BlueGrassRoots

Breaking: McConnell on WVLK this afternoon

Just heard that Mitch McConnell will be interviewed on Lexington's WVLK this afternoon at 2:30.

More details and phone # to come. If anyone out there hears anything, please write in the comments.

UPDATE: Yes, Mitch McConnell will be on Kruser's show at 2:30. The station said that he will be taking calls. The number is 859-253-5959. I imagine some of you have some questions to ask him, eh?

UPDATE #2: Will someone please tape the show for me?

UPDATE #3: He's on NOW.

UPDATE #4: Chickenshit bastard wouldn't even take calls from his constituents, how pathetic. He knows both Republicans (immigration, Fletcher/ Forgy people) and Democrats (um... too many to list) would have absolutely ripped him to shreds. So he takes a softball interview from a third rate right wing hack instead. Chickenshit bastard.

The Draft Horne Movement Keeps Building Steam

This is old news, but better late than never, eh? Bluegrass Report had a big survey in which 500 of its readers responded to a bunch of KY politics questions. This is the BIG NEWS within:

Also noteworthy about this group, only 38% said that U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler (D) should challenge Senator McConnell (R) next year (62% said no). Meanwhile, Andrew Horne (D) bests the group of possible McConnell opponents:

2008 Senate Challenger Preference (Democratic respondents only)
Andrew Horne -- 37%
Greg Stumbo -- 33%
Charlie Owen -- 19%
Bruce Lunsford -- 11%

That's right, the most insider political blog in the state just put Lt. Col. Andrew Horne in 1st place among all potential challengers to McConnell in 2008. This is despite the fact that he hasn't been campaigning or even set up an exploratory committee to run, not to mention the fact that he's never run for a state office.

There is some definite buzz happening with the Draft Horne movement in Kentucky. First of all, Horne has been an incredible ambassador for our state and our troops, as he has loudly and publicly criticized McConnell for his shameless rubberstamping of Bush's failed Iraq policy and his truly disgusting filibuster of the Webb amendment to restore proper rest and rotation between tours for our troops. This is someone who has the courage to stand up for what is right and speak truth to power, no matter what taunting he may endure from the right as a result. And quite frankly, the silence of our other Democrats in KY on this issue has been deafening. That is, when they aren't giving more unchecked warrantless spying powers to Dick Cheney and Alberto Gonzales.

Secondly, Horne matches up ideally against McConnell. McConnell won't be able to smear him for standing up to Bush on Iraq, at least not successfully. If McConnell tries to call a 27 year Marine and Iraq veteran a wimpy cut-and-runner terrorist appeasing Defeatocrat for opposing a very unpopular war, it will be suicide. He would LOSE, make no mistake about that. Not have a close race... LOSE. However, McConnell would bash every other candidate with these labels (though its effectiveness might not be overwhelming or even successful if things continue like they are in Iraq).

Horne also doesn't have many of the flaws that other candidates have, particularly with past scandals or social standing/perception. I won't get into those (you know what they are) because I will strongly support whichever candidate gets the nomination, and I'm not going to get into smearing here. But McConnell will probably end up spending somewhere around $20 million dollars on attack ads alone in this race. The slightest chink in someone's armor could be fatally amplified with this kind of money. But what are Horne's weaknesses in this area? I can't think of many. I've never met the guy, and maybe I'm off base here, but he seams like a guy with outstanding character and dedication to his country, whether you are conservative or liberal (of course I'm not talking about the 25%'ers, I'm sure they'll despise him). McConnell will definitely try to smear him, as he has ruthlessly with all of his opponents, but I think he'd have a hard time making them stick on Horne.

Anyway, if you're one of those Kentuckians that would like to see Lt. Col. Andrew Horne at least enter the 2008 Senate race against Mitch McConnell, I implore you to GO HERE and SIGN THE PETITION TO DRAFT HORNE into the race!

Next Week: Big Iraq Summer Protests in KY

Next week, Louisville, Lexington and Newport will be holding the biggest Iraq Summer events of the month. The "Take a Stand Campaign" will hold large rallies on the 27th and 28th, the climax of the month-long effort to bring our troops home safe and hold Mitch McConnell accountable for his shameful rubber-stamping of Bush's failed Iraq policy.

The Lexington rally will be held downtown in Phoenix Park, from 5 to 8 each night. The Louisville rally will be held at Bellermine University at Frazier Hall, same time. Some great speakers will be at both events, and we should get some bigtime media coverage. There will also be a rally at Newport on the Levee, so check that out in Northern KY.

From their website:

The "Take a Stand Campaign" is a nation-wide organizing drive to demand that members of Congress and the Senate take a stand with the vast majority of Americans who want a safe and responsible redeployment of American Forces from Iraq.

Across America, over 100 "Iraq Summer" organizers are working to involve thousands of ordinary Americans in an effort to pressure targeted members of Congress to vote to bring a safe end to the war.  This "Take A Stand Campaign" will culminate with "Take A Stand" town meetings to be held on August 28th, immediately before congress reconvenes.

There are lots of ways to get involved -- from attending a Take a Stand town hall in your area to helping organize and spreading the word about the event. To sign up for an event near you, CLICK HERE. For more information about getting involved, contact Cammie Croft at cammie@iraqcampaign.org.

