Bill’s Political Blog

CHANDLER LEAVES CRACK IN DOOR

    Democratic Congressman Ben Chandler, appearing for a taping of “Kentucky Newsmakers” would not completely shut the door on a possible challenge to U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell next year.   Chandler indicated that’s not the direction he’s pointing right now, but said he’s learned not to rule anything out.

     In a wide ranging interview, Chandler criticized the conduct of the war in Iraq, what he calls the secrecy of the FAA and indicated he’s open to possible revenue enhancements to take care of troubled bridges and roads in America.

FORGY KEEPS ADMONITION IN PLACE

      Former Republican candidate for governor Larry Forgy is still indicating he could mount a primary challenge to McConnell next May.  Forgy says he wouldn’t have to decide until after the November election and says it will depend on how vigorously McConnell supports Governor Fletcher’s re-election bid.    Forgy disavows personal connection to signs boosting him for the senate seat at Fancy Farm and to a Draft Forgy website.   But he is aware of those and other efforts to entice him into the race.

       After narrowly losing the 1995 governor’s race to Democrat Paul Patton, Forgy went on to lose a race for the Kentucky Supreme Court.  But he has remained active in politics and has frequently advised Fletcher.

         McConnell, who has already raised millions for his race for a fifth term in 2008, is expecting a tough challenge next year.

BESHEAR LEADS NEW POLLS

        New polls show Democratic Steve Beshear maintaining a large lead in the governor’s race.   The Lane Report commissioned a survey done by Preston-Osborne Research.  It shows an 18-point advantage for Beshear.   A Survey USA Poll last week was also in the 20-point range.

         Beshear’s campaign has made an obvious change in strategy on the gambling question… hoping to avoid backlash.   Beshear now talks about “letting the people decide” instead of pushing his straight ahead support for expanded gaming.

         The Fletcher forces, still on message, always refer to Beshear’s proposal as “casinos.”   The use of the word “casinos” has consistently produced a negative result in polling.    Apparently, the Fletcher camp found opportunity for advancement in putting Beshear and casinos together.  It’s unclear if Beshear’s polling indicated a similar trend.

        Bill Bryant

        WKYT 27 NEWSFIRST

This entry was posted on Monday, August 13th, 2007 at 8:40 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.