HOPKINS COUNTY, KY – The people of Western Kentucky are typically conservative.  We prefer less government, less intrusion and control by government, lower taxes and we believe in individual rights and property rights. 

We are hard working but less educated than much of the country.  Being less educated does not mean we are not as smart; we, on average, have had fewer opportunities for education and our historic jobs did not require higher education.  But, we are catching up with higher graduation rates and more college graduates.

The people of Western Kentucky are God fearing people - locked firmly in the Bible belt.  We fiercely support the Second Amendment.  On abortion, our views encompass the total spectrum of opinion and beliefs; but, the politician who supports using government dollars to fund abortions will have a very short career.

Given these criteria, one would surmise that Western Kentucky would be a republican haven.  It is not.  In fact the majority - by a margin of 2 to 1 - is democratic in registration.  But, in the voting booth, it is a different matter.  Congressman Ed Whitfield, a republican, has successfully defended his seat time and time again; and, Barack Obama did not do well in Western Kentucky.

2010 does not look like it will be a very good year for democrats in Kentucky.  President Obama has dramatically expanded the role of government, increased spending to unprecedented levels, ballooned the national debt to 12 trillion dollars, taken over large segments of private industry, and is trying to take over health care entirely.  Unemployment is listed at 10.2% nationally and 11% in Kentucky; but, when you add in those whose benefits have expired or they have given up looking for work, the actual rate is closer to 17.5%. 

Employment is unlikely to improve very quickly.  Small businesses have been the job generator for many years.  Now, small business owners cannot grow because they cannot borrow money for equipment, inventory or operations.  Banks have dramatically cut loans to small businesses.  Banks continue to fail at alarming rates (almost 200 so far in 2009).  Another 500 banks could fail in 2010 according to federal regulators.

The elections of 2010 may prove to be a watershed event.  Conservative Kentucky democrats (a.k.a. Blue Dog democrats) will have a hard time defending Obama, Pelosi, and Reid.  Kentucky republicans will capitalize on the growing public outrage about the direction of the country.  Both parties will have a very tough time dealing with the dismal revenue at the state level.  With the cost of corrections, Medicaid, and public employee benefits increasing at unsustainable levels, some unpopular decisions must be made.  Politicians will be held accountable for these decisions in November.

What is your assessment of the 2010 elections?  Send your comments to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Ron Sanders
iSurf News