It’s official. Andrew Horne is leaving the race for U.S. Senate.
Just in from Andrew Horne:
Dear Friend,I’m writing you today with some disappointing news. This afternoon I informed Governor Steve Beshear of my decision to withdraw from the United States Senate race.
This decision was difficult for many reasons, not least because of the major challenges facing our Commonwealth and Country. Millions of Americans live without quality health care, we have shamefully disregarded the needs of our veterans, our education system is deeply flawed, and we remain embroiled in a mismanaged and ill-conceived war. Through it all, Mitch McConnell is more interested in expanding the scope of his own power than using his office to benefit the hardworking families who make our country great.
I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am for everything you have done to support me in this campaign. I won’t be the Democrat challenging Mitch McConnell next November, but our work is far from done. We must continue to fight for the values that brought us together. I look forward to working with you for many years to come.
Again, thank you so much.
Sincerely,
Andrew
UPDATE @ 8:30 P.M.:
Greg Fischer’s Statement on Horne’s Withdrawal:
“First and foremost, I want to offer my gratitude to Andrew Horne for his sacrifice and service to our country. I also want to thank him for the dedication and grassroots spirit he brought to this campaign.
>Now, more than ever we need the clearest contrast to beat Senator Mitch McConnell in November. If we want to change Washington, we need to change the people we send there. I invite Andrew Horne’s supporters to join me in that fight.”
Fischer’s response to reporter who asked if Greg would also be withdrawing:
“With Andrew’s departure I feel even more strongly that we, as Kentucky Democrats, should have a real choice come May, not some nominee forced upon us by the Washington stablishment.”
62 responses so far ↓
1 ... // Feb 11, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Any thoughts, Jake?
2 jake // Feb 11, 2008 at 6:47 pm
My thoughts? They’re not important.
Beshear/D.C. and others forced him out of the race. Andrew caved instead of fighting til the bitter end. His political career is over.
Greg Fischer is next on the list for ouster. Hopefully he won’t give in and will stick it out til the end. Conceding this race to Lunsford is not okay.
McConnell wins in November.
Posted from my Treo, sorry for possible duplication.
3 Steve Magruder (I, not D or R) // Feb 11, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Agreed. McConnell wins in November. I’m not lifting a finger to help any of the “Democrats” left over. Game over.
4 kilowat // Feb 11, 2008 at 7:25 pm
game over set and match,best politics money can buy
5 LouDem // Feb 11, 2008 at 8:01 pm
This is too bad. I’ll never support Lunsford. I’ll stay at home instead.
6 winstnsmth // Feb 11, 2008 at 8:16 pm
F*%@!ng Beshear!
Just today I said you suck, and now you’ve really outdone yourself. What would make Andrew go from “not going to drop out for any reason” to “I give up, guys.”
7 Beshear FAILS the people. // Feb 11, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Jake, I don’t think Horne really is the type of person to let someone as corrupt as Beshear talk him out of running. Horne is his own man and he wasn’t afraid to run in the Congressional race against Northup. Horne was so grassroots we stood on the street corners with hand made signs “HONK FOR HORNE”
I have a feeling he is out because of something personal that he is not ready to share yet. Maybe an illness in his family that he needs to focus his attention on.
But if you are right, then Beshear has failed the people once again!
The only person left on my ticket will be Fischer because there is NO WAY IN HELL I could ever vote for Lundsford …. esp. if that’s who Beshear wants us to support. I agree with wnstnsmth, Beshear sucks.
8 jake // Feb 11, 2008 at 8:36 pm
I’m a nobody in the grand scheme of things, but I have a feeling I’d know if something personal was going on. Spoke with the Hornes just a day ago and consider them dear friends.
9 Walker // Feb 11, 2008 at 8:42 pm
You bloggers need to learn how to kiss the ring. It’s a good thing your guy Horne knew how to. We’ve got a governor now, and it’s high time you people realize that.
10 jake // Feb 11, 2008 at 8:45 pm
If you’re really Walker then one would hope you’d have the common sense not to trash this site with your @stevebeshear.com email address.
