the Governor change his mind and position.
(I have watched Anne make several puzzling mistakes in her campaign. Her education report was uneducated. Fortunately, Kentucky Steele was there correcting her.)
Kentucky Deserves Better! (Than Anne Northup)
I was dumbfounded that the first Republican Governor in 30 years, would raise taxes on small business. This Tax was a Mill Stone tied around the necks of small businesses of Kentucky. This tax had the effect of strangling the Entrepreunerial Spirit, which is the backbone of the Republican Party. This TAX caused Kentucky to fall behind it's surrounding states. Kentucky's job growth and business friendliness have been adversely compromised.
(I was dumbfounded when the Kentucky Club for Growth revealed the truth concerning Northup.)
Kentucky Deserves Better! (Than Anne Northup)
Governor Fletcher announced continually and proudly that over 61% of his political appointees are registered Democrats. Many of these appointees are still involved with the leadership of the democrat party. Many of these appointees are holdovers from past Democrat administrations. This is ridiculous for a Republican Governor! For those who support Governor Fletcher and believe that he has appointed bad people, remember . . . The Governor is the man that made these judgments.
(Governor Fletcher should fire all Democrats. However, he tried this and was branded unethical. Congresswoman Northup would have continued acting unethically. Why did Governor Fletcher stop?)
Kentucky Deserves Better! (Than Anne Northup)
Governor Anne Northup is Kentucky's best choice! (For failure in November)
Derek L. Combs
Chairman Emeritus
Montgomery County Republican Party State
Chairman Emeritus Kentucky
Young Republican Federation
Chairman Emeritus
6th District
KY Young Republican Federation
Lexington, Kentucky
Today I join Senator Bunning, Steve Pence and many others around the Commonwealth! I proudly and enthusiastically announce that I am endorsing Anne Northup for the Republican Nomination for Governor. Over the last several years I have watched the current administration bumble, stumble and fall.
(Today, I joined Senator Bunning, Steve Pence, and many others in renouncing my mind. I proudly and enthusiastically announce I support someone with one three word talking point. I am not deterred by her campaign, which has bumbled, stumbled, and fallen repeatedly)
I watched the Governor make numerous puzzling decisions in politics, taxes, and policy. In the early days of this administration, I have observed this Governor go after the teachers health care. In a Commonwealth that proclaims "Education Pays", I couldn't help but wonder why the current Governor would go back on his campaign promise and attack hard working teachers' health care. There are teachers in the Governor's home county of Montgomery, that have cried out to me about the hardships of those original policies. Fortunately, the teachers brought enough pressure to make the Governor change his mind and position.
(I have watched Anne make several puzzling mistakes in her campaign. Her education report was uneducated. Fortunately, Kentucky Steele was there correcting her.)
Kentucky Deserves Better! (Than Anne Northup)
I was dumbfounded that the first Republican Governor in 30 years, would raise taxes on small business. This Tax was a Mill Stone tied around the necks of small businesses of Kentucky. This tax had the effect of strangling the Entrepreunerial Spirit, which is the backbone of the Republican Party. This TAX caused Kentucky to fall behind it's surrounding states. Kentucky's job growth and business friendliness have been adversely compromised.
(I was dumbfounded when the Kentucky Club for Growth revealed the truth concerning Northup.)
Kentucky Deserves Better! (Than Anne Northup)
Governor Fletcher announced continually and proudly that over 61% of his political appointees are registered Democrats. Many of these appointees are still involved with the leadership of the democrat party. Many of these appointees are holdovers from past Democrat administrations. This is ridiculous for a Republican Governor! For those who support Governor Fletcher and believe that he has appointed bad people, remember . . . The Governor is the man that made these judgments.
(Governor Fletcher should fire all Democrats. However, he tried this and was branded unethical. Congresswoman Northup would have continued acting unethically. Why did Governor Fletcher stop?)
