Courier-Journal picks Lunsford

The editorial board of Kentucky's largest-circulation newspaper chose to endorse U.S. Senate candidate and Louisville businessman Bruce Lunsford today in his bid to secure the Democratic Party nomination on May 20.

Louisville's Courier-Journal lauded Lunsford this morning in an editorial, saying Democrats who wanted to unseat the Republican incumbent, U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, should choose the current frontrunner in the Democratic field.

"Mr. Lunsford has the resources and energy needed to win in November, as well as the imagination and determination required to shine in the U.S. Senate," the Courier-Journal wrote.

The newspaper argued Lunsford "may be able to attract moderate Republican voters who think enough of Mr. McConnell is, at long last, enough."

The paper praised Lunsford's position on several issues, including the war in Iraq, the national debt, and taxes.

For a very rich man, he has reasonable views on taxes. He thinks the Bush tax cuts for people like him were unnecessary, ineffective and unfair, and he believes in an inheritance tax as long as it doesn't block the passing of small farms and small businesses to the next generation. On the other hand, he thinks excessive taxes on capital gains are bad for the economy, since investment makes the economy grow.

The Courier-Journal also dismissed the attacks that have been launched against Lunsford by his nearest opponent in the seven-candidate Democratic primary field, Greg Fischer, who was endorsed by Lexington's Herald-Leader today.

Fischer targeted allegations of business impropriety in Lunsford's history in a series of attacks in recent weeks. The newspaper's endorsement argues these attacks are misguided.

Complaints about Mr. Lunsford's record in business are fairly old news, and they often have been distorted, including in his opponents' TV spots. The usual accusations ignore Mr. Lunsford's quick and decisive action to deal with any in his businesses who made mistakes. They overlook the positive long-term results achieved by the businesses Mr. Lunsford developed. There's a body of credible information available for anyone who wants to verify the truth.

The Courier-Journal categorized Fischer as having "no real elective resume" and argues that "major Democratic leaders believe he is unlikely to win either this spring or (if by some odd turn of events he were nominated) in the fall"

ALSO on PolitickerKY.com:

• Fischer gets Herald-Leader endorsement