But, seriously, maybe hide your eyes a bit before you watch this.

Did you know that Brad once drove a Barbie Car? True story.

And he was spotted, on the internets, in a fancy video. You should watch it (pee alert):

And then CLICK HERE to donate to Breeders’ Cup Charities benefiting the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and V Foundation for Cancer Research!

Check it:

Kentucky Republicans connected to the horse industry will find themselves in an interesting predicament next year. The always-pending slots issue has caused much consternation for those of us on the right that see this as an economic development issue and not a moral one. In a state with legal gambling on horse racing, a statewide lottery and an abundance of charitable gaming, the overused/misused word hypocrisy easily comes to mind when considering the social right’s argument.

And yet I have stayed silent on this issue publicly.

-SNIP-

Assuming the worst for Kentucky Republicans, which is more likely? Republican Tom Buford continues to vote for slots as he did this year and one other Republican is swayed out of fear of an electoral minority after 2010, or an amendment passes by a margin of 23 – 15, meaning that three Democrats throw away the pro-slots momentum their party currently enjoys and allows Republicans to claim a victory for the horse industry? Anyone who believes Democrats will give up that power clearly does not understand the underbelly of the political system.

Additionally, the House would have to find eight more votes than it had this year and again ignore the historical boost of momentum Republicans would earn from this legislation. The Democrats who possess a super-majority in the House would have been more likely to publicly admit voting for John McCain in last year’s Presidential election.

Even more concerning though is the cost a referendum would put on the horse industry. Millions of dollars would have to be spent to win this referendum, millions of dollars many horse industry folks do not have to spend, especially after the performance of Kentucky’s Thoroughbred sales this year.  The opposition would be well funded by social conservatives and other lobbying interests who would prefer to see Kentucky without slots. So while the slots issue polls well now, the political climate would be impossible to foretell. As they say, a year equals several lifetimes in politics.

Click here to read the rest of what is sure to send chills down the spines of Republicans across the Commonwealth today.

Dan Kelly has made it through the nomination portion of the show. Will he make it through the talent portion? Will he have to twirl a baton? Maybe wear a swimsuit? Let’s have some catty chatter. [Just Wondering]

Guess who we spotted in the big city newspaper? Our pal Brad’s (remember him? he’s that mean guy who said all those mean things about Jerry Abramson and Metro Animal Services’ Gilles Meloche– before it all came to fruition) wife, Nikki. She is a fancy jewelry designer. I’m glad her stuff will never appear here. [C-J & Her Site]

Comment on Kentucky was funny Friday night. Looks like Kim Geveden’s desire to pin the Mongiardo tapes on Conway is backfiring like woah. Cause this issue isn’t gonna die and the press is just gonna keep on keeping on with the discussion of all the nasty things Lt. Dan has said. Wonder if Kim will push another story during the week to draw attention to Whoregate? (I love how “journalists” are afraid to mention that I brought a story to light unless it’s resulting in a federal investigation.) [KET]

Robert Felner’s trial has finally been set for February 1. What a great Groundhog Day birthday gift. Guess we know where I’ll be for three weeks – if it’s open to press – right? [Nancy Rodriguez]

Wildcat Coal Lodge? Really? That sound you hear are my eyes rolling back in my head as I throw up a little in my mouth. [H-L]

Looks like the C-J loves writing about Jim King. Wonder when they’ll start talking about the myriad lawsuits other candidates have been through? Maybe they should be talking about Hal Heiner’s past. Maybe David Tandy’s problems? Maybe Greg Fischer’s equally interesting past? At least there’s one candidate without a past– Tyler Allen. [Joe Gerth]

On Saturday, President Barack Obama declared a national emergency with respect to the 2009 H1N1 pig flu pandemic. WE ARE ALL GONNA DIE OF THE PIG FLU AND THE POVERTY! OH NOES! [Press Release]

Some teabaggers and a former stripper had a liberty party at Lexington Christian Academy. And the results were hilarious. [Barefoot & Progressive]

But more importantly? Check out this story about Rand Paul’s freedom rally or whatever. Rand Paul says Barack Obama is just like Adolf Hitler (really), praised Glenn Beck, said mountaintop removal doesn’t harm neighboring lands, hated on the gays, and riled up the machine gun crowd. Yet people like Ed Martin and David Adams think he’s a genius because he’s so libertarian and a fiscal genius or whatever. [More B&P]

