Posts with the tag Kentucky

Democratic Leadership Applauds Governor's KCHIP Plan

Terry — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:20:00 EDT

Today Governor Steve Beshear announced an ambitious plan to enroll as many children as possible in the Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) by 2010.

The Beshear plan, to be implemented November 1, will serve to dramatically cut the number of children without health coverage by removing barriers to enrollment, retaining more children once they are enrolled and significantly increasing education and outreach regarding the program. The plan hopes to enroll over 35,000 by FY2010. KCHIP provides health insurance to children whose family income is below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, about $42,400 a year for a family of four.

Democratic leaders across the Commonwealth came together today to applaud the Governor's leadership on this critical issue:

Ed Worley, Senate Minority Floor Leader

"I applaud the Governor for recognizing the need, and support his actions."

Johnny Ray Turner, Senate Minority Caucus Chair

"I support the Governor's plan and praise his efforts to provide health care for more of Kentucky's children."

Joey Pendleton, Senate Minority Whip

"I applaud the Governor for coming out with a plan for our children who are uninsured because healthy children will grow into healthy adults, which will be a cost savings for all of health care."

Jody Richards, Speaker of the House:

"KCHIP is a vitally important program that is helping many Kentucky children. I strongly support the administration's initiative to expand the program to allow more children to participate."

Larry Clark, Speaker Pro Tem:

"The health and well-being of our children is a fundamental building block in the success of our Commonwealth and I applaud Governor Beshear's efforts to strengthen the KCHIP program and his continued investment in Kentucky's children."

Rocky Adkins, Majority Floor Leader:

"I was honored to be with the governor this morning at Ponderosa Elementary in my district for his announcement to reach out to enroll more children in the KCHIP program through simplifying the application process.

I want to commend the governor on taking these steps. Assuring that Kentucky's children are healthy will pay long term dividends to all Kentuckians."

Charlie Hoffman, House Majority Caucus Chair:

"I'm so delighted that Governor Beshear is keeping his commitment to do the right thing for Kentucky's most vulnerable citizens. With the Governor's actions today, 35,000 children are looking toward a healthier, happier future. It's refreshing to see an administration follow through on this important initiative."

Representative Jeff Greer:

"As an insurance agent, I recognize that a significant number of Kentucky children do not have insurance coverage and the burden that puts on our Commonwealth's health care resources. The parents of these children want to have coverage, but simply cannot afford it.

I applaud the Governor's announcement today because it will ensure that more children will have health care while providing piece of mind to their grateful parents."

Representative Greg Stumbo:

"I commend Governor Beshear for this initiative. Obviously providing more health care for kids is a goal everyone should be supportive of."

Please join me, and our party leaders, in thanking Governor Beshear for taking this action to ensure that all of Kentucky's children will have access to quality, affordable heathcare.

Sincerely,

Jennifer A. Moore

Chair, Kentucky Democratic Party

Paid for and authorized by the Kentucky Democratic Party
PO Box 694, Frankfort KY 40602 • (502) 695-4828 • www.kydemocrat.com

Contributions or gifts to the Kentucky Democratic Party are not tax deductible.

Exxon Ed Whitfield's Continued Corruption

RDillon — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:13:21 EDT

In 2006, we went a long way towards defeating corruption in the Congress. The former Republican Congress, led by such men as Tom Delay was shown the door by American voters. Despite this, we still have a long way to go towards defeating Corruption in the Congress. As long as men like Exxon Ed Whitfield are allowed to haunt the hallowed halls of Congress, we have work to do.

Heather Ryan Continues to Impress

RDillon — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 23:16:44 EDT

Here in Kentucky's First Congressional District, our candidate Heather Ryan is really beginning to turn some heads. It all started at the Ruby Laffoon Dinner a couple of months ago, and has been building through to Fancy Farm weekend, where she fired up Democrats at the breakfast, and then took it to Republicans in the heat of Fancy Farm.

