Lexington Herald-Leader from Lexington, Kentucky • A5

LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER KENTUCKY.COM BLUEGRASS FEBRUARY, W0914 A5 not going to name the two prominent donors who came to me and wanted to talk to me about the Amer- icGOP because they supported another PAC and they felt the PAC was being somewhat commandeered by the Heiner group to support his Heiner launched New Direction Kentucky in late January with the same stated purpose as AmeriGOP. Heiner, who has said he intends to announce a run for governor early this year, sparked a war of words when he went public with his PAC, continuing the early jockeying for position between him and Comer ahead of what is shaping up to be a fierce battle for the Republican nomination. At the time, Comer said he was in favor of group as long as it the primary objective to support Republican House if it becomes a vehicle by which to promote Hal Heiner for governor, then obviously there will be some legal issues said Comer, who is expected to announce a run for governor after the November election. have to see how it spends its money. The roll-out today was all about him.

I think the focus should be on House Republican staff was mystified by the veiled accusations Friday and welcomed Knock and AmeriGOP to the battlefront. could not be more excited that so many people are joining us in the effort to retake the said Joe Burgan, spokesman for New Direction Kentucky. Knock shy about his admiration for Comer and he ruling out supporting him in a gubernatorial bid. But the Northern Kentucky Republican repeatedly made clear that he does not want to confuse the missions. want to make it abundantly clear this is not a platform for anybody to run for Knock said.

is strictly an effort to concentrate on 10 candidates that we have identified, vetted and feel are well-qualified for the AmeriGOP get involved in Republican primaries, he said. Instead, they intend to promote Republican House candidates Keith Travis in the 6th District, Alan Braden in the 13th, Alex LaRue in the 24th, Jim DuPlessis in the 25th, Jerry Miller in the 36th, Jonah Mitchell in the 39th, Mike Nemes in the 49th, James Allen Tipton in the 53rd, Mark Hart in the 78th, and George Myers in 79th District, which is represented by Democratic Rep. Susan Westrom. Comer spoke to the group after Knock, telling them of the importance of winning control of the House and stressing the need to stay focused on 2014. is for the Comer said.

any one individual. This is for (Republican House leader) Jeff Hoover and flipping the Democrats now hold a 5446 majority in the House. Knock is a believer in Comer, but said he wants the commissioner to be a for as the group seeks to raise at least $150,000 for the candidates they have selected. When asked if AmeriGOP might change missions after 2014 and raise money to help Comer, Knock rule it out. could happen, but right now I want to lose focus on what trying to he said.

Sam Youngman: (502) 875-3793. Twitter: Blog: bluegrasspolitics.bloginky.com From Page A3 AMERIGOP FRANKFORT Ferrell Wellman announced Friday that he is retiring immediately as host of Kentucky Educational Comment on Kentucky a weekly public affairs show that focuses on political and government news in the state. Wellman, a veteran broadcaster, educator and Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame member, was named host of the program in 2008. It is the longest running public affairs series on KET. the last few months, I had been considering when would be a good time to leave the Wellman said in a news release.

a firm believer in leaving a position a little too early rather than a little Wellman said the timing of his decision was influenced by a recent knee injury and the need to be away from the program for an extended time while he rehabilitates. has continued tradition of insightful and independent analysis admirably, always displaying the utmost integrity, professionalism and keen understanding of the news stories most greatly impacting our commonwealth each said Shae Hopkins, executive director of KET. will be greatly missed, and the entire KET family wishes him a speedy recovery and all the Hopkins did not say who will replace Wellman. Another veteran broadcaster, Bill Bryant, is filling in as interim host. Bryant is an anchor and managing editor at WKYT in Lexington and host of Kentucky News- makers Veteran journalist Al Smith, who hosted the show for 33 years, called retirement loss to journalism in Kentucky.

is one of the most fair, balanced, informed and energetic journalists I ever worked with in my 50-plus years in Smith said. also has been a wonderful mentor to journalism students and young Al Cross, director of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues at the University of Kentucky, said Wellman brought solid journalism to the was committed to serving the public and pulling the curtain back so the citizens of Kentucky could see what was going on in Kentucky Cross said. A native of Pikeville, Wellman earned a degree in broadcasting from Eastern Kentucky University and a in journalism and mass communication from the University of South Carolina. Most of reporting career was spent with WAVE-TV in Louisville, where he was its Frankfort reporter for more than 16 years. He also taught broadcasting at Eastern Kentucky University.

In 2013, Wellman was inducted into the Kentucky Broadcasters As- sociation Hall of Fame and received the Kentucky MIC award, the most prestigious honor. am thankful to the management at KET for the opportunity to host the program and for their Wellman said. would also like to thank all of the journalists who appeared on the program for being willing to share their expertise and in- sight. And most of all, thanks to the loyal viewers for their Wellman made his first appearance on Comment on Kentucky in 1976. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the series.

By Jack Brammer Jack Brammer: (502) 227-1198. Twitter: Blog: blue- grasspolitics.bloginky.com Wellman steps down as host of on Ferrell Wellman has hosted public affairs show since 2008. Allabout choice you RewardsOptionyoulikebest. VisitDillards.com/mychoice formoreinformationonhowtoenroll. A I 50 off COATS 65 off WINTER OUTERWEAR 50 off WINTER RUBYRD.

65 off FASHION JEWELRY 65 off WINTER DESIGNER SPORTSWEAR 50 off WINTER BETTER SPORTSWEAR 65 off SLEEPWEAR, PANTIES 65 off WINTER SWEATERS SATURDAY SAVINGS A I 65 off HANDBAGS 59 99 Sizes6-10M. teakwoodnavyroseturquoise Earnpointstoward 10 Earnpointstoward 10 with nolimit tohowmuchyoucan merchandise. Noexclusions. OR HinesTaxService CharlesAHinesEA EnrolledtopracticebeforeIRS riorYearReturns easonableRates allForAppointment Call859-271-0200 ax859-271-0300 WE SOLVETAX PROBLEMS! Newtothearea? Letusdoyourtaxes..