Old Man Carroll blows another Gasket

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that older than dirt Sen. Julian Carroll is on once again on the rampage. Targeting Lt. Gov. Pence in his latest tirade:

For the second time this legislative session, state Sen. Julian Carroll, D-Frankfort, railed against Lt. Gov. Steve Pence for his "disloyalty" to Gov. Ernie Fletcher and challenged him to repay taxpayers for his salary and expenses.

In a speech on the Senate floor, Carroll questioned Pence's use of a "new Chevy Tahoe" and communication equipment provided by the state.

"Where is he driving that Tahoe?" Carroll asked. "I want to know whether or not he's using it for political purposes around the state."

Carroll also alleged that Pence is transported by Kentucky State Police in a limousine.

Pence says that Carroll is merely "out of touch."

"Perhaps he forgot that he gave this speech once already," Pence said.

As lieutenant governor, Pence said his loyalties lie with the voters and the state Constitution, not Fletcher.

"I was not indicted. I did not take the 5th. I didn't pardon anybody. I don't have a secret legal defense fund," he said.

Pence has said Fletcher pardoned his administration from any charges related to an investigation of state hiring practices in an effort to cover up actions taken by workers in the governor's office.

Pence said he has driven the same Chevy Tahoe for more than two years. He said he drives himself to events and has no limousine. Pence said he uses a private cell phone and has not made a call from his state-provided Blackberry in several months.

Earlier this month, Old Man Carroll introduced his own state pensions solution. Here's what the State Journal reported:

Carroll says under his compromise, implementation of the new benefit structure could be delayed until 2009. The changes would only affect new hires, and not current state employees or retirees.
"Id like more time to study this myself," Carroll said. "This would give us nearly a year to study what the new provisions should be."
In addition, Carroll proposes that new hybrid benefit system would "sunset" in 2012 and revert to the current system if no legislative action is taken. It would require both chambers of the legislature to work together to perfect the benefit system.

Maybe Old Man Carroll should consider putting in the papers for his own retirement.