Ryan For Kentucky: Lets Fight for American Workers

RDillon — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:43:48 EDT

At Ryan for Kentucky, we believe that the playing field has been tilted against working families for far too long. My whole life, it seems that war has been waged on union workers and workers attempting to form new unions. I have witnessed this personally in a union fight. Although initially, 80% of the workers at our warehouse signed on to become union, the long process allowed the company to come in and "behind the scenes" peel off these votes. How? By turning worker against worker. Promising promotion of certain workers, and higher wages and more benefits if the union failed.

Exxon Ed Whitfield on Healthcare: Profits Before People

RDillon — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:43:29 EDT

Exxon Ed Whitfield has been trying to clean up his voting record for this election year. He knows it is a bad year for Republicans, and that he has been a shameless enabler of every failed policy of the Bush Administration. All the election year scuffling to clean up his record cannot hide the fact that he has been a constant, bitter opponent to reform of our healthcare system, and of providing equal access to those in poverty as those with wealth to healthcare. Lets look at some of Exxon Eddie's votes to limit the access of healthcare to working Americans.

Exxon Ed Whitfield: What About PEOPLE?

RDillon — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:08:25 EDT

I will make an admission. I don't want anyone to think that here at Ryan for Kentucky we are not fair. Our Congressman, Exxon Ed Whitfield, besides supporting Big Oil, Energy, and their record profits has managed to do a little good. Yes, Exxon Eddie has managed to be a defender of horses. Now, at Ryan for Kentucky, we love animals too, and applaud Whitfield for being a defender of horses. But, we must ask, what about the PEOPLE?

Americans for Ryan: Independence from Exxon Eddie!!

RDillon — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:16:27 EDT

Happy Independence Day everyone!! Today our nation celebrates it's Declaration of Independence from the British Empire. After much sacrifice from that generation, our nation would go on to become the first that was built upon the liberal ideals of the Enlightenment. Our nation would become a bastion of freedom, and the "city on the hill" for the world to aspire to.

Democrat Jack Conway, Kentucky Attorney General

Mike Barack Hussein — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:29:17 EDT

has been taken to a hospital.

For more informatiton

LINK

It's a whole new ballgame

Leo — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 22:09:44 EDT

2008 is the best chance for Kentucky to get rid of Sen. Mitch McConnell and here is a message from our nominee...

Posted by: Bruce Lunsford on Lunsford for U.S. Senate Web site

Well, it’s a whole new ballgame following last Tuesday’s Primary Election. What an exciting victory celebration it was for our entire team! Our Democratic Primary win was the culmination of a lot of hard work and support from people across Kentucky who are tired of the status quo and ready to retire Mitch McConnell in 2008.

I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to each of you who lent your time, energy and support in helping us succeed thus far. It was greatly appreciated and I truly hope you will again join us as we work toward victory in November. But our mission is not yet accomplished. It is now time for Democrats to unite as we head into the General Election.

I was humbled on Friday to receive the endorsement of my Primary Election opponent Greg Fischer. He ran a spirited campaign and has a great future in the Democratic Party. I appreciate the efforts Greg has made in reaching out to help bring the party together and I look forward to working with him to defeat Mitch McConnell this November.

After 24 years of Mitch McConnell, it is time for a change.

And we’re off to a good start in the General Election. Just yesterday, the independent polling firm Rasmussen Reports released a poll showing us ahead of McConnell 49 percent to 44 percent! You can view the entire poll here. While polls will seesaw back and forth throughout this competitive campaign, this poll proves that even after spending millions of dollars on television ads across the state over the past few months, McConnell has failed to convince voters he deserves to be re-elected.

It’s really no wonder people are tired of Mitch McConnell – George W. Bush’s lapdog in the Senate. McConnell has established a pattern of obstructionist votes, routinely voting against the best interests of Kentuckians. Need proof? Just last week he voted against the GI bill for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan – another in a long line of votes against our troops and veterans.

This is just one of the many reasons we must end McConnell’s tenure in the Senate. It is time for a change.