The best part of this story about Ernie Fletcher: “Glenna answered the door while talking on a hands-free cell phone device.” HAHAHA. Cell phone device. Hahaha. What year is this, again, kids? [State-Journal]

The 2010 budget negotiations in Frankfort are going to strangle the Commonwealth to death. We’re gonna have to turn the lights off and starve our elected “leaders.” Tax reform is going to be necessary. But don’t hold your breath, kids, cause Frankfort will not wake up to reality. Ever. [Tom Loftus]

Debby Yetter, a C-J reporter who can actually accept criticism and knows that any publicity is good publicity, brought up something in a comment, though, that I responded to. And I want to elaborate on.

In mid-July, I criticized Dan Klepal (here, too) for the terrible non-story he wrote about a press conference Brad Cummings held. The media event addressed the corruption of outgoing Mayor Jerry Abramson, but you never would have known it after reading Klepal’s story. I called him out. He couldn’t handle it, so he melted down via email – again, from work.

Let’s take a look at some on-the-record emails he sent…

Subject: Cummings post
From: Dan Klepal
Date: 7/10/09 10:48 AM

“Dan Klepal, who is complicit in apologizing for Jerry Abramson’s corruption…”

Wow, Jake, kinda over the top, dontcha think? Not to mention untrue.

If you had bothered to read Brad’s speech, he credits me with breaking one of the scandals mentioned.

But that’s cool. I understand the blogs aren’t constrained by pesky facts or sources.

Maybe I should buy an ad so you don’t write bad things about me anymore. Sources tell me that’s all it takes.

How much does that cost?

DK

Peep the rest of Dan’s personal attacks post-criticism after the jump…

My response:

Subject: Re: Cummings post
From: Jacob Payne
Date: Friday, July 10, 2009, 11:11 AM

Dan–

You didn’t once mention any of the specifics Brad covered during his press conference. That’s a fact. I published his entire speech – and video of it, along with questions you asked of him – so there’s some good sourcing.

You’re full of it for suggesting we don’t criticize advertisers. Have you seen the nasty and legitimate things I’ve written about Jim King? Katie King? Mitch McConnell? Bruce Lunsford? Chris Thieneman? The Libraries Yes! Campaign? Bluegrass Freedom Fund? Kentucky Democratic Party? Yeah, we SO give advertisers special treatment and breaks from criticism.

If you weren’t complicit, you would have mentioned the legitimate criticisms of Jerry Abramson – along with an examination of whether or not they were legitimate. Your story was devoid of any information about the actual press conference.

I’ll chalk your bitterness up to all the layoffs these days. That must suck. Because most folks can handle criticism without getting their panties in a twist.

Thanks for cracking me up.

Obviously, Dan didn’t like it. So he responded, admitting that his bosses have an agenda and edited everything out of his story (imagine that – something he now tries to spin as not the case with other stories – and he wonders why no one believes Tyler Allen will get a fair shake):

Subject: Re: Cummings post
From: Dan Klepal
Date: 7/10/09 11:52 AM

Wow. You’ve got quite a hair trigger thare.

It sure doesn’t sound like it’s my “panties” that are in a twist. Guess something I wrote hit close to home.

And I’m not bitter about anything, Jake. I was just trying to set the record straight, which is an obvious waste of time. But that’s OK.

A question: Did you ever even stop and wonder what the original story about that press conference looked like before it was edited and reduced in size to fit a pre-determined hole in the newspaper?

Didn’t think so.

That’s cool, too. We all make mistakes.

The Bunton reporting I did, along with dozens of other stories that have given voice to the minority on the council and citizens growing ever more leary of our Mayor For Life, have the Abramson crew almost continually complaining to my bosses. So you should be cracking up. Your posts are hilarious. I laughed at them too.

Good luck. And I’ll be seeing you on your funny pages, I’m sure.

DK

Never to be outdone by an apologist who is complicit in the corporate death of mainstream journalism:

Subject: Re: Cummings post
From: Jacob Payne
Date: Friday, July 10, 2009, 11:58 AM

I believe I’ve said on a number of occasions that it’s possible your editors nixed all pertinent content – but that you’re still complicit for allowing your name to be attached.

