Showing posts with label Lunsford. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lunsford. Show all posts
Monday, October 27, 2008
See Bruce's Temper
Bruce Lunsford seems like such an affable guy in his ads -- much different from the businessman with the sharp elbows loathed by so many. WHAS 11 caught Lunsford's ugly side when asking the candidate about the tape recorder he stole. It reveals that Lunsford does not have the temperament to serve in the world's greatest deliberative body. On the other hand, he'd make a pretty good dog catcher as long as you're not a dog person.
Larry Sabato Predicts McConnell Win
The Courier-Journal reports that Professor Larry Sabato of the University of Virginia believes Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell will defeat Bruce Lunsford. Sabato, who was in Louisville yesterday, "just might be the most heavily quoted political scientist on the planet," according to the C-J. He accurately "predicted how every state would vote in the [2004] presidential election and called every House seat and Senate races."
So what are the reasons he gives for an anticipated McConnell victory? Sabato offers principally two. First, McConnell -- like any champion -- knows how to win the close contests:
McConnell understands the dynamics of a difficult race. He had a difficult one in 1984 and a difficult one in 1990. He hasn't had one since then, but as minority leader he's lived through quite a number of the close campaigns of his colleagues.
Second, Bruce Lunsford is, as Sabato observes with studied understatement, "well-funded, but not necessarily universally loved."
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.
So what are the reasons he gives for an anticipated McConnell victory? Sabato offers principally two. First, McConnell -- like any champion -- knows how to win the close contests:
McConnell understands the dynamics of a difficult race. He had a difficult one in 1984 and a difficult one in 1990. He hasn't had one since then, but as minority leader he's lived through quite a number of the close campaigns of his colleagues.
Second, Bruce Lunsford is, as Sabato observes with studied understatement, "well-funded, but not necessarily universally loved."
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.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Lunsford's Wealth Blinds His Sense of Reality
Bruce Lunsford's wealth is so vast that he cannot fathom the good that Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has done for Kentucky by procuring a half a trillion dollars in federal funding that would have gone to other states but for McConnell. Lunsford dismissed the federal money that McConnell won for Kentucky as the "little bit of money that Kentucky gets back," according to Politickerky. (Emphasis added.)
Only a really, really rich guy would call this scale of federal appropriations a "little bit of money."
Take just one Kentucky county as an example. McConnell's bus tour stopped in Christian County yesterday. McConnell directed to that county, according to his campaign:
• $214 million for projects at Fort Campbell.
• $800,000 for the completion of the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway.
• $200,000 for the Hopkinsville-Christian County Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force.
• $500,000 to assist St. Luke’s Free Clinic in Hopkinsville.
• Over $60 million in tobacco buyout funds for farmers.
And that's just for one county. But to Bruce Lunsford, it's chump change.
In addition to having no sense of what a half a trillion dollars of federal money means to a poor state, Lunsford makes the simplistic argument that earmarks are evil.
It is beyond dispute that the earmark process needs reform, and in particular needs more transparency. Any such reform, however, is best led by the executive branch, which has no dog in the hunt for earmarks. Sen. John. McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin are in the best position to take on the issue of earmarks because they have done so before.
Until the system is changed, whoever represents Kentucky has an obligation to do as much good for our state as possible. That's part of the job of representing us in Congress. Even Rep. John Yarmuth gets that, and therefore boasted on the Francene show about the amount of "directed funding" he has directed to Kentucky.
Only a really, really rich guy would call this scale of federal appropriations a "little bit of money."
Take just one Kentucky county as an example. McConnell's bus tour stopped in Christian County yesterday. McConnell directed to that county, according to his campaign:
• $214 million for projects at Fort Campbell.
• $800,000 for the completion of the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway.
• $200,000 for the Hopkinsville-Christian County Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force.
• $500,000 to assist St. Luke’s Free Clinic in Hopkinsville.
• Over $60 million in tobacco buyout funds for farmers.
And that's just for one county. But to Bruce Lunsford, it's chump change.
In addition to having no sense of what a half a trillion dollars of federal money means to a poor state, Lunsford makes the simplistic argument that earmarks are evil.
It is beyond dispute that the earmark process needs reform, and in particular needs more transparency. Any such reform, however, is best led by the executive branch, which has no dog in the hunt for earmarks. Sen. John. McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin are in the best position to take on the issue of earmarks because they have done so before.
Until the system is changed, whoever represents Kentucky has an obligation to do as much good for our state as possible. That's part of the job of representing us in Congress. Even Rep. John Yarmuth gets that, and therefore boasted on the Francene show about the amount of "directed funding" he has directed to Kentucky.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Lunsford's Tape Escapade
An update on the tape recorder that Bruce Lunsford pinched this morning after debating Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, from Pol Watchers:
A Republican campaign aide for U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell has filed a criminal complaint against Democratic challenger Bruce Lunsford and his top consultant [Achim Bergmann] alleging that the two stole a digital recorder and intentionally erased it after a debate Thursday morning in Western Kentucky.
. . .
Bergmann said Lunsford had handed off his papers with the recorder among them after the debate to an aide and campaign staffers tracked down the recorder as soon as deputies approached them.
"We tried to find the tape recorder so we could give it back," Bergmann said. He said he didn't know the recorder was erased and "would never" tell anyone to erase it.
Note Bergmann's contradiction:
Bergmann said he never actually touched the digital recorder so it was absurd to charge him. Later, after the charges were filed, Bergmann admitted that the staff had erased the debate but said it was done because it was against debate rules to have campaign material on the podium. Bergmann said the staff felt that the Republicans were intentionally trying to record comments Lunsford made under his breath during the debate.
So what did Lunsford say that his staff felt compelled to erase while the sheriff was looking for the tape recorder?
A Republican campaign aide for U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell has filed a criminal complaint against Democratic challenger Bruce Lunsford and his top consultant [Achim Bergmann] alleging that the two stole a digital recorder and intentionally erased it after a debate Thursday morning in Western Kentucky.
. . .
Bergmann said Lunsford had handed off his papers with the recorder among them after the debate to an aide and campaign staffers tracked down the recorder as soon as deputies approached them.
