Showing posts with label Party. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Party. Show all posts
Sunday, January 8, 2017
Friday, October 21, 2016
Monday, October 26, 2015
League of Women Voters of Kentucky Excludes Drew Curtis From Kentucky Governor Debate
The evening of October 25th 2015 on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University featured an event where Democratic Candidate Jack Conway and Republican Candidate Matt Bevin squared off on stage in a debate for Kentucky Governor general election. The only problem is that Drew Curtis, fark.com creator, and independent candidate was not allowed on stage even though he is a legal candidate for office and will appear on the ballot November 3rd when the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky will elect their next Governor among other offices up for grabs. The organization that arranged this debate was none other than the League of Women Voters of Kentucky. The watch dog group that is supposed to watch out for unfair voting practices and champion fairness in democratic elections chose to exclude Drew Curtis on the basis that he did not achieve a polling threshold of 10% prior to the debate. This of course is questionable considering a poll conducted from October 14th-15th by Fabrizio, Lee & Associates showed that Drew Curtis polled at 11%. Below is the link from that poll.
http://www.mattbevin.com/survey?utm_campaign=poll_tied&utm_medium=email&utm_source=mb4kentucky
However this is a moot argument considering that this debate was held on public property funded by the state and has a responsibility of being fair, non-partisan, and applicable to all election laws. Excluding a candidate that has followed the KRS to the letter to appear on the ballot based on arbitrary "Debate/Forum" policies set by a non-profit organization is abhorrent to a fair Democratic election. Below is a letter that I have sent to both of my representatives in Frankfort.
"I am a constituent from Estill County, Kentucky. I am writing you today to request that you consider the attached email below. As a concerned citizen of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, I am coming to you to ask that you work with your colleagues in Frankfort to draft and pass legislation regarding the fairness of not only ballot access for third party candidates, but fairness in public debates. Currently for some offices, the KRS mandates that third party candidates acquire five thousand signatures in order to appear on ballots. Republican and Democrat candidates only require two signatures. This is a very discriminatory law that must be rectified. The substance of my writing you today however has to do with the October 25th Kentucky Governor debate that was held on Eastern Kentucky University's campus. This was a debate organized by the League of Women Voters of Kentucky. This Debate only had the Democratic Candidate Jack Conway and Republican Candidate Matt Bevin. The debate excluded Independent candidate Drew Curtis on the grounds that their "Debate/Forum policy" required that a candidate poll at least 10%. In a poll conducted by Fabrizio, Lee & Associates conducted on October 14th-15th showed that Drew Curtis polled at 11%.
http://www.mattbevin.com/survey?utm_campaign=poll_tied&utm_medium=email&utm_source=mb4kentucky
However, I find that to be a moot point considering that the debate for the state's highest office was held on PUBLIC property that operates on PUBLIC funding through the state. I am asking that you champion my concerns in Frankfort to ensure a more fair Democratic election process. I am asking that the KRS be amended to prohibit such arbitrary exclusionary rules from being executed by organizations arranging public debates because the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky deserve to hear each candidate that legally appears on the ballot. I would be more than happy to meet with you to discuss this matter further.
Thank You,
Virgil Edwards"
Would you join me in demanding a more fair democratic voting process for all including third party candidates so that we can finally bring an end to the two party paradigm that continues to produce debt, waste, and usurpation of rights and wealth from WE THE PEOPLE?
http://www.mattbevin.com/survey?utm_campaign=poll_tied&utm_medium=email&utm_source=mb4kentucky
However this is a moot argument considering that this debate was held on public property funded by the state and has a responsibility of being fair, non-partisan, and applicable to all election laws. Excluding a candidate that has followed the KRS to the letter to appear on the ballot based on arbitrary "Debate/Forum" policies set by a non-profit organization is abhorrent to a fair Democratic election. Below is a letter that I have sent to both of my representatives in Frankfort.
