Daniel Mongiardo

Gov. Steve BeshearCalling the governor's mansion in Frankfort "the people's house," Republican Party of Kentucky Chair Steve Robertson attacked Gov. Steve Beshear (D-Lexington) for using his official residence for a late June fundraiser.

"Using the Governor's Mansion for political fundraisers does not represent the kind of ethical and moral leadership the people of Kentucky deserve," said Robertson. "Governor Beshear has said that his administration should be held accountable and that it starts at the top with him. I call on Governor Beshear to make real ethics reform part of the special session call."

Invitations to join the "Capitol Club" via attendance at a June 24 fundraiser at the mansion and a coinciding golf open - entitled the "Beshear Open" were dispatched this past weekend.

Governor Steve Beshear (D-Lexington) and Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo (D-Hazard) will headline the Kentucky Democratic Party's Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner this Friday, as it appears a "national" guest will not be confirmed for the event.

A spokesman from the KDP earlier noted that several high-profile potential speakers - including presidential candidate and Illinois Senator Barack Obama (D-Illinois) - had been contacted about attending the event in Lexington, but the latest word from the party is that the two Kentucky constitutional officers will be topping the bill.

Karl Rove at today's NRA Leadership Forum

LOUISVILLE -- Kentucky Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo (D-Hazard) was the first elected official to speak at today's National Rifle Association leadership forum, keeping his remarks focused on hunting and outdoors activity, but also discussed the attitudes of those who support certain gun control legislation.

Mongiardo -- who recently endorsed presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) -- did not reference his choice, during his speech.

Thus far through the leadership forum, Obama has been the favored target of many speakers. The NRA is distributing hundreds of stickers that read "I'm a 'bitter' gun owner, and I vote," referencing Obama's now-infamous comments about rural working-class voters.

I'm a Bitter Gun Owner and I Vote: Politicker Photo

LOUISVILLE -- Thousands of members and supporters of the National Rifle Association are gathered in Louisville this weekend for the organization's annual meeting.

The political highlight of the event is this afternoon's Leadership Forum, which is just underway. The list of speakers scheduled is a full slate of prominent state and national figures, topped by the presumptive Republican presidential nominee and U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).

NRA President John Sigler kicked the forum off and introduced NRA CEO and Vice President Wayne Lapierre.

Kentucky's Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo (D-Hazard) is also on the schedule early in the day. He replaces Gov. Steve Beshear at the event, who was earlier set to appear.

Another Kentucky guest is scheduled just before McCain this afternoon. Incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville) will speak to the assembled guests.

With the release of a new advertisement today from the campaign of Bruce Lunsford, it appears the Democratic Senate primary will remain combative up until the May 20 election.

Lunsford's new ad targets primary opponent and Louisville businessman Greg Fischer for past Republican donations and workplace safety violations at facilities belonging to the company where he served as CEO.

The new ad - entitled "Trust" - features a narrator stating that Fischer "attacks Democrats for crossing party lines." A video clip of Fischer stating "I invite checking of my references" is then run.

Lt. Gov. Daniel MongiardoKentucky's Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo (D-Hazard) has formally endorsed the presidential campaign of U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) today. The endorsement is Obama's first from a statewide elected official in Kentucky.

"I believe Senator Obama can unite the Democratic Party and build a coalition of Independents and Republicans to win in November. A proven leader at working across the partisan aisle, he will bring relief to the hardworking families of Kentucky and a responsible end to the war in Iraq. As a surgeon, I am particularly impressed with Senator Obama's plan to deliver health care to all Americans, with an imperative focus on cutting medical costs for all families," read Mongiardo's statement, dispatched by the Obama campaign to announce the news.

Stay tuned to this space tonight for coverage of the Kentucky Democratic Party's fundraiser in Louisville. The guest list includes Senator Hillary Clinton, Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo, and Kentucky's three undecided superdelegates - Governor Steve Beshear, KDP Chair Jennifer Moore, and KDP Vice-Chair Nathan Smith.

Tomorrow, check back for coverage of the political forum at the Owensboro BBQ festival in western Kentucky. Scheduled guests there include Democratic Senate candidates Bruce Lunsford, Greg Fischer, and Mike Cassaro as well as KY-2 candidate Reid Haire.

Shortly before Democratic Senate candidate Greg Fischer announced he would not cease his attacks on opponent and primary frontrunner Bruce Lunsford, Lunsford's campaign circulated a letter to Fischer signed by four of Kentucky's most prominent Democrats.

In the letter (available here in pdf form), signatories Congressman John Yarmuth (D-Louisville), state Auditor Crit Luallen (D-Lexington), Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo (D-Hazard), and Attorney General Jack Conway (D-Louisville) allege that Fischer's recent attacks on Lunsford will help incumbent Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville) when he faces the ultimate winner of the Senate primary in November.

Senator Hillary Clinton will make her return to Kentucky on May 9, just over a month after she appeared at a Louisville rally and the Governor Ruby Laffoon fundraiser in Madisonville.

This time, Clinton will be joining top state Democrats in Louisville for a fundraiser for the Kentucky Democratic Party (KDP).

The event will be held at the Kentucky International Convention Center.

A new poll of 572 likely Democratic voters by SurveyUSA finds Louisville businessman Bruce Lunsford significantly leading the rest of the Democratic field in the primary race for the U.S. Senate.