Yarmuth Town Hall

Rep. John Yamuth just robo-called to say that he will host a telephone town hall tomorrow (Tuesday, April 27 at 6:20) to answer questions about the health care legislation recently enacted.

His message did not leave the call-in number; he said he'd call back.

Yarmuth has been one of the most aggressive members of Congress in seeking a single-payer system. Although he is completely wrong on the merits, I commend him for making himself available to answer his constituents' questions about the new law.

James Dobson Endorses Trey Grayson

Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family has endorsed Trey Grayson. This is an important endorsement for "values voters." Here's the release:

Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, announced today that he is endorsing Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate.

“Trey Grayson is the only candidate with the conviction to lead on the issues that matter to Kentucky families. His unwavering commitment to the sanctity of human life and the family resonates with me. I know that he will be a leader on these issues, not just another Senator who checks the box. As a matter of conscience, I encourage Kentuckians to support Trey Grayson on May 18th,” said Dobson.

Grayson commented, “I am humbled to have the endorsement of Dr. Dobson. He is a well-respected leader on the issues of life and family, which are important to the foundation of our country. If I am elected, Kentuckians have my word that I will be a strong, conservative voice for them in the U.S. Senate. ”

Dr. Dobson is endorsing Trey Grayson as a private individual and not on behalf of any non-profit organization.

Kay Bailey Hutchison Give GOP Address

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison gave the weekly Republican address. She focused on the problematic bank "reform" legislation that Democrats are trying to cram through the Senate.

Here's an excerpt:

“Republicans are working to ensure the bill would forbid any future bailouts of Wall Street banks. The idea that a financial institution is ‘Too Big To Fail’ perverts free market capitalism. It suggests that large firms can privatize their profits, yet socialize their risks. Or, put simply, these companies take their profits in good times - but when things go bad – they turn to the government to bail them out. This must end. The American people should not be forced to pay the risky gambling debts of the large financial institutions.

“The Democrats pushed a bill through the Senate Banking Committee that does not stop future bailouts. Republicans have been attacked for speaking out against it and asking for bipartisan negotiations before allowing the bill to be debated on the Senate floor. But to be clear, we will stand firm against a partisan bill that exposes ordinary taxpayers to future bailouts or favors big companies over community banks across America. The tactics the Democratic leadership used to pass the health care bill must not be repeated.

Grayson and Paul Debate

WHAS 11 is live streaming the Northern Kentucky debate between Trey Grayson and Rand Paul. Right now, there is lots of audio of people happily munching on rubber chicken, as the suspense builds: How many times will Rand Paul say "career politician"? Will he wear a turtleneck? Will Tray Grayson bring up Rand Paul's Code Pink pal, Adam Kokesh? Will Rand Paul throw Daddy Paul under the term limit bus?

Live Action Takes On Louisville Abortion Clinic

Live Action, a youth-led pro life group, has released an undercover video in which a Louisville abortion clinic (1) ignores the apparent statutory rape of a 14 year old having sex with at 31 year old; (2) steers her to keep the abortion secret from her parents by getting a judicial by-pass of parental notification even though there is no suggestion that the parents are abusive; (3) tells her where to get funding to pay for the abortion; and (4) even lines up a lawyer to get the judicial by-pass

The video was made with a UCLA student posing as the 14-year old at EMW Women's Surgical Center on Market Street in Louisville in June 2008.

Perhaps the saddest part of the video is that the abortion worker tells the young women, "Oh, honey, we have minors in here all the time" and perform lots of "surgeries" on minors every day.

There is a second video that focuses on the bogus medical advice that EMW gave the young women, telling her that at 14 weeks, "it's not a baby" and there is no brain activity.

Really, I would prefer that the national stories about Louisville stick to the Derby and our crazy senate race. Live Action has done similar stories about abortion clinics all over the country, but it is very disheartening to think of a place on Market Street undermining the role of parents as well as the sanctity of life by doing lots of "surgeries" on minors, "every day."

H/t: Hot Air

Update: EMW told WAVE 3 that it had no duty to report statutory rape because the EMW employee was a receptionist, not a counselor.

Giuliani Endorses Trey

Rudy Giuliani just endorsed Trey Grayson in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Note the part about Rand Paul being part of the "blame America first crowd." Here's the release:

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani announced today that he is endorsing Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate.

“Trey Grayson is the candidate in this race who will make the right decisions necessary to keep America safe and prevent more attacks on our homeland. He is not part of the ‘blame America first’ crowd that wants to bestow the rights of U.S. citizens on terrorists and point fingers at America for somehow causing 9/11,” Giuliani said.

He continued, “Kentucky needs a Senator who understands the threat posed by our enemies abroad. I witnessed firsthand the destruction and loss of life our enemies can cause. Like me, Trey Grayson knows we must stay on offense against terrorism, and he supports using all the essential tools we have in that fight, including monitoring the conversations and activities of suspected foreign terrorists as allowed by the Patriot Act. He is a fresh face that Republicans can trust to best represent their values – both on national security and fiscal responsibility – in Washington. Kentuckians could not elect a better Senator than Trey Grayson.”