"I am a constituent from Estill County, Kentucky. I am writing you today to request that you consider the attached email below. As a concerned citizen of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, I am coming to you to ask that you work with your colleagues in Frankfort to draft and pass legislation regarding the fairness of not only ballot access for third party candidates, but fairness in public debates. Currently for some offices, the KRS mandates that third party candidates acquire five thousand signatures in order to appear on ballots. Republican and Democrat candidates only require two signatures. This is a very discriminatory law that must be rectified. The substance of my writing you today however has to do with the October 25th Kentucky Governor debate that was held on Eastern Kentucky University's campus. This was a debate organized by the League of Women Voters of Kentucky. This Debate only had the Democratic Candidate Jack Conway and Republican Candidate Matt Bevin. The debate excluded Independent candidate Drew Curtis on the grounds that their "Debate/Forum policy" required that a candidate poll at least 10%. In a poll conducted by Fabrizio, Lee & Associates conducted on October 14th-15th showed that Drew Curtis polled at 11%.
http://www.mattbevin.com/survey?utm_campaign=poll_tied&utm_medium=email&utm_source=mb4kentucky
However, I find that to be a moot point considering that the debate for the state's highest office was held on PUBLIC property that operates on PUBLIC funding through the state. I am asking that you champion my concerns in Frankfort to ensure a more fair Democratic election process. I am asking that the KRS be amended to prohibit such arbitrary exclusionary rules from being executed by organizations arranging public debates because the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky deserve to hear each candidate that legally appears on the ballot. I would be more than happy to meet with you to discuss this matter further.
Thank You,
Virgil Edwards"
Would you join me in demanding a more fair democratic voting process for all including third party candidates so that we can finally bring an end to the two party paradigm that continues to produce debt, waste, and usurpation of rights and wealth from WE THE PEOPLE?
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
2015 Kentucky Governor General Election Q&A
Back in May, I put up a Kentucky Governor Primary Election Q&A post for the benefit of the voters of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. All GOP and Democratic Party candidates were solicited and invited to participate by answering the same set of questions and have their responses side by side posted in a single post so that people still undecided can have an opportunity to see what their answers to non mainstream media sponsored questions were. Unfortunately none of the GOP candidates nor the Democratic party candidates responded...However, Independent candidate Drew Curtis, Fark.com Creator out of Lexington saw my impassioned pleas for participation on social media and decided that he would participate even though my initial attempts did not include him..
The Same Invitation to participate in this blog post was again offered to GOP candidate Matt Bevin, Democratic Party candidate Jack Conway, and Independent candidate Drew Curtis.. Deja vu, Drew Curtis was the only candidate to respond with his answers to questions asked. Without further ado...Here are Drew Curtis's answers to once again non mainstream media questions from a common man like me. Please Enjoy and share this with your friends and family on Social Media.
1) As the State of Kentucky continues to see problems with drugs such as heroin continuing to claim lives and create headaches for law enforcement, many claim that the "War on Drugs" is to blame, many claim
that we arent spending enough on enforcement, what do you see as the solution?
"This is without a doubt one of the most difficult problems facing Kentucky. If it were easy to fix we'd have a solution already.
I'm still exploring this issue but so far I'm considering solutions along the following lines:
- Massachusetts is working on a pilot program to work on a similar problem in their state, I'm keeping an eye on how well it works but I'm hopeful.
- Decriminalizing addiction. I realize this is vague statement but we need to reach addicts in order for them to receive treatment, we should not treat them as criminals"
2) The Commonwealth of Kentucky for its entire existence has always seen the eastern part of the state particularly the south east portion typically known as the coal fields of Kentucky wrought with poor economic conditions even during the height of the coal industry, do you see more government or less government intervention as a solution here and what do you have planned to ease burdens in this part of the state?
"Eastern Kentucky is hungry for technology. As the only candidate for Governor who has personally built broadband networks and is a computer programer, I am intimately familiar with technology. Eastern Kentucky shares a similar geographic profile to Boulder Colorado - however turning communities into tech hubs requires more than just running broadband out to them (although it is a good start).