"We tried to find the tape recorder so we could give it back," Bergmann said. He said he didn't know the recorder was erased and "would never" tell anyone to erase it.
Note Bergmann's contradiction:
Bergmann said he never actually touched the digital recorder so it was absurd to charge him. Later, after the charges were filed, Bergmann admitted that the staff had erased the debate but said it was done because it was against debate rules to have campaign material on the podium. Bergmann said the staff felt that the Republicans were intentionally trying to record comments Lunsford made under his breath during the debate.
So what did Lunsford say that his staff felt compelled to erase while the sheriff was looking for the tape recorder?
Lunsford's Sticky Fingers and the Missing Debate Tape
Bruce Lunsford whines about Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell not debating him -- even though the two have debated already. Then today, at the third and final debate, Lunsford pinches a tape recorder that belongs to a Republican operative. Politickerky reports
,
A tape recorder left near Lunsford during the debate at Kentucky Dam Village by an National Republican Senatorial Committee staffer was allegedly picked up by the candidate after the debate, according to state Sen. President David Williams (R-Burkesville) and the NRSC staffer.
The staffer says he asked for it back, but Lunsford allegedly gave it to someone from his own campaign.
"He said 'No, you will not be getting this back,'" said Richard St. Onge, the NRSC tracker in question, of Lunsford's reaction for the request for the device.
The recorder was retrieved from the Lunsford camp shortly thereafter, and given to a Marshall County Sheriff, according to Lunsford consultant Achim Bergmann.
Bergmann said a staffer had the recorder and returned it to a police officer.
Marshall County Sheriff R.K. Byars confirmed he was given the device by the Lunsford camp and returned it to St. Onge.
The McConnell camp reports a substantial amount of recordings from the device were erased, but Bergmann said he was unaware of that fact and said no one from the campaign would have erased the device.
Williams wielded the returned recorder in front of reporters and called the incident "a criminal action."
"Mr. Lunsford will be lucky if someone doesn't swear a warrant out for him today in district court," added Williams, alleging the supposed activity was "theft.
"How is that theft?" asked Bergmann when told of Williams' comments.
The Democratic consultant said he couldn't see how the incident constituted a crime.
McConnell's camp said they were considering how to proceed.
Lunsford pinches the tape of the debate and then returns it partially erased -- and his campaign sees nothing wrong with this. It's the sort of ethical standards that former Lunsford investors have come to expect.
Lunsford had a supporter dress as a chicken and stalk McConnell because McConnell refused to debate Lunsford yet a fourth time. Maybe a McConnell supporter should follow Lunsford dressed as Richard Nixon.
,A tape recorder left near Lunsford during the debate at Kentucky Dam Village by an National Republican Senatorial Committee staffer was allegedly picked up by the candidate after the debate, according to state Sen. President David Williams (R-Burkesville) and the NRSC staffer.
The staffer says he asked for it back, but Lunsford allegedly gave it to someone from his own campaign.
"He said 'No, you will not be getting this back,'" said Richard St. Onge, the NRSC tracker in question, of Lunsford's reaction for the request for the device.
The recorder was retrieved from the Lunsford camp shortly thereafter, and given to a Marshall County Sheriff, according to Lunsford consultant Achim Bergmann.
Bergmann said a staffer had the recorder and returned it to a police officer.
Marshall County Sheriff R.K. Byars confirmed he was given the device by the Lunsford camp and returned it to St. Onge.
The McConnell camp reports a substantial amount of recordings from the device were erased, but Bergmann said he was unaware of that fact and said no one from the campaign would have erased the device.
Williams wielded the returned recorder in front of reporters and called the incident "a criminal action."
"Mr. Lunsford will be lucky if someone doesn't swear a warrant out for him today in district court," added Williams, alleging the supposed activity was "theft.
"How is that theft?" asked Bergmann when told of Williams' comments.
The Democratic consultant said he couldn't see how the incident constituted a crime.
McConnell's camp said they were considering how to proceed.
Lunsford pinches the tape of the debate and then returns it partially erased -- and his campaign sees nothing wrong with this. It's the sort of ethical standards that former Lunsford investors have come to expect.
Lunsford had a supporter dress as a chicken and stalk McConnell because McConnell refused to debate Lunsford yet a fourth time. Maybe a McConnell supporter should follow Lunsford dressed as Richard Nixon.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Lunsford's Latest Lies
It took Bruce Lunsford a good ten days to decide whether he is for the bailout or against it. Then he noticed that Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell had voted for it and voila, Lunsford runs a new ad attacking the bailout and accusing McConnell of personally causing the credit crisis.
The problem is that even the leaders of Lunsford's parties -- Reid, Pelosi and Obama -- all supported the bailout. So did Sen. Chuck Schumer, the head of the DSCC who recruited Lunsford to run. In fact, Schumer says that the bailout was necessary to avoid another depression.
Perhaps Lunsford's most brazen lie is the portion of his new ad when he shows McConnell with President Bush and in the voice over complains about legislation that modernized the banking and commodities industries -- legislation that was signed by Bill Clinton, not Bush. Either Lunsford cannot distinguish between the likenesses and policies of Clinton and Bush, or Lunsford is just flat out lying.
Lunsford also complains that the bailout lets CEOs line their pockets. To the contrary, McConnell made sure that the bailout includes strict limits on executive compensation to prevent abuses on the taxpayers' dime. In any event, Lunsford is projecting when he gripes about CEO fat cats who enrich themselves on Wall Street. Lunsford's financial disclosure form makes clear that he's exactly the sort of "high net worth" individual whose portfolio includes hedge funds unavailable to the rest of us plebians in our 401 (k)s. Perhaps Lunsford's real problem with the bailout is that McConnell's strict limits on executive compensation hit too close to home for Lunsford.
The problem is that even the leaders of Lunsford's parties -- Reid, Pelosi and Obama -- all supported the bailout. So did Sen. Chuck Schumer, the head of the DSCC who recruited Lunsford to run. In fact, Schumer says that the bailout was necessary to avoid another depression.
Perhaps Lunsford's most brazen lie is the portion of his new ad when he shows McConnell with President Bush and in the voice over complains about legislation that modernized the banking and commodities industries -- legislation that was signed by Bill Clinton, not Bush. Either Lunsford cannot distinguish between the likenesses and policies of Clinton and Bush, or Lunsford is just flat out lying.