(crossposted at DitchMitchKY)

Ditch Mitch is Smoking

Over at Ditch Mitch, Matt Gunterman has been a blogging machine as of late, making some really good posts. Today he got some much deserved love from Kos with a big front page link. The "Mitch is Vulnerable Express" just keeps on rolling.

Horne on MSNBC, Standing up for Troops

Lt. Col. Andrew Horne was on MSNBC last night, speaking about the 26-year high in suicides rates among soldiers. It is an absolute tragedy the way our government has treated our soldiers, those willing to give their lives in order to protect our country. From a government that started the war on political calculation and deception, to the abysmal planning and comprehension of the type of warfare our troops would be faced with, to the stubbornness of our president and Congress to admit their errors and set up an exit strategy, to the continual deployment of soldiers for their FOURTH tour of duty already. They deserved better.

And Mitch McConnell has been there rubber-stamping Bush's folly the entire way. Filibustering timetables, and even worse, filibustering the Webb Amendment to give our troops the proper rest and rotation between tours of duty that they deserve. This is what is causing so much strain on our troops. They are continually torn away from their families in order to be thrown into the middle of a religious civil war in intense and confusing urban warfare. The stress this has caused is just staggering. Last year 99 active duty soldiers in the Army killed themselves and over 900 tried to kill themselves.

But Mitch McConnell would rather filibuster legislation to restore proper troop rotation. Sick.

And once again, it's great to see a prominent KY public figure standing up for our troops. Kudos to Horne. I really wish he would have some more help from our public officials.

UPDATE: mikebaily2000 has a diary up on dailykos about Horne, go recommend it!!!

 

UPDATE #2: here's the YouTube link of his MSNBC appearance

(crossposted at DitchMitchKY)

KFTC meeting in Lexington Tonight

The Central KY chapter of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth meets tonight for their big annual gathering/ meeting /etc.  Its 7:oo at the corner of 4th and MLK at the Mission House.

These folks do great work, and I hope to see some of you there.

Mitch McConnell Reads DitchMitchKY

Well, it looks like we've really gotten under someone's skin.

Mitch McConnell is sending out fundraising letters to supporters in which he whines about the "liberals, radicals, far-left, unions, Hillary, Schumer, etc..." who are hounding him about his pathetic record and his obedience to corporate contributers and George W. Bush rather than his constituents in Kentucky. In fact, we are "the 60's anti-war movement on steroids!". That's probably the greatest unintentional complement I've ever received. I think I'll have that put on my gravestone/obituary: "one of the leaders of the 60's anti-war movement on steroids".

Anyway, Mitchy even gives a big shout out to the good folks at Ditch Mitch!

"Liberals on the internet have already created a website called "Ditch Mitch," and 6,000 radicals from across the nation have already signed up."

Hey, Mitchy, glad to see you're reading the site! We feel humbled by your presence.

And as far as being a "radical", I wish. I don't think you can have an 8-5 Mon-Fri non-political office job and be defined as "radical". But I aspire to prove you right someday, Mitchy. And we're FAR more than 6,000, I can guarantee you that.

On second thought, maybe I'll have "the leader of 6,000 liberal radicals" on my gravestone/obituary, that's even better. (Though that honor technically should go to Matt Gunterman or Aniello, amongst a few others.)

And look what we have here. Why it's Mitchy's full fundraising letter, in all of its paranoid glory. It's funny, you can almost smell the desperation in here. For Christ's sake, have a little more dignity Mitchy.

(crossposted at DitchMitchKY)

Draft Horne for US Senate

There is a new site up devoted to drafting Andrew Horne into the 2008 Senate Race against MItch McConnell. The old petition that I set up to persuade him to run has been incorporated into that site, so if you want to get involved, go to the new site. It's quite spiffy, and should be fully operation very soon.

In addition, Bluegrass Report has a survey up on their site, and one of the questions asks who is your preferred candidate to run against against McConnell. If you're so inclined, go vote for Horne. His name recognition is still low, so this would help give him so mojo.

Billy Reed?

I've spent my entire life detesting the writing of sportswriter Billy Reed, a shameless Rick Pitino jock sniffer. Which makes my discovery of his political blog a little confusing for me. He appears to be one of those crazy liberals, who knew?

Anyway, he righteously slams nutjob Stan Lee in one of his recent posts, though I'm a little baffled by some of his tangents on facial hair. But hey, that goes with the territory sometimes in blogtopia.

Fox's Wiki Memory Hole

Example #1,237 that Fox News is scared shitless by the progressive netroots. This is some great reporting by Democrashield and O'Reilly Radar, documenting that someone from Fox News has been desperately trying to edit wiki entries for Fox News. Their misdeeds are scrubbed and their enemies are smeared.

Fortunately, these folks caught them red-handed.

And as for Mr. Falafel / Loofah, your exploits will never be erased from the internets.

Chandler Doesn't Rule out Run Against McConnell

"Mr. Give More Spying Power to Cheney and Gonzo Without any Judicial Oversight" is apparently not ruling out a run against McConnell next Fall. WKYT's Bill Bryant brings home the goods.

Very interesting. I'd love to see a poll showing a head to head race of Chandler vs. McConnell. He definitely is in the best position to take him on right now. I bet that poll would be damn close.