I am a strong proponent of less direct government intervention - I would prefer the private sector provide and implement solutions. Government should assist when and where it is needed. "
3) During the last 12 months, the nation has seen attacks on our Law Enforcement over the incidents in Ferguson, Missouri Baltimore, Maryland, and in New York. As Governor and chief executor of laws in this state, what will you do to ensure that moral and support stay high with local and state police?
"I don't have any solutions at hand for this but I would like to ensure moral and support for law enforcement. I welcome anyone who has working implementations to contact me so we can take a look together"
4) People believe that the Governor should be viewed as any other elected position as a servant to the people. Do you believe that the Governor should be holding more local public meetings with the people so that they can be given their voice for him to hear?
"Yes - strongly. Although this can be accelerated by being more open online as well. As an Independent Governor I will have an open door policy. Ideas from both parties are welcome. "
5) Education costs in this state continues to rise along with other schools in every state in this country. What will you do as Governor to lead on suppressing that rise in cost?
"I do not have a solution for this at this time. However there is no additional money available for anything. I am asked often if I support free community college tuition and pre-K education. The answer is yes but Kentucky doesn't have the ability to finance either of those for the forseable future. Leadership from both parties has left Kentucky's finances in shambles. The only news here that is relevant to the question asked is that money isn't available to increase spending. "
6) The 10th Amendment to the US Constitution reads. "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the
people." What will you do as Governor to ensure that the Federal Government doesn't continue to encroach on the rights of the people of the Commonwealth?
"This is actually somewhat complicated depending on what we're talking about. Let's examine a few examples:
- Laws preventing gay marriage were ruled unconstitutional. This means all laws state and federal were thrown out. State laws cannot mandate something that has been declared unconstitutional. As a result, county clerks must issue marriage licenses.
- When state and federal laws conflict, a state official must defend the state law against the federal law. Currently state law allows the growing of hemp. Federal law says growing hemp is illegal. If push comes to shove, a Governor must fight to preserve the law that allows hemp to be grown. Period.
- Acquiescing to a federal law or mandate does not relinquish the right to go against it later. The EPA has mandated new regulations on emissions to be met by 2030 (along with a billion dollars in investment in Appalachia which I strongly approve of). Currently it appears that Kentucky is going to easily be in compliance with this mandate. However, our agreement to comply - for now - with Federal guidelines does not mean that we will always choose to continue to comply in the future should things change down the road. We are not giving up our right to challenge EPA guidelines in the future."
7) With so much on the plate of Law Enforcement in the state, what do you consider to be priority in order to maximize the effiency of the Law Enforcement and ensure maximum freedom and liberty for the citizens?
"I am open to suggestions on how to implement this from both Law Enforcement and the public. As luck would have it, everyone wants an effective and efficient law enforcement. Given that we have a common goal, I believe we stand a good chance to make improvements everyone will like."
The Same Invitation to participate in this blog post was again offered to GOP candidate Matt Bevin, Democratic Party candidate Jack Conway, and Independent candidate Drew Curtis.. Deja vu, Drew Curtis was the only candidate to respond with his answers to questions asked. Without further ado...Here are Drew Curtis's answers to once again non mainstream media questions from a common man like me. Please Enjoy and share this with your friends and family on Social Media.
1) As the State of Kentucky continues to see problems with drugs such as heroin continuing to claim lives and create headaches for law enforcement, many claim that the "War on Drugs" is to blame, many claim
that we arent spending enough on enforcement, what do you see as the solution?
"This is without a doubt one of the most difficult problems facing Kentucky. If it were easy to fix we'd have a solution already.
I'm still exploring this issue but so far I'm considering solutions along the following lines:
- Massachusetts is working on a pilot program to work on a similar problem in their state, I'm keeping an eye on how well it works but I'm hopeful.
- Decriminalizing addiction. I realize this is vague statement but we need to reach addicts in order for them to receive treatment, we should not treat them as criminals"
2) The Commonwealth of Kentucky for its entire existence has always seen the eastern part of the state particularly the south east portion typically known as the coal fields of Kentucky wrought with poor economic conditions even during the height of the coal industry, do you see more government or less government intervention as a solution here and what do you have planned to ease burdens in this part of the state?
