Al Cross

Al Cross (Twitter @ruralj) is a professor in the University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media and director emeritus of its Institute for Rural Journalism. His opinions are his own, not UK’s. He was the longest-serving political writer for the Louisville Courier Journal (1989-2004) and national president of the Society of Professional Journalists in 2001-02. He joined the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame in 2010.

The political life and lessons of George L. Atkins Jr.

"Atkins used the authority of the auditor’s office in a way that none of his predecessors had, exposing shady deals in the administration of Democratic Gov. Julian Carroll, and that was the basis of his campaign" for governor, writes political columnist Al Cross.

By Al Cross

Al Cross: Do Kentucky legislators serve our wellbeing?

The people’s wellbeing, and their will, were not served on several issues in the recently concluded session of their elected representatives, columnist Al Cross writes.

By Al Cross

Al Cross: Why is McConnell for Trump? It’s business.

The Kentucky senator's approach to politics means he "needs to be on the same page with Trump with endorsements, fundraising and spending in Senate races," observes Cross.

By Al Cross

Julian Carroll’s life traced decades of Kentucky politics

He was the last governor who was a product of Democratic factionalism, a defining feature of Kentucky politics for half of the 20th century, observes Al Cross.

By Al Cross

Where do Beshear, Cameron go from here?

The end of the McConnell-Beshear era in Kentucky politics is in sight, writes Al Cross. Who will own the next one?

By Al Cross

As concern grows about Mitch McConnell’s health, his legacy remains strong

A look at McConnell's political career from a journalist who has observed and written about him for more than 40 years.

By Al Cross

Al Cross: Do you know what your members of Congress are doing?

Cross points to the "Almanac of American Politics" as a guide to where Kentucky's six House members fit in the 435-member chamber

By Al Cross

Al Cross: Beshear and Cameron feckless with political money

Gov. Andy Beshear and AG Daniel Cameron both have "some 'splainin' to do" about campaign contributions, says columnist Al Cross.

By Al Cross

Beshear: Memorial intended partly as response to those who discounted pandemic for political ends

The state's Republican leaders, none of whom were at the event on the state Capitol grounds, have been talking about COVID as part of their campaign to unseat Beshear in the Nov. 7 election.

By Al Cross

Pandemic memorial at Capitol to be dedicated Wednesday

The memorial's center is encircled by green lights, symbolizing empathy and compassion for the Kentuckians lost throughout the pandemic.

By Al Cross

Is the McConnell era in Kentucky politics over?

By Al Cross

Al Cross: Kentucky legislature overdoes it trying to trip up governor

Veteran state legislators aren’t comfortable with what should be common legislative process, observes columnist Al Cross.

By Al Cross

The political life and lessons of George L. Atkins Jr.

"Atkins used the authority of the auditor’s office in a way that none of his predecessors had, exposing shady deals in the administration of Democratic Gov. Julian Carroll, and that was the basis of his campaign" for governor, writes political columnist Al Cross.

By Al Cross

Al Cross: Do Kentucky legislators serve our wellbeing?

The people’s wellbeing, and their will, were not served on several issues in the recently concluded session of their elected representatives, columnist Al Cross writes.

By Al Cross

Al Cross: Why is McConnell for Trump? It’s business.

The Kentucky senator's approach to politics means he "needs to be on the same page with Trump with endorsements, fundraising and spending in Senate races," observes Cross.

By Al Cross

Julian Carroll’s life traced decades of Kentucky politics

He was the last governor who was a product of Democratic factionalism, a defining feature of Kentucky politics for half of the 20th century, observes Al Cross.

By Al Cross

Where do Beshear, Cameron go from here?

The end of the McConnell-Beshear era in Kentucky politics is in sight, writes Al Cross. Who will own the next one?

By Al Cross

As concern grows about Mitch McConnell’s health, his legacy remains strong

A look at McConnell's political career from a journalist who has observed and written about him for more than 40 years.

By Al Cross

Al Cross: Do you know what your members of Congress are doing?

Cross points to the "Almanac of American Politics" as a guide to where Kentucky's six House members fit in the 435-member chamber

By Al Cross

Al Cross: Beshear and Cameron feckless with political money

Gov. Andy Beshear and AG Daniel Cameron both have "some 'splainin' to do" about campaign contributions, says columnist Al Cross.

By Al Cross

Beshear: Memorial intended partly as response to those who discounted pandemic for political ends

The state's Republican leaders, none of whom were at the event on the state Capitol grounds, have been talking about COVID as part of their campaign to unseat Beshear in the Nov. 7 election.

By Al Cross

Pandemic memorial at Capitol to be dedicated Wednesday

The memorial's center is encircled by green lights, symbolizing empathy and compassion for the Kentuckians lost throughout the pandemic.

By Al Cross

Is the McConnell era in Kentucky politics over?

By Al Cross

Al Cross: Kentucky legislature overdoes it trying to trip up governor

Veteran state legislators aren’t comfortable with what should be common legislative process, observes columnist Al Cross.

By Al Cross