I'd also love to see Chandler stand up to Bush's shredding of our Constitution and reckless Iraq policy. The vote on the former (FISA) was just shameless, and his leadership on the latter has been lacking. He had one good vote this spring, but has been virtually silent in terms of calling for a timetable on pulling out of Iraq. If he wanted to draw a contrast of himself with McConnell, who continues to rubber stamp the overwhelmingly unpopular Iraq policy, he'd forcefully advocate a timetable for withdrawal this September.

I'm not going to hold my breath, though.

Kentuckians for the Commonwealth

If you're looking to get away from your computer and do some good for your community, I advise you to check out Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. They do outstanding work, and are second to none in the Bluegrass as far as activism goes. This is a very busy week for them, with meetings all over the state, so check out their calendar if you want to get involved.

Their new blog is also an outstanding read. (and quite spiffy)

Groups That Will be Unintentionally Humorous a Year From Now

Here's one.

Jack Conway, Democratic Candidate for Attorney General

Thursday morning, Democratic candidate for Attorney General Jack Conway held an open question and answer session for supporters and the curious at Democratic Party headquarters in Lexington. We were wined and dined with cheap coffee, cheese cubes and some type fruity nut bread.

Conway opened by explaining who he is and why he's running. He vowed that his responsibility is to enforce and uphold the law, not to run his office according to what he thinks the laws should be. He contrasted this with Stan Lee, who has made it perfectly clear that he will push his own lunatic version of Christianity on Kentuckians. The separation between church and state is a myth to Stan Lee, and the laws and constitution of the United States would be mere inconveniences to him. (those are my words, not his, but he was rather harsh in his assessment of Lee). Conway's stated that his priorities are (1)setting up a skilled online task force to combat child predators and (2) to attack the meth epidemic that is plaguing rural Kentucky.

He opened up the floor to questions, and being the person I am, decided not to throw him any softballs. I've been a registered Independent my whole life anyway, and I have a reputation to uphold.

I asked him whether the domestic benefits plans of UK and UL are constitutional under KY law. He stated first of all that his duty was to uphold the law, whether or not he agrees with that law. He  agreed with AG Stumbo's opinion that the plans in question were far too specific to be constitutional, but also agreed with Stumbo's statement that if the requirements were more broad, they would be legal. I asked him a follow up on whether UK's recent adjustment of their plan to make it more broad was constitutional. He kind of hedged, saying that he would have to look at it, so he didn't have an opinion yet.

If he was in fact dodging the question, it was probably smart politically, as Stan Lee will be fanning the flames of homophobia and hatred towards gays, and he doesn't need any more ammunition. That's why I'll never run a campaign, as I shouldn't. Conway did seem to feel that with so many Kentuckians without health care, we should not be actively trying to take health care away from people, so I'll give him credit for that. I also asked him how he would deal with legislation that tried to put the 10 commandments in the public square (courts, public schools, legislature). He said once more that he would follow the law. If they were displayed with other historical documents, or other religious texts, this would be legal. If they were simply presented by themselves, this is unconstitutional, and he would enforce this. As far as the religious texts that might have to be included with the 10 commandments, one I will not print that he mentioned, for obvious reasons. In some respects, people are just stupid, so I'd rather not.

If it was up to me, no religious text would be allowed, but I am well aware that I am in a large minority in KY, and I know that will not change in my lifetime. He also talked about his view of Jesus Christ (12 years in Catholic school), saying that he stood for tolerance of others, not villainizing those who are different, like Stan Lee does towards gays and hispanics. There's no greater political pandering than talking about your relationship with Jesus Christ, but considering who he's running against, I'll let that slide.

The race for Attorney General (and it will be a race, unlike the blowout in the governor's race) is the most important in Kentucky this fall. If Stan Lee is AG, you will see Kentucky become the laughing stock of the country. Lee would do his best to make KY a de facto Christian state, in which our government explicitly endorses it over other religions. Active discrimination will be ignored as acceptable.

This is why Jack Conway needs to be elected (despite where he went to school). We need integrity and decency in the AG's office, and Conway would give us this, especially in comparison to Stan Lee.

As Conway said after his primary win in response to Lee's odd response that Conway could not grow a mustache,

"I am not going to get into a mustache growing contest with Stan Lee because his is quite impressive. But as I've said before, I have grown a sense of decency, respect and tolerance and that is something that Stan Lee has yet to grow."

You betcha. Here is Jack Conway's website, if you would like to contribute, and I suggest that you do. dinosaurs like Stan Lee have no place in our government.

Ben Chandler Cowardice Thread

Remember my praise of Chandler for co-sponsoring the bill to start the impeachment process against AG Gonzales? Telling you to contact him and send him some love?

Well, fuck that.

Ben Chandler, along with 41 other blue dogs in the House, chose to cave in to Bush's fearmongering and give him the green light to continue shreading our Constitution. His appeasement of Bush/Gonzales on the FISA bill is just mind-boggling. Let's just give MORE unchecked power to Gonzo, that makes perfect sense.

Politically savy? No, just spineless if you ask me. Great job perpetuating both negative stereotypes of Democrats and false talking points ("FISA doesn't let us spy, etc...")

