Wednesday, January 05, 2000

Dems add asterisk to GOP-led Senate

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Transition in Capitol historic

BY PATRICK CROWLEY
The Cincinnati Enquirer

        FRANKFORT — Republicans used Tuesday's opening of the Kentucky General Assembly session to formally take control of the Senate and bask in the glory of the party's first legislative majority in state history.

        But it didn't take long for the eruption of bitter partisan feelings festering among some lawmakers, which many here fear could plunge this session into hopeless political gridlock.

        Shortly after noon, outgoing Senate President Larry Saunders officially opened the session by acknowledging the shift in power. The dissident Louisville Democrat vaulted into power three years ago following a coup he orchestrated with Republicans.

"Party switchers'
        “Let the record reflect that the Republicans are now the majority of the Senate,” Mr. Saunders said to a Senate chamber packed with what appeared to be mostly GOP supporters in Frankfort to see their party make history.

        That brought an immediate response from Democratic Floor Leader David Karem of Louisville, who rose from his seat and requested the official Senate record reflect that the Republicans have the majority because of “party switchers” and not because GOP candidates won the seats needed to take control.

        In the fall, two Senate Democrats — Dan Seum of Louisville and Bob Leeper of Paducah — switched parties and gave the GOP its 20-18 majority.

"A little petty'
        Sen. Dick Roeding, R-Lakeside Park, who was elected Senate president pro tem Tuesdayy, was among the Republicans who took exception to Mr. Karem's comments.

        “That's a little petty,” Mr. Roeding said. “I think we're going to be able to get together and work together even though we are from different political parties.

        “But comments like that don't help a thing.”

        Many Republicans just wanted to enjoy the day in which they made history in the State Capitol.

Especially gratifying
        “I never thought I would see this day in my life,” said former Sen. Clyde Middleton of Fort Mitchell, who served four terms in the Senate before going on to two terms as Kenton County judge-executive.

        “When I was here in the 1970s and early 1980s, we had eight Republicans in the Senate. So this is a great, historic day.”

        Before Gov. Paul Patton's evening State of the Commonwealth address, Republicans held a reception near the Senate chamber.

        Among those attending were Kentucky's two U.S. senators, Republicans Jim Bunning of Southgate and Mitch McConnell of Louisville. They also attended Mr. Patton's address.

        For Mr. Bunning, the day was especially gratifying. He served in the state Senate when Republicans were a small minority.

        “Twenty years ago today, I was sworn in — and I was the ninth Republican senator, so it is a big deal,” he said. “I hope this means a better balance to state government than we've had, one that has to have compromise. And that's good for all the citizens.”

        As is often the case in Frankfort, there were competing interests vying for notice in the Capitol on Tuesday night.

        While Republican officials and supporters gathered for an elegant function on the Capitol's second floor, backers of organized labor held a loud rally nearby in the open-air Rotunda.

        At times, those at the GOP event had difficulty hearing themselves over the hollering and chants from the labor rally.

        House Majority Caucus Chairman Jim Callahan, D-Wilder, said he believes the two parties and the two chambers can get along.

        The new Senate president, Burkesville Republican David Williams, “impresses me as a moderate and a consensus-builder who is above a lot of partisan politicking. He wants to accomplish things in Frankfort,” Mr. Callahan said.

        “If that happens, we can have a good session.”

Patton address highlights workers
Dems add asterisk to GOP-led Senate
N.Ky. gets prime Senate seat

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