It has been a long road and an uphill battle over the last 2 years.Independent Kentucky has spearheaded the efforts for a Semi open primary in Kentucky.  We have been met with silent opposition from leaders in Frankfort. Let me explain this a little more.  Some Leaders in Frankfort are working to kill SB 53 as quickly and quietly as possible! I have made the calls and sent the emails with no reply. The Representatives that have answered or called back haven’t been very open to discussion. Could we be getting the cold shoulder, do they think like Senator Carroll “I could care less what they (Independents) want” is the way he expressed his feelings to CNN’s David Mattingly. Even though the Senate passed the legislation there were still plenty of lessons in politics. Sen. Kathy Stein dist 13 (Fayette co.) stood during discussion on SB 53 to ask if the Sen. Clay (Majority Floor Leader) would support restoring rights to former felons (HB 70). Now for someone trying to make the case for voting rights, when she was called to represent democracy she voted “NO” for SB 53. This is an example of mixed signals in Frankfort. There are party politics at play, here and across the country. The “Minority” Party is showing support while the “Majority” party is voting business as usual.

What the establishment hasn’t realized is Independent voters are here to stay. The leadership in Kentucky’s Democratic Party should make a statement about their senior senator and if they feel the same way, I believe they can learn something from Massachusetts. In a Democratic strong hold like Massachusetts it should be clear, don’t ignore the Independent voters! The message is clear, Deny us in the primary Lose us in the General!

Kentuckians need to take a stand to closed door government! Wither or not you agree with SB 53 and a semi open primary in Kentucky this is something that needs to be talked about. We have a solution that 33 other states in America have instituted. This isn’t something new, it is a growing issue and we need your help THE PEOPLE to push back the doors of closed minded politics and tell your state legislatures you want representation in Frankfort!

You can help in the fight by calling your legislature, or visiting www.independentkentucky.org www.openprimaries.org & www.independentvoting.org