So as many of you may now know, Steve Beshear beat DLC crypto-Republican big money Bruce Lunsford by 40.9 to 21.4. Congratulations to all Kentucky Kossacks out there! Not only does this mean that we have a really good shot at the governor's mansion this fall, but this was a mighty blow to Mitch McConnell as well. Lunsford was friends with the Senate Minority Leader, and would not have helped us take him down in the '08 campaign. As a result, the chance to avenge Daschle becomes a greater and greater possibility.
But perhaps equally good news is the fact that incumbent Governor Ernie Fletcher beat former Rep. Anne Northup in the GOP primary. As many of you know, Fletcher is corrupt as all hell, facing possible indictments, and has approval numbers in the shitter. The combination of a Fletcher primary win coupled with the Beshear win means that barring asteroid strike we have picked up another governor's seat. This is especially important since the governor plays a key role in shaping the state budget, districts, and has a tangible impact on the way state's go in presidential races. If we run the right guy (coughGorecough) we may see KY put into play as a second-tier race in 2008.
The best way to savor tonight's victory? A stroll into FreeperVille. Strap your HazMat suits on guys and gals:
Freeper alicewonders says:
Darn. I voted for Northup.
Hmm, not too enthusiastic about this Fletcher character.
MpIsSteve says:
Ernie Fletcher kinda reminds me of this election cycles’ version of Conrad Burns.
Sounds good to me!
And saving the best for last, Republican Wildcat brightens our day with this little nugget:
Every single area where both Fletcher and Northup were known, Northup won. This does not bode well for the GOP in November - Fletcher’s potential slaughter may spill over onto other GOP candidates
Hey, more pickups in KY suits me just fine. Given that the GOP couldn't be assed to govern when they were in power, we're more than happy to take that burden off of their hands.
... Aw hell, one more quote:
Why would someone vote for Fletcher? It doesnt take a genius to know he will lose the General Election. Another wasted election.
It doesn't take a genius to know that invading Iraq was a terrible idea. Apparently there isn't much overlap between the GOP and Mensa.
This isn't exactly prophetic for the next election, but is most certainly bodes well. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but be it Gore, Hillary, Obama, or Edwards, I am reasonably sure that we'll see in a Democrat in the White House. 300 electoral votes isn't enough for me, though. Let's contest every state. We can win in Ohio and Pennsylvania. We can also win in Kentucky and Indiana. Our progressive platforms improves the lives of those who need the most help, and works to undone the terrible damage wrought in the Bush years. The governor's mansion in Kentucky is just another small step. We're fighting for a Blue America.