Lunsford also complains that the bailout lets CEOs line their pockets. To the contrary, McConnell made sure that the bailout includes strict limits on executive compensation to prevent abuses on the taxpayers' dime. In any event, Lunsford is projecting when he gripes about CEO fat cats who enrich themselves on Wall Street. Lunsford's financial disclosure form makes clear that he's exactly the sort of "high net worth" individual whose portfolio includes hedge funds unavailable to the rest of us plebians in our 401 (k)s. Perhaps Lunsford's real problem with the bailout is that McConnell's strict limits on executive compensation hit too close to home for Lunsford.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Bruce Can Produce Ayers's Flick
Unrepentant domestic terrorist William Ayers is trying to leverage his connection to Barack Obama into a Hollywood film.
Ayers was a member of the Weather Underground, which bombed the Pentagon (among other places) in the 1960s and led to the death of a police officer. These days, he is a Chicago professor and dabbles in politics -- including launching Obama's first run for office.
According to Politico,
Ayers was a member of the Weather Underground, which bombed the Pentagon (among other places) in the 1960s and led to the death of a police officer. These days, he is a Chicago professor and dabbles in politics -- including launching Obama's first run for office.
According to Politico,
Director John Hancock finished writing the screenplay titled "Fugitive Days" over the summer with longtime partner Dorothy Tristan, and his agent has just begun sending it to producers and production companies. Adapted from Ayers' 2001 memoir of the same name, the script has received "nibbles but no bites," said Hancock, who is hoping to direct the film if it is eventually produced.
We don't know if Bruce Lunsford is among those who have "nibbled" on the script. Lunsford, in between running for assorted offices is a genuine Hollywood movie producer. Thus the need for his private jet: it would so embarrassing to fly commercial to Sundance.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
McConnell Leads Lunsford
While McConnell took on the dangerous task of herding votes for the economic recovery legislation, Lunsford continued to sit on the fence. In a news report last night, WHAS11 could not get an answer from Lunsford as to whether he supports or opposes the bill. Nor have we been able to find an answer from Lunsford in today's news. Lunsford's silence speaks volumes as to who is a true leader in the Senate race.
Speaking of leading, the latest Rasmussen poll has McConnell up nine points over Lunsford:
Rasmussen's poll of 500 "likely" voters, conducted on Sept. 30, gives McConnell a 51 to 42 percent lead over Lunsford, with 2 percent of respondents choosing "other" - though no other candidates are on the ballot - and 5 percent indicating they were "not sure" of their choice.
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.
Speaking of leading, the latest Rasmussen poll has McConnell up nine points over Lunsford:
Rasmussen's poll of 500 "likely" voters, conducted on Sept. 30, gives McConnell a 51 to 42 percent lead over Lunsford, with 2 percent of respondents choosing "other" - though no other candidates are on the ballot - and 5 percent indicating they were "not sure" of their choice.
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.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Dem. Congressman Got Complaints About Lunsford Clinic
Rep. Nick Lampson (D-TX) received complaints from veterans about shoddy care at a Veterans Administration clinic contracted to Valor Healthcare, a Bruce Lunsford company.
The Demo-blogs have attempted to portray Congressional inquiries about Valor as some sort of conspiracy between Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (who asked the VA to look into Valor's treatment of Texas veterans; see previous post). The "proof" of this conspiracy is the supposed failure of Hutchison to visit the clinic in person.
Whether or not Hutchison visited the clinic is irrelevant. As a result of the complaints he received, Democratic Congressman Lampson visited one of the clinics in person late April.
According to the Democratic Caucus website, Lampson visited a Valor clinic on April 29 -- several days before Kentucky Democrats had voted Lunsford their nominee to challenge McConnell.
Such is the paranoia of the left. McConnell is so powerful that he has co-opted the Democratic Caucus to tar his opponent in advance of knowing who that opponent might be.
The Demo-blogs also boast that Lunsford's company, Valor, saved the federal government money. It's easy to see why: as the article on the Democratic Caucus website notes, "under its contract, Valor is paid $400 per patient per year regardless of how much care that patient receives." Valor had a financial incentive to enroll veterans and then not treat them.
Bottom line: veterans in other states who have no interest in Kentucky's U.S. Senate race complained well before this election that they were denied adequate care from a company over which Lunsford presided as Chair and Chief Executive Officer.
The Demo-blogs have attempted to portray Congressional inquiries about Valor as some sort of conspiracy between Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (who asked the VA to look into Valor's treatment of Texas veterans; see previous post). The "proof" of this conspiracy is the supposed failure of Hutchison to visit the clinic in person.
Whether or not Hutchison visited the clinic is irrelevant. As a result of the complaints he received, Democratic Congressman Lampson visited one of the clinics in person late April.
According to the Democratic Caucus website, Lampson visited a Valor clinic on April 29 -- several days before Kentucky Democrats had voted Lunsford their nominee to challenge McConnell.
Such is the paranoia of the left. McConnell is so powerful that he has co-opted the Democratic Caucus to tar his opponent in advance of knowing who that opponent might be.
The Demo-blogs also boast that Lunsford's company, Valor, saved the federal government money. It's easy to see why: as the article on the Democratic Caucus website notes, "under its contract, Valor is paid $400 per patient per year regardless of how much care that patient receives." Valor had a financial incentive to enroll veterans and then not treat them.
Bottom line: veterans in other states who have no interest in Kentucky's U.S. Senate race complained well before this election that they were denied adequate care from a company over which Lunsford presided as Chair and Chief Executive Officer.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
V is For Villain
Candidate for U.S. Senate Bruce Lunsford seems drawn to the letter "V." His name remains synonomous with his failed company, Vencor, and its scandalous treatment of not only shareholders but comatose patients. Lunsford likes to boast that his next corporation, Ventas, arose from Vencor's ashes. And now, a television spot from Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell introduces us to yet another Lunsford company, Valor Healthcare.
Valor is in the business of winning federal government contracts to provide medical care for veterans at community based outpatient clinics. It does not, at this point, operate any such clinics in Kentucky. Bruce Lunsford served as Valor's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and according to his financial disclosure form, remains on its Board of Directors.
