The Senate Feud in Kentucky

Posted on | January 26, 2010 | 150 Comments

Lisa Graas, a Kentuckian who supports Bill Johnson in the GOP Senate primary, informs me that FreedomWorks is supporting Rand Paul. She also compiles a list of Kentucky conservative bloggers who are backing Johnson and says:

As a tea partier, a Reagan conservative and a Christian here in Kentucky, I’d like the folks at Freedom Works to know that I will be voting Democrat if Rand Paul wins the GOP primary here.

Lisa had told me about her feelings a few weeks ago and it troubled me. When I was in Kentucky to cover the Sparkman investigation, I talked to some staunch conservatives who are Paul supporters. My sympathy for them may prejudice my perspective on this fight, but I know there are good people on both sides, and I hate to see this kind of blood feud among conservatives.

We’re going to see lots of contested primaries this year. As one GOP operative told me, “If you’ve ever considered running for office as a Republican, this is the year to do it.” I’m not in a position to tell Kentuckians how to conduct their feuds, but if my advice were asked, I’d advise this:

In criticizing a rival primary candidate, avoid making public doomsaying declarations like, “If so-and-so wins the primary, he’ll lose in November” or “If so-and-so wins the primary, I’ll vote Democrat.” (Anyone who wants to call me a hypocrite here, given how savagely I went after Crazy Cousin John . . . Well, OK, but that turkey was doomed from Day One, no matter what I said. “Don’t Blame Me, I Voted for Bob Barr.” )
Rand Paul needs to recognize he’s got a serious problem with a huge chunk of the GOP base in Kentucky, and his campaign needs to do whatever is necessary to fix that problem. If you’re a Republican and you’ve got pro-life Catholics like Lisa Graas swearing vows against you, you’ve got big trouble. Even if you can win the GOP primary, you’ll be badly wounded when the general election campaign begins.
Likewise, Bill Johnson’s campaign needs to recognize that they’re not doing themselves any favors by deliberately ostracizing libertarian-minded Republicans. It’s one thing to disagree with Rand Paul on specific issues. It’s another thing to make Paul’s supporters feel as if they are unwelcome inside the Big Tent, even if you think Paul’s supporters are dangerous kooks. Hey, kooks can vote, y’know.

Bad tactics are the small change that add up to bad strategy, and I think these primary fights escalate into blood feuds mainly because of the vicious negativity of some campaign operatives who are mentally accustomed to a win-at-any-cost rationale.

Personal friends of mine have been hurt by these tactics, and I know the damage done. Dishonorable politics attract dishonorable people, and vice is habit-forming. The path that led Jack Abramoff to federal prison began with a few “minor” ethical compromises.

I’ll close with some advice that is perhaps not strictly neutral, but which is of general application: If you can’t win a GOP primary without accusing your opponent of treason or sodomy, maybe you deserve to lose. And if your campaign staff can’t do better than that, maybe you need to get a new campaign staff.

UPDATE: Some heavy-duty stuff going on in the comments, where Dr. David Duncan links his own post relating his experiences dealing with Rand Paul’s supporters. I kind of knew I was kicking a hornet’s nest here. Like I said, I know good people who support Paul, and if Paul has supporters who are harming his cause by their tactics, that’s something he needs to deal with.

Category: Election, Kentucky, Republicans, Senate

Comments

150 Responses to “The Senate Feud in Kentucky”

Largebill
January 26th, 2010 @ 6:17 pm

So, you’re saying save the charges of treason or sodomy for the general election? 🙂

Seriously though, how strongly to fight in a primary contest is one both parties have to deal with from time to time. Obviously, with the wind of an angry electorate at the back of the GOP, winning the primary fights will be tantamount to winning the election in some states. We may prefer that the candidates stick to the issues and avoid the personal attacks, but the voters continue to show they are influenced by the personal as much or more than by the issues. I realize it is apples to oranges since it was a general election, but look at the Massachusetts senate race. Brown was an upbeat positive guy and Coakley did not connect to voters. Issues wise they are not as far apart as clowns like Olbermann would believe.
Largebill
January 26th, 2010 @ 6:17 pm

So, you’re saying save the charges of treason or sodomy for the general election? 🙂

Seriously though, how strongly to fight in a primary contest is one both parties have to deal with from time to time. Obviously, with the wind of an angry electorate at the back of the GOP, winning the primary fights will be tantamount to winning the election in some states. We may prefer that the candidates stick to the issues and avoid the personal attacks, but the voters continue to show they are influenced by the personal as much or more than by the issues. I realize it is apples to oranges since it was a general election, but look at the Massachusetts senate race. Brown was an upbeat positive guy and Coakley did not connect to voters. Issues wise they are not as far apart as clowns like Olbermann would believe.
Largebill
January 26th, 2010 @ 1:17 pm

So, you’re saying save the charges of treason or sodomy for the general election? 🙂

Seriously though, how strongly to fight in a primary contest is one both parties have to deal with from time to time. Obviously, with the wind of an angry electorate at the back of the GOP, winning the primary fights will be tantamount to winning the election in some states. We may prefer that the candidates stick to the issues and avoid the personal attacks, but the voters continue to show they are influenced by the personal as much or more than by the issues. I realize it is apples to oranges since it was a general election, but look at the Massachusetts senate race. Brown was an upbeat positive guy and Coakley did not connect to voters. Issues wise they are not as far apart as clowns like Olbermann would believe.
Mr.K
January 26th, 2010 @ 7:07 pm

I support neither. Trey Grayson all the way.
Mr.K
January 26th, 2010 @ 7:07 pm

I support neither. Trey Grayson all the way.
Mr.K
January 26th, 2010 @ 2:07 pm

I support neither. Trey Grayson all the way.
Joe
January 26th, 2010 @ 7:11 pm

William F. Buckley Jr. advised: always vote for the most conservative candidate who can win.

The “who can win” part is always a problem. However, if you are in Massachusetts, a candidate like Scott Brown is an excellent choice (a moderate-liberal on social issues and a fiscal conservative). He showed he could win. Obviously in other places you can and should go far more conservative.

I would guess that Kentucky (while it does have that stubborn streak of democrat union sensibilities) is a tad more conservative than Massachusetts. You know who is best for you. Pick the candidate who you think is the best one for your state and who is the best one to take on the Democrat challenger. And should your candidate lose–then support the other conservative over the Democrat challenger.

And by all means send us some more bourbon.
Joe
January 26th, 2010 @ 7:11 pm

William F. Buckley Jr. advised: always vote for the most conservative candidate who can win.

The “who can win” part is always a problem. However, if you are in Massachusetts, a candidate like Scott Brown is an excellent choice (a moderate-liberal on social issues and a fiscal conservative). He showed he could win. Obviously in other places you can and should go far more conservative.

I would guess that Kentucky (while it does have that stubborn streak of democrat union sensibilities) is a tad more conservative than Massachusetts. You know who is best for you. Pick the candidate who you think is the best one for your state and who is the best one to take on the Democrat challenger. And should your candidate lose–then support the other conservative over the Democrat challenger.

And by all means send us some more bourbon.
Joe
January 26th, 2010 @ 2:11 pm

William F. Buckley Jr. advised: always vote for the most conservative candidate who can win.

The “who can win” part is always a problem. However, if you are in Massachusetts, a candidate like Scott Brown is an excellent choice (a moderate-liberal on social issues and a fiscal conservative). He showed he could win. Obviously in other places you can and should go far more conservative.

