Dem Defeats Kentucky's Incumbent Governor

Steve Beshear Easily Beats Embattled Ernie Fletcher; Mississippi Gov. Barbour Re-Elected

(CBS/AP)  Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher, a Republican whose lone term was dogged by a hiring scandal, lost badly Tuesday despite an election-eve effort to woo conservative voters by displaying the Ten Commandments in the state Capitol.

Cyclist Lance Armstrong and Kentucky's new governor, Democrat Steve Beshear, were among the few people who could get voters to embrace change on an election day that seemed inclined to re-elect incumbents and reject ballot measures calling for new proposals.

But Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, one of the few politicians to come out of Hurricane Katrina looking good, handily defeated a Democratic challenger Tuesday to win a second term.

In other races, Houston, San Francisco and Pittsburgh re-elected their mayors. Philadelphia elected Michael Nutter as the new mayor on his promises to reduce gun violence and clean up the city, and Baltimore voters elected Mayor Sheila Dixon to the office she has held since her appointment to it in January.

Even Beshear's election as Kentucky's governor and the passage of an Armstrong-backed measure hardly upended their states' status quos. Beshear is a former attorney general and lieutenant governor whose opponent was the first GOP governor in more than 30 years in predominantly Democratic Kentucky.

Texans authorized up to $3 billion in bonds over 10 years to create a cancer research center pushed by Armstrong, a cancer survivor and Texas-bred sports hero.

Meanwhile, Utah voters on Tuesday killed the nation's first statewide school voucher program that promised tax dollars for private tuition, no matter how much a family earned and regardless of whether kids were in bad schools.

In another of the most closely watched questions on state ballots Tuesday, New Jersey voters rejected the state's plan to borrow $450 million over 10 years to finance stem cell research. In Oregon, residents decided against hiking the cigarette tax to pay for health care for kids who don't have it.

Several states are competing in stem cell research. California approved spending $3 billion on stem cell research, Connecticut has a $100 million program, Illinois spent $10 million and Maryland awarded $15 million in grants.

Beshear cruised to a nearly 20-percentage-point victory in Kentucky after a campaign in which he repeatedly reminded voters of accusations that Fletcher directed the hiring of political allies for jobs protected by the state's merit system.

"Tomorrow begins the time when I call on every person in this state to come together with us, join hands with us, because together, folks, we can make Kentucky a much better place to call home," the 63-year-old told supporters.

He made faith a centerpiece of his campaign, citing his religious upbringing and running television ads showing him in front of a church in western Kentucky.

Fletcher, who had been trailing in the polls for weeks, made a last-minute religious overture of his own Monday by ordering that the Ten Commandments be displayed alongside other historical documents in the state Capitol.

But Fletcher was never able to overcome his indictment on misdemeanor charges that were later dismissed in a negotiated deal after a judge said he could not be tried in office. The grand jury later issued its findings, saying Fletcher had approved a "widespread and coordinated plan" to skirt state hiring laws.

In Mississippi, Barbour won by nearly 20 percentage points over John Arthur Eaves Jr., who got little traction with his largely self-funded campaign that seemed to emphasize religion at every turn. He clutched a Bible in his television ads, cited Scripture frequently and criticized Barbour's connections to "moneychangers" - big oil, tobacco and insurance companies.

The Republican incumbent won by stressing his successful management of the hurricane recovery, job growth and rebuilding.

"I want to continue and accelerate the record job creation that we've had the last couple of years, replacing low-skilled, lower-paying jobs with high-skilled higher-paying jobs," Barbour said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press before appearing at his victory party.

Barbour, a former Washington lobbyist credited with using his connections to help his home state, said he wants to "complete the rebuilding and renewal of the coast bigger and better than ever."

Barbour's Gulf Coast neighbor, Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco, came under such widespread criticism for her handling of the disaster that she did not seek another term.

But Houston Mayor Bill White, who gained national recognition in 2005 for organizing the unexpected arrival of 250,000 evacuees, easily won a final, two-year term Tuesday as leader of the nation's fourth-largest city.

In Philadelphia, Michael Nutter became the city's next mayor on his promises to reduce gun violence, crack down on no-bid contracts and offer $10,000 tax breaks to companies that hire convicts. But first Nutter, a former Democratic councilman, wants to declare a citywide litter cleanup and rid the City of Brotherly Love of its less-flattering nickname: Filthadelphia.

In San Francisco, Mayor Gavin Newsom eclipsed a field of candidates that included a colorful cast of characters but no serious rivals. He did it just eight months after admitting a drinking problem and an affair with a close aide's wife.

In Pittsburgh, Luke Ravenstahl fended off a Republican challenger to remain the youngest mayor of a major U.S. city. He got the job last year following the death of the incumbent.

In Baltimore, Dixon was elected to the city's first black woman mayor. She was appointed in January to replace Martin O'Malley when he became governor.

