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Final Press Release
TIME TO EXIT THE RACE FOR U.S. SENATE
May the Best Man Win
ELKTON —Kentucky GOP Candidate Bill Johnson today issued the following statement regarding his decision to exit the U.S. Senate race.
“Magellan Strategies completed a poll for the campaign on Tuesday evening. The results were not encouraging for a continued run. It is time to gracefully and honorably exit the race for the U.S. Senate.
“I have no regrets. Spending time with men like Bob Heft (50 Star American Flag designer) and Dr. Alan Keyes (Pro-life advocate) has enriched my life. Talking with Kentucky’s Republican congressman during the past few months reassures me that good people are fighting hard for America. I am happy to say that we have some outstanding men and women serving at the state level, many of them have given me words of encouragement. And meeting conservative men and women across the state of Kentucky has renewed my faith that America will again head back to the Constitution.
“Trey and Rand are both good men. I have decided to remain neutral for now and clear of endorsements. Regardless of who wins the primary, I offer my full support to helping that candidate become our next U.S. Senator from Kentucky.
“I will spend the next few months relaxing and enjoying time with my family. I humbly thank all my supporters and volunteers for their efforts. My goal was to be your public servant in Washington but perhaps another opportunity will emerge in the future. I look forward to your continued friendship. Please stay in touch. Best Regards, Bill”
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Senator Bunning Lexington Support Rally Press Release
JOHNSON CAMPAIGN STANDS WITH SENATOR JIM BUNNING
Dr. Mongiardo agrees we need to find money to pay for spending
What are the Democrats protesting?
ELKTON —Kentucky GOP U.S. Senate Candidate Bill Johnson today issued the following statement regarding the protest rally against Senator Jim Bunning in Lexington.
“The liberal democrats were outmanned by conservative voices from the right during the simultaneous liberal protest and conservative support rally in Lexington. In a direct exchange with Dr. Mongiardo, he agreed funding for the unemployment benefit extension needs to be identified. So, he is agreeing with the Johnson Campaign and Senator Bunning while simultaneously protesting? I guess he was for PAYGO before he was against PAYGO. Or perhaps, he was against PAYGO before he was for PAYGO. Confusing to say the least.
“Unemployment benefits are currently 99 weeks or almost two years. While I support extending the benefits for a short period of time longer, we must find a way to pay for those benefits. I do not support extending unemployment benefits beyond two years. Even little children can stand on their own two feet in 2 years."
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Press Release Unemployment Benefits
STAND TALL SENATOR JIM BUNNING
Bunning Pitches a Perfect Game
ELKTON —Kentucky GOP U.S. Senate Candidate Bill Johnson today issued the following statement regarding Jim Bunning’s decision to block further deficit spending.
“I support Senator Jim Bunning. Frankly, unemployment benefits are currently 99 weeks or almost two years. While I support extending the benefits for a short period of time longer, we must find a way to pay for those benefits. I do not support extending unemployment benefits beyond two years.
“Even Germany limits unemployment benefits to one year. Benefits here in America are exceeding those offered in the most liberal countries of Europe. Two years of government support is not a safety net. It is an entitlement program. I am tired of paying for entitlement programs that continue well beyond a compassionate need.
“I am unemployed having refused a company move to Houston, Texas. I am on Cobra, spending my savings (to live and campaign), but still standing confidently in my abilities. I don’t want government help and I have not taken unemployment benefits. I want the government out of my way so the economy will recover.
“Getting rid of the Department of Education would free up $45 billion per year. Getting rid of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would free up $10.5 billion per year. It is time to draw the line. Stand tall Senator Bunning. You are pitching a perfect game.”
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Joint Press Release Comments
JOHNSON COMMENTS ON JOINT PRESS RELEASE
ELKTON — Kentucky GOP Senate Candidate Bill Johnson today issued the following statement about the joint Friends of Trey Grayson/Johnson Senate Committee press release:
“I will remain my own candidate in this Republican primary race for the U.S. Senate. Dr. Paul agrees with my positions on fiscal issues and Mr. Grayson agrees with my positions on social/moral issues. However, I stand alone on matters of energy independence and the defense of our nation; both critical to voters of Kentucky
“As a veteran and business leader experienced in the field of energy and national defense, I have the background necessary to lead in the U.S Senate. As a Friend of Coal, I will work to eliminate the Federal Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and return those responsibilities to the states. We need to mine for coal, drill for oil, and build power plants right here in Kentucky. Voters can trust that as a veteran who defended our nation in the first gulf war, I will always stand strong on national defense and border protection.