Kentucky Deserves Better! (Than Anne Northup)
Governor Anne Northup is Kentucky's best choice! (For failure in November)
Derek L. Combs
Chairman Emeritus
Montgomery County Republican Party State
Chairman Emeritus Kentucky
Young Republican Federation
Chairman Emeritus
6th District
KY Young Republican Federation
Rx for Corruption
Governor Fletcher and Congresswoman Northup are politicians. The assumption is their policy is purchased. Previously, this assumption concerned state contracts, not substantive legislation such as healthcare. Unfortunately, the aforesaid is now untrue.
From the Kentucky Post:
Until this campaign season, Dr. Phillip Aaron had never given money in a governor's race. But the Adair County family physician said he would really like to see Gov. Ernie Fletcher re-elected. So much so that he contributed $250 to help with campaign costs. Doctors have become a force in Kentucky politics, providing from their ranks two candidates for governor and one for lieutenant governor, and lavishing them with cash.
So far this campaign season, they have made some 350 contributions worth more than $200,000 to Kentucky gubernatorial candidates who will appear on the ballot in the May 22 primary, according to records from the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance. Marty White, head of government relations for the Kentucky Medical Association, said physicians have traditionally been involved in the political process, and that their influence seems to be growing in the state.
"I think overall, physicians are becoming more in tune with just what impact public officials can have on the practice of medicine and the delivery of health care in Kentucky," White said. "Health care is a major, major issue for all Kentuckians and all Americans, and physicians probably understand that more than most. It makes sense for physicians to be engaged in the process.”
Like Aaron, most of the physicians who have contributed during this gubernatorial election cycle have given to Fletcher. He has received some 200 contributions worth $108,000. Fletcher's opponents this time around haven't fared as well, at least not yet, according to campaign finance records. Republican challenger Anne Northup received 63 contributions totaling $45,700, and the GOP's Billy Harper received donations from three physicians totaling $1,500.
On the Democratic side, physicians split their contributions among five candidates. Former Lt. Gov. Steve Henry, a Louisville physician, has received 34 contributions totaling $27,000 from doctors. Former Lt. Gov. Steve Beshear, who has a physician, state Sen. Daniel Mongiardo of Hazard, as a running mate, received 37 contributions totaling $53,000.
Democratic contender Jonathan Miller, the current state treasurer, received 34 contributions totaling $16,800. Other non-doctor candidates didn't fare as well when it came to campaign contributions from physicians. Speaker of the House Jody Richards got $3,900 from eight physicians. Louisville businessman Bruce Lunsford had $3,000 in contributions from three physicians. Lexington attorney Gatewood Galbraith and Harlan County demolition contractor Otis Hensley received none.
Doctors support candidates who know the importance of improving health care, said Fletcher campaign manager Marty Ryall. Fletcher has used the governor's office to push preventive care programs, to encourage sharing of medical records electronically, and to shore up the state's financially troubled Medicaid program for the poor and elderly. "Physicians from across the commonwealth are supporting his re-election campaign because they know that Governor Fletcher, as a fellow physician, is making improving health care a top priority," Ryall said.
Aaron said he wants to support a candidate who is concerned about the Medicaid patients he sees in his practice. "When I talk to Ernie Fletcher, he talks to me about the poor," Aaron said. "We have to take care of our poor people."
The governor also pushed unsuccessfully for a measure that would have appropriated money to provide vaccines against the sexually transmitted human papilloma virus, which causes cervical cancer. Aaron, a Republican, called that a bold move on Fletcher's part, one that could have had political repercussions. "We need leaders to be leaders," Aaron said. "So many politicians won't come out in support of anything."
In Kentucky's last legislative session, White said the state medical association monitored more than 300 bills that could have affected health care. That, White said, is why physicians want to be part of the process, and that's why they're providing financial backing for doctors who enter politics. "I think for the most part, physicians respect other physicians and believe their brethren have a good understanding of the importance of a strong medical community in Kentucky."
