Ben Chandler

Dear Editor, I must take exception to Glen Wickliff's letter on May 21. Sen. Mitch McConnell is one of the big problems in Washington now. With Congress rated even lower than President Bush, we must hold these leaders responsible for the mess we are now going through. He should be replaced and sent packing. As for Kentucky's superdelegates, they should follow the will of the voters of Kentucky and vote for Hillary Clinton. I see where Ben Chandler and our present lieutenant governor endorsed Obama before the voters of Kentucky ever got to vote.

Dear Editor: I am weary of listening to Ben Chandler tell us that he's the only person who can change Frankfort. What is he saying - that he has known for 12 years how to cure the sickness that has eroded our state government and decided to keep it a secret until now? Shame on him! We need fresh faces in Frankfort to clean up the mess. Congressman Ernie Fletcher is a man of character who will bring the change we need to state government. If you want to see the beautiful Commonwealth of Kentucky remain the laughingstock of the nation due to scandals of the past, vote for Chandler.

Dear Editor: I have been privileged to have known Ben Chandler since the day he was born and because I know the character of this man, I would stake my reputation on the choices he will make as governor for the good of all of us Kentuckians. His ability has been proven by his accomplishments as state auditor and as attorney general. And we should also think of Ben every evening when the phone doesn't ring with an annoying telemarketer on the other end. That he hasn't raised millions in campaign contributions makes it obvious that he isn't beholden to special interest groups.

The Democratic Woman’s Club of Clark County met recently at Beech Springs Market for the club’s annual summer picnic. U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler and his campaign manager, Andrew LaVigne, visited with the group. Chandler spoke to the group about the passage of recent legislation such as the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Play Act and the Recovery Act, as well as his campaign. Chandler also answered questions from the group. Those in attendance were Nancy Atchison, Brandy Bailey, Judy Bailey, Madeline Baumgardner, Gloria Branham, Sallie Dailey, Elizabeth Franklin, Mary Beth Hendricks, Ann Humble, Charla Hylton, Paula Joslin, Joyce Lawson, Sheila McCord, Bonnie Noplis, Brooke Raney, Vanessa Rogers, LaDonna Stamper, Sandy Stevenson and Karen Ward.

Ben Chandler wants Kentucky's 6th redistricted his way. His career endangered, Chandler has been ingratiating himself with Kentucky legislators. No more talk of standing against his party. He's become the consummate Democrat, for “A Ben in need is a friend indeed! ”We've endured much for Ben's convenience. He has held zero town hall meetings, declaring voters too uncivil to address en masse. Instead, he delivered a condescending lecture urging improvement of our attitudes.

Chandler supported schools when it was unpopular To the editor: As a retired elementary school teacher, I strongly believe that education is the foundation of our country and the key to our future. Ben Chandler agrees. He has consistently supported programs like Head Start, Title 1 and IDEA. When the economic downturn led to budget discussions threatening teacher layoffs, Ben took a stand and fought to keep those teachers in the classrooms. His opponent and others have criticized that vote as a “bailout,” but children are not a bailout.

Dear Editor, Ben Chandler voted for cap-and-trade. His support for this bill is unexplainable. Kentucky is the third largest coal-producing state. Our Kentucky coal industry employs 18,000 miners, with 70,000 Kentuckians working in the industry. Considering the additional jobs created, such as retailing, services, education, etc., that’s about 300,000 jobs, or 1 of every 15 Kentuckians. Furthermore, in addition to the income and sales taxes paid by these workers, coal severance tax, a state tax on the selling price of every ton of coal mined, was $293 million for 2008.

The Republican rally at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds Friday night had all of the usual trappings, a lot of red, white and blue and local political candidates dishing up barbeque, but it also drew candidates for national office with some interesting messages. To much applause, the Republican challenger to 6th District Congressman Ben Chandler, Andy Barr, told the crowd, “I’m running to replace Ben Chandler and retire Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House.” Barr’s boilerplate conservative platform of “Stop the spending, balance the budget and reduce the deficit,” was well received by the several hundred GOP members present.

Standing behind a row of assault rifles and unassembled weapon parts, U.S. Representative candidate Andy Barr took aim at what he called a “spending crisis.” Barr told the employees of J&T Distributing that they were one of the bright spots in a very difficult economy. “I really appreciate the opportunity to come and celebrate what you're doing here,” he said. “You're the backbone of America.” Barr and State Rep. Donna Mayfield spoke at J&T Distributing's plant in Winchester Wednesday.