Wednesday, 3 February 2010

Gambling Poll

The media is giddy about the fact that a new poll shows an increase in support for slot machines in Kentucky.

Nearly six of every 10 Kentucky voters say they favor legalizing slot machines at the state's race tracks, according to the latest Couri er-Journal/WHAS11 Bluegrass Poll.

The story goes on to make the same tired arguments in favor of gambling. I am sure the whole goal is to ramp up pressure to pass slots in the legislative session. In effect, the media is trying to save Beshear's bacon since he has shown little competence at passing his agenda or leading the state for that matter.

I don't really care what the polls say. VIDEO SLOTS ARE NOT A FORM OF LOTTERY. You might as well say all gambling is a form of lottery if you are going to make that argument. Therefore, Kentucky must pass a constitutional amendment to allow for them! Here is another reason to follow the constitution. It would give 85% of those polled what they want. A chance to vote on the matter.

Posted by brians at 8:58 PM in Kentucky Politics

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KY US Senate Money Game - Blue Edition

The financial numbers are in for 2009 and Conway holds a commanding lead over Mongiardo in fund raising.

Conway has raised more than $2.3 million for the campaign... Conway ended the year with more on hand than any of his opponents, with $1.7 million in the bank... Mongiardo has spent nearly half of what he has raised, leaving him with $782,790 in the bank.

It doesn't surprise me that Conway out raised Mongiardo in 2009. His money connections assured him of the financial lead in the campaign. The question was how close could Mongiardo keep the gap. From a pure numbers game, Mongiardo has accomplished that task. He raised $1.5 million to Conway's $2.3 million. The only problem is Mongiardo has already blown half his money on the campaign. He is currently trailing Conway by a million dollars in cash on hand.

Mongiardo needed to be more frugal with his money. The money he spent in 2009 is wasted and will do little to help him win the primary. He needs cash to take be able to counter Conway on television. I believe he will come to rue the day he was so careless with his money.

What I find most interesting from the money reports is how the political tides have changed. While Conway and Mongiardo struggled to bring in $300,000 in the 4th quarter the Republican candidates both raised over $600,000. That is not a good sign for the Democrat who wins the primary in May.