You should go read this column about Al Smith’s memoir, WORDSMITH. And then you should read Al’s book. [Ronnie Ellis]

How little (fiscal) sense does Jim Bunning have left? He endorsed twice bankrupt John Kemper in the race for Auditor of Public Accounts. [AP]

Papaw Beshear still hasn’t repaid the state for all of his campaign-related travel. But that comes as a shock to absolutely no one. [C-J/AKN]

Wondering why people don’t trust or listen to teabagger hypocrites? I mean, arrests for theft and making shiz up aside? Here’s why – they’re continually foaming out the mouth with conspiracy theories that aren’t remotely based in fact. And they’re still telling everybody who’ll listen that they’re going to “take over the RPK.” One of them is, anyway, while using his faux non-profit as a payday and daily spam email machine. [David Adams]

HAHAHA! Papaw Beshear looks like Pinocchio in this fancy artwork. Check it out. [H-L]

Did you transfer all of your non-existent money from big banks to meemaw and poppop credit unions on Saturday? [Wonkette]

The international press gets it right with this headline: Status quo seen in Mississippi, Kentucky governor races. [Reuters]

Mitch McConnell is finally right about something but it’s not just Barack Obama who wants the “Super Congress” to fail. Everybody does because it’s bogus. [Daily Kos]

Any predictions on which state legislator this $1.5 million water/sewer project Steve Beshear saved up to announce last week will benefit? [WYMT]

Duh moment: Kentucky’s budget outlook is bleak for the next two years. But everything is puppies and rainbows for tomorrow’s election. [C-J/AKN]

The Republican Party of Kentucky is still trying to encourage people to vote but we know no one will show up to the polls tomorrow. [More Ronnie Ellis]

While the mouth-breathers continue to push for nuclear power in Kentucky, don’t forget that the government itself tries to cover up the risks. [HuffPo]

Who’ll be buying all the votes in Breathitt County this year if everybody is already under indictment? [WAVE3]

It’s a shame Steve Beshear is refusing to do interviews so the state’s newspapers (plural) can merely profile him. What on earth is so horrible that the man can’t allow himself to be questioned? Jesus H. No wonder his people came after me – they’re simply terrified to exist. [Why Kentucky Can't Have Nice Things]

Of COURSE the teabaggers would love the most corrupt SOB the most. That’s how it works. [HuffPo]

Kentucky can’t get its ducks in a row to handle changes in Medicaid so the overhaul has been pushed back a month. [H-L]

Topix is a disaster. So much of a disaster that even Jack Conway recognizes it. Since the country won’t deal with it, we hear some legislators in Kentucky will finally take steps to deal with it. [NY Times]

Ethics thought Bill Johnson’s homeless-hating complaint was ridiculous and took no action. [CN|2]

Everyone basically forgot that the military would eventually stop hating the gays. [Wonkette]

This is what happens when teabagger electeds make crap up about the jobless. [HuffPo]

People in Kentucky know that Hal Rogers is corrupt and wastes millions of dollars by giving it to his friends and family. [The Hill]

Morehead has a fancy new road and airport rigged up for use. [Morehead News]

The state’s other newspaper figured out that Ethics said Elaine Walker can’t have that $500 gift. [C-J/AKN]

Wait, Jim Bunning has papers? And Northern Kentucky University is going to house them? Wow. [WLWT]

There certainly are some big differences in what firms reveal about the political donations they make. [The Economist]

Looks like the admission party is over for for-profit colleges. [Consumerist]

Did the BABY overdose or did the PARENT overdose the baby? Goodness gracious. [H-L]

The move by Democrats to keep the payroll tax cut may be a sad, stupid, doomed campaign. [Slate]

Of course Steve Beshear is gambling on how to pay off that $28 million payment on the unemployment insurance loan. [CN|2]

Fact: Kentucky is one of the worst 50 states in America. [Gawker]

Why, exactly, is Steve Beshear appointing people from Lexington to the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce? Colmon Elridge may have his ducks in a row but give me a break. Promoting these folks just so they can develop name ID and run for office is ridiculous. And giving employees of Kentucky American Water Company a seat on the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority? Really? [Press Release]

Is this diva routine story about Michele Bachmann or her “not gay” husband? [Wonkette]

Looks like Faux News is taking a move out of the Beshear/Conway/Walker playbook in attacking its critics. [Politico]

The National Labor Relations Board chairwoman is rolling on out to pasture after fourteen years. [The Hill]

Now they’re going to start putting Jefferson County parents in jail for sneakily sending their kids to Oldham County schools. I mean, can you blame them for not wanting their kids to deal with JCPS? [C-J/AKN]

Must be the goal of mouth-breathing Republicans to see just how regressive and discriminatory they can be for 2012 when it comes to the gays. [Reuters]

Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke says the US central bank won’t take immediate action to boost growth. No new stimulus, folks. [BBC]

