Politics

The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission is recommending that state lawmakers require organizations that employ lobbyists to report what they spend on advertising to promote or defeat specific bills.

That proposal is among five the commission is suggesting the General Assembly consider next year.

John Schaaf is legal counsel to the LEC. He told a legislative committee that it’s a response to a new form of lobbying conducted mostly by businesses that make and sell drugs.

David Williams' tenure as president of the Kentucky State Senate -- and political adversary to Gov. Steve Beshear -- may soon end.

Williams is among three nominees selected Thursday by the Judicial Nominating Commission for the open 40th Circuirt Court judgeship, and he said he'd take the job if chosen. The other nominees are Angela M. Capps and Stephen Douglas Hurt.

"I am appreciative of the nomination and if the Governor appoints me, I will accept the position," Williams said in a statement released soon after the nomination was announced.

Williams Bio

59 years old.  Native of Burkesville.

Graduate of University of Kentucky (undergrad) and University of Louisville law school.

Attorney by trade, but shuttered law practice for good in 2011 to run for governor

Political Life

The Federal Election Commission is warning Brooks Wicker, the Republican nominee for the Kentucky Third District, that his October Quarterly Report is late. Read the letter here:

The Federal Election Commission has warned Republican congressional candidate Brooks Wicker about an overdue campaign finance report, which could result in civil penalties.

As first reported by LEO Weekly's Joe Sonka, the FEC wrote a letter warning the GOP challenger that he has failed to file his third quarter receipts and disbursements and has four days to comply. The report was due October 15.

The FEC goes on to say that any "failure to timely file this report may result in civil money penalties, an audit or other legal" action.

"All documents have been reported to the FEC," says Wicker campaign manager Michael Wray. "I spoke with (FEC analyst Chris) Ritchie today, and the matter will be resolved shortly."