Ben Chandler Has Been Re-Elected, Opponent Concedes

Ben Chandler has been re-elected to his fifth term as Lexington's and central Kentucky's Representative in Congress. His opponent conceded at last on Friday as reported in the Lexington Herald-Leader, "Andy Barr Concedes Defeat to Ben Chandler."

Facts for an Afactual Election

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but everyone is not entitled to their own facts.

Here are a few facts for this most afactual of election seasons:

1. In 2008, the last year of George W. Bush's Presidency, the United States lost jobs at a monthly average rate of 317,250. So far in 2010, the United States has gained jobs at a monthly average of 95,888. That's a swing of about 420,000 jobs per month or roughly 4.2 million jobs in 2010 alone. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the source for these facts.
   
   
2. In fiscal year 2009, the last fiscal year where the budget and its spending were entirely under the control of George W. Bush's administration, the federal budget deficit was $1.416 trillion. In fiscal year 2010, the first budget wholly created by the Obama administration, the budget deficit was $1.291 trillion, a decline of $125 billion. The Congressional Budget Office provides these facts.
   
   
3. What about the stock market? The Dow stood at 7,949 on January 20, 2009, the last day of George W. Bush's administration; today it stands at 11,108, an increase of 40% since President Obama took office. The NASDAQ stood at 1,440 on January 20, 2010, and today is 2,512, an increase of 74%. The S & P 5oo has increased 47% from 805 to 1,183 since President Obama took office.

Thanks to the Daily Kos for this info.

These facts seem to be almost irrelevant in this election season, lost amidst shouting of deficits out of control and failed economic policies. In fact, much progress has been made at restoring the losses and repairing the damage done our beloved nation and its economy by the disastrous administration of George Bush. That the voters appear poised to deliver a strong demand for a return to those days and those policies is at least perplexing.

One thing is sure though: the American people will get the government they've chosen.

Robert L. Abell

Ben Chandler on Protecting Coal Miners

Ben Chandler has a solid and lasting record on mining safety and protecting coal miners: