BluegrassReport blogger leaving Kentucky

Political blogger Mark Nickolas will move to Helena, Montana next week, he confirmed today in a telephone interview.

Nickolas, who authors the Democratic blog BluegrassReport.org, will continue to update the blog from Montana during the immediate future. He is exploring other long-term options, including selling the blog or transforming it into a publication focused on national politics, he said.

BluegrassReport has had more than 1.8 million visits and more than 5 million page views since launching on June 12, 2005.

"It's been a really good run," Nickolas said. "BluegrassReport has accomplished a lot and hopefully will continue to accomplish a lot."

A controversial figure, Nickolas has been highly critical of Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher and Democratic Party Chairman Jerry Lundergan.

The blog's traffic increased dramatically after it gained national attention in 2006 when Fletcher's administration began blocking state workers from accessing it and other sites. A lawsuit filed by Nickolas against Fletcher is still pending in federal court.

In January, Nickolas was indicted by a Franklin County grand jury on charges of failing to pay his state income taxes over a three year period. The indictment was later dismissed after Nickolas proved he had paid his income taxes in December of 2006.

Nickolas said the indictment was retribution for his criticism of Fletcher. "What this administration has done to me and others is reprehensible," he said.

Still, Nickolas said his decision to leave the state was not heavily influenced by the legal action. Instead, he said the decision of U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler to forego a run for governor sealed his decision.

"If there was any one reason why we both stayed here for the past few years, it was the possibility that Ben would run for governor," he said.

Nickolas was Chandler's campaign manager during his failed bid for governor in 2003.

Nickolas and his significant other, Chantel McCormick, do not have jobs lined up in Montana, he said. McCormick is a native of the state.

"We have a lot of friends up there," he said.

McCormick is a political fund-raising consultant who last worked for State Treasurer Jonathan Miller, who withdrew from the gubernatorial primary earlier this month. Democratic gubernatorial nominee Steve Beshear said today he wants Miller to be named chairman of the state Democratic Party next week.

UPDATE 9:40 p.m.: Kentucky's political bloggers have begun offering their reaction to the news that Nickolas is leaving Kentucky. Here are some links:

Ditch Mitch KY: "Today, Kentucky has an extremely healthy and active lefty blogosphere, and that’s been made possible by the example and work of Mark Nickolas. He made the mainstream media see and take seriously the possibilities of blogs."

Hillbilly Report: "Mark was my inspiration to start blogging at the age of 66 and this Hillbilly will really miss Mark. Best of luck to you Mark."

Kentucky Women: "Operating under scrutiny after being indicted for failure to pay taxes, although the indictment was later dismissed, Nickolas remained true to form in his attacks on both republicans and democrats."

On the Right!: "Although Mark and I disagreed on most issues he was very successful in stimulating political discourse in the Commonwealth."

The Rural Democrat: "I think BGR went beyond simply sharing a point of view, I think it shook most of our Internet cruising political junkies to their knees. It had an effect on me that was pure anger and shock."

The Kentucky Democrat: "This is sad news especially given the revolution he started here in the Commonwealth. What Mark has done for this state has been amazing. He took on Ernie Fletcher and Jerry Lundergan. He took on Bruce Lunsford."

And here's what Nickolas posted on his blog.

- John Stamper

Comments

[Kentucky Leadership]

This move will hopefully result in a lot less animosity existing in the Commonwealth. Perhaps there can now be a more civil discourse of the issues.

[poverty_outlaw]

Mark Nickolas has written a very honest blog which reported the truth about the GOP and Democratic hacks who have been running Kentucky into the ground for the last few years. The commenter above is trying to pull the old Big Lie tactic which has been a staple of the failed right wing since 1996. He figures you have never read the blog, so he's going to pretend Nickolas is rude, ignorant and foul-mouthed. Don't fall for it. Google "bluegrassreport" and see for yourself. Nickolas tells the truth and the commenter above thinks it's h*ll!

Thanks Mark! You'll be missed!

Now if we could only send "Jabba the Hall" back to Jersey!

Go back to California with the rest of the fruits and nuts.

