KING JERRY JUMBLES BUDGET…AGAIN

In what is becoming an annual event in Metro Louisville, Jerry Abramson has recently announced a major budget shortfall and just as regularly, he has let no one in on the process of how we got there or how we will get out of this turmoil.

“We should all be in this together, Democrat and Republican” said Jefferson County Republican Chairman Brad Cummings. “The last time I checked, the City of Louisville was setup as a democracy, not a monarchy. Unfortunately, this one-man band approach makes our Mayor look more like Napoleon than Lincoln.”

During a press conference that the Metro Council only received notice on one and a half hours before, Mayor Abramson laid out a plan to make significant budget cuts with little evidence of collaboration. While some cuts are understandable like adding furlough days or cutting the Mayor’s salary, putting public safety in second place or cutting projects that receive State and Federal matching funds seem to be unwise areas to trim.

“I’m not sure why every time King Jerry needs to make budget cuts, he seems to look at public safety first,” Cummings said. “In a time when we have heard about violence nearly every night, the last thing our government needs to do is create disincentives for our police officers, firefighters and EMS.”

“Furthermore, adding two extra hours to an EMS shift will leave our tireless workers even more tired. Our citizens deserve better than rescue workers too exhausted to perform their jobs effectively.”

But perhaps the most disconcerting part is the fact we have been here already just last year. This marks the second time in as many years that our city has found itself in a multi-million dollar deficit under Jerry Abramson’s leadership.

“If the Mayor had let the Metro Council and other important city employees in on the budget process and allowed them to help, the veil of secrecy would be removed and this problem would be owned by all of Metro Government,” Cummings said. “But because Abramson insists on keeping us all in the dark, we have no choice but to place this shortfall in his lap. There is NO evidence of a plan year to year and therefore our city simply reacts to problems instead of anticipating them.”

“Instead of making lazy and dangerous cuts like the ones to public safety, we need an efficiency study like the one Councilwoman Tina Ward-Pugh and Councilman Ken Fleming proposed a year and a half ago. Despite a high probability of success, our Mayor continues to shoot down this bipartisan idea in order to serve his political interests. “

“Likewise, we need to follow the lead of other Kentucky elected officials like Secretary of State Trey Grayson who has made his office completely transparent. If our city’s budget was easily accessible online and available to all citizens, we could more easily cut waste and hold our government accountable to how they spend our tax dollars. Perhaps then we would know the exact number in our ‘Rainy Day Fund’ and have a better idea of what kind of shortage we are really dealing with.”

“This is not leadership Louisville deserves. We can do better.”

JEFFERSON COUNTY GOP TO SEND 1,000 TUBES OF LIPSTICK TO BARACK'WORDS MATTER' OBAMA

The Democratic smear machine’s most recent attacks on Gov. Sarah Palin call into question Sen. Obama’s judgment and his party’s thinly veiled sexist attacks. Yesterday, Sen. Barack Obama went beyond the realm of good taste when referring to the change message Sen. John McCain had been articulating since Palin was on the ticket. In response to that thought, Obama said “You can put lipstick on a pig. It’s still a pig.”

“It seems to me that Barack Obama and his surrogates want to denigrate Sarah Palin at every pass,” said Jefferson Country Republican Chairman Brad Cummings. “They lambasted her abilities even before her historic speech at the GOP convention; they dragged Palin’s 17 year old daughter through the mud despite her decision to choose life and even have questioned whether Palin was up to the job because she is a mother. The Democrats have been exposed for selling a false line that they support feminism. It is a double standard.”

Democratic Congressman Russ Carnahan when introducing Joe Biden said in reference to Palin, “There’s no way you can dress up that record, even with a lot of lipstick.”Of course, these statements are especially troubling after Gov. Palin commented that the difference between a hockey mom and pit bull was lipstick.

“Sen. Obama claims today that these words are being misconstrued,” Cummings said. “But in the context of what Congressman Carnahan said earlier and Gov. Palin’s speech last week, he should have known better. The fact that he isn’t apologizing today shows his hypocrisy. After all, this is the same man who said in the primaries ‘don’t tell me that words don’t matter.’ One thing Sen. Obama and I will agree on is words do matter.”

Clearly, the Obama campaign is running scared from Gov. Palin and needs all the help they can get. So in response to Obama’s obsession with lipstick and abiding by the Republican tenant of giving a hand up, the Jefferson County Republican Party is coordinating a statewide effort to send 1,000 tubes of lipstick to Sen. Obama’s campaign headquarters.