Veterans have complained about Valor providing substandard care at its clinics in Arkansas and Texas. In the McConnell ad, veterans, including from Vietnam and World War II, describe their first-hand experience with Valor, and as with Vencor, it's not a flattering picture of Lunsford's company.
Valor's federal contract apparently pays the company a flat rate for each veteran it enrolls, regardless of their medical needs. Consequently, the company has a strong financial incentive to do as little as possible for the veterans. Valor, in short, can (and apparently does) increase its profits by decreasing the amount of care it provides. Some of its veterans complain that Valor denied them needed treatments and medicines to save money.
All Americans should be outraged when our government fails to provide our veterans with the care they need. These soldiers have earned our respect and thanks, and a grateful country conveys that by giving them state of the art medical treatment. That's not just good policy; it's a moral imperative. It applies with full force whether the government is rendering the care or, as with Valor, the care is privatized -- contracted to a private company.
Simply put, Lunsford's company let these soldiers down.
And as with Vencor, Lunsford profited at the expense of the taxpayers. Valor gave veterans inadequate care and then billed the federal government. All of this happened on Lunsford's watch.
Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, after receiving complaints from constituents, asked the Veterans Administration to look into the allegations. On August 28, 2008, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Dr. James B. Peake responded.
Peake told Hutchison that the VA "fully investigated" the issues at the Valor clinics. The VA "looked into the veterans' complaints and found them to be valid," Peake wrote. As a result of the "deficiencies" that the VA found, "failure to meet the performance measures has resulted in financial penalties" against Valor.
Though it is not in the financial services industry, Valor's mistreatment of veterans -- while the taxpayer pays -- epitomizes the greed and incompetence we've witnessed lately in the housing debacle. Entrepreneurs, like Lunsford, use government money to get rich and conduct their business however they want.
Lunsford's company exploited the sick and the elderly who risked their lives to protect our country. Lunsford's company ripped off the taxpayers by failing to do its job competently and honorably. Lunsford may be drawn to the letter "V" to name his companies because when it comes to his (third) run for public office, "V" does not stand for victory.
Valor is in the business of winning federal government contracts to provide medical care for veterans at community based outpatient clinics. It does not, at this point, operate any such clinics in Kentucky. Bruce Lunsford served as Valor's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and according to his financial disclosure form, remains on its Board of Directors.
Veterans have complained about Valor providing substandard care at its clinics in Arkansas and Texas. In the McConnell ad, veterans, including from Vietnam and World War II, describe their first-hand experience with Valor, and as with Vencor, it's not a flattering picture of Lunsford's company.
Valor's federal contract apparently pays the company a flat rate for each veteran it enrolls, regardless of their medical needs. Consequently, the company has a strong financial incentive to do as little as possible for the veterans. Valor, in short, can (and apparently does) increase its profits by decreasing the amount of care it provides. Some of its veterans complain that Valor denied them needed treatments and medicines to save money.
All Americans should be outraged when our government fails to provide our veterans with the care they need. These soldiers have earned our respect and thanks, and a grateful country conveys that by giving them state of the art medical treatment. That's not just good policy; it's a moral imperative. It applies with full force whether the government is rendering the care or, as with Valor, the care is privatized -- contracted to a private company.
Simply put, Lunsford's company let these soldiers down.
And as with Vencor, Lunsford profited at the expense of the taxpayers. Valor gave veterans inadequate care and then billed the federal government. All of this happened on Lunsford's watch.
Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, after receiving complaints from constituents, asked the Veterans Administration to look into the allegations. On August 28, 2008, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Dr. James B. Peake responded.
Peake told Hutchison that the VA "fully investigated" the issues at the Valor clinics. The VA "looked into the veterans' complaints and found them to be valid," Peake wrote. As a result of the "deficiencies" that the VA found, "failure to meet the performance measures has resulted in financial penalties" against Valor.
Though it is not in the financial services industry, Valor's mistreatment of veterans -- while the taxpayer pays -- epitomizes the greed and incompetence we've witnessed lately in the housing debacle. Entrepreneurs, like Lunsford, use government money to get rich and conduct their business however they want.
Lunsford's company exploited the sick and the elderly who risked their lives to protect our country. Lunsford's company ripped off the taxpayers by failing to do its job competently and honorably. Lunsford may be drawn to the letter "V" to name his companies because when it comes to his (third) run for public office, "V" does not stand for victory.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Voters Tell SurveyUSA "No Thanks" When Asked About Bruce
Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell's lead over Bruce Lunsford has grown, according to SurveyUSA's latest poll released yesterday. According to SurveyUSA:
In an election for United States Senator from Kentucky held today, 08/12/08, incumbent Republican Mitch McConnell defeats Democrat Bruce Lunsford 52% to 40%, according to this SurveyUSA poll conducted exclusively for WHAS-TV Louisville, WLEX-TV Lexington, and WCPO-TV Cincinnati. Compared to a SurveyUSA poll released eight weeks ago, McConnell is up 2 points; Lunsford is down 6. Among men, McConnell had led by 8, now leads by 11. Among women, McConnell had led by 2, now leads by 11. Among voters age 18 to 49, McConnell had led by 5, now leads by 6; among voters 50+, McConnell had led by 5, now leads by 11. McConnell holds 83% of Republican voters; Lunsford holds 63% of Democrats, little changed from eight weeks ago. Then, McConnell led by 10 among Independents; today, Independents evenly split between McConnell and Lunsford. Lunsford leads in the Louisville area by 6 points, down from 13 points eight weeks ago; McConnell continues to lead in the rest of the state.
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.
In an election for United States Senator from Kentucky held today, 08/12/08, incumbent Republican Mitch McConnell defeats Democrat Bruce Lunsford 52% to 40%, according to this SurveyUSA poll conducted exclusively for WHAS-TV Louisville, WLEX-TV Lexington, and WCPO-TV Cincinnati. Compared to a SurveyUSA poll released eight weeks ago, McConnell is up 2 points; Lunsford is down 6. Among men, McConnell had led by 8, now leads by 11. Among women, McConnell had led by 2, now leads by 11. Among voters age 18 to 49, McConnell had led by 5, now leads by 6; among voters 50+, McConnell had led by 5, now leads by 11. McConnell holds 83% of Republican voters; Lunsford holds 63% of Democrats, little changed from eight weeks ago. Then, McConnell led by 10 among Independents; today, Independents evenly split between McConnell and Lunsford. Lunsford leads in the Louisville area by 6 points, down from 13 points eight weeks ago; McConnell continues to lead in the rest of the state.
