Jody Richards and Rick Nelson voted no on House Bill 2. And Greg Stumbo’s redistricting map passed along party lines to the State Senate, where it will die. [Deep Frankfort Failures]

Allowing Kentucky school buses to be moving billboards seems silly. The Kentucky Department of Education wouldn’t be hurting so badly if so much cash wasn’t wasted on frivolous crap. There’s no reason Kentucky schools need to be paying for teachers to take their spouses on conference trips. Absolutely no reason. And that’s just scratching the surface. Adam Edelen needs to sack up and audit that mess RIGHT NOW. [CN|2]

Rick “The Froth” Santorum will allow you to own one of his armpit-aerating sartorial staples – a necessity for anyone with anger management issues, because anger causes sweat – for the low, low price of $100. Snatch up your sweater vest today. [Wonkette]

It’s time for a reality check on the meth problem in Kentucky. If we’re gonna get a handle on this issue, we at least need to keep the facts straight. [Page One]

Andy Barr released a statement about House Bill 2 today and tried to tie Ben Chandler into it in the weirdest way possible. We keep waiting for Barr to hit hard and will continue to do so. Surely he can start digging in where Republicans and Democrats want to pay attention. [Press Release]

Are Super PACs the WMDs of campaign finance? Yep. And it’s highly entertaining watching Republicans reap what they sewed in the form of “free speech.” [The Atlantic]

Wait, Rick Perry is still a thing? [Politico]

The State House Education Committee approved HB40, which authorizes a statewide teacher evaluation system. [H-L]

Ron Paul got really mad at CNN again. Just after he finished complaining about how nobody paid attention to him or whatever. [The Hill]

Following the Metro Sewer District shenanigans in Louisville? Then keep your eye on this latest project and make sure nothing nefarious goes down. [C-J/AKN]

The honeymoon is officially over for Greg Fischer. Mr. Buzz Words is being forced to face reality and no longer gets to enjoy the free ride. [The 'Ville Voice]

The Pope says gay marriage is a threat to the future of humanity. Funny, we thought Brown Coats were the real threat. [HuffPo]

Want to win tickets to the Actors Theatre-Second City production of It Takes A ‘Ville!? Here’s your final chance. [Page One]

You know how I said Jody Richards is a TERRIBLE vote counter? He’s a terrible vote counter. [Bluegrass Politics]

Dear Jim Gray: You’re taking a dangerous risk with your new administration. Hiring Jane Driskell? REALLY? Have you not read about ANY of the problems in Louisville? Wow. [H-L & The 'Ville Voice]

R.J. Palmer beat Julian Carroll to become leader of the Democrats in the State Senate. Julian says people are afraid of him. No shiz. [Ruh Ro?]

This bit from yesterday’s Kentucky Democratic Party press release is still cracking us up today: “I can’t overstate the hard work that went into creating this application and how pleased we are with the outcome,” said Logsdon. “We’re a party that believes in inclusiveness and transparency and this application goes a long way in achieving both. Now our party’s leaders, our events, our elected officials and a host of other information are literally one click away; that’s something we’re very proud to be providing.” [Press Release]

Mitch McConnell is a master manipulator, strategist and strict obstructionist. That’s his way. And that picture is terrifying. [The Atlantic]

State House Republicans elected their new leadership: Jeff Hoover remains as Minority Leader for his sixth term. Bob DeWeese will serve as Caucus Chair. Danny Ford is Minority Whip. [Press Release]

Tomorrow, State Rep. and Chicken Lady Susan Westrom, Clark County Health Department Public Health Director Scott Lockard and Danny McGoldrick, Vice President for Research at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids will make announcements regarding a new poll showing widespread support for a statewide smoke-free law in Kentucky. [Press Release]

Steve Nunn’s attorneys are expected to try to use the mental defect defense. That trial is going to be unbelievable. [WLEX]

The University Press of Kentucky announced today that Albert Schmid was named the winner of the Gourmand World Cookbook Award for the U.S. in the category of cooking with beer/wine/spirits for The Kentucky Bourbon Cookbook. A well-deserved award! [Buy It For $25 To Celebrate & More]

