BluegrassReport.org
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
BluegrassReport.org is a Democratic Party-oriented political blog mostly covering Kentucky politics, especially with regards to the current Governor Ernie Fletcher (R), as well as state government in general and federal government officeholders representing the state. The blog, which further covers ongoing intra-party operations, political issues and scandals, was started in June 2005 by Democratic consultant Mark Nickolas, former campaign manager for both Speaker of the Kentucky House Jody Richards and U.S. House Rep. Ben Chandler's 2003 gubernatorial campaign. The blog, edited solely by Nickolas, describes itself as "An Unfiltered and Candid Look at Politics, Politicians and the Media in Kentucky".
The chief recipient of the blog's criticism has been Governor Fletcher. Fletcher and many of his subordinates were indicted as part of the state's 2005-2006 merit system investigation, and this, in addition to other controversies surrounding the Fletcher administration, have become the focus of a large number of posts. Other major targets have been Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Joseph Lambert, Republican Senate President David L. Williams and Kentucky Democratic Party chairman Jerry Lundergan.[1]
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[edit] Controversy and legal issues
In June 2006, the blog became the focus of a controversy involving a state government clampdown on the access of particular genres of websites, including political blogs, where BluegrassReport.org amongst a range of blogs was blocked, while some blogs remained accessible, leaving a widely reported impression that the blocks were selective and perhaps political in nature.[2][3][4] On July 10, 2006, Public Citizen filed a lawsuit on behalf of Nickolas challenging the constitutionality of the state government's blocking actions.[5]
On January 17, 2007, Nickolas was indicted[6] on charges of willfully failing to file any state income tax returns for 2003, 2004 or 2005.[6] The Courier-Journal reported that Nickolas told the paper he paid his state income taxes in full for those years in December 2006, after the state Revenue Cabinet informed him that he was under investigation.[6] The Lexington Herald-Leader reported that Nickolas paid those taxes with checks from an account in the name of the nonprofit foundation through which he runs his blog.[7]
[edit] Awards
BluegrassReport.org tied with Tennessee Guerilla Women to win the 2005 Koufax Award for "Best State or Local Blog".[8]
[edit] References
- ^ Biesk, Joe. "Blogger looking to add viewpoints to Kentucky's political scene", Associated Press. Retrieved on July 23, 2006.
- ^ Urbina, Ian. "Besieged Kentucky Governor Draws Fire From a New Quarter", The New York Times. Retrieved on June 23, 2006.
- ^ Alessi, Ryan. "State lifts blog ban on one Web site, but publisher of another mulls lawsuit", Lexington Herald-Leader. Retrieved on June 23, 2006.
- ^ Loftus, Tom. "State treasurer fights blockage of Internet sites; Miller criticizes Fletcher's action", The Courier-Journal. Retrieved on June 24, 2006.
- ^ Alford, Roger. "Washington group files suit on behalf on political commentator", Associated Press. Retrieved on July 23, 2006.
- ^ a b c Loftus, Tom. "BluegrassReport.org founder indicted", The Courier-Journal, 2007-01-17. Retrieved on January 17, 2007.
- ^ Stamper, John. "Blogger critical of Fletcher indicted on tax return charges", Lexington Herald-Leader, 2007-01-18. Retrieved on January 20, 2007.
- ^ Meredith, Dwight (2006-04-03). 2005 Koufax Awards --The Winners. Wampum. Retrieved on June 23, 2006.