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.
Monday, August 4, 2008
McCain and McConnell Are Well Ahead In Kentucky
PolitickerKY.com has an informative analysis of recent Kentucky polls conducted by Research 2000 and Rasmussen, showing both Senator McCain and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell comfortably ahead in their respective races. Rasmussen has McCain up by 10% over Senator Barack Obama in the presidential race, while Research 2000 finds McCain's lead to be even larger -- 21% -- that's right, McCain, 56% - Obama, 35%. As for the Senate race, McConnell's lead over Bruce Lunsford is about the same in both polls: Rasmussen has McConnell at 50% to Lunsford's 38%, and Research 2000 measures the race as McConnell over Lunsford 49% to 38%. What is a hit in Frankfurt is a dud in Frankfort.
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Bruce Brown-noses Nut Roots
Bruce Lunsford, trying hard to bolster his street cred with the far left, answered questions for half an hour on the DailyKos. (Hat tip: Page One).
The DailyKos is one of the most influential, and most anti-Semitic, Demo-blogs in the nation.
Although Bruce's appearance on the DailyKos may help "progressives" forgive him for donating -- and even endorsing-- Republicans, he will lose votes from the center for having embraced the far left fringe.
The DailyKos is one of the most influential, and most anti-Semitic, Demo-blogs in the nation.
Although Bruce's appearance on the DailyKos may help "progressives" forgive him for donating -- and even endorsing-- Republicans, he will lose votes from the center for having embraced the far left fringe.
Monday, July 14, 2008
He Only Plays One On TV
Pat Crowley is correct: Bruce Lunsford's janitor for the day act epitomizes the "silly season."
WAVE 3 showed Bruce waxing the floors at Butler High School, as he researches what it's like to be a working stiff. And unlike his mentor -- the real janitor -- Bruce had a wireless mike transmitter sticking out the back of his pants.
We may never know how many times Bruce stopped waxing to answer his phone; his buddy Chuck Schumer might have called to tell him to pull any money from IndyMac before Schumer's bank run caused the Feds to close the place.
Bruce's stint as a janitor fell at roughly the same time that he wrote a million dollar check to himself for his campaign. This, of course, is not the first time that Bruce has engaged in that ritual of financial narcissism. In his last two failed attempts to get elected, Bruce gave his campaigns $14 million.
Given the repetive nature of Bruce's cash injections to his campaigns, he must have developed some sort of ritual to commemorate the event. After all, writing a one million dollar check to your own campaign isn't exactly like paying the phone bill.
Does Bruce use a special pen for the signing ceremony? Or did he borrow one from the real janitor?
WAVE 3 showed Bruce waxing the floors at Butler High School, as he researches what it's like to be a working stiff. And unlike his mentor -- the real janitor -- Bruce had a wireless mike transmitter sticking out the back of his pants.
We may never know how many times Bruce stopped waxing to answer his phone; his buddy Chuck Schumer might have called to tell him to pull any money from IndyMac before Schumer's bank run caused the Feds to close the place.
Bruce's stint as a janitor fell at roughly the same time that he wrote a million dollar check to himself for his campaign. This, of course, is not the first time that Bruce has engaged in that ritual of financial narcissism. In his last two failed attempts to get elected, Bruce gave his campaigns $14 million.
Given the repetive nature of Bruce's cash injections to his campaigns, he must have developed some sort of ritual to commemorate the event. After all, writing a one million dollar check to your own campaign isn't exactly like paying the phone bill.
Does Bruce use a special pen for the signing ceremony? Or did he borrow one from the real janitor?
Monday, July 7, 2008
Leaving On a Jet Plane
While most of us are figuring out how to strap our kids to the roof of a Prius, Bruce Lunsford has leg room to spare. Check out Bruce's sweet ride.
Does he buy carbon credits to assuage his liberal guilt about the size of his carbon foot print?
Does he buy carbon credits to assuage his liberal guilt about the size of his carbon foot print?
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Bursting Bruce's Bubble
Bruce Lunsford has pumped gas at stations around the state as part of his effort to understand how high gas prices affect Kentuckians. And though Lunsford claims he wants to "protect[] consumers" from "Wall Street speculators who are driving up oil prices," Lunsford himself is one of those Wall Street speculators who profit as the price of gas soars.
Lunsford's most recent financial disclosure form, dated April 17, 2008, makes clear that at least as of that date, he owned substantial assets in hedge funds that invest in oil and gas.
Take, for example, Lunsford's interest in Goldman Sachs Capital Partners V, LP, an $8.5 billion private equity fund for "high net worth individuals." Lunsford valued his assets in that non-publicly traded fund as between $1,000,001 and $5,000,000.
Lunsford's financial disclosure forms list GS Capital Partner V's investment as including: CVR Energy, Inc.; Knight, Inc.; McJunkin Red Man Corporation; SunGuard Data Systems, Inc.; and Cobalt International Energy.
CVR Energy, as the name implies, is in the oil business. It "operates a 113,500 barrels-per-day-throughput-capacity oil refinery in Coffeyville, Kansas, and a crude oil gathering system in Kansas and Oklahoma." Given that CVR is a petroleum refiner and transporter, its investors -- which indirectly include Lunsford -- cannot be too dismayed about the price of gas.
Likewise for McJunkin Red Man Corporation. "Exclusively geared toward the distribution of industrial and oilfield PVF products, McJunkin Red Man Corporation has a significant presence in the oil and gas industry," according to the company's promotional materials.
Knight, Inc. owns the general partner of Kinder Morgan Energy Partners (NYSE: KMP), "one of the largest publicly traded pipeline limited partnerships in America with an enterprise value of approximately $20 billion." KMP "is the largest independent transporter of refined petroleum products in the United States."
