Indiana Senator Evan Bayh to back New York Senator Hillary Clinton

The Politico reports:
Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) will endorse Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) on Monday, Democratic sources tell Politico.com.

Bayh is a moderate Democrat whose blessing could help Clinton pick up votes in Republican states.

Indiana is among the most reliably Republican states — “the reddest of the red,” as one Democratic official put it. The Hoosier State went 57 percent for George W. Bush in 2000 and 60 percent for President Bush’s reelection in 2004.

Clinton’s campaign is clearly thrilled to be getting the nod.

“Hillary Clinton to Receive Major National Endorsement on Monday,” said a release from the campaign this evening. The news conference is at 1 p.m. at a hotel on Capitol Hill.

Bayh, a former chair of the centrist Democratic Leadership Council, had sought the Democratic nomination himself but abandoned his quest in December in the face of the strong machines being built by Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.).

At the time, Bayh said in a statement: “The odds were always going to be very long for a relatively unknown candidate like myself, a little bit like David and Goliath.”

Bayh, who had already been oft-discussed as a promising potential vice presidential pick for Clinton, had held back on endorsing her in part because of doubts about her popularity in Indiana, Democratic sources said.

His endorsement could help undermine the argument of her rivals for the Democratic nomination that she would not be electable in a national contest.

Clinton and Bayh serve together on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

In January, they appeared at a news conference together after a congressional-delegation visit to armed forces serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Clinton, noting that she and Bayh sat next to each other on Armed Services, announced then that she and Bayh were sending a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates “reflecting what we heard from our military commanders: they asked for additional troops.”

In March, Clinton was endorsed by former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, who had ended his Democratic presidential campaign a month before. Earlier this month, she was endorsed by retired four-star Army Gen. Wesley Clark, who ran for the Democratic nomination in 2004 and considered doing so again this year.

In other news....

Rabbis are currently pessimistic about Jewish life here in the states.

Indiana Senator Evan Bayh feels very encouraged by what he has heard about Michael B. Mukasey. Here's even more background on Mukasey.

Jack Conway is leading Stan Lee in the Attorney General race. He's not to be confused with the Stan Lee that created Spider-Man and has a better looking mustache.

Steve Beshear plans to stay aggressive.

Can somebody say, BOO YA! Walt and Mearsheimer have been overwhelmingly rejected by reviewers of their book.

Another reason for the UN to be reformed: They allow a known criminal with terrorist ties to speak before them. Speaking of which, this is via Stand with Us:

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's forthcoming visit to the US this coming Monday, September 24. It is shocking to think that he will not only be addressing the United Nations in New York but he will also be speaking at Columbia University, spewing his hatred of America, Israel and Jews.

Since he will be allowed to make his voice heard, our voices must be louder.

RALLY RALLY RALLY
Multiple organizations are mobilizing two different rallies to challenge this insanity. One at Columbia University: W 116th street and Broadway (across from Lerner Hall) Monday, September 24th 1 - 3 p.m. Busses will be coming from Brooklyn College, Queens College, Rutgers University and more.

The Second Rally will take place at NOON at 2nd Ave. and 47th street, Subways 4, 5, 6 or 7 to grand central station... TWELVE NOON-- rain or shine.

BUT IMPORTANT:
We are aware that the Columbia event MAY GET CANCELED but as of now, Friday afternoon in New York, it is still scheduled to happen. STAY TUNED to the home page at www.standwithus.com, and we will give you an update if it is canceled. AND...IF IT GETS CANCELED we need you to go to the United Nations location for the rally organized by the Conference of Presidents and supported by multiple organizations including StandWithUs... and will be held at 2nd Ave. and 47th street, Subways 4, 5, 6 or 7 to grand central station... TWELVE NOON-- rain or shine.

BUSSING:
Busses will leave Rutgers at 11:00 Busses will leave Queens and Brooklyn Colleges 11:30 Exact pick up points to be announced on Sunday, check back with StandWithUs.com home page for updates before Monday.

Bring friends... this is a time to stand up together and condemn the face of evil, and any platform that would allow evil to promote itself.

Darn you Fletcher!

I don't want to see and hear another Ernie Fletcher advertisement on television or radio talking about The Ten Commandments. Not just because of WHICH VERSION would be posted but because Governor Ernie Fletcher broke The Ten Commandments while in office. It's very unethical what the governor is doing and I for one cannot tolerate this any longer.

I'll be so glad when this election is over. And how does Kentucky lose if we get casinos or expanded gaming in Kentucky? Last I checked, we lost millions in revenue to other states because we don't have expanded gaming in Kentucky.

