Patton reducing political activities for 'foreseeable' future
By Associated Press
September 24, 2002
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Gov. Paul Patton said Tuesday he will take himself out of the political arena, possibly including his own aspirations for a U.S. Senate campaign, for the "foreseeable future."
Patton declined to expand on his answer and rule out what has long been his aspiration to challenge incumbent Republican Jim Bunning in 2004.
"I do not anticipate, in the foreseeable future, any involvement in the political process including the U.S. Senate race," Patton said.
It was not clear whether Patton meant this year's Senate race between incumbent Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell and Democrat Lois Combs Weinberg.
"The foreseeable future is pretty indefinite," Patton said.
During a hastily called news conference, Patton said he wanted to answer questions about his administration, but said he would not answer questions about his personal and legal troubles.
"I must now focus on rebuilding my private life," Patton said.
Patton, who became chairman of the National Governors Association this year, said he would not resign that position.
Clinton nursing home owner Tina Conner has alleged that she had a two-year affair with Patton, during which he assisted her businesses. When she broke off the affair, Patton turned regulators loose on the nursing home, which now is in bankruptcy, according to her lawsuit.
Part of Patton's statement was to assert that he would not respond to further questions about his personal life, especially at public events.
Patton said he will provide for his own defense in the lawsuit and has told state officials to hire a legal team to defend the state. Conner's lawsuit names Patton individually, in his official capacity as governor and the state as defendants.
The state defense team "will be completely independent of me" Patton said.
Patton read a statement and also answered questions, but did not respond directly to many queries about Conner's allegations or his personal life. In contrast to his tearful appearance last Friday when he admitted his unfaithfulness with Conner, Patton was business-like and even joking on Tuesday.
"My statement speaks to the response to that question," Patton said repeatedly in answer to many questions.
Patton said with politics off the schedule, he will actually have more time to dedicate to running state government.
"From an administrative standpoint, I'll be totally effective and be spending more time on administration than we might otherwise," Patton said.
Patton said the scandal should not diminish his effectiveness with the legislature, which is already small. "I don't know that I could be much more of a lame duck legislatively than I would have been," Patton said.
His term ends in December 2003 and Patton reiterated he has no intention to resign. The state is operating without a budget because of a partisan fight over public financing for gubernatorial campaigns in 2003, which Patton said won't be taken up until after the November legislative elections in any event.
There is also a short session of the legislature scheduled early next year.
Patton said he would be available to answer questions in the future, but asked that reporters not interrupt his appearances at other scheduled events. Patton stayed until the last question was asked on Tuesday, even if some of his answers were not exactly specific.
In one exchange, Patton did defend his involvement in calls to the Transportation Cabinet that got Conner's construction company special designation as a disadvantaged business, even though no contracts were ever awarded to the company, ST Construction.
Patton said his office concentrates on constituent matters.
"I think it's one of the proper functions of the governor's office, whether done by the governor or his assistants," Patton said.
Let's all pray for her because this was not the first lady to be in his fantasy and it sure want be the last. I think this will bring a few more out now that Ms Conner had the nerve. I guess she had lost everything and didn't have much too lose by exposing it but she sure has degraded herself, but with her going to get a chunk of the Gov's assests and then if Mrs Patton gets the other chunk he is 65 of course he could sign up on Social Security and then black lung but since he's screwed that up he might not get it but maybe if they had Bloomer smoke he could get that.
That there is a Supreme Higher Power? It is beyond me. Who would be in their right mind not to believe there is a God. I'm not into going to church alot but believe me I've had some prayers answered and theres no one going to make me believe otherwise.
HEY BOARD MEMBERS HOW MANY OF YOU THINK MRS. PATTON WILL STAY WITH THE GOV? JUST A SUBJECT TO TOUCH ON SINCE NO ONE SEEMS TO WANT TO DISCUSS THE SITUATION
I just really feel so sorry for her..I can't even imagine what she must be going thru..normally when this kind of thing happens to a person its not on CNN..since Mr. Patton seemed truly remorseful, if she loves him then She'll stay. You know what they say about walking a mile in another persons shoes..don't judge.
that's very true we might even be sitting here today and going through the same thing and no one is telling us about it either. But then we aren't in the public eye, but it happens everyday and some people get caught and other never do. Let's just be thankful that we all can live in this free country.
My opinion is that she'll stay. Hey...it happens. Sometimes I think more often than not. I think men go through more of a middle age/elderly crisis than women do. Maybe they need some of them middle age pills and patches like us women have to use!
