National figures weigh in on KY election

A host of national political players added their voices to the various analysts and officials who have commented on yesterday's election.

That included the chairwoman of the Democratic Governors Association, the Republican National Committee chairman who hails from Kentucky, U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, union leaders and even a presidential contender. They offered words of praise for Democratic governor-elect Steve Beshear and consolation for Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher.

Here are some statements e-mailed to reporters last night and this morning:

• Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York: “I want to congratulate Steve Beshear on a hard-fought victory. I know he will provide the strong, new leadership that Kentucky needs."
• RNC Chair, Robert "Mike" Duncan of Kentucky: "Democrats targeted Ernie Fletcher from day one, but even with the unique circumstances of the governor’s race, they could not stand in the way of the Republican Party’s fundamental strength in the state.  Voters in Kentucky will continue to support lower taxes, limited government, strong national defense, and individual responsibility."
• DGA Chair, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius: “Steve brought forth a message of restoring honesty and integrity to government, and voters overwhelmingly responded to his brand of leadership.  We look forward to welcoming him to the ranks of Democratic governors."
• McConnell, the U.S. Senate Republican leader: "Ernie Fletcher ran a hard-fought campaign that showed a deep commitment to the Commonwealth and to the principles that propelled him into office four years ago. He lost the race, but won our respect by fighting hard to build on the achievements of his term — achievements that will benefit Kentucky for many years to come."
• Kentucky AFL-CIO president Bill Londrigan: "Working people seized the opportunity to elect a governor who understands how difficult it is to make a paycheck stretch from month to month. That's why union families mobilized at workplaces, in neighborhoods, and in communities to get out the vote."
  

- Ryan Alessi

Comments

[Oh My]

Are Duncan and Forgy related? share the same brain? They seem to say the same crap. Can you say sore losers? Think about it these people are supposed to set a good example for our children. Ernie yesterday Mitch in 2008!

19% of the voters decided the election. I am a believer that if you do not vote you can not complain. 19% of the voters gave the mandate. I do not believe there is a mandate for gambling or universal health, or even higher pay for teachers, it looks like 1/3 of the voters went out there to vote for their candidate and Governor Beshear got more of the 1/3 than Governor Fletcher. I think the real shame in this election is not who won or lost but the fact that only 1/3 voted with such important issues on the line for the state of Kentucky. I think that is disgusting.

People in the Commonwealth should be embarrassed at the amount of people that voted. We are fighting a war in Iraq supposedly for Democracy and we dont practice it here at home.
More people put the American flag on their car than vote. That is pitiful and sad.

[wegottheflechoutthemitchisnext]

wegottheflechoutthemitchisnext

[wegottheflechoutthemitchisnext]

farmergbaker1950@yahoo.com

themitchisnext

[Brian]

Beshear understands how to make a paycheck stretch from month to month? What an idiotic statement by the union guy!!! Just goes to prove that unions are an antiquated JOKE.

"People who stay home (don't vote) on election day because they don't want to have anything to do with crooked politics have a lot more to do with crooked politics than they think."

There's considerable wisdom in that thought.