Posted on 10/31/2003 2:53:06 PM PST by Tumbleweed_Connection
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Gov. Paul Patton knows the crush of camera crews and reporters waiting for him in the rotunda couldn't care less about his "Children's Health Day" proclamation. They're interested only in what he calls his "personal tragedy." Even the mundane groundbreakings and photo opportunities that mark his final days in office can't shield him from reminders of the sex scandal that derailed his once-high-flying political career and tarnished his legacy. This recent day is particularly tough. His former mistress, Tina Conner, is pleading guilty in federal court to falsifying an application for a state contract. Reporters want to know if Patton thinks she should go to prison, if he worries he might be next. Flashing his trademark thousand-watt grin, Patton casually deflects the questions and retreats to the inner sanctum of his office. The smile soon fades. He sinks into his leather chair. "I've come to terms with it," the 66-year-old Democrat says dejectedly. "I did it. I deserve to suffer for it. ... Whatever kind of public humiliation that I have to take, I just have to take it." The first Kentucky governor in 200 years to succeed himself in office, Patton was seven years into what many considered a productive administration when the Conner scandal broke. The former coal operator was on track to equal, maybe even surpass, the career of his political idol - former governor and U.S. Sen. Wendell Ford. He had imagined leaving Frankfort, serving a couple of terms in the Senate and retiring at age 80, like Ford, an "elder statesman." But as he contemplates a framed chalk portrait of his mentor on the mahogany-paneled wall, Patton knows that will never be. All because he failed to follow the sixth of the 10 rules framed on the wall to his left: "Thou shalt not commit adultery."
Patton' reputation is now a "chalk outline" on the floor.
Hence the dynamic support for religion in schools.
That's a big 10-4! Ernie will win somewhat because scummy Patton did abuse his power AND then didn't resign. The Demos also didn't force Patton out, which might have redeemed them. Glad they did not.
Ernie is a good man and will make a difference in Kentucky - partly by simply breaking the Demos stranglehold on state government for thirty years.
Gee, I hope no one remebers that we had this same assembly several months back for the governor of West Virginia (Davis?) who was banging a woman on the state payroll. The media will never mention it, but we have the tapes that were made when the party scumbags made their "Squat" speeches there. They are basically the same speeches they made for Wilie.
Well, there are two speches. The first is "He Categorically Denies What the Bitch From the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy Says And We Sear He is Telling the Truth," and the second is the "We Didn't Know the Bitch Had Pictures But He is Only HUman And Begs Forgiveness From You Just As His Wife And Other Girl Friends Have Already Forgiven Him And Besides, Character Don't Mean Squat to a Democrat."
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.