You can attack my credibility all you want. But you’re still reading. Your coworkers are reading. And I’ll still be in operation after Gannett finishes drowning a once-great publication.

Apparently Dan didn’t like that, either, because here’s his response:

Subject: Re: Cummings post
From: Dan Klepal
Date: 07/10/09 11:59 AM

Now THAT’S funny.

Guess it really is funny that his industry is dying and dozens upon dozens of his coworkers have lost their jobs, eh?

Since then, Klepal has spent nearly 24/7 reading our websites and complaining whenever his paper is criticized. Most recently freaking out, publicly, over an issue that would have fallen by the wayside in a matter of hours if it had been ignored.

And for the record: No, nothing was confidential about those emails. He was not serving as a source, tipster or anything of the sort.  He couldn’t deal with criticism and immediately started off accusing me of being bought and paid for. None of this would be of any importance if he hadn’t done something similar and started with personal attacks in the comments yesterday.

Blows my mind that I can say – out loud, in public – that I’m baiting people and they’ll still take the bait.

Before I share the press release with you, there are a couple quick things to say:

Brad is what’s right with the Republican Party. He’s a young guy with a good heart. He’s not swayed by bullshiz. He’s not a gay-hater. He’s not a rabid mouth-breather. He’s everyday and just one of us. A good person.

We’ve all seen him rebuild his local Party in the face of adversity. He’s gotten young people excited about political service. He’s given up his own personal life to develop an infrastructure that has never before existed in the greater Louisville area. While I often disagree with him politically, there’s no denying that he’s achieved a lot through hard and honest work. Impressive fundraising feats, actual messaging strategy, intelligent press conferences that were never partisan nightmares. He’s to be commended from both sides of the aisle.

The release:

Louisville, KY – After nearly a year and a half as Jefferson County Republican Party Chairman, Brad Cummings has elected to step down to pursue other business interests.

“The opportunity to serve Louisville Republicans as Chairman has been the greatest professional joy and challenge of my life to this point,” said Brad Cummings. “We have accomplished much in the time I have been in office, working hard to unite Republicans across Jefferson County and taking on a Mayor who has overstayed his welcome.”

Cummings most notably laid out a case against Mayor Jerry Abramson’s post-merger administration, highlighting questionable hiring practices and ethical lapses of judgment that infringed upon the taxpayers of Louisville. Shortly after the widely covered press conference, Mayor Abramson announced he would not seek a third term.

Peep the rest after the jump… also read Brad’s letter to the Party… clicky clicky!

Cummings also fought for increased transparency in Metro government, stood up strongly for Republican candidates, spoke passionately about minority concerns and oversaw a technological transition that has allowed the county party to be more in touch with Republicans than ever before.

“I hope my legacy is one of uniting a party that has strong support from Valley Station to Prospect,” said Cummings. “In order to serve our community effectively, Republicans need to have a strong voice for fiscal responsibility, transparency and ethics. The best way to accomplish these goals is to have a unified operation, something I know we will continue to pursue after I have left.”

Upon his resignation, J. T. “Jerry” Miller was elected the next JCRP Chairman by acclamation at Tuesday night’s meeting. A CPA, health-care executive for 27 years and a former Commissioner of Kentucky’s State Parks, Jerry brings a wealth of executive experience to the Republican Party.

“I am honored to have worked with Brad this last year and a half and look forward to further implementing the vision we have all worked so hard to accomplish,” said Miller.

I will work hard to build Jefferson County’s Republican Party, and to communicate our vision for an effective government that delivers value for our tax dollars. With the foundation already set in place with Brad’s leadership, I am confident we will set ourselves up for victory in 2010 and beyond.

And here’s Brad’s letter:

Dear Fellow Republicans,

I am writing this email to let you know I have decided to step down as Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. Considering my growing business interests and after much discussion with my wife about our future, it is with a heavy heart that I announce I am leaving this position I have loved so much.

For nearly a year and a half, I have had the extreme joy of meeting Republicans from all over Jefferson County at events such as our annual county picnic, the Kentucky State Fair and the many volunteer appreciation days we have held. Your passion for a unified and active party structure has helped us continue that momentum each and every day.