Grayson commented, “Mayor Giuliani’s endorsement shows the growing momentum we have in this campaign. More and more Kentuckians are siding with me in the fight to preserve the Patriot Act and our ability to monitor the activities of suspected terrorists overseas and are rejecting the Blame America First mentality of my opponent. I’m proud to have Rudy Giuliani’s support, and I pledge to live up to that support in the U.S. Senate by fighting for strong anti-terrorism policies that will help prevent more attacks on our country.”

Grayson launched a web ad detailing Rand Paul’s statements that blame America for the 9/11 attacks.

Rick Santorum Endorses Trey

Former Sen. Rick Santorum -- a rising conservative star -- endorsed Trey Grayson, based on Grayson's commitment to protecting the unborn.

Here's the release:

Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum announced today that he is endorsing Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Santorum is in Kentucky to speak at the 40^th anniversary dinner for Kentucky Right to Life.

"Trey Grayson is the only 100% pro-life candidate in this race. I’ve looked at the records and past statements of both candidates on the issue of protecting life, and I’m impressed with Grayson’s conviction and sincerity,” said Santorum.

He continued, “And on other issues, too, Trey Grayson has a solidly conservative record. As Secretary of State he has cut his budget by 15%. That’s the kind of fiscal conservatism we need in Washington. Trey has a record, not just rhetoric on fiscal responsibility.”

Grayson commented, “It means a lot to me that Senator Santorum would endorse my campaign. I’m thrilled to have his support. If I’m elected I will be a conservative voice for Kentucky whose views match our state and whose principles don’t change for the sake of political expediency.”

Santorum will appear on the Terry Meiners Show and The Pulse of Lexington with Leland Conway today to discuss Grayson’s candidacy and his endorsement.

Rand Paul has recently claimed to be pro-life, but in contrast to Trey Grayson, he has a long record of advocating pro-choice positions.

Made in the USA?

This is a guest post by Eric Bush:

Toyota? If you want to stimulate the Canadian economy, a Ford Edge or Chrysler 300 would be a nice choice. And Ford’s much anticipated car, the 2011 Fiesta, coming this summer, is to be made in Mexico. Even the Ford Crown Victoria, used by police departments across the U.S., is made in Canada. How about a good old Civic made in Greensburg, Indiana? Or a Toyota Camry, made at the Georgetown, Kentucky plant? If you buy an “American car,” the only Americans stimulated are greedy CEOs. The good news is that if you buy an economical “foreign” car, you’re supporting a middle-class American workers.

Bunning Endorses Rand Paul

Sen. Jim Bunning -- who encouraged Trey Grayson to run -- has endorsed Grayson's rival for the Republican nomination, Rand Paul.

Bunning can endorse whomever he wants. But to encourage Grayson to run and then endorse his opponent is just despicable.

Plainly, Bunning is trying to get back at Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, whom Bunning accused of "drying up" potential campaign donations. Bunning decided to retire after he was unable to raise the money to run for reelection.

Treacherous though it is, Bunning's endorsement is a big boost to the Paul campaign.

New Rand Profile: He Admits He'd "Ultimately" Close Gitmo

Reason magazine profiles Rand Paul and the "careful messaging" and "delicate balance" he uses to avoid scaring mainstream Republicans. Clearly, Paul will say anything to win, and as the article makes clear, every time Paul tries to reassure mainstream Republicans, he worries libertarians.

Note this nugget. According to Reason, Paul

would "ultimately" close Gitmo, but not until it is determined what will be done with the prisoners, who he does not want sent to the United States.

Every time Trey Grayson reminds voters that Rand Paul wants to close Gitmo, Paul calls Grayson a liar. And yet in an interview with a libertarian magazine, Paul admits that "ultimately" he wants Gitmo closed.

The profile also suggests that Paul would refuse to fund the Iraq war, which Paul states he would have voted against:

The Rand Paul campaign also uses a somewhat different tone than Ron Paul’s on military spending: “In Rand’s proposed budget, defense spending would represent a larger percentage of the total budget than it does today, while military spending on unnecessary programs and unconstitutional operations would be eliminated.” Says Rand Paul campaign manager David Adams.

"Unconstitutional operations"? That's Paul-speak for Iraq. Regardless of what one thinks about the decision to invade Iraq, we are there now. Our soldiers are in harm's way and the last thing they need is a U.S. Senator who wants to "eliminate[]" "military spending on unnecessary programs and unconstitutional operations."

Senator McConnell's Statement On Justice Stevens' Retirement

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell had the following to say regarding Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens' announced retirement today:

“John Paul Stevens has said that he never felt the need to break any records, but judging by his legendary vigor it seems highly likely that he could have shattered the record for longest-serving Supreme Court justice if he had wanted to. I commend Justice Stevens for his lifelong commitment to public service, from his early days fighting corruption in Chicago, to his work in naval intelligence during the Second World War, to his more than three decades on the nation’s highest court. Even if Justice Stevens’ liberalism has led to many decisions I oppose, I respect his devotion to the institution and the gentlemanly manner in which he always carried out his work. I wish Justice Stevens and his wife Maryan all the best in their future endeavors.

