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Ben Chandler III's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, or we could not infer an answer for this candidate despite exhaustive research of their public record.
Additional Information: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position, from their answers or Vote Smart's research.
Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Ben Chandler III refused to tell citizens where he stands on any of the issues addressed in the 2012 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart, national media, and prominent political leaders.

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Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2012.

  • Planned Parenthood. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of Planned Parenthood 71 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of the Family Research Council 31 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • NARAL Pro-Choice America. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of the NARAL Pro-Choice America 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 3. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Taxpayer Funding of Abortion. Ben Chandler voted Nay on 05/04/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • National Right to Life Committee. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 33 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. H Amdt 95. 112th Congress. Prohibiting Use of Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood. Ben Chandler voted Nay on 02/18/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. H Amdt 509. 111th Congress. Prohibiting Federally Funded Abortion Services. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 11/07/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Chandler explains why he went against the party line. 13 November 2009. "I think it ought to be legal and rare. I think we should try to limit the number of abortions to the best of our ability, but I don't think that we ought to prevent a woman from getting an abortion." (www.state-journal.com)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 748. 109th Congress. Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 04/27/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. S 403. 110th Congress. Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 09/26/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 6099. 110th Congress. Abortion Pain Bill. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 12/06/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. H AMDT 209. 109th Congress. Overseas Military Facilities Abortion Amendment. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 05/25/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • National Organization for Women. 04/18/2012. "On the votes used to calculate its ratings, the National Organization for Women attaches more value to those votes it considers more important. For 2008, the National Organization for Women gave Ben Chandler a rating of 100 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. House Passes U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health and Iraq Accountability Act. 23 March 2007. "It is also a goal of this bill that more resources be directed to the war against al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. It is long overdue that the Bush Administration be held accountable for not having the right priorities on fighting terrorism. Our priorities need to be destroying al-Qaeda training camps in Afghanistan and all our terrorist enemies around the world not refereeing what has become a civil war in Iraq." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Issue Position: Iraq and Afghanistan. 20 October 2011. "While we are drawing down our forces in Iraq, the conditions in Afghanistan require enhanced steps to address the deteriorating security environment in the country. I firmly believe that success in Afghanistan is inextricably linked with security and rule of law in Pakistan. To this end, I have supported legislation that would increase resources for economic development in both countries, as well as build Afghan governing structures and improving Afghan security forces that can curb militant activity. Undoubtedly, I remain very concerned about putting our brave troops and civil servants in dangerous combat zones. Therefore I will continue to support funding for our troops and civil servants that ensures their safety through proper equipment and training." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Issue Position: Foreign Affairs. 2 October 2011. "With the successful mission of our Navy SEALS in the killing of Osama bin Laden, I believe that we must reevaluate our mission in Afghanistan and work to bring our troops home. Part of this evaluation must include determining what our relationship with Pakistan will look like in the future, particularly because we found Osama bin Laden in a military town in Pakistan. Undoubtedly, I remain very concerned about putting our brave troops and civil servants in dangerous combat zones. Therefore I will continue to support funding for our troops and civil servants that ensures their safety through proper equipment and training. Both Iraq and Afghanistan have cost our country thousands of American lives and trillions of dollars. I believe that responsibly ending these wars is critical to the well-being of our troops and the fiscal health of our country." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. H Con Res 28. 112th Congress. Removing Troops from Afghanistan. Ben Chandler voted Nay on 03/17/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Peace Action. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of the Peace Action 25 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Peace Action West. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of Peace Action West 25 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Op-Ed: Congress to the Commonwealth: Supporting Our Troops. 20 March 2007. "In the coming week, the House is set to consider the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health, and Iraq Accountability Act, which will change the equation in Iraq [¦] This legislation has three main goals: adequately fund our troops who are already on the ground; increase support for our veterans when they return from the battlefield; and refocus our security efforts on the most threatening Islamist terrorists in Afghanistan and around the globe. These steps are the key to putting our troops in a position in which they can succeed - and to finally hold the Iraqi people and the Bush Administration accountable." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Issue Position: Homeland Security and Defense. 