Mary Potter
Sunday, June 13, 2010 8:28 pm
"I have the strongest Second Amendment record of any attorney general in the country." Attorney General Jack Conway told two hundred Democrats gathered at the Purchase Area Jefferson Jackson Dinner in Murray Friday evening. He urged supporters to talk to friends, neighbors. Conway called Dan Mongiardo "a worthy opponent" and said he was glad he wouldn't have a rematch with him. Attorney General Jack Conway answered some questions after his speech. When asked about cell phone service in the Purchase, which lags behind the central part of the state, Conway agreed that “we need better service down here.” He said that his father in law, an ATT exec, heard many complaints about the failure of cell service. Even the back up service failed. Conway said that, if elected, he can do something to improve service in Western and Eastern Kentucky.
About Rand Paul and a recent poll showing Paul six points ahead of him, Conway said that he thinks the race is “a statistical dead heat. He (Paul) may be a few points ahead.”
Conway expressed confidence that a disciplined campaign will make the difference. He also believes that Paul is not in sync with voters.
“Rand Paul has this out of the mainstream world view that government should never touch business in any way. We’re going to make this an argument about the right kind of government, the right size of government, efficient government. Government that creates jobs. If it’s about that kind of government versus no government at all, we win.”
“Rand Paul has this out of the mainstream world view that government should never touch business in any way. We’re going to make this an argument about the right kind of government, the right size of government, efficient government. Government that creates jobs. If it’s about that kind of government versus no government at all, we win.”
Attorney General Conway discussed the LG & E (Louisville Gas & Electric) and KU (Kentucky Utilities) rate increase case. He expressed disappointment that the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) rejected his motion to dismiss the case. The AG based his motion on the fact that the parent company, E-On is selling the two companies to PPL. Permission for the sale to go forward is also pending before the PSC.
“It is pretty apparent to me that LG & E and KU assumed the rate increase and used that for the valuation going forward for PPL. If PPL is going to get the benefit of the rate increase, they should be in there arguing for it.
Debt structures, equity, all that’s going to change depending on who the corporate parent is. I felt we had a very strong motion to dismiss. I am very upset. I have not signed on to anything. Other parties have.”
The Attorney General said the PSC may allow him to renew his motion once the testimony is analyzed. He also said his expert did not believe the companies are entitled to a rate increase.