Labor forms '527' against Lunsford

FRANKFORT -- Several labor officials have set up an independent, tax-exempt group that can raise unlimited dollars to work against Bruce Lunsford, a Louisville businessman who is running for governor in the May 22 Democratic primary election.

Working Families for Kentucky Inc. is the first  so-called “527” group that has signaled it will get involved in the primary election. 

State Rep. Bob Damron, a Nicholasville Democrat who is neutral in the crowded Democratic race with seven candidates, said the group’s work might benefit Steve Beshear, a Lexington attorney and former lieutenant governor.  Beshear has been placing highly in recent polls along with Lunsford and former lieutenant governor Steve Henry.

Robert Kellar, a spokesman for Beshear,  stressed last night that the Beshear campaign is not involved in any way with Working Families for Kentucky.  “Absolutely not.  This is the first I’ve heard of it,” Kellar said.

Henry’s campaign manager, C.D. Marshall, said, “No.  We’re not involved with this.  We’ve heard rumors on the campaign trail but that’s it.”

The advantage of 527 groups -- so named because of the IRS provision that governs them -- is that they can raise unlimited funds  from individuals and spend it on advocacy ads as long as the organization doesn’t conspire with political parties or candidates.  One became famous in the 2004 presidential election against Democrat John Kerry by Moveon.org and the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth.

Steve Earle, legislative field director for the United Mine Workers of America in Kentucky, said Working Families for Kentucky is “committed to educating our members about why Mr. Lunsford should not be governor of Kentucky.”

Earle, a director of the group, said it anticipates running TV ads before the primary.  He declined to say how much money it has and expects to raise.  He did stress that the UMWA has not endorsed any candidate in the race for governor.

Earle referred other questions to Larry T. Fox, who is listed as incorporator and a director of the 527.  Fox, pension fund administrator for the Louisville-based United Food and Commercial Workers Local 227, declined to comment.

Other directors besides Fox and Earle listed on records filed with the secretary of state’s office are Durie Downey, David Swift and Laura Kirchner.  None could be reached for comment.  Working Families for Kentucky was formed April 23.

Earlier this year, several labor groups turned their thumbs down  on the campaign of Lunsford and his running mate, Attorney General Greg Stumbo.  They are upset with Lunsford for abruptly dropping out of the 2003 race for governor and then supporting eventual Republican winner, Ernie Fletcher, and for giving campaign contributions to what they say were anti-labor Republicans.

Lunsford has acknowledged he made a mistake in supporting Fletcher and says he is committed to helping labor.

Adam Bozzi, a spokesman for the Lunsford campaign, said last night that Lunsford and Stumbo “have strong labor support  from working families throughout Kentucky.”

Regarding the new 527 group, Bozzi said, “We hope this is not an attempt to circumvent campaign finance laws and launch nasty and negative personal attacks as these swift boat-type organizations generally do.”

Bozzi also expressed hope that all the candidates will denounce any negative attacks.  He said Working Families “should release its donor list immediately so Kentuckians will know who is funding it.” 

State Rep. Damron said Lunsford so far “has been running great commercials with no one to counter them.”  He noted the pledge that all seven Democratic candidates took several months ago at the request of state Democratic Party Chairman Jerry Lundergan not to get negative in the race.

“When Lundergan got all the candidates not to attack, that helped Lunsford because he may have more problems than any of them,” Damron said.  “This 527 action probably will help Beshear with someone going after Lunsford.

“People say they hate negative campaigning but political strategists will tell you they work.  When negative ads bring down the top runner, they usually benefit the person running second.  That’s Beshear.”

Lundergan said he is not concerned about the formation of Working Families but is concerned “that a small segment of the labor community is going to work against a candidate.

“Don’t they realize who the enemy is?  The enemy is the three Republicans running for governor.  What will this little group do if Lunsford wins the nomination?  They will make it hard on labor across the state.  I don’t understand what they gain by this.  It appears this little group has to be supporting somebody else.”

--Jack Brammer

Comments

That comment by Lundergan--Damn! That sure sounds like he's threatening labor, or saying labor's going to have hard if they oppose Lunsford. That's the same kind of thing Stumbo said a while back, threatening labor. So much for neutrality of our Democratic State Party operatives in the primary...