“The May 18th Primary is critical to our future. We need a U.S. Senator who is correct on all the issues important to Kentucky.”
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Joint Press Release on Abortion
Rand Paul’s False Claims on Abortion Don’t Match His Previous Statements
Florence, Kentucky –
Secretary of State Trey Grayson and Businessman Bill Johnson, both Republican candidates for U.S. Senate issued the following response today to the claims contained in Rand Paul’s radio ad on the topic of abortion:
“There’s no ‘probably’ when it comes to the issue of partial birth abortion among Kentucky pro-life activists,” said Grayson. “Whether it’s Bill Johnson or myself, Kentuckians deserve to know who can be counted on to protect life and stand up for our conservative values in the race for U.S. Senate.”
“Rand Paul denies it now, but I’ve heard him say that he supports allowing individual states to decide the issue of abortion. He describes himself as a Constitutional conservative, but he ignores the 14th Amendment to the Constitution that guarantees our rights to life, liberty and property. Life should be protected at all levels of Government, including the Federal level,” said Bill Johnson.
While Rand Paul claims to be pro-life, he has in the past voiced support for allowing states to decide the issue and has opposed federal regulation of abortion. Rand Paul in his own words:
“But he [Paul] was more evasive when it came to some social issues like abortion and gay marriage. He said he believes marriage is between a man and woman but wouldn’t say how he’d vote on such issues in the Senate, instead saying such matters should be left up to states.” (Ronnie Ellis, “Paul Touts Fundraising Success, Stakes Positions On Federal Issues,” The McCreary County [KY] Record, 10/20/09)
“And on abortion, Paul expressed discomfort with federal laws but said he “probably” would have voted for a federal ban on a procedure that has been called partial-birth abortion by its opponents.” (Joe Gerth, “Can Paul win Kentucky Senate Race?”, <http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache:FaEE6gBusf0J:www.courier-journal.com/article/20091019/COLUMNISTS21/910190324/1071/NEWS0106+Can+Paul+win+Kentucky+Senate+race%3F&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=safari> The Courier-Journal, 10/19/2009)
“I think we should make Roe v. Wade part of our philosophy as far as states’ rights - in believing that states should have the prerogative over this.” (Rand Paul Speaking in Jessamine County <http://kywordsmith.com/#/johnsonvspaul/4535452248> , 9/3/2009)
"I would introduce and support legislation to send Roe v. Wade back to the states." (Rand Paul Speaking in Paducah <http://kywordsmith.com/#/rand-paul-issues/4533680792> , 5/9/2009)
"Libertarian would be a good description," Rand Paul told CNN, "because libertarians believe in freedom in all aspects of your life – your economic life as well as your social life as well as your personal life." (CNN’s Political Ticker, 5/4/2009)
“Paul’s father, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, is a strong states’ rights advocate who wants the federal government out of people’s lives. He opposes federal drug laws and says the U.S. government should not outlaw gay marriage because only churches should be in the marriage business. During a conference call Friday, Rand Paul, a Bowling Green ophthalmologist, talked around some of those questions and others, perhaps signaling that he knows his positions on such issues might be a tough sell to Kentucky Republicans. He prefers to talk about fiscal issues, allowing him to ride a populist wave that erupted after the nation’s economy went bust, prompting federal bailouts.” (Joseph Gerth, Op-Ed, “Can Paul Win Kentucky Senate Race?” The [Louisville, KY] Courier-Journal, 10/19/09)
“[T]he Paul campaign issued the following response: . . . . ‘Reconciling Rand’s positions with Kentucky voters is easy. Kentucky is a socially conservative state which mostly upholds Christian values. If we protect states’ rights as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, then we protect Kentucky values from Californians or Vermonters or out-of-control Congressional Democrats and President Obama. Kentucky voters want and deserve to have their rights protected by Rand Paul’s strict constructionist understanding of the United States Constitution.’ David Adams, campaign manager.” (Joe Arnold, ABC Affiliate WHAS’s Political Blog, www.beloblog.com/WHAS_Blogs/PoliticalBlogger <http://www.beloblog.com/WHAS_Blogs/PoliticalBlogger/2009/10/speaking-of-the-social-conserv.html> , Posted 10/20/09)
