Kentucky GOP accuses Bluegrass Freedom Fund

The Republican Party of Kentucky filed a complaint to the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance raising questions about whether the Bluegrass Freedom Fund went out of bounds with its ads in last year's governor's race.

To view the complaint, click here.

Steve Robertson, the Kentucky GOP chairman, said recent comments in the press by representatives of the Democratic Governors Association and casino company owner Bill Yung -- both of whom donated to the Bluegrass Freedom Fund -- indicate that the group's purpose was to help Democrat Steve Beshear get elected.

"They made it clear that they were giving big money to this fund to help Steve Beshear get elected," Robertson said in an interview. "Last time I checked they weren't saying they were giving to improve ethics in Kentucky."

The Bluegrass Freedom Fund ran several TV ads during the governor's race that touted ethics reform in Kentucky government. All of the spots focused on ethics problems that dogged former Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher, whom Beshear soundly beat in the November election.

UPDATE 7:34 p.m.: Jim Lamb, a Washington-based attorney for the Bluegrass Freedom Fund, charged that the Republican party's complaint "misstates the law and is factually wrong."

Lamb said the issue ads calling for ethics reforms were consistent with a June 2007 U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Here's part of his statement:

The BFF acted completely independently of any campaign. And while we appreciated the support of our donors, they played no role in the independent decision making of our organization. RPK's complaint is legally and factually wrong.

In contrast, Gov. Fletcher was a member of and personally raised money for the Republican Governors Association, which then ran character attack ads against Steve Beshear last year.  A complaint was filed against the RGA in the Fall of 2007.

The RPK's facts about BFF are wrong, but if their legal argument is correct, then they just indicted the RGA and their member, Gov. Fletcher.

The Bluegrass Freedom Fund was set up under Section 527 under the IRS code that allows groups to advocate on behalf of issues but forbids coordination with candidates or campaigns.

Both Brian Namey, spokesman for the DGA, and Yung have been quoted as saying they supported Beshear's efforts to get elected. Namey said in August the group was "doing everything we can to support Steve Beshear." And Yung told the Associated Press last month that he exercised his First Amendment right to give money to support Beshear. Neither explicitly said contributions to the Bluegrass Freedom Fund was their main avenue of support.

Robertson said even though the complaint comes months after the governor's race results, he said the Republican Party wants to ensure that future 527 groups are more tightly regulated.

Republican Sen. Damon Thayer of Georgetown, has sponsored a bill that would require certain 527 groups weighing in on constitutional amendment issues to reveal their donors to the Registry of Election Finance frequently. Currently, 527 groups that operate in Kentucky only have to file annually with the IRS.

"We've got to send a message to groups like this that if they're going to participate in elections in Kentucky, they need to participate the right way," Robertson said.

- Ryan Alessi

Comments

[David Adams]

Trying to get criminals to stop breaking the law and unethical people to start acting ethically is almost always going to be an exercise in futility.

The Republican Party of Kentucky would do better if they pushed for government transparency such as that mandated in HB 105 and HB 413 (see www.kyvotes.org for descriptions).

The bad guys will be bad guys until they get caught. We don't even have the tools we need to catch them. We have proven many times over that all the campaign finance reform in the world just causes the cheaters to get more creative.

Until we can see where the real money is going in the form of government expenditures, we are wasting our time chasing around campaign contributions.

[DisgustedWithHypocrites&Liars]

The whole thing smells rotten! There is little to no doubt that BFF acted in concert with the Beshear campaign. They used the 527 to pour millions of dollars of anonymous donations ($1 million from Yung alone!) into the effort to get Beshear elected. If that is not illegal, it ought to be!

The irony and the hypocrisy is that Beshear touted ETHICS and so far has demonstrated that to him that is merely a campaign tactic and slogan!

[Bill Adkins]

They don't have a case - they have a fishing expedition. Ever since Ernest got caught with his hand in the till, Steve Robertson has been throwing everything he can hoping something, anything!! will stick. Time for the KDP to file a campaign complaint about all of Ernest T.'s giant rubber check ceremonies across the state.

And, puh-leeezzee!! Damon Thayer's bill is a junk bill with no chance of passing, as are most of Thayer's crayon attempts at drafting legislation. I encourage a Democrat to file a bill that opens up ALL 527 efforts, not just constitutional referendums - that way the next Swift Boat tour that comes through will have to disclose their finances.

[Dave Meyer]

The complaint doesn't even allege a prima facie case.

The issue is how the Bluegrass Freedom Fund solicited money, not the motivation of the donors in contributing. If BFF didn't advertise itself as a vessel to defeat Ernie Fletcher, then neither the opinions of donors nor media matters, as a matter of law.

Other than the complaint's superficial analysis of the advertisements -- and discussing indictments based on behavior in public office in the context of ethic reform clearly isn't a "character attack" -- it doesn't even allege anything about the behavior of BFF. Just its funders and outside analysts. That's irrelevant.

This looks like a simple use of KREF to harass.

[adkinsisfullofcrap]

Bill if you logic flies then RPK should have filed a complaint back in December 2003 after former Gov. Patton flew around the state handing out rubber checks he knew the state couldn't cover.