I would guess that Kentucky (while it does have that stubborn streak of democrat union sensibilities) is a tad more conservative than Massachusetts. You know who is best for you. Pick the candidate who you think is the best one for your state and who is the best one to take on the Democrat challenger. And should your candidate lose–then support the other conservative over the Democrat challenger.

And by all means send us some more bourbon.
That's Right
January 26th, 2010 @ 2:32 pm

Hey…that Rahm Emanual Chap is Pretty Sharp…

Wel ……
Lisa Graas
January 26th, 2010 @ 7:34 pm

Thanks for your commentary, Stacy. I appreciate it. Your points are well taken. FYI: Bill Johnson is going to win this race because he is right on all the issues. I don’t know any tea party people who are comfortable with Rand Paul’s foreign policy. Every person I have met in the Johnson campaign is a tea party activist. Everywhere he goes, he gets big support. His only impediment is that the Campaign for Liberty (for Rand Paul, out of staters) and Washington (for Trey Grayson) injected lots of money into Kentucky before Johnson could get name recognition here. He is THE Reagan conservative in this race, plus he has operated a $1Billion budget as a businessman, has a background in nuclear energy. He has the “it factor” that Palin has. He’s going to win this race and the outside groups and pundits who endorsed prematurely a candidate Kentucky cannot swallow are, as we Kentuckians see it, part of the problem. It’s not Rand Paul who needs your advice. He’s can’t repair this. It’s all those who have endorsed him who need to understand what the people in a district actually want before they endorse a candidate. That is, after all, the conservative way. Thanks again. I appreciate you very much.
Lisa Graas
January 26th, 2010 @ 2:34 pm

Thanks for your commentary, Stacy. I appreciate it. Your points are well taken. FYI: Bill Johnson is going to win this race because he is right on all the issues. I don’t know any tea party people who are comfortable with Rand Paul’s foreign policy. Every person I have met in the Johnson campaign is a tea party activist. Everywhere he goes, he gets big support. His only impediment is that the Campaign for Liberty (for Rand Paul, out of staters) and Washington (for Trey Grayson) injected lots of money into Kentucky before Johnson could get name recognition here. He is THE Reagan conservative in this race, plus he has operated a $1Billion budget as a businessman, has a background in nuclear energy. He has the “it factor” that Palin has. He’s going to win this race and the outside groups and pundits who endorsed prematurely a candidate Kentucky cannot swallow are, as we Kentuckians see it, part of the problem. It’s not Rand Paul who needs your advice. He’s can’t repair this. It’s all those who have endorsed him who need to understand what the people in a district actually want before they endorse a candidate. That is, after all, the conservative way. Thanks again. I appreciate you very much.
Crimefyter
January 26th, 2010 @ 7:53 pm

The only true conservative candidate in this race is Bill Johnson. I no longer trust career politicians or political machinery. When the “grassroot” movement started, I was ecstatic. What could be better than drafting a candidate from the very walk of life that you inhabit everyday. In this case, Bill Johnson volunteered to accept the challenge and forge forward as an underdog for the “average citizens” cause. I agree, for the most part, with your assessments, Stacy. However, the debate over the abortion issue, immigration and national security is too passionate at times and words are spoken that one wishes can be retracted. (Not speaking for Lisa here.) I definitely feel that there is room for any person who wants to claim conservative values and return this country to “we the people.” In the final stage of this contest, it’s going to boil down to the personality and views of the candidate and how they resonate with the voters of Kentucky. I like Bill’s cahnces here….voting history shows Kentucky doesn’t bode well for 3rd party candidates. Thank you for casting light on this very important issue.
Crimefyter
January 26th, 2010 @ 2:53 pm

The only true conservative candidate in this race is Bill Johnson. I no longer trust career politicians or political machinery. When the “grassroot” movement started, I was ecstatic. What could be better than drafting a candidate from the very walk of life that you inhabit everyday. In this case, Bill Johnson volunteered to accept the challenge and forge forward as an underdog for the “average citizens” cause. I agree, for the most part, with your assessments, Stacy. However, the debate over the abortion issue, immigration and national security is too passionate at times and words are spoken that one wishes can be retracted. (Not speaking for Lisa here.) I definitely feel that there is room for any person who wants to claim conservative values and return this country to “we the people.” In the final stage of this contest, it’s going to boil down to the personality and views of the candidate and how they resonate with the voters of Kentucky. I like Bill’s cahnces here….voting history shows Kentucky doesn’t bode well for 3rd party candidates. Thank you for casting light on this very important issue.
serah
January 26th, 2010 @ 8:57 pm

Last summer I had a candidate to support, until I met Bill Johnson, handing out his gazettes. He was working the crowd at a Tea Party hand by hand. He took time to talk on a one-on-one basis, and he still does. May 18th I’ll be able to pull the handle for the candidate who stands for my value, Bill Johnson.
serah
January 26th, 2010 @ 3:57 pm

Last summer I had a candidate to support, until I met Bill Johnson, handing out his gazettes. He was working the crowd at a Tea Party hand by hand. He took time to talk on a one-on-one basis, and he still does. May 18th I’ll be able to pull the handle for the candidate who stands for my value, Bill Johnson.
Kygal
January 26th, 2010 @ 9:10 pm

Excellent article Stacey! I think that there is much truth in this: “Bad tactics are the small change that add up to bad strategy, and I think these primary fights escalate into blood feuds mainly because of the vicious negativity of some campaign operatives who are mentally accustomed to a win-at-any-cost rationale.” ~ I am a Johnson supporter who has had some “debates” on line with Paul supporters. My experience has been for the most part the struggle to make my way past the ad hominem assaults, and the rabid “fast talkers” who spew a litany of talking points faster than I can type and answer. I make a concerted effort not to “go there” concerning a blood fued. But, I have to say that the Paul campaign using of the Freedom Works pick to announce Rand Paul the “Tea Party Candidate” was especially onerous in my opinion! Kentucky has a very large tea party movement throughout the state. And typical of the movement all across the country it is made up of folks from all walks of life and political parties. It is an organic blend of individuals, with no one particular “leader”. No one understands this better than David Adams, Rand Paul’s campaign manager, who was in on the “first fruits” of the movement in Kentucky and attended many such events, not as a Rand Paul representative. Then to take an obscure pick from a political action committee which does not by any means speak for the entire movement nation or state wide to imply that Rand had been nominated the official representative of the tea party was ‘dirty dog’ politics. Paul’s campaign is a big money machine, exactly what so many of the tea partiers have been protesting. Ironic then that the very person to be driving such a machine, has used it to block protests and then prints a sign saying…I represent the protestors! http://www.kentuckybill.com
Kygal
January 26th, 2010 @ 4:10 pm

Excellent article Stacey! I think that there is much truth in this: “Bad tactics are the small change that add up to bad strategy, and I think these primary fights escalate into blood feuds mainly because of the vicious negativity of some campaign operatives who are mentally accustomed to a win-at-any-cost rationale.” ~ I am a Johnson supporter who has had some “debates” on line with Paul supporters. My experience has been for the most part the struggle to make my way past the ad hominem assaults, and the rabid “fast talkers” who spew a litany of talking points faster than I can type and answer. I make a concerted effort not to “go there” concerning a blood fued. But, I have to say that the Paul campaign using of the Freedom Works pick to announce Rand Paul the “Tea Party Candidate” was especially onerous in my opinion! Kentucky has a very large tea party movement throughout the state. And typical of the movement all across the country it is made up of folks from all walks of life and political parties. It is an organic blend of individuals, with no one particular “leader”. No one understands this better than David Adams, Rand Paul’s campaign manager, who was in on the “first fruits” of the movement in Kentucky and attended many such events, not as a Rand Paul representative. Then to take an obscure pick from a political action committee which does not by any means speak for the entire movement nation or state wide to imply that Rand had been nominated the official representative of the tea party was ‘dirty dog’ politics. Paul’s campaign is a big money machine, exactly what so many of the tea partiers have been protesting. Ironic then that the very person to be driving such a machine, has used it to block protests and then prints a sign saying…I represent the protestors! http://www.kentuckybill.com
Dr David
January 26th, 2010 @ 9:19 pm

