Free Republic

Paying for their promises Next governor's programs will carry a gigantic cost By John Cheves HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER FRANKFORT - There's nothing wrong with Kentucky that a billion dollars couldn't fix. That's the unspoken message behind the campaign promises of Republican Ernie Fletcher and Democrat Ben Chandler, self-described fiscal conservatives running for governor in Tuesday's election. The Herald-Leader added up their promises -- including higher pay for teachers, more tax breaks for businesses and safer streets -- and estimated the price. Fletcher would need $495 million in his first year to "Restore Hope." Chandler would need $816 million to put...