Isn’t it entertaining to watch reporters act surprised to find out Hal Rogers has earmarked more than $7 million since 2002 to directly benefit his family? [H-L]

Mitt Romney’s mormon cultism or whatever it is he’s calling it doesn’t sell well with the American people. Here’s just one tiny example of why people will think he’s crazy when the time comes for him to really campaign. [Wonkette]

Do you trust Republicans in Warshington to put an end to insider trading in Congress? You shouldn’t – not if you don’t trust the Democrats. [HuffPo]

Papaw Beshear says there’s plenty of time remaining in the legislative session to address the expansion of gambling. [Bluegrass Politics]

Why is it the current state of affairs that we’re forced to shop around for surgery in the United States of America? Making health care costs transparent is a good thing but let’s get real. [The Economist]

Meet the obscure regulator who is not helping homeowners. This is why America can’t have nice things. [Pro Publica]

The payroll tax cut extension isn’t just a mess in the making. It’s been a nightmare for a long time. [Politico]

Here’s a shocker: second-hand smoke in cars with kids is a bad thing. [NPR]

It’s still hilarious to us that there are communities in Kentucky that refuse to allow alcohol sales. [H-L]

Just because the woman that crazy constable guy shot got arrested for drugs? Doesn’t mean his actions are okay. [C-J/AKN]

Lawwwd, you can’t even drive around near Georgetown College these days without getting car jacked. [WLEX18]

How do you feel about Sylvia Lovely getting to continually play with your tax dollars? [Page One]

Turns out he was arrested for DUI (arraignment tomorrow) in Franklin County.

And he’s mysteriously been moved from Constituent Services to the Department for Local Government. Still making $80,000 per year, though as a staff assistant.

That’s how state government works. If it’s not young Republicans running rampant with perceived power, it’s the Democratic good old boy network protecting their own with mountains of cash.

Since there’s no compromise on congressional redistricting in and no one in Frankfort is mature enough to do what’s best for Kentucky? It’s likely going to be decided in court. [H-L]

The 9th Circuit Court says Proposition 8 in California is unconstitutional. So you know the mouth-breathers are crapping their pants. Even in Kentucky. [The Advocate]

In a new teevee interview, Daniel Mongiardo basically admits he didn’t like being lieutenant governor because he didn’t get to make decisions and didn’t get to make anything happen. [WYMT]

Ruth Ann Palumbo and the bullshiz brigade are on a mission to spin like crazy over her multiple types of voter fraud. It’s okay, though, because she’s a Democrat. [We Get Comments]

Is Kentucky saved now that Janie Miller has been sacrificed at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services? Of course not. But her ignorance and assholery sure won’t be missed. [Press Release]

Circuit Judge Thomas Gill is criticizing Steve Beshear for fighting the release of child abuse death records. [H-L]

Here’s how the Bowling Green Daily News is looking at Miller’s resignation. She’s merely moving on to seek other opportunities. Ha. [BGDN]

Meanwhile, the governor is working to strangle the judiciary in Kentucky. Which shouldn’t surprise a single person in Kentucky. [Debby Yetter]

Mitch McConnell is queening out like Princess Damon Thayer over the potential end of the electoral college. Because it’s just absurd to them that the popular vote may count for something. [Salon]

Here’s Mitch McConnell getting angry over birth control. I mean, can you imagine a world where birth control has to be provided to people under their health insurance plan? So silly that the U.S. would try to prevent the sex pervert catholics from discriminating, isn’t it? Mitch is all angry over birth control because he’s never had to worry about it. You can speculate about the reasons why. [CBS News]

What’s that? Huh? Oh, you mean the catholic big whigs are now saying they regret apologizing for the child sex abuse scandals? And trusting them is crazier than trusting Sylvia Lovely with a $5 bill? [HuffPo]

On a scale of 1 to a certain closet case Republican state senator mixed with a closet case Northern Kentucky Democrat who wishes he could run for office, how gay is Rick Santorum? [Wonkette]

Central Kentucky Wellness Center.

A PAIN CLINIC.

You’re welcome.

UPDATE: Gonna leave this post up a while – postponing further updates – just to let this sink in a while.

UPDATE @ 6:00 P.M. Eastern:

Has our point hit home yet?

It what world is it okay for this woman – who has already fleeced taxpayers of millions – to lobby our legislature to continue fleecing the taxpayers?

You wouldn’t believe the heat we’ve taken for leaving this post up all day but you know what?

It’s fucked up that Sylvia Lovely is getting away with this bullshit.

