Kentucky News Now

ELECTIONEERING LAW

AG tries to preserve Ky. electioneering law

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway has asked an appeals court to block a ruling that struck down a state law banning electioneering close to polling places. Conway says the buffer is an important safeguard against Election Day shenanigans.

With the general election less than three weeks away, Conway moved quickly with his motion to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

He's asking the court to keep the law in place — pending an appeal — to insulate voters from campaign activities outside polls.

The filing comes a day after U.S. District Judge William O. Bertelsman ruled the 300-foot buffer violates First Amendment rights.

He issued a permanent injunction blocking the law's enforcement.

Christopher Wiest, one of the attorneys for the man challenging the law, says Bertelsman reached the correct decision.

SENATE-SOUTHERN STRATEGY

In crucial South, Dems see Senate hopes in NC, GA

ATLANTA (AP) — In the South's all-important Senate races, Democrats are pinning their hopes on two coastal states whose economic and population growth have often outpaced their neighbors'.

North Carolina remains the Democrats' best bet for holding a hard-fought seat. And they see a long-shot chance to win Georgia's GOP-held seat growing slightly brighter.

But Democrats' prospects seem grimmer in the Deep South and border states.

They have virtually given up on ousting five-term Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell in Kentucky.

And in Louisiana and Arkansas, veteran Democratic senators are struggling against challengers who relentlessly link them to unpopular President Barack Obama.

With Election Day less than three weeks away, all these races are being stirred by debates, spending shifts and visits by famous politicians.

CHURCHILL-RACING DATES

Churchill, Kentucky Downs agree on racing dates

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Churchill Downs and Kentucky Downs have settled their differences over September racing dates that overshadowed efforts to set next year's racing calendar at Kentucky's race tracks.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission announced the agreement Wednesday.

The commission's executive director met privately with executives of Churchill Downs and Kentucky Downs this week.

Racing dates must still be approved by the full racing commission, which meets next Tuesday.

Under the agreement, Churchill Downs would have 11 racing dates next September. The Louisville track originally applied for 12 dates.

Kentucky Downs would have five racing dates in September. The Franklin track had requested seven dates.

Racing at the tracks would overlap on two Saturdays. An earlier schedule included three days of racing at both tracks.

Churchill had objected to overlaps during a time of smaller foal crops.

STRINGBEAN-PAROLE

Killer of country comic 'Stringbean' gets parole

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The killer of country comic David "Stringbean" Akeman and his wife, Estelle, has been granted parole after 40 years in prison.

John A. Brown was originally sentenced to 198 years. The board had denied several previous parole requests.

His latest request came in April, at which time the board decided to ask for a psychological evaluation on his propensity for violence. Their Wednesday decision to grant parole came after the board reviewed that evaluation.

The Akemans were fatally shot in 1973 as they returned home following a performance of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Stringbean also performed on the TV program "Hee Haw."

The bodies were found by fellow Opry performer Grandpa Jones.

Brown and his cousin were convicted in the killings. The cousin died in prison.

VIRGINIA RAND PAUL

Rand Paul stumps for Dave Brat, Ed Gillespie

ASHLAND, Va. (AP) — Republican U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky is campaigning in Virginia for Senate candidate Ed Gillespie and House candidate Dave Brat.

Paul headlined a rally Wednesday at a small auditorium in Ashland. He told his supporters that Gillespie and Brat would help repeal the Affordable Care Act and rein in federal spending.

Paul has been weighing a potential 2016 presidential bid and campaigning for other Republican candidates across the country.

Gillespie is the former chairman of the Republican National Committee and is considered an underdog in his bid to unseat Democrat Mark Warner in the senate election.

Brat became an overnight political sensation when he defeated former U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in the GOP primary in June.

DRUG TEST KITS

E. Ky parents offered free drug testing kits

(Information in the following story is from: Lexington Herald-Leader, http://www.kentucky.com)

MOUNT VERNON, Ky. (AP) — A federally funded drug task force in eastern Kentucky has come up with another way to fight substance abuse — it will hand out free testing kits to parents.

Frank Rapier, executive director of the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, told the Lexington Herald-Leader that it gives youths "a reason to say no" in the face of peer pressure.

The Appalachia HIDTA and Operation UNITE, which sponsors drug-prevention programs in 32 counties, have partnered for the project. Funding is coming from the Appalachia HIDTA while Operation UNITE is promoting it and distributing kits.

Nancy Hale, a retired educator who is active with UNITE, said 650 kits were delivered Tuesday to 13 distribution points.

The first kits will be handed out in Rockcastle County.