Worst kept secret ever? Richie Farmer says he’s considering a run for governor. If he runs? Steve Beshear is finished. [Bluegrass Politics]

Heh. Going Rouge goes live on the teevee. This book mocking Sarah Palin is sure to be a hit and will confuse mouthbreathers. [The Nation]

Want some surplus gubmint property? Hit up the state site. [Clicky Clicky]

Jerry Abramson has a disgusting mess on his hands in Louisville these days. He knew his pick to head Metro Animal Services has a corrupt and sickening past and he still appointed him. And he’s stood by as more and more corruption has surfaced over the years. Read it all. [The ‘Ville Voice]

Oh, wait, the guy was finally forced to resign. [More ‘Ville Voice]

Despite student protests and national media embarrassment, trustees approved the silly Wildcat Coal Lodge on the University of Kentucky campus. [H-L]

The U.S. Census Bureau released poverty data on Kentucky counties with populations of 20,000+. Of those 55 counties, 41 have higher rates of poverty than the national average of 13.2%. 27 have rates higher than the state average of 17.3%. Of the 44 counties with child populations 20K+, three have child poverty rates higher than 40%: Floyd, Harlan and Perry. [Kentucky Youth Advocates Press Release]

If you can’t beat em, appoint em. That appears to be Governor Steve Beshear’s new credo as he uses his appointment powers to try to reduce the number of Republicans in the GOP-controlled Senate. It’s the governor’s latest tactic in his bid to bring casino gambling to the state. [Tony McVeigh]

Mitch RED CHINA McConnell says a vote for cloture is a vote for Democratic health care reform. Duh. [The Hill]

Frankfort is abuzz with talk about Helen Mountjoy. Dozens of questions are flying about. Many folks want to know why the KCTCS is suing the Messenger Inquirer to keep the former President’s (of OCTCS) evaluation secret. Especially in light of the recent Jefferson County ruling from the Office of the Attorney General. [Frankfort Rumor Mill]

Louisville Public Media’s fall membership campaign raised more than $400,000 and generated 1,133 new members. [Business First]