The Bluegrassreport was a disgrace to the Democrat party. Thank God that loser is leaving. Maybe we Democrats can get back to real issues, instead of hack jobs from an uneducated loser from California.

Mark Nickolas is probably leaving because he got caught cheating on his taxes.

Mark Nickolas is probably leaving because he got caught cheating on his taxes.

8:37, real Democrats don't call our party the "Democrat party." Get a clue.

[anotherNKYdem]

Thank you, Mark, for providing a forum for many of us and keeping the pot stirred. Watch out for Dick Cheney and any loaded guns in Montana. It has been a great run. You will be missed.

Wasn't it interesting how Nicklicks always talked about other people's dishonesty, but then that idiot gets indicted for tax evasion? What a loser. He was an unemployed carpetbagger that thought he could come to Kentucky and hammer on his own party and get away with it. Now he gets run out of town. Goodbye, Nicklicks.

[Steve Magruder (I, not D or R)]

Watch out soon for my blog... maybe... I gotta think about it... :)

With the vacuum Mark Nickolas will be leaving, I might just have to fill it.

Nickolas will be *sorely* missed by those of us who like to be informed and also engaged in quality discourse.

[Steve Magruder (I, not D or R)]

I already have a Louisville-oriented issues discussion board, by the way. It's at historyandissues.org

So, a blog would be stretching matters.... BUT, I hope somebody does take up the great slack that will be left over.

[DemForLife]

It will be sad to see Mark go. Yes, sometimes he may have been over the top, but people who truly care about what happens to our state and nation have a hard time sounding dispassionate. I don't blame him for occasional hyperbole.

I have been a constant reader of BluegrassReport since its inception. It was a breath of fresh air, and I think it was instrumental in putting the "good guys" in charge of the party once more. Most of all, it kept us outsiders informed about what was really going on.

Godspeed, Mark. Ignore the naysayers; they aren't your audience anyway. You've been a blessing.

[CoolerKing]

BluegrassReport.org was the best thing to happen for Kentucky Democrats in a long time. I hope Mark finds a way to keep it going on a permanent basis.

[kytruedemocrat]

I applaud Mark Nicholas. Although I did not agree with all your comments, I am sorry to see you go. Good luck in Minnesota

Now that the general election is looming, the Rs are really starting to get nasty on the internet. I like the assertion Nickolas is "uneducated." He only went to the top public university in the world!

Bluegrassreport may have gone downhill once Nickolas chose sides in the Democratic primary but overall it has been a great resource for the last two years. The Rs hate it because Nickolas so effectively kept drawing attention to the corruption of Fletcher & Co.

Good riddance. Kentucky will be much better without all the name calling and uneducated remarks by the corrupted man who ran that blog.

[Sam Wise]

Thank you Mark, for helping bring the corruption of Fletcher, other Republicans, and for that matter, other Democrats, to light.

There is only one way you will let us down or not meet your obligation: Bluegrass Report must continue. I understand it's your blog, but you understand we have supported you, politically, emotionally and yes, financially every step of the way. This Blue State is heading back to its Blue roots, Mark. Don't let this resource slip away from us.

Thank you for facing the personal attacks against freedom of speech for the past two years. Ernie Fletcher and Robbie Rudolph have outpaced Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew.

I never dreamed we would live in a state where imprisonment was used as a tool to try to silence critics, but you beat them back. Thank you.

I guess he can't find anyone else to pick on or humiliate.. Now that Miller is chair I guess his mission has been fulfilled. its about time you move on.. no one would hire you in KY anyway..

This is the best news I've heard all day!

9:47 is right. As soon as kypolitics comes down and "Sweathog" Hall is sent packing, our state will be much better!

I am not sure why you have reported that Chantel McCormick does not have a job lined up in Montana. I saw her at the KDP press conference today, and she said she starts work in the Montana Governor's office in early June.

Mark Nickolas has been a cancer on political discourse in the Bluegrass State. He has trashed numerous honorable people in this state such as Larry Forgy and Chief Justice Lambert, and has shown no loyalty to the man who brought him to Kentucky, Jody Richards.