My thoughts may be the wrong attitude, but as long as a person does their job.....why be so worried about their "bedroom" life? Dang, that's personal. As long as a husband/wife, man/woman can work it out....or if they agree to what ever...so be it.
I agree that she must be very hurt, not thinking that he would do anything like that, but at the same time, she should also understand the man, with their years together and all that they have been through.
No, I disagree with the 'men will be men defence'..He's a real jerk as far as I'm concerned. The Gov. knew there was a chance he could get caught and did it anyway. My sympathy is all for our First Lady.
There is a chance of getting caught. More often than not. Most of the time, if the woman is observant enough, she will know. Then the detective work begins.
Sure, I can sympathize with the First Lady of KY, as well as any woman. Hey, I've been there myself (not publicized, of course). I know how it feels, but I will say that open communication between the couple DOES help.
Sometimes when some people get a little power, it tends to go to their head and they begin to feel they are above getting caught at any wrong doings.
I am in no way saying this is what has happened in the Patton case. I don't know. I don't live with them, so I couldn't give any details there....other than what I read.
| This message has been edited by GRFleming on Sep 24, 2002 11:56 AM |
I'm sure she, MS. Patton, is probably deeply hurt, but what goes around, comes around. She no doubt knows how Carol felt years ago. Sorry if this offends anyone, but if one woman can take a man, there's always one a little younger and feeds a man's ego that can take him also.
There are groupies for politicians the same as there are for movie stars or rock stars.
I wonder how many people could really say that when an opportunity is presented that they could put aside the temptation.
In all honesty now, could you?
Jon BonJovi would be another matter...lol
Kris Kristofferson! ![]()
even "Iron Mike Tyson" wouldn't touch this one!!!! Cute as a button, isn't she???
and she is a rough one. I have actually felt sorry for my bro a time or two.....but he just laughs!
...to join me at 9 pm for my Monster Mash Live Music Stream. Mostly rock and roll in the first hour then a virtual cornucopia of music and comedy afterwards. Also feel free to join us in Hilltop Chat and make requests or just hang out with all the great people there.
I couldn't resist. My sis-in-law had these taken of one of my brother's pride and joy(s). I have to say....I'd take her in a heart-beat. She's too much like me at that age.....Daddy's girl, but you can't talk about her Momma either! ![]()
| This message has been edited by GRFleming on Sep 22, 2002 7:39 PM |
Cute gal there Gerri. I love the new colors and the fall look. You do a great job keep up the good work
Pretty girl! Cute pose.
I think Barb told me that Knickerbockers took the pics. They were at her sister's beauty shop (Penny's) there across from Don Coleman's old house.
Teena is a sweetie.
Have you talked to him or anything? I haven't heard from him in awhile. By the way my sympathy for you and your family on your loss.
and thanks so much for the nice thoughts. She was so sick and fraile. I have one more aunt-by-marriage left on my Dad's side and I don't get to see her very often. She lives in Toledo and is a barrel of fun.
I don't think I will ever forward anything to this nature again one never knows whats true or not anymore. Is this the way people that are bored get their kicks? Myself I don't have time for all of it.
I usually try to check them out. 9 out of 10 are scams/spam mail.
Loved your column this morning in the News-Express. For those of you missing out Gerri, Diana, and Shawna are great writers I can't wait each time to see the subjects they touch on. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK LADIES.
Diana and Shawna's columns. They are so different, but sooooo interesting!
It's always nice to know that someone is reading and enjoying it. Sometimes it is difficult to find inspiration , this last one was easy.
I just paid attention
*nudges Gerri and grins
Thanks for reading and I will try to do my best to
keep you entertained.
Diana
It's all over the news.......what next......?????? Jimmy Swaggart all over??? And to think I really liked Jimmy Swaggart and watched him every Sunday morning!
Oh, well....just another man got caught going out on his wife. Happens every day...somewhere. I had just better not catch mine! LOL
Pepsi will be coming out with a new pop can with the Statue of Liberty on it and the pledge which by the way they left out Under God on the pledge, a company spokesman said they didn't want to offend anyone so let's not offend anyone either let's not buy their product since our money has Under God written on it.





Shhh. Don't mention this to anyone, but I heard Noklue will be streaming her Friday Night In The Doghouse Blues Live Music Stream tonight at 10 PM. You'll hear a little bit of everything whenever you listen to her streams. Also join us in Hilltop Chat and request songs or just talk with all the friendly people.