Again, thank you to those who helped us achieve victory last Tuesday. Please be sure to go to Bruce2008.com or our flickr page to view photos and videos from our Election Night party in Louisville and continue checking back here throughout the summer and into the fall as we provide you with updates from the campaign trail.

Kentucky---going blue

Mike Barack Hussein — Tue, 27 May 2008 17:49:45 EDT

The Kentucky Democratic Party issued a statement about the excitement we feel for this fall's general election in Kentucky.

The most exciting part is the replacement of Senator Mitch McConnell.

You can read more in the extended post.

PROTEST HATRED AND HATE SPEAK

Terry — Fri, 23 May 2008 21:00:26 EDT

PROTEST HATRED AND HATE SPEAK

Here is a Unity Post for You

This was posted on May 21st, 2008

I guess Kentucky and West Virginia are not “hard working decent folks”.

How about the other 17 Million plus Hillary Supporters?

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton 08

The Inclusive Choice

Actual Post Below (Now wisely deleted)

Words to West Va. and Kentucky!
By Oplis Sloan - May 21st, 2008 at 5:03 am EDT

SCREW YOU! ........TAKE OFF YOUR FUNNY LOOKIN' WHITE ROBES, AND POINTED HATS, IT'S OVER! Working class my ass, your not the working class, the working class,are hard working decent folks, made up of different races, the TRUE AMERICANS! THE GODDAMN CIVIL WAR WAS OVER LONG BEFORE YOU WHITE BASTARDS WERE EVEN BORN! GET ABOARD THE FREEDOM TRAIN! START BEING PART OF THE SOLUTION, AND STOP BEING THE PROBLEM,.......ON SECOND THOUGHT.....SCREW YOU,...WE DON'T NEED YOU!

Polls Open in Less than 27 Hours in Kentucky

Terry — Mon, 19 May 2008 03:44:22 EDT

For those wanting some real news from Kentucky, where the "Unbridled Spirit" lives, I can report "Great News" for the Honorable Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and her relentless supporters.

All is well period. Maybe I should repeat that again.

ALL IS VERY WELL PERIOD

You can call us Hillbillies, Rednecks, Country Bumpkins,
or what every else you think might put us down.

In the great Commonwealth of Kentucky, We are proud of our past and current heritages.

We are just as sophisticated, educated, uneducated, intellectual, etc as the rest of the United States.

Yes, we are the same as you.

Do not discount the will of the peoples' vote of KY as it will narrow the gap in the total popular vote.

We were working the phone banks so hard that it overloaded.
Does this mean Kentuckians support Hillary? You bet.

We know a horse race when we see one and ours is coming down the back stretch.

For all Democrats, please note:

The Bluegrass State will return Blue with Hillary in the General Election.

All the posturing to deflect this fact and to minimize a Hillary Victory in Kentucky is just another shrewd campaign tactic to disrupt momentum in the gains of the popular vote by Hillary. It is all about the timing.

The nominee has not been selected. The race for the popular vote has not ended. All the votes are yet to be
counted and placed. After KY and OR, we have Montana, South Dakota, and Puerto Rico (with over its one million voters).

With the trend pointing to a large win in Puerto Rico, do not be surprised to see the popular vote change to Hillaryâ��s side if Floridianâ��s votes are counted May 31st. (this will not even included Michiganâ��s vote)

What has everyone been saying over the past months that the super delegates must side with the popular vote?

Okay, and then let them get ready to pony up. Make true on your words. We are coming around the final turn and heading into the backstretch. The race is not over and do not let anyone tell you it is over. You will know when this photo finish is developed.

Back to the campaigning for me now and see the results May 20th.

From a Proud Country Bumpkin, Redneck, Kentucky Hillbilly

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton for President 2008

family, faith and values - Hillary for President

Rena Silverman — Sat, 17 May 2008 16:13:41 EDT

Some States Simply Will not Select a Democratic President and that is a fact of life.

