Someone thinks six prominent Kentucky Republicans could run for U.S. Senate soon. Various website domains “for senate” were recently created for congressmen Andy Barr, Brett Guthrie and James Comer, as well as former attorney general Daniel Cameron, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft and Lexington businessman Nate Morris. None of them have said they’ll seek the office, and none of them have said they’re involved in the creation of any of those websites. And there’s still not word on whether or not they could even be used in the near term. The longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, Sen. Mitch McConnell, has yet to decide if he will run for his Senate seat again in 2026. The 82-year-old opted to step down from his leadership post earlier this year, clearing the way for Sen. John Thune, R-SD, to take over when Republicans take the majority next year. A McConnell spokesperson responded to a Herald-Leader inquiry by stating that the leader “hasn’t made an announcement about his 2026 plans.” The domain name reservations could be the work of a so-called “cybersquatter,” a term referencing someone who buys several political web domains in anticipation of a potential yet-unannounced campaign. This year, the self-described “GOAT” — greatest of all time — of cybersquatting , Jeremy Green Eche, sold the HarrisWalz.com domain to the Democratic presidential ticket for $15,000. In response to a Herald-Leader inquiry, Eche said that the Kentucky-related domains were not purchased by him. None of the sites are currently active. A spokesperson for Comer said that the congressman’s team, to his knowledge, had nothing to do with the creation of websites like “comerforussenate.com” and “comer4senate.com.” He also relayed that Comer has no interest in running for senate even if McConnell does not seek reelection. Cameron, meanwhile, left the door open. “Makenze and I are committed to serving Kentucky and we’re praying about what that looks like,” Cameron said, referring to his wife. “I remain open to any opportunity that could arise to make a difference, advance a conservative agenda, and help President Trump get our country back on track.” Cameron is now running the 1792 Exchange , a nonprofit organization dedicated to pushing back on allegedly “woke” capitalism and corporations. It’s particularly targeted at ESG — short for environmental, social and governance — which refers to the guidelines and policies used by some companies to guide or inform their investments. The group recently launched a “national” ad campaign touting its “workplace politics survey.” The former attorney general has also remained politically active in Kentucky, raising money and doling it out to state-level candidates through his All 120 PAC. In a recent email newsletter to supporters, Cameron emphasized how politically involved he’s been this year, including hitting the stump for Trump. “Even though my name wasn’t on the ballot, I hit the campaign trail hard because of the importance of this election. It was good to see old friends at Lincoln Dinners and GOP functions across the state. The greatest honor for me this election cycle was serving as a surrogate for President Trump. It gave me an opportunity to make the case for him on tv, in West Virginia, and in battleground state, Wisconsin,” Cameron wrote. Spokespeople for Barr, Guthrie and Craft, as well as a person familiar with Morris’ thinking, did not respond to a request for comment on the matter. Should the seat open up, President-elect Donald Trump could hold significant sway over who gets the GOP nomination. In the 2023 governor’s race, he endorsed Cameron early, before some others entered the race. Cameron has retained ties to Trump, speaking as his surrogate at Fancy Farm, the state’s premier political speaking event, this summer. Craft, who lost to Cameron in the 2023 GOP primary for governor, has been a mainstay fundraiser for Trump. In the lead-up to all three of the president-elect’s runs, Craft and her husband — billionaire coal magnate and philanthropist Joe Craft — have played key roles in donating their own funds as well as hosting fundraisers. Craft served as both ambassador to Canada and the United Nations during Trump’s first term. Both of those slots, as well as other major foreign affairs roles like Secretary of State, NATO ambassador and ambassador to France have already been filled. However, several other high-profile ambassadorships like England, Russia, China and others remain open. Morris is a politico-turned-entrepreneur who founded the Lexington-based waste technology company Rubicon. Morris has been active in attending political functions in recent years, has a book on the way and money to spend. In 2022 alone, he made $41 million according to outlet Waste Dive. Also in 2022, the company went public on the New York Stock Exchange in a $1.7 billion deal. Morris also has some ties to Vice President-elect JD Vance, whose story as a political outsider with deep pockets from a heartland state mirrors Morris’. Barr has