Al Cross is renewing a holiday tradition. (Getty Images)
FRANKFORT – Ed Ryan was not the first political commentator to “give Christmas gifts” to political figures, but he and his successors as Courier-Journal Frankfort bureau chief Bob Garrett and Tom Loftus confirmed that it is a tradition that I like to go 25 of through the 44 years. It may seem an anachronism at a time of conflict and unrest, including that of the new national government hostility toward the news mediabut we all need to remember that we are all people who could benefit from some holiday cheer, maybe with a little bit of mischief, so here goes:
US Senator Mitch McConnell: A walking stick or cane, made of strong Kentucky hickory, to help him avoid any more falls as he stands firm against Donald Trump’s isolationism and tries to keep the United States the leader of the free world. Holiday reading: his 4,500-word piece in Foreign Affairs magazine.
Senator Rand Paul: A new globe, to pick more exotic locations for ‘fundraisers’ that seem to be more about spending; and a bust of the Roman deity Janus with two faces, as he did not support Trump but wants to work with him as the new chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee.
Gov. Andy Beshear: A cell phone app that sends to voicemail all calls from New York Senator Chuck Schumer and other Democratic leaders who rightly see Beshear in 2026 as their only chance to win the seat from McConnell, who appears certain to retire. Beshear has pledged to serve out his term, which ends in 2027, and clearly wants a leadership position in Washington, not a legislative one.
Former Attorney General Daniel Cameron: A dinner at The Catbird Seat restaurant in Nashville, to indicate where he now stands in the Senate race, if that’s what he wants; he is a McConnell protégé who supported Trump against Beshear in 2023.
US Representative Andy Barr: A new road map of Kentucky and an overview of local and Republican officials to help the Lexingtonian explore the Senate race as he failed to win the chairmanship of the House Financial Services Committee.
Representative Thomas Massie: The same two gifts, if he is also willing to give up his fourth District House seat in an effort to run for the Senate.
Representative James Comer: For his second term, he heads the Oversight and Reform Committee, a refresher course at his alma mater, Western Kentucky University, in constitutional checks and balances — in light of his fawning response to Trump’s Jan. 6 call for investigative committee members to be jailed to say, “If you used a congressional committee and you lied and you tried to frame people and falsely imprison people, then you need to be held accountable.” If? No such evidence exists, and if there is one committee chairman who must demonstrate independence from Trump, it is the chairman of Oversight.
Representative Brett Guthrie: Quarried from “Bowling Green marble” limestone near their birthplace, a bust of 2nd District predecessor William Natcher – the last Kentucky Democrat to chair a top House (Appropriations) committee. Guthrie, a Republican, easily won the race for Energy and Commerce chairman and is now one of the most powerful Kentuckians in Washington.
Representative Hal Rogers: A framed photo of the late Senator John Sherman Cooper, also of Somerset, to remind the Dean of the House of Representatives and former Appropriations Chairman what the Republican Party once was. And perhaps it can inspire him as he nears the end of his career representing Eastern Kentucky’s 5th District.
Representative Morgan McGarvey: A whip, to mark the Louisvillian’s election as one of 10 deputy whips for House Democrats, perhaps making him an even more important member of their Steering Committee, which makes recommendations for committee chairs — or ranks members if they’re in the minority be, as they will be January.
State Senator Robert StiversR-Manchester: A few sprigs of mountain laurel for his chamber nameplate, because in September he will break David Williams’ record of 12 years and 10 months as Senate president — and, for most of that time, the most powerful member of the General Assembly.
Kentucky’s News Media: Real money, in the form of donations or subscriptions – another word for acceptance. Someone has to pay for independent journalism, which is essential for the successful functioning of a democratic republic, where officials and institutions are held accountable. Advertisers don’t do that anymore, so it’s up to the audience.
To our readers: Warm wishes for a Happy Holidays and New Year, and thanks for reading.
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