This state is a worse place for him having darkened our doorstep. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

Maybe we'll see him back the next time he's indicted.... heh heh heh

[Steve Magruder (I, not D or R)]

"honorable people in this state such as Larry Forgy and Chief Justice Lambert"

Ummm, yeah, right. Even Republicans call Larry Forgy "loony", and Lambert helped finesse getting Fletcher not prosecuted. Honorable is not the word I would use. The word I would use would get me banned from this blog permanently.

[Steve Magruder (I, not D or R)]

leavewillya, any respectable blogger would remove comments as hateful as that.

I laugh at all the hatred these reichists have for people who bring out the truth about them.

I have always felt sorry for Nickolas. He is truly a sick person who had very little attention from his parents. Maybe in Montana someone will give him the love he despartely seeks and needs. Good Luck Mark, I hope you find one day that spewing hate and lies is not the way to fill a missing hole in your childhood heart.

[Steve Magruder (I, not D or R)]

leavewillya, you are crazed. BGR still goes on (for now), I have Polwatchers, I have my own discussion board, I have many other venues for my "poison". So, suck it up, darlin'.

Nickolas was told just last week by Jill Midkiff of the Kentucky Revenue Cabinet that they will bill Nickolas for his failure to report his earnings from the money he used from his non profit fund in his personal expenses.

Nickolas knows that will include penalties & interest. He also has a huge debt with the horse stud farm that he has yet to pay off.

Nickolas is probably leaving town in such a hurry so he can skip out on his debts.

Don't get too teary eyed for the guy the money he owes to the Kentucky Revenue is his debt to the taxpayers of this Commonwealth. He failed to put in his money to the tax man while we all paid our debt to the tax man.

If Nickolas does not pay his state tax bill it will be at the expense of the Kentucky Taxpayer. It's our money you know. We all kick into that fund.

Maybe J. Miller will tell his buddy to pay the debt to the taxpayer. After all, as long as Miller is Treasurer it is his job to make sure people like Nickolas pay their tax bill.

[Steve Magruder (I, not D or R)]

12:37: Pure speculation that's also none of your business. If Nickolas owes taxes, he will ultimately have to pay them, even after moving away.

The bottom line is that you're simply engaged in the politics of personal destruction because you can't handle the power of Nickolas' blog to destroy the political fortunes of reichists and Republican-lite Democrats.

It's 100% transparent, you're wasting your time, and you're fooling nobody.

I don't know which is funnier, Mark Nickolas still using that same old line about his failure to pay taxes for 3 long years was Fletcher's fault, or if the Herald Leader reporters swallowing hook line and sinker without asking Mark, "How did Fletcher prevent you from filing your taxes and why do you think you should be able to get away without filing for 3 long years?"

Don't the HL reporters know that the law says we ALL have to file our taxes every year?

HA HA HA ...

Come on HL get at least one good question in.

TO MAGRUDER: DO YOU NOT READ? What do you mean "if" he owes taxes. Jill Midkiff told this paper, the CJ, the State Journal and the Paducah Sun that SHE IS SENDING HIM A BILL. Steve, that means he has a debt, the debt is the bill. NO SPECULATION. IT IS A BILL. A TAX BILL WITH PENALITIES & INTEREST THAT ANY ONE OF US WOULD OWE IF WE FAILED TO PAY PERSONAL INCOME TAX FOR 3 YEARS!!!!

Magruder, keep telling yourself all that stuff, maybe one day you and Nickolas will both believe your mantra.

Wasn't one of Miller's campaign promises to hold corporation's accountable? Well, Mr. Treasurer Miller, are you going to make sure your friend, the same friend who ran the blog you created, and you donated money to, are you going to hold him accountable to his tax debt? Are you just going to let him skip town in hopes the Revenue Cabinet doesn't catch up with him?

Magruder you know nothing about taxes. It is ALL OUR BUSINESS if someone does NOT pay their taxes.

Nickolas' tax debt is MY BUSINESS and YOUR BUSINESS and EVERYONE'S business. It is NOT his money, it is OUR MONEY. HE OWES THAT MONEY TO US, the taxpayers of the Commonwealth. So you bet it is leavewillya's business. I'm glad he was turned in!

