Tuesday, 26 February 2008

The Inner Workings of the Politburo

After an embarrassing defeat for the casino measure in committee, the Politburo have decided to change the makeup of the committee. They removed Rep. Dottie Sims after she switched her vote this morning from Speaker Richards plan to Clark and Wilkeys. Such a move against Comrade Richards could not be tolerated.

Later, Richards said his preferred proposal failed because "one vote didn't vote like we thought she was going to."...

After learning she had been removed, a visibly upset Sims told reporters that she considered the move akin to "communism."

"The only thing I did wrong was I said I'd vote for the bill and I didn't," she said.

In her stead, Comrade Richards placed two new members both of whom are Democrats on the committee. Now the ratio is nine to three of Democrats to Republicans on the committee.

I guess if you can't win the vote the first time, stack the deck and try again. I must say that I am having a good laugh as the implosion continues.

Posted by brians at 4:57 PM in Kentucky Politics
Responses (0)

Down goes the Titanic

The SS Titanic, also known as the casino amendment, sank in port this morning. The ship floundered before it could launch on its maiden journey as the bill failed in committee on a 3 to 5 vote. Oops.

I guess all of the talk of unity (euphemism for arm twisting) last night by Beshear must not have gone over very well. It will be interesting to see if the Democrats can repair the ship to attempt another voyage this year.

For now, let the blame and finger pointing begin.

Posted by brians at 1:18 PM in Kentucky Politics
Responses (0)

Beshear Tries to Stop the Titanic From Sinking

Beshear's administration is becoming the Republicans best friend. Instead of finding solutions to the real issues facing the state, Beshear has decided to go "all in" on casino gambling. In the process he has divided his own party.

Currently. there are two factions in the Democratic house leadership with competing versions of a casino amendment. One that guarantees race track casinos and one that doesn't. Both sides are battling for their perspective plan.

Last night, Beshear brought the leaders together for an emergency meeting. I am sure he hopes to get the crap back into the horse by aligning all of them behind one of the plans. It will be interesting to see if he can get either side to budge. They almost have to if they want to portray a unified front on the issue. Otherwise the amendment has no chance of passing the house. A result which would be disastrous for Beshear.

In the meantime, Republicans get to sit back and watch as the Democrats implode over the casino gambling issue.

Posted by brians at 12:27 AM in Kentucky Politics
Responses (0)