Al Cross: McConnell campaigns hard for more military support of Ukraine
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has become one of the most outspoken advocates of stronger support for Ukraine, even as…
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Al Cross: Legislative session is a battleground in the governor’s race
The General Assembly is back in the state capital, and we can safely assume the governor’s not happy about it….
Al Cross: As she runs with a big issue, Craft raises questions about her approach
Elections should be about issues, not just candidates. So, Republican Kelly Craft is to be commended for making the first…
Al Cross: Contrast was stark in U.S. Capitol Tuesday; McConnell enjoys milestone, chaos reigns in House
The contrast was stark in the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday. The east side was chaos, as the new, thin Republican…
Al Cross: Christmas gifts for Kentucky’s political elite
Before we renew this space’s 41-year tradition of imaginary but fitting Christmas gifts for Kentucky political figures, here’s a plea…
Al Cross: Beshear became popular from pandemic work, but it won’t sustain him in bid for reelection
When Gov. Andy Beshear was sworn in three years ago Saturday, he was a fluke, elected by just 5,136 votes…
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…
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…