"Eastern Kentucky is hungry for technology. As the only candidate for Governor who has personally built broadband networks and is a computer programer, I am intimately familiar with technology. Eastern Kentucky shares a similar geographic profile to Boulder Colorado - however turning communities into tech hubs requires more than just running broadband out to them (although it is a good start).
I am a strong proponent of less direct government intervention - I would prefer the private sector provide and implement solutions. Government should assist when and where it is needed. "
3) During the last 12 months, the nation has seen attacks on our Law Enforcement over the incidents in Ferguson, Missouri Baltimore, Maryland, and in New York. As Governor and chief executor of laws in this state, what will you do to ensure that moral and support stay high with local and state police?
"I don't have any solutions at hand for this but I would like to ensure moral and support for law enforcement. I welcome anyone who has working implementations to contact me so we can take a look together"
4) People believe that the Governor should be viewed as any other elected position as a servant to the people. Do you believe that the Governor should be holding more local public meetings with the people so that they can be given their voice for him to hear?
"Yes - strongly. Although this can be accelerated by being more open online as well. As an Independent Governor I will have an open door policy. Ideas from both parties are welcome. "
5) Education costs in this state continues to rise along with other schools in every state in this country. What will you do as Governor to lead on suppressing that rise in cost?
"I do not have a solution for this at this time. However there is no additional money available for anything. I am asked often if I support free community college tuition and pre-K education. The answer is yes but Kentucky doesn't have the ability to finance either of those for the forseable future. Leadership from both parties has left Kentucky's finances in shambles. The only news here that is relevant to the question asked is that money isn't available to increase spending. "
6) The 10th Amendment to the US Constitution reads. "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the
people." What will you do as Governor to ensure that the Federal Government doesn't continue to encroach on the rights of the people of the Commonwealth?
"This is actually somewhat complicated depending on what we're talking about. Let's examine a few examples:
- Laws preventing gay marriage were ruled unconstitutional. This means all laws state and federal were thrown out. State laws cannot mandate something that has been declared unconstitutional. As a result, county clerks must issue marriage licenses.
- When state and federal laws conflict, a state official must defend the state law against the federal law. Currently state law allows the growing of hemp. Federal law says growing hemp is illegal. If push comes to shove, a Governor must fight to preserve the law that allows hemp to be grown. Period.
- Acquiescing to a federal law or mandate does not relinquish the right to go against it later. The EPA has mandated new regulations on emissions to be met by 2030 (along with a billion dollars in investment in Appalachia which I strongly approve of). Currently it appears that Kentucky is going to easily be in compliance with this mandate. However, our agreement to comply - for now - with Federal guidelines does not mean that we will always choose to continue to comply in the future should things change down the road. We are not giving up our right to challenge EPA guidelines in the future."
7) With so much on the plate of Law Enforcement in the state, what do you consider to be priority in order to maximize the effiency of the Law Enforcement and ensure maximum freedom and liberty for the citizens?
"I am open to suggestions on how to implement this from both Law Enforcement and the public. As luck would have it, everyone wants an effective and efficient law enforcement. Given that we have a common goal, I believe we stand a good chance to make improvements everyone will like."
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Did #RandPaul's Hometown #GOP Party Just Try To Torpedo His Campaign?
This goes beyond ridiculousness in politics today. Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, a Republican, running for office has just been attacked by Scott Lasley who heads the Warren County Kentucky GOP. Warren County is where Senator Paul resides today in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The attack? Its over 200,000 dollars that was meant to be transferred from Senator Paul to the Kentucky GOP to pay for making the GOP in the state a caucus state in 2016 versus a primary state. This is being setup so that Senator Paul can still run for office of the Presidency and the Senate in Kentucky..Current State law prohibits candidates from appearing more than once on the same ballot. In an article in the Lexington Herald Leader link listed below
http://www.kentucky.com/2015/08/18/3994360_despite-telling-republicans-otherwise.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&rh=1
Written by Sam Youngman, Scott Lasley states "seems to be creating some confusion" in reference to the Rand Paul mailer that had gone out to voters. Lasley also stated "As of last Friday, it was my understanding that the money had not yet been transferred."