21 October 2011. "Like former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, I believe that we must continue to support our troops while preventing wasteful spending. I have been very vocal about my frustration with how many contracts that were awarded to defense contractors were not subject to competitive bidding, and there have been widespread allegations of corruption and overcharging that have not been adequately addressed." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Issue Position: Foreign Policy. 21 October 2011. "Both Iraq and Afghanistan have cost our country thousands of American lives and trillions of dollars. I believe that responsibly ending these wars is critical to the well-being of our troops and the fiscal health of our country. As our country engages in an important national discussion to significantly cut federal spending, we have to be absolutely sure to protect our friends and allies abroad, most specifically the state of Israel. Defaulting on our aid and military commitments to Israel would not only be fiscally irresponsible but reckless, as Israel is a critical ally who needs our continued support." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 4986. 110th Congress. Defense Authorizations Bill. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 01/16/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 1363. 112th Congress. 2011 Department of Defense Budget and Additional Continuing Appropriations. Ben Chandler voted Nay on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. H Amdt 13. 112th Congress. Reducing Navy and Air Force Aircraft Procurement. Ben Chandler voted Nay on 02/15/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 2642. 110th Congress. Funding for Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 06/19/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 3222. 110th Congress. Department of Defense Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2008. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 08/05/2007. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 5631. 110th Congress. Department Defense Appropriations Act, FY 2007. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 09/26/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 5631. 110th Congress. Defense Department FY2007 Appropriations Bill. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 06/20/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 4939. 110th Congress. Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2006. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 06/13/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 4200. 108th Congress. Defense Department FY2005 Authorization Bill. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 05/20/2004. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Blue Dog Coalition. 30 January 2007. "Mr. Speaker, we desperately need a modern-day Truman Committee to bring some accountability to this war. We have got to stop the bleeding. We have got to stop this expenditure from continuing to be wasteful. We have got to find out firsthand what is going on with the spending in Iraq. We owe it to the taxpayers of this country, we owe it to the troops who are fighting this war. We owe it so much to the troops. This is money that the troops need for their welfare in Iraq that is being diverted through the wasteful spending of those who are going to be financing this war. We owe it to them to stop the mishandling, stop the mismanagement of money in Iraq. I strongly support this Blue Dog effort to have a cost accountability ethic relative to the war in Iraq because it is past time, way past time to hold the leaders of this country accountable for the money they spend in Iraq." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. The National Debt. 16 November 2005. "Rather than use what little funds we have to pay down the deficit and help those in need, many of my Republican colleagues seek another round of tax cuts for the wealthiest of Americans that will drive our country even deeper into debt. This budget package that is being offered is nothing more than smoke and mirrors. It is not about making sacrifices to reduce the deficit. It is about carving out space for ever-larger tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans by cutting programs that help seniors, students, and low-income families. The very principles that our men and women are fighting for in Iraq and Afghanistan, defending the ideals of our country and helping those in need are on the chopping block this week. The message from the Republican-controlled Congress is clear: under our leadership the rich get richer, the poor get poorer, and the middle class shrinks all the while." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler signed the Americans for Tax Reform Taxpayers Protection Pledge. "I, _____, pledge to the taxpayers of the (____ district of the) state of ______ and to the American people that I will: ONE, oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rate for individuals and business; and TWO, oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates." (atr.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Americans for Tax Reform: The Taxpayer Protection Pledge. 1 December 2011. "I pledge to the taxpayers of the state of Kentucky and to the American people that I will: ONE, oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rate for individuals and business; and TWO, oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. President's Budget Mocks Obligation to Care for Veterans. 8 February 2005. "This is the third year in a row the President has attempted to essentially tax veterans for using their own health care system. It is time we stop giving tax cuts to the millionaires and use that money to repay our veterans for their sacrifice." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Is Congress Robbing Peter to Pay Paul?. 7 November 2005. "It is abundantly clear that the Republicans' proposed cuts are not to pay for hurricane rebuilding and recovery; these cuts are all about keeping a Republican tax cut for the wealthiest of Americans. Despite all the demands on our nation today, Republicans in Washington are preparing to move forward with $106 billion in tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and are asking the least fortunate to pay the bill." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Chandler Responds to State of the Union. 28 January 2008. "The President asked Congress to make his tax cuts permanent: tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. As the cost of gas, health care and even groceries keep rising and the gap between the richest Americans and everyone else continues to grow, the President should focus on bringing relief to those who need it most: low and middle-income families." (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Tax Reform. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of the Americans for Tax Reform 10 percent in 2007." (votesmart.org)
