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.

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.

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.

Groups That Will be Unintentionally Humorous a Year From Now

Here's one.

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)

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)

Obstructionist Mitch: "never mind what the public wants"

I was listening Kimberly Strassel of the Wall Street Journal this morning on CSPAN as she spewed out a bucketful of phony right-wing talking points. One of them was that the new Democratic Congress was a "do nothing" Congress, because they couldn't get anything passed. The blame, of course, was on the Democrats, because they were just being too darned partisan and not compromising (i.e., giving in to whatever Republicans want).

Mimikatz at The Next Hurray swats this dishonest talking point into the third row, citing a detailed report by the Senate Democrats and calling out our boy Mitch in the process.

"Many people do not know that it is due to him that the Senate has accomplished virtually nothing, while the House has passed over 400 pieces of legislation.   Even bills that have been passed by a majority of both houses cannot become law because Bad Boy McConnell will not allow a vote on sending them to a conference committee.  We all know that McConnell would not allow a vote on the Webb-Hagel Amendment, leading Majority Leader Harry Reid to file a cloture motion that needed 60 votes.  Since the Dems had only 56 votes, debate could not be closed off and there was no vote on the substance of  Webb-Hagel.  McConnell promises the same on Levin-Reed and Feingold-Reid."

And let's take a look at all of the important legislation that the House Democrats have passed, only to be obstructed by "nuclear option filibuster Mitch":

Senate Republicans blocked funding for the intelligence community  (National Journal Congress Daily, 4/18/07), …denying our country the tools to fight the war on terror. (DPC Report)

Senate Republicans blocked a vote on reforming the Medicare Prescription Drug plan“ (Boston Globe, 4/19/07) and denied seniors lower prescription drug prices. (DPC Report)

Senate Republicans blocked raising the minimum wage (New York Times, 1/25/07) delaying a much needed raise for hard-working Americans. (DPC Report)

Senate Republicans are blocking the appointment of conferees on the 9/11 Commission Recommendations (DPC Report)  leaving the United States vulnerable to terrorist threats.  (Washington Times, 3/14/07)

Senate Republicans are blocking the appointment of conferees on ethics reform  (DPC Report)  halting progress on the “most significant ethics reform since Watergate.” (Washington Post, 1/19/07)

Senate Republicans are blocking a bill to bring transparency to campaign fundraising  (The Washington Post, 05/09/07) denying the American people the right to know who funds Senate campaigns.  (Washington Post, 5/9/07)

Senate Republicans blocked a vote on holding Attorney General Gonzales accountable (Reuters, 06/11/07)  refusing to hold the Attorney General accountable. 

Senate Republicans blocked legislation to make forming unions easier  (Associated Press, 06/15/07)  siding with corporations against average American workers.  (DPC Report)

It's quite clear that McConnell and his Grand Obstructionist Party (like Dewitt) are simply going to try to knock down any legislation that the Democrats and the American public want. Then, after grinding all legislation to a halt, they'll simply sit back and criticize the Democrats for not getting anything done.

Will the MSM pick up this talking point? I think we all know the answer to that. The Democrats need to stay on the offensive and call out McConnell and his fellow obstructionists for blocking the legislation that America overwhelmingly wants and needs: change in our Iraq policy, lowering prescription drug prices, enacting the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, campaign fundraising reform and ethics reform. If the public can realize the nuance of this legislative process and how it is being manipulated by Mitch & Co. (and I'm sure they're banking on Americans not being smart enough to figure this out), they'll know that if they want this kind of reform to pass, they'll just need to give the Democrats a bigger majority.

(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)

"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.

The group that organized the protest was the Kentucky wing of Iraq Summer. Iraq Summer is an organization stemming from Americans Against Escalation in Iraq, and its mission is to put pressure on those in Congress who continue to enable George W. Bush and his failed Iraq policy. With September being the big month that Petraeus's report comes out and Congress will debate Iraq funding, Iraq Summer knows that this summer is immensely important in terms of grabbing a hold of these Congressmen and showing them the light: that our Iraq policy has to change. The American public is already there, but we need to grab more Senators and Representatives if we're going to force Bush's hand. Some local Kentucky veterans of the Iraq War are lending their time to the effort.

I grabbed a copy of one of their press releases and even a letter that they hand delivered to Mitch McConnell's office (which is quite zesty). Below is the full text of both.

Novak Slams McConnell on Immigration Failure

Mitch McConnell, fresh off of going AWOL from the Senate debate on the immigration reform bill before switching his vote to nay, gets smacked around by Robert Novak (proud winner of Jon Stewart's Douchebag of Liberty Award).

I asked one of the few conservative Republican senators who stuck with President Bush on immigration to assess how Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell handled the issue. Asking not to be quoted by name, he replied: "If this were a war, Sen. McConnell should be relieved of command for dereliction of duty." Not only did the minority leader end up voting against an immigration bill that he said was better than the 2006 version he supported, he abandoned his post, staying off the floor during final stages of the debate.

Yes, Mitch knows he has a fight in KY in 2008. Too bad hiding under his desk isn't going to work for him then.

McConnell was among six switchers who voted no after the 40 senators needed to kill the bill were recorded. Another late switcher was Sen. Sam Brownback, seeking the Republican presidential nomination as the candidate of the right. He voted for the first cloture motion on Tuesday to keep the immigration bill alive and put out a news release on his presidential Web site explaining his vote. On Thursday he voted again for the bill. But when it became clear the measure had failed, he changed his vote from aye to nay and scrubbed his earlier statement from the Internet.

