Fundraising for 2007 Governor's Race

I know it is hard to believe, but with his party split over the hiring mess, Governor Fletcher is planning to run again in 2007 and is hard at work raising funds for the race. As a Democrat, I welcome having the Republicans run Fletcher, or better yet, get locked into a nasty primary season that drains the party of funds and tarnishes everyone involved. I can't think of a better way to place the Governor's office back in Democratic hands.

By the time this investigation into merit job hiring practices has concluded our governor could well be facing impeachment proceedings. It takes an amazing amount of arrogance for Fletcher to be out holding fundraisers for an upcoming election. Still, I have to wonder what makes Fletcher think he can win? Only 17% or registered voters say they would vote for Fletcher if the election were held today. Many influential Republicans seem to think the state and party would be better off if the tarnished white knight occupying the governor's mansion fell on his sword for the good of the party.

Smart Democrats will sit quietly on the sidelines and watch Fletcher inflict damage on his party. If they are really smart they will select only one candidate for the Governor's race and unite behind their choice to retake the governor's office. Of course, Democrats are not frequently smart when it comes to campaigning these days. We may well manage to throw away this golden opportunity for politics as usual Kentucky style.