The Houston Chronicle says Kentucky’s gubernatorial race is one to watch in 2011. That may be because there are very few big races around the country. [Houston Chronicle]

Sorry, Bowling Green, but pretending that Steve Beshear and David Williams would leave politics aside until after the legislative session is completely juvenile. [BGDN]

Jerry Abramson, Steve Beshear’s running mate, doesn’t seem to be on the same page with Papaw when it comes to the dineysore ark park. [WFPL]

Mitch McConnell is right about Net Neutrality. The internet should be left alone! [The Hill]

So it’s time for him to put his money where his mouth is and do something about it. It’s beyond time, really. And beyond time for him to stop blaming this mess on some Barack Obama conspiracy. [HuffPo & More HuffPo]

Will Jody Richards beat Larry Clark in the House leadership race? No one knows. But Jody is, as we all know quite well, pretty gullible when it comes to vote counting. [Ryan Alessi]

Will proposed legislation from John Tilley stop the use of synthetic meth? [Bluegrass Politics]

Kentucky won’t get any more crazy people to send to the U.S. Congress, but Texas and Florida will. Can you imagine just how crazy they’re going to be? Hot messes, for sure. Thank goodness for the slowest growth since the Great Depression. [Wonkette]

The Kentucky Fairness Coalition’s State Equality Fund was awarded $50,000 by the Tides Foundation to promote LGBTQ equality across the state in 2011. Those organizations include: Lexington Fairness, Kentucky Fairness Alliance Foundation, Kentucky Commission on Human Rights, American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky, Fairness Campaign. [Press Release]

Outgoing Lexington failure Jim Newberry certainly has some interesting thoughts about his biggest accomplishments. Really, they’re things that exist only in his imagination. [B&P]

Like clockworth, the mouthbreathers are setting out to punish senators who voted for the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. What this means: A bunch of closet cases are freaking out and want to harm people for not hating them. [AlterNet]

Dear Politico: Jack Conway loses young people because young people are disinterested and aren’t being given a reason to vote for Democrats this cycle. [Politico]

This is a terrific profile of University of Kentucky trustee Joe Peek. UofL needs someone like this. [H-L]

Monkeypox is going to be awesome! Maybe the next pig flu? Bird flu? West Nile-like virus? [The Economist]

Really? When was global warming “proven to be a fraud”? If you’re going to comment, you should maybe know what the hell you’re talking about. [We Get Comments]

Karl Rove’s bullshiz organization is lying in a television spot? You don’t say. [Bluegrass Politics]

It’s totally Big Love but in real life form. What a hot mess. [Sister Wives]

What was that about teabaggers not being violent and not hating the gays? [Think Progress]

Tomorrow at 10:00 A.M. at the Bridge on Cox Street in Lexington, Papaw Beshear will appear with First Lady Jane Beshear, Ben Chandler (R-Kentucky), Lexington Failure Jim Newberry and Mike Hancock to cut a ribbon for the Newtown Pike Bridge Extension. [Press Release]

Then at 1:30, First Lady Jane Beshear will appear at the Galt House in Louisville for the Governor’s Local Issues Conference. Joining her will be Adjutant General Edward Tonini, Secretary of State Trey Grayson, Mike Hancock and Adam Edelen. [Another Press Release]

Lt. Dan will be speaking there at 3:30, int appears, as Miss Val just told us via press release. [Yet Another Release]

NOW the Obama crew are getting antsy about the teabaggers? Where were they four or five months ago? They’re a little late to the party. [HuffPo]

State Government killed contracts for organizations providing services for youth leaving foster care. Something about overloaded, understaffed state workers being able to do a better job. $625,000. Like the good folks in Frankfort couldn’t have found something less important to cut? Like take-home cars? Or fancy trips for executive branch staff? If it’s not broke and you aren’t saving anyone any money, it’s ridiculous to change it. You’ll have to find Debby’s story on your own, as I won’t link to the plagiarist newspaper in round-ups any longer. [A Kentucky Newspaper]

