Holsinger said Tuesday through a spokeswoman that he appreciated the appointment to the council.

“Clearly a major issue for Kentuckians and all Americans is our sedentary lifestyle which markedly contributes to the obesity epidemic,” he said. “I look forward to the opportunity to continue my efforts at dealing with this major issue at a national level.”

Looks like Holsinger’s gonna have a pretty fancy 13-day reign. Heh.

Congressman John Yarmuth attacked Anne Northup’s position on big oil in a release: “Anne Northup needs to come clean on her energy position. Today, she announced that she will continue to support the Bush policies that got us in this mess in the first place,” Congressman Yarmuth said. “She has over a half a million dollars in gas, oil and energy company stocks and continues to make a fortune off the high gas prices Louisville families are paying at the pump. She has funded her campaigns with over $300,000 from big oil. I answer only to the people of Louisville, and I will continue to put the needs of our families first. We have already enacted the most comprehensive energy reform policy in 30 years, and we will continue to advance innovative legislation that combats high energy costs and shifts to a more energy efficient economy.”

Thankfully, even Jim Bunning recognizes that Dr. James Holsinger’s chances at being the next U.S. Surgeon General are zero. Everyone thank jeebus or whatever! It’s over. No more Holsinger sexism and homophobia. [H-L]

That Mark Nickolas settlement with the state? Yeah, his attorneys got $10,000 out of it. We seem to remember all of this was being done for free since it was Public Citizen representing him. $10,000. For that. Outraged yet? And no, David Adams, the case against the state wasn’t “lost” – recall a few months ago when the ban was lifted. The suit was rendered useless at that point. Oh, guess who was in charge of giving Nickolas the $10K. [C-J, Settlement Document]

Mainstream media is on the Cauley-Edelen thing. Hebert’s got the story and it’s not so positive for Steve Beshear. It’s short, but you’ve gotta read it. [Mark Hebert]

From the Steve Henry Financial Playbook Dept

An investigation into George Bush’s nominee for Surgeon General, gay-hating Dr. James Holsinger, used the sale of a United Methodist Church-owned hospital in Kentucky as a cash cow for his personal ambitions.

It took years of litigation by the church to get to the bottom of what happened to its money, only to learn that Holsinger diverted millions to endow professorships at the Chandler Medical Center at UK where he served as Chancellor and chief fundraiser.

Will the Senate question Holsinger’s ethics?