While Gas Station Governor Steve Beshear’s entire staff is working to elect Jodie Haydon in a special senate election today, he’s busy downplaying expectations:

The governor said Tuesday’s special election in the 14th Senate District will not be a referendum on gambling, him, or Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville. Beshear has used his power of appointment to name Republican Senators to lucrative state jobs, opening seats for Democratic takeovers in special elections in pursuit of votes to pass a measure to authorize video lottery terminals at horse tracks.

But Beshear wouldn’t predict a win for Democrat Jodie Haydon over Republican Jimmy Higdon in Tuesday’s race.

“That’s a district that’s been represented by a Republican for 20 years, so it’s going to be a difficult election,” Beshear said. “I think it’s going to be close.”

Why is he suddenly wussing out?

“He said his administration has made Kentucky government more efficient and more ethical and managed to pass bi-partisan measures such as state pension reform, several budget revisions as state revenues declined, and dealt effectively with such natural disasters as the remnants of Hurricane Ike, flooding in Louisville and eastern Kentucky, and the ice storm of last winter.”

And, uh, Gubnuh? Pension reform was something that both Democrats and Republicans in the State Senate started championing in 2007. Remember that you initially pooh-poohed it.

Do you mean cigarette and booze taxes when you say “several budget revisions”?

I think most people in Western Kentucky would disagree with you about storm cleanup.

Jesus H. This revisionist history tour has got to stop.