Joe Arnold has the humorous contrast. First, there is a post that elaborately says Kentucky Republican State Senate President David Williams is not endorsing anyone in the Republican U.S. Senate primary, a nomination which David Williams wanted for himself, only to not be supported by U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, who supports Trey Grayson. Understandably, given Williams’ level of petulance and spiteful behavior, Williams leans hard towards Rand Paul in his comments on the two:
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on Trey Grayson:
“I’ve known Trey Grayson for a long time, He’s been Secretary of State for soon to be eight years. (I) didn’t know him prior to that, never had heard of him prior to that, never had seen him involved prior to that. But he’s been around the state a lot. I’ve seen him over here in the legislature.”
on Rand Paul:
“I’ve known Rand Paul. He’s been very active in social conservative and fiscally conservative groups, anti-tax movement and that sort of thing. And I would think at this particular moment, that he seems to have the wind at his back because of the mood out there in the public with the tea party folks….”
“Rand Paul is an engaging individual. He’s an attractive candidate. He’s a good family person. He has a background in health care, and he appeals to a lot of folks who are independent voters and that’s where this election will be decided. That’s where the excitement is.”
Even if you don’t reach the conclusion that Williams is leaning toward Rand Paul (an attractive candidate) over Trey Grayson (never had seen him involved prior to Secretary of State), the Paul campaign will be pleased to see the top elected Republican in Frankfort at least recognizing the legitimacy of the Paul campaign, and not disregarding him as “too kooky for Kentucky” as detractors have put it.
When I asked Williams if he had been upset that Sen. Mitch McConnell had decided to back Grayson and not Williams for the senate race, Williams simply said that he disagreed with the premise of my question because as far as he knew McConnell was not backing anyone in the primary. (McConnell is one of a number of senators to host a fundraiser for Grayson last year).
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Humorously though, Williams’ willingness to undercut the more electable nominee
because of his bruised ego comes at a price. Williams is apparently willing to praise a candidate who spoke contemptuously of David Williams himself. Rand Paul had this to say about David Williams’ leadership in the senate in 2009:
When Republicans act like Democrats, who is the taxpayer to trust? Recently, Senate Republican President David Williams has agreed to go along with the Democrats and raise taxes.
Williams apparently drank the Democrat Koolaid and accepts their argument that Kentucky has a budget shortfall. One would think with all the years Williams has spent in Frankfort he would understand the gamesmanship involved in budget numbers…….
……… We need to have two parties in Kentucky. We need to hear opposing arguments. David William’s capitulation on the budget simply gives up the fight and shows that perhaps there is not that much difference between the political parties. Or that Senator Williams is perhaps carrying water for the wrong team.
Rand Paul
Chairman
Kentucky Taxpayers United
“Very Ouch, Baby”…