Please send all lipstick tubes to: Jefferson County Republican Party
232 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.
Louisville, KY 40202

DISTRICT 14 COUNCIL CANDIDATE HEUGLIN LEGITIMATE

Recently, opponents have raised questions about the residency status of Bob Heuglin running for Metro Council in District 14. The JCRP wants to assure that Heuglin's residency status is not in question and that he more than meets the requirements to be eligible and elected as councilman for the 14th District. Phone and utility bills will show that he has lived at his current address since June 2007.

“We are proud to have a man of Bob Heuglin’s character and work ethic running as a Republican in District 14,” said Chairman Brad Cummings. “Unfortunately in this business, when your opponents like Bob Henderson and Norman Pepper realize they are outclassed on the issues that matter to the Southwest, they are left chasing their tails and trying to find dirt in Mr. Heuglin’s house. I hate to be a messenger of bad news, but Bob Heuglin is clearly a proud citizen of District 14.”

BOB HELERINGER TO ADDRESS ST. MATTHEWS ROTARY

BOB HELERINGER TO ADDRESS ST. MATTHEWS ROTARY; WILL PRESENT PROPOSAL FORBALANCING STATE BUDGET AND RESTORING FUNDS TO SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES

(Louisville, KY) July 28, 2008 -- Bob Heleringer, candidate for the Kentucky State Senate in Jefferson County's 19th District, will speak at the St. Matthews Rotary Club's monthly luncheon Wednesday, July 30, at 12:00 p.m., at the Breckinridge Inn.

Heleringer will offer his ideas on balancing the state budget and restoring funds cut from many of Kentucky's social service agencies during the most recent legislative session.

"We can restore funds for services for our most vulnerable citizens without any general tax increases if we have the will to dismantle our bloated personal service contract culture," said Heleringer.

Heleringer represented the 33rd District in the Kentucky State House from 1980-2002.
The 19th Senate district runs from the Germantown and Audubon Park areas east along the Watterson Expressway to the Stony Brook and Jeffersontown areas and takes in significant parts of St. Matthews, the Highlands and Hikes Point.

The Breckinridge Inn is located at 2800 Breckenridge Lane. The hotel's phone number is 502-456-5050.

For more information, contact Heleringer at 502-314-2675 or Craig Harrington, Campaign Manager, at 502-314-3662.

ANNE NORTHUP HEADLINES JEFFERSON COUNTY GOP PICNIC

Louisville - After a spirited reorganization, the Jefferson County Republican Party will show its support for all Republican candidates and officially unify under one banner at this Friday's GOP picnic. The 1st Annual Republican Round Up, this event will serve as the perfect opportunity for candidates to meet passionate grassroots supporters and party faithful as they gear up for their stretch run campaigns. The picnic will be held at Charlie Vettiner Park from 5-9 PM on July 25th.

"We are ecstatic about the idea of having Republicans from Valley Station to Prospect and everywhere in between gather in one place to socialize and get to know one another," Chairman Brad Cummings said. "In order to be successful this fall, we must forge a bond countywide and make sure Republicans know that no part of the county will go unnoticed by the JCRP."

Former Congresswoman Anne Northup will headline a list of speakers that will include County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw, State Senate candidates Doug Hawkins and Bob Heleringer, State Representatives Bob DeWeese and Ron Crimm, and Metro Council candidates Graham Honaker, Bob Heuglin and Dwight Witten. Many of the current Jefferson County officeholders will be in attendance as well.

While meat and drinks will be provided, everyone attending is asked to bring a dish. Last names A-H bring a dessert, I-O salad and P-Z vegetable or side dish. There will be activities for the kids and an auction including a Richie Farmer basketball, a copy of Faith of my Fathers signed by John McCain and Republican themed jewelry.

Council Candidate Dwight Witten Stands up for South Louisville

Louisville – At last night’s Metro Council meeting, Southern Jefferson County was introduced to a dynamic new leader who listens to the concerns of his constituents. Dwight Witten, running for the District 12 Council seat against incumbent Rick Blackwell, let the voice of the grassroots voter be heard by standing firmly against an unnecessary bomb storage facility at Cardinal Hill.