Only after weeks of incidious disparaging Internet attacks by Rand Paul supporters against Bill Johnson, his campaign, and his principles, coupled with flagrant representations of Ron/Rand Paul, did they get challenged head on. The Libertarian Party of Kentucky has disavowed Paul. Only today, CM David Adams claims, “Tea Party Picks Rand Paul.” This is patently false and misleading. When the media refuses to fairly represent Johnson and Rand Paulers openly demean him we Johnson supporters will continue to fight the good fight for the best Semate representation of this state and this nation.
The Johnson and Grayson camps have an understanding to stay above politics of personal destruction and stay en pointe.
Ron/Rand Paul continues otherwise. The tent is big and open for all like minded conservatives. If they are libertarian then let them take pride in that and join the Libertarian Party. Don’t attempt to reform the GOP into a Ron/Rand libertarian morph though.
Dr David
January 26th, 2010 @ 4:19 pm

Only after weeks of incidious disparaging Internet attacks by Rand Paul supporters against Bill Johnson, his campaign, and his principles, coupled with flagrant representations of Ron/Rand Paul, did they get challenged head on. The Libertarian Party of Kentucky has disavowed Paul. Only today, CM David Adams claims, “Tea Party Picks Rand Paul.” This is patently false and misleading. When the media refuses to fairly represent Johnson and Rand Paulers openly demean him we Johnson supporters will continue to fight the good fight for the best Semate representation of this state and this nation.
The Johnson and Grayson camps have an understanding to stay above politics of personal destruction and stay en pointe.
Ron/Rand Paul continues otherwise. The tent is big and open for all like minded conservatives. If they are libertarian then let them take pride in that and join the Libertarian Party. Don’t attempt to reform the GOP into a Ron/Rand libertarian morph though.
JD
January 27th, 2010 @ 3:33 am

Well, I see the usual suspects have been here spamming the same screed for Johnson.

I have news for them, there is a fiscally conservative wing in the Republican Party, and to demonize it will not will elections. Moreover, the only possible result to an increase in Johnson’s numbers will be a plurality win for Trey Grayson in the primary. There simply are not enough tea partiers to split them two ways and still have a majority. The bottom line is, Johnson is a spoiler here, without a doubt, and he will not receive any money or backing. The tea parties are and were about FISCAL and MONETARY angst, not social conservatism, so it strikes me as odd for some of these malefactors to be out there spreading lies regarding the positions of other candidates instead of focusing on the substantive issues effecting Kentuckians today.

After weeks of vitriolic personal attacks from disgraced former professionals like Dr. David M. Duncan, he has the gall to suggest that the Grayson and Johnson campaign are staying above the fray of personal attacks? Ludicrous. By the way sir, as Reagan said, the best definition of a conservative is a principled libertarian. Just as the Democrats are attempting to drive a wedge between viable tea-party affiliated candidates and the GOP, so to are these unscrupulous Greyson backers flooding the internet for a backbencher with no chance of victory in either primary or general with the explicit intention of creating a Ross Perot.
JD
January 26th, 2010 @ 10:33 pm

Well, I see the usual suspects have been here spamming the same screed for Johnson.

I have news for them, there is a fiscally conservative wing in the Republican Party, and to demonize it will not will elections. Moreover, the only possible result to an increase in Johnson’s numbers will be a plurality win for Trey Grayson in the primary. There simply are not enough tea partiers to split them two ways and still have a majority. The bottom line is, Johnson is a spoiler here, without a doubt, and he will not receive any money or backing. The tea parties are and were about FISCAL and MONETARY angst, not social conservatism, so it strikes me as odd for some of these malefactors to be out there spreading lies regarding the positions of other candidates instead of focusing on the substantive issues effecting Kentuckians today.

After weeks of vitriolic personal attacks from disgraced former professionals like Dr. David M. Duncan, he has the gall to suggest that the Grayson and Johnson campaign are staying above the fray of personal attacks? Ludicrous. By the way sir, as Reagan said, the best definition of a conservative is a principled libertarian. Just as the Democrats are attempting to drive a wedge between viable tea-party affiliated candidates and the GOP, so to are these unscrupulous Greyson backers flooding the internet for a backbencher with no chance of victory in either primary or general with the explicit intention of creating a Ross Perot.
JD
January 27th, 2010 @ 3:43 am

KYGal, How did the evil Paul campaign “use Freedomworks”? Freedomworks is FAR bigger then the Paul campaign, with far more support. It is THEY who constructed that label, and guess what, it fits! The tea parties have been about fiscal conservatism, not social conservatism. You need to check yourself at the door.

Every Rand Paul supporter I have met is a tea partier, and an active one at that. I have no doubt that unless Johnson spoils the election, and draws off enough votes to ensure the RINO’s win, Paul will win in the primary and cruise through the general as polls indicate he will.

Again, Johnson campaign spokesmen have officially accused the Paul campaign of supporting parents murdering their children, aborting the unborn, lynching minorities, hating Jews, preparing the arm America’s enemies, and crowed about campaign members engaging in vandalism! Wow, they sound balanced and thoughtful to me.
JD
January 26th, 2010 @ 10:43 pm

KYGal, How did the evil Paul campaign “use Freedomworks”? Freedomworks is FAR bigger then the Paul campaign, with far more support. It is THEY who constructed that label, and guess what, it fits! The tea parties have been about fiscal conservatism, not social conservatism. You need to check yourself at the door.

Every Rand Paul supporter I have met is a tea partier, and an active one at that. I have no doubt that unless Johnson spoils the election, and draws off enough votes to ensure the RINO’s win, Paul will win in the primary and cruise through the general as polls indicate he will.

Again, Johnson campaign spokesmen have officially accused the Paul campaign of supporting parents murdering their children, aborting the unborn, lynching minorities, hating Jews, preparing the arm America’s enemies, and crowed about campaign members engaging in vandalism! Wow, they sound balanced and thoughtful to me.
Dr David
January 27th, 2010 @ 5:09 am

JD,
Why do you persist in the pesonal attacks?
Disgraced? How so? Try 100% Disabled American Veteran after a near fatal incident in the drug wars, NAVSPECWAR. 13 rib fractures, collapsed lung, broken collar bone, torn subclavian artery, 28 hours of surgery, 6 feet of scars, paralyzed left arm, inevitable amputation at the shoulder, honor untouched. I still work for USSOCOM an NSA.
You hide behind a monogram and dare to call me disgraced?
We’ve never met, blogged, or emailed each other. Wherever do you get your info? You got my name right off the bat. Pretty sharp, JD!
I’ll tell you where. Campaign for Liberty. Ya’ll have been dogging me since I published “The Ran/Ron Paul Schizophrenic Senate Campaign in Kentucky.”
http://nationalwriterssyndicate.com/content/view/1566/2/ .
Have you read my reasons for supporting Bill? http://nationalwriterssyndicate.com/content/view/1516/2/ .
Perhaps you’ve read my story abut Bill as the only sworn Reagan conservative in the race http://nationalwriterssyndicate.com/content/view/1572/2/ .