This governor just doesn't get it. For every Republican friend I have, there's a very high ratio that are voting for the Beshear/Mongiardo ticket.

Fletcher will be nailed in the stake. He's already lost Northern Kentucky. He'll lose Jefferson County. He'll lose Central Kentucky. Throw a fork in him already, he's done.

But to this governor, I say again, stop exploiting religious documents that you have broken for your own gain. What's the one I'm thinking of?

Do not bear false witness against your neighbor. This includes lying under oath, which we know he did because he gave a BLANKET PARDON!!!

So stop it already!

Kentucky 42, Arkansas 29

What a great game that was to watch!

To make the day even sweeter following the very solemn holiday of Yom Kippur, the Syracuse Orangemen beat the Louisville Cardinals with a score of 38-25.

DVD Recommendations

2007 Emmy Award Winners

My predicted picks are bolded in the event that they won.

Outstanding Comedy Series: "30 Rock" (2006)
Outstanding Drama Series: "The Sopranos" (1999)
Outstanding Made for Television Movie: Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (2007) (TV)
Outstanding Miniseries: Broken Trail (2006) (TV)
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Ricky Gervais, "Extras" (2005)
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: James Spader, "Boston Legal" (2004)
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie: Robert Duvall, Broken Trail (2006) (TV)
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: America Ferrera, "Ugly Betty" (2006)
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Sally Field, "Brothers & Sisters" (2006)
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie: Helen Mirren, Prime Suspect: The Final Act (2006) (TV)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Jeremy Piven, "Entourage" (2004)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Terry O'Quinn, "Lost" (2004)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie: Thomas Haden Church, Broken Trail (2006) (TV)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Jaime Pressly, "My Name Is Earl" (2005)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Katherine Heigl, "Grey's Anatomy" (2005)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie: Judy Davis, "The Starter Wife" (2007) (mini)
Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series: "The Daily Show" (1996)
Outstanding Writing for Variety, Music Or Comedy Series: "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" (1993)
Outstanding Reality Competition Program: "The Amazing Race" (2001)
Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Special: Tony Bennett: An American Classic (2006) (TV)
Individual Performance, Variety or Music Program: Tony Bennett, "Tony Bennett: An American Classic," NBC.
Directing, Drama Series: "The Sopranos: Kennedy and Heidi," HBO.
Directing, Comedy Series: "Ugly Betty: Pilot," ABC.
Directing, Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special: "Prime Suspect: The Final Act (Masterpiece Theatre)," PBS
Directing, Variety, Music or Comedy Program: "Tony Bennett: An American Classic," NBC.
Writing for a Drama Series: "The Sopranos: Made in America," HBO.
Writing, Comedy Series: "The Office: Gay Witch Hunt," NBC.
Writing, Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special: "Prime Suspect: The Final Act," PBS

Catching up on news...

Rosh Hashanah had me offline over the past weekend, not that there's anything wrong with that.

Tracy Webster became the final assistant coach to be named to Billy Gillispie's staff at the University of Kentucky. As a plus, Kentucky got a verbal from Mason County standout Darius Miller.

This was expected: Norman Finkelstein has resigned.

NJDC Executive Director Ira Forman had a piece in The Jewish Week taking aim at Professors Stephen Walt (of Harvard) and John Mearsheimer (of University of Chicago). Read this article when you can. AISH.com even has a rebuttal to what Walt and Mearsheimer wrote. Here's what JTA has to say about it...

Several rabbis have said that Senator Clinton is the one candidate most supportive of Israel.

Until sundown, it's the Fast of Gedalia.

Representative Melvin Henley of Murray became the latest member to switch parties. The House now has a 63-37 majority.

Kentucky 40, Louisville 34

And what a way to start the new year of 5768!

Remembering 9/11

A poem written by Jack Buck

Since this nation was founded under God
More than 200 years ago

We've been the bastion of freedom...

The light that keeps the free world aglow.
We do not covet the possessions of others,
We are blessed with the bounty we share.

We have rushed to help other nations...
Anything...anytime...anywhere

War is just not our nature...we won't start
But we will end the fight.
If we are involved we shall be resolved to
Protect what we know is right.

We have been challenged by a cowardly foe
Who strikes and then hides from our view.

With one voice we say, "There's no choice
Today, there is only one thing to do"

Everyone is saying the same thing
And praying that we end these senseless
Moments we are living.