Let's let him know, eh?

email: http://www.house.gov/writerep

D.C. Office for federal legislation issues or Washington, D.C. tours:

1504 Longworth HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202)-225-4706
Fax:  (202)-225-2122

District Office for casework:

1021 Majestic Drive, Suite 180            
Lexington, KY 40513            
Phone: (859) 219-1366
Fax: (859) 219-3437

Press Contact:

Stephanie Pepper
Phone: (202)-225-4706
Fax:  (202)-225-2122

Back From Chicago / YearlyKos

I'm back from the amazing YearlyKos Convention in Chicago, otherwise known to me as "the most wonderful place on earth". I was in Vegas for last year's inaugural gathering, and this year was even better. In Vegas, I was in full "star watching mode", as I basically went to panels to see all of my favorite bloggers in person. This year, my main objective was to learn. Particularly, learn how to build Kentucky's local/state blogosphere into a force to be reckoned with, just like so many others have over the past year.

In many ways, this was a sign of how the blogosphere has matured over the last year. While last year focused on big national blogs/bloggers, 2006 showed everyone the power of state/local blogs and muckrakers. We took back both branches of Congress in large part due to the tenacity, research and general mischief that these new journalists provided. This year's panels were full of their stories, providing a basic "how to" guide for everyone wanting to follow in their footsteps.

Additionally, this year showed how the perception of the liberal blogosphere has changed. While we used to be shunned as the wacky pajama-wearing losers in their parent's basement, we now are respected and feared by Democrats, Republicans and the media alike. 8 presidential candidates knew that we could not be ignored, and showed up for a quite lively "debate" of sorts. Additionally, the right-wing noise machine is scared to death of us, as you could see by Bill-O's colossal meltdown over the past week.

Expect big changes with BlueGrassRoots over the next week. We will be revamping our site dramatically by utilizing the tools that so many other state blogs have used with great success over the past year.

Live from Chicago!

Note to self: before next year's YearlyKos, buy a laptop with wi-fi.

Yes, let me briefly (as I'm charged $2/minute) say hi from Chicago's big blogger convention, which is friggin' Disneyland to political geeks like me.

You know, it's the damndest thing.... people don't like Mitch McConnell here.

talk soon,

Draft Lt. Col. Andrew Horne for US Senate!

Sign the Petition Here

Check out the links on the right of that page to find out more about Horne.

Mitch is too scared to face Iraq Summer protest

As Jim shows in his great video below, protesters made a little visit to the Louisville home of Mitch McConnell yesterday. In fact, Mitch himself was home and able to witness this himself.

Additionally, Mitch would not leave his apartment because he was too much of a coward to even be seen by these protesters. The protesters stayed in front of his apartment from 11am to 11pm, and Mitch chose to hide there all day and night. Here are some of the details from an Iraq Summer press release yesterday below.

UPDATE: Iraq Summer is still there today but there are now counter-protesters. Yes, Mitch has called in the last few people that aren't ashamed of him, because he's so afraid of Iraq Summer. So if you're in Louisville right now and want to be heard, go to the 2300 block of Dundee and join the fun.

UPDATE #2: The "counterprotesters" showed up 5 minutes before the news crews got there, and left immediately after the news crews left. But Iraq Summer has been there non-stop for McConnell's entire weekend stay in Louisville. A righty site is reporting that Mitch supporters "drowned out" his supporters this weekend, which is laughable and typically dishonest. Jim will have a video up later showing the overwhelming support that the protesters had from those passing by. And unlike the fake counterprotesters, Iraq Summer will not let up on Mitch in August.

Kentuckians Picket at Mitch McConnell's Doorstep Calling for an End to the War in Iraq

Anger has Reached a Boiling Point in Kentucky as Sen. McConnell Continues to Support the President's Reckless War Policy; Sen. McConnell's Solution – Stay Inside

Louisville, KY – In a preview of the anti-Iraq war fervor Senate Republicans will face over August recess, Kentuckians went door-to-door in Sen. Mitch McConnell's Louisville neighborhood today, distributing yard signs urging Sen. McConnell to stand up to President Bush and bring an end to the reckless war in Iraq.  As part of the Iraq Summer campaign, constituents also stood outside Sen. McConnell's home, holding up signs and greeting passersby.  The Kentuckians first arrived at McConnell's house at 11 am Saturday morning and found Capitol Police standing guard outside the home. Nine hours later, Sen. McConnell has yet to come out from his home, apparently preferring to duck his constituents than address their concerns about his continued support for the President's unending Iraq war policy.

Many of Sen. McConnell's own neighbors came out to express their support for the Iraq Summer campaign and collect yard signs calling on the Senator to end the war in Iraq.  Cars driving by have been honking all afternoon to urge Sen. McConnell to bring our troops home.

"As Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell has led Republicans in blocking an end to President Bush's failed Iraq war, so we came to him to show just how much anger there is in Kentucky over his continued support for an unending war in Iraq," said Aniello Alioto, Kentucky Field Director for the Iraq Summer campaign, who was at Sen. McConnell's house.  "The Iraq war has cost too much – in money, in resources, in lives.   After more than four years, over $400 billion spent, and the deaths of more than 3,600 American troops, it's time for Sen. McConnell to bring our troops home.  Kentuckians are fed up with the President's failed Iraq policy, and they're fed up with Sen. McConnell failed leadership."