Mr. McCain and Smitty: JD is one of multiple Campaign for Liberty mercenaries I referred to in my first post. Their nefarious tactics have just now been revealed to you. In one 16 hour marathon session last fall I was denegrated, Navy Hospital Corpsmen were assuaged, and Veterans were demeaned ON VETERAN’s DAY no less. Not once did these people provide a substantive conservative argument for supporting Rand Paul. This is the Rand Paul who told a group of us in May, at his exploratory meeting in Lexington that once elected as a Republican, although a libertarian at heart, his father and he would reform the GOP using libertarian principles.
Dishonest. Disengenuous. Dishonorable.
This is why I declined Rand Paul’s offer, through CM David Adams, to co-manage his campaign in July.
I met Bill at a Tea Party in Lexington. I’ve never seen Paul at three Tea Parties here. I was on board with Bill that night. Two former Naval officers with purpose. I’m a close friend, confidante, and supporter.
When Paul’s Communication Director Chris Hightower attacked me on Dec. 17 I realized that the out of control Rand campaign sees me as a threat to their campaign. Se la vie! Se la guerre! I’m still a steadfast Johnson supporter, albeit a well armed Johnson supporter.
One after another Rand Paul supporter converts to being a Johnson supporter once they meet him and hear him.
You can get that opportunity for 4 minutes here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnKJxZo2b_U&feature=related .

Please sit back and read the “Rand Rants” resulting from this post. Grab a coke and popcorn first though!

Semper Fi! (Former 2MAW Force Recon RESCUE HM3)

Dr. David M. Duncan
NAVSPECWAR
Lexington, KY
Dr David
January 27th, 2010 @ 12:09 am

JD,
Why do you persist in the pesonal attacks?
Disgraced? How so? Try 100% Disabled American Veteran after a near fatal incident in the drug wars, NAVSPECWAR. 13 rib fractures, collapsed lung, broken collar bone, torn subclavian artery, 28 hours of surgery, 6 feet of scars, paralyzed left arm, inevitable amputation at the shoulder, honor untouched. I still work for USSOCOM an NSA.
You hide behind a monogram and dare to call me disgraced?
We’ve never met, blogged, or emailed each other. Wherever do you get your info? You got my name right off the bat. Pretty sharp, JD!
I’ll tell you where. Campaign for Liberty. Ya’ll have been dogging me since I published “The Ran/Ron Paul Schizophrenic Senate Campaign in Kentucky.”
http://nationalwriterssyndicate.com/content/view/1566/2/ .
Have you read my reasons for supporting Bill? http://nationalwriterssyndicate.com/content/view/1516/2/ .
Perhaps you’ve read my story abut Bill as the only sworn Reagan conservative in the race http://nationalwriterssyndicate.com/content/view/1572/2/ .

Mr. McCain and Smitty: JD is one of multiple Campaign for Liberty mercenaries I referred to in my first post. Their nefarious tactics have just now been revealed to you. In one 16 hour marathon session last fall I was denegrated, Navy Hospital Corpsmen were assuaged, and Veterans were demeaned ON VETERAN’s DAY no less. Not once did these people provide a substantive conservative argument for supporting Rand Paul. This is the Rand Paul who told a group of us in May, at his exploratory meeting in Lexington that once elected as a Republican, although a libertarian at heart, his father and he would reform the GOP using libertarian principles.
Dishonest. Disengenuous. Dishonorable.
This is why I declined Rand Paul’s offer, through CM David Adams, to co-manage his campaign in July.
I met Bill at a Tea Party in Lexington. I’ve never seen Paul at three Tea Parties here. I was on board with Bill that night. Two former Naval officers with purpose. I’m a close friend, confidante, and supporter.
When Paul’s Communication Director Chris Hightower attacked me on Dec. 17 I realized that the out of control Rand campaign sees me as a threat to their campaign. Se la vie! Se la guerre! I’m still a steadfast Johnson supporter, albeit a well armed Johnson supporter.
One after another Rand Paul supporter converts to being a Johnson supporter once they meet him and hear him.
You can get that opportunity for 4 minutes here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnKJxZo2b_U&feature=related .

Please sit back and read the “Rand Rants” resulting from this post. Grab a coke and popcorn first though!

Semper Fi! (Former 2MAW Force Recon RESCUE HM3)

Dr. David M. Duncan
NAVSPECWAR
Lexington, KY
ChrisUSAguy
January 27th, 2010 @ 5:40 am

I endorse some of the positions both Ron and Rand hold as to certain domestic policies however, I had the chance to question Rand at an event this past summer regarding the use and application of our armed forces. While I was not specific I quickly concluded that Rand hadn’t much of a clue as to what I wanted to hear so he did a general song and dance verbally on the question. As the months past I noticed the Rand Paul’s campaign had Co-opted the Tea Party and 9/12er movements. Which he is anything but grass roots seeing he is using Dad’s political machine, flying to Texas to raise funds from private persons and corporate donors which in itself is ok in a national campaign. To do this and claim it is Grass roots is disingenuous to say the least. Let’s not forget the Wall Street big money guy Steve Forbes endorsing Rand. What’s wrong with that? Forbes is Wall Street special Interest. One of the exact things we in the Tea Party movement detest about our political system. When in fact Bill Johnson is truly the Republican here not hiding any other political trait. He freely meets with people giving of his time, hours on end day after day on his dime for the most part too. Rand Paul is clearly uncomfortable having to mingle with the average folks. Which is the Tea Party makeup. It is my opinion that the Tea Party crowd is falling in behind Bill Johnson as they hear him speak. I asked Bill Johnson the very same question about the use of the military I had asked Rand. Bill Johnson said “Give the military everything it needs to get the job done and then bring them home” That was the answer I was looking for in a conservative candidate. Without our great volenteers signing up for the services we would be attacked left and right. A strong kick butt military is top priority for this conservative. Everything is stacked behind that issue. My vote is for Bill Johnson!
ChrisUSAguy
January 27th, 2010 @ 12:40 am

I endorse some of the positions both Ron and Rand hold as to certain domestic policies however, I had the chance to question Rand at an event this past summer regarding the use and application of our armed forces. While I was not specific I quickly concluded that Rand hadn’t much of a clue as to what I wanted to hear so he did a general song and dance verbally on the question. As the months past I noticed the Rand Paul’s campaign had Co-opted the Tea Party and 9/12er movements. Which he is anything but grass roots seeing he is using Dad’s political machine, flying to Texas to raise funds from private persons and corporate donors which in itself is ok in a national campaign. To do this and claim it is Grass roots is disingenuous to say the least. Let’s not forget the Wall Street big money guy Steve Forbes endorsing Rand. What’s wrong with that? Forbes is Wall Street special Interest. One of the exact things we in the Tea Party movement detest about our political system. When in fact Bill Johnson is truly the Republican here not hiding any other political trait. He freely meets with people giving of his time, hours on end day after day on his dime for the most part too. Rand Paul is clearly uncomfortable having to mingle with the average folks. Which is the Tea Party makeup. It is my opinion that the Tea Party crowd is falling in behind Bill Johnson as they hear him speak. I asked Bill Johnson the very same question about the use of the military I had asked Rand. Bill Johnson said “Give the military everything it needs to get the job done and then bring them home” That was the answer I was looking for in a conservative candidate. Without our great volenteers signing up for the services we would be attacked left and right. A strong kick butt military is top priority for this conservative. Everything is stacked behind that issue. My vote is for Bill Johnson!
Lisa Graas
January 27th, 2010 @ 6:06 am

