Rand Paul one of four Senators voting against ending secret 'holds'

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky was one of four senators to vote against ending the secret "holds" that senators use to anonymously block legislation. Holds will still be allowed, but they must be listed in the Congressional Record.

Voting with Paul on the 92-4 tally were fellow Tea Party favorite Mike Lee of Utah and the leader of the new Tea Party caucus, Jim DeMint of South Carolina, as well as John Ensign of Nevada. All are Republicans.

Ensign told the Las Vegas Review-Journal he opposed the rules change after Senate leaders rejected a provision that would have given senators 72 hours to review bills before deciding whether to allow them to proceed.

Ensign said senators are given 48 hours after a bill is brought to the Senate floor to impose a hold. “All I want to do is make sure we have time to read these bills,” Ensign said.

Senate commttee requires transparency in use of Governor's mansion, aircraft

A state senate committee has moved to transform into law an executive order issued by Gov. Steve Beshear two years ago requiring more transparency in the use of state aircraft and the executive mansion for non-official purposes.

The State and Local Government Committee approved Senate Bill 82, sponsored by Sen. Damon Thayer of Georgetown. It would require the governor to disclose use of the aircraft and the mansion for such things as political fundraisers to the Executive Branch Ethics Commission. The bill also requires disclosure of the governor's legal defense fund and would prohibit businesses bidding for state contracts from making "substantial" campaign contrtibutions to a statewide candidate within 18 months of applying for a contract. The bill does not apply to legislative candidates.