The RP: KY’s Rich Political History…In 400 Words

A few weeks ago, I received an interesting assignment from my hometown newspaper, the Lexington Herald-Leader:  For a special section that would highlight what was especially special about Central Kentucky — “Go Big Bluegrass” — I was asked to prepare an essay on the state’s rich political history…in 400 words or less.

Here’s an excerpt from my piece:

Despite its modest size and a location that’s remote from the centers of power, Kentucky has exercised considerable political influence since nearly the beginning of the republic.

Much of our early prominence stemmed from Lexingtonian Henry Clay, arguably the most influential politician of the early 19th century. Though he’d famously “rather be right than be president” — and proved it by losing several presidential bids — Clay occupied many other important national offices, from speaker of the House to secretary of state.

Most significantly, “The Great Compromiser’s” scrupulous and diligent statesmanship helped delay civil war for several decades. Clay’s greatest triumph, however, may have been in inspiring into public service the very rail-splitter who led us through that bloody conflict.

While Abraham Lincoln spent his formative years in Illinois, his iconic log cabin birthplace is in Hodgenville; he married into a prominent Lexington family; and as president, he clearly recognized the strategic value of his home state: “I hope to have God on my side, but I must have Kentucky,” he said.

Click here to read the full piece.

And then let me know how I did:  Whom did unfairly omit? How did I err, exaggerate or evade?

And best of all — if you can do it better, leave your 400 word attempt in the comments section below.  Or send me an email to Staff@TheRecoveringPolitician.com.