Now that his district is intact, maybe?

While he’s a solid legislator and representative for his district – tinfoil microchip insanity aside – it’s obscene watching this sort of behavior on a regular basis. Retiring and then un-retiring based on redistricting. Makes everyone less likely to take him at his word.

Walter, though we’re fans of his, has long been pulling a Ruth Ann Palumbo. Saying he lives in a precinct – and voting in that precinct – in which he has never lived.

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]

No, you weren’t dreaming when we told you Phil Moffett was running for office. So take your pee break now before reading about it from the Associated Press. [H-L]

SuperPACs are worrying the DCCC chairman. Unfortunately, the Democrats were basically voiceless and silent when this mess came to fruition. [Politico]

Louisville has a few new finalists for Metro Police chief. A couple of them are shockingly great. [The 'Ville Voice]

Now that Papaw Beshear has suddenly decided the bourbon industry is worthy of his attention – after nearly five years – we can only hope he starts paying attention to Kentucky’s ridiculous label taxation and the fact that it’s tough to get many imports in the Commonwealth. [WFPL]

Goodness gracious, isn’t anything safe these days? Some doofus burgled a pharmacy in Georgetown. [WLEX18]

You already know Laurel County is a hot mess. Almost as bad as Clay County. So this won’t surprise you in the least. [WKYT]

Finally some news from Eastern Kentucky that isn’t embarrassing. Some high school students in Morehead made an astronomical discovery. [H-L]

Really, Joe Gerth? When has the legislature ever NOT been meek? The filing deadline issue is just their excuse this time. [C-J/AKN]

What would Jesus do if he was a teabagger wingnut “Christian”? Oh, the jokes to be made. [Wonkette]

We’re still loosely alarmed that these are the people in charge of making sure the University of Louisville Hospital isn’t a nightmare. [Page One]

Did you see Rachel Maddow get into a slap fight on the teevee about the Republicans trying to wage a war on contraception? She ought to remind Americans that Democrats are pussing out and doing the same damn thing. [HuffPo]

GLAAD ought to recognize that you can’t fire someone for being gay in Louisville. Not ALL of Kentucky is a disaster. [GLAAD]

People often ask us why the House Democrats aren’t as organized as the House Republicans. But they’ve finally started putting press releases or something online, occasionally. They just never tell anyone about them. Because 99% of the Dem staffers are 80-years-old and have no clue what the internet is. [Democratic Caucus]

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]

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]

Wow, we’re still pretending that Frankfort isn’t bought and paid for by king coal, payday loan sharks and associated pals? And Kerri Richardson still feels comfortable officially lying? Hope she’s able to stay on long enough to get a good retirement – at least enough to make up for what’s sure to eat her conscience. [C-J/AKN]

Here’s the smart politician’s guide to avoiding scandal. Start with don’t being stupid. [NPR]

This is why the mortgage industry is a flipping disaster. It’s why America can’t have nice things. [Pro Publica]

Just cold caught in the net? Alabama’s immigration law is proving too strict and too costly. [The Economist]

Teabagger Phil Moffett officially filed to run for the State House in the 32nd District. [SoS]

Why groups like the ASPCA and Humane Society take what they can and give nothing in return. [Nathan Winograd]

Morehead State University’s president is skeptical of the University of Pikeville shenanigans. [Ryan Alessi]

This is the wet dream of Steve Beshear and Greg Fischer. The absolute tops for them. You know they’re aching to pull this stunt. [Mother Jones]

While Jack Conway has spent the past few weeks proclaiming Kentucky’s prescription pill mill problem water the the bridge, the war rages on in, you know, the real world. [HuffPo]

Will Kathy Stein joining the redistricting lawsuit matter at the end of the day? Who believes this will change anything in Kentucky? How fitting that Greg Stumbo and Larry Clark – two of the people who have worked since 2008 to remove Kathy Stein from office – would join the suit in support of all their shenanigans. [H-L]

Proposed anti-bullying legislation in Kentucky is horribly flawed and will likely die on the vine. Again. Bullying shouldn’t be illegal just for protected classes – it should be illegal AND IMMORAL to bully any child. This isn’t a gay-only thing. Or a race-only thing. This story about Rutgers student Tyler Clementi’s suicide illustrates it perfectly. [New Yorker]

A burning issue. Tighter regulation, bountiful natural gas and declining installation costs for renewable energy herald the end of America’s coal era. [The Economist]

HAHAHA PEE ALERT. The Muppets finally attacked Faux News. Miss Piggy lookin hongry. [Wonkette]

