Special election set for Dec. 8 ...
Rand Paul visits Bardstown to stump for state Senate candidate Higdon

By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette

Monday, Nov. 30, 11:45 p.m. -- Rand Paul, a candidate for the Republican nomination for one of Kentucky's U.S. Senate seats, visited Bardstown Monday night to campaign for state Rep. Jimmy Higdon, a candidate for the 14th District state Senate seat.

The fundraiser was hosted by Rick and Nancy McCubbins of Bardstown, and featured a number of prominent Republicans who came to support Higdon's campaign. The list included U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie, state Sen. Dan Seum, Sen. Robert Stivers, Rep. David Floyd and others.

But it was Bowling Green ophthalmologist Rand Paul who was the main attraction at the event. Paul's run for the Republican nomination has energized many Republicans and attracted the notice of the mainstream media.

Paul was introduced by state Sen. Robert Stivers, who was recently appointed majority floor leader.

Paul told the crowd his candidacy for the U.S. Senate was based on his concern for the country's future, citing the explosive expansion in government programs and spending for bailouts. "We're spending money at the rate of $52,000 a second," he said.

Democrats and Republicans both must share the blame, he said. "Remember the 'Bridge to Nowhere?' That was a Republican earmark."

"The system of pork barrel politics is broken," Paul said. "We have to do a better job."

Paul introduced state Rep. Jimmy Higdon, who told the group he was ready for the final push in the last week of his state Senate campaign.

There's more to stake than just the state Senate seat, he explained. A loss of the seat to the opposition would put our state government one step closer to a return to one-party control.

With so much at stake, its no wonder money is pouring in to defeat him, he said. The latest campaign finance reports filed by his opponent, Democrat Jodie Haydon, show thousands of dollars in contributions from horse track owners and executives, as well as road contractors and unions.

Kentuckians are concerned about jobs, and the state can't afford to have a big increase in taxes. To attract jobs and compete with other states, Kentucky must become more business-friendly. Rather than raise taxes, Higdon said he supports cutting wasteful spending.

On the topic of expanded gaming, Higdon said Kentuckians were being sold "a pig in a poke."

The proposed gaming legislation during the special session of the General Assembly would have given nearly 60 percent of the revenue to the tracks. It would give the tracks a monopoly on gaming. Higdon said he believes the people of Kentucky should have the right to vote on expanded gaming.

Higdon will be a guest Tuesday, Dec. 1 on the "Brooks & Company" talk show, 11-noon on 1320 WBRT.

Rand Paul campaigns for Rep. Jimmy Higdon
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