Grayson gives Beshear's report card; stays mum on '11

Republican Secretary of State Trey Grayson used his remarks at Northern Kentucky's Lincoln Day dinner Saturday night in Hebron to issue a report card to Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear.

In history, Grayson said he'd give Beshear a "gentleman's C+" for appointing officials who were in government a couple decades ago.

In economics, Grayson offered an "F" to Beshear for pushing a 70-cent tax increase on packs of cigarettes.

In geography, Grayson gave him an "F." "No matter matter whether he's going on north or south or east or west, he always seems to be going to the far left," Grayson said.

And Grayson also said the governor failed civics for not realizing that a governor can't dictate to the legislature what to do.

But in communications, Grayson said Beshear earned a "gentleman's C." "In this General Assembly session marked by disagreements, his performance has caused something remarkable to happen. Legislators from both chambers and both parties actually agree on one thing: that Gov. Beshear has been a miserable failure."

At the end of his routine, Grayson said the good news is that Kentuckians can vote someone else into the governor's office in 2011. That prompted someone in the crowd to yell "Grayson for governor."

Grayson's expression remained unchanged. He didn't acknowledge the remark and picked right back up with the conclusion of his 10-minute remarks.

Later, he told the Herald-Leader that the report card and critical remarks weren't a signal that he's planning to challenge Beshear in 2011.

"I don't know what my future holds," he said. "This speech shouldn't be construed as a declaration or a non-declaration. I wanted to give some red meat to the Republican activists and do it in a humorous manner."

- Ryan Alessi

Comments

[Jim]

For Democrats, it might be good to have Grayson run for Govenor in 2011. With that lose he would be washed up unless he wants to be Boone County Judge Executive when Gary Moore retires.

[nothing but the truth]

Grayson forgot a couple of grades. Beshear deserves an A+ for breaking campaign promises. Not only has he broken tons of promises, he has done it at the speed of light.

An A+ is warranted for returing the good ole boy network to the capitol. Likewise, the Governor was excellent at using taxpayer money to try and achieve his political objectives. Although he gets an F-for achieving his objectives.

Beshear earned an A+ for being politically deaf and for thinking it's 1984 and that the Governor is the King of Kentucky.

Beshear also gets high marks for causing descension and turmoil within his own party. While failing miserably in leading anyone. Beshear was the "me too" of Kentucky politics this winter.

In snobbery and condescension Beshear was peerless. Scoring off the charts. In short, Beshear was a success. A success in reviving Republican fortunes in the state and putting his office in play for 2011.

[Sad. but true]

Nothing but the truth: that was eloquent, and it made me laugh. Everything you said was sad, but true.

[BILked]

Did Richie Farmer speak at this statewide Republican event?

Did he even attend?

We all know Richie can't stand McConnell and he really doesn't like Trey

[pat c.]

Beshear will be just fine, doing a very acceptable job considering Fletcher left the Commonwealth broke, and Bush has given America a 9 trillion debt and counting. Trey's alter ego, loser Forgy can run his campaign, now that will be a real winner.