  • Citizens for Tax Justice. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of the Citizens for Tax Justice 33 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • National Taxpayers Union. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported reasonable tax and spending policies as defined by the National Taxpayers Union 32 percent of the time in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Republican Budget Building American House on Sand. 23 May 2011. "Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin recently released the new, very disturbing, Republican budget. To pay for tax breaks for billionaires and international corporations who ship jobs overseas, the budget makes drastic changes and cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. So drastic, in fact, that the conservative-leaning Wall Street Journal said the plan would 'essentially end Medicare.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Chandler Votes to Extend Major Tax Relief to Millions of Americans. 9 November 2007. "I was proud to vote for this measure that will ensure Central Kentucky families are not saddled with unfair tax increases. At a time when gas prices, college tuition and health care costs are increasing at alarming rates, this is the least we can do to help ease the financial burden placed on working families." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 5297. 112th Congress. Small Business Lending Fund and Tax Law Amendments. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 09/23/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 1424. 110th Congress. Financial Asset Purchase Authority and Tax Law Amendments. Ben Chandler voted Nay on 10/03/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Americans for Prosperity. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of the Americans for Prosperity 35 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • The Club for Growth. 04/18/2012. "On the votes used to calculate its ratings, The Club for Growth attaches more value to those votes it considers more important. For 2010, The Club for Growth gave Ben Chandler a rating of 30 percent." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Issue Position: Economy. 20 October 2011. "The effects of the ailing economy continue to be felt in the everyday lives of American families and businesses. I believe we must address the root causes of the economic crisis--such as high energy costs and the housing market--while doing all we can to quickly jump start the economy. We must invest in science and technology, while also making advances in clean and renewable energy to keep our energy costs down. As a fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrat, I believe we must be good stewards of the taxpayer dollars while making strategic investments in our people and remaining focused on ways to bring down our national debt." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Congress to the Commonwealth: Lessons from Lincoln. 28 February 2008. "The economic stimulus package provides a recovery rebate to more than 130 million American families, including seniors and disabled veterans. The broad-based stimulus package will provide tax relief of up to $600 per individual and $1,200 per married couple, plus an additional $300 per child. All told, the bill is estimated to provide an average tax rebate of $938 to Kentucky families, investing as much as $1.5 billion back into Kentucky's economy. The bill also increases the amount small businesses can write off their taxes for capital investments and encourages investments in new equipment. Small businesses power our economy in Kentucky. Now these businesses will have incentives to expand their operations, hire new workers and help our economy get back on track. Perhaps most importantly, the stimulus package also includes provisions to help families avoid losing their homes by expanding affordable mortgage loan opportunities for families at risk of foreclosure. I'm proud that Democrats, Republicans, and the Bush Administration were able to work together to craft a plan that will give the economy a much-needed boost and deliver to families the relief they need. This action proves that it is not just possible to work in a bipartisan manner but, sometimes, as Lincoln so nobly taught us, it is imperative." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Chandler Pushes to Mandate Strict Government Oversight in Stimulus. 5 January 2009. "If the stimulus package becomes law, Congress must make sure that this large amount of taxpayer money is used appropriately," Chandler said. "We must learn from history—from the lack of accountability in the Wall Street bailout plan and from the successful oversight provisions in the New Deal." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Rep. Chandler: Congress Must Act Now to Create Jobs. 5 October 2011. "Congressman Chandler today called on Congress to take up and debate legislation that will put Americans back to work and help small businesses in Kentucky succeed. President Obama sent the American Jobs Act to Congress last month. 'The American people's top priority is job creation, and strengthening small businesses, rebuilding America and putting people back to work is a crucial part of growing our economy,' Congressman Chandler said. 'This legislation is paid for in full and includes elements -- the payroll tax credit, rebuilding our schools, a focus on improving infrastructure, and long-term deficit reduction -- which I think both sides of the aisle can agree will get our country on the path to economic recovery. There is no time to waste: Congress must act now to create jobs, strengthen our middle class, and expand our economy.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Rep. Chandler Supports Bill To Create Local Jobs And Update Infrastructure. 16 December 2009. "'As our nation recovers from this economic crisis, the most important thing is putting Kentuckians to work as soon as possible, and green schools renovation is an important part of that,' Chandler said. 'I am glad we are finally putting this Wall Street bailout money where it belonged in the first place, in the hands of Central Kentuckians to create jobs.' The jobs package will use the remaining funds from TARP, and because this money has already been allocated, this bill will not result in any additional national debt." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. To Create Jobs, Cut the Fat in Washington. 23 September 2011. "Small businesses currently face an annual regulatory cost of around $10,000 per employee, about a third more in costs than what larger companies pay. In his recent speech on job creation, President Obama called small businesses the places "where job creation begins" and asked Congress to make it easier for these companies to hire new employees. If that's going to happen, we need to stop saddling them with unnecessary regulations, especially while Kentucky's unemployment rate hovers around 10%. The Blue Dog Coalition Task Force is trying to weigh in as much as possible on regulations that burden our small businesses." (chandler.house.gov)
