Coal Cos. Ponder Industry-Funded Campaign Against Kentucky Democratic Candidates

[hatrack]

Gee, I wonder what they'll do . . . :silly:

WASHINGTON — Coal company executives are considering whether to launch an industry-funded campaign organization aimed at defeating Kentucky Democrats Jack Conway and Ben Chandler and others deemed to be “anti-coal.” The industry’s political effort was suggested in an e-mail from Roger Nicholson, senior vice president and general counsel to International Coal Group Inc., based in Scott Depot, W. Va. The Courier-Journal obtained a copy of the e-mail.

Nicholson wrote that the November elections “are perhaps the most important for the country and this industry in a generation.” “The Obama administration and the Pelosi-Reid-controlled Congress have proven themselves to be fiercely anti-coal,” he said.

The industry has been discussing forming a special entity, called a “527” after the section of the Internal Revenue Service code that authorizes them, “with the purpose of attempting to defeat anti-coal incumbents in select races, as well as elect pro-coal candidates running for certain open seats,” the e-mail said. The initial targeted races would include the Conway-Rand Paul Senate contest, as well as Rep. Chandler’s 6th District re-election bid against Republican Garland “Andy” Barr, Nicholson said. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., also would be an incumbent “of interest,” Nicholson said.

Nicholson said his company and Massey Energy, Alliance Resource Partners and Natural Resource Partners have engaged in “theoretical discussions” about forming a special campaign committee. He said they want to talk to other companies about “a significant commitment” at the West Virginia Coal Association meeting next week.

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http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100728/NEWS01/307280114/1008/NEWS01/Coal%20industry%20ponders%20fight%20against%20Kentucky%20democrats%20Jack%20Conway%20%20Ben%20Chandler