Under my watch, we have significantly updated our outreach capabilities by creating a new website and compiling an ever-growing email list of Jefferson County Republicans. We have identified new poll workers and attracted hundreds of volunteers to our 72-hour Victory Office. And we distributed thousands of yard signs and supplemented many local candidates with volunteers to knock on doors and deliver our message of fiscal responsibility, transparency and ethics reform.

Additionally, we have taken strong stances against corruption in Metro Government when it was appropriate. We stood up for transparency, opposed the Mayor’s cronyism in his appointment of now County Attorney Mike O’Connell and made an effective 30-minute case against another term for Jerry Abramson. While I am sure we were not the only factor in his decision, it was my proudest moment to find that the Mayor decided not to seek a third term shortly after our press conference.

And while there is no doubt 2008 was a difficult year for our party, we only lost one seat on the Metro Council and held serve in every other election. Most importantly, Senator Mitch McConnell was sent back to the US Senate for another six years to continue the important work he has done for years.

That being said, I have a growing belief that 2010 will be a different story. With the national tide turning towards less government and lower taxes, the Republican Party locally will be well positioned to capitalize on this momentum. We must make it our goal to let Single Payer John Yarmuth know that when you don’t listen to your constituents, a heavy price will be paid. We must continue to hold onto the many Metro Council districts up for reelection and target those areas we believe can be Republican pick-ups. We must fight to keep Bobbie Holsclaw as our County Clerk. And we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to win back the Mayor’s office for the first time in over 40 years.

However, none of this can be done without your efforts. In the next day or so, you will hear from our new county chairman, J. T. “Jerry” Miller, a man I have every confidence will continue the important work we have started. Jerry has been an incredible confidant and leader during my tenure as chairman and he has my undying support as my successor. Please know that I leave the county party in extremely capable hands.

I would like to thank Ellen Reitmeyer who has been a strong and passionate Vice Chair, David Grider for his willingness to serve in the thankless position of Secretary, Ryan Pogue for his intelligence and ability to learn quickly as Treasurer and Wade Hurt for his rock hard belief that one day Jefferson County will be a Republican county. I thank those who have served on the Steering Committee throughout my tenure and the many upstanding Republicans who have served on the JCRP Executive Committee. You all have my everlasting love and appreciation.

Most importantly, this is not a good bye. More than anything about being chairman, I treasure the friendships I have made with those who may not have felt like part of the process before. Your kind words and support have filled my heart more than you will ever know. Thank you for buying into the vision we have set forth and for your continued engagement in the political process. I will still be actively engaged in the local party and will work along side each of you to help get strong Republican candidates elected to office.

Forever in Victory,

Brad Cummings
Former Chairman
Jefferson County Republican Party

We wish Brad the best! And if some enterprising candidate somewhere is smart, they’ll try to snatch him up as an advisor (at the very least) ASAP.

Will you attend?

Details:

• Central High School
  1130 West Chestnut St
  Louisville, KY 40203
• Starts @ 6:30, doors open @ 5
• Got questions? Call Yarmuth’s office at 502.582.5129

Should be interesting, right?

The local GOP’s latest email blast, though, is stirring up trouble. “WEAR YOUR HEALTHCARE CONCERNS ON YOUR CHEST!” proclaims the email’s subject. The Repubs are selling these shirts:

For $15.

Call us crazy, but we love how closed-minded and ignorant Brad Cummings and his fellow Party members have become. Can’t wait for their death panel t-shirts. Or maybe an after birther t-shirt.

And whattya know?

Robocalls are going out all over town from telephone number 502.895.5025 – Frank Simon’s Doctors for Life organization. At an event last evening, organizers told attendees they were unaffiliated with any group. But the number on their material? Those same telephone digits.

Last night, the sham organization otherwise known as the Family Foundation spewed out an email blast promoting the events across the Commonwealth.

“The Ultimate Appointment” being held in Louisville, Kentucky. “We have heard much in the news about controversy surrounding Townhalls, but nothing on the substance of what the proposed massive government overhaul of healthcare will do to patient care on a day-to-day basis,” said Edmunds. Two concerned moms organized the event, paid for a meeting place, and then asked Edmunds, who works as a policy analyst for The Family Foundation, to moderate the event and serve as spokesman. “These two moms have assembled a top-notch physician panel including a world renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, a Mayo Clinic-trained oncologist, several experts in their field of specialty, and they have also brought in an award-winning bioethicist,” Edmunds explained. All regional elected representatives have been invited, with many confirming.