From the Kentucky Post:
Until this campaign season, Dr. Phillip Aaron had never given money in a governor's race. But the Adair County family physician said he would really like to see Gov. Ernie Fletcher re-elected. So much so that he contributed $250 to help with campaign costs. Doctors have become a force in Kentucky politics, providing from their ranks two candidates for governor and one for lieutenant governor, and lavishing them with cash.
So far this campaign season, they have made some 350 contributions worth more than $200,000 to Kentucky gubernatorial candidates who will appear on the ballot in the May 22 primary, according to records from the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance. Marty White, head of government relations for the Kentucky Medical Association, said physicians have traditionally been involved in the political process, and that their influence seems to be growing in the state.
"I think overall, physicians are becoming more in tune with just what impact public officials can have on the practice of medicine and the delivery of health care in Kentucky," White said. "Health care is a major, major issue for all Kentuckians and all Americans, and physicians probably understand that more than most. It makes sense for physicians to be engaged in the process.”
Like Aaron, most of the physicians who have contributed during this gubernatorial election cycle have given to Fletcher. He has received some 200 contributions worth $108,000. Fletcher's opponents this time around haven't fared as well, at least not yet, according to campaign finance records. Republican challenger Anne Northup received 63 contributions totaling $45,700, and the GOP's Billy Harper received donations from three physicians totaling $1,500.
On the Democratic side, physicians split their contributions among five candidates. Former Lt. Gov. Steve Henry, a Louisville physician, has received 34 contributions totaling $27,000 from doctors. Former Lt. Gov. Steve Beshear, who has a physician, state Sen. Daniel Mongiardo of Hazard, as a running mate, received 37 contributions totaling $53,000.
Democratic contender Jonathan Miller, the current state treasurer, received 34 contributions totaling $16,800. Other non-doctor candidates didn't fare as well when it came to campaign contributions from physicians. Speaker of the House Jody Richards got $3,900 from eight physicians. Louisville businessman Bruce Lunsford had $3,000 in contributions from three physicians. Lexington attorney Gatewood Galbraith and Harlan County demolition contractor Otis Hensley received none.
Doctors support candidates who know the importance of improving health care, said Fletcher campaign manager Marty Ryall. Fletcher has used the governor's office to push preventive care programs, to encourage sharing of medical records electronically, and to shore up the state's financially troubled Medicaid program for the poor and elderly. "Physicians from across the commonwealth are supporting his re-election campaign because they know that Governor Fletcher, as a fellow physician, is making improving health care a top priority," Ryall said.
Aaron said he wants to support a candidate who is concerned about the Medicaid patients he sees in his practice. "When I talk to Ernie Fletcher, he talks to me about the poor," Aaron said. "We have to take care of our poor people."
The governor also pushed unsuccessfully for a measure that would have appropriated money to provide vaccines against the sexually transmitted human papilloma virus, which causes cervical cancer. Aaron, a Republican, called that a bold move on Fletcher's part, one that could have had political repercussions. "We need leaders to be leaders," Aaron said. "So many politicians won't come out in support of anything."
In Kentucky's last legislative session, White said the state medical association monitored more than 300 bills that could have affected health care. That, White said, is why physicians want to be part of the process, and that's why they're providing financial backing for doctors who enter politics. "I think for the most part, physicians respect other physicians and believe their brethren have a good understanding of the importance of a strong medical community in Kentucky."
Blatant Immaturity
Their actions are infantile. Their behavior is childish. Yet, we should support their candidates? They reflect their candidates.
From Blue Grass, Red State:
I can't believe those guys at the Fletcher campaign, that one guy, or immature Louisville College Republicans, or whoever registered http://bluegrassredstate.com and pointed it to the Fletcher campaign site.
That's really stupid. It's just more evidence of how the Fletcher people like to stifle and frustrate free speech. Clearly, it doesn't actually stop me from speaking, but it does interfere with search results, therefore pulling traffic away from this site which is not supporting Fletcher in this primary election.
