It's All About the Fundamentals: Blocking and Tackling

Two Dems, four GOPers debate federal spending for local projects.

Monday, April 9, 2012 | 1:18 p.m.

A forum on April 5 with six of the nine cong. candidates "used issues such as" the proposed $30M Williamstown Lake expansion in Grant Co. to "define the role" they think the federal gov't should play. The event "marked the first time" both Dem candidates "were at the same event" with GOP candidates.

Atty/Grant Co. Dem chair Bill Adkins (D) and Army veteran/medic Greg Frank "joined" Boone Co. Judge-executive Gary Moore (R), businessman Walter Schumm (R), state Rep. Alecia Webb-Edginton (R) and consultant Tom Wurtz (R). Wurtz: "I don't believe the federal government should start expanding into these areas." Schumm: "Money should be left at the state and local level, not sent to Washington, cut in half and given back to us." The "ban on federal earmarks means states must come up with funding for these projects, Webb-Edgington said."

While Moore "said he supports the temporary ban on federal earmarks, he said the federal government should look at funding those projects once the financial situation of the country improves." Frank: "Now, I feel the state of Kentucky needs to match some funds as well. It cannot just fall in the hands of the federal government." Adkins: "We've had a great opportunity in this nation and we must continue to spend money to make money" (Wartman, "Kentucky Politics",Cincinnati Enquirer, 4/5).

Where We Stand

Louisville Courier-Journal's Gerth writes that three GOPers "began making news last week as they tried to seize front-runner status." Lewis County Judge-executive Thomas Massie's (R) "Dream Game ad quickly became a public relations nightmare for Massie, who appears to be starting to coalesce tea party support in the race."

Meanwhile, Moore "pointed out" that Webb-Edgington "had missed nearly two dozen votes — including a vote on the state budget — the last two working days of the legislative session because she was attending campaign fundraising events" in Washington, D.C., and in Shelby Co. "It's doubtful that Webb-Edgington will make that mistake again and miss the last votes of the session when the legislature comes back for a final day to pass a road plan and legislation to crack down on doctors who prescribe too many narcotics" (4/9).