Congratulations to my old boss, Anne Northup.  She has been confirmed to be a member of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. 

This is exciting news not only because Anne will do an outstanding job, but she is also a huge policy wonk who will absolutely love delving into the details and challenges of the CPSC. 

While Anne served Louisville in Congress, I witnessed first hand her thirst for knowledge on almost every provision of every bill that came before her. She worked day and night reading just about everything she could get her hands on, while making endless notes in the margins so that reasonable compromises could be achieved.  I used to joke that she only required two hours of sleep a night.

With her dedication to public service, the CPSC will be well-served by Anne Northup.

Rand Paul running
I found it fascinating that Rand Paul, a Bowling Green ophthalmologist, chose to announce his candidacy for the U.S. Senate on Fox News, followed by an appearance on CNN.  Paul used these two media outlets to inform Kentucky voters of why he’s running to represent this state in Congress.

Oh, wait a minute; his announcement had absolutely nothing to do with informing Kentucky voters about why he wants to serve the commonwealth in Washington, D.C. His announcement was all about tapping into his father’s failed presidential network of donors across the United States in an attempt to assist in his own fundraising efforts.

Paul’s Web site points out that he would rather announce his candidacy in New York City rather than in Bowling Green, Louisville or Lexington.

“Dr. Rand Paul, son of former presidential candidate Congressman Ron Paul, will be in New York on Wednesday, Aug. 5, to make a MAJOR announcement regarding the Kentucky 2010 Senate race.”

Unlike traditional candidates for statewide office, Paul chose not to fly around the state, promote his candidacy and meet and greet. 

That’s because he doesn’t have a statewide network.  It would be pretty hard to make appearances around the state and worry that no one was going to show up and wave flags or hold banners for you. 

Regardless of how much money a candidate has for public office, or where it comes from, nothing can replace having a ground organization based upon a reasonably faithful party identity.

Party identity primarily comes from one’s efforts to participate in local and state politics and prove to others that you are willing to commit to the rigors of public service. I sure wish I could have started out as a U.S. Senator, but I chose to run for Metro Council first to show folks in my hometown that I am committed to making my city a better place to live.

Most of the people who saw Paul’s announcement on Fox News cannot even vote for him because they don’t live in Kentucky.  And Paul’s Web site lists only one upcoming Kentucky speaking appearance. 

It would be wise for Paul to spend a little more energy on a “listening tour” covering the issues and challenges facing our state and leave the streets of New York City for Mayor Bloomberg.

Summer vacation is over
Summer is coming to a close and school days are right around the corner. This is now political high time!
2010 will be a very busy year for campaigns and elections, and we would like to know which candidates you run into and what they are saying while out on the trail.

Since Ellen and I cannot be everywhere, we would like for our readers to check in with us and let us know what you are seeing out in Louisville. It could be something funny or serious or something that got your blood boiling. We want to hear it all!

You can e-mail us at adamsandcall.com.

Julie and Ellen own Adams & Call Inc., a Louisville public affairs firm. Visit adamsandcall.com.