Potomac Shuffle

We at ITC typically keep our posts about Frankfort.  However, sometimes there are happenings in Washington that affect Kentucky as well.  And, like everywhere else, we have a few well-placed sources in that den of iniquity.

As you may have seen, President Trump dismissed John Bolton from his administration yesterday.  The move didn’t come as a surprise, as rumors had been circulating for weeks.  And, as expected, the question immediately turned to who his successor as National Security Adviser might be.

All the major media outlets have been making their speculations, including The New York Times, CNN and Fox News.  They have listed out quite a few possibilities, all being quite  conventional choices.  But, let’s be honest, has Donald Trump ever done anything the conventional way?

This is where it gets interesting for Kentuckians.  Our sources tell us that some closely placed confidants of Rand Paul are making a suggestion.  They are putting forth to the Trump team that Mike Pompeo should shift to Bolton’s former position, and Paul should be nominated for Secretary of State.

The argument is being made that Pompeo has experience within the intelligence community and that Trump trusts him.  It is also being argued that Paul has become a close ally of the president and one of few elected officials that Trump actually likes.

While this is all speculation at this point, what if it were to actually happen?  What would the fallout be in Kentucky?  Well, as our readers likely know, in the event of a vacancy, the governor would appoint someone to fill the Senate seat until the next general election.  However, we are so close to this year’s general election, the appointment would last until November of 2020.

Common thought would be that Governor Bevin would like the appointment himself.  After all, he did seek a Senate seat in 2014 and, even as governor, likes to delve into federal issues. Some legal authorities we spoke to though suggest that he cannot appoint himself.  What we are told is that he would have to resign and let the Lt. Governor be named Governor and then appoint him.

Which brings us back to the feud between Bevin and Jenean Hampton.  At this point, could he really trust her to appoint him?  If he can’t take that risk, who would he appoint?  And, if he did take the risk, who would Jenean appoint?

While this is all probably a moot exercise, it does make current affairs a bit interesting.  Could be fun to sit back and watch!