April 18-21 big days in a big Commonwealth
On the road again, we pulled into Bowling Green and ate breakfast at Teresa’s---breakfast (lunch and dinner for that matter) is always good at Teresa’s. Thanks again to all of Greg’s boosters for their hard work in Bowling Green and Warren County.
Next stop was the Logan County Courthouse in Russellville: this visit was Greg’s first to this historic town once known as “Rogues’ Harbour” or “Big Boiling Spring” to the early settlers—we’ll be swinging by again tomorrow. Then, after visiting the
Barren County Courthouse, we had lunch in Glasgow at George J’s: another staple of Kentucky living, George J’s is a fine place to have a meet and greet. Moving right along, we took in the Marion County Courthouse in Lebanon. We spent the evening at the Nelson County Jefferson Jackson Dinner in Bardstown where Bruce Lunsford actually showed up! Yet again it was Greg who got a warm reception when folks gave an enthusiastic response to his vision for our country. Thanks to Sen. Wendell Ford for his message and for setting the stage for Greg: “We have young people, business people entrepreneurs that have ideas, great families and want to give back to their communities. So they want to and go down to party headquarters to try to file, but they ask how much money can you raise, that’s not right. You need support from all over Kentucky. Thousands excited to be behind you. I see Bruce Lunsford here, he has spent a lot of his money. I wish you had enough support that you did not have to spend a dime.”
And, too, a hearty congratulations to the Nelson County Democratic Party for pulling together this great event. Here’s a point of fact---not counting elected or candidates in attendance, well over half of the crowd wore Fischer stickers – booyah!
Tired but happy, the campaign pressed on to Paintsville, arriving at mid-night, just as planned. That’s 485 miles and counting!
April 19th
We attended a wonderful breakfast with the State Democratic Women’s Conference in Paintsville,
one committed group of progressive Kentuckians—and, suffice it to say that, after receiving a standing ovation we were energized and ready for Pikeville’s Hillbilly Days--- that is, 29th Annual Hillbilly Days Festival. Wow, Bruce showed up for an event, but this time he was not alone: supporters from Tennessee and West Virginia came to Pikeville as directed by their collective conscious to prop up the Lunsford house-of-cards. As one supporter said, “They told us to show up in Pikeville or don’t come to work Monday.” Top-down Democracy in action. From Pikeville we drove to Muhlenburg County for the Democratic Party Dinner and as usual Greg received a warm welcome and delivered a message of change that resonated with folks here. Thanks to the all those who put together another great event and thanks to all those in the area who have already put up Fischer yard signs. Greg really gets a boost from the sight of solid support right there in the front yard of Kentuckians’ homes. Our last stop was our return to Logan County for the pre-primary dinner. The people of Logan County were quite grateful that Greg had made it to Russellville twice in two days and covered over 1000 miles to do it. We are literally on a roll.
Total miles: 1104!
April 21st---Whirlwind Tour of the Eastern Counties
Today, we took in Greenup, Carter, Lawrence, and Elliot Counties and connected with folks at the Boyd County Candidates’ Night and the Ashland Rotary Club. From 6:00am to 11:30pm, 600 miles and a ton of support! Thanks to Marcus Woodward for helping us rock this region!
(0) Comments • Permalink
Fischer urges McConnell to support pay equity for women
“In typical Washington fashion, Senator McConnell is blocking legislation that allows women to fight for their rights to equal pay. His obstructionism lets employers escape responsibility by hiding their decision to discriminate so they can run out the clock.”
This statement was released today in regard to Senator McConnell’s shortsighted and wrong decision
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Greg Fischer is disgusted by Senator Mitch McConnell refusal to support the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and to restore pay equity for women. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act that aimed to restore anti-discrimination laws reversed in a Supreme Court ruling that established a tight time restrictions on pay discrimination lawsuits was voted down yesterday by the Senate. McConnell voted against the bill.
“Kentucky workers need strong anti-discrimination laws to ensure they are treated fairly and equally by employers—McConnell refuses to provide this protection time and again. Simply having these laws in place is not enough. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act clarifies a technicality in employment discrimination law and deters discriminatory practices in the workplace. It also ensures that when discrimination occurs, wronged employees receive fair compensation. McConnell should care more about the interest of Kentucky’s working people than the interest of businesses who wrongfully take advantage of their employees,” said Fischer.
The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act is only a step in correcting the pay differential between working women and men. “Women workers deserve equal compensation and deserve better than the 77 cents they earn to a man’s dollar. And, when they learn they’ve been paid unfairly, they deserve the right to go to court to seek compensation,” said Fischer.
If women received the same wages as men who work the same number of hours, have the same education and union status, are the same age, and live in the same region of the country, then these women’s annual income would rise by $4,000 and poverty rates would be cut in half, according to the National Organization for Women. “Quite simply, this bill would have allowed American’s working families to gain $200 billion in family income annually helping to offset the cost of groceries, gas and mortgages,” said Fischer.
“Women deserve a Senator they can trust to stand up for them and a workplace that values their work equally,” said Fischer. “Senator McConnell made it evident with his vote yesterday that he doesn’t value working women,” he said.
The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2007 was supported by the House of Representatives in July 2007 and was co-sponsored by Kentucky Congressman John Yarmuth.
(2) Comments • Permalink
On the road with Greg in Northern Kentucky (by Josh)
April 16
Wednesday saw the road warriors of the Fischer Campaign haul off to Warsaw, Williamstown, Falmouth, Covington and Florence. Greg relishes good ol’ politicking, always enjoying a stroll around town with local officials and citizens, and—well-- this was the day to do it! Might just have been the nicest day of the year so far. Check out Pat Crowley’s article.
(3) Comments • Permalink
On the road with Greg in Everywhere-At-Once, Kentucky (by Josh)
April 15
Tuesday, we set off before dawn (once again) for a full day of active campaigning in Winchester, Richmond, Lexington, Paris, Georgetown, Frankfort and Shelbyville! Wow. Some crazy schedule. I can hardly believe we packed it all in, but we did. And, we gotta do it ‘cause people need to see our campaign in high gear—to see Greg’s desire and energy to serve. A big thanks to a supporter for lunch at his horse farm and to the folks in Frankfort for putting together a great meet and greet! We closed the day with the Jefferson Jackson Dinner in Shelbyville. Congratulations to the Shelby County Democratic Party for a great event!
(0) Comments • Permalink