Stacy, I was getting the worst kinds of attacks on my blog comments. My faith has been attacked many different ways. I’ve been accused on many blogs of being paid by the Grayson campaign…..and on and on. I’m just a mom who blogs although I have served on the legislative committee of our state Right to Life and am a former crisis pregnancy counselor. The attacks have been constant, tiring……….and from out of state IP addresses. I’ve been bombarded via email, too. It’s been like running a gauntlet. I make no apologies for my characterizations. It’s mild compared to what they do to me. As you can see from JD’s comments, they say there is no room for social conservatives. They would like us to be irrelevant. In fact, that’s the only reason I am even involved in politics. I don’t care so much about money. I do care about human dignity……….a great deal.
Lisa Graas
January 27th, 2010 @ 6:06 am

Stacy, I was getting the worst kinds of attacks on my blog comments. My faith has been attacked many different ways. I’ve been accused on many blogs of being paid by the Grayson campaign…..and on and on. I’m just a mom who blogs although I have served on the legislative committee of our state Right to Life and am a former crisis pregnancy counselor. The attacks have been constant, tiring……….and from out of state IP addresses. I’ve been bombarded via email, too. It’s been like running a gauntlet. I make no apologies for my characterizations. It’s mild compared to what they do to me. As you can see from JD’s comments, they say there is no room for social conservatives. They would like us to be irrelevant. In fact, that’s the only reason I am even involved in politics. I don’t care so much about money. I do care about human dignity……….a great deal.
Lisa Graas
January 27th, 2010 @ 1:06 am

Stacy, I was getting the worst kinds of attacks on my blog comments. My faith has been attacked many different ways. I’ve been accused on many blogs of being paid by the Grayson campaign…..and on and on. I’m just a mom who blogs although I have served on the legislative committee of our state Right to Life and am a former crisis pregnancy counselor. The attacks have been constant, tiring……….and from out of state IP addresses. I’ve been bombarded via email, too. It’s been like running a gauntlet. I make no apologies for my characterizations. It’s mild compared to what they do to me. As you can see from JD’s comments, they say there is no room for social conservatives. They would like us to be irrelevant. In fact, that’s the only reason I am even involved in politics. I don’t care so much about money. I do care about human dignity……….a great deal.
Kygal
January 27th, 2010 @ 7:13 am

JD…”Freedomworks is FAR bigger then the Paul campaign, with far more support. It is THEY who constructed that label, and guess what, it fits! The tea parties have been about fiscal conservatism, not social conservatism. You need to check yourself at the door.”

I would actually have to see the proof on paper before I would believe that Freedomworks is bigger than the gargantuan, world wide ‘elect Rand’ campaign. His coffers are being filled by donations from all around the country AND the world. I hardly think that Freedomworks can boast as big a following. Freedomworks says it has half a million members, I know the Paul’s have them beat!

Freedom works is just a PAC like so many others, except this particular one found a way hook it’s wagon to a segment of the tea party movement…just a segment ONLY. That is the Tea Party Express, which broke away from the original Tea Party Patriots over fiscal conflicts and poor choices made…part of the problem was that Freedom was allowed to get involved.

Here is the story that Adams sites: http://liveshots.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/01/25/tea-party-lists-enemies-of-liberty/?test=latestnews

The article states: “FreedomWorks, the conservative political action committee that is one of the major players with close ties to the Tea Party movement, released its list of 2010 target Senate races and congressional districts today. In the Florida Senatorial race, the group supports conservative Marco Rubio over current Republican Governor Charlie Crist, conservative Pat Toomey over Senator Arlen Specter (D) in Pennsylvania, Rand Paul (R), son of 2008 Presidential Candidate Ron Paul, for the open Senate seat in Kentucky”

Clearly, no where does this paragraph say that Freedomworks IS the Tea Party, or speaks FOR the Tea Party. It is a political action committee trying to take advantage of it’s contact with a segment of the Tea Party movement to enfluence votes. It does not say, as David Adams claims…”Tea Party picks Rand Paul” http://www.randpaul2010.com/2010/01/tea-party-picks-rand-paul/

Like I said, it’s ‘dirty dog’ politics and I predict that once real tea partiers learn that the Paul campaign has co-opted their passion, it’s gonna back lash on Paul.

“The tea parties have been about fiscal conservatism, not social conservatism.” Maybe on the piece of grass you were standing on bubba, but Bill Johnson supports both fiscal and social conservative values and if a poll were taken of all those in the tea party movement,I know the majority would favor conservatives like Bill.
Kygal
January 27th, 2010 @ 7:13 am

JD…”Freedomworks is FAR bigger then the Paul campaign, with far more support. It is THEY who constructed that label, and guess what, it fits! The tea parties have been about fiscal conservatism, not social conservatism. You need to check yourself at the door.”

I would actually have to see the proof on paper before I would believe that Freedomworks is bigger than the gargantuan, world wide ‘elect Rand’ campaign. His coffers are being filled by donations from all around the country AND the world. I hardly think that Freedomworks can boast as big a following. Freedomworks says it has half a million members, I know the Paul’s have them beat!

Freedom works is just a PAC like so many others, except this particular one found a way hook it’s wagon to a segment of the tea party movement…just a segment ONLY. That is the Tea Party Express, which broke away from the original Tea Party Patriots over fiscal conflicts and poor choices made…part of the problem was that Freedom was allowed to get involved.

Here is the story that Adams sites: http://liveshots.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/01/25/tea-party-lists-enemies-of-liberty/?test=latestnews

The article states: “FreedomWorks, the conservative political action committee that is one of the major players with close ties to the Tea Party movement, released its list of 2010 target Senate races and congressional districts today. In the Florida Senatorial race, the group supports conservative Marco Rubio over current Republican Governor Charlie Crist, conservative Pat Toomey over Senator Arlen Specter (D) in Pennsylvania, Rand Paul (R), son of 2008 Presidential Candidate Ron Paul, for the open Senate seat in Kentucky”

Clearly, no where does this paragraph say that Freedomworks IS the Tea Party, or speaks FOR the Tea Party. It is a political action committee trying to take advantage of it’s contact with a segment of the Tea Party movement to enfluence votes. It does not say, as David Adams claims…”Tea Party picks Rand Paul” http://www.randpaul2010.com/2010/01/tea-party-picks-rand-paul/

Like I said, it’s ‘dirty dog’ politics and I predict that once real tea partiers learn that the Paul campaign has co-opted their passion, it’s gonna back lash on Paul.

“The tea parties have been about fiscal conservatism, not social conservatism.” Maybe on the piece of grass you were standing on bubba, but Bill Johnson supports both fiscal and social conservative values and if a poll were taken of all those in the tea party movement,I know the majority would favor conservatives like Bill.
Kygal
January 27th, 2010 @ 2:13 am

JD…”Freedomworks is FAR bigger then the Paul campaign, with far more support. It is THEY who constructed that label, and guess what, it fits! The tea parties have been about fiscal conservatism, not social conservatism. You need to check yourself at the door.”

I would actually have to see the proof on paper before I would believe that Freedomworks is bigger than the gargantuan, world wide ‘elect Rand’ campaign. His coffers are being filled by donations from all around the country AND the world. I hardly think that Freedomworks can boast as big a following. Freedomworks says it has half a million members, I know the Paul’s have them beat!