Perhaps the very gas that Lunsford pumps in his photo-ops was transported by Knight, Inc. It's the ultimate in multi-tasking: Lunsford grows richer as he panders to the voters.
Lunsford's Goldman Sachs fund also owns an interest in SunGard Data Systems, Inc. , which acquired FAME Energy. SunGard FAME provides "data services to support energy traders, research analysts and risk managers of energy companies and financial institutions." Sounds like it helps the very energy speculators whom Lunsford blames for raising gas prices.
And then there is Cobalt International Energy, LP. The Carlyle Group describes Cobalt :
Cobalt International Energy, L.P. is an oil and gas exploration and development company focused on pursuing niche opportunities in the Deepwater Gulf of Mexico and offshore international areas.
That is, Cobalt correctly wants to drill some of that oil that the Cubans and Chinese are extracting just miles from our shore. Lunsford might have been thinking of this investment when he named his racehorse "Drilling For Oil."
Lunsford recently said he opposes oil drilling off American shores. Yet he would profit from a company that exists to do just that. He therefore has a financial interest in flip-flopping on the issue. But even if he doesn't, when an investor is as rich as Lunsford, it's good to have some losses to offset all those capital gains.
With respect to Lunsford's interests in Lone Pine Capital, his financial "disclosure" form states, Lone Pine's "Individual investments not disclosed." The form therefore gives less guidance about the extent to which the fund speculates in energy commodities, but it is clear that Lunsford has picked another good investment.
Lone Pine's hedge fund manager (and Obama supporter) Stephen Mandel "took home $710 million last year,"according to the New York Times. Lone Pine looks to expand its profits by expanding its energy holdings. That's undoubtedly good news to Lunsford, who will use his vast wealth to finance his campaign.
As he pumps gas and pretends to empathize with the little people, Lunsford criticizes an energy bubble from which he profits. An owner of extensive hedge fund assets, he blames gas prices on hedge funds. It's pointless for Lunsford to wash his hands after he pumps gas for the cameras. Lunsford gets gas all over his hands every time he goes to the ATM.
Lunsford's most recent financial disclosure form, dated April 17, 2008, makes clear that at least as of that date, he owned substantial assets in hedge funds that invest in oil and gas.
Take, for example, Lunsford's interest in Goldman Sachs Capital Partners V, LP, an $8.5 billion private equity fund for "high net worth individuals." Lunsford valued his assets in that non-publicly traded fund as between $1,000,001 and $5,000,000.
Lunsford's financial disclosure forms list GS Capital Partner V's investment as including: CVR Energy, Inc.; Knight, Inc.; McJunkin Red Man Corporation; SunGuard Data Systems, Inc.; and Cobalt International Energy.
CVR Energy, as the name implies, is in the oil business. It "operates a 113,500 barrels-per-day-throughput-capacity oil refinery in Coffeyville, Kansas, and a crude oil gathering system in Kansas and Oklahoma." Given that CVR is a petroleum refiner and transporter, its investors -- which indirectly include Lunsford -- cannot be too dismayed about the price of gas.
Likewise for McJunkin Red Man Corporation. "Exclusively geared toward the distribution of industrial and oilfield PVF products, McJunkin Red Man Corporation has a significant presence in the oil and gas industry," according to the company's promotional materials.
Knight, Inc. owns the general partner of Kinder Morgan Energy Partners (NYSE: KMP), "one of the largest publicly traded pipeline limited partnerships in America with an enterprise value of approximately $20 billion." KMP "is the largest independent transporter of refined petroleum products in the United States."
Perhaps the very gas that Lunsford pumps in his photo-ops was transported by Knight, Inc. It's the ultimate in multi-tasking: Lunsford grows richer as he panders to the voters.
Lunsford's Goldman Sachs fund also owns an interest in SunGard Data Systems, Inc. , which acquired FAME Energy. SunGard FAME provides "data services to support energy traders, research analysts and risk managers of energy companies and financial institutions." Sounds like it helps the very energy speculators whom Lunsford blames for raising gas prices.
And then there is Cobalt International Energy, LP. The Carlyle Group describes Cobalt :
Cobalt International Energy, L.P. is an oil and gas exploration and development company focused on pursuing niche opportunities in the Deepwater Gulf of Mexico and offshore international areas.
That is, Cobalt correctly wants to drill some of that oil that the Cubans and Chinese are extracting just miles from our shore. Lunsford might have been thinking of this investment when he named his racehorse "Drilling For Oil."
Lunsford recently said he opposes oil drilling off American shores. Yet he would profit from a company that exists to do just that. He therefore has a financial interest in flip-flopping on the issue. But even if he doesn't, when an investor is as rich as Lunsford, it's good to have some losses to offset all those capital gains.
With respect to Lunsford's interests in Lone Pine Capital, his financial "disclosure" form states, Lone Pine's "Individual investments not disclosed." The form therefore gives less guidance about the extent to which the fund speculates in energy commodities, but it is clear that Lunsford has picked another good investment.
Lone Pine's hedge fund manager (and Obama supporter) Stephen Mandel "took home $710 million last year,"according to the New York Times. Lone Pine looks to expand its profits by expanding its energy holdings. That's undoubtedly good news to Lunsford, who will use his vast wealth to finance his campaign.
As he pumps gas and pretends to empathize with the little people, Lunsford criticizes an energy bubble from which he profits. An owner of extensive hedge fund assets, he blames gas prices on hedge funds. It's pointless for Lunsford to wash his hands after he pumps gas for the cameras. Lunsford gets gas all over his hands every time he goes to the ATM.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Can't Believe He Said That
Bruce Lunsford made a comment to the Courier-Journal that made my skin crawl:
Lunsford countered by noting McConnell's support of President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, the two top officials in an unpopular administration.
"I'd rather have hope and a new plan than the Bush-Cheney-McConnell plan. I think we could all three be in a coma and do better than they did," Lunsford said. (Emphasis added.)
The name of Lunsford's failed company, Vencor, derives from the ventilators used on its comatose patients. There's something very unsettling about a man who profits from the comatose condition of people and then jokes about comas. The creepiness of Lunsford's comment worsens in light of the $20 million that Vencor paid to the Justice Department to settle allegations that it did not adequately care for its patients.
Lunsford countered by noting McConnell's support of President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, the two top officials in an unpopular administration.
