From what I’ve heard today, Lee did get someone testy with Daniel Mongiardo. And rightly so. He can deny it all he wants, but multiple Mongiardo staffers have confirmed it. For that, I think he’s a good man. Good for him for standing up for what’s right.

Shame on Mongiardo & crew for trying to keep him quiet.

we could probably just enjoy the common ground of being happy Lee is finally free of that pathetic Mongiardo campaign.

now he can focus more on the GOOD fight rather than Dan’s nutty one.

correct me if I’m wrong, but (1) I’ve never written about you on B&P, and (2) both Schankula and I replied to you, and you never bothered to reply to us

Nothing but a smirk on my face as I watch Lt. Dan’s campaign implode.

And you and I …believe it or not are NOT enemies. Your anger toward me is based on a SINGLE issues (well maybe 2) which I don’t even agree on.

No the call was forwarded automatically from my office to my cell. Didn’t think it was big deal ..thought you were calling for a “qoute”, so I returned your call. What I DID think was interesting was how you knew I was leaving.

Who are these staffers that are so unhappy. It’s a small staff.

Lee

And… I wouldn’t waste my time… because I never use the phone – I prefer email.

And which races? I find it difficult to believe (one just doesn’t up and leave a U.S. Senate campaign if everything is fine and dandy). But if you’ve found other clientele, good for you.

You didn’t just simply contact me… you repeatedly acted ridiculously and I’ve saved all the messages to prove it. (I think I’ve posted some of them) And you distorted Daniel’s record.

My last name is Payne. And you should know quite well that I wouldn’t waste my time calling you. (I also never refer to myself as “Jake” unless it’s with family or a loved one, at least not while speaking) I’m positive you’ve got something called Caller ID and can identify the individual who called. So. I say prove it. Especially if someone (I imagine it was a drunken redneck) is attempting to impersonate me.

I am proud to say that Daniel Mongiardo has been a friend of mine for many years. My wife and I spent numerous hours back in 2004 in an effort to retire Jim Bunning. We walked neighborhoods, begged for money, and held fundrasiers at our house. I was one of the Littel green men at Fancy Farm that supposedly caused Bunning so much fear. After our sadening defeat, we encouraged DM to run for Governor. His acceptance to be on the ticket with Steve was a VERY happy day for us. As you know that race fielded MANY candidates, and I found myself on the outside with several close friends that supported other tickets. I went out of my way to make sure I kept those relationships in as good a standing as possible, and when the primary was over we joined back up, as Democrats do, and worked together to send Ernie Fletcher packing.

I started assisting DM him back in January in preparation for his US Senate run. Kim Geveden, Joe Graviss, and I were the original three organizers. These two men are also my good friends. Joe Graviss is an outstanding businessman with tremendous people skills. In fact I am glad to have had the opportunity to work with him to learn from him. It was like getting an MBA in 6 months. Kim Geveden has a great mind for strategy.

My reason for leaving the campaign was solely self serving . I wanted to prepare for 4 local races in Madison which I am handling next year as well as picking up a few others. 2010 is a HUGE year with huge opportunites.

As with any candidate you will find that you NEVER agree 100% on the issues, if we did we would call ourselves Republicans and walk lock step as they do. Daniel and I do disagree on some issues, however NEVER have we had a “blow-up” or even rasied our voices toward each other. I do feel Daniel Mongiardo will make a fine US Senator and serve in the seat of Wendell Ford with distinction.

As for finances, that is not my area. I find the whole “asking for money” deal disgusting. I NEVER involved myself with that area in any form. I do know that we had an incredible 1st quarter and will continue to build on that throughout the campaign. I dont know for sure but I believe our avergae donation was in the $100 range, and from a balanced area across the Commonwealth.

Jake your references to my emails as being idiotic is also insulting. I simply contacted you back in February in an effort to bridge the gap between you and Daniel. At the time there were NO other candidates, and I thought you should give us a chance and a look. I can’t imagine that was a problem for you. Jake … you and Joe Sonka (sorry Joe if I spelled your name wrong) tore into me as if I were the enemy. I approached you as a gentleman and NEVER attempted to slam your position or your cause. I just asked if you would be interested in a sit down meeting with Daniel to discuss the race. Now that you have chosen a candidate, I wish you well and am very glad that it is a Democrat. The best campaign with the best message will win in May and hopefully we will stop the infighting and come back to win in November.
Wherever you get your information, you need to verify it before publishing. Someone called my office and said they were Jake Paine and left a number … I called back only to get what I think was a strip club in Louisville. Nice.
I am sure you you will rip this message apart and several more names will be tossed my way. OK, I have fairly thick skin. But from my side there is NO malice here.

Lee Murphy