Derby Diary

Frankfort, Ky.-S.W.P. (Smarter Wife Who Knows Physics) and I set out to make come true our years-long dream of going to the Kentucky Derby. We were greeted at the Louisville Airport with scores of pots of red roses and bourbon ball chocolates graciously proffered by a lovely lady in mandatory hat and antebellum gown.

From the state Capitol at Frankfort to Louisville's historic Churchill Downs (on which $117 million had been spent for a facelift before this year's race), horse racing and politics mix easily in the Bluegrass State. Politicians of both parties talked easily at the Millionaires Row club at Churchill during the Oaks filly races the day before the Derby itself. On Saturday, fixtures from the racing community were as much in evidence as politicians at a black-tie dance May 5 at the Executive Mansion.

A living example of the politics-cum-racing spirit here was Damon Thayer, conservative GOP state senator from Georgetown, Ky., past vice chairman of the state Republican Party and a vice president of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. A self-styled "political connoisseur," Thayer has the best of both worlds: Along with his party post and service in the part-time state Legislature, his "day job" with the racing association fulfills his other great love-horses.

Philosophical differences and clashes melted in the 80-degree heat at Churchill Downs. Our group of racing enthusiasts included North Dakota GOP State Rep. Gene Nicholas and his Republican National Committeewomanwife Connie, both stalwart conservatives, along with Ron Kaufman, RNC member from Massachusetts and Republican stalwart, but not necessarily known as a conservative. Kaufman, already promoting his state's Gov. Mitt Romney for President in '08, assured Thayer at a preDerby brunch that his doubts about Romney's conservatism were unfounded and that Romney would be in touch with Thayer.

Mr. Gizzi, political editor of HUMAN EVENTS, welcomes political intelligence from subscribers on campaigns and issues at the local and state level. Though he cannot reply to all correspondents, we appreciate your contributions.

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Copyright Human Events Publishing, Inc. May 16, 2005
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