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Guests announced for 'Comment on Kentucky'

The end of Kentucky's 2008 General Assembly will be one of the topics of discussion on this weekend's "Comment on Kentucky."

Joining host Ferrell Wellman on the public-affairs television show on the Kentucky Educational Television network will be Linda Blackford with the Lexington Herald-Leader, Ronnie Ellis with CNHI News Service and Tom Loftus with The Courier-Journal.

Bill Bartleman with The Paducah Sun will be joining the group by phone.

The show begins at 8 p.m. Friday on KET1.

--Jack Brammer

Beshear wants agreement before calling any special session

FRANKFORT — Gov. Steve Beshear is leaving open the possibility of calling state lawmakers back to Frankfort soon to overhaul the state’s retirement programs.

But Beshear said Friday that “the only way” he would call a special session is if legislative leaders “get their act together and sit down with us and we come up with an agreed-upon piece of legislation that we all would stand up ahead of time and say we will support this and we will pass this.”

He added, “I’m not going to waste the taxpayers’ money calling a special session just so we can come up and argue about it again.”

If an agreement can be reached in advance, said Beshear, “I’m willing to call them back in for a minimal amount of time.  I believe that is five days to pass a bill.”

Only the governor can call a special session and set its agenda.  A special session would cost taxpayers about $60,000 a day.

Kentucky’s 2008 General Assembly ended Tuesday without changing the state’s pension systems, which face a deficit of more than $26 billion.

Leaders in the state House and Senate reached a tentative agreement on the issue Tuesday.  The Senate approved the agreement but the House did not vote on it.  House leaders said they did not have enough time to review the agreement.

Beshear said he plans to talk to legislative leaders within the next few days about the pension issue.

Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville, replied, "We already reached an agreement.  Everybody knows we reached an agreement."

On Thursday, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Kentucky League of Cities and the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence urged Beshear to call a special session within 30 days on the issue.

The groups said state and local governments are facing a crisis in escalating pension costs.  They also said the pension issue should be the only item on a call for a special session.

Senate President Williams also has called for a special session.  House Speaker Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, said one might be needed to consider changes in the retirement systems and other issues like ethics reforms and road projects.

--Jack Brammer

McCain sets event for 11 a.m. April 23 in Inez

The presidential campaign for U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona has set the time and place for its event next week in Inez.

McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, will have a town hall meeting 11 a.m. at the Old Martin County Courthouse on 430 Court Street in Inez, according to the campaign news release. The campaign notice said those wanting more information can call 703-418-2008.

The Herald-Leader first reported earlier this week that McCain will make his first campaign stop of 2008 in Kentucky next week.

- Ryan Alessi

State quake officials report no injuries, minor damage

FRANKFORT — The state Emergency Operations Center, activated this morning in response to the earthquake that woke Kentuckians throughout the state, is reporting no injuries and only minor damage.

A building in downtown Louisville suffered minor damage to a brick facade and residential chimney, a residence in Logan County reported minor cracking in drywall and Warren County officials reported a mobile home shifted on its blocks, said a statement from the center.

Kentucky's Earthquake Program Manager Lori King, said "We are extremely fortunate that nobody was injured and only minor damages have been reported."

She added, "This should be a wake up call to remind us that earthquakes can and do occur at any time and are unpredictable. As with any disaster we should be aware, be prepared, have a plan and have an emergency kit.”

Kentucky Adjutant General Edward Tonini said Kentucky National Guard troops are prepared to respond in the case of severe seismic damage.

"The timing of this morning's earthquake is remarkable," Tonini said in a statement. 

"Last month the Kentucky National Guard conducted a highly successful five -day seismic exercise involving more than 300 troops from across the state.  We tested all facets of a true seismic disaster, including the rapid airlift of emergency supplies, equipment and personnel to communities in Western Kentucky.  We also tested our ability to communicate and cooperate with local authorities in responding to such an emergency."

Gov. Steve Beshear said, “The Kentucky Guard has never been better poised to respond to an earthquake.

“I've seen for myself the extent of their training and have the fullest confidence in their ability to do their job.  Our citizen-soldiers have a long history of helping their fellow Kentuckians and they stand ready to do so again."

Several local and state catastrophic planning workshops have been held in recent months.
The Kentucky National Guard conducted its seismic exercise during the first week of March.

Based on a simulated 7.5 Richter-scale magnitude earthquake along the New Madrid fault, the simulation tested both Army and Air National Guard response capabilities.

Overall direction was provided by the Kentucky National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters in Frankfort, deploying military police, medical, logistical, communications and special operations teams to 24 counties across the state.

Kentucky Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from Frankfort and Air National Guard C-130 Hercules air transports from Louisville provided airlift support.