This causes me to take to twitter over the last couple of days to ask Scott Lasley and the Warren County GOP if they are purposely trying to torpedo Rand's campaign? The Kentucky GOP knew that any money that was to come from Senator Paul was contingent on the party passing caucus rules so that he could run for both offices in Kentucky. As of this blog posting...They had not. It should be noted that neither Lasley nor the Warren County GOP have responded to my multiple requests for explanations on twitter.
MORE TO COME!
http://www.kentucky.com/2015/08/18/3994360_despite-telling-republicans-otherwise.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&rh=1
Written by Sam Youngman, Scott Lasley states "seems to be creating some confusion" in reference to the Rand Paul mailer that had gone out to voters. Lasley also stated "As of last Friday, it was my understanding that the money had not yet been transferred."
This causes me to take to twitter over the last couple of days to ask Scott Lasley and the Warren County GOP if they are purposely trying to torpedo Rand's campaign? The Kentucky GOP knew that any money that was to come from Senator Paul was contingent on the party passing caucus rules so that he could run for both offices in Kentucky. As of this blog posting...They had not. It should be noted that neither Lasley nor the Warren County GOP have responded to my multiple requests for explanations on twitter.
MORE TO COME!
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
The #GOP Trump Factor
Ever since joining the GOP Race for the Presidency, Donald J Trump has been toward the top...Then at the Top of the polls... His obvious controversial comments about Illegal Immigrants has obviously struck a favorable chord with those in the Republican Party. Of course then came the circus freak show that was the first GOP debate in Cleveland Ohio by FoxNews. The unusual back and forth tension between Donald Trump and Megyn Kelly only served to invalidate the entire debate. The events that occurred after the Debate only served to thus far thrust the GOP race into the tabloid reality TV realm. Whether it was Trump's perceived comments about blood coming out of Megyn's wherever or whether it was Erick Erickson's revoking Trump's invite to the RedState gathering of 2015, or the Rosie O'Donnell spat about smearing period blood in people's faces.. Take your pick...All of these events have simply made for great entertainment television, but not good politics. Of course does all of the times Trump has sided with the Democrats matter? Does all the times Trump admitted to buying access to politicians for personal financial gain matter? Does all the times that Trump took up leftist positions on Abortion, Guns, Healthcare, Taxes, matter? Does all the times that Trump has switched parties matter? It should... But what we have seen from those I have personally labeled as "Trump Humpers" is nothing short of a pure repeat of what we saw during both of Obama's campaigns for the presidency..Pure unadulterated blind devotion with a side of vile hateful often racist behavior. Their desire for victory has clearly overshadowed their conservative values and can only be described as putting their Emotions over their Intelligence.. Of course this is only one step above Obama supporters which only have Emotions...
Then on the other side of the spectrum, you have the GOP Establishment pundits like George Will on Fox News telling people that Trump Supporters should join the rest of the GOP on the terms of the establishment...Not theirs... Of course this does absolutely nothing but make people support Trump even more. Every time that someone of notoriety comes out and publicly attacks Trump, He retorts with something to the affect of they are Stupid or they are slobs or they have no chance.. and his fan base eats it up with the fervor not seen since the height of Hitler's rise in Germany. Trump could cut the heads off of puppies and his fan base would cheer and take to social media with him holding the decapitated head declaring that he would be the leader that changes DC. Ann Coulter took to twitter declaring that she didn't care if Trump allowed abortions as long as he took to task his "Immigration Reform". This is precisely the sort of sycophant behavior that must not be allowed to continue to have influence in this race.
