The question of the Senate race in Kentucky is coming down to the question not of, do we want to replace Mitch McConnell, but who will be best to replace Mitch McConnell in the fall. I am one Democrat that would never entertain the thought of not only voting for McConnell but indeed NOT VOTING AGAIMST HIM. You can bet this is one Democrat that will be voting for our nominee.

That being said this is one Democrat that that wants to vote for what he fights for. In this election year I just see no reason why Democrats can’t stand up and fight as Democrats without shame. It works when it is tried.

Now, I admit at the beginning of this process, I didn’t know who Greg Fischer was. I originally supported Greg Stumbo, former A.G. of Kentucky to run against McConnell. He made a trip to talk to the DSCC and never came back. Well, not as a candidate for Senate at least.

Then I went to automatic second choice Andrew Horne. His fate is more widely publicized and known than Greg Stumbo’s, but were basically the same. I went through a month when I didn’t know who I would vote for in that race, and I will admit lost interest in it to a certain degree. I like Kenneth Stepp a lot, but realized the problems he would have. He is a great Democrat though. I talked to the Cassaro campaign, and will admit those are some class folks who did respond over there. I just didn’t feel their views matched up with mine.

I began to think that I would have to vote for Bruce Lunsford, holding my nose and hoping that he voted my fight at least 50% of the time if he won. McConnell is after-all 0%. At least it would be an improvement.

But then in support of Heather Ryan I went to an event in Benton to meet with the DEC there. Greg Fischer showed up at the same meeting. After it was over he came up and wished Heather luck in her fall election. He said how he really hoped he would be on that ticket to. He asked my name, and for my support and I flat out told him there were a few things I was concerned about. He took the time to talk to me about his views on healthcare as I told him that I was recently stricken with Type 1 Diabetes.

Greg Fischer won my vote that day. Although he never said anything about the Presidential race, his views and statements seemed to have an Edwards Populist ring to them. From healthcare, to Fair Trade, to a sensible exit from Iraq, to fighting Corporate Greed, fighting for workers, all down the line, he shared my views, and wanted to fight for them. He would be an excellent Senator for a new Democratic President.

Now, I hate to trash Democrats, but I am never going to be anyone’s robot. (Not insinuating anyone is.) I can speak out on even my party and it’s candidates if I feel they are wrong. That is my right and I will do so. There are many things that can be used against Bruce Lunsford, but this one is foremost to me:

Do I even have to comment on that? Add to that his past contributions to Republicans up to and INCLUDING Mitch McConnell!!!, leads me to believe that he will not fight for me, and will turn coat more times than not. I mean, the whole time I was fighting uphill fights for Democratic candidates in several races Bruce Lunsford fought against me. I don’t dislike the man personally, but that is just the truth of reality.

Reality is I support Greg Fischer in the Democratic Primary for U.S. Senate. His truth is my truth, as summed up here:

Help Greg Fischer win here:

http://www.actblue.com/page/wkyditchmitch

Best wishes fellow Democrats!!

Congratulations and thanks to the newly elected executive committee who all publicly supported our campaign. Our table was lucky enough to have three executive committee members and the vice chair Sue Orth, Pam Mader, as well as Ken Muliken and NKY Young Democrats’ president Katie Henderson. Thanks to Gov. Beshear and NKY Cental Labor Council President Jim Cole for their call to action in this election. Check out these comments.

April 24 Central Kentucky

The campaign landed next in Lexington for the Global Auto Conference.We got a late start (8 a.m.) but Greg got to Lexington for his presentation on 21st century management. We always swing by the campuses for some enjoyable campaigning and University of Kentucky was no exception today--even during dead week. Thanks to the college Dems for showing us around. Then, we were on to Versailles, Woodford County where the folks at the courthouse was quite glad to see Greg come down to do some politicking. Was it G.I. Joe who said showing up is half the battle? Later, a Lexington meet-and-greet. Somehow meet-and-greets always turn into fundraisers. Finally, we blew into Williamstown, Grant County on a sweet spring breeze to find the Grant County Democratic Executive Committee meeting outside the Government Center. We’d be doing the same thing but with a kite, picnic basket and some family members if we weren’t on our way to saving the Commonwealth!

April 25 East to West

We picked Greg up at 6:30 a.m. and headed on to Brandenburg, Meade County for a breakfast meeting with supporters. A curious few crossed on our path and, while we were shooting the breeze in the restaurant parking lot, we were spotted and descended upon by other local folks who forced us to give up some of our yard signs. Apparently, they had seen Greg on TV. Brandenburg is such a nice river town. In Springfield, Washington County, Greg met with local supporters and did a couple media stops before heading on to Lebanon, Marion County for more networking and media.  Then on to Campbellsville, Taylor County, (see story in the Central Kentucky News-Journal ) where we had lunch with a Fischer endorser before moving on to Greensburg, Green County for a meeting, walking tour and interview at the Green River Sun. There, we found this hilarious editorial, which we later used to torment the opposing campaign in Bowling Green.

