The Herald-Leader's Kentucky Kurdmudgeon, Larry Dale Keeling had a great editorial today on the current situation in Frankfort and pointed out that even if Fletcher gets totally wrecked by the current scandal, which is entirely possible, who would the Democrats run for the slot in '07. He points out that even though they may be on the defensive a bit, They still have stronger organization in Kentucky and that any potential candidates who the Dems could run for governor, at least right now, could have some real problems.
Here's an excerpt:

Oh, sure, a scandal in a Republican administration causes the playing field to tip a bit less precipitously against them. But Kentucky Republicans remain better organized, better funded and better at recruiting voters and candidates than their Democratic rivals.

And when you start naming the prominent Democrats who might take a shot at Fletcher (or whoever leads the R ticket) in '07, you realize most of them come with baggage.

In the case of Auditor Crit Luallen, it is baggage by association due to her loyalty to former Gov. Paul Patton after he owned up to an adulterous affair with Tina Conner.

Attorney General Greg Stumbo has paternity and child-support baggage. Besides, if he were to get into the 2007 race, it would lend at least a patina of credibility to the accusation that he launched the hiring investigation for no other reason than to soften Fletcher up for that campaign.

Former Lt. Gov. Steve Henry's baggage involves his dust-up with the feds over Medicaid and Medicare billings. Defusing that issue in 30-second sound bites could be difficult.

State Sen. Julian Carroll carries some baggage from investigations of his own gubernatorial administration more than a quarter of a century ago.

Wealthy businessman Charlie Owen has the baggage of having shown little ability to inspire voters.

Among other prominent Democrats, House Speaker Jody Richards and state Sen. Daniel Mongiardo both had near misses in recent statewide races. But neither man should forget the unique circumstances surrounding those two elections, circumstances that are unlikely to be repeated in a campaign against a Republican gubernatorial slate.

State Treasurer Jonathan Miller has won two statewide races, but has not yet shown an interest in seeking the governor's office. And 6th District U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler seems to be content where he is.

Some Democrats have long dreamed that Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson would one day lead a gubernatorial ticket, but he has never shown the gumption to jump into such a race.

Response

I think Keeling's right. Right now, the Dems do have candidates with problems and none have really said they would come out and get the job done. The Democrats have some great openings here. Let's just hope they can take advantage of them. Then again, I wonder if the Whig part could offer up a candidate.

posted by Stithmeister @ 9:01 PM
 
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