Free Republic

Kerr lost battle on her own turf By Ryan Alessi HERALD-LEADER FRANKFORT BUREAU In her 12-point loss in last week's special congressional election, Republican Alice Forgy Kerr was failed by some of the voters who knew her best. Kerr, a state senator from Lexington, lost to Democrat Ben Chandler by an unexpectedly wide 55 percent to 43 percent margin in Tuesday's election to fill the 6th Congressional district seat. Political analysts have offered a host of theories why Chandler, a former attorney general, won so convincingly, including the high, 35 percent, voter turnout, which by tradition favors Democrats, and his...

Judge conducts business from jail AWAITS SENTENCING ON VOTE-BUYING CONVICTION By John Cheves HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER HINDMAN - After a decade in Appalachian politics, Knott County Judge-Executive Donnie Newsome might be more popular behind bars than he ever was at the ballot box. Newsome, 52, is being held in the Fayette County jail, awaiting a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison for buying votes in his 1998 election. A jury convicted him last month. But Newsome continues to serve as county judge, meeting people and signing county papers during visiting hours. He still collects his $63,753 salary....

Candidates' grass roots in a tangle Chandler, Fletcher share same Fayette voter base By Ryan Alessi and Linda J. Johnson HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITERS Elementary political strategy says you start with your home base of supporters, then reach outward into key up-for-grabs areas. But what happens when two opponents share the same back yard? Looking ahead to this fall's general election, Democrat Ben Chandler and Republican Ernie Fletcher will embark on what promises to be a tooth-and-nail fight across the state and particularly in Fayette County. That's largely because both candidates can claim Fayette as part of their home turf. And...