Unlike McConnell, the second- and third- ranking Senate GOP leaders -- Trent Lott and Jon Kyl -- stuck with the bill despite intense pressure in their respective states of Mississippi and Arizona. So did Lindsey Graham, facing threats of Republican primary opposition in South Carolina next year. So did John McCain, despite damage to his crumbling presidential campaign.

"This isn't a day to celebrate," McConnell said in his postmortem. Indeed, Republicans drove another nail in George W. Bush's political coffin and undermined hopes for winning the growing, and winnable, Hispanic vote. Contending that the time "wasn't now" for immigration, McConnell added: "It wasn't the people's will. And they were heard." He was blaming Republican failure on his fellow citizens, which seldom works in politics.

Ouch.

And as far as Mitch's little last minute "switcheroo" on the vote, I'm sure no one will remember that, right?

Elizabeth Edwards Rocks Lexington (and chats with me for 10 minutes!)

I’m not really sure how many supporters John Edwards had in Lexington on Friday morning, but I know that he has a lot more now. The line on John Edwards that is making the rounds is that his best asset in the campaign to win the presidency is not his humble Southern background, health-care platform or charm, but his wife, Elizabeth Edwards. After watching her performance during Friday’s Small Change for Big Change event in Lexington, I think that statement isn’t too far off base.

Elizabeth Edwards performed a rather spectacular hour+ Q & A session with over 200 contributors, fans, and potential voters. And due to the online outreach efforts of the Edwards campaign (thanks to Tracy and Amy, via DMKY’s Shawn Dixon) and the southern charm of DMKY’s own Jim Pence, Jim and I were able speak with Elizabeth face to face for roughly 10 minutes before her public Q & A session.

Though the Edwards staff thought we had a decent chance of chatting with her for a couple of minutes, shortly after we entered the venue and set up our cameras (Jim and fellow film guru Erica), we were told that there was no time for an interview. After Jim disappeared for a few minutes to chat up the Edwards folks, he came back saying that she might be doing a short “meet and greet” with some people.

“What’s a meet and greet?”

“I’m not sure”

“I’ve never been to a meet and greet”

“Yea, me neither”

Ten minutes later, Jim pulled me backstage and one of the staff stopped us and asked if we were the guys from DitchMitchKY and told us that we could speak with Mrs. Edwards in a few minutes, but not on camera or on tape. So while all of the slick, dolled up TV reporters waited for Elizabeth to come out for the Q & A, the blogger in ratty Chuck Taylors and ripped pants, and the hillbilly with the Acapulco shirt were whisked upstairs to meet her.

Kossacks have their sights set on Mitch

A poll up on DailyKos today asked which of the following Senators you would most like to see booted out next year: Collins, Coleman, Dole, Cornyn, Sununu, Smith or McConnell.

The overwhelming winner? Our boy Mitch, with a whopping 31%.

With the less than stellar approval numbers coming out, the progressive blogosphere smells blood in the water.

Oh, I'm sorry. "Radical national liberal organizations" and "far left interest groups" smell blood in the water.

(crossposted at DitchMitchKY)

McConnell Blowing More Smoke on Iraq

Mitch McConnell was talking a big game yesterday on Face The Nation, saying that September would bring about a "new strategy" in Iraq. "I find growing support in the Senate among Republicans, and for that matter, some Democrats as well, for the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group."  He further said that he expects to see troops withdrawals by this Fall.

Pardon me Mitch, but I have to call bullshit on you.

As General Petreus said on Fox News yesterday (gee, how'd they get that scoop?), the surge will not be completed by September, when he is scheduled to report the progress of the surge in Iraq. In fact, he said that a proper counter-insurgency strategy takes 9-10 years, echoing the White House's absurd South Korea example. This will be Bush's line as well, saying that we need to give the strategy more time and listen to his (hand-picked to agree with him) Generals on the ground. Those who disagree will be the "cut-and-run-surrender-monkeys-terrorist-appeasers".

And what will Mitch do in the face of this pressure from Bush? Just what he always does: "yes sir, Mr. President". While Mitch backtracks over these quotes from yesterday, he'll say, "it just needs a little more time", probably throwing another Friedman Unit out there, where "the next six months will be critical". Shameful.

A big question will be how many Republican Senators break from Bush/McConnell once this happens. Senators like Gordon Smith talk a big game about changing course in Iraq, but when it comes time to vote, they fall right in line. I'd love to see Republicans break ranks, but I won't hold my breath.

The Democrats can't make the mistake of believing this line being pitched by Republicans, that September is some seminal month for their Iraq strategy. If they sit back and assume that Republicans will force Bush to change policies this Fall, I think they will be sadly disappointed. Democrats need to realize that the only way to change course in Iraq is to stand united against Bush and not wait for Republicans to come around. If they keep waiting for Republicans to have a change of heart, they'll be waiting until January of 2009, and it will be too late for many hundreds of our soldiers in Iraq.

Mitch McConnell certainly won't be leading the way.

(crossposted at DitchMitchKY)

Mitch McConnell is Small

Mitch McConnell is a small, small person indeed.  He once dreamed of ruling the Senate with an iron fist, twisting arms and bending people to his will.  Now he is reduced to petty insolence like this:

You probably didn't notice it ..., but late Friday afternoon, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) tried to get Senate Republicans to allow former Vice President Al Gore to stage a global warming concert on Capitol grounds. But Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) objected to Reid's request, and the resolution authorizing the concert, for now, remains stuck in the Rules and Administration Committee. ...

Note that the concert won't cost taxpayers anything, since Live Earth and the Alliance for Climate Protection will reimburse the Capitol Police for the cost of security during the concert.

Mitch is a broken, hollow shell of a man.  He is petty and insignificant, and he should retire into obscurity before the last shred of his once revered reputation is destroyed.