Middlesboro Daily News: What about instances of rape or incest or where the outcome may not be death, but severe medical problems for the mother or child. Do you think that in these cases the decision should be left to the government rather than the families? Paul: In cases of rape, trying to prevent pregnancies is obviously the best thing. The morning-after pill works successfully most of the time. Ultimately we do better if we do have better education about family planning. With partial-birth abortion, there were five women who testified that it threatened their life. It wasn’t completely true in all cases. They were non-viable babies. They were babies with awful genetic mutations that were not going to survive, and I tend to think we let nature take its course. (Lorie Settles, “US Senate Hopeful Rand Paul Visits Middlesboro <http://www.middlesborodailynews.com/view/full_story/5661743/article-US-Senate-hopeful-Rand-Paul-visits-Middlesboro?instance=home_news_lead> ,” The Middlesboro Daily News, 1/26/10) -
Coal Press Release February 23
BILL JOHNSON IS A FRIEND OF COAL
Time for Energy Experience in Washington
ELKTON — Kentucky GOP U.S. Senate Candidate Bill Johnson today issued the following statement about the Kentucky coal industry:
“Dr. Paul claims that coal is dirty and one of the least favorable forms of energy. I believe that Washington is dirty and needs cleaned up. Coal is an abundant God given resource that improves our quality of life. Let’s mine.
“Low cost energy generated from coal is fundamental to our quality of life in Kentucky and around the country. Coal powers our homes, businesses, and public services across the state. The bottom line is that coal creates jobs and is one of the least expensive forms of electricity generation.
“Aluminum production is an energy intensive industry. Because of coal, Kentucky was #1 in primary aluminum shipments in 2005 and continues to be a major aluminum producing state. Steel production, also energy intensive, is also a major industry in Kentucky. These are just two examples of jobs created from the coal industry.
“Kentucky remains rich in coal, but production in Kentucky has decreased by approximately 30% since 1990. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other government agencies are standing between Kentucky and our natural resources. It is time to ABOLISH the EPA and get the federal government out of our way.
“I support all forms of coal removal including mountain top removal and development. I stand firmly against cap and trade legislation as well as all new taxes on energy."
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Campaign Flash Update
February 23, 2010
Some interesting back and forth from the other campaigns (see links below). Just passing along for awareness.
http://www.bluegrassbulletin.com/2010/02/trey-grayson-on-the-march.html
http://www.bluegrassbulletin.com/2010/02/rand-paul-reacts-to-grayson-ad-with-one-of-his-own.html
Our campaign strategy is to remain positive and consistent about our Reagan conservative positions. I stand on my energy experience and qualifications having operated nuclear plants. I worked for a major oil company for 6 years. My view is we should eliminate the Federal EPA and return that responsibility to the states. Let’s mine, drill, and build plants. Nuclear should also be used in areas not abundant in coal.
Our first VIP (volunteer in Politics) audio will be held Tuesday February 23, 9:00 eastern 8:00 central time (tonight). We are starting the effort to get organized. This is critical to winning. Please join if you have volunteered to help or would like to help. Phone 1-218-339-2699 and enter access code 283321.
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Monday February 22 Campaign Update
Good Monday morning. Thank you to everyone who sent a letter to the editor of your local newspaper last week. It has a BIG impact. I received calls from voters who learned about the campaign from the letters. WELL DONE.
This week please continue to spread the word. Beauty and Barber shops are great places to explain our campaign. Call into your local conservative talk radio show.
Get your campaign gear at the store http://www.cafepress.com/frankopinions/7041904 Click on the button design you like best and find a whole range of products to purchase.