On to Munfordville, Hart County which was another spot where our presence has been anticipated and Greg made many appreciated and solid contacts. We left the courthouse and headed for the jail but I missed my turn. After my correction, we headed back toward the jail where we were flagged down by a man who had been mowing his grass. He had seen Greg on TV and wanted a yard sign and some lit. We provided both with pleasure before heading on. Leitchfeild & Caneyville, Grayson County were our last stops. We closed out our swing for the day and then traveled to the Jody Richards Golf Classic Reception in Bowling Green the seat of Warren County.

At the reception, we felt we had secured Warren County for Greg Fischer. A rousing Fischer rally chagrined the “other” campaign’s ten depressed staffers as our team presented an efficient and effective candidate. One heavy hitting volunteer and two staffers kept themselves very busy! The “other” campaign resorted to name dropping in an attempt to avoid total embarrassment, but like all those who don’t know their audience, name dropping might work in Dubai but not here in Kentucky. For the silent auction, we donated a nice bowl picked out at Louisville Stoneware. It netted the WCDP $175. We were not the only campaign to make a donation; an opposing campaign forked over an eight-seat-box for a horse race this Saturday. Winning bid: $100. Congratulations to the WCDP for another great event and a big thanks to the Speaker for all you do for our Commonwealth and our Party. Greg, you are the life of the party, no need to make the contrast here, they are all onboard! Thanks to all of our supporters in the BG!

We spent an overnight in Gilbertsville and many thanks to Jim Conn for hosting us at his house over by Kentucky Lake.

April 26 Western Kentucky

In Paducah, McCracken County, we ate a little breakfast at the Lone Oak Little Castle before heading off to Sedalia, Graves County, for the Sedalia Day Parade, which we rocked as usual. Check out the video.

Murray, Calloway County was next--- a meet-and-greet at the library with our backers and lunch at the popular Dairy Queen. Murray is a great place and very supportive of our campaign.

Thanks to the big guns and citizens for all you do for us. Get those yard signs out! Our last stop was a Hopkinsville, Christian County meet-and-greet at Timmon’s Restaurant. Homeward bound.

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!

“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.

The Boyd County Convention was covered by Marcus Woodward who had the following to report. Seventy-five people were present and Fischer signs and bumper stickers were a HOT item. We have sprouted yard signs across Boyd County.

The literature was especially appreciated inasmuch as the stark differences between Bruce Lunsford and Greg were never more apparent than with that flyer recounting the history of Bruce. In fact, several Lunsford supporters were swayed with that piece, since they were for Bruce just because he had run with Stumbo. When they saw the history, they were Fischer supporters immediately.

Proof positive that the truth can set you free!!

David Fitts visited Fayette County where a few hundred convention delegates gathered in the Henry Clay High School Gym. A few of our volunteers brought in yard signs and lapel stickers. People immediately came up, asking for signs and stickers. About half of the people at the convention were sporting lapel stickers for Fischer. When it came time for the LD elections, a woman I didn’t know, raised her hand and said, “I need to know one thing before I’ll vote for you for Chair. You’re not going to support Bruce Lunsford for Senate are you?”

Lou and Ree Carribo represented Fischer at the Scott County convention. Margaret Greynolds, the chair for the past 8 years, retired that day and declared for Greg. There was a well attended lunch after the convention to plan for Greg’s visit this coming Tuesday.

Angela Lewis worked at the Jessamine County convention in Nicholasville. People were asking when Greg would visit Jessamine County.

Jim Gray covered in Versailles where support was strong. Volunteers took yard signs and lit for canvassing across Woodford County that day.

Tom Wunderlich worked Franfort and said he was pleased by the number of people who knew and supported Greg. Lunsford arrived (bearing free lunch) and took note of our table and yard signs. Hopefully he saw the number of people sporting Fischer lapel stickers, too!

Miriam Silman worked in Prestonsburg and had the following to report: I went up to the Fiscal Court this morning and talked to about 24 people at the Stand Ups--as the conventions are called here.

I learned that people here are interested in having an alternative to Lunsford but you have to give them the negatives about Lunsford.

Crystal Riley covered McCracken County and reported the following: The DEC election event in McCracken County was a huge success. Most everyone there already knew who Greg was and they had very positive things to say. They were excited to see his campaign so organized and one person even said he glad to see Greg is taking this campaign so seriously, when it is obvious that Lunsford is not. It’s clear to me that people see Greg as a mover and shaker, and exactly what they are looking for to beat Mitch McConnell in the fall.

