Chandler Skips Farm Bureau Debate; Actions tell Central Kentucky's Farmers They Don't Count(KY-06)

Kerr for Congress ^

[Republican Wildcat]

Chandler Skips Farm Bureau Debate Actions tell Central Kentucky's Farmers They Don't Count

LEXINGTON, Ky - Ben Chandler thumbed his nose at central Kentucky's farm families when he chose to avoid participating in an open debate sponsored by the Kentucky Farm Bureau.

In what was to the be the second public debate in three days, Ben Chandler, who most recently was soundly defeated in last year's race for Governor, refused to even show up.

The Kentucky Farm Bureau has for years sponsored "Meet the Candidates" forums where political candidates are invited to appear and debate issues of importance to Kentucky's farm families. Last night's event at the Marriott Griffin Gate was an opportunity for both Congressional candidates to explain their views on subjects from the tobacco buyout to helping farm families purchase health care.

"As the evening unfolded it became clear to me why my opponent was afraid to participate. He is simply on the wrong side of the issues when it comes to supporting Kentucky's farmers. He supports higher taxes, more environmental regulations and is in no position to help secure the much needed tobacco buyout," said Kerr.

Members of the Farm Bureau were surprised at Chandler's refusal to participate and commented that it was the first time in the history of the event that a major party candidate had spurned the opportunity to participate in their forum.

Alice Forgy Kerr addressed the audience of more than 100 people and press, while an empty chair spoke volumes for Ben's commitment to Kentucky s hard working farmers. Senator Kerr took questions for more than an hour before mingling with the group which included representatives from each of the 6th District's 16 counties.

"Last evening's 'debate' was a wonderful chance to visit with old friends and share ideas on the issues that are key to this region," commented Kerr. "I look forward to working with the Farm Bureau when I get to Washington."

[Republican Wildcat]

[Republican Wildcat]

Stupid move on Chandler's part...not that I'm upset by it. :-)

[farmfriend]

Rights, farms, environment ping.
Let me know if you wish to be added or removed from this list.
I don't get offended if you want to be removed.

[BlueCat]

What's going on in that race? Does it look like Kerr is going to win?

[Republican Wildcat]

It's 50-50 in my eyes. Turnout will be low, so whichever side has the higher base turnout will be the victor. If the RNC's 72-hour program is as effective as it has been in this state for the past few election cycles, she wins.

[JohnnyZ]

It's probably about tied right now. I agree with Pub Cat, it really depends on who turns out to vote on the 17th, whose base is more excited. It certainly looks like Kerr has taken the PR offensive.

[BlueCat]

Thanks for the scoop.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT!!!!!!

[skinkinthegrass]

Thanks, RW...It's good to see Kerr, "Take Ben to the Woodshed". Hopefully your feelings are correct (in @ 2 Weeks), we'll know.

GET OUT AND VOTE! :/

[MeekOneGOP]

[Kuksool]

It is essential that Kerr wins on Feb. 17th. I don't want to give the RATS any bragging rights at all. With a Chandler victory, the news media will tout how Bush is losing ground in swing districts and is poised for defeat in November.

[MountainPatriot]

Latest poll shows a dead-even race.

[Theodore R.]

Robert D.S. Novak predicted three weeks ago that name ID alone would propel Chandler to victory. Novak also predicted that State Rep. Isett, R-Lubbock, would win the TX special House election last summer, and Isett finished third in the running. Now the Democrat Stenholm is targeting that same seat.

[KQQL]

IT DOES?

---

U.S. House, KY 6th District
1/27/2004

Chandler (D)
54%

Kerr (R)
44%

Other/Undecided
2%

Data Collected
1/24/04 - 1/26/04

Geography
KY 6th Cong. District

Sample Population
572 Certain Voters

Margin of Error
4.2%


http://surveyusa.com/currentelectionpolls.html

[KQQL]

@

[MountainPatriot]

I've had access to inside tracking numbers that show Forgy-Kerr surging. She's doubling him on TV (2.5:1). Surging hard on the final days. GOTV race. Prime for Republicans.

Anyway, a 4.2%+- poll is not at all accurate. Should be at least 3%+- or less to be accurate.

[Dan from Michigan]

Snubbing Farm Bureau? That's just DUMB.