11 Steve Magruder (I, not D or R) // Feb 11, 2008 at 9:05 pm
If Walker is really a Beshear representative, I guess Beshear, like Fletcher, is about to find out what we little “bloggers” can accomplish. Don’t f*** with us.
We are not mere bloggers. We are activists. And we will never stop at what we do.
12 CollegeDem // Feb 11, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Go Jake!
Hey Walker, we’ll look up to the Governor when he does something worth looking up too.
I want to believe in Steve Beshear, but so far he’s disappointed this dedicated Democrat very much,
13 Sam // Feb 11, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Lunsford has zero support. The senate race is essentially over. McConnell will win. It is time to work on the presidential race. Beshear sucks!
Hillary 2008.
14 Judy // Feb 11, 2008 at 9:26 pm
An elderly friend of my is sad beyond words that the Kentucky Democrats sabotaged the Senate primary by backing Lunsford.
She is most sad and sorry for the amazing group of young people who worked for Horne. They saw in Andrew a man of integrity and principle. He inspired them and they worked hard for a candidate they believe in. My friend is exactly right.
This is the real tragedy of the Shumer – Beshear – Lunsford Hussle. Shame on all of them. They are responsible for six more years of McConnell.
15 Mar ty // Feb 11, 2008 at 10:27 pm
I am astounded. Yesterday the campaign was excited and planning ahead…800 volunteers…Andrew was upbeat and confident…what happened????I don’ t understand this at all. We supported Beshear…he was obviously better than Ernie. Is money that important…Andrew was fundraising and if he won the primary, there would have been netroot money coming in…like Obamas. This makes no sense. Wen were devoted slaves to the Horne enterprise.
16 Matt // Feb 11, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Disgusting!
17 BB // Feb 11, 2008 at 10:54 pm
This is all very sudden. Something must have happened over the weekend. I can’t believe Col. Horne would just drop out on a lark.
Lunsford has no base. It’s that simple.
18 kilowat // Feb 11, 2008 at 11:08 pm
there noway i will vote for lunsford,I joined a union in 72 this grass roots movement not all the young people lot of old folks still around,navy vet too.
19 Scott Budnick // Feb 11, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Kentucky Democrats set up another circular firing squad. Good work in KY Senate 30, Governor. McConnell will disect Lunsford.
20 Judy // Feb 11, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Andrew’s announcement today is the direct result of Shumer, the DSCC, Beshear and others stacking the deck in the Democratic Senate Primary with a Millionaire Candidate. We learned the hard way in 2006 that our grassroots efforts were impressive, but no match for big bucks. Sad and pitiful.
21 Steve Bittenbender // Feb 11, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Jake,
I disagree that this is it for Horne. I think he just ran into the perfect storm of big money and establishment candidates.
I was looking forward to voting for Col. Horne (again). I’m sure I’ll get the chance again soon and that he’ll once again proudly serve our country.
22 Steve Magruder (I, not D or R) // Feb 11, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Will the Democratic Party please stop foisting these fucking DINOs on us? It’s one of the main reasons I became an independent — if a party can’t stand up for its values, why should anyone want to be a member of it?
23 jake // Feb 12, 2008 at 12:02 am
What was that about all of us naysayers being wrong? What was that about the Beshear crew, KDP, DSCC, et al not trying to select Richie Rich?
What was that about this being a representative democracy?
What was that about Jennifer Moore being the bright young leader? (Yeah, I know, we were snowed. Hope you’re reading this, Jennifer, because everyone and their mother is disappointed in you for turning into a Beshear hack. Don’t bother calling unless you can prove otherwise.)
What was that about Steve Beshear being a leader? What? Echo?
Will everyone sit idly by as the money men are coronated as our alleged leaders?
To Bittenbender: What’s he gonna do, run for Bunning’s seat against Mongiardo and Conway? Hehe. In all seriousness, Andrew most likely won’t run for another federal race. Nor should he. He should run for a judicial seat of some sort where he can really make a difference. He’s not enough of a hack to be a politician.
24 Will // Feb 12, 2008 at 12:13 am
We better get ahold of our democracy. We are in danger of losing it.
I thought the constitution said a Government for the people, by the people.