“As we await the President’s nominee to replace Justice Stevens at the end of his term, Americans can expect Senate Republicans to make a sustained and vigorous case for judicial restraint and the fundamental importance of an even-handed reading of the law.”

Ed Levi's Friend Announces His Retirement

Justice John Paul Stevens' announcement today that he will retire at the end of this Supreme Court term brought to mind a conversation I had with former President Gerald Ford about Stevens in the mid-1980s. I had the honor to sit next to Ford at the right place and the right time: the end of the head table at a banquet of seemingly interminable length. Since Ford was on the very end of the row, I was his only immediate dinner conversationalist, thus making him captive to my questioning for most of the evening. David Frost I was not, but Ford good naturedly indulged me nonetheless.

After passing several minutes discussing the former President's early years, particularly those spent at Yale Law School (Did you know he coached the boxing and football teams as well as the cheerleaders?), there was a lull in the conversation. At that time President Reagan's appointments to the judiciary were in the news -- remember the days of Judge Bork? -- and all the talk was that Attorney General Meese and the Reagan White House were laser focused on finding judges who would not be activists. With this in mind, I asked President Ford what criteria he had used to decide on his only appointment to the Supreme Court -- Justice Stevens. Ford replied simply: "None, other than that Attorney General Levi wanted him."

Apparently Stevens made the jump from Seventh Circuit judge to the nation's highest court because he was in the right place at the right time: both he and Edward Levi (former University of Chicago president) were friends from Chicago. Obviously Stevens had excelled as both a lawyer and jurist and was well qualified, but Ford's response made clear to me just how detached he had been during the Supreme Court Justice selection process. The result was a Supreme Court Justice who is one of the most liberal members of the Court and who, though appointed by a Republican, chose to wait until a Democrat was President before retiring from office. Don't count on President Obama following the same disengaged approach in choosing Justice Stevens' successor.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

KY Senate Seat Leans to GOP

RealClearPolitics has linked a new Rasmusson poll that shows that it is increasingly likely that Sen. Jim Bunning's U.S. Senate seat will remain in Republican hands -- regardless of the nominee.

The most movement appears to have occurred in the Trey Grayson - Dan Mongiardo match-up. Grayson wins 53-33. That's a seven point improvement for Grayson over the March 2 poll. Rand Paul would likewise beat Mongiardo but by a slimmer margin (52-37). Paul improved his position one point since last month.

In the event that Jack Conway is the Democrats' nominee, Grayson wins 52-32 (up three from last month). Paul would beat Conway, but again, the margin is narrower: 50-36. And again, Paul only moved up one point.

The irony is that though Grayson has not sewn up his own primary, he is unquestionably the stronger candidate. He beats either Democratic nominee by twenty (20!) points.

Rand Paul has peaked. Notwithstanding the massive amount of advertising and earned media, he only increased his margin of victory by one point, compared to Grayson, who increased seven points against Mongiardo and three against Conway.

Dick Cheney Robo-calls for Trey

Former Vice President Dick Cheney just robo-called to support Trey Grayson. The text echoed Cheney's previous endorsement of Grayson, that he is the "real conservative in this race." Grayson will do a better job keeping Americans safe by supporting our troops and keeping terrorists at Gitmo.

Cheney concluded the call by referring to a website that I have thus far been unable to locate -- something along the lines of Stand Firm For America. I will add the link when I can.

Update: Stand Strong For America is the Grayson website.

NRO Quotes Grayson on "Bluegrass Bummer"

National Review Online interviews Trey Grayson on the "Bluegrass Bummer." At first, I was afraid it was going to be about the Grayson campaign, but no, the subject is Kentucky's experience with its version of Hillarycare.

Grayson details what happened in Kentucky: insurers fled the state, premiums went up and consequently the number of insured actually increased.

More importantly for purposes of saving his campaign, Grayson maps out how to repeal Obamacare based on his experience in Kentucky in assisting in the repeal of Kentucky Hillarycare.

This is the first lesson proponents of repeal should take from Kentucky: Construct a narrative around all of the bill’s negative consequences. “So, for example, we’ve already had John Deere and Verizon and some other companies take charges for the next quarter,” Grayson says. “As we learn about businesses choosing to drop insurance or delay expansion plans or whatever they have to do to avoid this, I think we have to take those real-life consequences and tell the public.”

The second lesson, he says, “is that you don’t have to do a full repeal right off the bat. If you can start getting rid of some of the bad elements, try that.” Repealing the most unpopular parts of the bill — new taxes oninvestment, on income, on medical devices — can pave the way for repealing the spending provisions: “If those taxes have to be repealed or phased out,” Grayson says, “then you start to have a financial concern: How you are going to pay for all this stuff as the subsidies are phased in?”

Grayson has unique experience that conservatives need in Washington at this historic juncture. To be sure, Rand Paul wants to repeal health care as well, but he has not specified how he would do so. Nor can I envision Paul establishing the relationships with Senate colleagues necessary to get anything done. It's fine to rant against "career politicians" until you actually need them to vote for your legislation.