Case in point, an email I recieved from Jonathan Miller, chairman of Kentucky's Democratic Party. Jonathan Miller originally had my support for Governor, but in a move reminiscent of Howard Dean on the national level, after abandoning a run for governor, he became chairman of the Kentucky Democratic Party instead. Also like Dean, he is doing an awesome job.
The email he sent me was about a Republican here in Kentucky switching parties to become a Democrat. It is worth a read:
Democratic House Campaign Caucus DEDMAN TO JOIN DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY
House Leadership thrilled to welcome Representative Milward Dedman
Representative Milward Dedman announced today he will change back his party
affiliation and become a member of the House Democratic Majority Caucus. Dedman
is the grandson of former Democratic state representative and senator Edwin
Freeman of Mercer County. He released the following statement:
"I have lived in this district all my life and my goal today is the same as it was when I ran for this seat four years ago, which is to continue the tradition of my family in serving the people of Anderson, Mercer, and Spencer counties."
Dedman continued, "From the day I was first elected, I tried to stay above partisan politics. I am respectful of both Democrats and Republicans and will continue to work with both parties to accomplish the most possible for my district. My goal is to be the most effective legislator possible and I believe as a member of the majority caucus I will be more useful.
"When Speaker Richards and many members of the House Democratic Caucus extended their hand, I gave it considerable thought and accept their offer.
"I'm the same common-sense fiscal conservative I have been since my first
election. I am simply changing back my party affiliation to better serve my district, re-join a party I feel very comfortable with, and be part of the majority Caucus that is doing great work to move Kentucky Forward."
House Speaker Jody Richards welcomed Dedman as the newest member of the
Democratic Caucus.
"Rep. Dedman has a tremendous reputation for standing up for his people and fighting hard for the residents of his district," Speaker Richards said, "We are proud to have a man of his caliber join us in the Democratic Caucus as we fight to improve the lives of the people of Kentucky."
Not only Rep. Dedman, but another Republican state legislator switched over the next day!! Another email from Jonathan Miller, chair of the Ky Democratic Party:
Dear Democratic Friends,
Today we are proud to welcome another new member to the Democratic Caucus in the
Kentucky House of Representatives.
Former Republican Representative Melvin Henley of Murray announced today that he
is switching his party registration to Democrat, giving our House Speaker Jody
Richards now a total of 63 Democratic votes versus 37 Republican votes in the
chamber.
Like Representative Dedman Wednesday, I want Representative Henley to know we
are thrilled to have him join the Kentucky Democratic Party. This is yet another
sign of what will be a tidal wave of new Democratic leadership across the state
and, certainly, in Frankfort.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Miller
Chair, The Kentucky Democratic Party
I think this and other signs point to a state of Kentucky that is ready to come back to it's Democratic roots. This spells very bad news for Mitch McConnell, who is up for re-election next year. All the signs here in Kentucky are pointing to a very competitive race. Kentuckians are tired of not being represented in Washington or Frankfort and are ready to vote Democratic.
I support Greg Stumbo to run against Mitch McConnell. Despite "rumors" floated around on a right-wing blog, Greg Stumbo has not dropped out of this race. He is Kentucky's current Attorney General and has been a bulldog against the Governor's illegal hiring practices, has defended our children against predators and our consumers against the same. Best of all he is a fighter. He has spend his career fighting against the radical agendas of McConnell's cronies here in Kentucky. He is the perfect candidate to fight McConnell in what will end up being a very ugly campaign. Visit his site, encourage him to run, and find out more here:
http://www.stumbo2008.com/
Of course the right-wing blogs here in Kentucky want him to drop out, he is our best hope against McConnell!! As of now, rumors or our demise have been greatly exagerrated!!
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