In the wake of this morning's earthquake, Kentucky National Guard personnel are inspecting their facilities for possible damage, to include gas, power and phone lines at armories to ensure readiness as operations centers and shelters.

There are currently 8,446 soldiers and airmen in the Kentucky National Guard, with more than 1,000 currently either mobilized or deployed in support of the war on terror.  That leaves more than 7,400 troops available to respond to an emergency.

The largest callup of troops for a natural disaster took place during the flood of 1997, when 1,600 Guard members were activated.

For more information and a video on the Kentucky National Guard's seismic preparedness, visit:  http://www.kentuckyguard.com/.

For addition information and resources on earthquakes, visit the following website: www.kyem.ky.gov/programs/earthquake/ . There on the right side of the web page you will find links to other government sites pertaining to earthquakes and other valuable earthquake information.

For personal safety tips and other resources, visit: http://www.kyem.ky.gov/programs/earthquake/Resources.htm.

--Jack Brammer

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State makes precautionary inspections of bridges in aftermath of earthquake

FRANKFORT — State Transportation Cabinet bridge inspectors are checking bridges and roadways in Louisville and Western Kentuckyas a precaution to ensure safety following an earthquake this morning.

No damage has yet been detected, said a statement from the cabinet. The earthquake centered in West Salem, lll., had a 5.2 magnitude, and was felt in parts of Kentucky.

“Our inspections are being conducted strictly out of an abundance of caution,” Nancy Albright, director for the cabinet’s Division of Maintenance, said in a statement. “There is really no fear that any damage has been done to our structures. However, we do want to be absolutely certain of the continued integrity of our bridges.”

Bridge inspections are being conducted in the Paducah, Henderson and Louisville highway districts. Some are strictly in response to public calls or concerns.

They include in the Louisville area: elevated Interstate-64 riverside/Spaghetti Junction, Kennedy bridge, Gene Snyder freeway at New Smyrna Road and the Milton-Madison bridge in Trimble County.

In Western Kentucky, they are US 51 Cairo bridge, US 45 Brookport bridge, US 60 Ledbetter bridge, US 60 Smithland bridge, US 68/KY 80 Eggner’s Ferry bridge, US 68/ KY 80 Canton bridge, I-24 Tennessee River bridge, US 62 Barkley Dam bridge, Owensboro Blue bridge and US 60 Spottsville bridge.

Travelers may encounter lane restrictions and traffic delays while bridges are inspected. Inspections will continue until all concerns are addressed.

Transportation Cabinet representatives have also been dispatched to the Emergency Operations Center at the Boone National Guard Armory in Frankfort and are stationed in the Transportation Operations Center

For updates on road conditions, visit www.511.ky.gov. --Jack Brammer

Fischer to start running 60-second ad next week

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Greg Fischer's campaign will begin running a new 60-second ad called "The Change" starting Monday, a campaign announcement says.

That new commercial will run in six markets across the state. This would be Fischer's second ad, following his introductory spot called "The Promise" which shows Fischer, the CEO of stadium seating company Dant Clayton Co., walking through his factory talking with workers.  

Both Fischer and Democratic opponent Bruce Lunsford, who is leading in recent SurveyUSA polls, will attend the Hillbilly Days celebration in Pikeville on Saturday.

They are two of the seven candidates vying for the Democratic nomination to take on Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell in November.

- Ryan Alessi

Influential group seeks special session on pensions

FRANKFORT -- An influential  group made up of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Kentucky League of Cities and the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence is urging Gov. Steve Beshear to call a special legislative session within 30 days to overhaul the state's retirement programs.

The Coalition for Sustainable Benefits said in a statement Thursday that failure of this year's General Assembly to approve such legislation "represents a major setback for the state, which faces a deficit of more than $26 billion in its retirement systems."

"State and local governments are facing a crisis in escalating pension costs, and new education funding is being consumed by health insurance and pension costs -- taking needed dollars out of the state's classrooms," said the coalition's statement.

"Many new state employees are expected to be hired in 2008 to replace those who plan to retire to take advantage of more generous benefits that will expire at the end of the year.

"As a result, the state cannot afford to wait until the 2009 regular session to address this problem and must take immediate action."

Only the governor can call a special session and set its agenda.

The coalition said the pension issue should be the only item on a call for a special session.

Beshear said earlier this week that the issue might can wait until the 2009 session that begins next January.

Leaders in the state House and Senate reached a tentative agreement on the issue Tuesday, the last day of the 2008 session.  The Senate approved the agreement but the House did not vote on it.

--Jack Brammer

Voter registration ends April 21; Obama runs reminders

Kentuckians who aren't registered to vote must sign up with their county clerk's office by close of business Monday, April 21, in order to participate in the May 20 primary election.

