Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway has named a special prosecutor to investigate the campaign contributions that Louisville Metro Councilman Jim King, D-10, gave to his daughter, Jefferson County District Judge Katie King, in her 2008 campaign. Shelby County Attorney Hart Megibbon has been appointed to review a criminal complaint filed against the Kings by Louisville activist Ed Springston.
The appointment of a special prosecutor comes one week after the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance ruled that the mayoral candidate and district judge were both guilty of unknowingly violating state election law. In a preliminary report, the registry found Councilman King gave his daughter more than $145,000 during her campaign last fall, which far exceeds the $1,000 limit. Judge King raised well over $250,000 and out-spent her opponent by a 4-to-1 margin going into last November’s election.
In previous telephone interviews with LEO Weekly, Councilman King defended the hefty contributions, calling them “personal gifts.” He added that before he handed over any money, he corresponded with a KREF employee who told him the agency does not regulate the private finances of a candidate.
6 Comments
Wonder if Jake Payne will report this. He usually lts King slide, but insists it has nothing to do with the advertising dollars his company is receiving. Oh, wait. He’ll say this is nothing compared to the Steve Henry stuff. Or, wait, he’ll say this is nothing compared to what Dan Mongiardo did this week. Or, wit, he’ll say this is nothing compared to what Todd Hollenbach hasn’t done this week. Or, wait, this is nothing . . . .
For Payne, King does no wrong.
How dare anyone out there make fun of Jimmy after all he’s been through! He spent six figures on a district judge’s race; his daughter turned out to be a user, a cheater; and now he’s going through a mayoral primary battle. He’s a human! What you don’t realize is that Jimmy is spending a lot of money and all you do is write a bunch of crap about him. His slogan is “I’m ready to listen … ready to lead” for a reason because all you people are lost, lost, lost. Leave him alone! Your lucking he’s even running for mayor for you bastards.
Leave Jimmy alone!!!! Please!!!
Sheryl Snyder talked about professionalism and said Jimmy might appeal this decision. Speaking of professionalism, when is it professional to publically bash someone who is going through a hard time! It’s been seven whole days since he was found guilty of circumventing contribution limits. It’s time to move on. It was only $135,000. Leave Jimmy alone!!! Please!!! [crying] Leave Jimmy alone right now!!! I mean it!! Anyone who has a problem with him, you deal with me because he’s not well right now. [crying] Leave Jimmy alone!!!!
King Southern Jake
Take a quick look at the new Page 1 Ky and The Ville Voice. All the posts have one thing in common…at the end they all read: “No Comments.”
It is a shame that there are no retroactive solutions in cases like these. This whole “whoops, I didn’t know I couldn’t give my daughter 135grand for he campaign” stuff makes me sick. It is as close to a fact as speculation can be that the ill-gotten funds played a vital role in tipping the scales in “Judge” King’s favor. How many uninformed voters hit the booths that day only to cast a ballot based on sheer name recognition? I think voters should be required to answer a series of basic policy position questions in order to validate their ballot.
Actually the amount was $145,000. Of this amount $10,000 was given to Katie on May 16, 2008 PRIOR to asking ANYONE if it was legal in June or July.
You are no better than the supposed person you are writing about. Words are hurtful to many. What a bully you are. It seems to me this guy is the kind of guy the population has been asking for. He’s a leader with a vision not a yes man. He has built, keyword BUILT, a life in this city with many thriving businesses that employ many. He wants to give back and do what comes naturally, lead with a goal, a great goal for this great city of ours. Rumors and lies that you speak of only make you look like less of a person. You don’t get where he is today by not ruffling a few feathers along the way, it’s just common sense. It’s just sickening almost criminal of you and others to personally violate innocent bystanders. This guy wants to make our city a great place to be and think, no I know he can do it. I have way more confidence in him than any other runners. The proof is in the pudding…he’s a leader, a visionary with a superior agenda for us not a personal agenda….move on people…this guy is can really help this city why do you publicly bash someone who wants to help..it’s just not right…how would any of you feel, really think about it!