Republicans say to ignore polls, warn of 'San Francisco'

Down to the last two days before voting booths open, Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher urged supporters to disregard polls that show him behind, while his running mate referred to the Democratic candidates as “San Francisco treats.”

Several Republicans — including the entertainer, Pat Boone — criticized Democratic gubernatorial candidate Steve Beshear and his running mate Daniel Mongiardo this weekend for being endorsed of the Committee for Fairness and Individual Rights, a group that advocates equal treatment of gays and lesbians.

Boone, the singer and descendent of Daniel Boone, recorded a phone message for the Kentucky Republican Party that asked voters whether they “want a governor who’d like Kentucky to be another San Francisco.” Those calls went out to tens of thousands of homes Friday. Click here to listen to Boone's message.

Then, last night, Fletcher’s lieutenant governor candidate Robbie Rudolph echoed that to a crowd of more than 200 GOP faithful in Lexington. “Do you want a couple of San Francisco treats or do you want a governor?” he asked.

Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville, called it Rudolph’s “Rice-a-Roni speech” — referring to its famous jingle.

Beshear’s campaign dismissed it as a last minute ploy “to divert voter attention from the issues of honesty and integrity in state government.”

“Apparently the Fletcher camp has hit the panic button,” said Vicki Glass. 

All this came as the candidates began their final push for votes in preparation for Tuesday’s election.

Beshear spent the day firing up activists in Lexington, Frankfort and Louisville.

He met up with key supporters in Lexington’s Meadowthorpe neighborhood, where he and wife, Jane, knocked on five doors. Four homes had been previously scouted out by the local precinct’s Democratic organizers while no one answered the door at the fifth house.

And Fletcher wrapped up his whirlwind 62-county, 13-day bus tour, which culminated with a rally at the Kentucky Horse Park.

At stops in Liberty and Lexington, Fletcher and U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Republican minority leader, both urged supporters not to be discouraged by recent independent media polls showing the governor trailing Beshear by between 15 and 23 points.

McConnell noted that a Herald-Leader survey in 1984 showed him behind Democratic U.S. Sen. Dee Huddleston by double digits about a week before McConnell won.

And both Fletcher and Republican Secretary of State Trey Grayson pointed to recent results of a “mock election” survey of 10,000 students at 85 middle and high school students that Grayson’s office helped coordinate with the national Youth Leadership Institute. The students chose the GOP candidate over the Democrats in each race.

“I happen to have more confidence in the children — the students of our state — then I do the major newspapers,” Fletcher said.

Republican officials urged the more than 100 supporters in Casey County and the throngs of backers, including many of Fletcher’s aides, in Lexington, to turn out voters.

“I believe there is a big silent vote waiting to happen for Ernie Fletcher,” said U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Somerset.

In Lexington, Democratic state Rep. Jesse Crenshaw, said the support for the Democratic candidates has been anything but quiet.

“It’s very, very enthusiastic,” he said. “I think the polls are an indication of exactly what people are feeling.”

Beshear said he senses that voters have made their minds up that they want someone new.

“I think people are going to come out in droves and turn out this administration,” he said.

Beshear said he was “very happy” to get the endorsement of the Committee for Fairness and Individual Rights, which says on its Web site that Beshear backs nondiscrimination of gays and lesbians in employment and housing and also supports “recognition of same-gender relationships.” It also said he would “veto anti-fairness legislation.”

But Beshear said he made no promises to the group. 

“I told them like I told everyone in Kentucky that my faith teaches me that marriage is between a man and a woman. That’s where I am on this issue,” he said. Beshear, however, noted that he does support universities providing health benefits to unmarried partners of employees because it’s “a health care issue.”

When asked about the recorded phone calls from Boone, Beshear said, “Pat Boone was a great singer. And I still enjoy listening to his music. I would think he ought to stick with singing.”

Today, Beshear will make campaign stops in his native Western Kentucky, while Fletcher will ask for votes door-to-door in Louisville and Northern Kentucky neighborhoods.

- Ryan Alessi

Comments

[JW]

So now we have the ultra-liberals from outside Kentucky endorsing Beshear. What's next, Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton coming to Beshear's inauguration? I guess it's not too late to reconsider the relocation package offered to me.

It's pretty sad when the best endorsement that Fletcher can get is Mitch "45% Approval" McConnell.

http://www.wtvq.com/midatlantic/tvq/home.apx.-content-articles-TVQ-2007-10-26-0008.html

Speaking of Mitch, today's New York Times takes Mitch to task over his obstructionism on children's healthcare:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/04/opinion/04sun2.html

"For weeks now, the president and his Congressional allies have charged that the Democrats are unwilling to negotiate a compromise on expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, or S-chip, because they want to use Republican opposition as a campaign issue. But it is the Senate’s Republican leaders who are doing their best to block any compromise.

