Haha, so, funny story. We’re finally back at the computer and are getting work down. Here are the fancy new committee heads in the State House:

A & R, Rick Rand* (click here for the full committee list)

Ag & Small Business, Tom McKee*

Banking & Insurance, Jeff Greer

Economic Development, Ruth Ann Palumbo

Education, Carl Rollins*

Elections, Constitutional Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs, Darryl Owens

Health & Welfare, Tom Burch*

Judiciary, John Tilley*

Labor & Industry, Rick Nelson*

Licensing & Occupations, Dennis Keene

Local Government, Steve Riggs*

Natural Resources & Environment, Jim Gooch

Seniors, Military Affairs & Public Protection, Tanya Pullin*

State Government, Mike Cherry*

Subcommittee on BRAC, Jeff Greer

Tourism Development & Energy, Eddie Ballard*

Transportation, Hubie Collins

* these are the ones who may have lied to Richards and/or Stumbo about their support and is only an educated guess on our part

And more along those lines, The Paducah Sun is all up on Greg Stumbo. Thanks to some fancy copyright lawbreaking, Osi has provided a lot of text for us (seriously, thanks):

The Paducah Sun/Editorial
CHANGE?
Local representatives naive about Stumbo

“I’ve known Greg for a long time, and even though some of us from western Kentucky supported Jody, (Stumbo) understands that and won’t hold a grudge.”

Fred Nesler
Representative from Mayfield

We wish we shared Mike Cherry’s optimism.

The state representative from Princeton says Greg’s Stumbo’s victory in the race for speaker of the House won’t hurt western Kentucky. Even though Stumbo’s victory now means all the House leadership hails from east of the Purchase, Rep. Cherry is confident that this end of the state will still get its “fair share.” Mm-hmm.

Of course, Cherry also predicted Stumbo’s challenge would fall short. As did Reps. Fred Nesler of Mayfield and Rep. Will Coursey of Benton. All three not only supported incumbent Jody Richards, speaker since 1995, but voiced confidence that Richards would win re-election. Handily.

Memo to the local Democratic delegation: Greg Stumbo plays to win. And he doesn’t appreciate those who stand in his way.

Nesler said, “I’ve known Greg for a long time, and even though some of us from western Kentucky supported Jody, (Stumbo) understands that and won’t hold a grudge.”

We wouldn’t bank on that. This is Greg Stumbo. He kicks you-know-what and takes names. If you don’t think he’ll remember those who opposed him, let us refresh your memory on the new king of the House.

P.S. The H-L has the full committee assignments list here.