His Press Release is shown below:

As a political observer I have seen Mr. Johnson wage a clean campaign and travel extensively throughout the state in order to work with local GOP parties attending every single function he possibly could, in order to pick up votes from Kentucky’s GOP.

I applaud Johnson for being open, honest, clear and consistent in his message to voters, and for working hard across the state for Ronald Reagan Republicans.

]]> http://www.jonathangaby.com/index.html/stunning-development-in-the-ky-us-senate-race/feed/ 1 http://www.jonathangaby.com/index.html/remind-me-whos-seat-it-is-again/ http://www.jonathangaby.com/index.html/remind-me-whos-seat-it-is-again/#comments Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:40:45 +0000 Jonathan Gaby http://www.jonathangaby.com/index.html/?p=119 The rallying cry of the Scott Brown campaign was that the senate seat held by longtime democrat Ted Kennedy was not actually Ted Kennedy’s seat.  The Brown campaign said that, “This is the People’s Seat!”

Now that Attorney General Jack Conway is trailing behind Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo in a recent poll, he’s trying to rally support because he recently tweeted: “Will you help us take back Wendell Ford’s Senate seat and sign up as a volunteer?”.

Evidently, we need to remind him of Massachusetts.  ”It’s the People’s Seat Jack!”

Jack Conway doesn't remember MA.

This week our Senator, Jim Bunning, stood up to the democratic machine in the US Senate and did not give his consent to the passage of a recent bill to allow road projects, medicare payments, and most importantly unemployment insurance to be funded through new debt.  Essentially, Senator Bunning said “NO!” to the democrat’s 10 Billion dollars in new debt because of the recent “Pay as You Go” philosophy that has been passed in Congress.   He wanted this bill to be funded through stimulus money, which is debt that we’ve already incurred andThe Democrats disagreed and started their usual smear campaign against our senior senator.

Now, Organizing for America, the campaign arm of the Barack Obama Administration, are calling for people to write letters to the editor against Jim Bunning and the conservative movement. They are mad that someone would actually stand up to them and the Pay Go philosophy they instituted.

Patriots from the region of Louisville and Lexington gathered together to show support for Jim Bunning’s principled stance against deficit spending and the pay go philosophy.  Conservatives outnumbered liberals at these rallies, so much so that Mongiardo couldn’t be heard.

Now we must act again.  I am asking you to do two things.

1. Write a Letter to the Editor of your local paper supporting Jim Bunning’s stance on deficit spending.
2. Write to Sen. Bunning’s office to show your support for his stance.
3. Donate money to the Republican Party of Kentucky, or the Campaigns of Trey Grayson, Rand Paul, or Bill Johnson so that the conservative message of fiscal responsibility can be spread.

If you are able, go ahead and donate to any of the organizations above, now.  And If you want to show your support for any of the candidates or for Jim Bunning especially, email me at jdgaby@jonathangaby.com

“You might be an establishment Republican if: __________________”

Because of the great conversation, I thought that it would be good to clarify the scope of the blog and give you, the reader, a little insight of the aim, purpose, and considerations of the blog.  I’d like for you to read the document entitled, “The Spirit of the Blog”.

All the Best,

Jonathan Gaby

The debate took the usual turn.  Topics included health care, foreign policy, war in Afghanistan, and fiscally conservative issues, and the pro-life debate.

From the perspective of this blogger, lots of things occurred in this debate worth noting.  I’ll do so by candidate.

Trey Grayson
Trey Grayson offered an admirable performance at this debate.  Trey’s style, I thought, was approachable and personable, even in the midst of attacks from Rand Paul.  I liked the fact that he speaks clearly enough and in a way that showed his skill in the debate by addressing those concerns in the debate as he did.  I think that Trey was able to win points by bringing up his past experiences working with Pro-Life Groups as well as a proven record of fiscal responsibility in the office of Secretary of State.  An office he has successfully run for and won, twice.   A real accomplishment given the fact that in 2007, he and Richie Farmer were the only two Republicans elected or re-elected to statewide positions that year.  From this debate I see that Trey will be a man confident in his accomplishments as Secretary of State and will do the same for the voters of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  What I mean is that Grayson will do the same thing as Senator as he’s done as Secretary of state which is trim the fat off the budget for his office, improve efficiencies, implement transparency initiatives, and post his “checkbook” online for people to see.  I think he made great headway with the “tech crowd” when he mentioned his use of new media (Twitter and Facebook) namely, in advancing the Office of the Secretary of State.  I’m really glad that he said to Mitch McConnell that voting for the bailout was a bad vote.