Real estate and financial experts say even a scaled-down version of CentrePointe is both unlikely and unneeded. Wonder how Jim Newberry will spin that? I hear the Webbs are also growing disenchanted with him by the day. [H-L]

Also, go read this great piece about the Hopewell Museum in Paris. [Tom Eblen]

Oh, look, Jim Newberry was spotted on Google Street View. Shouldn’t he be in Lexington leveling historic city blocks and illegally withholding public documents from the city council? [HuffPo]

Kentucky facing budget woes because federal aid isn’t coming? This is what Frankfort gets for screwing around and never doing the job. [Ronnie Ellis]

Want to know why some Democratic campaign staffers and advisers should have lost their jobs weeks ago? Jack Conway won’t be showing up for Joe Biden’s visit today. His campaign refused to say what his “scheduling conflict” is. And when there’s a legit scheduling conflict, there’s never a refusal like that. [Fox41 & Politico]

You could win a Ford Focus by giving blood at the Holiday Hero Churchill Downs Blood Drive. Paddock Pavilion, July 6 – 8, Noon – 7:00 P.M. Every presenting donor will receive a ticket to King’s Island, they’ll be served Stoker’s Broaster Chicken and will get a coupon for a free pint of Graeter’s ice cream (I recommend the Coconut Chip – forget about the carbs, it’s worth it) – which means you must go give blood. [Press Release]

Million-year-old (okay, 92) Senator Robert Byrd passed away. [NY Times, WaPo, Charleston Daily Mail, CBS, Politico]

Rand Paul is afraid to speak to the media, so he spoke with a teabagger. [Click the Clicky]

Doesn’t this make you proud to be a Kentuckian? Our legislative leaders spending half of new borrowing on roads with which they’ll buy votes. [Bluegrass Politics]

I can’t decide whether or not this is actual journalism. Is it? Not a personal attack or meanness, just wondering. Clarification: Not questioning Joe’s decision to write this story. It’s just something I haven’t seen covered in central/eastern parts of the state. [Joe Arnold]

Unintentionally hilarious/scary headline of the week: Louisville consumers, farms hook up. [H-L]

Why won’t the GOP criticize BP? Because BP bankrolls everybody in Washington. [Mother Jones]

Lt. Dan is apparently still bitter over losing, as he won’t appear with Jack Conway for the unity photo op. Guess my decision to play nice with Lt. Dan was a bad one, eh? [Ryan Alessi]

Now we know when the crazy began for Rand Paul and his siblings. Also funny that his dad was afraid to talk about his racist flaps. [NY Times]

Cut, cut, cut, burden, burden, burden for common folks. Then build roads in the districts of legislative leaders. That’s the Frankfort way of doing business. [Tom Loftus]

The big, orange devil is still burning up over Rand Paul and his now-former campaign manager. They really shouldn’t have endorsed Jim Crow as an economic policy. [Daily Kos]

Check out these fancy shots of the new state capitol murals. [Click the Clicky]

The NRSC wants to know where Jack Conway stands on the White House offer of a job that’s not really a job. We want to know where the NRSC stands on bigoted candidates and actual legislators who never offer any solutions or alternatives, ever. [NRSC]

A literal mishmash of Rand Paul stuff from one of Kentucky’s most hilarious writers. [Larry Dale Keeling]

This may or may not be why we love Rachel Maddow and crew. Not just because we’re heathen libruls. [Twitter]

Here’s the story they were pimping on the Twitters. [Click the Clicky]

Told ya former Speaker of the House Jody Richards plans to run against Larry Clark for Speaker Pro-Tem. Now the mainstreamers are jumping on it. Funny how that works. [Ryan Alessi]

I often wonder if anything Marcus Carey says – regarding anything political – is remotely believable. His latest about the “loony left” and Jim Bunning is just silly. [Marcus Carey]

Could somebody please translate whatever Jack Richardson is trying to say here? [Hoo Boy]

Maybe Tipper Gore isn’t green enough for Al? Or maybe she’s too green? Is it appropriate to crack jokes? Too soon? [CNN]

What is it with people getting hooked on pills in Morgan County and then killing people? [H-L]

