Sheriffs Back Rand

This set of endorsements should neutralize Jack Conway's attempt to exploit the drug problems of Eastern Kentucky: Rand Paul has won the endorsements from a number of Sheriffs -- including from Eastern Kentucky:

Todd Wood, Pulaski County

Gus Skinner, McCreary County

James Pruett, Cumberland County

Kevin Johnson, Clay County

Ricky Riddle, Clinton County

Chuck Korzenborn, Kenton County

Mike A. Helmig, Boone County

Colan Harrell, Whitley County Sheriff-Elect

John Root, Laurel County Sheriff-Elect

Ralph Curry, Adair County

The Paul campaign makes an important point I had not considered before in response to Conway's plan to keep throwing federal money at Eastern Kentucky's drug problem. Bottom line, that's not working:

"The issues facing our citizens in today's society are complex and require a person with forward thinking abilities who is not afraid to say our current system is not working for the good of all Kentuckians," said Todd Wood, Sheriff of Pulaski County. "A man who is willing to look beyond and challenge the status quo. A man who will address the important issues, foster an environment which seeks and accepts new ideas and works hard to find the appropriate solutions to the issues we face in Eastern Kentucky."

Rand Paul Touring Drug Rehab

Rand Paul's previous comments on the drug problems of Kentucky reveal a certain lack of knowledge and depth of thought. It is to his credit, therefore, that he is educating himself on the issue. Paul is spending several hours today in Western Kentucky at Wingshadow Lodge, a faith-based rehabilitation center that operates without tax-payer money.

Paul is also meeting with a prosecutor to better understand the drug problem.

According to the Paul campaign, the facility is 50 years old, has an 86 percent success rate, and was endorsed by Ronald Reagan and the Rev. Billy Graham.

Private-sector initiatives of this sort are wonderful, particularly when they address the spiritual component of addiction and recovery.

But it is critical that Paul recognize the supply-side of the drug equation: drug abuse occurs not just because addicts want a fix, but because dealers are there to provide it at huge profits.

Yes, Kentucky has fields of marijuana and an ever-increasing supply of meth labs (and these are no longer a rural problem). Paul needs to recognize, however, that much of the illegal drug supply comes from out of state. This is a law enforcement problem that cannot be addressed solely on the state level because the distribution is inter-state and often international.

The federal government therefore plays an essential role in combating drug use.

Paul is correct in calling for a more limited role of the federal government, particularly with respect to bailouts and the economy.

When, however, an issue truly affects interstate commerce -- as does the distribution of illegal drugs -- it would be an abdication of federal duty to not step in. Conservatives want limited government, but they also want competent government on those issues that are appropriately within the purview of the federal government.