If you want to host a townhall or fundraiser, please contact jerry@kentuckybill.com
Join my facebook and TEA party groups for more frequent updates and information:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=102335144873
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=273611494843&ref=ts
Schedule for this week:
Feb 22 Franklin County GOP Meeting
6pm The Kitchen
3624 Georgetown Rd
Frankfort KY
Feb 23 Glasgow Event (Bill Speaking)
630pm arrival event starts at 7pm
George J’s Restaurant on the Square
144 E Public Square
Glasgow KY 42141
Feb 26 Shelby County LDD (Bill Speaking)
6pm Claudia Saunders Dinner House
3202 Shelbyville Rd
Shelbyville KY
Feb 27 Casey County LDD (Bill speaking)
6pm Central KY Ag & Expo Center
650 South Wallace Wilkinson Blvd
Liberty KY 42539
(MY WIFE AND FAMILY ARE ATTENDING)
(THIS IS WHERE DELINDA WAS BORN)
Feb 28 Oldham County LDD (Bill Speaking)
5pm Oldham County Community Center
1551 N HWY 393
La Grange KY 40031
TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE NO SALES AT THE DOOR
EMAIL: AFG1226@CS.COM
TICKETS ARE $40 EACH
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Monday February 15 Campaign Update
I hope everyone had a great weekend. I apologize if you get this message multiple times. We are still getting duplicate email addresses out of the system. I hope you enjoy the Monday and Thursday campaign updates.
Please see below links. One link is reporting on the U.S. Senate debate in McCracken County this past Saturday. The other is interesting reading. Please make your comments known in the comments section.
http://www.kentucky.com/latest_news/story/1138296.html
http://www.bluegrassbulletin.com/2010/02/is-there-a-fascinating-story-developing-in-kentucky.html
Since Thursday
- Leland Conway Interview http://www.conservativeedge.com/Conversation-with-US-Senate-Candidate-Bill-Johnson
- Attended the senate debate (will send out links to audio and video when ready)
- Had a great meeting with the TEA party executive committee in Louisville
- Just finished a 9/12 meeting in Lexington. Even with the NASTY weather, the room was packed.
- Answered LOTS of emails and facebook messages.
Upcoming
- Hardin County TEA Party Tuesday Evening at the Nolin Center. Please come out for a great rally.
- Thursday Morning (Tea Parties, current political) Jesse Lee Peterson Show www.bondaction.org at 0900 central time
- Jefferson County Lincoln Day Dinner Friday. If your are in the Louisville area and want to sit at the campaign reserved table, please contact Danielle See (danielle@kentuckybill.com)
Remember you can get flyers to print out and campaign gear at the following link:
http://kentuckybill.com/page/campaign-toolkit-and-store
Buy a coffee mug for work or put up a yard sign. Your local efforts are key to winning. Spread the word and write that letter to the editor of the local newspaper this week.
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Thursday February 11th Campaign Update
I hope everyone is having a great week. Going forward, I will be sending short campaign updates on Monday and Thursday.
This week has been busy. 3 radio interviews, 2 Lincoln day dinners, and several small meetings including the Kentucky Association of Realtors, UK College Republicans, and tonight the Grant County 9/12 group. Another 100,000 newspapers have been distributed in Eastern KY with another 100,000 going out next week. The campaign has fox news commercials on Tuesday and Thursdays in the Louisville, NKY, Lexington, and Owensboro markets. This weekend is the first U.S. Senate debate in Paducah (http://kentuckybill.com/page/senate-candidate-forum). Please attend if possible. In addition, we are working on the final 100 day plan leading up to May 18th.
Our opponents have escalated their advertising in reaction to our climbing in the polls. In addition, with the Palin endorsement, this race has burst onto the nation scene. I expect our campaign to be ignored in the media but don’t get discouraged. Lets continue to focus on the grassroots activities that have been successful.
Next week I would like for everyone to write letters to the editor of their local newspapers. Keep the letters short and talk about the U.S. Senate race and your support of the campaign. I get many emails asking about national media like fox news. Please remember all politics are local. Your efforts with your local media are MUCH more important than fox news or any other national media attention.
Remember you can get flyers to print out and campaign gear at the following link:
http://kentuckybill.com/page/campaign-toolkit-and-store
Buy a coffee mug for work or put up a yard sign. Your local efforts are key to winning. Spread the word and write that letter to the editor of the local newspaper next week.