KY-3: Another of our attempts to take out Northup (Repuke)

[goobergunch]

Kentucky. In what’s become something of a biennial ritual, Democrats in the 3rd Congressional District, encompassing Louisville and surrounding areas, are gearing up to take on Republican Rep. Anne Northup.

While no one has officially jumped in the House race, at least three Democrats are taking a hard look — Jack Conway, who ran against Northup in 2002; Tony Miller, the Jefferson County Circuit Court clerk; and Lt. Gov. Steve Henry.

The district, which includes a large black community and a strong labor presence, is “one of the most competitive districts in the country, and one that we plan on taking back,” Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesman Greg Speed said.

Northup has said she’ll need $3 million to win reelection in 2004. On Monday, her chief of staff, Terry Carmack, declined to say how much the four-term congresswoman had reeled in during the second quarter until the formal reporting deadline of July 15.

http://www.hillnews.com/campaign/070803_state.aspx

[jos]

1. We won't win back the House until we win back this seat

:dem:

[ButterflyBlood]

2. The Lt. Gov. is probably the strongest candidate

This seat should be near the top of our hitlist. CO-7 probably should be #1 with AZ-1 right after it.

[GreenArrow]

3. 3 million dollars for a two year term

There's something sick about that. I can't stand that self righteous hag, but for that kind of money any Dem that stands a chance of beating her is going to have to make a lot of unsavory compromises. Jack Conway, her opponent last time, was a real centrist weasel, a corporatist with no vision. He does have some fund raising ability, which means he'll owe lots of favors should he get elected. I ended up voting for the fruitcake independent in that election, just because the two major party candidates were so egregiously BAD. Ann's opponent back in 2000, Eleanor Jordan, got sandbagged by special interest money and some really nasty, dishonest campaigning by the basilisk known as Ann Northup. Steve Henry is kind of scandal tainted.

[Ramsey]

4. This seat is winnable

Conway did quite well (around 40%) with not much of a campaign apparently. Northrup isn't popular per se, just an incumbent.

My family lives in Louisville and my sister tells me that a lot of the "base" Democrats feel they are being ignored by the Dem candidates, and that their votes are being taken for granted. Conway never went to West Louisville to campaign, and neither has Chandler, yet. The black neighborhoods are very tired of being assumed Democratic supporters. They want to see candidates come talk to their leadership and constituents and have their issues directly addressed.

The Kentucky Dems seem to have caught the national Democratic Party fever: act moderate and assume the base but never talk to them. They all need to wake up. Because the seat is very winnable. Northrup is a know nothing loser with no credits under her belt who can barely hold her seat with little challenge, and Louisville has the most moderate and liberal voters in the state. Wake up, Kentucky Dems and fight for this seat!!

[mndemocrat_29]

5. Northup's Seat

We need to gain this seat if we ever want the House back. This shouldn't be too difficult, but Jack Conway was a great candidate. He did not, however, run to the base (which is there in this district). Hopefully, in an election year, this seat will switch parties. I think that a Democrat like Conway or Henry will have to fight the Gov. Patton connection, however.

[GreenArrow]

6. No, Conway did not run to the base

His position changed repeatedly, a charge that Southdown was able to use effectively against him. I supported Mike Ward and Eleanor Jordan in the two previous elections, but could not bring myself to vote for Conway. It would nice to see someone running for the office on the courage of his or her convictions, but Conway is not that person. He struck me as a rich, vacuous, pretty boy who tried to take up a thouroughly white bread, middle of the road position. Hint to Jack Conway, or whatever contender the Dems offer up next: we already have a white bread, rubber stamp representative beholden to special interests. Try offering a real alternative next time. In spite of all that, Conway came close, which shows that Southdown is beatable.

And you're right; the Governor Patton connection could be damming to any candidate that has it.