I it slowly changing to a Government for the wealthy, by the wealthy.
We need a third party system to change it all.
The democratic party is failing us. That hurts to say, but it is so true. I am disappointed in the governor, the KDP and the DSSC.
25 Steve Coomes // Feb 12, 2008 at 6:14 am
Heck, I’m a conservative and I agree with all of you: No government for the people or by the people, just by those with the necessary coin to grab those seats. The same well-moneyed stranglehold exists on the other side of the aisle; my ilk and I are frustrated, too. I’m wishing the republicans would post an alternative to McConnell.
I don’t know enough about Horne other than he seemed to be a decent guy. One can put a whole lot of ideology aside and listen with interest when someone appears to be genuine (Barack Obama is proof of that, I think), and I regret not getting to know more about the man. At the very least, he was a dedicated soldier, which says a lot about him.
26 BP // Feb 12, 2008 at 6:43 am
I can tell you the Republicans are DYING to put the nail in the Lunsford coffin. How do you run against McConnell when you have donated money to the man AND to the NRSC! Can’t you see the ads now, “Wow…if I was so bad…why did you send me thousands of dollars to keep up the good work?”
It is much easier to run against a man with money than a man with a message. Lunsford goes down…and goes down BIG! Horne didn’t have much money…but neither did John McCain…
27 Jake10 // Feb 12, 2008 at 8:57 am
I understand completely how disappointed all of Andrew’s backers are. One modest suggestion for Jacob before everyone disengages from the electoral process. Call Greg Fischer and ask for a 2 hour (or more) no holds barred, completely on the record interview. If he doesn’t cut it then write that. If he turns out to have solid progressive ideas, then write that. McConnell is truly evil and remember that “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”
28 jake // Feb 12, 2008 at 9:01 am
Jake10: Already scheduled that. Yesterday.
Unfortunately for your boy Greg, as you know quite well, the DSCC crew is working night and day to oust him next. Andrew was the first to go and won’t be the last. Greg may have the determination to stay in the race but there will come a point when the pressure is so heavy that he’ll possibly have no other choice.
29 Jake10 // Feb 12, 2008 at 10:07 am
Jake: Glad to hear you’re going to do the interview. I’ll be eager to read what your take is. Guess I have some more reasons to keep reading this site. I’ve been a political activist since the 60′s so I know what you mean about the pressure to drop out. It will be interesting to see what pressure is brought to bear, but my impression is that Greg doesn’t crack easily.
30 jake // Feb 12, 2008 at 10:12 am
Woops. By scheduling, I mean I made arrangements yesterday to schedule it when the time is right. And it most likely won’t be on-the-record, but I’ll happily share my honest take on things. And will attempt to be neutral in that take. (emphasis on ‘attempt’)
31 KYJacob // Feb 12, 2008 at 11:36 am
Why not on the record? I think that helps everyone judge the situation better.
32 winstnsmth // Feb 12, 2008 at 11:37 am
Sorry to jump all over you for this comment, but just what the hell do you think, a combat-hardened USMC Lt Col folds like a delicate flower? I’ll tell you, if Horne couldn’t keep up this fight, it has nothing to do with mettle, and if it did then there’s no comparing Greg to Andrew.
33 jake // Feb 12, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Not everything can be OTR because there’s no other way for me to dish the dirt.
34 KYJurisDoctor // Feb 12, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Horne’s campaign was going to be about the Iraq war as THE issue. That issue QUICKLY disappeared, and so MUST the campaign.
Moreover, Gov. Beshear’s tacit encouragement of Bruce Lunsford’s candidacy did NOT help matters for Horne!
http://osi-speaks.blogspot.com/2008/02/andrew-horne-drops-senate-bid-one-down.html#links
35 Beshear FAILS the people. // Feb 12, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Jake, Not meaning to change the subject exactly, but I just read that some of the kentucky superdelegates already made up their mind who they will give their vote for President for. 3 for Clinton (puke) & 1 for Obama.
My point in posting that; it pisses me off! How dare them NOT vote the will of the people based off the outcome of May 20 Primary. I know they can vote how ever they want legally, but … BUT … with a race this close, and it’s been predicted that the democratic nominee might be picked by the superdelegates, those superdelegates should be compelled to vote the way the majority of dems vote on May 20.