Sen. McConnell's continued support for the President's Iraq policy and his obstruction of an end to the war have hurt his standing with voters back home.  A Survey USA poll released this week shows that Sen. McConnell's approval has dropped below 50 percent for the third time this year.  Only 48 percent of Kentuckians approve of the way the senator is handling his job, while 44 percent disapprove, according the poll.  The Senator's approval rating is now at its lowest point in two years of Survey USA polls.

"Sen. McConnell may think that if he just hides inside long enough, his constituents will just go away, but that's not going to happen," added Alioto.  "Opposition to Sen. McConnell's support for this war is too high – anger has reached a boiling point in Kentucky, and across this state, people are demanding Sen. McConnell take a stand and end the President's reckless war.  We'll be rallying, holding events, writing letters and dogging Sen. McConnell all summer long, urging him to bring the troops home.  Sen. McConnell isn't going to be able to duck his constituents forever.  If this is how he planned to deal with opposition to the war, he's in for a long summer."

"Senate Republicans should be quaking in their boots. The anti-Iraq war fervor is not unique to Kentucky. All across the country Senators who blocked an end to the war will be forced to face the consequences of their spineless votes during August recess. The only homecoming parade greeting these Republican Senators will be the parade of constituents demanding an end to the war in Iraq," said Moira Mack, national spokeswoman for Americans Against Escalation in Iraq.

-----

"Iraq Summer" is a nationwide, 10-week long campaign with nearly 100 organizers in 15 states and 40 congressional districts to turn up the heat on Republican members of Congress who have opposed setting a timeline to bring a safe and responsible end to the war in Iraq. The effort will culminate with a national "Take a Stand" day on August 28th, when members will have the opportunity to explain their stance on the war to their constituents in a town hall setting.

(crossposted at DitchMitchKY)

SUSA Poll: Very Bad News for Mitch

The new Survey USA poll is out, and it's very bad news for Mitch McConnell.

Mitch has a record low approval rating of 48% and a record high disapproval rating of 44%.

Mitch thought that he would actually get bonus points for his oh-so-clever filibustering of any change to Bush's failed Iraq policy. The Webb amendment to give our troops the proper rest and rotation between tours passed easily, but Mitch voted against it and organized the filibuster. The Levin amendment passed, but Mitch again stood in the way, enabling Bush and obstructing any real progress in our Iraq policy.

Mitch lost the most ground among independents, free falling from 67/30 approval/disapproval, to 39/53. Considering that KY's independents are overwhelmingly against the war, this shows that Mitch has firmly put the Iraq anchor around his own neck by standing in the way of any progress. The right isn't happy either, as he  dropped 6 points amongst Republicans and 12 points amongst Conservatives. Women also don't like the war, and they don't like Mitch either (it's mutual, I'm sure): he dropped 11% amongst women.

This poll shows that Mitch's attempts to portray the Democrat's attempt to push reform on Iraq as a "publicity stunt" is an absolute failure. KY voters are able to see through Mitch's spin, and they will continue to in bigger numbers the more that Mitch enables Bush and obstructs real progress that Democrats are pushing for and KY wants.

Mitch continues to have Iraq veterans and protesters hounding him wherever he goes in Kentucky. That will only heat up. He also has his first possible opponent, Greg Stumbo, forming an exploratory committee for a run against him in 2008. There is also a growing movement to draft Marine vet Lt. Col. Andrew Horne into the race. Having to run against an honored Vet who is active with VoteVets and consistently for changing course in Iraq would be a nightmare scenario for Mitch, imo.

But what about Mitch's bottomless war chest? Remember that Tom Daschle spent $19 million on his race and lost. People don't like Mitch, and there's no amount of money that's going to change that.

So don't let anyone tell you that this race is out of play, because we have a legitimate shot of ditching Mitch.

Stumbo sticks his foot in the water

Greg Stumbo officially launches his exploratory committee tonight for a possible 2008 run for Senate against Mitch McConnell.

"I am keeping my options open; I am excited about gathering the facts and doing the ground work on this important election," Stumbo said in an email sent to reporters. "It is time we remind Mitch McConnell that he represents Kentucky not George Bush."

Stumbo, a Democrat, said he decided to explore entering the race last week after watching McConnell, R-Ky., lead Republicans in an effort to block an up or down vote related to the Iraq War.

"The American People deserve better, the families of Kentucky deserve better, most of all, our troops deserve better," Stumbo said in a statement.

Well, here's the first option that we're presented with. I'll throw this to the comments for your thoughts on Stumbo and his chances to Ditch Mitch.

(crossposted at DitchMitchKY)

Mitch McConnell = Full of Shit

Here's a quote from Bullshit Mitch: (h/t Carpetbagger, Atrios)

“I think we do agree this is the last chance for the Iraqis to get it right. But we ought to give one of our finest, if not our very finest, general a chance to see if he can succeed in the next few months.”

Oh, btw, he made this quote exactly six months ago today.

And Kentuckians continue to be fed this nonsense from Itchy Eye Mitch, as he blocks any adjustment to Bush's failed Iraq policy and also Webb's effort to give our troops the proper rest and rotation between tours that they need. I’m sure Mitch thinks he’s being clever with this little run-out-the-clock/ move back the goalposts/ filibuster game, but I assure you, this will come back to bite him.