What Nickolas pays to his hairdresser is NOT my business.

What he fails to pay to the tax man IS my business.

You really do need to get an education.

Can the moderators tell us if all of these hateful comments are being made by the same few people?

[Lebanonfan]

I started reading all the comments, but it's late and I'm tired.

I stopped when I finally got to Sam Wise. I've never met the guy, but I've usually agreed with him and have enjoyed very much his many contributions to BGR.

I'm proud to be the very first official donor to Mark and Bluegrass Report. My donation was very very modest, but I feel honored to have been the very first one.

This blog has meant so much to Kentucky. It HAS made a difference!

I wish Mark and Chantel all the best in their new endeavors; I trust they'll make good decisions on how to best grow this special seed they've planted.

Still, I'm very sad they are leaving! :(

Lebanonfan
From Marion County
The Geographic Center of Kentucky~!

This is sad news. Mark and Chantel have both made a significant impact on the political enviroment in Kentucky. I wish they would stay and continue fighting the good fight, but I know it is too much to ask. They are good people who care only about making a difference in the world. They certainly have done that! They will both be very missed.

who cares?

I think someone should warn the governor of Montana about their ... contributions to ... politics, slander, and funny money deals.

[Gadfly]

There's nothing better than reading Mr. Magruder's ramblings to defend the Democratic party, which is something coming from a registered Independent. Mr. Nickolas' inflammatory and accusatory rants did nothing but cause harm to the KDP. He was not representative of the party membership but the slams and slants against the GOP and some in the KDP itself caused more harm than good. His guidance of Chandler cost him the governorship and Miller dropped out early, albeit, he was rewarded in the end.
Magruder, could you please provide the link to your blog? I am sure it is something entertaining to read, especially for those attending day care.

Gadfly, I love reading your posts!!! You are so right and with the right amount of humor in your prose.

I'm proud to be the very first official donor to Mark and Bluegrass Report. My donation was very very modest, but I feel honored to have been the very first one.

Now THAT was a waste of money. You'd have gotten better results by throwing it in the toilet, doing a #2 on it, and then flushing it.

So sorry to say goodbye to Mark and his Chattel.

[Jeff Noble]

On Nickolas' departure.

While he and I have differed on politics and personalities, Mark has certainly changed the political landscape around here for the better. I'm not talking about Jonathan Miller and Steve Beshear, but rather the dialogue across the state amongst Democratic operatives (and Republicans) which never existed until he made it exist. Some of us who always have spoken now speak more, while others, from one of the many corners of the Party, are speaking - and listening - for the first time. And he has let all sides know - all sides of both Parties - that a new era of transparency is descending upon the state and that is a good thing.

He is part of a revolution which, like all things, has (or will) come slowly to Kentucky, and will still need a few more years of maturation before everyone accepts it. There is an old saying that it wasn't until about 1872 that Kentucky joined the Confederacy in the Civil War. We were waiting to see what happened elsewhere first. Political blogging is a similar event, excepting that the South lost and blogging wont.

As to politics, it is no secret that he and I have supported different folks. While I am personally a very liberal left-wing political hack, I tend to have both feet firmly planted in an old school of politics, the one in which I was raised, and the one which is slowly loosing (and losing) its hold on Kentucky politics - and probably for the better. Plain and simply, I tend to support my friends, who oftentimes differ with me on their politics. Mark offered the opportunties for all of us to know where each of us stood, day and and day out, assuming we properly identified ourselves on his blog, which some of us did and some of us didn't. (On that, I often signed my name to my comments, while using any number of pseudonyms when I didn't want to be clearly identified).

Yesterday I was in Frankfort for the big "Unity Rally" which, quite frankly, was the exact success the Chairman planned it to be. Someone asked me if Mark Nickolas was there and I had to tell her that I only knew him from his pictures in the LEO as we have never formally met. But it privately occurred to me that whether he was present in body or not, his presence was clearly felt, given that the stars of the program were Steve Beshear, Jonathan Miller, and Jennifer Moore, and not the array of losing tickets which only days before were watching his blog on a daily basis, wondering what might be reported next. That is a testament to his blog, whether one agreed with him or not.