In the nation's lone congressional race, in northwest Ohio, Democrat Rovin Weirauch and Republican state Rep. Bob Latta won their primaries in the race to succeed Rep. Paul Gillmor, who died in September from a fall at his Washington apartment.

The general election will be Dec. 11.

[abbe91]

"''''despite an election-eve effort to woo conservative voters by displaying the Ten Commandments in the state Capitol.''''
What a shameless, cynical and disgusting ploy. But so very typical of today''''s GOP.
Posted by roger_inkart at 09:45 AM : Nov 07, 2007"

We haven''t seen yet how low they can go. Next, they will add number 11 : "Thou shall vote for the GOP".

[nmsuip]

My district plus most of the surrounding districts are now Republican-free from the county through Congress. The Republican Revolution is over; the Republican Rout begins. Republicans were defeated in all but 2 races here, so they are gradually being reduced to insignificant numbers. I think one of the two was elected dog catcher or something like that. I forget exactly which office, someplace where he''s relatively harmless. Unless you''re a dog or cat, I guess ("Woof! Don''t tase me bro!!!!").

[dodaz-2009]

Bill Clinton,.. was A genuinely " Re-Elected",.. not to Mention an "ELECTED" President.. So of Course he''s gonna be somewhat popular...Whether like him or not --there is no disputing those facts..on the other hand people do dispute the current guy...and NO, not just crazy left wing people..lol

[antoniof123]

Super-Liar-Communistic-Callo
us-Envy-Oucious!

Posted by squirley4 at 11:53 AM : Nov 07, 2007

Try as you might swift boating won''t work this time. You see Bill Clinton is already a proven great President. So of course his wife is going to get help from him. But wait you neocons don''t like that because under his President he listen to America why do you think he was re-elected but we can''t shut this President down so we will shut his party down. After all he is the leader of the Republican party right....

[squirley4]

This ELECTION is about the VOTERS, and I WANT TO remind YOU THE (VOTERS) what THE CLINTONS DID and what they DIDN''''T do; what they PASSED on; how they DIDN''''T TACKLE any BIG ISSUES whatsoever. Their presidency was a NEVER-ENDING CAMPAIGN, and more so than GOVERNING the country.So it seems to me as if you MORONS would stop spewing your trash,and just hope the best one for the job gets in the White House!AND IT IS NOT SHRILLARY...She%u2019s like an evil Mary Poppins!

Super-Liar-Communistic-Callous-Envy-Oucious!

[squirley4]

This ELECTION is about the VOTERS, and I WANT TO remind YOU THE (VOTERS) what THE CLINTONS DID and what they DIDN''T do; what they PASSED on; how they DIDN''T TACKLE any BIG ISSUES whatsoever. Their presidency was a NEVER-ENDING CAMPAIGN, and more so than GOVERNING the country.So it seems to me as if you MORONS would stop spewing your trash,and just hope the best one for the job gets in the White House!

[realpatriot1]

Xlib,

Keep dreaming that we envy the robber barons. On judgement day they''ll be envying us.

Displaying the Ten Commandments at the Stae Capitol could only happen for 1 day. Making it permanent would shut down the government since lawmakers could not pass by the words "thou shalt not steal".

[rochest]

even if the impeachment of Cheney goes no further than the Judiciary Committee just having the debate with all their high crimes and misdemeanors laid down on the table will be enlightning. Then you will see just how deeply they have trashed our sacred constitution and this country! Let the games begin!



SUPPORT OUR TROOPS BRING THEM HOME NOW AND GIVE THEM HEALTH CARE WHEN THEY GET HERE!

[missingamerica]

Your guy lost big time. We now have a Republican county executive. So, you may want to change your ploys. Seems as though the class envy doesn''t work quite as well as in the past.

That''s ok, you still have race baiting-always a hit.

Posted by Xlib at 09:57 AM : Nov 07, 2007

That is unusual; typically, Republicans go to more of an effort to hide their belief in a two-class system for America - and their presence in the superior, wealthier class.

[condumism]

Next up to lose in KY: Neocon Sen. Mitch (GW BUSH) McConnell (Republicon).

[pepperp1]

More to come it is the mid point of the blue wave, Americans have rightly determined that the GOP is being ran by rancid Subversives working against our democracy attacking our freedoms the real red threat aligned against the American People and our Interest. Their runaway deferred tax increases through massive spending and debt on the backs of the middle class, while they raid the our Treasury, check out a tax distribution table it is the Blue States funding the big spending wasteful fiscally irresponsible Refuges States and a Congress and Government Instructions handing out no bid billion dollar contracts to Big Red Donors like Blackwell, and Cheney company Halliburton.
Bush even tried to veto spending on upgrades to the Water infrastructures while cities in the South run out of water from systems left in ill repair by neglect by the Repug Congress, who did not pass a water bill since 2001 when they showed up and instead they diverted tax revenues to the pockets of their buddies. Just like SCHIP children%u2019s health insurance the sickest among us Bush vetoed but if the Prince of Blackwell or Halliburton were getting the work the billions of previous giveaways not on not one bill was vetoed by Bush cause his co conspirators in Congress were in lock step with him. Bush and his lackey in Congress are now the number big government spenders of all time but keep in mind only to their interest not your and mine.