(crossposted at DitchMitchKY)

My E-Mail to the KY GOP

In response to the top three news items on the KY GOP's website, I was forced to send them a friendly letter.

Item #1- They site the 2 week old poll showing Beshear and Fletcher in a close race, which "shows" that Fletcher's "leadership" in calling for the special session gave him a huge bump in the polls.

Item #2- They post an absolutely hilarious letter from Ned Flanders Stan Lee to his opponent Jack Conway, asking him to oppose Beshear gaming expansion, or as Ned Stan puts it, "his desire to see casinos in every county across the commonwealth". Basically, he cites studies showing that casinos lead to rape, robbery, drugs, aggravated assault, embezzlement, prostitution, divorce, motor vehicle theft, murder, suicide and abortions. Wow! But he buries the lead:  " In 2002, the Indiana Gaming Commission fined the Belterra Casino $2.2 million for providing prostitutes to its customers. As part of the investigation into the prostitution scandal, it was reported that casino owners would send female 'player development managers' into surrounding communities to lure gentlemen back to the casino boats. One such female casino employee even stated that she was told to go to the popular bars and nightclubs in Lexington and pick up gentlemen to bring back to the casino." Oh my.

Item #3: They post a column from right-wing nutjob Hugh Hewitt, in which he lavishes praise on McConnell for the filibuster to enable Bush's Iraq policy.

My response:

"Some comments on your three top stories on your website right now:

#1: I see that you posted the poll that showed the Governor's race as being tight 2 weeks ago, just wondering why you haven't posted the new SUSA poll showing Beshear stomping Fletcher? Perhaps the internet tubes are clogged and you haven't received those yet. If so, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

#2: Is it wrong to ask about the causal linkage of casinos with rape and divorce? I'd be really interested to hear this explanation, especially from Ned Stan himself. And as far as the attractive women that go to bars in Lexington to pick up men: I need the names of the bars, Ned Stan. The NAMES, damnit!. Don't Bogart this info just because you're not interested, share the wealth.

#3: Additionally, I am glad that you finally found one conservative pundit that actually isn't ashamed of Mitch McConnell. I know that this has been really difficult to find. I do like the fact that he's praising Mitch for wrapping the Iraq anchor around the GOP's neck too, it's a nice touch.

All the best,
Joe

(crosposted at DitchMitchKY)

The KY Media’s Endorsement of the Anti-Science, Anti-Gay Agenda

(I have absolutely no idea if Nougat is going to publish this column. The ownership's new "no reference to religion or icky gay people" policy is certainly being put to the test by me. I assumed that they would refuse to run it, and it looked like they weren't, but now I'm hearing it will run, though I had to butcher it down to 950 words. Anyway, more of you will read it here than in the soccer mom advertising flyer, so there)

(additionally, if this is published I'd love the fact that I managed to sneak in graphic depictions of injuries from ass rape which will infiltrate the living rooms of these delicate flowers. Be careful what you wish for, editors/publishers of America... a pissed off, stubborn writer can be a dangerous thing)

“This conduct [homosexuality] is anti-social, and it is a pathology. It is a sickness, and it needs to be treated.”

-Pat Robertson

On May 24th, George W. Bush nominated Kentucky’s own Dr. James Holsinger to be America’s next Surgeon General. After serving as the chief medical officer of the Veterans Administration, Holsinger was chancellor of UK’s Chandler Medical Center and most recently the secretary of Health and Family Services under Gov. Ernie Fletcher.

As a prominent Kentucky public figure, Holsinger was overwhelmingly endorsed by both the Lexington Herald-Leader and the Courier Journal. Both Kentucky newspapers wrote glowing and uncritical editorials for him, wishing him an easily confirmation and deriding those as “crazy” that would consider not doing so.

These uncritical endorsements were awarded despite the fact that Holsinger has a past of using junk-science and cherry picking data in order to fit his own fundamentalist religious views towards homosexuality. In 1991, he wrote a “scientific” study of the dangers of homosexuality for his church. The study was highly inaccurate and used misleading data, its conclusions being far outside of the mainstream of peer-reviewed medical research. Additionally, Holsinger has actively sought to discriminate from homosexuals in his private church activities, even founding a church that seeks to “cure” gay people.

Considering the fact President Bush has a disgraceful history of pressuring those in his executive branch to distort, manipulate and ignore well accepted scientific research in order to promote his own political and ideological agenda, one would think that Holsinger’s nomination would throw up some obvious red flags. Additionally, Bush’s tendency to surround himself with cronies and yes men might raise questions of Holsinger’s independence, as he has long been a major donor to the Republican Party and George W. Bush.

But the Herald-Leader and Courier Journal dismissed such rational concerns. Not only that, but both papers followed their endorsement with a series of guest editorials that were blatantly dishonest and full of hated towards homosexuals. Whether this was due to deference for a powerful local official or fear of a backlash from prominent anti-gay bigots in the state is up debate. In either scenario, it was a sad display of cowardice and political expediency in the face of anti-scientific intolerance.