Kentucky doesn’t discriminate against the gays who want to adopt children, thanks to David Williams and bitter coward Bob Stivers. But Virginia sure does. [HuffPo]

Small pharmacies across Kentucky say problems with the Commonwealth’s managed care system are threatening their livelihood. [Debby Yetter & Mike Wynn]

Lawwwd, Bill Summers has finally retired from Louisville Metro Gubmint. The interim police chief will replace him. [WFPL]

On a scale of 1 to 10, how serious do you think these folks are about fighting the pill epidemic in Kentucky? [WKYT]

It’s time for a reminder to Ruth Ann Palumbo that she could faces charges just like this. And this guy was convicted. Voter fraud is a serious issue and she needs to be legally dealt with. No one in Frankfort wants to take action, though, because she’s a Democrat. [FOX41 & Politico]

This story about some high school students in Morehead making an astronomical discovery is so cool we have to link to it again. Be sure to read this. [H-L]

What is it about Republicans in Congress who believe THE ONION is an actual news service? PEE ALERT. [Wonkette]

Just when you think it can’t get any worse, another Republican runs a super-racist television spot during the Super Bowl. [HuffPo]

Just because we’re tired of mouth-breathers foaming at the mouth about abortion? Go read this story about the morning after pill and how it works. [NPR]

We heard from Joe Riffe over the weekend. He’s the Louisville EMS worker who had his leg amputated and is getting the shaft by Greg Fischer and crew. [The 'Ville Voice]

Sorry, if you work for a charity, you should not be flying first class. That is absolutely ridiculous. [WaPo]

Ruh ro.

Another grocery store in the poorer end of Bowling Green has closed. The food deserts are growing all over the state. [BGDN]

A bunch of Kentucky’s school districts are run by absolute brainless whackadoos, as we’ve proved here time and again. So leaving the drop-out age up to school districts? Really? Well, you get what you pay for. [CN|2]

How long have we been yelling about Frankfort not doing enough to promote the bourbon industry in Kentucky? [H-L]

Remember William Shackleford? He’s got a documentary coming out about black metal called Out of the Black. [Site & Video]

The more things play out in Frankfort, the less likely a gambling bill that will pass seems realistic. Primarily because Steve Beshear still has not met with legislators. [C-J/AKN]

Do America’s infrastructure problems go beyond crumbling roads and bridges? [HuffPo]

How can a police chief in a city the size of Georgetown be “relieved” of his duties without an explanation? [H-L]

Because it seems this story is about to spiral out of control unless some folks in Georgetown start talking about what went down. [WKYT]

A forum is being held on Monday, February 6 from 10:00 A.M. to noon in Booth Auditorium at the University of Pikeville to discuss its potential move into the state system. [News-Express]

Rick Santorum, the political genius, says you will have health care if you stop buying iPads and such. Because you have money for that and all. [Wonkette]

He really is a genius, warning of America’s demise and scaring meemaw and poppop half to death. [HuffPo]

Publisher of A Kentucky Newspaper, Arnold Garson, is retiring on March 2. You knew this was just a temporary dumping ground for him. Did he even bother putting Kentucky plates on his vehicle? [Deep Newspaper Thoughts]

So he’s spamming this Legislative Ethics Commission opinion all over the place:

KENTUCKY LEGISLATIVE ETHICS COMMISSION
22 Mill Creek Park
Frankfort,.KY 40601
Phone 502-573-2863
Fax 502-573-2929

January 31, 2012

Sen. Damon Thayer
Capitol Annex, Room 209
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601

Dear Sen. Thayer:

Thank you for contacting the Legislative Ethics Commission with your question regarding whether a legislator who has business clients such as thoroughbred horse farms is allowed by state law to support a proposed constitutional amendment relating to casino gaming, which if adopted, may benefit horse racing and other areas.

The short answer to your question is “yes”a legislator in such a situation may sponsor, discuss, and vote for or against a proposed constitutional amendment relating to casino gaming.

In 2008, the Legislative Ethics Commission issued an opinion (OLEC 08-01), which addressed a similar question regarding a proposed constitutional amendment on casino gaming, except in that situation, the legislator’s employer was interested in operating a gaming facility if an amendment was adopted. OLEC 08-01 states as follows:

On potential conflict of interest questions, such as. this, the relevant statute in the Kentucky Code of Legislative Ethics is KRS 6.761. That statute forbids a legislator from participating in the discussion of a question in committee or on the floor of the General Assembly or from voting or making any decision in his legislative capacity on any matter in which he, a member of his family, or a “business associate” will derive a direct monetary gain or suffer a direct monetary loss as a result of his vote or decision. KRS 6.611 (5) defines “business associate” to include an employer.

Assuming that clients of a legislator’s business may be considered “business associates”, within the meaning of the Ethics Code [See KRS 6.611(5)], neither the clients nor the legislator would derive a direct monetary gain or loss from legislation which would submit a proposed constitutional amendment to the voters for their acceptance or rejection.

What this empty opinion doesn’t address – because we all know the LEC has absolutely no strength (Keith Hall much?) – is that Thayer’s clients are the very people pushing for the expansion of gambling solely so thoroughbred race tracks and the horse industry in general can reap the financial benefits.

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Ole gurl needs to come clean so folks like us who support gambling can know he’s not a run-of-the-mill crook.

