The first real week of the 2019 General Assembly is in the books. Time for some reflection.
Winners:
- Max Wise – Senator Wise shepherded through the first piece of significant legislation this year with the Senate passing the school safety bill. Of course, no one could vote no on that, but Wise did a good job with the committee and floor testimony.
- D J Johnson – Sometimes it’s possible to succeed by failing. By throwing in the towel on the election contest, Johnson was able to look like the bigger person. We’re not suggesting Jim Glenn did anything wrong, but somehow Johnson came off looking like the adult at the end. We predict these two will see a rematch at the polls in 2020.
- Matt Bevin – Bevin delivered a “nothing” speech for the State of the Commonwealth. He brought nothing new to the table. But, at the end of it, was able to go an hour without offending anyone. For Bevin, that’s a victory.
Losers:
- Ralph Alvarado – Alvarado quickly learned what it’s like to be a part of a statewide ticket that has picked battles with the media: Bevin Running Mate Ralph Alvarado Mentioned in Medicare Fraud Case Settled in 2015
- Robert Stivers, Greg Stumbo, et al – The Herald-Leader decided to expose the list of legislators with bloated pension packages. Yes, the exposure doesn’t affect their checks, but the public still doesn’t like it.
- Ray Jones – The former Senate Minority Leader and current Pike County Judge-Executive had been a leading advocate for the Enerblu company that had promised to locate in Pikeville, bringing hundreds of millions in investments and nearly 1000 jobs. With the company pulling out without ever the first Pike countian hired, it is definitely egg on his face.
Inside The Connector 