I looked and looked again and ALAS it wasn't there. Hope nothing is wrong that prevented your writing it. Maybe you are gone on that long-awaited (and much deserved) "vacation"....nah.
I didn't write it. I am seriously considering stopping it all together. Check your e-mail.
"kill 'em with kindness"..and all those other tongue-in-cheek phrases we learn to live with. I am looking for that column next week - no excuses - how else can I keep up with what Darrell & Lana are cooking???? Oh, mention something about "Female Ranger" in the column so she won't feel "left out"! So sorry about your auntie..our sympathies to your family.
Seriously, the board would not let me post - kept giving me the EDIT or PREVIEW and when I would hit POST it still came up with the PREVIEW screen.....Ole Peter from DCDB isn't lurking around here in the shadows is he?????
been lots of changes over there in the past week.
I have to get to work and do a couple here as well.
Yeah, like I said, I had too much this week not to do it. Yea, a funeral is always sad. She didn't have any children. Thanks!
Boy one never knows what's going to be on the news anymore. This thing with Mr. Patton now is this a political thing or what is it this woman wants to gain. I don't know either of the two but I will be keeping up on this story just to see how it unfolds.
Maybe Gov. Patton forgot that those people in the west are vicious when it comes to politics, especially if you're from poor Eastern Ky...not to condone his behavior if true...and I was just beginning to like him again.
Oh No!!! Say it ain't so!
AND BESIDES THIS IS THE ONLY ONE THAT HAD THE NERVE TO GO PUBLIC FROM WHAT I HEAR THERE ARE PLENTY MORE. DO YOU REALIZE HOW HE DONE HIS FIRST WIFE CAROL WHICH BY THE WAY WAS A BEAUTIFUL PERSON AND WHO HELPED HIM GET WHERE HE IS TODAY MONEY WISE. BOY COULD I TELL YOU SOME GREAT STORIES ON THIS SO CALLED GOV.
Can anyone out there tell me why on earth the judges in Ky would assume that little Halley Thornsbury wasn't a human being. She was a beautiful baby and her life was taken due to a politician's son which to me is the answer to all of it. If it was one of their kids they would rule different. I'm so upset with this whole case I can't sleep at night. I pray for the family everyday. This could only happen in PIKE COUNTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
either. I didn't know the family, but I really feel for the Thornsbury's.
But, yes in my opinion, the baby WAS a life until it was so tragically taken.
as busy as I am lately? I hope that's why you guys haven't been on. I've been trying to catch up on alot of these Honey Do jobs before winter. Hope to catch some of you on soon.
Sent to Fox News
Sure, Eunice Stone was right...[for reporting the suspicious activity by foreign nationals]
America's best resources have always been its' good law abiding citizens.
They fight the wars! They shed their blood! Yes, they even pay inordinate taxes for sorry government in most cases.
Without their eyes and ears, local, state and federal law enforcement officials wouldn't have a prayer against the criminals. Think about it....
Now, if we can get the good citizens to pay equal attention to the chicanery and corruption in government, we'll get the ship of state back on course to becoming a Constitutional Republic instead of a UNITED NATIONS NEW WORLD ORDER CRONE!
Hillbilly Hal
Maryville, TN
most people don't want any better.
I know from personal experience that you can't get people here to stand up and fight for what is right. Most seem to want someone in office that can help them personally in some way, not what good they can do for ALL Americans.
The men that Ms. Stone reported looked mighty suspicious to me (on tv). Yes she was right.
Have a good one..........
with Hal one hundred percent, but just how do we get the people to stick together and try to make changes usually they all are with you and then we it gets down to the point guess who's standing alone?
Everyone will agree with you (with a few exceptions, of course) but very few will stand up and fight for what is right. I was dissatisfied in Pike COunty politics......well, I'm even more dissatisfied with Dickenson County politics.
I don't care what officials you call here......you can NEVER get anything done. I'm even talking about US Govt. officials too.
I suppose it must be that way most places......especially in rural areas.
My impression of these soon to be Drs. is that they were smart asses..evidently were arrogant and liked to jerk people around, two things I despise.. Guess I'm not as tolerant as I use to be, and it has nothing to do with their religious preference.
Gosh....tell you are talking about.
Liftoff has now been established for Noklue's Live Music Stream tonight at 10 PM. She'll be playing some of the greatest music on the planet and you're invited to listen and drop in to Hilltop Chat and make requests or join in the chat with some real friendly people.
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