Have you seen this hilarity? Damon Thayer is attacking the Herald-Leader for “misleading” despite everything reported by John Cheves being 100% accurate. Damon IS refusing to release the identify of his horsey and gambling clients. So, naturally, he’s gotta queen out about being held to the same standards that everyone else is held to. [Twitter]

According to the latest polling, Binack Nobama wins against both Mittens and Toot. [Daily Kos]

While Chris Hightower had some problems in 2010 over MySpace, the postings weren’t his and Kenny Coleslaw’s decision not to include those details is unfortunate. While it really was stupid of Hightower to have left the comments made by others on his profile for as long as he did, that should be detailed in a mainstream story. The real issue is that Hightower was stupid enough to leave bait like that for me to find. The even more real issue is that Rand’s staff (David Adams, who later threw Hightower under the bus with me) was too inexperienced to vet everything. [WFPL]

Prosecutors are warning of layoffs and furloughs if budgets are cut again. So, of course, budgets will be cut again. This is why Kentucky can’t have nice things. [H-L]

This needs to happen to Kentucky’s fetal seance legislation! Hero Virginia state Senator Janet Howell responded to another one of these stoopid bills requiring women seeking an abortion to first undergo a medically pointless ultrasound with a very smart amendment: every man seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction would also by law have to undergo a rectal exam and heart test to get a Viagra prescription. [Wonkette]

Walter Blevins, Jr. and the Senate Democrats thought they were pulling a fast one. They’d planned for him to withdraw at the last minute so no one could get their ducks in a row to file for the spot. Now they’re complaining about making a mistake. [Ronnie Ellis]

Human services are in peril for elderly and disabled Kentuckians. Frankfort does not respect its elders. [Debby Yetter]

Your favorite mormon cultist, Mittens Romney, won the Floriduh primary last night. He’ll soon share details of the white salamander and the planet(s) he believes he will rule in the afterlife or whatever. [HuffPo]

Uh, this burglar was nude and had food rubbed all over his body when police arrived at the Food World in Neon. [WYMT]

A paramedic in Louisville is being ignored by Greg Fischer and most of his administration after an amputation. Meanwhile, the Parks director was allowed to keep his job after driving drunk in a city-owned vehicle, Metro Animal Services is killing more than ever before, the head of the Metro Sewer District was excoriated in an audit but allowed to keep a $200,000 bonus. You can see where their priorities are. [The 'Ville Voice]

Every time we mention Ruth Ann Palumbo and the lack of real legislative ethics in Kentucky, we get threatened. So we’re mentioning the mess again. If Ruth Ann lived in Indiana, she’d probably be facing indictment right now. [Page One]

Some old West Liberty man pleaded guilty to selling mountains of cocaine. Really. Cocaine. All over Eastern Kentucky. [H-L]

Walter Blevins, Jr. has decided not to seek re-election. Eastern Kentuckians aren’t happy about it. [Ruh Ro]

The local press in the Fourth District is paying close attention to Thomas Massie’s candidacy to replace Geoff Davis in the U.S. Congress. [Ashland Independent]

Poor people in the United States pay way more for care insurance than the wealthy. Don’t act like you’re surprised in the least. [HuffPo]

Mitch McConnell’s new revisionist history is about the worst we’ve seen out of him in a long time. [TPM]

One of the sad things about Greg Fischer’s lack of any sort of experience is watching EMS workers like this guy suffer the consequences. [The 'Ville Voice]

Did you know that February is EARTHQUAKE AWARENESS MONTH in Kentucky? The more you know, kids. [SoS]

The Cabinet for Health and Family Services received a $600,000 federal grant – handed over by the Governor’s Office of Electronic Health Information – to connect behavioral health and primary care providers. We can’t help but wonder if those funds wouldn’t be better spent making sure social worker caseloads weren’t outrageous. [Press Release]

Will Warshington do the right thing and stop insider trading by lawmakers? [The Consumerist]

Dear Kenny Coleslaw: You should have included quotes from Steve Beshear saying we WOULD NOT consider tax reform in Kentucky. That would maybe prove he’s lying his ass off about flip-flopping. And it’s not just now that people are talking about this. [WFPL]

Former Rand Paul staffer Chris Hightower filed today to run for the State House. Mainstreamers are clamoring for the opportunity to interview him so they can dredge up the Paul campaign history. They likely won’t mention that all of the shenanigans were caused by David Adams and will attempt to lay all blame at the feet of Hightower. [Page One]

Can you hear them now? The Federal Reserve is making its views heard loudly and clearly. [The Economist]

Remember the McDonald’s incident in 2004 where a crank caller talked a manager into forcing an employee to strip? There’s a film about it. It premiered at Sundance. [Sundance]

A hearing over redistricting maps will be held Monday. So the filing deadline has officially been put on hold in Kentucky. [Ryan Alessi]