More On Lunsford's Love Of The Republican Party...

Just wanted to follow-up on the one member of the McConnell-wing of the Democratic Party that is running for governor, W. Bruce Lunsford.

We talked at some length about the thousands of dollars Lunsford has donated to Republican candidates and Republican organizations since he quit the 2003 gubernatorial primary. But in response to questions about his support of Governor Fletcher (R) and other Republicans, Lunsford recently stated:

"I've lived my life as a Democrat.  I have 40 some years living as a Democrat."

What's sad is how dishonest he is, even when trying to defend and explain himself.

Check out who else Lunsford has financially supported in the past 11 years -- nevermind the past 40:

• Lamar Alexander for Senate (R-Tenn) -- $1,000 (5/1/02)
• George W. Bush for President -- $1,000 (4/7/00)
• McConnell for Senate -- $250 (10/27/99)
• Northup for Congress -- $1,000 (7/9/98)
• Northup for Congress -- $250 (4/24/98)
• Bluegrass Committee (Sen. McConnell's PAC) -- $2,500 (3/16/98)
• New Republican Majority Fund -- $5,000 (7/30/97)
• Bunning for Senate -- $1,000 (7/10/97)
• Bluegrass Committee (Sen. McConnell's PAC) -- $2,500 (7/10/97)
• 1997 Republican Senate-House Dinner -- $5,000 (6/10/97)
• National Republican Congressional Committee -- $2,500 (6/10/97)
• National Republican Senatorial Committee -- $2,500 (6/10/97)
• National Republican Senatorial Committee -- $5,000 (3/31/97)
• Northup for Congress -- $1,000 (1/29/97)
• Northup for Congress -- $500 (10/24/96)
• Northup for Congress -- $500 (7/10/96)
• 1996 Republican House-Senate Dinner -- $5,000 (6/13/96)
• Bunning for Congress -- $250 (6/4/96)
• Republican National Committee -- $2,500 (5/3/96)
• Ron Lewis for Congress -- $500 (4/12/96)
• Republican Party of Kentucky -- $2,500 (10/4/95)
• Lamar Alexander for President -- $1,000 (9/26/95)
• Bob Dole for President -- $1,000 (3/24/95)

What's even more disturbing about these contributions is how few contributions he made to Democrats during this time frame. For example, of the $52,000 that Lunsford donated to candidates or committees between 1995 and 2000 only $11,750 went to Democrats versus $40,250 that went to Republicans.

UPDATE: The $52,000 referenced above relates to federal candidates and committees.

Comments

[Paying Attention]

I know you have a bone to pick, Mark, but we should really be focusing on the true crooks of the primary. People like Henry and Richards are much more worthy of inspection and truth-telling attention.

[DemforChange]

At least some county democratic executive committees have rules booting out members who contribute to republican candidates or parties.

Everyone's entitled to contribute to the party or candidate of her choice.

However, everyone is NOT entitled to privileges reserved for loyal members of a party.

I'd say party loyalty is a major consideration in choosing a party standard-bearer in a primary campaign - particularly for governor.

Bruce Lunsford's substantial, tangible support of republicans is one of the most important facts about him that Democratic voters need to know before judging him in the primary.

This horse is very much alive and will get away if you don't keep beating it.

[Speaking Truth To Idiots]

Party loyalty -- when practiced by Republicans, it's evil and terrible. When practiced by Democrats, it's commendable and laudable.

Explain that, please.

[ky_dem]

STTI, something tells me that you don't have the first clue about being loyal. After all, is there anyone or anything that you HAVEN'T bitched about, or criticised?

[Steve Magruder (I, not D or R)]

After all, is there anyone or anything that you HAVEN'T bitched about, or criticised?

Well, there is Governor Fletcher. STTI has made it painfully clear he is one of Fletch's loyal subjects.

[Dizzy]

Okay Mark I understand. If you are a Democrat then you should only contribute money to a Democratic candidate?
If you contribute to a Repulican or Independent candidate then you should not be elected to an office?
Since you have a lot of time on your hands why don't you compile a listing of all contributions made by every Democratic candidate for Governor?
I would bet a substantial amount of money that your nemesis (Bruce Lunsford) has contributed more money for Democratic candidates than all (conbined total) of the other Democratic gubernatorial candidates!
I am a life long Democrat (except for an early year or two) but that doesn't mean that I won't or can't contribute money to other candidates. Heck, I even have been known to vote for Independent and Republican candidates!
The problem for the Miller/Maze candidacy is that most Kentuckians don't really care who Lunsford gave money to.
And the election should be about the issues not who can do the most "spin" on the candidates. People need to remember that this is exactly what you are - a spin doctor.
And that is what I hate the most about politicians and those who are in the business supporting, helping to elect, etc politicians.
Maybe the spin tells the truth but is it fair?

[Speaking Truth To Idiots]

Chuck Hagel has split with his party's position on Iraq. He has been praised here.

Bruce Lunsford has supported someone not in his party for governor. He has been roasted here.

[Paying Attention]

Interesting that Mark doesn't mention all of Lunsford's contributions to Democrats. Primarily, those multiple contributions of $10,000 or more to various Democratic Parties throughout the country.

[ky_dem]

Who wants a fence sitter for governor?

[ky_dem]

Any democrat candidate for governor that contributes to Northrup, Fletcher or Bush will not get my vote. You republicans can claim him, not to mention you will get Stumbo as a bonus. Have fun that.

[anotherNKYdem]

Call me a cynic, but what if Lunsford's purpose is to drive the money requirements up so high in the primary that he thinks he can clobber the other Dems. The fall race a could become a cakewalk for any heavily funded Republican candidate. Once again he will be helping in buddies on the other side. And yes, in a governor's race party loyalty plays a role. The resident of the governor's mansion is the standard bearer for the party.

We are not close enough to third world status that any millionaire dilettante should be able to run the Commonwealth like a banana republic. Previous misadventures along that line should demonstrate the hazards. But, if it didn't happen last week people are not paying attention. Short, very short, attention spans and minimal tolerance for history's lessons.

Here is hoping that more creative minds and tools overtake the dollars. I'm weary of the "best leaders money can buy" syndrome.

[Mustang]

We are not done roasting Lunsford. All of his money can't keep some of us from questioning his motives after his last run. A "good" democrat does not help donate to Fletcher, Northup, and NOT TO MENTION OUR PATHETIC PRES. BUSH - and think it is ok because he hands out dollars to dem's too - get real folks! He has more money than God, so what does he want really? Power? He has been trying to buy power for years. He has bought Stumbo. Throwing this election? Time will tell. Is everyone afraid of Lunsford except Miller/Maze?

[RealStory]

For the real story on Lunsford's contributions, go to >thevillevoice.com>

[robespierre]

looks like another pathetic, desperate, blame the media first outlet.