Those two random, unconnected women organizing the event? They claimed to be wives of physicians who just wanted to put something together themselves. They were feigning outrage over Barack Obama’s proposed health care plans and promised they were independent. The same folks who were ticked on the Facebook machine that John Yarmuth wouldn’t attend their fake forum. The same folks Local GOP Chairman Brad Cummings touted as legitimate.

Francene Cucinello, host of The Francene Show on 84WHAS, mentioned the event briefly today. Initially she had been told the physicians wouldn’t be participating because they were too busy with their respective patients. But she learned later (from a listener) that at least one still planned to attend. Francene, of course made that mention as well.

In the interim, however, much backtracking took place and tempers flared with event organizers and those claiming responsibility. As soon as Francene mentioned the new development, within minutes she started receiving email from listeners connecting the dots. And here we are.

After all that hubbub from the ladies and that this was merely a grassroots, personal initiative? That’s right– we find out that couldn’t be further from reality. Fronting for Frank Simon and company.

Everyone wondered why there were never official press releases and why the two women organizing the event were behaving in such shady manners. Now you know.

UPDATE: Brad says he had no idea Frank Simon was involved.

Matthew Barzun was confirmed by the full U.S. Senate as Ambassador to Sweden. Congratulations, Matthew!  Anne Northup also confirmed. [WFPL]

Lt. Dan just got his rear-end handed to him by Richard Becker. Great flashback. [Barefoot & Progressive]

Republicans are so afraid of Jack Conway that they’re promoting Daniel Mongiardo’s attack homophobe’s talking point. They suggest the use of “bitch” is as bad as George Allen’s racist and bigoted usage of “macaca” to describe a non-white young man. Like one commenter suggests, referring to oneself with colorful language is hardly the equivalent of using racist attack language to demean another person. The attack homophobe, of course, is known for his usage of profanity and closed-minded attacks. Daily Kos commenters aren’t buying it. [EITB & Daily Kos]

What? Even MORE evidence that the faux health care “town halls” are pure Republican propaganda? As if the Republican Party in Kentucky is pushing them all over the place – Like Louisville – wasn’t enough. [HuffPo]

Wait, wait – here’s even more proof. The Jefferson County Republican Party, chaired by Brad Cummings, sent out an email blast promoting a protest sponsored by the American Small Business Partnership to promote the faux health care “town hall” designed as a front to attack John Yarmuth. Takes place on Monday, August 4, 11:45 A.M. @ Yarmuth’s office on 600 Martin Luther King Junior Place. The email closes with, “You pay his salary and the salaries of his staff. The least he can do is show up and let you be heard.” Nevermind

The Democratic Kentucky Senate race has made it to the Number 5 spot from the previous rank of 7 with The Fix. [Washington Post]

Joe Gerth says that Stephen Colbert “took aim” at Jack Conway but neglects to mention that Colbert hit Daniel Mongiardo for being ridiculous. [C-J]

Are you ready for this? The big announcement Steve Beshear and Jerry Abramson made today: church conventions are coming ot the arena. Millions of Pentacostals will be flooding downtown Louisville.  Did Jeebus send the rains on Tuesday to wash the original presser out?  The strip joints and liquor wholesalers are no doubt wetting themselves as we speak.  [The 'Ville Voice]

Like I said earlier, this story is way too hyped up and the Mongiardo Campaign most certainly is responsible. [Joe Arnold]

HAHAHA! The Paultards called me a troll. We’re apparently upset that Ro… Rand Paul announced his candidacy on Faux News. And we only have 12 readers. Cute how the Paultard boss lost his shiz over direct links to this site. [When Paultards Attack]

It’s official. Rand Paul thinks the U.S. Senate race is a joke and he’s named a blogger as his campaign manager. Cannot. Breathe. From. Laughter. Adams even said he needed help promoting the press release on the Twitter machine. Guess they fired the guy who said Rand would vote for people in New York and California. Hahahahha. [Trey Grayson Just Won]