KY: Anne Northup to Challenge Gov. Ernie Fletcher

[Frodo]

A New Contender in Kentucky

By Chris Cillizza And Shailagh Murray
Sunday, January 14, 2007; Page A02

Former representative Anne Northup (Ky.) is expected to announce this week that she will challenge Gov. Ernie Fletcher for the Republican nomination in the Bluegrass State's May 22 primary.

Fletcher, who was elected to three terms in Congress before winning the governorship in 2003, has been hurt by a series of scandals centered on rewarding campaign contributors with state jobs. His cratering poll numbers have coincided with his fall from grace in the eyes of Sen. Mitch McConnell, the unquestioned godfather of the state's Republican politics.

As late as Election Day last November, no credible alternative had emerged despite Fletcher's problems. Enter Northup, who after a decade in Congress was washed away by the national Democratic wave that day.

Although she was reluctant at first to consider a reentry into politics, Northup grew more interested as public support for a bid increased over the past month. Those close to her feel confident that even though McConnell will not formally endorse a candidate in the primary, Northup will enjoy his support behind the scenes.

McConnell, who has steadfastly refused to back Fletcher's reelection bid, told the Associated Press last week that Northup would be a "formidable candidate" who "could win both in May and November."

[DownWithTheLeft]

Go Anne, she has a great shot to win in this red state

[minionofmidas]

Dem hold KY-3.

[Frodo]

If, as seems likely, Northup succeeds in knocking out Fletcher in the GOP primary, expect 2007 to be a largely GOP-friendly year, with Republicans holding on to governors' mansions in Kentucky and Mississippi, as well as making a pickup in Louisiana (should Bobby Jindal throw his hat into the ring).

[Conan]

I hope she wins.  She can send a message to the Kentucky GOP that NJ Democrat style corruption is unacceptable.

At least our governor isnt corrupt. I am sure they have a few of their own corrupt legislators too.

[True Democrat]

I hope she wins.  She can send a message to the Kentucky GOP that NJ Democrat style corruption is unacceptable.

At least our governor isnt corrupt. I am sure they have a few of their own corrupt legislators too.

You are from New Jersey and you have a Democratic governor, of course he's corrupt.

[Verily]

I hope she wins.  She can send a message to the Kentucky GOP that NJ Democrat style corruption is unacceptable.

At least our governor isnt corrupt. I am sure they have a few of their own corrupt legislators too.

You are from New Jersey and you have a Democratic governor, of course he's corrupt.

Actually, he's not. There are others who would be better governors *cough*Codey*cough*, but Corzine isn't corrupt, just filthy rich and glad to spend his money campaigning. (I don't approve, but it isn't corruption.)

Northup winning the primary, as is likely, would make Kentucky a likely GOP hold. Personally, I'm mostly just happy that Yarmuth won't have a serious challenger in 2008. Let 2007 be a "Republican" year with the incompetent Blanco wiped out.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Northup winning the primary, as is likely, would make Kentucky a likely GOP hold.

Depends who the Democrats nominate. She'd stand a much better chance of winning than Fletcher.

[Adlai Stevenson]

Northup winning the primary, as is likely, would make Kentucky a likely GOP hold.

Depends who the Democrats nominate. She'd stand a much better chance of winning than Fletcher.

At the state level, Kentucky has a strong Democratic tradition and there are certainly strong candidates who could beat Northup.  True, it will be more competetive but her victory is not inevitable.  Let us not forget that she has just an election anyway. 

[Keystone Phil]

Thank God. I still have a bad feeling, though, that Fletcher has done enough damage to hurt any Republican running in 2007.

[Kevin]

I hope she wins.  She can send a message to the Kentucky GOP that NJ Democrat style corruption is unacceptable.

At least our governor isnt corrupt. I am sure they have a few of their own corrupt legislators too.

That's like saying that Bob Taft has a bright politcal future.

[MarkWarner08]

I hope she wins.  She can send a message to the Kentucky GOP that NJ Democrat style corruption is unacceptable.

At least our governor isnt corrupt. I am sure they have a few of their own corrupt legislators too.

That's like saying that Bob Taft has a bright politcal future.

Do you have a single example of Corzine doing something corrupt?

[7,052,770]

Republicans holding on to governors' mansions in Mississippi,

do NOT assume this is a sure bet

[socaldem]

I have a feeling that Louisvillian Northup may have a little trouble picking up ancestral Democrats in the Eastern coal fields and Western Kentucky. 
In a competitive race, Democrats should get about 60% in Jefferson County.  But if Democrats do well in rural areas, its not necessary.  In 2002, for instance, Scotty Baesler won less than 45% in Jefferson County and still came within a few hundred votes of beating Bunning. 

Democrats have an attractive candidate in Johnathan Miller.  And I think Northup is going to have a tough ride, especially since GOP congresscritters have recently had a hard time breaking into statehouses.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

I have a feeling that Louisvillian Northup may have a little trouble picking up ancestral Democrats in the Eastern coal fields and Western Kentucky. 
In a competitive race, Democrats should get about 60% in Jefferson County.  But if Democrats do well in rural areas, its not necessary.  In 2002, for instance, Scotty Baesler won less than 45% in Jefferson County and still came within a few hundred votes of beating Bunning. 

Democrats have an attractive candidate in Johnathan Miller.  And I think Northup is going to have a tough ride, especially since GOP congresscritters have recently had a hard time breaking into statehouses.

Bunning wasn't up that year.

[socaldem]

I have a feeling that Louisvillian Northup may have a little trouble picking up ancestral Democrats in the Eastern coal fields and Western Kentucky. 
In a competitive race, Democrats should get about 60% in Jefferson County.  But if Democrats do well in rural areas, its not necessary.  In 2002, for instance, Scotty Baesler won less than 45% in Jefferson County and still came within a few hundred votes of beating Bunning. 

Democrats have an attractive candidate in Johnathan Miller.  And I think Northup is going to have a tough ride, especially since GOP congresscritters have recently had a hard time breaking into statehouses.

Bunning wasn't up that year.

I meant 1998.