Gotcha bloggers and radio/TV talk radio hosts tend to demonize politicians. Such demonizing might tantalize us, might make us feel better about ourselves and might help a candidate. However, they tend to be ill-serving fabrications.
Most politicians, be they Democrats, Republicans or Independents, are good people. They work long hours doing the public’s business for salaries that are usually lower than they could get in the private sector.
Take the cases of Jody Richards and Greg Stumbo. Two fine men who have spent most of their adult lives in public service. Both deeply love their families.
Jody Richards is a man of great integrity, who has worked for long hours for this Commonwealth without much personal gain.
As a former college professor, Jody believes deeply in education. He has fought hard and effectively for educational reform in Kentucky. While I disagree with his position on educational reform (I too have been a college professor), I respect Mr. Richard’s diligent efforts on behalf of educators throughout this state.
Gregg Stumbo is also an upright dude. Mr. Stumbo is very loyal to his chief lieutenants, allies, and friends. Many of his key staff members (including the new Chief-of-Staff for the Speakers’ Office and the new General Counsel to the House) have been with Mr. Stumbo for years.
Mr. Stumbo is also passionate about issues that are important to him. He has fought hard for economic justice in this Commonwealth. Unions never have had a better friend in Frankfort than Gregg Stumbo.
Several people have told me that Greg Stumbo is a great legislator. When Gregg was previously in House Leadership, the House Democrats would rarely stray from the position that leadership had taken. This is what former legislators have told me.
Kentucky has been lucky to have such good people in House leadership. Only one could become Speaker for the 2009-2010 sessions.
Greg Stumbo loves some of his family. He only seems to want to claim who he wants to claim.
Someone with the serious character questions like Stumbo has should never represent the Democratic Party.
We are crumbling I fear. I for one am losing trust in the party when they vote for Stumbo for Leadership. They simply do not go together.
Posted by: James R. | January 14, 2009 at 06:44 AM