Freedom works is just a PAC like so many others, except this particular one found a way hook it’s wagon to a segment of the tea party movement…just a segment ONLY. That is the Tea Party Express, which broke away from the original Tea Party Patriots over fiscal conflicts and poor choices made…part of the problem was that Freedom was allowed to get involved.

Here is the story that Adams sites: http://liveshots.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/01/25/tea-party-lists-enemies-of-liberty/?test=latestnews

The article states: “FreedomWorks, the conservative political action committee that is one of the major players with close ties to the Tea Party movement, released its list of 2010 target Senate races and congressional districts today. In the Florida Senatorial race, the group supports conservative Marco Rubio over current Republican Governor Charlie Crist, conservative Pat Toomey over Senator Arlen Specter (D) in Pennsylvania, Rand Paul (R), son of 2008 Presidential Candidate Ron Paul, for the open Senate seat in Kentucky”

Clearly, no where does this paragraph say that Freedomworks IS the Tea Party, or speaks FOR the Tea Party. It is a political action committee trying to take advantage of it’s contact with a segment of the Tea Party movement to enfluence votes. It does not say, as David Adams claims…”Tea Party picks Rand Paul” http://www.randpaul2010.com/2010/01/tea-party-picks-rand-paul/

Like I said, it’s ‘dirty dog’ politics and I predict that once real tea partiers learn that the Paul campaign has co-opted their passion, it’s gonna back lash on Paul.

“The tea parties have been about fiscal conservatism, not social conservatism.” Maybe on the piece of grass you were standing on bubba, but Bill Johnson supports both fiscal and social conservative values and if a poll were taken of all those in the tea party movement,I know the majority would favor conservatives like Bill.
Ron Jones
January 27th, 2010 @ 10:19 am

I’m a Tennessean, and have no dog in the KY fight. My hope though, is that whomever you elect will be as principled a conservative as Jim Bunning, rather than another Mitch McConnell.

After spending some time on Bill Johnson’s site, in the “issues” page, I would offer a suggestion or three:

2nd Amendment: instead of waving the 2A & NRA flag, point out that self-defense is a natural right, and no ancient scrap of paper can change it. Then, wave the http://jpfo.org flag as they are the only such organization working to repeal unconstitutional gun legislation.

Military: “I support preemtive action when our national interests are at stake. I support maintaining our forward deployed military bases.”

I too am a veteran (9-years, Marine Corps Infantry), and say to all detractors that Johnson purchased the right to his opinion with the blank check he made out to the US Government years ago. I will have to agree-to-disagre with him on this, as I believe we are deployed too much, stretched too thin, and are not policement, or “meals on wheels” to the world. (I recommend “A Century of War” by John V. Denson” to all former military men).

Economy: no bailouts, no stimulus, no welfare (corporate or individual). NO subsidies for any entity. Add to that a need for honest money (see http://www.mises.org for details).

Healthcare: a good, not a right. The government has no more business regulating, interfering in health care than it does in regulating the local mani/pedi shop.

Israel: “I will bless them that bless you, and curse them that curse you.” As God’s chosen people, Israel has managed to thrive, despite adversity. They need our prayers, not our money (see ‘Economy’ above). No subsidies also means no foreign aid, if they want to buy weapons, then I’m sure an enterprising corporation will be happy to supply.

Marriage: Marriage is a state issue, it is at the state level where we have the best chance of stopping any encroachment by progressives

Defending life (aka abortion): I am constantly amazed that folks who fancy themselves “conservatives” have the gall to vilify and demean Communist governments. According to “The Black Book of Communism,” that murderous ideology killed 100 Million people in the 20th century. Since 1973 and ‘Roe v Wade,’ America has murdered almost 50 Million innocent children. We’re sacrificing children at a faster clip than any nation in history, and there are hundreds of billions of dollars in, and behind the abortion industry….Yet ignorant conservatives think we can get legislation passed that will circumvent Roe v Wade (even with the progressives on the bench), or even less likely, get an Constitutional Amendment passed tht will overturn RvW and make Abortion illegal. Get a clue, Abortion is best fought at the state level if we want any chance at all of stopping it.

Legalization of Drugs: The “war on drugs” is an abject failure, it has ruined lives, and given police agencies far too much power. Now, the thug with a submachine gun and a ski mask is just as likely to be carrying a six-pointed-star talisman. Property seizure, mandatory minimums. etc…We can look back at the depression and see the folley of Hoover/Roosevelt…Yet, we can’t seem to look back at Prohibition and also see the murderous bloody folly that came from it?

Taxes: Eliminate the IRS first, then repeal the 16th Amendment, THEN pass a sales tax if you must…otherwise, we’ll have a sales tax, then within 10 years, the income tax will be back.

Trade: As long as “fair trade” does NOT involve protectionist tariffs, import restrictions, or “conditions,” it’s a good idea

Illegal immigraion: Want to stop illegal immigration? ELIMINATE ENTITLEMENTS (see “no subsidies” above). Then the only immigrants we’ll have, are the ones that want to work for a living.

Education: No government involvement. Period.

Farm Subsidies: see “no subsidies” When commodity prices fall below a threshold needed to sustain the farm, see Joseph Shumpeter on “creative destruction.”

Aviation User Fees: meh

How about DE-federalize airport security. The TSA is yet another acrnym that should not exist.
Ron Jones
January 27th, 2010 @ 5:19 am

I’m a Tennessean, and have no dog in the KY fight. My hope though, is that whomever you elect will be as principled a conservative as Jim Bunning, rather than another Mitch McConnell.

After spending some time on Bill Johnson’s site, in the “issues” page, I would offer a suggestion or three:

2nd Amendment: instead of waving the 2A & NRA flag, point out that self-defense is a natural right, and no ancient scrap of paper can change it. Then, wave the http://jpfo.org flag as they are the only such organization working to repeal unconstitutional gun legislation.

Military: “I support preemtive action when our national interests are at stake. I support maintaining our forward deployed military bases.”

I too am a veteran (9-years, Marine Corps Infantry), and say to all detractors that Johnson purchased the right to his opinion with the blank check he made out to the US Government years ago. I will have to agree-to-disagre with him on this, as I believe we are deployed too much, stretched too thin, and are not policement, or “meals on wheels” to the world. (I recommend “A Century of War” by John V. Denson” to all former military men).

Economy: no bailouts, no stimulus, no welfare (corporate or individual). NO subsidies for any entity. Add to that a need for honest money (see http://www.mises.org for details).

Healthcare: a good, not a right. The government has no more business regulating, interfering in health care than it does in regulating the local mani/pedi shop.

Israel: “I will bless them that bless you, and curse them that curse you.” As God’s chosen people, Israel has managed to thrive, despite adversity. They need our prayers, not our money (see ‘Economy’ above). No subsidies also means no foreign aid, if they want to buy weapons, then I’m sure an enterprising corporation will be happy to supply.

Marriage: Marriage is a state issue, it is at the state level where we have the best chance of stopping any encroachment by progressives

Defending life (aka abortion): I am constantly amazed that folks who fancy themselves “conservatives” have the gall to vilify and demean Communist governments. According to “The Black Book of Communism,” that murderous ideology killed 100 Million people in the 20th century. Since 1973 and ‘Roe v Wade,’ America has murdered almost 50 Million innocent children. We’re sacrificing children at a faster clip than any nation in history, and there are hundreds of billions of dollars in, and behind the abortion industry….Yet ignorant conservatives think we can get legislation passed that will circumvent Roe v Wade (even with the progressives on the bench), or even less likely, get an Constitutional Amendment passed tht will overturn RvW and make Abortion illegal. Get a clue, Abortion is best fought at the state level if we want any chance at all of stopping it.