As a new day is coming to the Kentucky Democratic Party, Mark Nickolas is in no small part responsible. He can mark that down in his record book of accomplishment. It will be up to those of us who remain (as Pol Watchers is doing) to continue the dialogue he has so fervently begun.

Jeff Noble
www.ohioriver606.blogspot.com

Maybe Magruder should move to Montana and be with his IDOL or whatever he calls his FRIEND Nicholas.

[Jeff Noble]

On Nickolas' departure.

While he and I have differed on politics and personalities, Mark has certainly changed the political landscape around here for the better. I'm not talking about Jonathan Miller and Steve Beshear, but rather the dialogue across the state amongst Democratic operatives (and Republicans) which never existed until he made it exist. Some of us who always have spoken now speak more, while others, from one of the many corners of the Party, are speaking - and listening - for the first time. And he has let all sides know - all sides of both Parties - that a new era of transparency is descending upon the state and that is a good thing.

He is part of a revolution which, like all things, has (or will) come slowly to Kentucky, and will still need a few more years of maturation before everyone accepts it. There is an old saying that it wasn't until about 1872 that Kentucky joined the Confederacy in the Civil War. We were waiting to see what happened elsewhere first. Political blogging is a similar event, excepting that the South lost and blogging wont.

As to politics, it is no secret that he and I have supported different folks. While I am personally a very liberal left-wing political hack, I tend to have both feet firmly planted in an old school of politics, the one in which I was raised, and the one which is slowly loosing (and losing) its hold on Kentucky politics - and probably for the better. Plain and simply, I tend to support my friends, who oftentimes differ with me on their politics. Mark offered the opportunties for all of us to know where each of us stood, day and and day out, assuming we properly identified ourselves on his blog, which some of us did and some of us didn't. (On that, I often signed my name to my comments, while using any number of pseudonyms when I didn't want to be clearly identified).

Yesterday I was in Frankfort for the big "Unity Rally" which, quite frankly, was the exact success the Chairman planned it to be. Someone asked me if Mark Nickolas was there and I had to tell her that I only knew him from his pictures in the LEO as we have never formally met. But it privately occurred to me that whether he was present in body or not, his presence was clearly felt, given that the stars of the program were Steve Beshear, Jonathan Miller, and Jennifer Moore, and not the array of losing tickets which only days before were watching his blog on a daily basis, wondering what might be reported next. That is a testament to his blog, whether one agreed with him or not.

As a new day is coming to the Kentucky Democratic Party, Mark Nickolas is in no small part responsible. He can mark that down in his record book of accomplishment. It will be up to those of us who remain (as Pol Watchers is doing) to continue the dialogue he has so fervently begun.

Jeff Noble
www.ohioriver606.blogspot.com

[Jim Anderson Stivers in Frankfort]

A benchmark in Kentucky Political History has been made. And it will be recognized for the value of its work. Bluegrass.org has established a free speech market for all to vent or praise of whatever you feel needs to be posted. And, many times, these post are seen as negative, when viewed by those with a different opinion.

Isn’t that what free speech is all about? Sure it is. Speak your mind, even it is negative. Everyone has a point they want to make.

If the purpose of free speech is for everyone to sit around and agree on everything, then what does that say? If we all agree on the same thing, perhaps only one person is doing the thinking? That is unhealthy.

Bluegrass has created a spark that has grown, in spite of all the roadblocks that have occurred.

Some were self imposed, some for revenge, like the post that brags about being one of the people that reported Mark N. on his tax problems.

Mark created that problem for himself, but he owned up to it quickly and it appears to have been resolved as far as the courts are concerned.

Mark N. was the lightning rod that created a spark that resulted in hundreds\millions\ posting on Bluegrass because they knew other political minds would read it.

It was and will be remembered as the BLOG SPOT that opened the door for more to exchange thoughts, criticisms or whatever the post felt need to be said.

If this is not free speech then try writing your daily post to a newspaper and see how many get into print.

The fact that the Herald Leader started POLWATCHERS and other blogs that are out there, resulted in the traffic and discussions that took place on Bluegrass.

It is the BUZZ.

