Sen. Carroll All Over the Map
Apparently, Sen. Julian Carroll wants to hike cigarette taxes again in Kentucky.
In a recent interview with Ryan Alessi, he suggests that the tax should increase more than 50% to $1 a pack.
Former Democratic governor Julian Carroll, who is running for a third term in the state Senate this fall, said Gov. Steve Beshear should push for another increase in Kentucky's taxes on cigarettes....
Kentucky raised tobacco taxes twice since 2005 when the per-pack rate was 3 cents. Carroll said he'd like to see the rate raised to around $1.
In 2009, when Senate President David Williams pushed a cigarette and alcohol tax hike through the Senate, Sen. Carroll was one of the strongest voices and votes against it.
Of course, he objected to the new tax on alcohol; he had already been on record in favor of a cigarette tax increase.
Next, he scolds the governor's lack of leadership:
The other advice he offered to Beshear was to not "step forward and make claims up front without knowing what your votes are" -- a reference to Beshear's push earlier this year to allow expanded gambling in Kentucky. The constitutional amendment fell seven votes shy of the 23 needed for approval in the 38-member state Senate.
Finally, he makes foolish claims about his party's political prospects this year...
He said Democrats have a chance to make a run at "several" Republican held-seats. That includes a challenge to Republican Floor Leader Robert Stivers of Manchester..."
...before admitting to reality.
"...even though Carroll said Stivers "has been very helpful to me."