It's also just another reason why I will not vote for Ernie Fletcher in November of 2007 if he wins this primary election. It doesn't really matter all that much, though, because I'm shutting this site down anyway.
UPDATE: It is registered by Domains by Proxy, the same people who registered www.northuphoover.com for that one guy.
From Blue Grass, Red State:
I can't believe those guys at the Fletcher campaign, that one guy, or immature Louisville College Republicans, or whoever registered http://bluegrassredstate.com and pointed it to the Fletcher campaign site.
That's really stupid. It's just more evidence of how the Fletcher people like to stifle and frustrate free speech. Clearly, it doesn't actually stop me from speaking, but it does interfere with search results, therefore pulling traffic away from this site which is not supporting Fletcher in this primary election.
It's also just another reason why I will not vote for Ernie Fletcher in November of 2007 if he wins this primary election. It doesn't really matter all that much, though, because I'm shutting this site down anyway.
UPDATE: It is registered by Domains by Proxy, the same people who registered www.northuphoover.com for that one guy.
Jefferson Review Questions Northup
In 1994 Anne Northup helped draft and then cosponsored HB 366. HB 366 was a 95 page mandated health plan that would require every Kentucky resident to show proof of health insurance before paying Kentucky taxes each year under penalty of fine!
This bill would have required Kentucky taxpayers to guarantee the financial success of the health insurance company whose basic health plan they would be forced to purchase under penalty of fine.
HB 366 also created financial incentives to replace malpractice jury trials with binding arbitration. This far reaching 95 page bill devoted 20 pages to replacing tobacco with an alternative crop and even created regulations and fines for riding a bicycle.
Does Mrs. Northup believe that an ordinary House Bill is a legitimate mechanism for effecting such a paradigm shift?
Mrs. Northup has been a strong supporter of free trade agreements.
How does Mrs. Northup define "Free Trade" and "Global Competition"? Does she define "Global Competition" as changing our identity? Europe, Japan and Canada have "Universal Health Care" and limited access to jury trials. If Mrs. Northup's "Mandated Health Plan" had become law.... Kentucky, like Europe and Japan would have had universal health care and limited access to jury trials. Most Americans do not define giving up their identity and joining the other team as competition!
Does Mrs. Northup believe that Kentucky must have limited access to jury trials and a subsidized health industrial complex in order to compete successfully in a global economy?
Europe and Japan subsidize their health care system, but they also subsidize other key industries using tax dollars to purchase capital equipment and retrain employees . Europe and Japan also have the highest individual savings rates in the industrial world because of their high consumption taxes.[Please note Kentucky is now using our tax dollars to retrain Ford manufacturing employees]
This bill would have required Kentucky taxpayers to guarantee the financial success of the health insurance company whose basic health plan they would be forced to purchase under penalty of fine.
HB 366 also created financial incentives to replace malpractice jury trials with binding arbitration. This far reaching 95 page bill devoted 20 pages to replacing tobacco with an alternative crop and even created regulations and fines for riding a bicycle.
Does Mrs. Northup believe that an ordinary House Bill is a legitimate mechanism for effecting such a paradigm shift?
Mrs. Northup has been a strong supporter of free trade agreements.
How does Mrs. Northup define "Free Trade" and "Global Competition"? Does she define "Global Competition" as changing our identity? Europe, Japan and Canada have "Universal Health Care" and limited access to jury trials. If Mrs. Northup's "Mandated Health Plan" had become law.... Kentucky, like Europe and Japan would have had universal health care and limited access to jury trials. Most Americans do not define giving up their identity and joining the other team as competition!
Does Mrs. Northup believe that Kentucky must have limited access to jury trials and a subsidized health industrial complex in order to compete successfully in a global economy?
Europe and Japan subsidize their health care system, but they also subsidize other key industries using tax dollars to purchase capital equipment and retrain employees . Europe and Japan also have the highest individual savings rates in the industrial world because of their high consumption taxes.[Please note Kentucky is now using our tax dollars to retrain Ford manufacturing employees]
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