Ben Chandler.... Found!

We FOUND BEN!!!

Yesterday, RAK and I spent one hour with Ben Chandler in his front yard.

Key takeaways:

1. He said that he probably would not vote for the healthcare bill.
2. Will not have a town hall because he never has and made sure we knew that Mitch McConnell has never had one either.
3. Claimed He was part of the reason the healthcare vote was delayed til after the recess.
4. Claimed he will never vote to give illegal immigrants healthcare.
5. Stated that we should review his record of courage regarding investigations of Anthem, the Lottery and a democratic governor during his state days.
6. Encouraged everyone to read his voting record and investigate his actions as Ky attorney general
7. Claimed to have voted 5 times against the bailout.
8. Stated that Healthcare is not his specialty but it is Mitch McConnells.
9. Chandler stated that he is more of a foreign affairs and environmental specialist.

Topics Covered:

1. Global warming -Chandler believes global warming is happening because GE and Bill Gates told him so.
2. Religion - does not believe the Bible is 100% literal and stated “I believe in carbon dating not the bible” Does not believe the bible is 100% God’s true word
3. Constituent involvement – Chandler has never had so much voter contact with his office
4. Communication - a handwritten letter has much more impact than ANYTHING else. He tries to read all the letters.
5. Office Backlogs -currently 2,000 to 3,000 individuals waiting to talk to him
6. Violence – a female staff member of his was verbally assaulted in the parking lot and physically blocked from entering the building which prompted filing of a police report
7. Media - the radio talk show host are inciting right wing zealots to turn violent. He equated the current conservative media to an individual yelling FIRE in a crowded theater causing people to be trampled to death.

Abigail’s view:

Ben Chandler was gracious speaking with us while spending time with his family. He did not ask us to leave or prompt the end of the conversation. He spent time with us on a Sunday afternoon and I am appreciative. It is clear that he is exhausted. The noise level of his constituents has never been louder.

Chandler was hyper focused on the emotional aspect of his job. He feels treated unfairly and that Mitch McConnell should be asked to hold town halls too. He continually grabbed his chest while speaking of the hurt he experiences when he is called out as betraying Kentucky. He feels personally “attacked” by local radio talk show hosts.

He is focused on what he believes is best. He believes the tide of public opinion shifts so quickly it’s best to make decisions for them.

Rebecca’s view:

A meeting I will never forget and will be proud to share with my children. This was a good discussion. Civil, respectful (though Abigail says I said “hey dummy” twice!!) All three of us really talked and really listed and really got to express our viewpoints. I believe the Bible is God’s true word. Ben Chandler does not. He was a little condescending when I professed my faith as being one that views the Bible as the ultimate authority.

He’s as green as they come and his wife is broccoli in hue. Wow major tree huggers.

“Sometimes the truth is not plain”. True leaders do not make that statement.

Overall a nice guy but he’s in the wrong business. He needs to go. Now, how do we get Mitch McConnell to hold a town hall? RAK