BY PATRICK CROWLEY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
EDGEWOOD -- Hoping to make history and give the GOP a state Senate majority, the Republican Party's six female Senate candidates gathered here Thursday for what will be the first of several joint campaign and fund-raising events.
During an outdoor luncheon at the Edgewood home of Ann and Joe Milburn, the candidates talked issues, raised money and mingled with about 75 supporters who paid $50 to attend the event, which benefitted the Kentucky Federation of Republican Women.
With the Democrats holding a slight 20-18 majority in the General Assembly's upper chamber, Republican leaders and office holders believe, if all or most of the women win their races, the GOP will take over the Senate for the first time in Kentucky history.
"I think they can do it, every one of them," said Sen. Jack Westwood, R-Erlanger. "And not just because they are women, but because they are good, conservative Republicans, and that's what the voters of Kentucky want."
Though the candidates and their supporters were careful not to put too much emphasis on the gender issue, some of those at the event could not resist a couple of swipes at the Democratic Party, which has traditionally considered itself the party that attracts the female vote.
"Gender gap? I don't see a gender gap here," joked Damon Thayer of Grant County, Chairman of the Fourth District Republican Party. Several of the candidates pointed out it is the Republicans, not the Democrats, that have women currently serving in the State Senate -- Sen. Julie Rose of Louisville and Senate Minority Whip Elizabeth Tori of Radcliff.
Both attended Thursday's event.
"While other political parties talk about opportunities for women, the Republican Party is one that is actually making real progress," said Rep. Katie Stine, R-Fort Thomas, who is running against Newport Democrat George "Buddy" Merritt in the 24th Senate District in Campbell and Pendleton counties.
"If we have a collective message, it's that ordinary people can make a difference by being involved in the political process." In making brief remarks at the gathering, each of the candidates talked about herself and an issue on the GOP platform:
Ms. Stine said some of the state's budget surplus should be returned to the taxpayers in the form of tax reductions. "How about giving some of it back?" she asked.
Ms. Tori, running against contractor Charles Wise in the 10th District, said the Republicans supported a sweeping crime bill during this year's General Assembly session but more must be done, including lowering the blood alcohol level from .10 to .08 in determining whether a motorist can be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.
Ms. Rose is challenged by Democrat Teena Halbig, an artist and author from Louisville, in the 36th District. The legislature must continue to find ways to lower taxes on individuals and businesses "so families can determine what they are going to do with their money, not Frankfort," Ms. Rose said.
Rep. Kathy Hogancamp of Paducah is running against Sen. Bob Leeper, also of Paducah, in the 2nd District. She emphasized the need to concentrate on safer schools.
While the General Assembly did pass a bill this year designed to improve school safety, Ms. Hogancamp said the bill needs a better balance between research and actual implementation of programs.
"There are changes we need to look at," she said. "The school safety school was a fine start, but we're overspent on research and not enough money is available for schools for real . . . safety measures."
Ethyle Noel of Georgetown is running against Ed Miller of Cynthiana in the 30th District. An attorney, Ms. Noel said legislation needs to be passed that makes juvenile offenders more responsible for crimes they commit.
Alice Forgy Kerr of Lexington is running against Lexington attorney Don Todd in the 12th District. She said it is important for voters to elect a woman who has "common-sense life experiences" in dealing with issues related to families, children and caring for the elderly.
She is the sister of former GOP gubernatorial candidate Larry Forgy and the sister-in-law of State Rep. Tom Kerr, a Taylor Mill Democrat.
The women will make a two-day campaign sweep Sept. 16 and 17 to the rest of the Senate districts where the candidates are running, visiting Georgetown, Louisville, Lexington, Elizabeth and Paducah.