Here’s your reminder that this silly welfare drug testing legislation was withdrawn in Indiana after it was amended to include testing for legislators. This should happen in Frankfort ASAP. [HuffPo]

Quick, let’s pretend the Energy and Environment Cabinet cares about Earth Day! [Click the Clicky]

The state is now appealing the decision to release child abuse records. We repeat, Steve Beshear’s administration is now appealing the decision to release child abuse records. That’s how quickly they flip-flop and waste your tax dollars. [Debby Yetter]

And just like that, ANOTHER attorney was hired at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. [SoS]

Jerry Abramson desperately wants to run for the U.S. Senate. Or for Congress. So papaw is floating him all over the state to sound official. [State-Journal]

Andy Barr says he’s raised $425,000 in his second bid against Ben Chandler. [Press Release]

Apparently the Council on Postsecondary Education didn’t pay attention to what President Barack Obama had to say in his State of the Union address. [C-J/AKN]

Do you want to read another story about people suing over the ridiculous Greg Stumbo-Damon g…Thayer redistricting poop? Of course you do. [Ronnie Ellis]

Maybe you want to read yet another story about the redistricting lawsuit. So. Here you go. [H-L]

Oh, nope, you need another story about it all. The case will be heard at 10:30 A.M. on Monday by Judge Phillip Shepherd, who will hopefully strike down this bogus mess. But don’t hold your breath. [AP/Amanda Van Benschoten's Replacement]

Maybe it’d be easier to just watch a video about the redistricting mess. [WKYT]

Yes, a bridge over Kentucky Lake was struck by a tugboat last night and it partially collapsed. No one died, though, so calm down. It’s not earth-shattering news and there’s no need for us to write 45 times about it. [Press Releases/Email Blasts]

When Jerry Abramson says small businesses should have a large role in tax reform in Kentucky? He means gigantic businesses that employ thousands and operate outside the state. [Business First]

Newspapers in Eastern Kentucky are on fire this week over pill mill busts throughout the region. Just a week ago, Jack Conway was saying the problem was disappearing. Funny how that works. [The Morehead News]

Fresh on the heels of Rand Paul’s TSA encounter, this piece of legislation would require an independent study of x-ray body scanners. [Pro Publica]

You, the taxpayer, are spending $84,400 on a study to determine whether or not the University of Pikeville should become a state school. [C-J/AKN]

Earlier today Republican Erwin Roberts – who once wanted Anne Northup’s seat – filed to run in the 10th State House District. [SoS]

Redistricting may face court scrutiny but – again – here’s hoping the Republicans have a clue what they’re up against. [Ronnie Ellis]

Here’s more on Jeff Hoover being really made that he was duped by Greg Stumbo. [H-L]

Raise your head if you think Frankfort will do the right thing when it comes to halting executions. [WHAS11]

Madison County has been divided into four State House districts and locals don’t seem to be too happy about it. [Richmond Register]

Today Adam Edelen announced plans to audit the Quality and Charity Care Trust. [The 'Ville Voice]

We can’t wait until the press start to re-discuss Newt Gingrich’s role in an international arms and bribery or whatever plot. [Wonkette]

Phillip Bailey got the headline wrong: “Mongiardo Rips General Assembly, Williams Over Redistricting Plan” – the REAL story in that release today, as we told you, was that he called out Alice Forgy Kerr and Steve Beshear while supporting Kathy Stein. [WFPL]

Urbody so mad over redistricting that people are getting all sue-happy. Republicrats shoulda made this a federal issue, though, because Greg Stumbo has the state judges in his back pocket, for the most part. [Ryan Alessi]

Even Bill Gates says the mega rich should pay more taxes. Because it’s, you know, just. [HuffPo]

Two twists in the dragon’s tail? China’s consumption ration is no longer falling and its reserves are no longer rising. [The Economist]

Carl Fannin is, based on what we can tell, the first Republican elected to county office there in more than 70 years.

You may remember his opponent, Georgia Ison. She’d previously been indicted while County Court Clerk. Steve Beshear appointed her to replace the former Judge-Executive, who also was indicted while in office.

Fannin was the only Republican to win in Elliott County. No other local or statewide candidate was able to do so.

The amazing thing? Less than four percent of Elliott County is registered Republican.

It’s a testament to how disjointed and broken Steve Beshear has allowed his party to become. In the land of Rocky Adkins, Walter Blevins, Jr. and John Will Stacy, no less. It’s a preview of what’s to come in 2012.