I am so disgusted with my kentucky dem party right now!!!!!!!!
Jake, I’d like to know your thoughts?
36 jake // Feb 12, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Osi @ 12:58: I can safely say that you have no idea what you’re talking about. Painting Andrew Horne as a single issue candidate is about as effective as you spamming links to your blog all over the place several months ago.
37 Judy // Feb 12, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Glad to hear that KyJurisDoctor thinks the WAR is an issue that has “disappeared.” He / She must be watching too much mainstream media! Horne is correct that the War is the issue, but he did not run a one-issue campaign.
Also, I must challenge winstnsmth who refers to Andrew Horne “folding like a delicate flower.” Maybe you just don’t get it. The DSCC – Schumer – Bashear put up a Millionaire Candidate who can self finance his campaign. Lunsford has no need to fundraise and he could match & double anything Horne raised. Andrew is correct to chose his battles and going up against Lunsford’s Millions and the DSCC was not the battle to fight.
38 ... // Feb 12, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Are you going to support anyone else, Jake?
39 jake // Feb 12, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Not likely. Bruce has this in the bag. McConnell has the general wrapped up.
40 Jake10 // Feb 12, 2008 at 5:42 pm
I’m not sure I understand the comment about needing to be OTR so you can be “dishing the dirt”. Are you trying to be Josh Marshall, Perez Hilton or both?
41 Rose // Feb 12, 2008 at 9:12 pm
What’s wrong with Perezhilton????
42 jake // Feb 12, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Jake10: Definitely more Perez than Josh. Let’s get real here.
43 Jake10 // Feb 13, 2008 at 8:19 am
Jake wrote: “Definitely more Perez than Josh”
I’m talking about your journalistic style ;-)
44 Jake10 // Feb 13, 2008 at 8:20 am
BTW Rose, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with PerezHilton other than it’s addictive like crack.
45 jake // Feb 13, 2008 at 9:45 am
Josh doesn’t draw boogers on photos of politicians…
46 UK Alumni // Feb 13, 2008 at 4:25 pm
The issue of the failed war in Iraq has gone away? Really?
There’s no part of our present nation dialogue thiat isn’t touched by the war- the economy, terrorism, poltical corruption, foreign policy, etc.
Only a fool would say the upcoming presidentional and congressional races will somehow fail to cover the war as a major theme in their campaigns.
Stupid is clearly the new pandemic.
47 jake // Feb 13, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Stupid is clearly the new pandemic.
HAHAHAHA
48 ... // Feb 13, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Jake, when Horne lost to Yarmuth, he didn’t say, “Well, it’s over now. There is absolutely no way for anyone to beat Northup. We should all give up.” IIRC, he went out and helped Yarmuth beat her. Giving up isn’t going to help anything.
49 jake // Feb 13, 2008 at 5:41 pm
That’s because John was a force to be reckoned with. 20 years of name I.D., money, uber-liberal support. He had it all.
2008 is a different situation. There’s not a chance in hell that Fischer can smoke Lunsford out of the race. Just not a possibility. Bruce could get caught in bed with a live boy and dead girl and still win.
Though, there’s no question that Fischer is a better choice than Bruce for federal office.
50 ... // Feb 13, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Fischer will have the money. All he needs is the name ID and the backing from netroots/grassroots and uber-liberals. You can help him there…
51 jake // Feb 13, 2008 at 7:45 pm
He can’t spend his money effectively without triggering the Millionaires’ Amendment.
Do you realize the amount of name I.D. he has to develop just to overcome Bruce Lunsford? We’re talking more than 40%. Do you know how many millions that will cost? Further, do you realize Bruce probably has 100 times more cash to waste than Greg? As well as a ready-made statewide network? The entire Lunsford team (aka Stumbo crew) is still in operation and eagerly awaiting the skrilla from Daddy Warbucks.
The “nutroots” could certainly help Fischer develop some name I.D. and develop a bit of a following. But there’s no passion on that front. Takes a really compelling candidate and a really compelling story. And after the nasty shit the party structure has pulled… uh… there’s no way to fire the grassroots up. Not happening in 2008. They’re trying it on the Presidential level, the Senate level and on the local level with people like Michael Kelley in KY-04.
