Ex GOP Chair Weighs In On Slots

Bradford Cummings has a piece at the Paulick Report about a constitutional amendment in Kentucky to legalize slot machines at horse tracks.

While not the reason I resigned, the slot machine issue is a perfect example of why my career will likely never head back in the direction of party politics. (That sound you just heard was the last shred of my political career flushing down the toilet…I sure hope we can turn the racing industry around!)

Part of the party game, Republican and Democratic, is to create a platform and get the entire machine to walk in the same direction while beating the same drum. I do not say this to disparage the process. To a certain extent, this sort of singular focus is necessary to get anything done politically or otherwise. Have you ever attempted to get a consensus among 30 people, 10 people or even you and your spouse? The concept of majority rules definitely serves its purpose. But it can also be incredibly destructive for those who feel passionately about an important issue.

And if you don’t mind putting up with some lascivious ads, you can read Nate Silver’s Esquire piece on how casinos can’t save state budgets. Who knows what slots will do for the horse industry, though. Has Ellis Park closed yet?

Wrapping Up September 3

Here’s what we reported on today:

• Arguments Begin In Stinson Trial
• Many Schools To Offer Alternatives To Obama Address
• Rural Theater Evades Closure with Bold Move
• Kentucky Reports First H1N1 Death, Summit Meets in Frankfort
• Williams: Slots Would Be “Tax On The Poor”
• Investigators Rule Horse Barn Fire Was Intentionally Set
• Duke Offers Carbon Offsets, Leaves Clean Coal Coalition

Wrapping Up September 2

Here’s the roundup, Yarmuth town hall included. It’s late, and we’ll be a little bit late with the posts tomorrow.

Here’s what we reported on today:

• Yarmuth Town Hall Draws Capacity Crowd
• In Depth: Lawmaker Wants To Remove “Dueling Clause” From Oath
• State Fair Attendance Up Six Percent
• Wllliams: Beshear Is “The Slot Machine Governor”
• Foul Play Possible In KEC Barn Fire
• Committee Passes Anti-Sagging Resolution
• Lexington Considering Garbage Fee Cuts
• Proposed KIPDA Move Draws Fire

Wrapping Up June 24

Here’s what we reported on today:

• Mayor Meets With King On Budget Changes
• Beshear Applauds Lawmakers’ Work During Special Session
• Louisville’s Tim Krekel Dies At 58
• Harrods Creek Bridge Renovations Begin
• U-of-L Neurosurgery Residency Program Reaccredited
• Group Offers Alternative To ‘Open Carry’ Church Celebration
• Indiana Budget Talks Underway
• Slots Advocates Say They Won’t Give Up
• Special Session Winding Down In Frankfort

Wrapping Up June 22

Here’s what we reported on today:

• Louisville Antique Mall To Close
• Kentucky House And Senate Must Reconcile Budget Plans
• Senate Panel Rejects Slots Bill
• Healthy Start Gets Continued Funding
• U of L Gets NIH Award For Autism Study
• Churchill Offers Mea Culpa After Shaky Night Racing Start
• Funeral Saturday For Former Councilman George Melton
• Hiring Begins For Census Jobs In Jeffersonville
• Horse Industry Reps Call For Slots Bill Approval
• SUP Continues Fight For Breslin
• KY Special Session To Resume; Williams Says Slots Bill Dead
• Indiana Preparing Hunting Database
• Final Budget Hearings Begin
• Southern Baptist Convention In Town This Week

Wrapping Up June 19

Here’s what we reported on today. You can read these as you recharge the battery in your new iPhone (or read them on your previous iPhone while you wait in line at the Apple Store)

• Rubbertown Residents Weigh Zeon Suit
• Slots Bill Clears Kentucky House
• Whitney Hall Stage Floor Donated To Charity
• H1N1 Cases Could Surge in the Fall
• Mosquito Fogging Underway

Wrapping Up June 18

We saw some action in Frankfort and stormy weather in town. Here’s what we reported on today:

• Slots Bill Clears Committee
• Fourth of July Celebration Scaled Down
• City Continues Fight Against Food Deserts
• 31,000 Without Power After Strong Storms
• House Committee To Act On Slots Bill
• Bridges Bill Wins Kentucky House Approval

Wrapping Up June 17

Here’s what we reported on today:

• Colgate Plant Development “Imminent”
• Arena Builders Lead Media Tour Of Construction Site
• Fired Corrections Officers Sue City, Director (Read more)
• Slots Supporters Rally in Frankfort
• Study Shows Test Scores Up Since NCLB
• Stumbo Outlines Schools-Gaming Linkage Plan

FEATURE – Biotech Breakthroughs Could Lead to New Tobacco Industry

Wrapping Up June 16

Here’s what we reported on today. Also, don’t forget that you have until 6:30 to submit questions for David Sedaris.

• Proposal Would Use Slots Funds For School Construction Projects
• Bridges Bill Clears Kentucky House Panel
• Bunning “Not Suprised” Williams Won’t Oppose Him In 2010
• New KDP Executive Director Is On The Job
• Southeast U.S. Already Feeling Climate Change
• Slots Opponents Rally in Frankfort
• Council Begins Public Budget Hearings
• Beshear Urges Lawmakers To “Face Kentucky’s Challenges Head-On”
• Study Reviews “Faith-Based Initiatives”

Wrapping Up June 15

Here’s what we reported on today.

• Researchers Warn Of Mad Cow In Fish
• Beshear Tweaks Agenda for Special Session
• Javanon Soccer Building Approved
• Public Comment Sessions on Budget Begin Tomorrow
• Conway Says No Amendment Needed for Slots