ITC couldn’t help but chuckle Monday afternoon while watching the House Elections and Constitutional Amendments committee meeting.
The Committee was considering SB 34, sponsored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer (R-Georgetown) a/k/a little Napoleon among many circles. SB 34 basically removes the Secretary of State from the State Board of Elections. Thayer, in his presentation, said the bill was aimed at current Secretary of State Allison Lundergan Grimes. Grimes has been the subject of recent media reports, including an extensive expose’ from the Lexington Herald-Leader and Pro Publica, outlining alleged improprieties in her office. The bill has merit, although some legitimate issues and concerns were raised about the bill and its effect, especially from Mary Sue Helm, a widely respected and well known employee in the Secretary of State’s office for more than 40 years.
What was interesting was the reaction of Leader Thayer when the bill was voted down in committee. Two Republicans, Rep. Jeff Hoover and Rep. Scott Lewis, voted no on the bill. Hoover explained his concern with what he viewed as “petty politics” being the foundation of any policy, and expressed his respect for Helm. When the bill failed to pass, Leader Thayer began speaking loudly to the committee, saying the “bill was on their hands” and there was a gubernatorial election coming up, etc etc. Thayer had to be shut down by committee Chairman Kevin Bratcher.
ITC talked with Hoover and Lewis after the meeting. Both of them said they were not contacted prior to the meeting by Thayer to solicit their support and vote. Thayer’s outburst was predictable. Just last week, when the House Judiciary committee did not pass SB 85, sponsored by Senator Whitney Westerfield, Thayer reportedly called members of House leadership and was irate that the bill failed in committee. Sources say Thayer was very angry, yelling at House leaders when SB 85. He was starting on that same path yesterday before Chairman Bratcher quickly put an end to it.
ITC recognizes it is Frankfort. But the observation must be made.. when a sponsor does not work a bill, does not talk with legislators to seek their support, but thinks the bill must pass just because of “who he is”, and further believes there should be blind loyalty to him just because of “who he is”, it is probably time for a new leader, or a new sponsor of the bill.
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