[antoniof123]

Posted by Xlib at 09:57 AM : Nov 07, 2007

Actually Mississippi already had a Republican governor. so what happen was the number went back to the 2006 elections. Oh wait you didn''t like the out come. Also, remember Ky is in the deep south, the home of the Republicans. Even they know a jerk when they see one.

[xlib]

And Louisiana and Mississippi elected Republican governors. I understand the Mississippi gov ran on his handling of Katrina. Now, one could say that Louisiana dumped blanco for a Republican BECAUSE of her NON HANDLING and doing absolutely NOTHING during Katrina.
Just a word to the dems. Our heavily democratic county (in chuck and hills backyard)heavily endorsed the democratic candidate for county executive. The platform ran on the usual class envy as the Republican candidate was (gasp)a millionare businessman. OH MY GOD!! The dem faithful, chuck, hill, and even bill sent out recorded phone messeges all across the county.
Your guy lost big time. We now have a Republican county executive. So, you may want to change your ploys. Seems as though the class envy doesn''t work quite as well as in the past.
That''s ok, you still have race baiting-always a hit.

[antoniof123]

yesterday, Representative Dennis Kucinich introduced articles of impeachment for Darth Cheney and they got passed and then they were sent to the Judiciary Committee for consideration. if they vote articles of impeachment it will go to the whole House to be debated! I watched vote yesterday on C-SPAN talk about exciting TV I know I will be glued to the TV for that committee hearing!!!

Posted by Rochest at 09:12 AM : Nov 07, 2007

Though I would like to see it this is a mute point if they can''t get the votes in the Senate to remove him. So I say let it be just let them dig their hole deeper until we purge more of the ultra right wing in 2008. Who know maybe we can finish is in 2010 and re-elect a Democrat in 2012 to President.

It is going to take years to clean up the Republican mess so we the swing voters have to tighten our belts and suck it up. You know the rich just don''t want to do anything to help out they just want everything there way. Along with the religious nut case right wing.

[roger_inkart]

''despite an election-eve effort to woo conservative voters by displaying the Ten Commandments in the state Capitol.''

What a shameless, cynical and disgusting ploy. But so very typical of today''s GOP.

[clestes-2009]

Another rep conservative scumbag, mouthing religious platitudes and acting pious all the while breaking laws, both US and his God''s.

This country is full of rep religious scumbags. It seems like every month another one pops up. Last month month is was Richard Curtis in WA state, paying a young male $1000 for *** and then claiming before the cameras that he was not gay and did not have *** with the man, dispite the fact that he fell asleep and the guy took his wallet and photos!

One more year to go to rid this country of the cancerous right, who eat away at the heart of this country. Just like a cancer, they destroy everything they touch and the only cure is to surgically remove it.

[ekucrew]

HAHAHAHAHAHAAA

FLETCHER LOST! I guess even his last minute, desperate recorded plea from white bucks Pat Boone to voters could not keep him in the KY statehouse.

Words of wisdom to Fletcher: I guess you''ve learned NOT to mess with the Merit System in state government hiring!

[mbcsmith]

Yeah that''''s about the only way a Republican can win today... run away from the party and pick a very backward part of the country.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by skyk at 07:51 AM : Nov 07, 2007


How typically elitist of you, LIB.

[rochest]

I don''''t think the Republicans truly understand why we are angry at them. First of all I was one of the people who was against Iraq, I knew that the rest of the world could not be wrong and we 300 million were the only right ones. But then I was called a traitor by them because I was in the minority. I was forced against my wishes to support a war of choice that I knew would not be good. But I am an American first and so I did. Now into the future the Decider has said that he will do as he pleases and his loyal bush bots are causing the majority to stay there.

You must understand now I am in the majority and you who called me a traitor are in the minority. So you are determined to remain in Iraq even when we the American people have DECIDED to get out. Hey guess what we are getting out one way or another and you are too neocons. Even if you don''''t like it because we just don''''t care anymore.

Posted by antoniof123 at 08:03 AM : Nov 07, 2007


I wholeheartedly agree.... and another one bites the dust!

yesterday, Representative Dennis Kucinich introduced articles of impeachment for Darth Cheney and they got passed and then they were sent to the Judiciary Committee for consideration. if they vote articles of impeachment it will go to the whole House to be debated! I watched vote yesterday on C-SPAN talk about exciting TV I know I will be glued to the TV for that committee hearing!!!

[melton2019]

This is the best news for Ky in a long time and I hope more is to come. Fletcher gave KY a bad name and I dont know how he even had the guts to run again.Bye bye bad hello good