My Old Kentucky Podcast

Michael Bowman, Amy McGrath Declares, Marsy's Law Update, Coal Politics, + More!

We are excited to be back after a week off!  In this week's episode, we spoke with Michael Bowman, the Democrat running for Treasurer.  He told us why he wants to be Treasurer, what he would do with the position, and the keys to his big victory in May.  We also talked a bit about campaigning in Kentucky and what he's learned on the trail this year.
We also talked a bit about the first day of Amy McGrath's campaign to take on Mitch McConnell, a new petition to SCOKY about Marsy's Law, an attempt by some in the GOP to take out Thomas Massie, and some stories involving coal politics in Eastern Kentucky: Gov. Bevin's promise to give coal counties 100% of coal severance tax revenue, and the bankruptcy of Blackjewel.  Plus, more!

Rep. Lisa Willner, Gov. Bevin Says He's Got The Votes, and Metro Council Budget Cuts

This week on the podcast, we welcomed Rep. Lisa Willner of Louisville.  She talked to us about her first legislative session, and spoke in depth about each of the four bills on which she was the chief sponsor.  We also talked about bring her experience as a psychologist to Frankfort and the impact her expertise has on the policy making process.
Jazmin and Robert updated two of the major stories we've been tracking this summer: the budget cuts in Louisville and the probability of a special session.  Gov. Bevin says he now has the votes for his quasis bill, and Metro Council in Louisville has released their version of the budget cuts (between recording and publication, the council did approve the cuts proposed by their budget committee).  And as always, we have QUICK HITS.

Michael Gray Explains Lobbying, SCOKY Rulings, and Lt. Gov Drama Featuring Morgan Eaves

This week MOKP welcomed Michael Gray -- a lobbyist who does a lot of work in Frankfort.  Mr. Gray explained how his job works, and he spoke very candidly about the power lobbyists hold in Frankfort and in the legislative process everywhere.
Jazmin is out this week, so Morgan Eaves of Richmond filled in for her!  Morgan told us about two major rulings at the Kentucky Supreme Court, and Robert covered a very dramatic week at the Lt. Governor's office.  Plus, plenty of Quick Hits.

Pride Week with Chris Hartman, Another Special Session Update, and Certification of the Primary

It's Pride Week!  In honor of that, we welcomed Chris Hartman, director of Kentucky's Fairness Campaign, to talk about the past, present, and future of the LGBTQ rights movement in Kentucky.  Topics included cities where fairness is being actively discussed, what it will take to win a statewide fairness law, and why it's important to include both caucuses in the legislature.
We also updated several stories we've discussed before: another update on the prospect of a special session, Alison Lundergan Grimes' complaints about the vote certification process, West Virginia's governor settling with several Kentucky counties, and lots of Quick Hits!

Rep. Angie Hatton, Special Session, Libraries, & US Senate Speculation

This week, we welcome Rep. Angie Hatton of Whitesburg to the show.  She talked to us about Whitesburg, what she's learned since she joined the legislature in 2017, and what we needed to know about southeastern Kentucky.
We also did an update on the special session, Louisville's libraries, Alison Lundergan Grimes' tough day in court, and we did some baseless speculation about the US Senate race.
NOTE: this episode was recorded Monday, before the most recent news about the special session.  Apparently Governor Bevin has agreed to some changes in his bill: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/2019/06/05/bevin-revises-pension-bill-to-win-needed-votes-for-special-legislative-session/1359664001/

Rep. Terri Branham Clark, Special Session Update, Negative Ads, & Passport Sale

This week, we welcomed back Rep. Terri Branham Clark of Boyd County.  We spoke with her about the incredible performance of Rocky Adkins in Eastern Kentucky, and what Andy Beshear needs to do to shore up support in that part of the state.  She also talked about serving in her first legislative session, her approach to working on bills, and how she plans to tweak her approach next year.
Before the interview, Robert updated us about the Special Session, Jazmin talked through the negative ads already permeating the campaign, and Robert talked about the sale of Passport to the for-profit Evolent Health.  Plus, Quick Hits!

Election Results & Jazmin Speaks to the ACLU

The primary election has come and gone!  Now that we know who will be on the ballot in November, listen to Robert and Jazmin break down what happened in the primary to get us here.  They address all the statewide elections and what we can take away from each race.
Also, Jazmin speaks with Heather Gatnarek and Kate Miller of the ACLU.  Heather is a staff attorney and Kate works as the primary lobbyist for the ACLU, and their conversation with Jazmin touched on the way they defend our liberties in Frankfort and in the courtroom.

Grimes/BOE Lawsuit, Beshear/Insulin Lawsuit, & Primary Predictions

This week, Robert and Jazmin talked about a pair of lawsuits from Kentucky's Democratic executive branch elected officials -- Allison Lundergan Grimes is suing to block a law which restricts the Secretary of State's power over the board of elections, and Andy Beshear is suing insulin makers for exponentially increasing prices.  Plus, Jazmin shares about a plan from the EPA to invest millions in Kentucky's water infrastructure.
Several folks have asked MOKP to do predictions -- Jazmin refused, but Robetr gave four or five different predictions on this podcast.  These predictions are about who will win, but how the race might go.  All of them will probably be wrong.
VOTE ON TUESDAY!

Labor Cabinet Update, A Special Session (?), and Edelen Goes Negative

This week, Jazmin and Robert update a story from last week about Andy Beshear's lawsuit against Gov. Bevin's Labor Cabinet (news broke on this story in the middle of recording!), whether or not a special session would happen this year, and about Adam Edelen's negative ads attacking Andy Beshear.  Plus, Quick Hits from topics as varied as Jewish Hospital in Louisville to the Fairness Ordinance vote in Bowling Green.  Enjoy!

Rep. Cluster Howard, Mayor Fischer's Budget, Beshear vs. Labor Cabinet, & Fundraising Reports

This week we invited Rep. Cluster Howard of the 91st District to the show!  We talked about how he represents a district that has very different county identities, the impact of personal relationships on legislating, and how Democrats can be more competitive at the federal level in places like Eastern Kentucky.
Before speaking with Rep. Howard, we talked about Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer's proposed budget which includes $25.5 million in cuts, the case Attorney General Andy Beshear is making against the Labor Cabinet in his suit involving the subpoenas of teachers protesting in Frankfort, and all the gubernatorial candidates 30-day prior fundraising reports.