Bill Straub: If you find the present state of American politics deplorable, you have McConnell to thank
WASHINGTON – It’s been 10 years since Mitch McConnell stepped up to become the Republican leader in the U.S. Senate,…
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Bill Straub: Close polls show voters holding Clinton to a different standard than Trump
WASHINGTON – It’s once again drawing close to that time when, as Pete Townsend famously wrote, “I’ll get on my…
Bill Straub: In legal dispute with school newspaper, UK’s Capilouto doesn’t have a leg to stand on
WASHINGTON – This is a tale about stonewalling at an institution that, sadly, remains more revered for its basketball prowess…
Bill Straub: Bevin’s bloodshed remarks regarding Clinton make state a national laughingstock
WASHINGTON – It was the sainted President Abraham Lincoln – you know, tall guy, beard, the one who actually quelled…
Bill Straub: McConnell’s effort to put Senate back to work doesn’t include passing clean Zika bill
WASHINGTON – During the waning days of the summer congressional recess, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell could be found doing…
Bill Straub: GOP takes playing the time-honored ‘religion card’ down a much darker road
WASHINGTON – As a rule, Republican politicians in Kentucky and elsewhere go to great lengths to convince members of the…
Bill Straub: Barr seems more concerned with plight of the banks than helping the truly needy
WASHINGTON – You sure have to hand it to old Andy Barr – he’s the kind of guy who has…
Bill Straub: Edelen, Jones try to clean up Democrats’ mess with launch of New Kentucky Project
WASHINGTON – The late Raymond Overstreet, former Republican state representative from Liberty, a beloved figure in Frankfort, used to tell…
Bill Straub: McConnell doesn’t even have the good sense to be embarrassed by his uncouth behavior
WASHINGTON – After 35 years of stonewalling legislation and plotting like Iago to move up the congressional food chain, Senate…
Bill Straub: McConnell, other GOP leaders appear to be stuck with Trump … no matter what
WASHINGTON – Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is learning that you can’t be just a little bit pregnant. Touring the…
Bill Straub: The hits just keep coming for Massie as he continues to add to his legend
Columnists, for various reasons, hold some empathy for Michael Corleone, recognizing what he meant in “Godfather III’’ when he said,…
Bill Straub: Bevin’s claim of ignorance over removal of Jane Beshear’s name from center has hollow ring
It’s becoming increasingly easy to imagine Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin – sans beard — assuming the role of the late…
Bill Straub: With control of the Senate on the line, McConnell won’t admit Trump is what he is
WASHINGTON – Pity poor Mitch McConnell. No, really. The Republican National Convention gets underway in Cleveland next week and McConnell,…
Bill Straub: Massie’s positions indicate he thinks all American interests terminate at the border
WASHINGTON – Rep. Thomas Massie probably never met Robert W. Welch but the Republican lawmaker from Somewhereorother Lewis County is…
Bill Straub: Having a good laugh at the ‘totality of it all,’ but there is no real joy in Bevin-ville
Way back in 1936 the Republican nominee for president, Kansas Gov. Alf Landon, fell to the FDR juggernaut by more…
Bill Straub: Framing gun control measures as anti-terrorism could leave McConnell in a pickle
WASHINGTON – Put up or shut up time may be approaching for Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. The issue is…
Bill Straub: Another day, yet another senseless slaughter … and the beat goes on
WASHINGTON – Frankly, I gave up on Congress addressing the nation’s barely existent gun control laws about four years ago…
Bill Straub: Sum of Trump’s missteps still not enough to shake McConnell’s blind support
WASHINGTON – There simply is no polite way to say this: Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has endorsed, and wants…
Bill Straub: Bevin’s dubious decision to enter lawsuit could prove both divisive and costly
WASHINGTON – The Can’t Leave Well Enough Alone Award goes once again this week to Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin. Judges…
Bill Straub: State Republican Congressional delegation changing tune in rush to support Trump
WASHINGTON – The great Tom Lehrer said it a long time ago: “Like lambs to the slaughter / they’re drinking…
Bill Straub: Primary outcome shows that it’s not Happy Chandler’s Democratic Party anymore
WASHINGTON – Hillary Clinton’s skin-of-her-teeth victory in Tuesday’s Democratic presidential primary in Kentucky is comparable to a contestant who wins…
Bill Straub: McConnell failed to spin his political magic, co-opt Tea Party wing of GOP in Senate
WASHINGTON – It’s now apparent that Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has pulled what might be termed a Gregor Samsa,…