Hold your nose and keep paying the tab

This is why people get disgusted and cynical about politics. Check out this scene:

Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher, facing a tough re-election battle, calls a special session to handle a big item that he says can't wait until 2008 -- a proposal to give tax incentives to draw a $3 billion coal gasification plant to the state. Then he lards up the agenda with items that can, indeed, wait but will play well to potential Republican voters. And some of these items -- such as authorization for Northern Kentucky University to expand much-need dormitory space -- could have been handled during the last session if everyone did the jobs they were elected to do.

The Democrats, who control the House, say the session is too expensive and isn't needed. The session opens Thursday. The House, led by Speaker and failed governor candidate Jody Richards (pictured), adjourns in an hour. The Senate, run by the GOP, stays in session. An expensive, needless court battle now looms. Nothing gets accomplished. Taxpayers keep paying.

Check out this story or Pat Crowley's blog if you want more lurid details.