Thursday, November 09, 2006
Has Kentucky's Influence On Capital Hill Eroded?
Media reports have surfaced stating that much of Kentucky's influence on Capitol Hill may have washed away with the Democratic tide that knocked Republicans out of power in both chambers of Congress.
GOP Majority Whip Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Louisville, conceded yesterday that the title of Senate Majority Leader has probably slipped from his grasp barring the unlikely event that a recount in Virginia changes the outcome of the Senator’s race.
Also possibly hurting the states influence is Representative Anne Northup’s defeat Tuesday, as she held a coveted seat on the House Appropriations Committee. Her replacement, Democrat John Yarmuth, isn't likely to get similar treatment. Also lost are a host of committee or subcommittee chairmanships held by the state's five other Republican lawmakers in Washington.
Last month, Kentucky was the 11th most influential state in the nation's capital, according to one group of independent analysts. Not anymore, said Brad Fitch, CEO of the company which runs Congress.org.
According to the Web site's 2006 Power Rankings, which weigh such factors as influence on fellow members of Congress, committee assignments, tenure, legislative activity and media attention, McConnell had the state's top power score and ranked as the fourth most powerful person in the Senate.
GOP Majority Whip Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Louisville, conceded yesterday that the title of Senate Majority Leader has probably slipped from his grasp barring the unlikely event that a recount in Virginia changes the outcome of the Senator’s race.
Also possibly hurting the states influence is Representative Anne Northup’s defeat Tuesday, as she held a coveted seat on the House Appropriations Committee. Her replacement, Democrat John Yarmuth, isn't likely to get similar treatment. Also lost are a host of committee or subcommittee chairmanships held by the state's five other Republican lawmakers in Washington.
Last month, Kentucky was the 11th most influential state in the nation's capital, according to one group of independent analysts. Not anymore, said Brad Fitch, CEO of the company which runs Congress.org.
According to the Web site's 2006 Power Rankings, which weigh such factors as influence on fellow members of Congress, committee assignments, tenure, legislative activity and media attention, McConnell had the state's top power score and ranked as the fourth most powerful person in the Senate.
# posted by Justin Mullins @ 4:26 PM 