"I'd rather have hope and a new plan than the Bush-Cheney-McConnell plan. I think we could all three be in a coma and do better than they did," Lunsford said. (Emphasis added.)
The name of Lunsford's failed company, Vencor, derives from the ventilators used on its comatose patients. There's something very unsettling about a man who profits from the comatose condition of people and then jokes about comas. The creepiness of Lunsford's comment worsens in light of the $20 million that Vencor paid to the Justice Department to settle allegations that it did not adequately care for its patients.
Lunsford Evades Budget Question
Bruce Lunsford might have won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, but his non-response to a question about how he would vote on the budget seems more like a corporate president at a shareholders' meeting evading the question as to how much of the company's money he intends to take in salary and stock options.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell posed three questions to Lunsford, two of which relate to the federal budget. Ryan Alessi reports Lunsford's "response."
Lunsford refused to take a postion to question number one:
"How would he vote on the budget that we will be voting on either today or tomorrow here in the Senate?" asked McConnell, who is likely to vote against the budget bill. (Emphasis added.)
Lunsford said the budget draft contains "some stimulus packages in there that could be helpful to the country right now." But he said "it isn't our budget, we didn't put it together," so he declined to speculate on whether he would vote for or against it.
The people of Kentucky are entitled to know how Lunsford would vote on the budget. The power of the purse is one of the most important responsibilities of Congress; it reflects our national priorities and how much we pay in taxes. Voters cannot make an informed choice without Lunsford addressing whether he would vote to raise taxes. Given the overwhelming defeat of the library tax, this is not an issue that Lunsford can dodge.
Lunsford's response boils down to more whining about why the Vencor debacle was not his fault, and how he's a victim.
Question number two:
"How would he have voted on the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, which he blames for the colossal failure and bankruptcy of his nursing home business? My assumption is that he would have voted with (former Democratic U.S. Senator) Wendell Ford in opposing that," McConnell said. (Emphasis added.)
Lunsford criticized the legislation for affecting nursing home companies, such as Vencor, which he founded. He claims the nursing home industry bore the brunt of what he called "draconian cuts" contained in the Balanced Budget Act that didn't become known until after details were hammered out in closed-door congressional conference committee meetings. "This was ill-fated public policy that destroyed the industry," he said. "It’s the classic example of smoke-filled (room) political decisions being made that impacts people to protect special interest groups."
Lunsford's response boils down to more whining about why the Vencor debacle was not his fault, and how he's a victim.
The third question related to energy:
"The third question I think he ought to respond to is how would he have voted on my amendment in the last two weeks to increase domestic energy production, which, by the way, failed in the Senate and received just one Democratic vote in support?" McConnell asked. "We’ve got to get serious about not ruling so much of our own production out of bounds," he said, citing the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, which contains oil reserves. "We’ve got to have a balanced approach of both conservation and production." (Emphasis added.)
Lunsford said he opposes drilling in ANWR. "ANWR has the potential of being environmentally unsound and doesn’t do enough to help solve the problem," he said. "Again, that’s short term political thinking on the part of the Republicans and they’ve short-termed us to death, so now we’ve got nothing but long-term problems." He favors placing a wind-fall profit tax on oil companies and approving a federal gas tax holiday this summer.
Lunsford's characterization of drilling in Alaska as "short-term political thinking" gets it exactly backwards; he ignores the lead time it would take to translate that untapped oil into gas at the pump. The federal gas tax "holiday" that Lunsford supports, now that's "short-term political thinking."
Lunsford did not address why he opposes the McConnell amendment's incentives for new energy technologies and the use of clean coal to liquid technologies. Nor did he address the effect of oil companies passing along to consumers the "wind-fall profit tax" that Lunsford would impose -- and actually raising the cost of gas.
Lunsford secured the Democratic nomination without having to articulate positions on these and other critical policy issues. Perhaps he thinks that repeated meaningless incantations of "hope" and "change" are enough to win in Kentucky, but as Tuesday's results demonstrate, Kentuckians -- including Democrats -- will not be fooled. Just ask the 35-percentage-point-loser, Senator Barack Obama.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell posed three questions to Lunsford, two of which relate to the federal budget. Ryan Alessi reports Lunsford's "response."
Lunsford refused to take a postion to question number one:
"How would he vote on the budget that we will be voting on either today or tomorrow here in the Senate?" asked McConnell, who is likely to vote against the budget bill. (Emphasis added.)
Lunsford said the budget draft contains "some stimulus packages in there that could be helpful to the country right now." But he said "it isn't our budget, we didn't put it together," so he declined to speculate on whether he would vote for or against it.
The people of Kentucky are entitled to know how Lunsford would vote on the budget. The power of the purse is one of the most important responsibilities of Congress; it reflects our national priorities and how much we pay in taxes. Voters cannot make an informed choice without Lunsford addressing whether he would vote to raise taxes. Given the overwhelming defeat of the library tax, this is not an issue that Lunsford can dodge.
Lunsford's response boils down to more whining about why the Vencor debacle was not his fault, and how he's a victim.
Question number two:
"How would he have voted on the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, which he blames for the colossal failure and bankruptcy of his nursing home business? My assumption is that he would have voted with (former Democratic U.S. Senator) Wendell Ford in opposing that," McConnell said. (Emphasis added.)
Lunsford criticized the legislation for affecting nursing home companies, such as Vencor, which he founded. He claims the nursing home industry bore the brunt of what he called "draconian cuts" contained in the Balanced Budget Act that didn't become known until after details were hammered out in closed-door congressional conference committee meetings. "This was ill-fated public policy that destroyed the industry," he said. "It’s the classic example of smoke-filled (room) political decisions being made that impacts people to protect special interest groups."
Lunsford's response boils down to more whining about why the Vencor debacle was not his fault, and how he's a victim.
The third question related to energy:
"The third question I think he ought to respond to is how would he have voted on my amendment in the last two weeks to increase domestic energy production, which, by the way, failed in the Senate and received just one Democratic vote in support?" McConnell asked. "We’ve got to get serious about not ruling so much of our own production out of bounds," he said, citing the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, which contains oil reserves. "We’ve got to have a balanced approach of both conservation and production." (Emphasis added.)