"...The bill up for consideration in the Senate had already passed the House with substantial bipartisan support — but not quite enough votes to overcome another veto. As a result, a few prominent senators from both parties had been meeting with House Republicans to work out a compromise that could attract enough moderate Republicans to overcome a veto. Those talks, according to a key participant, were making 'really good progress.'

"That is when Senate Republican leaders stepped in and, under the rules, refused to postpone a scheduled vote to allow more negotiations. The result was predictable. The Senate, which has always been enthusiastic about expanding S-chip, approved the House-passed bill by a thumping 64-to-30 vote. But the bill lacks enough Republican support in the House for an override."

[Elephant4Steve]

After his near-disasterous gaffe at the 2004 Governor's Derby Breakfast, Ernest Lee, in a moment of unadorned candor, admitted "I have a hard time thinking politically."

Apparently he still does, but that won't be an issue much longer.

[Oh My]

Ernest is bringing out the big guns Pat Boone lol. I've never bought one of his records nor do I buy what he's trying to sell now. Ernest hasn't been good for Kentucky. Oh by the way where does Pat Boone live? Probably not in Kentucky.

[Bill Adkins]

This goes to show you just how sick and lame the Ernest Campaign is -- what next, an appearance by Anita Bryant? Ernest and his sick-o-phants can just pull the dirt in over top of them.

San Francisco is a pretty nice place that is ahead of Kentucky on a lot of important issues such as health and obeisity, education, cultural events, economic development, etc. If Beshear can bring some of San Francisco to Kentucky, I'm all for it!
Who do the Republicans think they are going to sway with this kind of stuff anyway?

[Oh My]

I'm a Democrat that believes marriage is between a man and a woman. I was wondering why the Republicans always use the homophobic double talk to scare people. Then it always seems that some Republican Politican is a closet homosexual. Is that no hypocritical? Old what's his face playing footsey in the Minneapolis airport. Wasn't he one of those type that double talked about the gays and then got BUSTED trying to score some homosexual action himself. The Republicans are funny not just funny ha ha either. Scare tactis and lies won't fool the peole this time. Vote STRAIGHT Democrat from Richie up to Ernest lets get rid of them all. Torch the barn and get rid of all the rats!

[dingojoe]

I guess losing with dignity stopped being an option for Ernie and the gang a long time ago.

Then, last night, Fletcher’s lieutenant governor candidate Robbie Rudolph echoed that to a crowd of more than 200 GOP faithful in Lexington. “Do you want a couple of San Francisco treats or do you want a governor?” he asked.

Let's see......Rudolph has called Mongiardo "fancy Dan" and now talks of San Fransisco Treats......seems a little obsessive to me..wonder if those shiny boots have been airport clicking?????????

Two more days and these republican fools go away for at least a couple of years.

Thank Goodness.

And now that we know the best weapon against Stan lee is educating the public about how crazy he is; we're goning to neuter that dog soon enough too.

WOOF WOOF, cried the cowboy booted dog perhaps barking a bit TOO loudly. ROFL

[Bill Adkins]

Maybe we could get Ernest and Robbie an endorsement from Gopher from 'The Love Boat.' At least Gopher has some mileage left in his career, unlike Pat Boone. And with Boone, you have to consider the source - he defends anti-Semitism while attacking gays - he and Ernest and Stan Lee should get along quite well.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/printer-friendly.asp?ARTICLE_ID=51400

I'm a Republican who believes marriage is between a man and a woman but Robbie Rudolph seems to be overly obsessed with the subject of gays. I seem to recall that the last 2-3 politicians forced out of the closet were all Republicans.

Idaho Senator Larry Craig, Florida Congressman Mark Foley and this week Washington State Representative Richard Curtis.

Did Robbie get his problem with the expired registration taken care of?

expired registration??

Appears the same lame Beshear-loving, Fletcher-hating, Republican-hating, Christian-hating individual was been working overtime today to get as many smears in as possible before the church crowd gets home to write something worth reading!

Expired registration...
http://www.beloblog.com/WHAS_Blogs/PoliticalBlogger/2007/11/rudolph_stopped_for_no_registr.html

I agree 2:05: This blog is nothing more than "pearls before swine". Total waste of time! Vote for Fletcher and let them choke on their the vile rhetoric!