Legalization of Drugs: The “war on drugs” is an abject failure, it has ruined lives, and given police agencies far too much power. Now, the thug with a submachine gun and a ski mask is just as likely to be carrying a six-pointed-star talisman. Property seizure, mandatory minimums. etc…We can look back at the depression and see the folley of Hoover/Roosevelt…Yet, we can’t seem to look back at Prohibition and also see the murderous bloody folly that came from it?

Taxes: Eliminate the IRS first, then repeal the 16th Amendment, THEN pass a sales tax if you must…otherwise, we’ll have a sales tax, then within 10 years, the income tax will be back.

Trade: As long as “fair trade” does NOT involve protectionist tariffs, import restrictions, or “conditions,” it’s a good idea

Illegal immigraion: Want to stop illegal immigration? ELIMINATE ENTITLEMENTS (see “no subsidies” above). Then the only immigrants we’ll have, are the ones that want to work for a living.

Education: No government involvement. Period.

Farm Subsidies: see “no subsidies” When commodity prices fall below a threshold needed to sustain the farm, see Joseph Shumpeter on “creative destruction.”

Aviation User Fees: meh

How about DE-federalize airport security. The TSA is yet another acrnym that should not exist.
Dr. David
January 27th, 2010 @ 11:54 am

Rand Paul’s position on illegal immigration (Exploratory meeting in Lexington, May, ’09):
“Illegal immigration? I didn’t know there is a problem with illegal immigration. Ive treated them in my practice regardless of their ability to pay. I help (Bowling Green) employers to find jobs for them and churches to find housing for them…they’re good people just trying to find a better way of life.” When I declined to co-manage Paul’s campaign in July I told David Adams that these statements were a large part of my reasons. He told me he agreed that they were going to have to work on a stronger position to address illegal immigration. Right now Rand Paul’s solution seems to be Invisible Fencing and helicopter gunships.
Well, illegal immigration is a big problem in Kentucky, an $80-100 million prison, social services, and educational taxpayer expense problem driven by illegal employers in the horse, agricultural, construction, and service industries. Rand Paul’s home county is second only to Owensboro in its illegal alien population growth. While ignored by Gov. Beshear and many municipalities, illegal immigration contributes significantly to the near 11% unemployment rate. Both state and Lexington governments wrote responses to my Writ of Mandamus, filed in US District Cour,t declaring it’s not their responsibility to verify eligibility for social services obtained by illegal alien recipients http://nationalwriterssyndicate.com/content/view/678/2/ .
Aiding and abetting illegal immigration stimulates human trafficking which has shattered millions of nuclear families in Latin America via the exodus of the male labor force, reducing entire communities from subsistence level to survival level economies. The Juarez and Mexican Federation drug cartels, MS13, and Latin Kings are active in Kentucky due to non-enforcement of federal immigration law. Indentured servitude, prostitution, and domestic violence result from the failure to address illegal immigration.
Rand Paul on illegal immigration last May: “I didn’t know there is a problem with illegal immigration.”
That is a problem. A severe problem.
Dr. David
January 27th, 2010 @ 6:54 am

Rand Paul’s position on illegal immigration (Exploratory meeting in Lexington, May, ’09):
“Illegal immigration? I didn’t know there is a problem with illegal immigration. Ive treated them in my practice regardless of their ability to pay. I help (Bowling Green) employers to find jobs for them and churches to find housing for them…they’re good people just trying to find a better way of life.” When I declined to co-manage Paul’s campaign in July I told David Adams that these statements were a large part of my reasons. He told me he agreed that they were going to have to work on a stronger position to address illegal immigration. Right now Rand Paul’s solution seems to be Invisible Fencing and helicopter gunships.
Well, illegal immigration is a big problem in Kentucky, an $80-100 million prison, social services, and educational taxpayer expense problem driven by illegal employers in the horse, agricultural, construction, and service industries. Rand Paul’s home county is second only to Owensboro in its illegal alien population growth. While ignored by Gov. Beshear and many municipalities, illegal immigration contributes significantly to the near 11% unemployment rate. Both state and Lexington governments wrote responses to my Writ of Mandamus, filed in US District Cour,t declaring it’s not their responsibility to verify eligibility for social services obtained by illegal alien recipients http://nationalwriterssyndicate.com/content/view/678/2/ .
Aiding and abetting illegal immigration stimulates human trafficking which has shattered millions of nuclear families in Latin America via the exodus of the male labor force, reducing entire communities from subsistence level to survival level economies. The Juarez and Mexican Federation drug cartels, MS13, and Latin Kings are active in Kentucky due to non-enforcement of federal immigration law. Indentured servitude, prostitution, and domestic violence result from the failure to address illegal immigration.
Rand Paul on illegal immigration last May: “I didn’t know there is a problem with illegal immigration.”
That is a problem. A severe problem.
Erica Coyle
January 27th, 2010 @ 12:37 pm

Stacy, good article! I too, have seen the malicious attacks coming from Paul supporters much like you see when you are debating a liberal and they suddenly resort to name calling and using vile language. A true sign they are loosing the debate. The outcome of this primary remains to be seen at the moment but I can tell you that support for Bill Johnson is gaining momentum, that is why we are seeing all of these attacks. Johnson remains true to form of being for the will of the people and not self serving as we see most of the people that end up going to Washington to represent us. It is his dedication to our constitution, his strong military experience and his background in energy that has got my attention. His stance on pro-life issues are very important to me both as a Catholic, nurse and as a woman in general. His appeal is greatly seen by the people of the “tea party” movements as we are tired of poor representation from our elected officials. Johnson will be getting my vote this May and I will continue to rally support and help spread his message via family, friendships and the general social media outlets that as we saw with Brown in Massachusetts can have a great impact.
Erica Coyle
January 27th, 2010 @ 7:37 am

Stacy, good article! I too, have seen the malicious attacks coming from Paul supporters much like you see when you are debating a liberal and they suddenly resort to name calling and using vile language. A true sign they are loosing the debate. The outcome of this primary remains to be seen at the moment but I can tell you that support for Bill Johnson is gaining momentum, that is why we are seeing all of these attacks. Johnson remains true to form of being for the will of the people and not self serving as we see most of the people that end up going to Washington to represent us. It is his dedication to our constitution, his strong military experience and his background in energy that has got my attention. His stance on pro-life issues are very important to me both as a Catholic, nurse and as a woman in general. His appeal is greatly seen by the people of the “tea party” movements as we are tired of poor representation from our elected officials. Johnson will be getting my vote this May and I will continue to rally support and help spread his message via family, friendships and the general social media outlets that as we saw with Brown in Massachusetts can have a great impact.
Ron Jones
January 27th, 2010 @ 2:27 pm

@Dr. David

“Rand Paul on illegal immigration last May: “I didn’t know there is a problem with illegal immigration.”
That is a problem. A severe problem.”

Paul’s got it half right, and you’ve got it half right. There is a problem, on that we can all agree. But the problem isn’t with the illegal immigration.

The problem [and the primary incentive] is theft by force, like H.L. Mencken once said “Every election is a sort of advance auction of stolen goods.”