Liz — Sat, 17 May 2008 15:58:45 EDT

At least not this year! Among them are Kentucky and Texas. We might get Noreiga elected as a Democratic Senator, but not a chance in H that Texas will be electing a Democrat for President this year and you can most likely say the same for Kentucky as well. It does not matter if our Democratic nominee is Hillary or Barack. McCain will be the outcome for Kentucky voters as well. Texas might come around to sensibility in 2012, but not this year. Kentucky, I don’t know if they would even come around in 2012.

In 2004, Kentucky had almost half a million more voters to come out and vote for Bush than voted for him in 2000. It was 872,492 in 2000 and 1,069,439 in 2004. (That choice after four years of Bush reminds me of the movie title “Dumb and then Dumber”). Bill Clinton who was wildly popular and a good ole white boy from Arkansas won Kentucky in 1996 by less than 1% of the vote. Today McCain is slated to carry Kentucky 25 points over Barack and 12 points over Hillary. I would not expect those odds to improve by November, regardless the Democrat that we nominate.

Lexington Herald-Leader endorsed Obama

Liz — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:58:47 EDT

Today, the Lexington Herald-Leader formally endorsed Barack in advance of Kentucky's Democratic primary:

... Before Kentuckians go to the polls Tuesday in one of the last primaries, let's just pause to savor this moment in history: For the first time in 232 years of nationhood, an African-American or a woman will lead a presidential ticket.

That alone makes this election a hopeful turning point.

The opportunity for national renewal will be even greater if, as appears almost certain, Sen. Barack Obama is the nominee.
... while Clinton is an adept practitioner of politics as we know it, Obama is offering something new. He makes a convincing case that he can lead this country without sowing fear and dividing people, the cynical ploys of a political era that has run out of steam.

Obama has given voice to a widespread yearning not just for a changing of the guard but for a changing of the game. And that ability to express a people's aspirations is a mark of leadership.

Like President John F. Kennedy, another senator who electrified young people, Obama also has the substance to transform idealism into action.
... Obama is uniquely suited to lay out the challenges, reignite this country's can-do spirit and lead us into a better future.

Get Ready for Kentucky

Liz — Thu, 15 May 2008 07:09:26 EDT

More on Kentucky. Kentucky, like Texas, with the exception of perhaps a few possible Congessional wins looks like a lost cause for the Democrats in 2008. In the general election, in 1996, Bill Clinton barely squeeked by. with less than 1%. I think it is interesting that even more showed up to vote for Bush in 2004 than showed up to vote for Bush in 2000 in Kentucky.

In 2004 Kerry only won the 12 following counties: All the counties except for Jefferson are clustered in the northeastern part of the state.

http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/state.php?f=0&fips=21&year=2004

Knott Country: Total vote was 7,394 and Kerry won 63.36% to Bush 35.81%
Floyd County: Total vote was 17,885 Kerry won 62.24 to Bush 36.97
Pike County: Total vote was 26,770 Kerry won 52.30 to Bush 47.11
Breathitt County: Total vote was 5,944 Kerry 55.97 to Bush 42.77
Magoffin County: Total vote was 5,718 Kerry. 49.72 to Bush 49.60
Wolfe County: Total votes 3,155 Kerry 55.28 to Bush 43.90
Menifee County Total votes 2,528 Kerry 50.79 to Bush 48.06
Bath County Total votes 4.919 Kerry 53.02 to Bush 46.13
Rowan County 8,706 Kerry 52.33 to Bush 46.67
Elliot County 2,957 kerry 69.80 to Bush 29.46
Carter County 11,117 Kerry 50.17 to Bush 48.77
Jefferson County Total vote 337, 350 Kerrry 50.44 and Bush 48.78

1996 Clinton,
Bill D 636,614 45.84
Dole, Bob R 623,283 44.88

2000
Bush, George W. R 872,492 56.50
Gore, Al D 638,898 41.37

2004
George Bush 1,069,439 59.55
John Kerry 712.733 39.69

Kentucky Information Doesn't Score Well on Racism

Liz — Wed, 14 May 2008 23:51:57 EDT

Kentucky's population is only 8 percent African-American. No black candidate has ever been elected to statewide office--now that says a lot.