Next stop: Pikeville. We’ll be stopping by again for Hillbilly Days but spent some time meeting with folks in advance. Then we headed to Hazard where once again we met with local officals and got a sense of Pike County and mountain hospitality. On our way home we made one more stop at Harvey Richardson’s Grocery in Jackson where we met some fine local folks, including April the cashier and a guy who said he always hung out there.

A big thanks to our Eastern Kentucky supporters for giving us a heck of a welcome!

Started in 1842 with the trading and selling of sweet potatoes, this year’s “old time country fair” featured activities for every interest and taste: a flea market, cook-off, arts and crafts show, fiddler’s contest, beauty pageants, gospel singing, carnival, parade and the Tater Day Trot.

The pancake breakfast was given by the Lion’s Club at Benton Elementary School: a big shout out to Rich Hendrickson (president of the Benton Lion’s Club) and all the volunteers for putting on a great benefit. Herman Ford (frm. Marshall County Jailer) stopped by as did Deputy R.K. Byars, just to keep order I assume. Couldn’t possibly be those pancakes!

From there Greg did a radio interview and we prepared for the parade ride in a convertible. We picked up Greg and the volunteer folks at the Marshall Judicial Center. Armed with tons of candy, we set out to satisfy the sweet tooth of everybody in town.

We had the only Senatorial candidate in the parade whose theme was “Remember the Troops.”

After the festivities, Greg we went south to Murray for lunch with City Councilman Dave Ramey; then Greg met with Mayor Rushing, County Judge Executive Larry Elkins and the County PVA Ronnie Jackson. We also went to the Calloway County Jail to shake hands with Calloway County Jailer Phil Hazle and Zee Enix. Check out the story in the Murray Ledger and Times about Greg!

Then we went west to “The Pearl of the Purchase”, Mayfield, Kentucky in Graves County. It’s the home of author Bobbie Ann Mason and Alben Barkley—Harry Truman’s “Veep”. There Greg had a very welcoming and productive meeting with Barry Kennemore the County Clerk. We finished the day with dinner and TV interview at the Oasis Restaurant near Eddyville.

General Petraeus says:

“We haven’t turned any corners. We haven’t seen any lights at the end of the tunnel.” New York Times, April 9, 2008

Here’s what my opponent Bruce Lunsford says: “I pray for the safe return home of our troops.”

I too pray for our troops’ safety but I also offer a real plan to safely and responsibly end America’s participation in this war and bring our troops home swiftly, safely and responsibly.

Mitch McConnell has recklessly offered George Bush a blank check to fund this irresponsible and misleading war. We’re spending $12 billion per month, more than 4,000 American troops killed and losing our moral authority in the world. Meanwhile, those in Kentucky fear losing their own homes and fore go the building of schools and roads so we can build them in other Iraq.

It’s time to responsibly and safely end our commitment in Iraq. 

By: Howie Klein Saturday April 5, 2008 11:00 am


It would be hard to imagine anything more politically satisfying than seeing Bush’s #1 Senate obstructionist, Mitch McConnell, defeated in his re-election bid this November. Back in February we had a little Blue America session with a man claiming he wanted to run against McConnell, Andrew Horne. It was the only candidate chat we’ve ever had where we didn’t endorse the candidate or put him on our Blue America page. Horne seemed ok but… there was something that wasn’t quite right. And, sure enough, a few days after our session, he pulled out of the race under odd circumstances and 2 days ago he endorsed the man he had denigrated and castigated right here. I hope he was rewarded handsomely enough to sleep at night.

Fortunately there is a progressive Democrat running against McConnell-- Greg Fischer, who I’ve been talking with on the phone and corresponding with for a couple of months. And Greg has won Blue America’s endorsement and is on our Blue America page (which I hope you’ll visit and make use of to help defeat LunsfordMcConnell).

Before Greg can get to McConnell, he has to take on one of McConnell’s long-time allies, a fake Democrat many of us will remember from when he tried defeating first Ben Chandler and then, last year, Steve Beshear in gubernatorial primaries in which Kentucky voters, smelling a Republican in Democrat’s clothing, firmly rebuffed him both times-- although not until he had spent $14 million. Don’t cry for him; he’s stinkin’ rich. Which is why he has a powerful ally this time, a senator who has a nose for the smell of money as acute as McConnell’s; yep, the Kentucky version of Zell Miller/Joe Lieberman is being pushed by… Chuck Schumer.

