Ky. Rep. Backs Out of Term Limit Pledge (Ken Lucas-D)

Associated Press ^ | 2/01/03

[LdSentinal]

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Democratic Rep. Ken Lucas says he will seek re-election next year, backing out of his term-limits pledge.

When he first ran for Congress from Kentucky's 4th District, Lucas promised to serve no more than three terms. He won his third term last November, narrowly defeating Republican newcomer Geoff Davis.

Lucas, 69, the lone Democrat in Kentucky's congressional delegation, said the political climate for term limits has changed.

"While I still believe that public service is a calling that is temporary, these are not ordinary times in America and I cannot in good conscience step away from my work," Lucas said in a statement Friday.

Lucas, a conservative who supports gun rights and opposes abortion, aligned himself closely with President Bush in announcing he will seek a fourth term.

"I will vigorously support his agenda to restore faith and trust in our economy and win the war against terror," Lucas said.

[LdSentinal]

Count out Lucas as a potential challenger to Jim Bunning (R) in 2004. However, count on him being vulnerable in 04' considering it's a presidential year.

[LdSentinal]

Ping

[Fred Mertz]

This guy is almost as slick as Slick Willie.

[Banjoguy]

Once they taste the power and feel the easy money, you bet the climate changes.

[Bobber58]

I do not begrudge anyone on either side of the aisle
deciding to forgo any self-imposed term limit...
many on both sides ran on the premise, and many states passed laws...
but once the courts decreed that states couldn't limit federal office holders,
it was no longer a fair playing field....term limits at the state level are fine,
but since they can't be imposed at the national level, you screw yourself, regardless the affiliation....

[Dianna]

"While I still believe that public service is a calling that is temporary, these are not ordinary times in America and I cannot in good conscience step away from my work," Lucas said in a statement Friday.

Yup, the world would come to an end if Ken Lucas were not in congress!! Barf.

[Marauder]

Terms limits are built into the system. We have to use it or we'll lose it. Get your friends, neighbors, family members, and co-workers out to cast an informed vote on election day.
Nag hell out of them, make 'em mad if you have to, but don't take no for an answer.

[Princeliberty]

Down with the liar.
Throw the bum out!

[Princeliberty]

We have already had a number of Republicans
like Coburn, Largent and Riley keep
their word.
We should expect candidates to keep
their word.
Down with liars Republican or Democrat.
I can't think of a Democrat who
has keep a term limit pledge in Congress.

[Bonaparte]

"Lucas, a conservative who supports gun rights and opposes abortion..."

Lucas has a spotty record on 2nd Amendment -- opposed Kentucky concealed carry, opposed reducing waiting period from 3 days to one. He was cozy with Gephardt, repeatedly voting for him as Speaker. Gephardt, as everybody knows, is rabidly pro-abortion and anti-gun. Lucas was also a conspicuous cheerleader for McCain-Feingold. His ACU life is 67. The other 5 Kentucky reps have ACU lifes of 88, 96, 82, 83 and 90. IOW, their average score is more than 20 points higher than Lucas'. The man's a moderate.

[KQQL]

he can be beaten in 2004...he hardly won in 2002

[KQQL]

@

[KQQL]

Kentucky 04
Lucas 87,634 51%
Davis 81,556 48%
Grote 2,340 1%

[SLB]

We must not forget that "What is good for the goose, is good for the gander." Ron Lewis also ran on a platform of self imposed term limits. I talked to him about that two years ago. He told me that he was naive about the way congress operates. He further elaborated that if there was a federal term limit, and placed a level playing field it would work. He said it takes two to three terms just to find your way through all the halls and lobbys of the US Capitol.

I will probably be labeled as a RINO for this, but have found that many 'publicans do not want to live by the same ethics and rules they impose on the 'rats.

[the irate magistrate]

To the contrary my friend.

You're right on the money.

[JohnnyZ]

Ken Lucas is history in 2004. He almost lost in 2002 and now made a liar out of himself; everyone knows he's just the typical Rat politician now. This is great!

And we get a two-for-one, since he won't challenge Bunning, which means Bunning pretty much gets a free ride to reelection. Oh, happy day, oh happy happy day!

[Kuksool]

Every election cycle, the GOP targets Ken Lucas. The NRCC throws everything to dislodge Lucas. Yet, Ken Lucas manages to hold on to the seat. I don't see him as toast unless Lucas does something to anger the people in his district. Sure, there is the Gov. Paul Patton sex scandal, but Lucas's pro-life and pro-NRA voting record will protect him. Plus, the Yellow Dogs will vote to keep a traditional Southern Democrat in office.

[fieldmarshaldj]

True, though, but that district was initially drawn to corral Northern KY Republicans into one seat. I believe it is the most GOP seat in the state, and his voting record has saved him. I think after going back on his word, this will do him in for sure.

[Kuksool]

In the natural order of the universe, the KY-04 should be represented by a Pubbie. However, Gex Williams dropped the ball in 1998. However in a weird sense of cosmic justice, Pubbie Anne Northup represents the KY-03. Every election year, both Northup & Lucas survive massive onslaughts by the opposition. This proves how difficult it is to unseat an incumbent of either party.

If the GOP manages to oust Lucas in 2004, then great. I just hope in the process of defeating Rep. Ken Lucas, Rep. Anne Northup hangs on to her Louiseville seat. She would be the perfect heiress to Jim Bunning's Senate seat. Just as Marsha Blackburn would be the perfect heiress to Bill Frist's Senate seat. I would love to see pro-life female Senators arguing with Barbara Boxer over abortion.