Jerry Abramson

Jim James, the lead singer for the Louisville-based rock band My Morning Jacket, will perform an acoustic set of music on behalf of the presidential camapaign of Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama (D-Ill.).

According to the music blog Backseat Sandbar, James' performance at the Water Tower in Louisville is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, at 7pm.

Admission to the event, which is a fundraiser for the Obama Victory Fund, is $150 while "premium seating" is advertised at $500.

Speakers reportedly scheduled for the event include U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Louisville), Attorney General Jack Conway (D-Louisville), and Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson.

Democratic Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson moved quickly to fill the Jefferson County Attorney vacancy, today appointing the rumored frontrunner to the position, former judge and assistant county attorney Mike O'Connell.

O'Connell takes over for Irv Maze, who was appointed by Governor Steve Beshear (D-Lexington) to a circuit court judgeship.

The timing of Maze's appointment - and the creation of the County Attorney vacancy - came under fire yesterday as the move occurred two days after the passing of the candidate filing deadline. Had Maze left office on Tuesday or before, another candidate could have filed to run for the county position and forced a special election.

With O'Connell's appointment today - past that deadline - no other candidates are eligible to file. Without an election, O'Connell will hold the County Attorney office until at least 2010.

Jefferson County Attorney Irv Maze, of Louisville, was named to serve as a Circuit Court Judge for Kentucky's 30th Judicial District, Division 10, by Governor Steve Beshear (D-Lexington) this morning.

A three-term County Attorney, Maze ran for Lt. Gov. on a ticket with former Treasurer Jonathan Miller (D-Lexington) in 2007 before they suspended their bid prior to the Democratic primary and endorsed the eventual winning ticket featuring Beshear and Daniel Mongiardo (D-Hazard).

Miller also was appointed to a position in the Beshear administration, taking the reins as Secretary of Finance.

Maze was already the only candidate who had filed for the judicial vacancy, which opened up upon the death of Judge Kathleen Voor Montano.

Senate candidate Bruce Lunsford (D-Louisville) speaks at Friday's press conference: Politicker photo

LOUISVILLE - Some of the higher-profile Democrats from the Louisville area appeared in their hometown today to voice their support of Democratic U.S. Senate nominee and Louisville businessman, Bruce Lunsford. For a press conference in downtown's Jefferson Square Park, Lunsford was joined by Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, U.S. Rep John Yarmuth - of Kentucky's 3rd Congressional District - and Attorney General Jack Conway.

Each voiced their endorsement of Lunsford in his bid to unseat four-term incumbent Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville), the Minority Leader in the Senate.

"I want to speak out in regard to his vision. This is a man that I believe sees what is right for the United States and what is right for the commonwealth of Kentucky, first and foremost," said Abramson, the city's long-time mayor. "In my judgement, Bruce Lunsford has the background, the experience and the energy to be able bring about a supportive change that is necessary for the future of America."

Senate candidate Bruce Lunsford (D-Louisville) will rally some top state Democrats for a Friday press conference in downtown Louisville.

In what the Lunsford campaign advertises as a "stand unified against [incumbent Republican Senator Mitch] McConnell's obstructionism," Lunsford will be joined by Democratic Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, U.S. Rep John Yarmuth (D-Louisville), and Attorney General Jack Conway (D-Louisville).

The event will be held at Jefferson Square Park at 1pm on Friday.