also hewed closely to Trump. He served as the campaign chair this year for the state of Kentucky and says he wants to bridge the gap between “America First” Trump-style populism and free market capitalism. But he currently has his sights set on a Washington role in his own chamber. A recent report from Axios, corroborated by other Washington outlets, dubs Barr the favorite to chair the House Financial Services Committee. He’s running against fellow committee member French Hill, R-AR, and others. Barr previously rebuffed rumors he’d abandon his bid for the chairmanship if McConnell were to step down. “If my colleagues in the House want me to lead the Financial Services Committee, that’s my priority,” he said in a February interview with POLITICO. According to Republican House Conference rules , a committee chair must vacate his or her role if they decide to run for another elected office. Guthrie is also in a race for a chairmanship, in his case for the Energy and Commerce Committee. The Bowling Green Republican is outpacing his competition, Rep. Bob Latta, R-KY, in the fundraising race according to Punchbowl News. The outlet reported that House GOP leadership “tends to view Guthrie as having the inside track.” ©2024 Lexington Herald-Leader. Visit kentucky.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Thanksgiving dinner in US cost less than last year, but Colorado’s is 4th highest in nation
1 of 1 2 of 1 Get the best of Vancouver in your inbox, every Tuesday and Thursday. Sign up for our free newsletter . UBC’s Phil Lind Initiative is bringing its speaker series back to the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts in 2025. The theme—What It Means to Be “American”: Navigating Identity in a Changing Nation—examines the complexities of identity in the United States amid the political and social upheaval of a second Trump presidency. Focusing on historical legacies, cultural narratives, and current events, the series confronts the evolving definition of what it means to belong in America today. From provocative art installations to insightful talks, the lineup includes thought leaders and creators tackling issues such as systemic inequality, technology’s power, and colonialism’s lasting effects. Here are the lineup details. The Bomb by Smriti Keshari and Eric Schlosser Kicking off the series is an immersive multimedia experience by filmmaker Smriti Keshari and writer Eric Schlosser. This installation uses archival footage, animation, and an electronic score to explore the precarious realities of nuclear weapon systems. When: January 16, 6:30pm Tickets: Available December 19 Adam Kinzinger Former congressman Adam Kinzinger will offer a firsthand look at the fractures within the GOP. As one of only two Republicans on the January 6th Select Committee, Kinzinger has become a prominent voice against Trumpism. When: February 13, 6:30pm Tickets: Available January 9 Ziwe Comedian, writer, and cultural commentator Ziwe brings her bold satire to the stage. Known for her provocative interviews and viral moments, Ziwe confronts uncomfortable truths about race, power, and identity in America. When: March 13, 6:30pm Tickets: Available January 30 Raven Chacon Composer Raven Chacon challenges narratives of colonialism through music and visual art. His Pulitzer Prize-winning composition Voiceless Mass underscores the erasure of Indigenous voices, while his use of nontraditional instruments like axes and rifles powerfully comments on history and place. When: March 27, 6:30pm Tickets: Available February 13 Heather Cox Richardson Historian Heather Cox Richardson concludes the series with insights from her daily newsletter, Letters from an American . Her latest book, Democracy Awakening , explores the threats to American democracy historically, offering a timely perspective on the nation’s challenges. When: April 10, 6:30pm Tickets: Available February 27
NonePublished 5:39 pm Monday, November 25, 2024 By Data Skrive The Houston Rockets (12-6) are 3.5-point underdogs against the Minnesota Timberwolves (8-8) at Target Center on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. The game begins at 8:00 PM ET on SCHN and FDSN. Our computer predictions for Tuesday’s game can assist you in placing an informed wager taking advantage of the best bets available. Get the latest news sent to your inbox Watch the NBA, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up for a free trial. Sign up for NBA League Pass to get access to games, live and on-demand, and more for the entire season and offseason. Place your bets on any NBA matchup at BetMGM. Sign up today using our link. Bet on this game’s spread with BetMGM Over (220.5) Bet on this game’s total with BetMGM Bet on this game’s moneyline with BetMGM Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .Not long after former President Donald Trump waxed Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency, California Gov. Gavin Newsom moved to position himself as the leader of Resistance 2.0 during the Trump 2.0 Administration. Shortly after