Voter registration forms, which can be found online at www.vote.ky.gov/register, can also be mailed to the county clerk's office as long as they are postmarked by April 21.

Secretary of State Trey Grayson, Thursday, issued a reminder laying out other parameters:

Also, minors who are 17 years old but will be 18 years old on or before the general election (November 4, 2008) are eligible to register and entitled to vote in the upcoming primary and runoff election but are not eligible to vote in special elections unless they are 18 years old.

Additionally, Secretary Grayson reminded voters that if they have moved recently, they need to update their voter registration so that they are allowed to vote on election day.  In particular, if a voter has moved from one county to another prior to the voter registration books closing and he or she does not update his or her voter registration, that voter will not be allowed to vote in the primary election.

People who want to check whether they are registered or voters who want to find their polling precinct can visit the state's online Voter Information Center at www.vote.ky.gov/vic.

Meanwhile, Democratic Presidential candidate, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, is running radio spots in Lexington and half-page ads in the University of Kentucky's student newpaper, The Kentucky Kernel, urging people to register.

"In order to vote for Barack Obama on Tuesday, May 20, you must register by Monday, April 21," the ad declares. The advertisement, which features a picture of Obama, also notes that voters must "be sure to register at your permanent address."

Obama's campaign volunteers, as well as those for his presidential primary opponent, U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, have been canvassing Kentucky for weeks urging people to sign up to vote.

- Ryan Alessi

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McCain coming to Inez

By Ryan Alessi
RALESSI@HERALD-LEADER.COM

Arizona Sen. John McCain will make his first visit to Kentucky as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee next week in Inez at a town hall style event, Kentucky GOP chairman Steve Robertson confirmed. “Sen. McCain is really going to be focused on an outreach theme,” Robertson said. “He’s really going to be reaching out to areas where Republican nominees for president typically haven’t gone.”

Details regarding the time and place for McCain’s planned Wednesday visit haven’t been set, Robertson said. The midday stop in the Eastern Kentucky city of Inez — also the hometown of Republican National Committee Chairman R. Mike Duncan — will be part of a broader tour aimed at connecting with rural voters, Robertson said.

“He wants to have an opportunity to let people in this area meet him, ask questions, even the tough ones, and have an opportunity to share his vision of how these communities can succeed,” Robertson said. “Sen. McCain’s focus is going to be to get out to a lot of communities similar to Inez.”

Robertson said the McCain campaign had been working to schedule an event in Eastern Kentucky since early April and had nothing to do with the recent controversial remarks Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, the Illinois Senator, made in San Francisco.

McCain and Democratic presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York have called Obama “elitist” for characterizing voters in small towns as so bitter over tough economic conditions that they “cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren’t like them” to vent frustrations.

Davis mum on war simulation with Obama

By Halimah Abdullah
McClatchy Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON — Rep. Geoff Davis declined Wednesday to give details on exactly when he participated in a war simulation with Democratic presidential contender Sen. Barack Obama.

During last weekend’s Northern Kentucky 4th Congressional District Lincoln Day Dinner, Davis said he was unimpressed with Obama’s performance during the war simulation and referred to Obama as "boy."

"I’m going to tell you something: That boy’s finger does not need to be on the button," Davis said. "He could not make a decision in that simulation that related to a nuclear threat to this country."

Davis, who is up for re­election, apologized to Obama on Monday in a written statement. However, Davis’ staffers stopped short of offering context for the Kentucky’s lawmaker’s criticism of Obama’s performance.

Neither Davis’ nor Obama’s staffs returned calls for comment on the nature of the war simulation.

"Immediately upon arriving back in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Congressman Davis personally delivered a letter of apology to Senator Obama’s office," Davis’ campaign manager, Jeremy Hughes, said in a written statement. "The apology was sincere, and Congressman Davis has made clear that he regrets his poor choice of words. We have no further comment."

Some of the Lincoln Day dinner’s attendees laughed at Davis’ joke. GOP Sen. Jim Bunning of Kentucky said he only half heard the comment and did not laugh.

Bunning said there were more than 400 people at the function "and if you weren’t paying close attention you could have missed" the comment.

"I know Geoff pretty well and I know one thing: He is not a racist," Bunning told reporters during a telephone press conference this week. Bunning added that reaction to Davis’ comments "blew up" on the blogosphere after news of the Kentucky congressman’s comments were first reported by the Herald-Leader.

"I think he was talking about a meeting where Senator Obama was present. I think probably that’s how it came out in that context," Bunning said. "He disagreed in so many ways with Obama on policy. It was an unfortunate slip and I think he has made that clear to Senator Obama."

Sen. Mitch McConnell was also present at the dinner. His staffers did not return calls for comment.