“For years my beloved South End has been treated like a punchline of a bad joke, being used as a dumping ground for the cities unwanted projects,” Witten said at last night’s Metro Council meeting. “Recently, our city’s administration, led by Mayor Jerry Abramson, has shown not only in words but also in action its opinion of the residents of South Louisville by proposing the location of a bomb storage facility on top of our water supply on Cardinal Hill.”

Councilman and Senate candidate Doug Hawkins has led the charge on this issue since the spring and has garnered much support for his actions and his recently filed ordinance. Witten has heard the people in his district and has joined the call.

“It’s amazing to me that we are even at this point,” Witten said. “There is a tremendous outcry from all south Louisville Districts. We are completely united in opposing this action.”

The issue was brought up when Mayor Abramson and his staff tried to slip a bomb storage unit under the radar last spring. The decision was made hastily and without much input from other government agencies, most notably the Metro Council who voted to send Hawkins’ ordinance back to committee.

“For too long, our city’s Democratic leadership has taken for granted the hardworking people of South Jefferson County,” said Jefferson County Republican Chairman Brad Cummings. “These are the type of driven, responsible citizens vitally important to the economic engine of any successful city. Why Jerry and his cronies consistently ignore their needs is beyond me.”

“Perhaps it is time for Councilman Blackwell to step down. Dwight Witten clearly has the best interests of District 12 in mind and has been listening to his constituents. I suppose that’s what happens when you actually knock on their door and listen to their concerns,” Cummings said. “This issue is larger than the bomb storage facility. It is about how the South End of Louisville continually gets the short end of the stick in Metro Government decisions. The Democrats may take this part of town for granted, but as Chairman, I assure South Enders that the Republican Party sees the problem and will strive to be a part of the solution.”

In case you missed it…more hypocrisy from Bruce Lunsford!

The Audacity of Hypocrisy: Lunsford Profits from Energy Investments
Lunsford’s empty rhetoric doesn’t match his personal financial decisions
LOUISVILLE - Democrat U.S. Senate candidate Bruce Lunsford made his third stop at a Kentucky gas station today, wildly attacking Senator Mitch McConnell, oil companies, and Wall Street for high gas prices. In fact, Lunsford’s campaign website specifically attacks “Wall Street” for driving up gas prices.

But a search of Lunsford’s financial disclosure filed with the U.S. Senate on April 17, 2008, shows that he has profited massively from personal investments in hedge funds that invest in oil and gas companies. At least until April, Bruce Lunsford was potentially making millions from oil and gas industry investments. Ironically, during the primary, Lunsford attacked his opponent Greg Fischer for having invested in Lunsford’s healthcare companies, which Fischer had criticized. Now Lunsford is blaming the very hedge funds from which he profits for the energy crisis.
The Kentucky political blog, Elephants in the Bluegrass, picked up the story and outlined Lunsford’s investments:

• Lunsford is invested in Goldman Sachs Capital Partners V, LP, an $8.5 billion private equity fund for "high net worth individuals." Lunsford valued his assets in that non-publicly traded fund as between $1,000,001 and $5,000,000. Lunsford's financial disclosure forms list GS Capital Partner V's investment as including: CVR Energy, Inc.; Knight, Inc.; McJunkin Red Man Corporation; SunGuard Data Systems, Inc.; and Cobalt International Energy.

• CVR Energy…operates an 113,500 barrels-per-day-throughput-capacity oil refinery in Coffeyville, Kansas, and a crude oil gathering system in Kansas and Oklahoma…

• McJunkin Red Man Corporation: Exclusively geared toward the distribution of industrial and oilfield PVF products…has a significant presence in the oil and gas industry…

• Knight, Inc. owns the general partner of Kinder Morgan Energy Partners (NYSE: KMP), one of the largest publicly traded pipeline limited partnerships in America with an enterprise value of approximately $20 billion. KMP is the largest independent transporter of refined petroleum products in the United States…

• SunGard Data Systems, Inc., which acquired FAME Energy. SunGard FAME provides ‘data services to support energy traders, research analysts and risk managers of energy companies and financial institutions.’ Sounds like it helps the very energy speculators…Lunsford blames…

• Cobalt International Energy, LP…an oil and gas exploration and development company focused on pursuing…opportunities in the Deepwater Gulf of Mexico and offshore international areas. Cobalt…wants to drill some of that oil that the Cubans and Chinese are extracting just miles from our shore. Lunsford recently said he opposes oil drilling off American shores…yet would profit from a company that exists to do just that…

“Maybe Barack and Bruce can get together and talk about audacity, because this is the height of it,” said McConnell campaign manager Justin Brasell.
“Lunsford’s plan to tax American energy companies and not expand domestic production, returning us to the failed policies of the Carter Administration, would make us more dependent on Middle Eastern oil. That’s wrong for Kentucky, and wrong for America,” Brasell added.