Michele Bachmann takes issue with every single thing she doesn’t understand. No wonder she doesn’t realize her husband is gayer than the closet case state reps in Frankfort. [HuffPo]

Rich countries need to squeeze their economies less hard and get serious about growth so a double-dip recession can be avoided. [The Economist]

Emails are raising questions about Richie Farmer’s reporting of personal mileage. This will make you laugh out loud. [John Cheves]

What? Women should plan for rape like they plan for a flat tire? Are you kidding me? [Common Dreams]

Remember when Jim Bunning said Ruth Bader Ginsberg was gonna die in like five seconds? Turns out she’s alive and well and was, well, you’ll just have to click the link. Includes being serenaded by Placido Domingo. Poor Jimbo and his sad prediction. [Harvard Magazine]

Dear Hospice of the Bluegrass: Remember me? Remember when I told you that you’d end up having investigators on your tail? You know they will be there soon because you’ve already heard from both houses of the United States Congress regarding countless families experiencing situations conveniently similar to the one I alluded to all those months ago. Funny how that works. Have fun with that. Oh! I almost forgot! May House Bill 52 protect countless innocents from your incompetence. [Best Of Luck]

Nearly one in five young adults has high blood pressure because they weigh eight thousand pounds. [NPR]

Yesterday, Governor Steve Beshear announced emergency grants to eliminate dumps in 26 counties with flood damage were available. The counties eligible to apply for the funds (up to $30,000): Ballard, Boyd, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Daviess, Fulton, Graves, Greenup, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Jefferson, Lawrence, Livingston, Marshall, McCracken, McLean, Ohio, Oldham, Pike, Trigg, Trimble, Union and Webster. [Press Release]

Really? Sarah Palin, Rick Santorum AND Michele Bachmann are running for president? This is a humor lover’s dream come true. [WaPo, WaPo & USA Today]

An Exxon advertisement makes gas drilling seem simpler and safer than it really is. [Pro Publica]

The tornado death toll for 2011 now tops 500 and the season isn’t yet over. [Reuters]

Whattya mean those for-profit colleges spend much less on educating students than public universities? Surely not. [HuffPo]

Just about everybody believes Barack Obama experiences political problems because of the color of his skin. [The Hill]

We’re shocked that Republicans realized their unemployment bill was a gigantic disaster. Even more shocked that they pulled it. [Politico]

A University of Kentucky faculty group opposes an university loan for scoreboards. Thank goodness. [H-L]

Richie Farmer caved and gave up the furlough pay after all. Check his statement out. [Page One]

Soaring costs are forcing some renters to choose between shelter over their head or food in their bellies. [HuffPo]

The state Department of Education has approved a school corrective plan. Holding your breath? [C-J/AKN]

Good news for pet owners who frequent Kentucky State Resort Parks. Pet owners will pay a $25 fee to bring their pets into lodge rooms designated for pets. Pets aren’t allowed in park cottages, however. Guests taking a pet into a non-pet-friendly room will pay an additional $25 fee and a $100 cleaning charge. [Press Release]

The former chancellor of the University System of Ohio is a candidate for the University of Kentucky presidency. [H-L]

How fitting! A chamber of commerce lobbyist is freaking out over President Barack Obama’s donation disclosure plan. [NY Times]

Bet they’ll freak out over Obama telling congressional leaders to end oil subsidies, too. Even though Boehner has called for the same thing. [USA Today]

How President Barack Obama seeks a political wedge as oil prices skyrocket. [HuffPo]

That bald eagle on Ron Paul’s logo is just cold trying desperately to escape him! Liberty!!1! [Wonkette]

This story about lawmakers receiving increasing numbers of threats reminded us of the crazy guy who threatened Jim Bunning last year. Also, it reminded us of Jim Bunning. [The Hill]

“Addia Wuchner will bring real-world business experience, uncompromised integrity and a dedicated commitment to public service to the job of State Auditor. This is a position that is critical to ensuring that state government offices, programs and grants are administered effectively and efficiently and overseen independently and fairly. I have the utmost confidence in Addia. Mary and I offer her our endorsement and support in the May 17th Republican primary and in the general election this fall,” said Senator Bunning.

Does Bunning’s endorsement matter? Or would Mitch McConnell’s be more valuable?

P.S. I thought the subject line of the email – “Wuchner Announces Bunning Enorsement” (verbatim) was a nice touch.

Do your thing.

