Monday, 18 September 2006
Updates on the 2007 Gubernatorial Race
After returning from vacation and reading the news, I am reminded of a quote by Han Solo from Return of the Jedi.
I'm out of it for a little while, and everyone gets delusions of grandeur!
First we have Pence "seriously considering" a challenge of Fletcher in next year's Republican primary. He believes he can be the "alternative candidate" to Fletcher.
"I think people in the party are looking for an alternative if the governor continues to run" for re-election, Pence said in an interview with the Herald-Leader. "That's why I'm going to give serious consideration to being that alternative."
He said he hopes to announce his decision on running for governor "fairly soon" -- potentially as early as the end of this month.
Ok, there is a great campaign strategy. He is going to side with Stumbo in the investigation of Fletcher and make that the centerpiece of his campaign. That is a great way to win over the faithful. I am sure he may get a few of the party structure, but that doesn't make the type of grassroots campaign needed to topple a sitting Governor.
But delusions of grandeur does not end with Pence, it also extends to Mayor Abramson. It appears that he is also considering a run for governor.
But his increasing political stops around the state have many people speculating about his political future, even as the Democratic mayor remains noncommittal about his plans.
In recent months, Abramson has held political fundraisers from Henderson to Crescent Springs to Lexington, fueling speculation that he is planning a run for governor.
He's spoken to groups across the state and even met in Washington with U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler, D-6th District -- another potential gubernatorial candidate.
First off, he still has to win his mayoral race. But even if he does win it handily he has serious handicaps running for state wide office. The biggest of which are his controversial stances as mayor of Louisville. Being for gun control and the fairness amendment are going to be devastating in trying to win votes outside of the liberals in Louisville and Lexington. Those two small groups are hardly the base needed to win a state wide race.
Maybe my return will bring some sanity back to the political landscape in Kentucky.