God Bless Labor for having the back bone to stand up to Lunsford 's money. No to Lunsford, no to Stumbo

[Conservative]

The liberal leader certainly will not counter his ads as they did Governor Fletcher. I think this is about time. This guy threw the elderly out on the street, he bankrupted 68,000 workers, and he cost thousands of people their pensions and retirements from the failed stock they purchased from his company. All the while several insiders in the democratic party made millions off of his scam called Vencor. This all needs to be challenged as he stands up on his commercials telling the people of Kentucky with his fake smile that Kentucky needs a business man to build its future. I do not want his future. Hey ladies, as you know, men do not change, no matter what you do, men do not change, Lunsfraud will never change. Stumbo, forget it he will never change. So what you see behind the Madison Avenue Ads, is what you get. I would suggest that you do not buy. Lunsfraud is here to buy the governorship. Say no to that. He does not care about us, just like he did not care about the senior citizens he tossed out on to the street. Say no to this guy. Say yes to Governor Fletcher, Lunsfraud's buddie Mr. Stumbo had this deal planned for three years. His investigation over 10 people was way overblown. 10 people out of 35,000, yes that is it. Rediculous. Time to wake up. Lunsfraud or the Governor.

[Reality Check]

PLEASE give us a break, "Conservative". Since your post reads like a campaign cue card, shouldn't you earn your paycheck, by doing data processing, phoning your 1's and 2's, or something more productive than talking on a campaign blog.

Liberal v. Conservative - give me a break. Oh btw, learn to spell, you neanderthal neophyte!

This is Henry. Take it to the bank.

[bob]

Are we really such dim bulbs that we would buy what Lunford is selling? I do not think so!! And Stumbo thought we would jump on the wagon to hell just because he picked Luunsford as his running mate! Wrong again Greg.

This little group of mine, we're gonna make it shine...Watch out Dale Emmons your sweet little gig may be up.

Jerry Lundergan, this little group is supported by nearly every major Labor union in KY including the AFL-CIO. It is funny how you recently requested members of this little group to donated money to the KDP. Labor will never again support the KDP as long as you are there, not a dime , not a penny, take that to the bank. Liar Lunsford Liar Lungergan two peas in a pod. No to Lunsford No to Lundergan.
I will never vote for Lunsford, I will stay home first. The down ticket will lose votes if Lunsford wins. HEAR that Crit, Jack.

[Conservative]

Reality check can dish it out but he can't take it. Typical of the libs. Do you disagree with anything stated, otherwise, you can stay off the blogs with your lib name calling. You must have been one of the dem insiders that made all of that money with the Lunsfraud Ponzi scheme.

[Jim Anderson Stivers]

Lundergan said he is not concerned about the formation of Working Families but is concerned “that a small segment of the labor community is going to work against a candidate.( The name Bruce Lunsford should be inserted here but it was not.)

How could Lundergan and Lunsford and Stumbo and the good old boys at the KDP not know this would happen to Lunsford? Lundergan, all this time, has been puppeteer of the AG and some other old guard members, at the KDP.

The manner in which money (anemic) came to the KDP, for this primary, should have, but it did not, signal the other members of the Executive Committee, Bruce Lunsford was not the legitimate candidate for the KDP to support, but they paid no attention and the heavy handed, political influence of the AG and lead by Lundergan forced this issue. Julian Carroll, to other D's amazement, even bought into the plan.

I don’t understand how those that are “thinking, moral” individuals could ever consider Bruce Lunsford for Governor?

Everything about his political life indicates that he puts his money where it does him the most good. THE WORD IS HIM. And for the past eight years it has been with the GOP.

VENCOR owned by Bruce Lunsford and his shareholders, took down one of the most efficient nursing homes in the Milwaukee area with Mt. Carmel.

Mount Carmel was one of the largest of nursing homes in the USA and so more difficult to manage. In spite of this it had a long tradition of excellent care and the staff were respected and highly motivated. All this changed dramatically when Vencor bought the home. Vencor went into corporate conflict mode and forced staff into a universal corporate contract together with its other facilities. Their standing, their salaries and their perks were all downsized. Morale was destroyed and staff walked.

Not only did the shareholders of VENCOR suffer when the bankruptcy occurred, but the quality of life for hundreds of elderly citizens was interrupted by the greed factor of trying to minimize the number on the staff in order to pay off the debt of acquiring Mt. Carmel Nursing home.