As our fathers did before, we shall win
This unwanted war

And our children will enjoy the future,
We'll be giving.


Written by Jack Buck
September 14, 2001

Exclusive Interview with Andrew Horne

Danielle Solzman: First, thank you for joining the Kentucky Democrat for an interview today. First and foremost, thank you for your service to the country. How are things going and how busy has the statewide elections kept you?
Andrew Horne: Thanks for taking interest Danielle.

With my law practice, family commitments and my work with VoteVets.org, Steph and I are very busy but we still have made time for a few political events. Now that we are past Labor Day and VoteVets is gearing up for the Petraus Report I am sure it will pick up even more.

DS: When did you decide to run for Congress in 2006 and what factored into that decision?
AH: I decided very late in December 2005 because I knew we needed a change in DC and could no longer tolerate the rubber stamp Northup was holding for Bush. At the time no one had shown an interest in getting in and the general talk on the street was that she was not beatable. I knew we could take her out because if someone like me was disgusted with her and Bush I thought there would be a lot more other people out there.

DS: During the primary campaign, you had a lot of national press, national bloggers, and the endorsements of Col. Hackett and Gen. Clark. Knowing what you do now, would you have done anything different?
AH: While in hindsight I might have tweaked here and there I can honesty say there is very little I would have done differently. I had the full encouragement of my family, great passionate supporters, and the support of a growing Vets movement. Steph and I actually enjoyed the process right up to the last day of the primary.

DS: You're a military veteran so how do you feel the Iraq situation needs to be handled. With our armed forces stretched so thin, what should happen in the event that America does something about Iran?
AH: There are no good answers in regard to Iraq only a list of bad ones. However, we must get beyond partisanship and think first of our children's future. Whatever we do we must have as solid a consensus as possible. The recommendations of the Iraq Study Group are a good place to start the debate, but the ultimate long term goal must be to remove all of our troops from Iraq. Because of the way we entered Iraq and have handled it since, any residual U.S. presence will be seen as an occupation by most Iraqis and the majority of the Arab world. In that vein, it will appear coerced if we were "asked" by the Iraqi government to keep troops in Iraq while we still had thousands of combat troops there. There should be no discussions concerning permanent bases in Iraq.

Concerning your question about Iran, in every matter concerning relations between nations the use of military force should only be a last resort. We must pursue every diplomatic and economic option. In the case of Iran we quite frankly have very few military options. We do not have the manpower to fight another ground war and the effect of air power alone is very limited - just look at "shock and awe." Under these circumstances we must avoid a shooting war at all costs because our choices are either a small interdiction to address the support to the Iraqi Shi'ia Militias, which is akin to stirring-up a hornet's nest, or an attempt at a knock out blow. Neither option would do much for our standing in the world and would not be in our long term National Security interests.

DS: Did you ever outreach to bloggers on Kos or MyDD during your campaign? Also, do you have any thoughts on the way that blogs have revolutionized politics altogether?
AH: During the campaign I never personally initiated contact directly with any bloggers. I had some contact me and I know my supporters were very active in that regard.

I was and still am impressed with the way the blogs can disseminate information in a way that mobilizes people. However, there are blogs where the participants are simply talking but not getting involved. The important synergy is between the blogs and grass roots that can turn words into passion and then into action. A good example is the Iraq Summer Campaign. The blogs disseminated information across the state and the nation so that a small group of people in Berea, KY knew they were not alone in opposing the war and challenging McConnell to bring a responsible end to it. I have no doubt that some of those 100 people in Berea were there because they heard about 800 people in Louisville, KY or 400 in Boise, Idaho, or one of the other 40+ locations across the nation. That would not have happened without the blogs. The people in Berea did not hear about other events through the traditional media and would not have heard or seen the passion without YouTube and the blogs. I believe this trend will only continue as people who participated in the Iraq Summer Campaign and other similar causes adapt these tactics to their own agenda. I would call it non-linear activism.

DS: Do you think the state party is heading in the right direction?
AH: I am not a party insider so I do not know a lot of details. I am hearing generally positive comments and the very few negative I hear are easily attributable to growing pains and the stresses associated with changing the party in the middle of a very important election. So yes I think the party is heading generally in the right direction.

DS: What about your thoughts on the image of the national party given the perception it gets in the Commonwealth?
AH: The image of the National Democratic Party in Kentucky is a product of the good job [their perception] that the Republican Party has done in assassinating the character of the Party. However, I believe the dishonesty and partisanship shown by the National Republican Party over the last few years has finally worn out its welcome and most Kentuckians are once again identifying with the Democrats.