Two Super delegates that I know of have endorsed Obama

Kentucky Rep. Ben Chandler has endorsed Obama. Chandler is the second of Kentucky's two Democratic congressmen to endorse Obama. Freshman Rep. John Yarmuth previously announced his support for the Illinois senator.

Chandler is in his second full term representing the state's 6th District, which includes Lexington and its surrounding counties. Chandler is well-known around the state: he's been elected statewide three times, and his grandfather, A. B. Happy Chandler served as governor and senator, and was the second ever commissioner of baseball.

Kentucky voters dumped scandal-stained Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher, electing Democrat Steve Beshear in Nov 2007.

Four Democratic Governors Endorse Hillary Clinton in Presidential race

Terry — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:21:43 EDT

Four Democratic governors endorse Hillary Clinton in presidential race.

Past Kentucky governors are endorsing Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Democratic presidential primary.

The Clinton campaign announced the endorsements from John Y. Brown, Julian Carroll, Wendell Ford and Paul Patton on Tuesday.

Hillary Clinton says she is honored to have their support leading up to Tuesday's primary election in Kentucky.

Both Obama and Clinton Blew an Opportunity in West Virginia

Liz — Wed, 14 May 2008 10:27:44 EDT

They could have taken on the real issue of mountain top removal.

One of the benefits of having the one small state of West Virginia as the single primary this week is that attention is drawn to this area of our nation, a beautiful area that is being ravaged and ruined by the coal mining industry. Coal companies run people out of their homes, blowup mountains, and destroy ecosystems and pollute water. In a previous post, I had expressed the hope that the Democratic candidates would not pander to the coal industry. Unfortunately I did not get my wish. It was a great opportunity, and in my opinion, they both blew it.

http://www.democrats.org/page/community/post/elizabethberry/ChZx

Mountain top removal featured Number 10 among the top 25 censored stories for 2006. If you are not familiar with “Project Censored”, I recommend that you acquaint yourself with this media source. It concerns the news that didn’t make the news. Tell your friends about it too. Walter Cronkite had this to say about “Project Censored”: “Project censored is one of the organizations that we should listen to, to be assured that our newspapers and our broadcast outlets are practicing thorough and ethical journalism.”

I hope that all this communication among Americans does not end with this primary campaign. I hope that Americans continue to speak out and participate and communicate not only with each other, but with the media and our elected officials as well. We have begun what I believe could grow into a significant revival of American democracy.

http://www.projectcensored.org/top-stories/category/y-2006/

http://www.projectcensored.org/top-stories/articles/10-mountaintop-removal-threatens-ecosystem-and-economy/

A Swing State Not Important?

Terry — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:26:54 EDT

Outspent 2:1 Hillary is victorious in West Virginia.

It matters. He lost. The demographics are troubling for him. Shows his real weakness with the core working class needed to win the GE.

A swing state not important?

You bet it is!

Thank You West Virginia.
Kentucky Updates:

Democratic Primary Date: 5/20/08
Delegates At Stake: 60. Awarded Proportionally

Rasmussen Reports Date: 5/5 Kentucky Added:

5/7/08 Est. MoE = 3.4% [?]
Hillary Clinton 56%
Barack Obama 31%
Unsure 13%
Source Ipsos I-Say Panel Join panel by Ipsos to be surveyed.

Survey USA Date: 5/3-5 Kentucky Added:
5/7/08 Est. MoE = 3.9% [?]
Hillary Clinton 62%
Barack Obama 28%
Unsure 2%
Other 8%

http://www.democrats.org/page/community/post/zzzz/ChZt

Hillary up by 27% in new poll see link above.

http://www.democrats.org/page/community/post/zzzz/Ch3c

Hillary 08

She will win KY in the general election too.

Take it to the Denver floor for FL and MI