Republicans in Kentucky have a problem. Incumbent Governor Ernie Fletcher seemed like a rising star when he became Governor in 2003. Extremely intelligent, the amazingly accomplished former Congressman seemed a potential contender for national office.
Unfortunately, his administration has been tainted by scandal from nearly day one. A recent Survey USA poll had Fletcher with an upside down 30%-65% approval rating. With either Democratic State Attorney General Greg Stumbo or former State Attorney General and Congressman Ben Chandler likely to run in 2007, it is dubious that Fletcher could win a second term.
For the good of the party, he needs to step aside. We don't need another Bob Taft situation. The question then is who could run and hold this race for the GOP. The present Lieutenant Governor, Stephen Pence, a former US Attorney, could be coaxed into the race. However, he is not running for re-election, and it seems unlikely he would run.
The strongest nominee then would be former Congresswoman Anne Northup. She narrowly lost re-election in her Jefferson County based district because of the Democratic wave. It seems she could conceivably run for her old seat again in 2008 and possibly win, given that the man who beat her isn't dealing with every card in the deck. Northup could even decide to wait and run for the Senate in 2010. However, the Gubernatorial race is definitely one she could win.
If she runs, every Republican should support her.
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Comments (5)
I think she should wait for... (Below threshold)1. Posted by kewgardens | November 16, 2006 12:59 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I think she should wait for the 2010 Senate race, when Bunning will retire. Right now, Senate seats are more important than governorships. The GOP cannot award a long-term minority position in the Senate.
1. Posted by kewgardens | November 16, 2006 12:59 PM |
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Posted on November 16, 2006 12:59
2. Posted by centerline | November 16, 2006 6:36 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Not sure this piece is on the mark. Fletcher has been the victim of his own poor judgement both in people and actions; perhaps in some cases, inaction. But to condemn him as corrupt for continuing practices that have been standard operating procedure for Kentucky Democrats over the last several decades is hardly equitable. Wrong is wrong and there is no defense for improper hiring, esp when it becomes standard practice. But let's know pretend that this type of government is anything new in Kentucky. Not sure Northup is the one that win, even if she chooses to run. Yes, she has managed close victories in heavily-Democratic Jefferson county for the last few terms, but Jefferson county is hardly representative of Kentucky at large; it is far more liberal and urban. If Chandler decides to run, he will be extremely difficult to defeat; all other Dems will be beatable and, depending on the strenght of the Rep candidate, it is certainly not out of the questsion that we could see a Rep Gov following Fletcher in Frankfort.
2. Posted by centerline | November 16, 2006 6:36 PM |
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Posted on November 16, 2006 18:36
3. Posted by Flint | November 16, 2006 11:46 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I'm a bit suprised by cnterline's comment that Kentucky is far more "liberal and urban".
Looking at the election results - Kentucky only has one representative that's a Democrat - the guy who just beat Northrup. Everybody else is a Republican, including the two Senators.
I'd hardly call that "liberal".
I agree with Alexander's comment though that it'd be better if Fletcher stepped aside. However, I really don't see that happening.
What needs to happen, for the good of the Kentucky GOP, is the "establishment" Republicans in Kentucky need to start a public break with Fletcher - so they don't have the same thing happen as Ohio. The problem with Ohio is that Blackwell wasn't part of the establishment - but he ended up paying the price for it.
If the Kentucky GOP can distance themselves from Fletcher and make it look like he's on his own - then it will improve their chances of keeping the governor's chair in '08.
And I disagree that keeping the Senate seat is more important than the governor's seat.
3. Posted by Flint | November 16, 2006 11:46 PM |
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Posted on November 16, 2006 23:46
4. Posted by centerline | November 17, 2006 8:20 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Didn't say that Kentucky was "liberal and urban". I said that Jefferson County, which is the bulk of Kentucky's 3rd district, is urban and liberal. Kentucky, by and large, is a moderate to conservation state, with a whole lot of blue-dog Dems in the western half.
4. Posted by centerline | November 17, 2006 8:20 AM |
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Posted on November 17, 2006 08:20
5. Posted by Joe | November 21, 2006 7:49 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I followed the Northup race and am very sad she lost. I really hope she runs again and wins, either for her old seat or GOV.
5. Posted by Joe | November 21, 2006 7:49 PM |
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Posted on November 21, 2006 19:49