the election, Newsom called for a special session of the state legislature to “safeguard California values,” whatever the hell that means. In his proclamation, Newsom said he wants the Legislature to approve funding for the Department of Justice and other state agencies to “immediately file affirmative litigation.” Great, Newsom wants to file one nuisance lawsuit against the federal government after another. Translation: Cheeseball trial lawyers, start your engines! Move over greasy billboard ambulance chasers. There’s a new lame duck governor in town. Trump doesn’t seem to be impressed. He took to Truth Social and posted that, “Governor Gavin Newscum is trying to KILL our Nation’s beautiful California” and “stopping all of the GREAT things that can be done to ‘Make California Great Again.’” Legislative Republicans are equally unimpressed, with Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher writing in a statement, “The only ‘problem’ it will solve is Gavin Newsom’s insecurity that not enough people are paying attention to him...There will not be a single policy implemented in this special session that couldn’t be addressed when the Legislature reconvenes in January.” Why is Newsom participating in such an obvious and pathetic publicity stunt? Because he has to. If Newsom wants to run for president as the de-facto leader of the Democratic Party, he has two years to earn that honor. In 2026 Newsom will be past his freshness date due to term limits. Of course, the exact date will remain a mystery, since he recently outlawed posting ‘best by’ date stamps on food. He’ll go from being a “somebody” to being a “former somebody” overnight – like a B-list actor whose sitcom just got canceled. Next stop: signing autographs at the Beverly Garland Hotel in North Hollywood for $25 bucks a pop. Out of office, Newsom will lose relevance, the ability to make news, and the power to do favors for political benefactors. He will become like so many former politicians — out in the wilderness and looking for a way to get back in the game. In addition, he will lose the ballot designation as ‘Governor of California,’ which looks a lot better on paper than, oh, I don’t know, Herbalife salesman. It’s not the old days when nominees were chosen at the conventions by political fat cats in smoke-filled rooms, where long time relationships mattered. There are still backrooms with kingmakers, but these days they’re all vaping. Now, nominees are chosen by primary voters with short term memories and fleeting attention spans. For Newsom, the dates on the calendar just don’t work out. 2024 was his chance to run for President as a sitting governor against a much older Republican. However, one Sunday evening summer tweet from President Joe Biden endorsing Kamala Harris for president took that opportunity away from him, and now he’s trying to make the best of a bad situation. If Newsom chooses to remain in public office, there aren’t many good options. Both of California’s U.S. Senate seats are currently occupied by Democrats, including one that Newsom appointed, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla. Any statewide constitutional office would be a major step down compared to being governor. And no one is buying Gavin Newsom as Hollywood Mayor Johnny Grant’s successor. Also, I don’t know if you’ve heard, but Kamala Harris won’t be around to make him a cabinet secretary. The one option he has would be to replace former Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi as the member of Congress representing San Francisco. Typically going from governor to congressman would be seen as a step backwards, but not replacing her and not in that seat – particularly for an audience of Democratic primary voters. Related Articles Opinion Columnists | Will Trump turn his ‘fix it’ gaze toward FTC, DOJ abuses? Opinion Columnists | Where do Democrats go from here? Opinion Columnists | California’s political clout will fade as long as population growth remains slow Opinion Columnists | Susan Shelley: Slow counts show election system needs reform Opinion Columnists | Here’s to hoping Trump delivers on some of his Libertarian promises If Newsom was the congressman from San Francisco, he could take his dramatic stunts to the floor of the House, and become a reliable flamethrower on the CNN and MSNBC talking-head shows. And presto, before you know it he’d have had his teeth bonded and he’s dating Kimberly Guilfoyle again. For this to work, it would require the 84 year-old Pelosi to retire from congress. Earlier this month Pelosi was re-elected to yet another two-year-term, and then on November 14th, she opened up a campaign account to run for re-election in 2026. Once again, Newsom gets Trumped by the calendar. His only remaining shot at the White House will be for him to concoct the mother of all publicity stunts in order to regain the spotlight. My advice: see if Mike Tyson has one more fight left in him. John Phillips can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on “The John Phillips Show” on KABC/AM 790.