Rand Paul
Rand Paul, in his opening statement offered an undisciplined attack on his fellow candidates that served him no good in relating to voters and viewers of the USTREAM video.  Usually one tries to win over people in the opening of a debate but it seemed that he was more interested in trying to draw his opponents off base and off message immediately.  His opening salvo did little to be productive and could have caused attendees to immediately lose respect for him.  I’d say that Rand’s temperament lends himself to being a better debater, but he seems to be more of a loose cannon in some instances which would hurt him in a debate situation, when he should really be more reserved.  His stances definitely got in his way, especially Roe V. Wade, the closing of Guantanamo Bay, term limits, etc.  Amazingly absent to the conversation was his discussion on health care (or maybe I had missed it).   Other than that I would say that Rand did well in the debate.  A word to him though, don’t be so direct with criticism and be sure to deliver critical comments in such a way that doesn’t cause yourself damage.  People don’t like negativity, especially in a primary contest.

Bill Johnson
Bill Johnson is a newcomer in politics and this campaign is his first entry into politics.  Bill is a decorated navy veteran and accomplished businessman who has seen the world from a different perspective.  Most strikingly was his ability to stay focused on what he wanted to say and be positive.  I didn’t sense that he was trying to attack anyone in the way others were doing, but was doing everything he could to tell voters who he was and what he stood for.   He brought a clear message to the voters and would make an excellent candidate.   I most admire him for his service to country as a member of the US Navy.

In this race we must remember that the political climate is very interesting.  In Massachusetts we witnessed a historical event where the commonwealth elected a Republican to a seat formerly held by Ted Kennedy, a Democrat.  In this election, anything can go.  No candidate on the Republican side is a shoo-in for the nomination.  Anti-incumbency is all the rage, but in this race, it’s not a card well-played.  Trey Grayson’s track record should show that he is a great candidate, but it may serve as a hinderance in this race.  Rand Paul’s no-holds barred approach may be effective in leading a movement, but I’m not sure how well his approach will hold up to everyday voters and people who regard themselves as “establishment” Republicans.  I frankly take issue with the violent tone of some supporters.  Lets make this a clean race shall we.

Overall I think that in this political climate, any Republican candidate will beat any Democratic candidate in November.  The political climate is such that Democrats will lose seats, and the senate seat in question has historically been a Republican seat.

Regan Nichols, Guest Blogger

It is getting into campaign time, and candidates are starting to heavily promote themselves. This year’s election is just as important, if not more so, than the one in 2008. We have a chance to shift the majority in the House and Senate or at least make the majority not so pronounced.

You will hear a lot about the Senate race, and I’ll be glad to talk to anyone about my views on that! At this time, though, I am focusing on the House race. Ben Chandler has a voting record that hurts Kentucky’s economy and jobs, and we need to find a good conservative candidate who can send him home and actually represent us in Washington.

Please allow me to introduce you to Matt Lockett. Matt is a family man who is active in church and charity, and he has very strong conservative values. Matt is a fighter. After getting to know him, I have no doubt whatsoever that his vote would never be for sale. He stands for conservative Christian values and will not only support them but will fight for them. I have heard him speak to groups, and I have talked with him at length one on one. This man is the real deal, a fighter, and we need him.

Matt has a few opponents. There are 6 Republican candidates for the primary Congressional race! While the outpouring of patriotic duty is great, it means each candidate needs to work harder to prove themselves and stand apart from the rest. Matt is certainly doing that! He is at every event he can possibly get to, and he is talking to the people of the 6th District.

Matt is NOT a career politician. His main opponent at this point is a career politician. His opponent is a Lexington attorney who has worked for politicians throughout his career. He is the establishment, and he is backed by the establishment. He has been groomed to be a politician. In my opinion, the last thing we need right now is another politician promising to represent our district. We elected one of those, and look where it has led. I urge you to check out Andy Barr’s web site. You will not find any information about fighting for any issues. All you will see is money.

So I ask you a few things – First, please check out Matt’s web site – www.mattlockett.net. He is adding new issues and information all the time. Second, use the link on the web site to follow him on Facebook. We post videos there so you can actually hear him talk about the issues. Third, we will be hosting meet-and-greet events all around the 6th district. Matt knows he is up against money, but especially this year, the people want to know the PERSON they are voting for, not just their resume or finances. Matt wants to sit down and talk one-on-one with you and answer any questions you have. We will be keeping his Facebook page updated when he will be at events. I urge and encourage you to come to these events. You will find that Matt is a very humble, genuine, concerned man who will listen to your concerns.

Please research the candidates, and please vote in the May primary!!

Regan Nichols

Matt Lockett for U.S. House of Representatives for the 6th District of Kentucky

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/kentucky-us-senate-candidate-forum

I’ll be providing a wrap up afterwards.

Mr. Comer, Candidate for Co. Judge

Mr. James Dennis Comer has filed his papers for the republican nomination for Franklin County Judge/Executive’s Office at 3:45 p.m., Monday January 25, 2010 at the County Clerks Office.

