Free Republic

FRANKFORT - At first glance, turmoil in the governor's office and within the state Republican Party appears to favor Democrats in the fall legislative elections. But with just over three months to go before Election Day, the state Democratic Party lags far behind in fund-raising, with just $61,000 in its main accounts as of June 30. ... "There's a big controversy out there as people are saying, 'How much have we raised and how much have we spent?'" said Rep. Kathy Stein, a Lexington Democrat. ... In comparison, the Kentucky Republican Party has raised about $650,000 in 2006 and spent...

<p>Louisville lawyer Fred Cowan pulled out of the race for the U.S. Senate yesterday, saying Democrats' loss of the governorship had made it impossible for him to unseat first-term Republican Sen. Jim Bunning next November.</p> <p>Cowan's withdrawal leaves state Sen. Daniel Mongiardo of Hazard as the only Democratic candidate, but state Treasurer Jonathan Miller said he is still considering the race and other key Democrats mentioned other potential candidates.</p>

<p>FRANKFORT, Ky. —- Republicans started attack ads yesterday against Democrats Crit Luallen and Russ Maple, who are running for state auditor and secretary of state, respectively.</p> <p>The broadcast commercials are the toughest, most focused efforts yet aimed at electing Republicans to down-ballot offices in Tuesday's election. Republican gubernatorial nominee Ernie Fletcher has been leading in polls and could have coattails to help the party's other nominees.</p>

<p>RELATED STORIES • Fletcher leads for governor • How the poll was conducted • Top Democrats chide local GOP • Poll results Democrat Greg Stumbo continues to lead in the three-way race for attorney general, while the state auditor's race remains a virtual tie, according to The Courier-Journal's latest Bluegrass Poll.</p>