While sitting in an office hundreds of miles away from Mt. Carmel, Lunsford could not see the faces of those that were devastated when the quality of their life was changed.

So, if there does materialize a swift boat attack on Lunsford,He, Stumbo, Lundergan and a few of the old guard had to know this issue would not go away. You can’t buy back improper behavior and decisions.

Only time gauges if a person has changed their socio-eco standards! And for Bruce Lunsford this haunting will not go away.

Lundergan, Stumbo and Lunsford were hoping this issue would not be front and center. And, that was a dumb move from the very beginning. A failure of loyalty and inappropriate business decisions will cost Bruce Lunsford the nomination again.

Now, the question is who can take on the GOP and has the least amount of SWIFT BOAT material in his background?

At the same time Vencor went under, so did the vast majority of Nursing Home industries...it had to do with the way Congress changed the reimbursal system.

At least Lunsford found a way to keep those 68k workers on the job and earning a paycheck. If that isn't protecting Kentucky families, what is?

[UPS Worker]

Labor should be ashamed for the hatchett job they are trying to pull. Stumbo has been a longtime supporter of ours and I (unlike some of these morons who thinking they are fooling someone) plan to stick with him. I don't think he would run with anyone he felt wouldnot be fair to Labor.

When all is said and done Unions need to take a hard look at some of the leadership who seem to be looking out for themselves and not their members.

So now swiftboating is a good thing?

[sick of Beshear]

What a shock...Beshear is trying to use a 527 to attack Lunsford without his name being attached. His staff has been looking for a way to do that for the last couple of months. I hope they get caught.

They may find themselves on the wrong end of the legal system because there is no doubt a clear link and it is a violation of state law to do so.

10:43 can you name another nursing home that went under at the same time Vencor did? Did Lunsford have a golden parachute? Did the the 68,000 workers have anytype of parachute? Did the stockholders have anytype of parachute? Did The elderly thrown in the street have a parachute? Is that family values, or taking care of Kentucky workers and families? I do not think so. Where is Mrs. Lunsford?

[Irony rules]

I find it really funny that Steve Earle is leading the charge for Beshear. He clearly needs medication - I have seen him at numerous political events and he is always over-the-top and frankly has a scary-bad temper.

From what I have heard, the PayDay loan people are going to be financing the commercials because Lunsford says he'll go after the predatory lendors.

How ironic that Labor would align with folks that knowingly prey on hard working men, women and families of Kentucky. Way to stand up for your people.

[Jim Anderson Stivers]

Former owners of OTHER NURSING HOMES that went broke are not asking the citizens of Kentucky to elect them to the Governors chair.

You can spin this anyway you feel, but . .
the truth is public domain in the Milwaukee Sentinel gives the details and facts of this situation.

This is not intended as a cut but what is the story of no Mrs. Lunsford? His girls seems to support him so maybe had had an ok split up. Just wondering?

Turn up heat on nursing homes again

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel October 15, 1998

Last spring, the state Legislature passed tough new legislation to regulate nursing homes that do a poor job o f caring for their patients. The horrible problems at Mount Carmel Health and Rehabilitation Center in Greenfield, detailed in a two-part series this week in the Journal Sentinel, show that the state's job is far from over.
Once regarded as one of the better nursing homes in the state, Mount Carmel is now in big trouble with state and federal regulators who believe patient care has been compromised almost to the breaking point at the sprawling 650-bed complex. The home faces a $430,000 federal fine, a sum unprecedented in Wisconsin, and the potential loss of government funding.

One of the worst indictments may be the death of longtime resident Donald Garrison, 44, a live wire who, ironically, had complained only weeks before his death

that fellow residents were being neglected. Garrison died of an infection in July, three days after getting what the state contends was inattentive and sloppy care, a judgment that the home's operator, Kentucky-based Vencor Inc., disputes.

This will turn out to be just like 4 years ago. People perceive Lunsford as a threat and they will attack.

Beshear and Henry have the most to gain from this, but will face major legal troubles if a connection is found. I think Henry has too many legal problems right now of his own, so my money is on Beshear.

BTW - the fact that he is not married should be of no issue.

I hear Miller might drop out and support Beshear. I would really hate to see Jonathan do that to himself. Though this might not be his time, I would think so much less of him if that is what he decides to do.