To Attack Trump or Not to Attack Trump....That my friends is the question... Many of Trump's beleaguered followers believe that Rand Paul has sunk in the polls as a result of his attacks on Trump at the Debate and afterward. Simultaneously, they also believe that Ted Cruz's rise in the polls are a result of his refusal to attack Trump. This in my humblest of opinions is hogwash because Rand Paul's numbers began to mysteriously drop after he came forward with his 14.5% Fair and Flat Tax plan. It wasnt because his plan was bad...It was because his plan was bad for the special interests that are best served by politicians that are easily bought and sold that influence those polling organizations. Both Trump and FoxNews released polling graphics of the first Iowa poll post Debate conducted by the CNN/ORC and they showed Rand Paul with 5%.....But They chose instead to show Jeb Bush who only polled at 4%. This is nothing new to Fox News because they did the exact same thing to Rand's father Ron when he ran in 2008 and 2012.
In conclusion, This GOP Race has been a complete disgrace thus far. As long as Donald Trump remains in the race, it will continue to be a complete disgrace. If you believe that Fox News hates Donald Trump, then I have some ocean front property in Arizona to sell.
Then on the other side of the spectrum, you have the GOP Establishment pundits like George Will on Fox News telling people that Trump Supporters should join the rest of the GOP on the terms of the establishment...Not theirs... Of course this does absolutely nothing but make people support Trump even more. Every time that someone of notoriety comes out and publicly attacks Trump, He retorts with something to the affect of they are Stupid or they are slobs or they have no chance.. and his fan base eats it up with the fervor not seen since the height of Hitler's rise in Germany. Trump could cut the heads off of puppies and his fan base would cheer and take to social media with him holding the decapitated head declaring that he would be the leader that changes DC. Ann Coulter took to twitter declaring that she didn't care if Trump allowed abortions as long as he took to task his "Immigration Reform". This is precisely the sort of sycophant behavior that must not be allowed to continue to have influence in this race.
To Attack Trump or Not to Attack Trump....That my friends is the question... Many of Trump's beleaguered followers believe that Rand Paul has sunk in the polls as a result of his attacks on Trump at the Debate and afterward. Simultaneously, they also believe that Ted Cruz's rise in the polls are a result of his refusal to attack Trump. This in my humblest of opinions is hogwash because Rand Paul's numbers began to mysteriously drop after he came forward with his 14.5% Fair and Flat Tax plan. It wasnt because his plan was bad...It was because his plan was bad for the special interests that are best served by politicians that are easily bought and sold that influence those polling organizations. Both Trump and FoxNews released polling graphics of the first Iowa poll post Debate conducted by the CNN/ORC and they showed Rand Paul with 5%.....But They chose instead to show Jeb Bush who only polled at 4%. This is nothing new to Fox News because they did the exact same thing to Rand's father Ron when he ran in 2008 and 2012.
In conclusion, This GOP Race has been a complete disgrace thus far. As long as Donald Trump remains in the race, it will continue to be a complete disgrace. If you believe that Fox News hates Donald Trump, then I have some ocean front property in Arizona to sell.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Updated Upcoming #KyGov Blog Post
Today Hal Heiner, GOP Candidate @HalHeiner on twitter contacted me and provided me with an email address to send the same questions that Drew Curtis @CurtisForGov on twitter and Independent Candidate has already provided answers to. Still waiting on GOP Candidates Matt Bevin @MattBevin , James Comer @KYComer , and Will T. Scott @WillTScott on twitter to reply. The deadline is Friday May 15 at 7pm EDT. Blog will be posted Friday evening 8pm EDT
UPDATED: Matt Bevin contacted me earlier tonight and has accepted to participate in the blog post coming up Friday 5/15 at 8PM EDT, This just leaves Will Scott @WillTScott and James Comer @KYComer who has not responded. I will accept all participation until 7PM Friday.
UPDATED: Matt Bevin contacted me earlier tonight and has accepted to participate in the blog post coming up Friday 5/15 at 8PM EDT, This just leaves Will Scott @WillTScott and James Comer @KYComer who has not responded. I will accept all participation until 7PM Friday.
Monday, April 6, 2015
Monday, October 13, 2014
#AlisonGrimes #Kentucky #Senate Campaign Implosion
We Are Kentucky Conservative Radio by Virgil Edwards aka The Irvine Patriot is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at http://www.spreaker.com/show/wakcr_1.
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