JEFFERSON COUNTY REPUBLICANS EXPOSE THE PELOSI-YARMUTH FORD PLANT HYPOCRISY

Louisville – This weekend, Nancy Pelosi and John Yarmuth will exceed the limits of hypocrisy as they meet with Ford Motor Company executives after passing a bill that would further cripple the market for the Explorers made in their plant.

“We are truly shocked that Speaker Pelosi and Congressman Yarmuth would have the audacity to step foot into that plant after passing an SUV tax earlier this year, only adding to Ford’s current problems and further threatening their workers,” Chairman Brad Cummings said. “It would be like robbing a bank only to return later and open a checking account. It’s the height of hypocrisy to pretend they care about these dedicated people.”

Cummings is referring to the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act that wants to repeal a tax incentive passed in 2003 to aid auto manufacturers. The incentive was designed to help the struggling SUV industry by allowing those who purchase these vehicles to receive significant tax breaks.

“The American consumer is already getting hammered by record high gas prices. To punish them for wanting to drive cars with their family’s safety in mind doesn’t exactly fit into the Democrat’s ‘populist’ message” said Cummings. “It makes one wonder what the Democratic Party’s true motives are.”

Pelosi and Yarmuth promised common sense solutions to our energy problems yet the Democratic controlled Congress has done just the opposite. Since John Yarmuth took the oath of office just two years ago, gas prices have almost doubled.

“Barack Obama recently said that his only concern was how fast the prices went up. While that set off a red flag for a lot of Americans, Congressman Yarmuth and Speaker Pelosi stayed quiet,” said Cummings. “I think we need to look into why they are against drilling and other technologies like coal to oil. Is it possible they want $7-10 a gallon gas prices to reduce energy use? I suppose if that were my motive, I wouldn’t tell the American people that either. It’s an awfully hard sell.”

Congressman Yarmuth recently co-sponsored a bill that would take land away from oil companies, claiming a lack of effort to find new resources. However, most of these locations are tied up in litigation with environmental groups and when they do get to drill, 52% of the time there is no oil.

“For Congressman Yarmuth, maybe $100 for a tank of gas doesn’t hurt his bottom line. But for those of us in the middle class like the hardworking members of the UAW, these gas prices are difficult to endure,” Cummings said. “There is no doubt that we all care about our environment. But we can’t cut off our nose to spite our face. We must work towards the true common sense solutions of drilling for our own oil and exploring coal and nuclear options for the short term while investing in alternatives for the future. Then 10-15 years down the road, we can be completely free of oil without sinking our economy and ruining the American Dream.”

Chairman Cummings Calls on Mayor for Transparency

Jefferson County Republican Chairman Brad Cummings calls on Mayor Abramson to follow Secretary of State Trey Grayson’s lead and make Metro Government expenditures transparent.

“The people of Louisville Metro deserve to see how their tax dollars are being spent through an online database that can be accessed through Google or any other search engine” Cummings said. “Secretary Trey Grayson has shown great leadership on this very important issue with Governor Steve Beshear recently proving to be a willing student of Trey’s vision. Our Mayor should sign up for the same class while seats available.”

Twenty four states including neighbors Ohio and West Virginia have started to put their financial figures online as a measure to earn trust and accountability with their citizens. With more Louisvillians going online everyday, this sort of addition is an extremely cost effective way to bring government and people closer together.

“Louisville should be a leader in our great Commonwealth but on this issue Mayor Abramson is allowing our city to lag behind” Cummings said. “It’s this brand of absent leadership that destroys the public trust and easily explains why our citizens voted down his library tax 2 to 1. They simply don’t trust our Mayor and the Democratic Mayorionnettes in the Metro Council to do what is best for Louisville.”

At the beginning of the year, Republican Metro Councilman Ken Fleming pushed for financial transparency in Metro Government. Unfortunately, the Mayor and his staff stonewalled the effort.

“It’s not that complicated” Cummings added. “You shouldn’t have to hide anything if you don’t have anything to hide.”