2:06 So what? That is supposed to be news?! Who hasn't forgotten to put their sticker on their plate. That has happened to me many times! Grow up, or at least post something relevant!

uh, C-FAIR is a Kentucky-based organization. not from outside the state.

Hey 2:06! I saw Steve Beshear jaywalk onetime!! Right in downtown Lexington!!!

2:06 Rudolph is an important man- and far too busy to worry about unimportant stuff like vehicle registration. Anyway, I'm sure one of his hired people made the mistake of not updating his tags.

I hope Robbie shorts them some of their pay for messing up like that and making him look bad.

Ernie Fletcher and Robbie Rudoplh are God's appointed men- you watch on Tuesday there will be a miracle and they will win.

I'm not even going to vote, that's how much faith I have they're going to win.

[coleman]

I believe Robbie needs to loosen his wig, appears it may be a little to tight, choking off oxygen to his brain.

Personal insults, guilt by association, belittling labels, innuendo upon innuendo....is that all you cynics can say about Fletcher and the Republicans?! I have not seen one legitimate criticism by any of you of the Goveronor's actual performance, so he must be doing a heck of a good job!

This Independent wants nothing to do with the party of smear, nor do I want casinos or a pro-abortion or gay-controlled governor! I am voting for Fletcher and encouraging all of my friends and family to do the same!

2:40 - What position do you hold on Fletcher's staff? Those comments are too slanted to be from an Independent...

Nice try 2:45. This is 2:40. I am an independent-thinking professional from Nicholasville. I work for myself and am beholding to nobody. What's your excuse?!

The politics of personal attacks have sickened me, from Stumbo's obviously politically-motivated actions to the commercials that just talk about the bogus indictments! I cannot imagine returning power to the good ole boy network, of which Beshear and Stumbo are the poster children! That would only gratify the hate-mongers that post on here!

Everything I have been able to dig up tells me that Ernie has actually done a good job! Plus, there is no doubt he more closely shares my values than Beshear!

I had intended to vote for Trey and Farmer. Not now,I will vote for all D'.

Thank you for that comment, Ernesto!

2:55 tell what business you are in. I want to avoid you at all cost. Speak up beholding to nobody

Doesn't Pat Boone live in Hollywood? I believe he's closer to San Francisco than any of the rest of us.

CFAIR is our childeren and grandchildren, our neighbors and coworkers, our faith community and our business owners, our friends and family, the man in the pew beside you in worship and even some of us ourselves. GLBT Kentuckians are as much a contributing part of this state as its straight residents and are entitled to equal treatment and protection from discrimination just like everyone else. The hate being spewed by the Republicans is a far cry from Jesus' teachings. I firmly believe enough voting Kentuckians see that hypocrisy and resent the hate directed at people they love and admire who just happen to be gay. The message will be heard loud and clear on Tuesday that Kentucky will no longer embrace and reward ignorance and intollerance, corruption and hypoxrisy. We all want and deserve so much better.

[jimbo]

"Everything I have been able to dig up tells me that Ernie has actually done a good job! Plus, there is no doubt he more closely shares my values than Beshear."

How appropriate, 2:55. I assume that if you had to dig it up, you must have gone to the compost pile. As far as I can tell that’s where you’d have to go to find the record of this soon-to-be replaced buffoon. And yes, I know, he’s a good man, a good Christian man, and I’m not denying that. He has just been a horrible judge of talent. That is his legacy.

No, Jimbo. I've already read the Herald-Leader. I actually found out relevant, factual information that shows the progress Ernie has made on Medicaid, in education, on the economy, on tax reform, etc. He is moving this state forward better than any governor I have known!

[JW]

3:59, maybe CFAIR can work out something for equality in grammar and spelling from the looks of your post.

Jimbo - He got his info from reading KYpolitics.org - We all know "Potty Mouth" is a real bastion of truth.

List of Fletcher endorsements from conservative newspapers:

NONE
• Not the Paducah Sun.
• Not the Hopkinsville New Era.
• Not the Bowling Green Daily News.
• Not the Danville Advocate-Messenger.
• Not the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer.
• Not the Kentucky Enquirer.

Still waiting to hear from the Big Sandy News.

Everything I have been able to dig up tells me that Ernie has actually done a good job! Plus, there is no doubt he more closely shares my values than Beshear!

Does that include breaking the law, pardoning political cronies, pleading the 5th, and coping a plea deal?

Like what JW? Put up or shut up.

Can't criticize the content so you go after typos (I didn't detect any grammatical errors either)? Still petty after all these years.