DS: Do you think it's possible that the Democrats will make even more gains in the US Senate next year?
AH: I believe it is not only possible but probable.

DS: There's a lot of talk about the race to unseat Mitch McConnell. Do you think that it is it too early to start focusing on that race in 2008 or should we be focusing on the statewide elections first?
AH: It is too early to focus on the McConnell 08 race; however, it cannot be ignored completely. Taking him out will not be a superficial or shallow effort and will require considerable "shaping of the battlefield", which the continuing chatter contributes to. Also, the statewide elections will have a significant impact on the McConnell race and should not be seen as entirely separate but as part of a synergistic Campaign to change the state from Red to Blue. That said, we should not put the cart before the horse and allow a distraction with McConnell to bleed energy from the November elections.

DS: I know 2008 is a few months away but are any potential candidates that you see having a good chance to reach the White House?
AH: At this point any of the three democratic front runners could get the nomination and have a very decent shot at winning the White House. However, it is still very early, for example, at this point in the last presidential election cycle Lieberman was the Democratic front runner.

DS: Also, dealing with 2008, do you think that the press starts these elections insanely early?
AH: It seems very early to me, however, they have to sell papers [ads] and if the people were not interested they would not cover it.

DS: Jon Stewart or Bill O'Reilly?
AH: Stewart.

DS: Who would star in The Andrew Horne Story?
AH: I have no earthly idea who would even want to watch "The Andrew Horne Story" let alone play the starring role. But if I have to answer - Stephen Colbert.

DS: On that note, what is your stance on kittens and woodchippers?
AH: A match made in heaven

DS: What three issues in your opinion do you think should be priorities for the Senate and the House?
AH: #1 Healthcare, #2 Responsible National Security Policy #3 [a tie] Education/Sustainable Energy Policy.

DS: What was it like to work with Paul Hackett? Is he done in politics for good or is there a chance that he'll get back into the political arena?
AH: Paul is a friend and fellow Marine so my perspective will be different than most. But in essence he is wide open - what you see is what to get.

Steph and I spent some time with him and his wife Susie this weekend and I think he is going to take a break from politics over the short term.

DS: I know that you are busy being an attorney and all, but given the name recognition you got during the campaign, would you be willing to say that 2006 was not the end of your entrance into the political arena? I guess what I am trying to say is: will you be on the ballot in 2008 or anytime in the near future? Maybe against Mitch McConnell?
AH: If the right race comes around I am not done in politics. Regarding 2008 against McConnell, the encouragement I am getting is humbling but that is a race that should not be taken on lightly. Because of the amount and breadth of support I am getting I will take a very serious look at it, but in the end I will base my decision on what is best for my family and whether my candidacy will be in the interests of the people.

DS: Thanks again for joining the Kentucky Democrat for this interview and
keep fighting the good fight.

We're in the era of Scarlett....

Obama recently outreached to outreached to Jews in New York.

We're in a new era now, apparently it's all about Scarlett.

Ringo Starr is coming out with a new album.

Evan Bayh recently played host to several job fairs around the state of Indiana.

It's nice knowing that France is willing to be friends again.

Don't forget to thank labor. They were a huge support in the 1930s and 1940s.

Ryan Braun has a good chance at becoming the first Jew to win Rookie of the Year.

This article on TJ Miller is a MUST-READ.

Monday's Labor Day picnic drew a huge crowd.

Democratic Party candidates such as Jack Conway and Daniel Mongiardo were there -- running respectively for attorney general and lieutenant governor -- and many in the crowd sported Democratic candidates' names on badges and stickers.

And there were several booths promoting causes and circulating petitions in favor of such things as a universal health plan and against such things as Wal-Mart's labor practices.

Louisville firefighters passed out stickers seeking public support for their contract position in contentious negotiations with the city.

Members of United Steelworkers Local 1693 circulated a petition seeking help with its contract talks with Ohio Valley Aluminum, which had led to a 10-week strike that ended last month.

The Family Sitcom

Whatever happened to the classic family sitcom? They seem like a rare breed these days. The good ones are no longer on the air due to bad ratings or they had a long run and decided it was time to go. But there's no excuse for networks like ABC to throw According to Jim to the midseason. I shouldn't have to resort to channels like TBS (The Bill Engvall Show) or yes, even Disney, to watch a quality family sitcom.

It's a shame that network television is eventually going to get rid of the family sitcom. If it isn't, then they better work on picking up some decent shows in the future and not bailing out on them.