State Reorganization

Thank you to the 60+ delegates from Jefferson County who made the 2 hour trek to Bowling Green for Saturday's state reorganization. It was very exciting to hear from our state leaders as we head into a very important election in November.

To me, the most shocking thing to hear was that the Chinese are actually slant drilling into our off shore oil supplies! It just doesn't make sense that John Yarmuth and the rest of his liberal colleagues don't get this issue. Fortunately, we have a very capable candidate in former/future Congresswoman Anne Northup to end his misguided tenure.

Below are the list of national delegates named on Saturday. I am happy to see many of our local party members on this list.

At Large Delegates:

U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield of Hopkinsville
State Sen. David Williams of Burkesville
State Rep. Jeff Hoover of Jamestown
Faith Mercke of Louisville
Hardin County Judge-Executive Harry Berry
Dr. Michael Harris of Elizabethtown
State Sen. Brett Guthrie of Bowling Green
Robin Mercer of Owensboro
DeAnna Brangers of Louisville
U.S. Rep. Anne Northup of Louisville
U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell of Louisville
Scott Jennings, former deputy political director of the White House from Louisville
U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning of Fort Wright
U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis of Fort Mitchell
Kevin Sell of Alexandria
Secretary of State Trey Grayson from Walton
U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers of Somerset
Cynthia Rogers of Somerset
Nelda Barton-Collings of Corbin
Kelly Knight, a United Nations delegate, of Lexington
Lois Ann Disponett-Hyatt of Lawrenceburg, the 6th Congressional District Republican chairwoman
Ellen Williams of Lawrenceburg, the former state GOP chairman
Michael Goins of Georgetown, a former spokesman for Gov. Ernie Fletcher
Lexington-Fayette Councilman Jay McChord

District Delegates:

Wilma Cooper of Hopkinsville
Richard Grana of Paducah
Dailey Wilson of Eddyville
Tommy Adams of Bowling Green
Greg Burkot of Bardstown
Theresa Padgett of Brandenburg
Harold Heiner of Louisville
Kevin Kramer of Louisville
Glen Stuckel of Louisville
Millie Bush of Brooksville
John Mocker of Union
State Rep. Addia Wuchner of Burlington
Jean Dorton of Paintsville
Jo Marshall of Somerset
John Triplett of Inez
Laura Owens of Frankfort
Carol Rogers of Lexington
Shirley Wiseman of Lexington
Members At Large:
RNC Member Gail Russell of Louisville
RNC Member (and Chairman) Robert Duncan of Inez
State Party Chairman Steve Robertson of Harrodsburg

Tired of High Gas Prices? Look No Further than the Democratic Party

Whether it was President Clinton's veto of a bill allowing us to drill in ANWR or one of the four bills introduced by Republicans since June 2007 that haven't seen the light of day, one thing is consistent. Repeatedly, Democrats have stonewalled every common sense legislation on energy independence. So the next time you fill up at $4 a gallon, you can thank John Yarmuth and his colleagues for the dent in your pocketbook.

Kentucky GOP State Convention - June 7, 2008

The call to order is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. CST. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. The convention fee is $20. If you have questions, please call RPK at (502) 875-5130.

When: Saturday, June 07, 2008 1:00 p.m. CT

Where: Sloan Convention Center

1021 Wilkinson TraceBowling Green, KY

Who: Republican Party of Kentucky

502-875-5130

Jefferson County Republican Party Unveils New Look Website

After a spirited reorganization, newly elected Chairman Brad Cummings and the Jefferson County Republican Party are unveiling the first of many significant changes as they head into an exciting 2008 election season. At its new address www.louisvillegop.com, the JCRP has launched a website that rivals the quality and accessibility of the upper echelon county sites across the country.

“We are blessed to have a dynamic blend of youth and experience, breathing new life into our organization” said Cummings. “This is a strong first step in proving to party faithful that the future is now in the Jefferson County Republican Party.”

With a frequently updated news feed, blog and events calendar, www.louisvillegop.com is a virtual one stop shop for all things Republican in Metro Louisville. Users will also be able to link to candidate sites, sign up for email updates, learn about volunteer opportunities and help the JCRP invest in local campaigns through monetary donations.

“Our county party has been infused with a diverse, talented and energetic Executive Committee built to help Republican candidates win elections each November” said Cummings. “We are excited about our ‘virtual makeover’ as one of many changes in store for our organization in 2008.”