Dan Seum: What have you done for me lately?

Dan Seum, former Democrat-turned-Republican-turned-Teabagger, is up for reelection on Tuesday. Dan is a man whose last major accomplishment was helping to eliminate the VET program in 2003.

That's seven (7) years to you and me.

Dan is content to hang his hat on VET testing as a means to keep his seat - a seat that has been thoroughly warmed by the long-time incumbent. In an age where media outlets and loudmouths tell us to "throw the bums out", career politicians like Dan should be having a tough time.

In recent weeks, Seum & Co. have resorted to running radio commercials and using Doug Hawkins' metro government email list to reach voters. The radio piece is conspicuously misleading and paints Seum as a caped hero to whom we should all rally behind. Dan is adept at negative campaigning and during this election cycle has aligned himself with some of the trade's worst purveyors of negativity.

This Tuesday, will you vote for accomplishments of long ago? Or will you take a look at a positive message of progress?

Fire off in the 'comments' section.

To see a map of the 38th District, click HERE.

SW Political News Roundup

Here are some interesting developments and things to ponder as we approach what will surely be a crazed, whiskey-soaked election season:

- Teamsters Locals 89 and 783, UFCW Local 227 and JCTA have endorsed Republican candidate Brian Simpson in his bid against incumbent Larry Clark in the state's 46th House District.  Clark is rapidly losing labor support and is the subject of various "whisper campaigns" among union members. Influential and important people I have spoken with on the matter are taking great joy in watching Clark turn to wax as payback for years of what has been described as "back stabbing", "dirty-dealing" and "cork-screwing".

- Mayoral Candidate Hal Heiner speaks on bridge tolls:

“This afternoon the Louisville Southern Indiana Bridges Authority submitted a report to the regional planning agency with estimated tolls of $6 per trip. This would represent one of Louisville’s largest tax increases and I will not support this rate. While we realize this is a preliminary number, I urge the authority to work diligently to reduce this rate. If $6 per trip is the only way the authority can build 2 bridges, then I believe we need to reduce the scope of the project by breaking it into more manageable phases with the east end bridge being the first phase of a multi phase project. While I believe I-65 and Spaghetti Junction will ultimately have to be addressed, I find a $6 trip financially irresponsible and a burden Louisvillians will not accept.”

- Marty Meyer, candidate for the 38th District State Senate, has been busy raising big green dollars along with his campaign's profile by holding many summer events.  Neighborhood walks and phone banks are already underway, and the campaign's presence is now being felt throughout the district.  This, my friends, is how to win a race based on ideas.

- Impressive: The City of Shively has "$2 million in the bank". [CJ]

Senate Candidate Meyer Officially Files for Office.

Democrat Marty Meyer, District Representative for Congressman John Yarmuth, and son of retired State Senator and Louisville Alderman Danny Meyer officially filed as a candidate for Kentucky’s 38th District Senate Seat on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 10:30 AM. Meyer will brings with him a strong fund raising track record and a wealth of endorsements which he has procured from elected officials and local unions. He was joined by friends and family in Frankfort as he filed the necessary paperwork to knock that ogre Dan Seum off his perch and bring new blood to the State Senate.

“For years, the citizens of the 38th Senate District have not had access to the type of responsive government they deserve,” Meyer said, “I look forward to continuing to hear from individuals and families in the community and sharing my commitment to receptive and accessible government.” Incumbent Dan Seum, who was elected as a Democrat, pulled a bait-and-switch on the voters and became a Republican, laid the groundwork for David Williams' embarrassing takeover of the Kentucky Senate.

One of the elected officials strongly backing Marty Meyer’s run for the Senate is Congressman John Yarmuth, whose campaigns and district office Meyer has worked for since January 2006. In a letter of support Congressman Yarmuth praised Meyer saying, “It has been a great honor for me to work alongside Marty for the third Congressional district, and I can attest from personal experience to his dedication, persistence, and commitment to improving the lives of all Kentuckians.”

Marty Meyer is a longtime resident of the 38th District. He has volunteered on political campaigns for much of his life, and currently works as the District Representative for Congressman Yarmuth. Marty Meyer looks forward to serving the constituents of the 38th district.

You can read more about Meyer’s campaign by visiting the campaign’s website at
www.martymeyerforsenate.com

Monday Political Roundup

- Marty Meyer, the Democratic candidate for State Senate in Kentucky's 38th District, has raised an impressive $31,500 for his upcoming race against long-time incumbent Dan Seum according to his quarterly report filed with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance. It is becoming clear that this will be a race for those of us in Southwest Louisville to watch closely, as Seum has never faced such a qualified and well-funded opponent.

- 25th District Metro Council candidate David Yates officially kicked off his campaign this Saturday with a well-attended and tightly organized fund raiser. It was a huge success for the young and talented Yates, who is seeking his first political office. Residents of the district can expect a strong challenge to the silly partisan rhetoric that currently passes for leadership in the 25th.

- Food For Thought: Governor Steve Beshear was a partner at the law firm of Stites & Harbison. That law firm was recently retained by the Cordish Co., the company that has refused to explain where all the city money ($950,000) went when Cordish remodeled a bowling alley at 4th Street Live. Mayor Abramson, who is said to be a lock for Lt. Governor along side Beshear, has accepted Cordish's explanation of the shady deal. Connect the dots. I'm just saying.....

Marty Meyer to Challenge Seum in Senate

Marty Meyer announced his plans today to become a candidate for the 38th State Senate District. He will be facing incumbent Dan Seum. Marty is well known in the district and has a proven track record of success. He currently works for Congressman John Yarmuth (D-3) The 38th Senate District is large and covers a vast portion of Southern Jefferson County. HERE is a map of State Senate Districts.

Marty's campaign website can be seen HERE.

This will definitely be an exciting race to watch. More info as it becomes available.