What a concept - attack the front runner to make yourself look better. No wonder people hate politicians.

The woman who filmed Ben Chandler's commercial has since told people that she regrets making the ad.

I hate dirty campaigns and and campaigners.

What proof do you have that Steve Earle is leading the charge for anyone. His union has not made an endorsement? That kind of kills your line of bullsh-t. Lunsfords betrayed the Democratic party. Lunsford insulted labor on a Lexington talk show. Stumbo threaten labor. Labor Leader should lead the charge against Lunsford/Stumbo and their attempt to BUY the Governor's office. Notice I said attempt. At least Steve Earle makes his comments in public.

Lunsford is the dirtiest campaigner KY has ever seen. He is refraining from televised attacks this year as a strategy only, not because he thinks it's the right thing to do.

[Jim Anderson Stivers]

12:01

Very astute observation and certainly worthy
of consideration.

Way to go!

Where is Mrs. Lunsford?

The ex-Mrs. Lunsford is now dating Bill Clinton, but that's quite the large club.

Where's Mrs. Mongiardo?

If you really hate dirty canpaigners and dirty campagians, then come over and support Jody Richards.

The future Mrs. M is about to graduate from high school. Rumor has it she will enroll at Kentucky State in the fall to be closer to Mr. M.

dirty canpaigners and dirty campagians. LMAO. i feel bad for jody, really. he's a nice guy.

[Buck]

I am a Union Pipe Fitter. I will vote for Lunsford because I was out of a job in Louisville years ago when he built a Vencor bldg, and that gave me a job, a union job, so if I find out my union is wasting my money on any madeup thing to tell lies about Mr Lunsford then I will sent my own words to the C-J in Louisville in support. That is not the union way, to tell lies, I dont understand all this political stuff but I dont lie. Buck.

Somehow I doubt they'll tell lies. There's plenty of ugly truths to tell.

Rumors I keep hearing is that J. Miller's campaign is behind this.

Nickolas wrote this is "AWESOME."

Rumors I hear say that Miller thinks those ads will switch Lunsford supporters to Miller.

[BP]

I think it's hilarious that since all the candidates signed their hush agreement, Lunsford was thinking his lucky stars. Now th 527 group has the advantage to enlighten the citizens of Ky. of just how low he is. YEAH!!

Don't know who is behind it, but God Bless them. If were a TRUE DEMOCRAT, you wouldn't vote for him any way. Even the majority of Stumbo's staff are wandering why he chose to run with him.....well actually they do know everyone can figure that out for themselves.

[Julian]

Was Steve Earl the union leader who was indicted in vote buying during the Patton/Forgy campaign with Skipper or was that another Union leader? If anyone can remember let us know, just checking. Thanks.

Steve Earle is one of the most respected staff members of any union in KY. The answer to your self serving question is NO! Labor only needs to tell the truth about Lunsford . Peal away his false ads and show the real deal and very few Kentuckians would choose to be around Lunsford much less vote for him. Does Lunsford and STUMBO represent family values??????????????????

UNDERDOG

[Pete]

No but Earle was on that team and if the shoe fits?????????????

Get Stumbo to swear under oath that he is not being paid 500,000 dollars to run with Lunsfraud. That is what Stumbo's career was worth.

Stumbo certainly doesn't represent family values. Just ask Travis Fritsch -- or the ex-Mrs. Stumbo who was married to him when he impregnated Ms. Fritsch.

You can put 8 million dollars worth of lipstick on this pig of a ticket. Guess what?

It's still a pig of a ticket.

[Buck]

I would bet that the 5-9;05-07 post and the 5-9;27 post are both flustrated,divorced woman who think that all men are pigs. I would also bet that there husbands left them for another woman. There is always two sides of that story. What does that have to do with a governor. Unless you are a religous right wing Republican like Fletcher who calls his 12 closes advisers the 12 desiples. You both need help along with Fletcher. Your next Governor will be Lunsford and he will be fair in all dealings. Thanks

Speaking of divorced women, has anyone caught up with Lunsfraud's ex-wife yet? I would like to get her take on why this megalomaniac is running again. Would be a good story for the Leader...

Where is Mrs. Lunsfraud?

Lunsfraud, Lunsfraud he is our man, if he can not fraud you, Beshear can!