We send our representatives to the state house with instructions to rob our friends, neighbors, family and acquaintances…all to pay for our kids compulsory government-sponsored “education,” our retirement, grandma’s health care, etc ad nauseum.

Parasites in this country and others will break the law to come in and bleed us dry. Laws against illegal immigration are like putting a band-aid on a bullet wound.

Want to stop illegal immigration? Stop giving away taxpayers money to subsidize parasitic behavior.
Ron Jones
January 27th, 2010 @ 9:27 am

@Dr. David

“Rand Paul on illegal immigration last May: “I didn’t know there is a problem with illegal immigration.”
That is a problem. A severe problem.”

Paul’s got it half right, and you’ve got it half right. There is a problem, on that we can all agree. But the problem isn’t with the illegal immigration.

The problem [and the primary incentive] is theft by force, like H.L. Mencken once said “Every election is a sort of advance auction of stolen goods.”

We send our representatives to the state house with instructions to rob our friends, neighbors, family and acquaintances…all to pay for our kids compulsory government-sponsored “education,” our retirement, grandma’s health care, etc ad nauseum.

Parasites in this country and others will break the law to come in and bleed us dry. Laws against illegal immigration are like putting a band-aid on a bullet wound.

Want to stop illegal immigration? Stop giving away taxpayers money to subsidize parasitic behavior.
Kygal
January 27th, 2010 @ 3:40 pm

Ron,You said…”I’m a Tennessean, and have no dog in the KY fight.” And yet, by your defense of Rand Paul and his positions, or rather the libertarian positions, you make it clear that you do indeed have a ‘dog in the fight’

http://www.kentuckybill.com
Kygal
January 27th, 2010 @ 10:40 am

Ron,You said…”I’m a Tennessean, and have no dog in the KY fight.” And yet, by your defense of Rand Paul and his positions, or rather the libertarian positions, you make it clear that you do indeed have a ‘dog in the fight’

http://www.kentuckybill.com
Rae
January 27th, 2010 @ 6:21 pm

I don’t know any tea party people who are comfortable with Rand Paul’s foreign policy.

Lots of Gore voters in the “Big Tent,” I see. Not for nothing but, Ron and Rand’s views are not the same.

As a pro-life (paleo)libertarian-(paleo)conservative Christian, I’m extremely “uncomfortable” with the GOP’s jettisoning of the Just War Theory in favor of ubercostly preemptive perpetual nation-building wars (those kill babies too, ya know), the advocating of torture (of which, if you might recall, our Lord was a victim), and its continued assaults on our Constitutional rights in the name of “national security.” You lost (Statist) sheep are in my prayers.

War, torture, sanctions, higher military budgets — are these the four pillars of modern conservatism?

Don’t kid yourselves, “conservatives.” Americans are sick of your perpetual nation-building wars and policing the world. There’s nothing conservative about the wars you CINO Bush GOPers continue to advocate.

Stacy linked to this last year. It’s worth repeating:

A Hypocrisy That Can Win Again

And? Stop your whining and grow some thicker skin already. You sure can dish it out though, can’t ya? Us “Paultards” have been called everything by our fellow GOPers but collect and late for supper. Trust me, you get used to it. So man up and stop embarrassing your hypocritical selves by pitching TTs when you’re given a taste of your own medicine.

May the best man win.

(Where’s the preview, Stacy?)
Rae
January 27th, 2010 @ 1:21 pm

I don’t know any tea party people who are comfortable with Rand Paul’s foreign policy.

Lots of Gore voters in the “Big Tent,” I see. Not for nothing but, Ron and Rand’s views are not the same.

As a pro-life (paleo)libertarian-(paleo)conservative Christian, I’m extremely “uncomfortable” with the GOP’s jettisoning of the Just War Theory in favor of ubercostly preemptive perpetual nation-building wars (those kill babies too, ya know), the advocating of torture (of which, if you might recall, our Lord was a victim), and its continued assaults on our Constitutional rights in the name of “national security.” You lost (Statist) sheep are in my prayers.

War, torture, sanctions, higher military budgets — are these the four pillars of modern conservatism?

Don’t kid yourselves, “conservatives.” Americans are sick of your perpetual nation-building wars and policing the world. There’s nothing conservative about the wars you CINO Bush GOPers continue to advocate.

Stacy linked to this last year. It’s worth repeating:

A Hypocrisy That Can Win Again

And? Stop your whining and grow some thicker skin already. You sure can dish it out though, can’t ya? Us “Paultards” have been called everything by our fellow GOPers but collect and late for supper. Trust me, you get used to it. So man up and stop embarrassing your hypocritical selves by pitching TTs when you’re given a taste of your own medicine.

May the best man win.

(Where’s the preview, Stacy?)
Dr David
January 27th, 2010 @ 6:55 pm

Libertarian GOP Presidential candidate Ron Paul received 13,000 votes in Kentucky. Now he claims we’re being taken over by the CIA so we must abolish it, an opinion Rand has not reputed.
Bill Johnson’s priorities are national security, economy, energy, illegal immigration, Pro-life, 2nd Amendment rights, and abolish the IRS (Fair Tax), Department of the Interior and the Department of Education, returning those responsibilities to the states.
Rae, did you have something supportive of a candidate’s platform to contribute?
Dr David
January 27th, 2010 @ 1:55 pm

Libertarian GOP Presidential candidate Ron Paul received 13,000 votes in Kentucky. Now he claims we’re being taken over by the CIA so we must abolish it, an opinion Rand has not reputed.
Bill Johnson’s priorities are national security, economy, energy, illegal immigration, Pro-life, 2nd Amendment rights, and abolish the IRS (Fair Tax), Department of the Interior and the Department of Education, returning those responsibilities to the states.
Rae, did you have something supportive of a candidate’s platform to contribute?
Danielle See
January 28th, 2010 @ 1:06 am

I would respectfully request that the poster JD check his facts regarding statements made by a Johnson Campaign spokesman.

There are only two official Johnson campaign spokespeople, myself the Deputy Campaign Manager and Mr. Bill Johnson. Unless the statement came from one of us it is not an offical campaign statement. We cannot be responsible for what a member of the general public publishes. NONE of the statements attributed to our campaign in JD’s post have been given by a Johnson Campaign spokesperson.

I am referencing his/her post here on January 26th, 2010 @ 10 43.

”
Again, Johnson campaign spokesmen have officially accused the Paul campaign of supporting parents murdering their children, aborting the unborn, lynching minorities, hating Jews, preparing the arm America’s enemies, and crowed about campaign members engaging in vandalism! Wow, they sound balanced and thoughtful to me.”
Danielle See
January 27th, 2010 @ 8:06 pm

I would respectfully request that the poster JD check his facts regarding statements made by a Johnson Campaign spokesman.

There are only two official Johnson campaign spokespeople, myself the Deputy Campaign Manager and Mr. Bill Johnson. Unless the statement came from one of us it is not an offical campaign statement. We cannot be responsible for what a member of the general public publishes. NONE of the statements attributed to our campaign in JD’s post have been given by a Johnson Campaign spokesperson.

I am referencing his/her post here on January 26th, 2010 @ 10 43.

”
Again, Johnson campaign spokesmen have officially accused the Paul campaign of supporting parents murdering their children, aborting the unborn, lynching minorities, hating Jews, preparing the arm America’s enemies, and crowed about campaign members engaging in vandalism! Wow, they sound balanced and thoughtful to me.”

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The Senate Feud in Kentucky

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