It is interesting that one of Governor Beshear's cabinet secretaries has publicly endorsed one Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate while the governor is openly pulling for the other major candidate.

Finance and Administration Secretary Jonathan Miller is for Attorney General Jack Conway and he has made a public declaration of it. Miller, a former two term state treasurer, is known to have a coveted list of young supporters who are politically active and engaged. They follow Miller on Facebook and Twitter and now they know where he stands on next year's signature race.

Meanwhile, (back at the ranch in Frankfort), Governor Beshear has openly declared his support for Lt. Governor Dan Mongiardo's senate bid. Beshear quickly runs down a list ways Mongiardo has helped the administration when reporters ask.

Did Beshear know about Miller's endorsement in advance? Yes. Miller asked the governor and told the Lt. Governor about his plan before he did it.

Will it help Conway? It can't hurt. But it may not be a game changer. Kentuckians are often cool to endorsements by either politicians or media outlets that feel the need to make such pronouncements.

The best move by Miller may have been the timing. Coming after Conway's tongue trouble at Fancy Farm... he's been looking for a way to get things back on track. So Miller's endorsement comes at a crucial time for Conway. After all, if Conway wins the senate seat, Miller might well be appointed attorney general, a position he considered running for in 2007 before his ill fated race for governor.


Special Election

The special election in Northeastern Kentucky is being carefully watched way beyond the borders of the 18th Senate district. Coming as it does in the middle of the contentious healthcare debate and before next year's elections... the outcome could send political signals everywhere.

Both parties know its important and both sides are pulling out all stops to win.


Chandler: No Town Halls

Appearing for "Kentucky Newsmakers"... Congressman Ben Chandler says he has never held town hall meetings and won't start in the middle of the healthcare fight. Citing a lack of "civility" at other forums around the country, Chandler says nothing gets done by screaming.

His detractors say he won't face the public on an important issue. One woman was spotted holding a sign along Nicholasville Road that read, "Where is Ben?" Chandler says he's meeting with people throughout the district and "hears their voices" in the numerous phone calls and e-mails his office has recieved.