Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Sen. Goodman Not Completely Surprised By Koster Defection

Sen. Jack Goodman (R-Mt. Vernon) tells the KY3 Political Notebook he's not completely surprised that Sen. Chris Koster decided to leave the Republican party.

"It always comes as a surprise when someone who runs on one platform leaves and adopts another platform that's contrary to the values he was elected on," Sen. Goodman said. "But knowing Sen. Koster, I can't take it as a complete surprise."

Goodman said Koster was always known in the caucus for taking "more liberal" positions on certain issues.

Goodman said most of his colleagues had not spoken to Koster before he made the announcement today, but the Senator also rejected Koster's complaint that Republicans haven't worked towards compromise.

"I've just served through a couple sessions in the legislature, and it's become more partisan, in part because of the filibusters launched by the minority," Goodman said. "It was an environment where there was not much compromise, but I saw our leadership reach out to compromise several times," he added.

Goodman said he truly couldn't speak to Koster's true motives but said, "I believe Senator Koster is very often deliberately attentive to the political winds of the day, but I don't know, he may have done it out of conviction."

As far as political impact, Goodman said he believed it would be minimal.

Presidential Politics '08
Sen. Goodman also said he wasn't yet ready to endorse a Republican candidate for President. He said several campaigns have reached out to him, but added that he is "withholding a commitment at present time."

Goodman wouldn't even give us a hint on who he is leaning towards. He said he has it narrowed down a bit, but "is waiting to make sure" he can see all his options.

Could he be waiting for Fred too? Or Newt?

1 comment:

20over30 said...

Goodman says:

"It was an environment where there was not much compromise, but I saw our leadership reach out to compromise several times," he added."

Could we have some references? I want to know what compromises were attempted and who would have been affected.