Ben Chandler trying to have it both ways

Editorial
Bowling Green Daily News
July 18, 2012

U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler, D-Versailles, is trying to have it both ways.

First, he voted against Obamacare at a time when his party had enough votes to pass it anyway, but since then he has consistently voted against repealing President Barack Obama’s massive health care plan.
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Contrast his flip-flops with our 2nd District congressman, Brett Guthrie, who voted against passage of Obamacare and has consistently voted for repeal.

Now, Chandler, who is in a tight race in the 6th District against Republican Andy Barr of Lexington, is trying to run away from his record of being a supporter of Obama, as his votes indicate.

Chandler has announced he will skip this summer’s Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., to spend time in his district in central Kentucky.

He will not attend the national convention because his campaign says he has a full schedule that week in the district. His campaign, which indicates Chandler supports the re-election of Obama, says this has nothing to do with the president.

Sure it does.

To make a statement such as this is a weak and almost laughable attempt to try to pull the wool over the eyes of his constituents in the 6th District.

Chandler, who is an unpledged delegate at the convention, is doing all he can to distance himself from Obama and not attending the convention is clear proof of that.

The congressman is running scared.

Chandler barely survived a re-election challenge from Barr in 2010 by a few hundred votes and knows Obama is unpopular in Kentucky.

The congressman owes it to his constituents to let them see the real Ben Chandler.

Many voted against him in 2010 because of his support for Obama initiatives such as cap and trade, which would have dramatically raised their utility bills.

Chandler tries to appear as a moderate Democrat while campaigning, but he backs a liberal agenda once back in Washington.

Chandler needs to say he is proud to endorse Obama for president, is proud to vote with him on many issues and hopes he visits the 6th District to campaign for him.

Don’t hold your breath.