Republicans claim ‘political retribution’ on road plan
By John Cheves – jcheves@herald-leader.com
FRANKFORT — The House voted largely along party lines Tuesday for a two-year, $3.4 billion road plan.
The House voted 67-32 to pass House Bill 292. Republican lawmakers complained during a debate that many road and bridge projects in their districts were yanked from the plan, particularly those involving federal stimulus funds, as punishment for their voting against the Democratic leadership’s $371 million revenue-raising measure.
Democrats are giving “a lesson in political retribution,” said House Minority Leader Jeff Hoover, R-Jamestown. Rep. Danny Ford, R-Mount Vernon, listed the transportation projects that disappeared from his district, including a replacement for a bridge used by school buses in Lincoln County that engineers have rated as “structurally deficient.”
“Folks, when we play games with things that affect people’s lives, it’s wrong,” Ford said.
Democratic leaders denied that Republican districts were targeted when they changed the original road plan presented by Gov. Steve Beshear in January.
“I hadn’t looked at it that way,” said House budget Chairman Rick Rand, D-Bedford, eliciting laughter from the House floor.
On Monday, House Speaker Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, said Republicans who didn’t support the revenue-raising measure, calling it a tax increase, shouldn’t expect to share in the jobs-producing projects that follow.
“People who voted against the revenue bill thought there was not a problem with jobs in their community,” Stumbo said.
The road plan proceeds to the Republican-controlled Senate.
About the Author: 
bigdog43 | Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
As a republican, I have to agree with Obama and I have to appreciate what Stumbo did. Obama complains that Republicans vote against stimulus plans yet they show up to Ribbon cuttings. Stumbo is saying the same thing, if you want to vote against roads, then do not expect roads in your district. I have to agree with this, then it is up to the republicans to make the waste and fraud of tax dollars an issue. They can not hide behind the vote stating they are conservatives yet still get all of the pork in their districts and go to ribbon cuttings. Something about having your cake and eating it too.
milly vanilly | Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
I want to be president but I cant speak english and am not from this contry …I see Obama did it maybe i can too, ,viva ya ya ya
Leonard Lawson too | Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
I think it is a good idea. Road building means jobs and money for businesss owners. I don’t care which party favors it. i help both, out of my own pocket…
Mudcreeker | Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
“Folks, when we play games with things that affect people’s lives, it’s wrong,” Ford said.
Mr. Ford
I don’t remember you crying like that when Gov. Fletcher and republicans stopped the Mud Creek project several years ago in Mr. Stumbo’s district. Stop whining, a new day has dawned. Sit back and wait your turn.
jay | Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
You are a simpleton or a republican. They are one and the same.
handiman | Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
No need to worry, this budget is DOA in the Senate.
They’ll leave without one. Then pray for a federal bailout.
HackRichards | Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
wonder how many contracts were awarded to Leonard Lawson?
handiman | Mar 9, 2010 | Reply
Didn’t Lawson co-sponsor the bill?
dog bite laws | Aug 5, 2010 | Reply
Lawson did co-sponsor the bill