Something else– I know the DSCC is gunning for Greg Fischer. I know what they’re saying and what they’re trying. It’s only a matter of time.
52 ... // Feb 13, 2008 at 7:55 pm
I’m sure the DSCC has been gunning for Fischer from the start. And I’m talking about raised money. Fischer’s business network will be more than sufficient to compete with Lunsford, since Fischer has an extremely good reputation in the business community, unlike Lunsford.
Anyway, the least you could do is try. Doesn’t seem like you to give up.
53 ... // Feb 13, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I mean, look at the earlier comments in this thread. It seems to me that most of them don’t even know that Fischer exists.
54 jake // Feb 13, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Nothing about me has given up. Still as fired up as ever.
But I can tell you what will and will not happen. He won’t beat Bruce.
Greg’s money men are currently on the chopping block with the DSCC and Beshear Crew. They won’t get them all, but he’ll definitely suffer.
55 jake // Feb 13, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Everyone here knows Greg exists. It’s just that this is how insignificant he is with the insider crowd. Love it or hate it, them’s the apples, hoss.
I personally think it sucks. Especially now that Andrew’s been muscled out of the race.
56 ... // Feb 13, 2008 at 9:33 pm
This is what I’m talking about, Jake.
http://www.ditchmitchky.com/1317/time-to-fight/
Horne wasn’t the only option. Moping about his departure isn’t going to help anything. Fischer has a better chance against Mitch than Lunsford does, I’m sure you can agree.
I’m not going to mention any names, but it seems to me that a lot of bloggers (hell, Dems in general) have egos that are too big to let them move on after they poured their heart and soul into Horne’s efforts.
57 jake // Feb 13, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Who is moping about his departure? People are FIRED UP over the BULLSHIT Chuck Schumer, J.B. Poersch, Steve Beshear, Jennifer Moore, Joe Meyer, et al have pulled. That’s what people are fired up over.
Bruce Lunsford has a better chance of offing McConnell, in my opinion, from a purely financial perspective. When it comes to baggage? I’m sure Fischer is a better option. But let’s get real here. There’s no chance for Fischer. None. And there’s no chance for Bruce.
58 ... // Feb 13, 2008 at 9:43 pm
You don’t provide reasons as to why there’s no chance for Fischer.
There are reasons that Lunsford COULD NEVER beat Mitch McConnell in the General, such as an entire corporate career of Bruce being a bad guy, with testimonials and documents to prove it.
Just because the Democratic establishment is forcing Lunsford down our throats doesn’t mean we have to take it. That’s exactly what we’re fighting against.
59 Steve Magruder (I, not D or R) // Feb 13, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Again, Greg Fischer is a no-name and would have zero chance against Mitch McConnell. Bruce would have a 10% chance — I’ll be generous.
60 Marty // Feb 14, 2008 at 9:14 am
I’m depressed,disillusioned and totally burned out. I was a slave for Andrew, and though Fischer is alleged to be a good person, he has zero experience in government or campaigning, and has zero name recognition even here in Louisville.Andrew..as a Lt.Col in the USMC would get votes in the country JUST BECAUSE OF THESE CREDS. I cannot give Fischer much of a shot at outing the worst Senator in history. I am not sure I can even vote for Lunsford. Shumer and the big boys have given us Mitch again. Some unforeseen and miraculous eveny will need to happen…like a succesful law suit by Heather Ryan against Mitch for colluding in her illegal dismissal from her non-profit position,
61 Kenneth Stepp // Feb 21, 2008 at 6:07 pm
The Democratic Party is not all about money. We have the most voters. Any of the seven remaining Democratic candidates would give “mitch” a contest.
62 jake // Feb 21, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Democrats may not be all about money.
But the Democratic Party most certainly is all about money.
Let’s get real here.
Unfortunately, Kenneth, you must know deep down that you couldn’t beat McConnell if you had $20 million. Nor could any of the other Democrats. Just saying. Reality is necessary in a situation like this.
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