Denny Comer, active retired local businessman, has extensive experience in business management having been President and CEO of his own successful company as well as President and Chief Operating Officer, Director of Operations and General Manager of more than one company over his extensive business career.  Mr. Comer has served in several community service agencies and organizations including the following: Retired Police Chief Hurstbourne Acres, Kentucky; 100^th Division US Army Reserve for more than 33 years retiring in 2004.  He is currently working as a volunteer as the Employer Outreach Coordinator for the Kentucky Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Denny Comer is still very active in the Fraternal Order of Police where he has held offices of Vice President, Chaplain, and is currently a Trustee and Delegate to the Kentucky State FOP.  As an  honored local business owner he has served on several boards including: the Chamber of Commerce of Versailles/Woodford County, United Way Campaign in Versailles, Advisory Committee for the Fayette County Vocational-Technical School and  Advisory Committee of the University of Kentucky Business Fraternity.

Mr. Comer has worked many years with youth both in church and community service, has held positions of Church Youth Director, Sunday School Teacher, and has been active in youth sports helping to organize the Woodford County Youth Baseball and Softball Association, serving as Treasurer, coach, certified umpire both Little League Baseball and High School.

Denny is married to Peggy Lee Comer and has four adult children and six Grandchildren.  He is a member of the First Christian Church in Frankfort.

Denny Comer believes in lower taxes, more efficient government and government officials that listen to the concerns of the community.

For further information call:   Denny Comer   502 875 5095

A little history lesson here.  Kentucky’s Governor, Steve Beshear, campaigned on one issue in 2007, gambling.  Gov. Beshear has learned that he can get gambling through the house, due to the Democratic majority, but is unable to get it through the Republican controlled senate.  Therefore, he has been systematically appointing Republican senators to high posts with cushy retirement benefits to dismantle the GOP majority, resulting in a domino effect of elections and seat shuffling.  The election in House District 24 is the latest of falling dominoes since Jimmy Higdon won the Senate District 14 seat last year, resulting in a run for state house between Johnson and Mills to fill Higdon’s empty state house seat.

The results of the election last night was not shocking really.

Casey:     Leo: 1,772      Mills:    344
Marion:  Leo:    333      Mills: 2,611
Pulaski:  Leo:    413      Mills:      46
Total voters:      26,141
Total votes:          5,519
District Turnout:    21%

Casey and Pulaski Counties both went the way most pundits would assume because Casey and Pulaski Counties are heavy Republican areas.  What most of us didn’t think would happen is that Marion county would vote for a weak Democratic opponent.  Here is my analysis.  I did assist Leo in his campaign efforts both financially and with various web design work and messaging, but I will do my best in offering a fair evaluation and some predictions.

Pulaski’s Plunder
With only 459 votes cast in Pulaski Co turnout was a huge issue for the Johnson campaign.  Turnout was 12 percent.  Pulaski’s 5 precincts needed to have shown up for Leo and helped win the election, which could have been done.

Casey’s Crumble
Casey County went for Leo big, but again, turnout seemed to be the overriding issue.  With only 20% turnout, it was a little lower than expected.  Registration statistics report that the county is about 77% Republican and 20% Democrat.  Therefore I can only conclude that Casey county thought that Johnson “had it in the bag” and were not motivated to work for him.  This is sometimes the problem with counties with disproportionate voter makeup.  People feel that their area will go the right way and sometimes won’t feel the “fierce urgency of now” in the campaign. Next time, fire up the base and get it done.

Marion Massacre
What can one say about Marion County?  Marion county is heavily catholic and rural, but it also has an ungodly amount of democrats, 83% percent to be exact.  I joke about “doing the Lord’s work in the Devil’s country” when talking about being a YR Chair in Frankfort, but Marion County is far worse.  Hoping for low turnout because of an unknown and less desirable candidate, pundits were shocked.  Marion County clearly won the day because of the higher turnout than expected.

Marion County teaches us two things.  First, there is a real weakness in Marion County’s Republican presence that needs to be rectified.  Whomever the Republicans are in marion County, they need to get down to the business of organizing the county at the precinct level. Long term goals should be taking advantage of the current political climate which is unfavorable to incumbents and to a large part the democratic party to register Republicans and educate voters on why being a Republican is in harmony with a catholic’s view of the right to life.  Real Republicans are Pro-Life, by the way.  Second, Marion county can elect a Republican to office.  It’s been done before, rather recently.  Jimmy Higdon, won Marion county comfortably in the recent state senate race.  The strange thing is that in 2002 Jimmy Higdon ran for the same seat (House D24) and won Casey County and the five precincts in Pulaski, but lost by 2000 votes his own county. What we can probably learn from this is that although registration may be intimidating, Marion can go conservative.

Final Words
Because Leo Johnson was overwhelmingly nominated by the Republican party in that district I believe that he will make it through the primary.  A candidate from Marion County, no matter how much money he or she has, will probably not be able to peel enough support away from Casey County (Johnson is Party chair) or Pulaski. I can not say whether or not Terry Mills will run for reelection later this year, but given some time in a general election and in a regular election cycle, Johnson will gain enough momentum and money to spread his message, making him quite attractive to the district’s voters.  The only thing left to ponder though, is how much work the Marion County GOP will put forth in organizing the county in an effort to bring parity to the two parties in the heart of the commonwealth and will strong Republican areas fire on all cylinders and turn out the vote in future contests.