  • Ben Chandler. Congressman Chandler Introduces the Economic Developement Act of 2005. 18 May 2005. "State tax incentives are a powerful tool for economic investment and provide thousands of jobs for our citizens. In time, the 6th Circuit Court ruling could cripple our economy and force businesses out of state. If we do not act now, this decision will jeopardize job creation in Kentucky and drive business prospects into surrounding states or even overseas. Tax incentives in Kentucky have a proven track record of success and have enjoyed bipartisan support in our General Assembly for nearly 15 years." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Issue Position: Economy, Jobs, and Small Businesses. 20 October 2011. "To create jobs in Central Kentucky, I have supported: tax deductions for start-ups, job training programs, increasing lending opportunities, tax breaks and other incentives when businesses keep and create jobs in Kentucky instead of shipping them overseas, a payroll tax holiday for small businesses hiring unemployed workers and an income tax credit for businesses of up to $1,000 per employee, defended Kentucky companies from unfair trade practices, supported policies to save jobs of teachers, firefighters and policemen, supported legislation to tackle U.S. trade deficit, develop comprehensive plan to strengthen our manufacturing base, promote U.S. exports and create skilled new energy and technology jobs, and support education to help our children compete in the global economies of the future." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Commerce, Justice, Science, And Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. 4 March 2010. "I rise today in support of H.R. 2847, the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act, or the HIRE Act. This piece of legislation will help our small businesses heal during these tough economic times and help unemployed Kentuckians find good, local jobs. The HIRE Act cuts taxes for our small businesses and makes it possible for them to hire new employees, making our small companies stronger and creating jobs for out-of-work Kentuckians." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Congress to the Commonwealth: Lessons from Lincoln. 28 February 2008. "The bill also increases the amount small businesses can write off their taxes for capital investments and encourages investments in new equipment. Small businesses power our economy in Kentucky. Now these businesses will have incentives to expand their operations, hire new workers and help our economy get back on track. Perhaps most importantly, the stimulus package also includes provisions to help families avoid losing their homes by expanding affordable mortgage loan opportunities for families at risk of foreclosure. I'm proud that Democrats, Republicans, and the Bush Administration were able to work together to craft a plan that will give the economy a much-needed boost and deliver to families the relief they need." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Rep. Chandler: Congress Must Act Now to Create Jobs. 5 October 2011. "The American people's top priority is job creation, and strengthening small businesses, rebuilding America and putting people back to work is a crucial part of growing our economy. This legislation is paid for in full and includes elements “ the payroll tax credit, rebuilding our schools, a focus on improving infrastructure, and long-term deficit reduction “ which I think both sides of the aisle can agree will get our country on the path to economic recovery. There is no time to waste: Congress must act now to create jobs, strengthen our middle class, and expand our economy." (chandler.house.gov)
  • Ben Chandler. Tax Credits to Help Lexington Organization Create Jobs, Spark Investment. 24 February 2011. "CVC is doing great work, especially in this economy. This is a win-win. Not only will these tax credits help revitalize and attract new investment, but they will help bring much-needed jobs to the Commonwealth." (chandler.house.gov)
  • Ben Chandler. Issue Position: Education. 21 October 2011. "One of my top priorities is to enact legislation that will improve the No Child Left Behind Act. This law was enacted in 2001 to strengthen academic programs for elementary and secondary schools, yet federal funding shortages have left many school districts in Kentucky and throughout the United States struggling to meet the law's requirements. We should not expect schools experiencing budget shortfalls to shift scarce funding away from teaching to meet the administrative demands of the No Child Left Behind Act." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Meet Ben Chandler. 11 July 2012. "Congressman Chandler has also cosponsored legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs, secure funding for veterans healthcare and fully fund education reform for our children." (www.benchandlerforcongress.com)
  • Ben Chandler. Oil Companies Should Drill on Land They Already Have. 25 June 2008. "Providing oil and gas companies with more land to drill is often seen as the cure-all for our energy problems. The fact is, however, oil and gas companies are choosing to drill on only about a quarter of the 68 million acres (bigger than the size of Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia combined) already leased to them by the federal government. Even though these companies have 81% of all the known reserves in the United States, they refuse to extract the oil and natural gas they already control." (chandler.house.gov)