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Soon after Holsinger’s nomination, reports of his anti-gays writing began to surface in the media. The major research cited was Holsinger’s “Pathophysiology of Male Homosexuality”, written in 1991 for the United Methodist Church’s Committee to Study Homosexuality. The paper gave the appearance of a well documented piece of medical research, citing prominent academic sources. However, a close examination of the study reveals intentional manipulation of evidence to fit his preconceived bias against homosexuality, concluding that male homosexual intercourse is unhealthy and unnatural.

Mitch McConnell Continues to Lose Military Support Back Home

This morning the Lexington Herald-Leader ran a story about the immense strain that the Iraq War has had on the Ft. Campbell community. Once an area of uniform support for Bush and McConnell, military families are now beginning to question the nonsensical policies of Bush/McConnell. The 101st Airborne is now preparing for its 3rd deployment to Iraq, a rather remarkable fact, considering the war has only lasted a little over 4 years. And now these military families, that have sacrificed so much, have their Senator, Mitch McConnell, veto against and organize the filibuster of the Webb amendment, which would finally give our soldiers the proper rest and rotation they deserve before they are sent to Iraq. Scores of wounded soldiers all around the country, including Ft. Campbell, are getting injured in Iraq, coming home, and then finding out that they're going right back to Iraq. It's shameful what Mitch McConnell is doing, and the Ft. Campbell community is beginning to speak up against it. From the article:

A few days after the Sept. 11 attacks, Bo Ward put these words on the sign at his 12-chair barbershop near the main gate at Fort Campbell: "President Bush, show no mercy. Kick their ass!"

But almost six years later, and after more than four years of war in Iraq, Ward's no longer so sure.

"Soldiers are tired; wives are tired; families are getting worn down," Ward said. "I know these boys can't just pick up and come home from Iraq, but we need some kind of exit plan."

U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell's recent visit to Fort Campbell highlighted the emotional strain and frustration this southwestern Kentucky military town is feeling as the 101st Airborne Division prepares for its third deployment since the Iraq war began.

...

Pressure back home

McConnell, who is up for re-election next year, also faces increasing pressure in Kentucky from Democrats. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, a national group, launched commercials this week that are highly critical of the senator's leadership on the war and are aimed at eroding support in his home state.

Kentucky has given heavily to the war effort. Fort Campbell's latest round of deployments will push to 23,000 the number of soldiers from the post serving in the Middle East conflict.

At Fort Campbell, the place Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq, once called home, feelings about ongoing efforts in the Middle East and Republican leadership during the war are mixed.

On any given weekday, Ward's barbershop, the fort's largest, is a place where privates and senior officers sit side by side waiting for a trim. Ward chats with these soldiers as he snips away. And he says he thinks many of them now would be happy to see Washington set a date for leaving Iraq.

"Right now, you've got first sergeants and sergeant majors and E-7s and E-8s that are getting out of the army right and left," Ward said. "They're saying 'I've been deployed three times, I'm pressing my luck, I'm not going to give up my life and my family for something where there's no end to it.'"

Karla Tucker works at a furniture store just down the street where many military families shop. She also says that many soldiers, exhausted by repeated deployments, are deciding not to "re-up" as their enlistments end.

"These young men and women are coming back with all kinds of problems; some of them are on anti-depressants; their marriages are in trouble," Tucker said. "There are families right and left that are deciding not to hang around; they're leaving here and going home. I personally have not heard anyone say they're going to re-enlist. It's sad."

...

"Mitch McConnell is on the floor of the U.S. Senate every day standing in the way of changing policy in Iraq," said DSCC spokesman Matthew Miller. "He is the face of the party. When the party marches lock-step with the president's policies, then in 2008 the voters will hold them accountable."

Mitch, who displayed how remarkably out of touch he is with his constituents on CNN last week, is going to hear this discontent more and more this summer, especially from Iraq Summer and VoteVets, as Kentucky veterans follow his every move.

Meanwhile, Marine vet Jim Webb shows how you deal with a repetitive talking point regurgitator and Bush enabler on Meet the Press.

Can you imagine Mitch McConnell having to debate a tough Marine veteran like this in his Senate race next year? Someone that actually has a DISTINGUISHED military record and can speak for the veterans and their families that have paid such a heavy price for their sacrifice to their country in Iraq?

Perhaps we can make that happen, eh?

(crossposted at DitchMitchKY)

Jim Webb Andrew Horne Slams McConnell on Military Readiness Vote

Today, Kentucky Marine Andrew Horne showed how you fight back against chickenhawks like Mitch McConnell. Here's today's press release by VoteVets.org:

July 11 2007

MARINE LT. COL. (RET.) ANDREW HORNE, IRAQ VETERANS NATIONWIDE SLAM

KENTUCKY'S SEN. McCONNELL FOR VOTE AGAINST MILITARY READINESS

NEW YORK - The largest political group of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans, VoteVets.org, today slammed Kentucky's U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell for voting against a bipartisan measure offered by U.S. senators Jim Webb (D-Va.) and Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) that would have helped guarantee American troop readiness. The amendment to the annual defense authorization bill in the Senate, would have guaranteed that our troops received as much time at home as the length of their deployment, and that National Guard and Reserves received three years at home following one-year deployments.

The GOP Senate minority, led by McConnell, held the bipartisan amendment hostage via filibuster, and McConnell voted against breaking the filibuster, thereby disallowing consideration of the amendment on the floor.