For what it's worth ...
The salient observation from commentary concommitant to the article is that none of Fletcher's supporters put up names to go with their comments.
Typical of Republican approaches - slash & burn, absolutely no regard for exercising a sense of responsibility or being accountable - personally - for their actions and/or words. Just more hate speech and the respondent from Jessamine county is the poster-child. Pun and derrogation both intended.
I'm registered as BimBeau - just another pretty-faced liberal from Hopkins County's coal industry.

EXCLUSIVE!!
Picture of Pat Boone showing support for Robbie Rudolph...

http://www.skypoint.com/members/schutz19/booneg.gif

[Bonzo2007]

Smear tactics? Ern is taking his directly from Karl Rove's play book. Make a veiled insinuation or two that the gays will be taking over if the Dems get in office and with a hundred screaming preachers in the pupits this morning telling their flock that they're all going to hell if they don't vote for good ole Ern and you have all the makings of a good republican smear.

Ern has no leadership skills and has by far been the worst governor we've had in 35 years. And I'd still have that opinion regardless if whether he was a republican or a Democrat!

As someone living in San Francisco, the concern this city raises in the more conservative parts of the country bemuses me. I think most people find the quality of life to be exceedingly high (albeit expensive) here. Heck, I'd figure at least 'true conservatives' would give some creedence to market forces: after all the market says more people want to live here than pretty much anywhere other than Manhattan!

2:55 from Nicholasville. You're not an independent. Definitely an "R"--yes a capital "R". Definitely a typical "R". If you're registered as an Independent, do yourself and the truly Independents a favor and change your registration to a capital "R". I have no issue with whom you vote for, but don't play up the "independent" card and then spew republican philosophy and ideas (you're not even good at that) while you're beating up on democrats.

[Philip]

Fletcher accomplishments:

--Reduced state employees by over 2,000

--Cut cabinet secretaries from 14 to 9

--Reduced income taxes for 78% of working Kentuckyians

--Brought Kentucky's "Unbridled Spirit" to the attention of the world

--Attracted majoy world-class sporting events

--Increased high-tech business in KY by 240%

--Reformed Medicaid to increase efficiency and access

--Improved Kentucky's credit rating

--Created a more favorable business climate to attract 1,000s of new jobs

--Turned a certain deficit into a surplus

New Flash: District Judge Melcher dismissed all charges in the hiring investigation against Gov. Fletcher on August 24, 2006.

The team is in place to continue building on the successess of the last four years. Fletcher has earned my vote.

[Philip]

Yes, I know, I had typos. Sorry!

10:10 Propaganda. I could waste my time and post all the negatives that discount what you just posted, but I won't. If you want to read and study some of the other side of the issues, go to this website:

http://www.bluegrassreport.org

If Ernie has had so many accomplishments, why is it that Steve Beshear is going to take him out at 2 to 1. That's not a wager--that's how lopsided the vote is going to be. You see, we stopped listening to Ernie about 2 1/2 years ago. You'll stop listening to Ernie this Tuesday, November 6.

[MarkfromScott]

I have read a lot of these posts, and there is a common theme: The anti-Fletcher crowd is so full of hateful comments and derogatory speech, but I have yet to see anyone actually criticize his performance!!

(Spare me the tiresome repetition about the hiring mountain-out-of-a-molehill issue! We all know that was all politics!)

By contrast, I have seen some petty pro-Fletcher posts, but most of them have much more positive or substantive. Based on these observations alone, I would not want to be associated with you rabid, sarcastic, caustic, intolerant, hateful, Beshear supporters. Besides, I just really have a hard time trusting Beshear. Even his commercials look so contrived and insincere.

Oh, and I AM a registered Independent who actually thinks and listens to all sides before voting, so spare me your comments. Fletcher is far from perfect, but I cannot bear the stench from the other side! Ernie is just more real and more believable! Win or lose, he has my vote!

11:01--

I am a Republican who will be voting against Ernie Fletcher. You don't pardon innocent men, and innocent men don't assert their Fifth Amendment rights to not have their own words show how guilty they are.

Ernie has set the GOP back 32 years, and I know it'll only be symbolic, since he's going down anyway, but I'm going to throw a little dirt of my own on his political grave with my vote against his corrupt and inept four years.

Thank you Steve Nunn. Or was that Larry?

You're just jealous! No real Republican buys into the phony corruption rap! Ernie committed no crime and all charges were dropped.

Pardons and the 5th were the only remedy against Stumbo's abuse of prosecutorial power, and you know it! You are just mad that Ernie did not fall for every trap Stumbo set for him!

Any comment about the actual policies of our governor? No you guys just keep up the phony hiring rap!