It’s hard to imagine that there’s anyone who reads any of the Blue America blogs who doesn’t understand why Mitch McConnell is one of the worst members of the U.S. Senate. But for anyone who’s just accidentally wandered in here looking for Barack Obama’s bowling score, here are some key points to remember from now until November:

On the Economy:
• McConnell voted NO on repealing the tax subsidy for companies that move U.S. jobs offshore.
• Voted against the Temporary Relief Act of 2007 that would have provided 23 million middle-class families with more than $50 billion in tax relief by protecting them
from paying the Alternative Minimum Tax.
• Voted NO on increasing tax deductions for college tuition.
• Voted to block the Foreclosure Prevention Act in February and yesterday caved into pressure and voted to negotiate with the Senate Democrats on compromise
legislation.
• Has a lifetime 11% rating from the AFL-CIO.

On Health Care:
• McConnell voted NO on expanding SCHIP eligibility.
• He voted against allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices just as the Veterans Administration presently does.
• Supports President Bush’s health care policy of personal Health Savings Accounts.

On Iraq:
• Last July he led an all-night filibuster in favor of an open-ended commitment in Iraq.
• Last September he blocked the proposal, introduced by Senator Webb (D-VA), that would have added time between deployments, forced the withdrawal of troops on
a substantially swifter timeline and protected troops from serving protracted and debilitating deployments.
• Has continued to block legislation to withdrawal our troops from Iraq.

That’s why Greg is running for office. I’m going to let Greg, who-- like Lunsford-- hasn’t held elective office, speak for himself on the issues. He fits the Blue America requirements of advocating a safe and speedy withdrawal from Iraq, favoring privacy and choice, favoring equality for all Americans, and favoring real campaign finance reform.

His positions on health care come out of his business experience. And it was his business experience that attracted me to his candidacy, since it was something I was able to assess in terms of my own experience. Like Greg, I founded a small company. Each of us also ran large companies. I learned early on that the most successful way to run a business is to run it for the long term, not just to squeeze out short term profits. A business run with employees, customers, shareholders and the community in mind is a business to be proud of and is the kind of business that succeeds. It’s the way I ran my company and it’s the way Greg runs his.

Lunsford’s business history is a nightmare of lawsuits, Medicare fraud, government raids and bankruptcies. Lunsford has a record of ethics questions to rival McConnell’s own. And as Lunsford’s newest supporter, Andrew Horne, told us, “We can’t beat McConnell with McConnell-lite.”

Please take a look at this video of Greg talking about why he’s running when you get a chance. And please consider even a small contribution to his campaign at the Blue America ActBlue page.

This weekend was a great one for our campaign. On Saturday we left Louisville and drove to western KY, arriving at the Majestic Restaurant in Princeton for the First District Democratic Woman’s Club Meeting & Lunch in Princeton. This inspiring group of women is working hard for change. Kathy Jo Stubblefield, Director of the First District Woman’s Club, and Diane Wood, state president of the Kentucky’s Democratic Woman’s Clubs are leading the charge.

After the lunch in Princeton we traveled to Madisonville for the Gov. Ruby Laffoon Dinner where all routes to the event were cover by Fischer for Senate signs. This event normally draws 300 people but attendance ballooned to 3000 this year because Hillary Clinton signed on as the keynote speaker. Our campaign clearly stood out as the most organized friendly and vociferous force for change at the dinner. Our volunteers were alive with energy as our message of restoring common sense to Washington and the promise of Kentucky resonated throughout the night. Great job to the Fischer team!!

The Hillbilly Report will have video of the event posted at http://www.hillbillyreport.com soon.

Noticeably absent, once again, from the candidates was Bruce Lunsford who was in Dubai at a horse race. His campaign staff did not even seem to think that there was anything wrong with that given that the Laffoon event is the biggest gathering of Democrats in western Kentucky. Here we are shaking hands with the good folks of western Kentucky while Lunsford is shaking hands with the sheiks in Dubai – what’s wrong with this picture?! Anyway, the other candidates are taking the Senate race seriously and treating the people of Kentucky with the respect that is deserved when a person wishes to serve as a US Senator.

As a final note, the Hopkins County Democratic Party, chaired by Brenda Harris Glover and the entire city of Madisonville, led by Mayor Will Cox, did a world class job organizing the growth of the event with only a few days notice after they learned that the Clinton campaign would be attending – very impressive organization!

We arrived back in Louisville around 2am - a little tired, but feeling good about a productive day on the road.

I am very pleased to say that he has made a decision. Greg Fischer, my dad, has officially decided to run for the United States Senate seat in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Here’s why I think my Dad would be a great United States Senator:

1. First of all, he’s honest. After 8 years of the Bush Administration, people, especially young people are ready for change.
2. He has a strong work ethic. He works extremely hard and it shows through his business and volunteer work. It’s going to take someone who is willing to work hard and take risks in order to defeat Mitch McConnell.
3. He has strong family values and cares about Kentucky. He has always put his family first even while preparing for this campaign. He has used his personal success to give back to Kentucky.

I’m looking forward to continuing to reach out to this community during my Dad’s campaign.