Official Blog of Representative Ruth Ann Palumbo (Kentucky House District 76)

Ruth Ann Palumbo holds onto state House seat in Lexington

2012-11-06T21:57:00.002-05:00

Lexington Herald-Leader: The longest-serving woman in the Kentucky legislature was able to hold off a strong and well-financed Republican challenger Tuesday in Lexington.

Democratic state Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo, who represents the 76th House District, bested Richard Marrs, an owner of an advertising firm, for the second time in two years.

Marrs lost to Palumbo in 2010 by about 20 percentage points, but Marrs ran a much closer race this year by painting Palumbo as a tax-and-spend liberal in campaign advertisements and describing himself as a fiscal conservative.

Palumbo answered negative ads by Marrs and the Republican Party of Kentucky by citing her recent votes to cut more than $1 billion from the state budget and her longtime commitment to improving the health and lives of women and children in Kentucky.

Palumbo raised $47,947 in the race, compared to $44,907 for Marrs, according to campaign finance reports.

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/11/06/2398370/ruth-ann-palumbo-holds-on-to-state.html#storylink=cpy

Representative Palumbo voting record FACTS

2012-11-02T10:06:00.000-04:00

Fact: Ruth Ann Palumbo has voted 115 times to LOWER taxes (lower the income tax, lower healthcare taxes, double the standard deduction, eliminate taxes on retirement pensions, eliminate taxes on IRA's, phase out the inheritance tax, reduce car taxes and roll back taxes on small business).

Fact: Ruth Ann Palumbo earned the taxpayers best friend award.

Fact: Ruth Ann Palumbo voted against Salary increases for Legislators.

Fact: Ruth Ann Palumbo voted against pension perks for Legislators.

Fact: Ruth Ann Palumbo did not keep her pay from the special session.

Other achievements: https://www.facebook.com/notes/kentucky-representative-ruth-ann-palumbo/the-commonwealth-needs-good-leaders-the-commonwealth-needs-bold-leaders-like-rut/117507794974707

Posted by volunteer Jordan Palmer.

Lexington Herald-Leader Endorses Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo

2012-10-19T15:10:00.000-04:00

Incumbent represents Lexington, state well

At a March House Education Committee hearing about a proposed anti-bullying bill, some lawmakers responded with near hostility to parents telling painful stories about their children committing suicide after being bullied.

Some actually argued that the bill —which would have required schools to adopt a code of conduct — sought to give special rights to gay students and make it harder for Christian teens to condemn homosexuality.

Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo, a longtime Sunday school teacher, chastised her colleagues for their insensitivity. She apologized to the grieving parents, telling them she had also lost a son to suicide.

We need more of that kind of humanity in Frankfort.

The Democratic lawmaker has served the 76th House District for 22 years, advocating for children, seniors and consumers. As chair of the House Economic Development Committee, she has ensured that Fayette County gets its share of state investment in a legislature dominated by rural interests.

The longest-serving woman in the House, Palumbo deserves another term.

Her opponent, Richard Marrs, is taking a second run at the office primary. We supported him in the Republican primary, as well as in the 2008 primary for a nonpartisan Urban County Council seat. Owner of his own advertising firm, Marrs is focused, reasoned and most concerned about the state's financial challenges. Eager to commit to public service, he could benefit from participating in more civic efforts to build a record of accomplishments and a network of supporters.

At a time of big economic challenges and opportunities, Lexington needs its Frankfort delegation to work more closely than ever with city leaders. Palumbo's clout and track record are assets.

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/10/19/2376848/keep-palumbo-in-house-76.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy

Posted by Jordan Palmer, campaign volunteer.

Statement about House Bill 336 - Making Kentucky Bullying Laws Stronger

2012-03-14T00:34:00.003-04:00

Senior Representative Ruth Ann Palumbo, who has served since 1991 and is the Chair of the Kentucky House Standing Committee on Economic Development was outraged today by a vote to kill a new Kentucky School Bullying Law. Most disturbing to Representative Palumbo..... the comments made during the Education Committee hearing.

House Bill 336, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Mary Lou Marzian of Louisville, would require schools to have a code of conduct that bans bullying and harrassment motivated by a student’s race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or learning disabilities.

It fell two votes short of having the majority needed to clear the committee. The tally was 13 votes in favor, 10 against and three passes. All Republicans voted against the bill, except two who passed.

Palumbo states:

Palumbo, who said she is a parent of a suicide victim, said the existing law is not a model and that she was embarrassed by her colleagues. She said that some gay and lesbian people are Christians. "They do not choose their sexual orientation."

"I apologize for some of my committee members. I apologize. I'm embarrassed that they will have the nerve talk to you all, as you are grieving parents. Some children need more protection than others," she said, adding that legislators must be "living in outer space" if they deny that.

Statement on Matthew Vanderpool

2011-07-13T23:55:00.002-04:00

I was proud to have known Matthew Vanderpool.

He was loved and is in a better place now. I know that I will see him again.

Matthew had strong beliefs and strong convictions and it was a pleasure to know him from his volunteering with Kentucky Equality Federation, The American Red Cross, being a first responder during the 2009 Blue Grass Airport crash to running for public office, Matthew worked to make the world a better place. I have spoken to Jordan Palmer today many times, as well as others that worked on the Vanderpool for Kentucky Campaign and extend my condolences to his friends, family, and everyone who loved him.

Show your support for Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo. Request a FREE yard sign!

2010-09-30T15:36:00.000-04:00

Show your support for Representative Palumbo by requesting a FREE yard sign (if you live in District 76)!

Click here to find your voting district!
If you live in the District, click here to request a FREE yard sign!

The Commonwealth needs bold leaders and we need to send Representative Palumbo back to the Kentucky House of Representatives. Representative Palumbo is in favor of: Women’s Rights (for which she won an award), Education, Child Safety, Equality, a Balanced Budget, Fixing Kentucky's Medicaid crisis, bringing New Businesses to the Commonwealth, and the Sovereignty of the Commonwealth!