And, we later find many of the blog post turned out to be major news stories in other media.

You can bet one thing.

THE BLOGESPHERE IS ALIVE IN KENTUCKY.AND IT IS DUE TO BLUEGRASS.ORG BIRTHING A NEW WAY OF DISCUSSING POLITICS AND IT CAUGHT ON.
AND IT WON’T FADE AWAY!

And that is healthy.

Noble, BARF! You said so much drivel. The only thing "significant" you can credit Nickolas with are the "significant" deceitful rumors he wrote. The only thing Nickolas has contributed to the political landscape of this state is how to make up malicious lies about public figures and spread those lies around the internet.

Nickolas has had NO positive impact on the politics in Kentucky. Nickolas was NEVER even able to "influence" his readers to vote his way. Heck he could only get 2 of his readers to storm the KDP meeting. Remember that? In November Nickolas urged and pleaded with his readers to storm the KDP meeting and overthrow Lundergan? Not only did only 2 of his readers show up, they didn't even speak a word. Nickolas didn't even show up and he was the "leader" who CALLED FOR THE CHARGE! You know why he didn't show up? Because he knows he is full of BS and he was too scared to go say anything to anyone in person. It is far too easy for Nickolas to write his malice on a computer than to speak in public to the person directly.

You call THAT an ability to "influence?" Nickolas never influence anyone in a positive way in this state. He couldn't even get his own candidates elected. Even with all the deceitful things he would write about a candidate he didn't like, he more times than not, couldn't even get his person elected. Seems like most people KNEW Nickolas was slandering people except 2, 3 or 4 people in this State.

Even when he could find something truthful to print about a candidate he doesn't like he would FAIL to write the truth that his OWN candidate was doing the exact same thing. That is not anything except hypocritical mumbo jumbo.

Most of the posters on his blog were like you ... one person with many, many fake names to give the appearance that more than 2, 3 or 4 people gave a damn about what Nickolas thought.

Noble, you and the other regular readers of Nickolas have been CONNED. He is a man who offers UNRELIABLE information and his intent is to destroy good men/women of this state ... like Justice Johnstone for instance is reprehensible.

Face it Noble, if it weren't for his decietful and malicious untrue rumors Nickolas wouldn't have had anything to write. More people in this state despise Nickolas than the 2, 3 or 4 who are ... silly enough to buy into his bologna.

Nickolas has had NO significant impact or influence in this State except for his lies which impacted those whom he lied about.

Anthony Huff v. Mark Nickolas - Jefferson County Court. Lawsuit: SLANDER. Mark Nickolas is being sued for his slander Jeff Noble. That's all Nickolas knows, slander. Do you think Nickolas has phoned Huff's lawyer to tell them he is skipping town on that pending lawsuit? Whatdya think? Does he have the integrity and moral compass to let Huff's lawyers know his forwarding address?

[kylawyer]

Polwatchers, I am surprised that you allowed his suggestion that he intended to sell the site to go unchallenged. If it is a not-for profit as he has stated in past, it cannot merely be sold. If it is transferred, the proceeds are required to be distributed according to statute

[Steve Magruder (I, not D or R)]

10:33: With all that hot air, you could provide uplift to a zeppelin. Your hatemongering is transparent. You hate that Nickolas, despite occasional hyperpole, generally told the TRUTH about political figures, and these figures simply cannot stand the heat. Ahhh, poor wussums!

kylawyer, you are correct in your legal conclusion. But, once the State & Federal GMEN started investigating Nickolas he scammpered down to the Sec. of State and closed the non-profit & reopened as a for proft.

That "action" is covered under federal statutes not state statutes. All the money Nickolas had in the non-profit when he opened his for-profit could only go to a charity. Again, however, that falls under the federal statutes not state statutes which is why we didn't hear that in the state case. We have yet to hear what the federal GMEN are doing.

I'll say this. With all the money he owes so many people, horse farm, state rev., federal rev., farm BILLS, lawyer 1, lawyer 2, lawyer 3, including the pending slander lawsuit ... Nickolas sure is leaving in a HURRY ... It sure looks like he is running away from someone, and someone very BIG!