Jack Conway’s Aqua Buddha ad was one of the ten worst decisions of 2010. [Politico]

The first half of Joe’s 2010 Rooties have arrived. We disagree with him that Frank Simon is the biggest homophobe in Kentucky – that’s actually Larry Clark, a Democrat. They’re actually pretty close. Along with corrupt Todd Hollenback, Jim Gooch and crew. And best Kentucky blogger? Definitely not me! I think that belongs to Ralph Long – a guy I like to refer to as an asshole for taking like a year off. But now he’s back and is spewing more about Kentucky’s tax system than I could learn in a decade. Moral of this story: Go read the first half of the Rooties and laugh your butt off. [B&P]

Jim Gray was inaugurated as mayor of Lexington on Saturday. Linda Gorton became vice mayor. Let the redecoration of Lexington begin. The homomafia coup is complete. [H-L]

Here’s Jim Gray’s inaugural address. Pretty good stuff for Lexington. [WLEX]

Hell yes the 2011 gubernatorial race is going to cloud legislative work. I don’t know why anyone ever pretended that it wouldn’t. Wishful thinking, maybe? [H-L]

Have you been reading about this car czar placement agent scandal going down? It doesn’t involve Kentucky (that we know of), but it’s worth reading about. Particularly because we hear Forbes is working on a story that allegedly ties one of Kentucky’s placement agents to scandals in Connecticut and perhaps other states. [NY Times]

Elections may be greatly impacted by the new Republican agenda in 2012. But Kentucky’s elections in 2011 are most certainly going to be dominated by the GOP. [HuffPo]

Kentucky is readying for several Civil War events. The war’s 150th anniversary comes soon. [FOX 41]

Ryan Alessi says these are the top five political moments of 2010. What do you think? [CN|2]

Filibuster reform? With Mitch McConnell and Harry Reid? Really? [WaPo]

That’s all, folks. After decades of crazy foaming at the mouth and just cold peeing in everybody’s cornflakes and not letting anyone ride in his elevator, Jim Bunning is going home. [TPM]

No matter how hard he tries, Ernie Fletcher will never be able to live down that time his plane caused an evacuation of the U.S. Capitol. It keeps getting written about and re-written about. [Bloomberg]

According to the U.S. Census, America’s fastest-growing class? The working poor. Imagine that. [Business Insider]

400,000-year-old human remains found in a cave in Israel? Ruh ro, dineysore ark park people! [AP]

A gay coal miner says a Massey Energy Company subsidiary is guilty of harassing him. Wow. [H-L]

You should definitely read and/or listen to this interview with Senator Jim Bunning regarding his exit from Warshington. [Capitol News Connection]

Tomorrow marks the 40th anniversary of the Hurricane Creek Mine Disaster. [SoS]

According to the Kentucky State Police, 740 people lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2010. That’s 42 fewer than 2009. There were 578 motor vehicle fatalities and 211 of the victims were not wearing seatbelts. 59 pedestrians and six bicyclists were killed. 2 fatalities involved scooters. 79 involved a motorcycle. 16 involved an ATV. 151 fatalities resulted from suspected use of alcohol. [Press Release]

Was your stuff stolen in 2006? Then you should contact the Kentucky State Police. [H-L]

2010: The Year In Secession. Because racists are still foaming at the mouth over Barack Obama. [Wonkette]

The number of Americans lacking medical coverage now exceeds the entire population of Spain. [HuffPo]

The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated Parramore Lee Sanborn’s death sentence. [FOX 41]

Who were the political winners and losers in 2010? Find out by reading this latest column from Ronnie Ellis. Let’s just say Jack Conway and Mark Riddle lost the hardest, for sucking hard and flushing success that had been placed in their laps. [Ashland Independent]

Herald-Leader reporter Andy Mead (Tennessee Williams said he was Faye Dunaway in drag? That is amazeballs, Andy!) is retiring on December 31 and he has compiled a list of his top ten most memorable stories. [H-L]

He’s right. Kentucky needs a fair and equitable tax system. If David Williams wanted to win over Democrats in a big way, he’d push comprehensive tax reform and force Steve Beshear to continue fighting against it. And not just the standard big business Republican tax reform – real tax reform for real people who live in the real world. [Ralph Long]

Jim Bunning may be unchanged by decades in Congress. But you can’t change crazy. [Amanda Van Benschoten]

The Associated Press says Rand Paul’s victory tops the 2010 news cycle in Kentucky. Karen Sypher’s gross sexytime scandal with Rick Pitino is up there, too. [AP]

Mitch McConnell wins the 2010 Lump of Coal Award with George Orwell Newspeak ribbon. For racking up the debt and killing jobs. [Forbes]

Governor Steve Beshear is only #10 on the Newsmakers of the Year list in Lexington. [WKYT]

Jack Conway’s Aqua Buddha moment was apparently one of the best quotes of 2010. One of the best quotes that helped sink an historic election to the United States Senate. Woopsiedaisy. [Politico]

Coal-stoning pit at the dineysore ark park. Hahahaha. Let’s make that happen. What a terrific idea. [H-L Gets Letters]

Hope y’all didn’t die from the poison gingerbread houses over Christmas. Will be relieved to see everyone hung over and pretending to “work” today. [Wonkette]