Lunsford said he opposes drilling in ANWR. "ANWR has the potential of being environmentally unsound and doesn’t do enough to help solve the problem," he said. "Again, that’s short term political thinking on the part of the Republicans and they’ve short-termed us to death, so now we’ve got nothing but long-term problems." He favors placing a wind-fall profit tax on oil companies and approving a federal gas tax holiday this summer.
Lunsford's characterization of drilling in Alaska as "short-term political thinking" gets it exactly backwards; he ignores the lead time it would take to translate that untapped oil into gas at the pump. The federal gas tax "holiday" that Lunsford supports, now that's "short-term political thinking."
Lunsford did not address why he opposes the McConnell amendment's incentives for new energy technologies and the use of clean coal to liquid technologies. Nor did he address the effect of oil companies passing along to consumers the "wind-fall profit tax" that Lunsford would impose -- and actually raising the cost of gas.
Lunsford secured the Democratic nomination without having to articulate positions on these and other critical policy issues. Perhaps he thinks that repeated meaningless incantations of "hope" and "change" are enough to win in Kentucky, but as Tuesday's results demonstrate, Kentuckians -- including Democrats -- will not be fooled. Just ask the 35-percentage-point-loser, Senator Barack Obama.
Pennies From Lunsford's Heaven
Bruce Lunsford must be on Cloud Nine, having secured the Democratic nomination to challenge Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell this fall. In an interview with The Courier-Journal, Lunsford giddily referred to McConnell as "'Mean Mitch' because he deserves it." Then he chastised McConnell for "sit[ting] in the ivory tower in Washington." Perhaps Lunsford would rather be screening at Sundance?
I must confess that Lunsford's euphoria got the best of me when I read his quote regarding Vencor and its affiliate Ventas "'that all those companies survived.'" I couldn't wait to get to the computer and check my 401K to see miraculous overnight capital gains on my Vencor stock. So I logged on in eager anticipation.
The entry for my Vencor stock still reads the same: 275 shares; purchased for $1,195; estimated annual income: zero; current price per share: $ .01; total market value $2.20.
Talk about hope being dashed. But Lunsford is proud to run on the Senator Barack Obama and Governor Steve Beshear team: "I'd rather have hope and a new plan than the Bush-Cheney-McConnell plan. I think we could all three be in a coma and do better than they did."
From personal experience I can tell you this: Lunsford certainly knows how to bring about change.
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.
I must confess that Lunsford's euphoria got the best of me when I read his quote regarding Vencor and its affiliate Ventas "'that all those companies survived.'" I couldn't wait to get to the computer and check my 401K to see miraculous overnight capital gains on my Vencor stock. So I logged on in eager anticipation.
The entry for my Vencor stock still reads the same: 275 shares; purchased for $1,195; estimated annual income: zero; current price per share: $ .01; total market value $2.20.
Talk about hope being dashed. But Lunsford is proud to run on the Senator Barack Obama and Governor Steve Beshear team: "I'd rather have hope and a new plan than the Bush-Cheney-McConnell plan. I think we could all three be in a coma and do better than they did."
From personal experience I can tell you this: Lunsford certainly knows how to bring about change.
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.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
National Take on Lunsford Win
What started as a conspiracy theory on the Demo-blogs has now become accepted fact: Bruce Lunsford is Chuck Schumer's sock puppet.
When Andrew Horne precipitously withdrew from the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate race, Demo-blogs accused Senator Chuck Schumer of interfering. The theory was that Schumer wanted a self-funder so that the national party would not have to spend any money in Kentucky, since the state is not competitive in the presidential race.
Horne never said a word about why he withdrew, and the rumors flew for weeks, as "progressive" Kentucky activists fumed about the beltway interference in their primary. Horne was the victim and the Lunsford the beneficiary of Schumer playing Machiavelli.
Thus the Politico report headline, "Schumer-backed Senate candidate prevails in Kentucky."
Health care executive Bruce Lunsford will be the Democrats’ nominee against Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) in November after dispatching six other Democrats to win tonight’s Democratic Senate primary in Kentucky.
Lunsford handily defeated businessman Greg Fischer 51 percent to 34 percent to win the Democratic nomination. Lunsford was the preferred choice of Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Chuck Schumer, who liked his ability to partially self-finance a race against McConnell.
The most extraordinary thing about the primary results is that Greg Fischer won 34 percent despite running perhaps the most error-ridden, embarrassing campaign in the nation. Even my ten year old (who thinks Bugs Bunny and the Roadrunner are hysterical) watched the Fischer "mud man" ad and observed, "that's the dumbest thing I've ever seen."
Among that 34 percent who voted for Fischer, some percentage had to be voting against Bruce Lunsford. The question becomes whether they hold their noses and back Lunsford in the fall.
When Andrew Horne precipitously withdrew from the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate race, Demo-blogs accused Senator Chuck Schumer of interfering. The theory was that Schumer wanted a self-funder so that the national party would not have to spend any money in Kentucky, since the state is not competitive in the presidential race.
Horne never said a word about why he withdrew, and the rumors flew for weeks, as "progressive" Kentucky activists fumed about the beltway interference in their primary. Horne was the victim and the Lunsford the beneficiary of Schumer playing Machiavelli.
Thus the Politico report headline, "Schumer-backed Senate candidate prevails in Kentucky."
Health care executive Bruce Lunsford will be the Democrats’ nominee against Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) in November after dispatching six other Democrats to win tonight’s Democratic Senate primary in Kentucky.
Lunsford handily defeated businessman Greg Fischer 51 percent to 34 percent to win the Democratic nomination. Lunsford was the preferred choice of Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Chuck Schumer, who liked his ability to partially self-finance a race against McConnell.
The most extraordinary thing about the primary results is that Greg Fischer won 34 percent despite running perhaps the most error-ridden, embarrassing campaign in the nation. Even my ten year old (who thinks Bugs Bunny and the Roadrunner are hysterical) watched the Fischer "mud man" ad and observed, "that's the dumbest thing I've ever seen."
Among that 34 percent who voted for Fischer, some percentage had to be voting against Bruce Lunsford. The question becomes whether they hold their noses and back Lunsford in the fall.
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