Attorney General Jack Conway says all the perverts on Chatroullette are just awful. Awful awful awful. [The 'Ville Voice]

Just in case you needed more information about king coal just cold screwing Eastern Kentucky, read this. The state doesn’t want to do anything to enforce the law. So just go ahead and bend over. [C-J]

Denise Harper Angel is a WATB and is apparently trying to steal Jody Richards’ thunder? That’s how it seems. Also, the budget conference is going to ruin us all with the poverty. [Ronnie Ellis]

Fill in the blank time! Budget negotiators juggle governor’s _________. [Bluegrass Politics]

What’s that? That Bill Johnson crazy mommy lady is promoting a sickeningly racist story about Barack Obama? Yup. [Twitter]

She is also a fancy crime fighter. Just cold fighting crimes from her keyboard. [Barefoot & Progressive]

Why is it, exactly, our U.S. Senate candidates haven’t issued press releases indicating that they did not apply to Cornell? Since they did not, we must assume that Jack Conway, Trey Grayson, Daniel Mongiardo and Ayn Saint Dr. Rand Paul all applied to Cornell and love that school Goodness. [More Deep Thoughts]

The teabaggers who are constantly complaining about scary socialism want a gubmint job! Imagine that. Yet another thing teabaggers don’t comprehend. [Bloomberg]

If Jim Bunning could remember what a wet dream is, he’d be having one right now. Republicans in the U.S. Senate are playing a game of chicken with unemployment benefits. [HuffPo]

You know you like hairy menz. Fairdale Bigfoot is no longer a mayoral candidate but he’s back with his weekly advice column. [Consuming Louisville]

Governor/Lt. Governor

• Democrats: Steve Beshear & Jerry Abramson
  Greg Stumbo, despite what he says?
• Republicans: Richie Farmer/Anybody
  Trey Grayson if he loses?

Auditor of Public Accounts

• Democrats: Adam Edelen
• Republicans: Linda Greenwell? Who?

Attorney General

• Democrats: Jack Conway if he loses?
  Jonathan Miller
• Republicans: Who? Maybe Stan “Baby Killing Is Okay So Long As a Parking Garage Does It” Lee?

Secretary of State

• Democrats: Jennifer Moore
  Jody Richards
• Republicans: Damon Thayer

Treasurer

• Democrats: Failure and Homophobe Todd Hollenbach
• Republicans: That lady who wants to abolish the office, who should win, because the office should be abolished?

Commissioner of Agriculture

• Democrats: Who even wants that job? Maybe Joey Pendleton again?
• Republicans: Ditto

The Herald-Leader staff have archived all the speeches from Fancy Farm 2009. [Bluegrass Politics]

Coal appreciation day was held Saturday. Did anyone go? What went down? [WKYT]

Good on Greg Stumbo for hosting a golf tournament to benefit the new Highlands Center for Autism in eastern Kentucky. [H-L]

Anne Northup’s hearing before the Senate will take place Wednesday. Can’t wait to hear all the questions she won’t be asked about whether she’s qualified to be a part of the Consumer Production Safety Commission. Wonder if this in some way could help her husband’s fancy radio business? [C-J]

Who wants to tear down this ridiculous editorial published in Maysville’s Ledger-Independent attacking John Yarmuth and Ben Chandler? [Ledger-Independent]

Daniel Mongiardo went to Balitmore to talk about e-health. Despite the fact that his own governor removed him from the e-health committee. Ha. [KY Post]

It’s official. Trey Grayson has decided to pretend he dislikes the gays. And with that comes us working against him 24/7. The transformation to McConnell-lite has begun. And, really, Rand Paul? “Announcing” your candidacy on Glenn Beck? HAHAHA. [H-L]

Western Kentuckians are ticked at Jim Bunning for killing the Delta Queen. [Henderson Gleaner]

Who needs this silly health care reform, anyway? [Newsweek]

Mike Pence, the guy Brad Cummings and other Louisville Republicans touted as the second coming, just cold makes crap up. [HuffPo]

Aww, Rand Paul got played off the stage at Fancy Farm. [Scott Jennings]