Al Cross: In politics, John Y. Brown Jr. was a reformer who delivered — may his example be widely followed
The first time I was in a helicopter, and the first time I covered a race for governor, was the…
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Al Cross: Gerrymanders warp legislature, damage our political system
The word “representative” is both a noun and an adjective. In the Kentucky General Assembly it has become mainly a…
Al Cross: Voters have their say on abortion; now the courts can, then the legislature
“It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have…
Al Cross: Political tumult makes us value pols like Ron Mazzoli, whose ‘fine character always won’
As the nation hurtles toward a tumultuous and fraught midterm election, Kentucky is an island of relative calm. Beyond elections…
Al Cross: Partisan politics invades judicial races, which are supposed to be nonpartisan
The government of the United States was the first with a clear separation of powers among executive, legislative and judicial…
Al Cross: Kelly Craft has wealth, a running mate, and Comer; what else?
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Kelly Craft has a campaign for governor of Kentucky like none the state has ever seen. …
Al Cross: How much is Trump’s endorsement worth now? Or later?
This column is about Kentucky politics, but in today’s America, most politics are national, because Donald Trump has made them…
Al Cross: Why is Coach McConnell downplaying his team’s chances? Follow the money.
A reporter for a right-wing publication emailed me the other day, seeking my “thoughts on the public feuding between Donald…
Al Cross: Cameron shows why he’s the one to beat, then could get beat
FANCY FARM – In the 24-hour political circus that ends with the Fancy Farm Picnic, Daniel Cameron was always in…
Al Cross: As Beshear largely shuns Booker, Republicans prepare for first face-off at Fancy Farm
As we look forward (well, I do) to the political speaking at the Fancy Farm Picnic in Graves County on…
Al Cross: Mitch McConnell and abortion — a classic irony
Mitch McConnell has been known more for using his power as Senate Republican leader than for the advancement of any…
Al Cross: Fifty years after Watergate, we live in an age of bad faith
As a House committee tries to awaken Americans to the seditious behavior of Donald Trump, the nation marks the 50th…
Al Cross: On guns, McConnell is rational, but his operative word is risk
When President Biden said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was one of the “rational Republicans” who recognize “they can’t continue…
Al Cross: As primary voters move GOP farther right, will others follow?
Tuesday’s primary elections in Kentucky reflected increasing polarization of the two political parties. The Republican Party kept moving right, with…
Al Cross: Book shows Mitch McConnell in the Trump crucible
As Congress was concluding the business of certifying a new president, a task violently interrupted by a mob provoked by…
Al Cross: As Trump comes to Kentucky, who will welcome him?
As Churchill Downs opens its spring meet this weekend and horses prepare for the Kentucky Derby, our interest is compelled…
Al Cross: General Assembly writes the script for the upcoming governor’s race
The end of this year’s session of the General Assembly marks the start of next year’s race for governor. Democratic…
Amye Bensenhaver: The public is also at fault for allowing our lawmakers to evade accountability
Compounding the problems veteran political writer Al Cross identifies in his recent column in The NKyTribune — aptly titled, “Kentucky…
Al Cross: Kentucky legislature does a lot of big things without a lot of scrutiny
They cut taxes, big time. They agreed on the state’s basic policy document, the budget for the next two years,…
Pandemic numbers approaching levels seen before Omicron variant surge; positivity rate at 2.29 percent
By Al Cross Kentucky Health News The pandemic in Kentucky has declined to levels not seen since early last summer,…
Al Cross: This isn’t prime time for the ‘Entertainment Wing’ of the GOP
The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s annual public-affairs dinner is usually a chance for the governor and legislative leaders to have…
Al Cross: What will be final line in Mitch McConnell’s legacy? He celebrates 80th birthday on Sunday
Sunday is the 80th birthday of Mitch McConnell, Kentucky’s most accomplished politician save Henry Clay. McConnell has often cited Clay…