Nov. 11, 2009 — Jim Short of Olive Hill recently sent out a formal appeal challenging the results of the Nov. 2 convention of the 96th legislative district of the Democratic Party.
Below is the letter as it was sent and received by Charlie Moore, chairman for the State Democratic Party of Kentucky.
“On Nov. 2, 2009 Democrats from the 96th District (Carter and Lewis Counties (held a convention to choose a candidate to finish the unexpired term for Robin Webb.
Candidates were nominated and one was chosen. Unfortunately, several rules of the Democratic Party were violated. They are as follows:
• Article IV – Section D – D. Advertisement/Notification of Convention: Not less than seven (7) days before the county or legislative district conventions, the county chair shall publish the time and place for such convention(s) in the newspaper with the largest circulation in the legislative districts or county.
The county executive committee must purchase an ad for this notification within the above-specified time if the newspaper will not print the information as a news item.
Governor Beshear’s office didn’t give the press release to the local paper until Monday, Oct. 26. On Oct. 28 (when the local paper comes out to the general public), Chairman Ron Bush of Carter County called for a Nov. 2 convention. Therefore it was impossible for the county chairman to call the convention on Nov. 2 and still be within 7 days notification in the party rules. He should have waited another week for the convention in order to be in compliance with this important rule.
• On Nov. 1, 2009, (1day prior to the election), Marcus Woodward who was representing the state democratic party sent out an e-mail to Chairman Dewayne Adams of Lewis County that discredited all the other potential candidates for the office.
These people had not even been nominated at this point and it appears he may have been trying to even block the nomination from the floor. This e-mail was published in the local paper. (See exhibit A)
• Apparently there were some problems with the challengers actually being able to see the other ballots when they were counted because one of the challengers asked and was denied.
• Ballots were not prepared with the names of the candidates. Instead, just a blank slip of paper was provided and the votes were to put the name of the candidate of their choice on the ballot.
• Candidates were allowed to roam around the room at will during the balloting.
• 28 ballots were cast, one was thrown out but the newspaper reported that 29 votes were cast.
• A representative from the Democratic Executive Committee secured the ballots of the winning candidate.
As you can see, this presents a real problem for the Democratic Party (especially with the representative of the central party) taking such an active and aggressive role in the selection process.
I have been a Democrat for 40 plus years. We have always been Democrats. Unfortunately, I am disappointed and saddened that this happened because confidence in the party is very important if we are to defeat Republicans. I am 60 years old and probably should not have participated because I believe in abiding by the rules of any endeavor and maybe I’m just a little too old fashioned.
However, the best time to correct an error is as soon as possible. Do not compromise integrity for convenience of time. The damage will be long term.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Short
I hereby certify that the following parties have been notified via certified mail:
Barry Webb
David Hayes
Vernon Adkins
State Chairman of the Democratic Party of Kentucky