"Senator McConnell is a disgrace to those of us in uniform," said Iraq war veteran Andrew Horne, a Kentuckian and senior adviser to VoteVets.org. "The amendment he shot down was pro-troop, pro-military and pro-national security. It would've helped ensure that we ease the burden on our men and women in uniform, at a time when our military is breaking. It would've helped rebuild our forces, which have far too many units that are not combat ready. And it would've allowed us to retain more National Guard units here at home, to deal with the next Katrina or tornadoes in Kentucky, or a terror attack.

"Those troops with extended deployments who are turning right around to go back overseas know that today, Senator McConnell laughed in their faces," Horne added.

VoteVets.org is a pro-military organization committed to the destruction of terror networks around the world, with force when necessary. It represents the Voice of America's 21 Century Patriots - those who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. It primarily focuses on nonpartisan education and advocacy on behalf of troops, veterans and their families.

Does Andrew Horne sound like a current kick-ass Senator from the demographically similar Southern State of Virginia?

Have we found our challenger to Mitch McConnell next year?

(crossposted at DitchMitchKY)

McConnell vows to Filibuster any Iraq Legislation

Remember all of that talk from McConnell about "changing strategies" in Iraq this Fall? About the magical month of September marking this "change of course"? Well, surprise, surprise, the Senate Minority leader is already letting it be known that such legislation forcing Bush's hand will made as difficult as possible to pass.

Yes, Mitch McConnell has now vowed to filibuster any amendment dealing with Iraq this Fall. The party of the "nuclear option" is now the party of filibustering any legislation that challenges Bush's failed Iraq policy.

And why, might you ask, does this play into the hands of McConnell, Smith, Coleman and Collins? Well, with the 60 votes required to pass, such Senators in close '08 elections can vote for this legislation, knowing that it might get, say 58 votes. Or, if the vote passes, they can vote to override knowing that the 67 votes are impossible. So it basically will provide an avenue for these cowards to vote for the legislation, knowing full well that it won't pass and Bush will continue to get his way. Meanwhile, they can tell voters in their state that they stood up to Mr. 26% and distance themselves from the Iraq clusterfuck.

The only way to stop this strategy from working is to get enough Republicans with a conscience to vote for changing course in Iraq and getting our troops home. If not enough to override Bush's veto, at least enough to get past McConnell's obstructionist filibuster policy.

Oh, and as John Aravosis notes, requiring 60 votes is called a "filibuster". Mainstream media: start using the damn word, not whatever semantic contortion the Republicans are feeding you.

(crossposted at DitchMitchKY)

DSCC Punches McConnell in the Gut

With Mitch McConnell reeling against the ropes, battered by lackluster approval ratings, a Republican base angry over his immigration performance, protests everywhere he goes, national media attention on his vulnerability in '08, and the rising progressive KY blogosphere, he gets clobbered with another big haymaker.

The DSCC is running 2 ads against McConnell in KY, showing how he has continually enabled Bush's failed Iraq War policies. I'm not sure how widespread these are going to be, but it's a definite sign to everyone in the country that Mitch is vulnerable and this seat is going to be in play. It also shows that the DSCC might be getting some really nice poll numbers on McConnell's approval rating.

Oh, and Mitch? Just like you in your political past, we have absolutely NO MERCY. You better cover up your face.

Mitch is Feeling the Heat- Big USA Today Profile on His Vulnerability in '08

USA Today followed Mitch McConnell down to Hopkinsville for his little speech before 130 supporters. But what USA Today found is that not everyone is so keen on the Iraq War these days. And Mitch will have to contort himself into a pretzel, as he did on the immigration bill, to avoid the ramifications of being Bush's biggest enabler in the Senate. Here's some of the grumbling they found:

Ken Ashby, a local farmer and McConnell supporter, expressed both points of view as he took a break from judging 4-H club members' smoked ham entries at the Western Kentucky State Fair a few miles from where the senator spoke.

Ashby said he doesn't like the idea of withdrawing, but "if it's impossible to be successful, there's no point in putting people in harm's way."

......

Residents are beginning to debate the war strategy openly. "I think they should go on and finish up what they have to do," said James Loden, retired from the Army after a career that included two tours in Vietnam.

Sitting on a folding chair in front of him as they waited for a Farm Bureau meeting to begin, Wayne Young shook his head. "We're going to get more people killed," he said. "The sooner they come home, the better."

Right on Wayne. Just another one of the rural Kentuckians who are not going to put up with their senior Senator enabling Bush and his failed Iraq policy.

What we have is a real race next year, and McConnell knows it. And hey there, national media! Feel free to come down to the Bluegrass state and see Mitch squirm in person anytime. I'm sure that next time there will be lots of Kentuckians there to greet him, and I'm sure they'll give you a good quote.

(crossposted at DitchMitchKY)

Greatest. Video. Ever.

Jim Pence at Hillybilly Report has a rather brilliant Ned Flanders/Stan Lee video up. I think I woke up my neighbors laughing.

Gunterman adds some additional comments that are right on the mark.

"Iraq Summer" Demonstration in Lexington

This afternoon, a group of Lexington patriots came out to Triangle Park to voice their disapproval of Bush's escalation of the Iraq War, and those who enable them (that's you Mitch). There were even a few Iraq veterans there to show their support for the protest.