http://staging.gregfischer.com/index.php/blog en info@gregfischer.com Copyright 2008 2008-05-06T16:27:00-05:00 http://www.gregfischer.com/index.php/news_story/the_truth_by_rdemocrat/ http://www.gregfischer.com/index.php/news_story/the_truth_by_rdemocrat/#When:16:27:00Z Cross posted from Daily Kos, Swing State Project, and BlueGrassRoots 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!! 2008-05-06T16:27:00-05:00 http://www.gregfischer.com/index.php/news_story/winning_on_the_groud/ http://www.gregfischer.com/index.php/news_story/winning_on_the_groud/#When:13:34:00Z April 22 Northern Kentucky I had the pleasure of accompanying Greg’s wife, Alex to the Campbell County Democratic Woman’s Club Dinner at the Syndicate in Newport. The event was a fine success and a true testament to the return of the active, powerful Northern Kentucky Democrats. Congratulations to President Diana Darnell and the entire club on this great event! Once again the Fischer team crushed the opposition with the show of support. Of those in attendance, at least half wore Fischer stickers, including some considered the opposition’s endorsers. The “other” campaign, with candidate in tow, managed to find as many people to wear their stickers as they had yard signs in the right-of-way and, coincidentally, empty seats at their table (5). 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. 2008-04-29T13:34:00-05:00 http://www.gregfischer.com/index.php/news_story/april_18_a_big_day_in_a_big_comonwealth/ http://www.gregfischer.com/index.php/news_story/april_18_a_big_day_in_a_big_comonwealth/#When:22:20:00Z 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! 2008-04-24T22:20:00-05:00 http://www.gregfischer.com/index.php/news_story/fischer_urges_mcconnell_to_support_pay_equity_for_women/ http://www.gregfischer.com/index.php/news_story/fischer_urges_mcconnell_to_support_pay_equity_for_women/#When:15:00:00Z Here was Greg’s comment from the DWT Blog on McConnells obstructionism of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act: “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. 2008-04-24T15:00:00-05:00 http://www.gregfischer.com/index.php/news_story/on_the_road_with_greg_in_northern_kentucky/ http://www.gregfischer.com/index.php/news_story/on_the_road_with_greg_in_northern_kentucky/#When:14:24:00Z 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. 2008-04-21T14:24:00-05:00 http://www.gregfischer.com/index.php/news_story/on_the_road_with_greg_in_everywhere_at_once_kentucky_by_josh/ http://www.gregfischer.com/index.php/news_story/on_the_road_with_greg_in_everywhere_at_once_kentucky_by_josh/#When:14:15:00Z 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! 2008-04-21T14:15:00-05:00 http://www.gregfischer.com/index.php/news_story/on_the_road_with_greg_in_central_kentucky_again_by_josh/ http://www.gregfischer.com/index.php/news_story/on_the_road_with_greg_in_central_kentucky_again_by_josh/#When:14:04:00Z April 12 Friday’s tour started with a stop at the Dairy Queen outside of Taylorsville for some of that good ole’ personal politicking, then it was on to courthouse and a short walk around the downtown area. Next on our list: Shelby County. We moved on down the road to Frankfort for lunch with several supporters and other folks looking for a credible alternative in this race--I believe they found their man. Then we were off to Midway for a couple meetings in this splendid little community. We finished the day with a swing through Henry County, stopping in Eminence and New Castle. In New Castle, we met with a great young attorney and visited with other folks before heading off to the Smith-Berry Winery. Home again after another great day! Thanks to all for an awesome week. 2008-04-21T14:04:00-05:00 http://www.gregfischer.com/index.php/news_story/on_the_road_in/ http://www.gregfischer.com/index.php/news_story/on_the_road_in/#When:13:55:00Z Thursday we began our tour with a stop at the Bullitt County Courthouse for some time with local officials and a little breakfast politicking at local eateries. Then, it was on to Bardstown for yet more meetings with local folks, followed by a stop at the Hardin County Courthouse. Greg is listening to what people have to say, hearing first-hand the issues in Kentucky communities. Folks are glad to have a candidate who will listen to them. We truly enjoyed our next stop at the Elizabethtown-Hardin County Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year Lunch. There, Edith Dupin received an award for her life-long contribution to Elizabethtown-Hardin County. Our congratulations to her and to the Chamber for a great event that included a keynote address by former Gov. Martha Layne Collins. We next met with Jim Pence of the Hillbilly Report for a quick interview followed by a meet-and-greet before heading off to Hodgenville where the whole town is sprucing up for the Lincoln Bicentennial. Another great day on the road! 2008-04-21T13:55:00-05:00 http://www.gregfischer.com/index.php/news_story/county_conventions_prove_to_be_good_outreach_for_fischer/ http://www.gregfischer.com/index.php/news_story/county_conventions_prove_to_be_good_outreach_for_fischer/#When:17:28:00Z A coordinated outreach effort sent dozens of supports to county conventions across the state on April 12. See the feedback from the field below. 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. 2008-04-15T17:28:00-05:00 http://www.gregfischer.com/index.php/news_story/on_the_road_in_eastern_kentucky_with_josh/ http://www.gregfischer.com/index.php/news_story/on_the_road_in_eastern_kentucky_with_josh/#When:16:32:00Z On Wednesday, April 9 we drove to Magoffin County and stopped at the Kozy Korner in Saylersville to talk to folks about Greg’s vision and credentials. From there, Greg made his way to the courthouse and City Hall to meet local offical and then me met a local attorney near the Kozy Korner. We headed to Prestonsburg where Greg spoke to an Introduction to Government class at Big Sandy Community College--a crowd that took every bumper sticker we had. We stopped by the courthouse and lunched at Billy Ray’s--home of the pool room burger--and met everyone at the Eastern Kentucky landmark. Last stop was Wright’s Barbershop for some fudge. Watch for Greg in the local media as he was designated the celebrity of the week, an honor that includes having his picture taken with the pet of the week from the Floyd County Animal Shelter. 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! 2008-04-15T16:32:00-05:00