Albert Benjamin "Ben" Chandler III is the grandson and namesake of A.B. "Happy" Chandler, a former Kentucky Governor (twice) and U.S. Senator who also served as Commissioner of Baseball during the period it integrated. Happy Chandler was a noted supporter of Jackie Robinson and probably lost his job as a result.
Ben Chandler's path to his current job is ironic. He served as State Auditor (1991-95) and Attorney General (1995-2003) before running for Governor. Chandler lost to Republican Ernie Fletcher but then won the special election for Fletcher's seat in February 2004. Ben Chandler easily won re-election in the fall election with 59% of the vote. In 2006, Chandler faced no Republican opponent and coasted home with 85.5% of the vote against LIbertarian Paul Ard. These days, it is Fletcher who seems likely to be ousted in the fall following a scandal plagued administration while Chandler looks to have Fletcher's old seat for life.
Ben Chandler's voting record was predictably Blue Dog for the first two plus years in office but took a dramatic turn to the left following the election of a Democratic majority in 2006. Chandler's Loyalty Score is an impressive 94.3% this session. Chandler's career Progressive Punch score is 79.22 but rising this term. This is clearly better than average for a Blue Dog Bush Dog.
The Washington Post lists eight "key votes" this session and Chandler voted with the Democratic Majority seven times including three times on Iraq. HR 2206, the vote Chris tracked, was his one bad "key vote" and seems pretty much out of character. Previously Chandler had voted for clunkers like the Military Commissions Act (torture OK) and the Secure Fences Act while Democrats were in the minority.
Chandler has a 100% score during his tenure on opposing corporate subsidies and a 95% score on Housing. His two weak areas (and they are weak) are Family Planning (37.5% score, 179th in the House) and Human Rights and Civil Liberties (65.63% but 213th). Given his grandfather's record, his record on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties is rather disappointing. Perhaps he overreacted to the setbacks of the Boy Governor (his grandfather).
Chandler represents the horse country of Kentucky. His web site is topped with a horse racing scene. Chandler's district includes the state capitol, Frankfort, and Lexington, home of the University of Kentucky. The district's voters gave George W. Bush a resounding 58.2% of the vote in 2004. Democrats in the district enjoy a huge 269,484 to 157,980 voter registration edge over Republicans. These obviously include a sizeable number who cross over on national/federal issues. A primary challenge in this environment would be a strong uphill challenge and would be difficult to pull off.
Ben Chandler seems like a perfect candidate for being influenced leftward on the issues. He's already begun to do this in the current session of Congress. He is frequently mentioned for statewide office but stayed in Congress (as opposed to running for Governor) because he enjoys the increasing influence of being in the majority and wishes to build up seniority.
STATE BLOGS