Or maybe a complaint should have been filed back in 2001 when the road fund surplus was ordered spent down while billions of dollars of projects were added to the six-year road plan.

Face it, your boy Beshear made promises to shady characters and now he's in the same pickle that Fletcher was. Except this time the FBI may get involved.

[Let Us Vote!]

Is the penalty for this the same as noodling out of season?

[Meyer Watcher]

Nice to see Joe Meyer's son doing the dirty work on the blogs.

[FunnyGOPCrybabies]

It is funny to see the Republican crybabies on here whining about this. If they really believed what they say they'd have been raising hell over the Swift Boaters. When it helps them out they're fine with it. When it coincides with an unpopular and incompetent governor of their own ilk being tossed out of office, they scream like little girls. It makes me laugh.

[brad]

This is a KREF complaint geniuses. RPK just needs a good faith basis to ask for an investigation. Now, its up to KREF to launch an investigation and to determine if there was activity violative of Kentucky law.
And I don't care what side you're on...if you don't admit this whole BFF deal stinks...then you're full of it.

[Brad]

Oh...and I love the BFF's response. "We're not guilty and RPK is wrong. But if RPK is right...then Fletcher was wrong. But if RPK is wrong...then Fletcher was right." What a convoluted argument!!
And this from them high-tech Warshington lawyers! Yee haw!
Here's hoping RPK fries this bologna!

[DisgustedWithHypocrites&Liars]

Call it what you want, when ONE MAN can spend a MILLION DOLLARS anonymously to buy an election, that corrupts the democratic process. Yung is the George Soros of Kentucky politics. And, Steve Beshear is up to his eyeballs in hypocrisy and doubletalk! He conspires with a man like Mr. Yung and then has the unmitigated gall to run on ETHICS?!!

Whether the RPK's complaint is valid or not, we DO need regulations on all 527s, including full disclosure of their contributors.

To 8:16, the truth is that Ernie Fletcher conducted himself with dignity. His administration was the best in 50 years. Stumbo's witch hunt may have succeeded in smearing him and in his defeat, but he is a better man than any of his detractors. So belittle yourself with cute little insults; you just show how small-minded and ignorant you are!

[brad]

Hey Dave...

You don't think that portraying your opponent as a cartoon character (with a derogatory and sophomoric name) being chased by a police cruiser with sirens blaring is a character attack?

hahahahahahahaahahaha. You just embarassed yourself, bro.

Eat 'em up KREF!!!!

[BreakOutTheDiapersGOP]

"the truth is that Ernie Fletcher conducted himself with dignity"

Ha ha ha ha ha! Good one!

Was that especially true when he promised the "unvarnished truth" and then plead the Fifth?

[Democrat Dan]

I see the unemployed republican hacks from the Fletcher administration are posting tonight. What's the matter, get tired of posting on Brett Hall's make believe site?

[Kelsey]

Thank God for that Freedom Fund. It was the only ones that tried to Educate the Public before they voted. You know, they could have voted wrong. So dont pick on them you uneducated Republicans.
Go Obama.
Kelsey.

[DisgustedWithHypocrites&Liars]

Like I said: "belittle yourself with cute little insults; you just show how small-minded and ignorant you are!" I KNEW you would not disappoint me!

[Recall Beshear]

Hey, Kelsey! I managed to get an education in spite of 40 years of good ole boy Democratic corruption and mismanagement! Sorry you did not fare better!!

LET THE PEOPLE VOTE!
RECALL BESHEAR!

[Commenter]

Interesting to see the Swift Boat Vets for Truth brought up here, and anytime something like this is mentioned. The Swift Boat Vets for Truth had two things going for them. Number one, they were up front that their purpose was to defeat John Kerry. Number two, they were telling the truth because they were out there and saw what John Kerry did and didn't do.

The BFF was out there ostensibly advocating ethics in government but in reality they were shills for the casino industry trying to get their bought boy Beshear elected.

Huge, huge difference between Swift Boat Vets and BFF. The Swift Boat Vets were on the side of God. BFF, not so much.

[Kelsey]

The only Education that you got was from the Freedom Fund. Dont cry sour grapes now, the election is over. I still cant believe how dumb you Republicans really are. Why lose a 8 year run in the Governors office over a few dump truck operarors in the Transportation Dept and some blackberrys. At least I put milk on mine, and I am not talking about the dump truck people. The Education you Republicans need is to request a copy of the merit system laws and read them before you go to bed at night so in 30-40 years you can use the information, you better read them to your grandkids, cause we wont see another Republican in your life time, ha ha ha.
Go Obama.
Kelsey.

[Educate Kelsey]

Kelsey,

You think Fletcher was bad, wait until the four years of this Governor is up (unless he gets impeached like Patton and then actually removed from office). Beshear will keep with the tradition of the past Dem Governor's of being investigated by the FBI or a Federal Grand Jury. He might break the record for how quickly it happens.

As far as the merit system law goes, I guess the Repubs should begin brushing up now. This Governor will be lucky to make it four years and there WILL be a Republican Governor in 2011!

Go Grayson!

[A Plague Upon Republicans.]

First, Patton wasn't impeached. Second, you're an idiot. The Republican Party is done in Kentucky, David Williams and Ernest Fletcher have brought about the demise of that party through their corruption, their incompetence and their hypocrisy. Republicans cannot be trusted, Republicans cannot lead, Republicans are lower than whale s--t and that's on the bottom of the ocean.

[Get A Life]

I have Republican, Democrat, and Independent family and friends. I love and respect them all.

Those of you who label, demean, and insult everyone who disagrees with you are small-minded (i.e. pea brains!) and ignorant!

Beshear is losing the respect of reasonable Dems and Reps because he has sold his soul to the highest bidder!

Our next governor needs to be someone of integrity, regardless of party!

Kelsey, whether you are serious or trying to be humorous, many of your partisan comments and outrageous lies are disgusting and repugnant. The Democratic Party and Kentucky would be better off if you just shut up! The same goes for 8:25!

[Bill Adkins]

And Fletcher, 10:12? Was he of that 'integrity' of which you speak? Beshear has been in office about three months - and you're kicking him under the bus. But I'm betting your one of those who backed Ernest no matter his transgressions, and they were many, 10:12. This governor is one of integrity and you cannot stand it. Ernest revealed the Republican Party for what it is, David Williams reveals the Republican Party for what it is, and the rest of the Republicans, Kelly, Thayer, Seum - they're all of a type, and 8:25 is dead on -- they cannot be trusted and it's a proven fact. That you can't handle the truth is your personal problem.

[Get A Life]

Mr. Adkins, I am a Democrat. It is small-minded people like you and Kelsey that give our party a bad name! I have read your posts, and they are always filled with venom and invective!

I didn't vote for Fletcher, but it would take a blind, partisan idiot not to see that he was a decent man who was treated unfairly by Stumbo and the media. And you and I both know that the hiring stuff that he was accused of was nothing compared to the past Democratic administrations. I am a Democrat, but not a hypocrite! I know and admit the truth!

Some members of my own party, including you, Kelsey, and Beshear are an embarrassment!

You say Beshear has integrity? Then why did he sell out to the corrupt gambling lobby?

You are apparently blinded by your partisanship! I am not!

I am proud to be a Democrat, but I am not proud of all Democrats! And I disagree with many Republicans, but I don't dislike all Republicans!

Get a life, Bill.

[Bill Adkins]

If you're a Democrat, you're a DINO. You ARE a hypocrite and you're exposed as such in your backing of Ernest's hypocrisy and corruption. You and the rest of your Republican friends are why Kentucky is in the sad shape it is in today, why Ernest wrote rubber checks statewide, why Ernest made the over $1,000,000,000 accounting error that has almost destroyed Kentucky, cost so much in services and education, given us nothing but debt and deficit. Republicans - they're what's wrong with Kentucky.

[Get A Life]

Adkins, every time you post, you prove what I said: "It is small-minded people like you and Kelsey that give our party a bad name! I have read your posts, and they are always filled with venom and invective!"

"You are apparently blinded by your partisanship! I am not!"

[Jim Anderson Stivers]

Get a life

Anyone that believes the D's don't do the same thing, but with more savor faire than the R's is not being honest with themselves.

I can go back to the day when you wanted a job and lived in Franklin County, the local D party person had to recommend you. If not, then your state application was not considered.

That has changed on the local level, but the spoil system will always remain.

WHY.

BECAUSE WE ARE SO DUMB WE KEEP ELECTING THE SAME PEOPLE TO OFFICE, YEAR AFTER YEAR, AFTER YEAR.

THE OTHER IS....VOTERS ARE TURNED OFF TO POLITICS BECAUSE THEY FEEL POWERLESS TO BE ABLE IMPACT ANYTHING THE POLITICO DOES.

We are all citizens of the Commonwealth but the old symbol...."UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL!"

That just might be coming.

Jim Anderson Stivers

[Jim Anderson Stivers]

Get a life

Anyone that believes the D's don't do the same thing, but with more savor faire than the R's is not being honest with themselves.

I can go back to the day when you wanted a job and lived in Franklin County, the local D party person had to recommend you. If not, then your state application was not considered.

That has changed on the local level, but the spoil system will always remain.

WHY.

BECAUSE WE ARE SO DUMB WE KEEP ELECTING THE SAME PEOPLE TO OFFICE, YEAR AFTER YEAR, AFTER YEAR.

THE OTHER IS....VOTERS ARE TURNED OFF TO POLITICS BECAUSE THEY FEEL POWERLESS TO BE ABLE IMPACT ANYTHING THE POLITICO DOES.

We are all citizens of the Commonwealth but the old symbol...."UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL!"

That just might be coming.

Jim Anderson Stivers

[Philip]

Mr. Adkins, you make OUTRAGEOUS statements with NO BASIS IN FACT. Your post at 12:04 a.m. is a prime example.

Democracy functions best when responsible citizens can have a civil discourse of ideas and ideals. For this to happen, there has to be a modicum of both 1)respect for other participants and 2)an intellectual honesty about your own assertions. You, sir, seem incapable of either!