Beleaguered Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher (R) sounds like he's had it with all of his detractors -- in his own party. The detractors are mouthing off more and more these days, even after a judge ruled that Fletcher can't be prosecuted for violating hiring laws as long as he's in office.
Secretary of State Trey Grayson's been one of the more vocal critics, stoking speculation that he wants Fletcher's job. Here's what Grayson said at a rally in southwest Kentucky, according to the AP:
Meanwhile, Grayson chided Republicans during his speech for not following through on campaign promises to clean up the mess in Frankfort.
"We didn't mean justifying questionable behavior because the other guy did it too," he said. "At least that's not what I meant. When I said let's clean up the mess in Frankfort, I meant that we needed to change the whole culture in Frankfort, because state government was broken."
Among the other state GOP leaders to question Fletcher is Fletcher's own running mate, Lt. Gov. Steve Pence. He too, is being talked about as a potential challenger to Fletcher in 2007. The governor is not amused:
A defiant Gov. Ernie Fletcher, nearly a week after state Republican officials rebuffed his choice for the party's top committee, on Thursday challenged his GOP critics to a political duel.
Fletcher told his critics - who have been mounting lately - they should sign up for the 2007 governor's race if they don't think he can win.
"If folks want to be governor, let them do like I did when I wanted to be governor and do some things for the commonwealth. File and run," Fletcher said Thursday after a Kentucky State Police promotion ceremony in Louisville.
He may just get his wish.