  • Ben Chandler. H Amdt 773. 112th Congress. Ending Moratorium on Deepwater Drilling Rigs that Meet Certain Safety Standards. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 3534. 112th Congress. Offshore Drilling Regulations and Other Energy Law Amendments. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 1230. 112th Congress. Offshore Leasing Act. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 05/05/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of Environment America 93 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Chandler Votes for Historic Energy Legislation. 18 January 2008. "In recent years, our country has increased its dependency on oil, while the big oil companies continue to report record profits. I'm proud to finally see our government taking steps to promote alternative forms of energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and grow the U.S. Economy. Since 2001, gas prices have more than doubled in Kentucky. It is obvious that we need alternative energy options for fueling our vehicles, homes and businesses. Fortunately, this bill will provide many of the resources and incentives we need to further lessen our dependence on foreign oil and become more energy independent in the 21st century." (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Ben Chandler in the 2004 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Ben Chandler in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of Environment America 93 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
  • League of Conservation Voters. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of the League of Conservation Voters 100 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • League of Conservation Voters. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. League of Conservation Voters endorsed Ben Chandler in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 910. 112th Congress. Energy Tax Prevention Act. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 04/07/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 2454. 111th Congress. Energy and Environmental Law Amendments ("Cap and Trade"). Ben Chandler voted Yea on 06/26/2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Hearing Of The House Science And Technology Committee - New Directions For Energy Research And Development At The U.S. Department Of Energy. 17 March 2009. "I want to talk a little bit about cap and trade, as is in the president's budget, or as Mr. Brown referred to it, as cap and tax. I want to throw some facts out there that a number of different groups have put out and I think there's pretty much a consensus, but including the EPA, and many others, estimate that it would be a decline in GDP if cap and tax is implemented. A number of groups estimate that it would be a loss of millions of jobs, and again, a number of different groups. Just about everyone understands and there's a consensus that cap and tax or cap and trade will increase electricity rates." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Issue Position: Energy and Environment. 20 October 2011. "I believe we have a duty to be stewards of God's creation and protect Kentucky's beauty for future generations. Our air, land, and water are irreplaceable resources that must be enjoyed and utilized responsibly. Throughout my time in Congress, I have been strong advocate of combating pollution, addressing climate change, and protecting the rolling bluegrass hills, diverse forests, and clear streams and rivers of our Commonwealth. But I believe that Congress, not the EPA, should address our environmental issues. Bureaucrats in Washington should not be making all of these decisions -- Kentucky needs a seat at the table. As the nation addresses climate change, I believe the best way to benefit Kentucky is to encourage a solution which protects our coal industry while also protecting our clean air and water and maintaining our low cost energy advantage. It is my view that Kentucky would be treated much more fairly with a legislative fix than with one-size-fits-all regulatory action that distinctly lacks any input from Congress." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Issue Position: Second Amendment. 20 October 2011. "I have always been--and will continue to be--a strong supporter of the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. I believe this right is guaranteed under the Constitution, and I will oppose any legislation that infringes upon this right." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. H AMDT 1156. 110th Congress. Trigger Lock Amendment. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 06/28/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Gun Owners of America. 04/18/2012. "In 2010 Gun Owners of America gave Ben Chandler a grade of 36." (votesmart.org)
  • National Rifle Association. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. National Rifle Association endorsed Ben Chandler in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 6842. 110th Congress. Repealing Portions of the D.C. Firearm Ban. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 09/17/2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. S 397. 109th Congress. Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 10/20/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Chandler Votes to Repeal Healthcare Reform Provision Hurting Small Businesses. 3 March 2011. "The healthcare reform law isn't perfect and needs some major changes. It may take time, but these are important first steps. Many of our small businesses are struggling enough in this tough economy. The intent of the provision is good, but we don't need to add more rules, more paperwork, and more bureaucracy, burdening our small businesses when they should be focused on creating local jobs." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Chandler Statement On Healthcare Reform Legislation. 21 March 2010. "As I traveled throughout the sixteen counties in my Central Kentucky district, I have heard much about healthcare reform from the people I represent. In November, I voted against the House bill because it did not lower the cost of healthcare in the long term and did not adequately protect our rural hospitals, our seniors, and small businesses. After reviewing the new healthcare reform proposal and talking with Central Kentucky hospitals, physicians, healthcare providers, and citizens, I believe this legislation helps usher in much-needed reforms--like expanding coverage and eliminating the denial of coverage based on pre-existing conditions. However, this bill still does not address the concerns I had about its effect on our seniors, rural hospitals, and the overall cost to taxpayers. Because of this, I voted against the bill today." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Chandler Statement On The Affordable Health Care For America Act. 7 November 2009. "I appreciate the efforts of President Obama and the Democrats to put together a bill which incorporates a number of reforms that are long overdue, including greater regulation of insurance companies, the elimination of lifetime caps on coverage, and prohibiting denial of coverage due to pre-existing conditions. There is no doubt that our healthcare system is broken, but I am not convinced that this bill today would lower costs, improve coverage, and maintain quality care in the long term." (votesmart.org)
  • American Public Health Association. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 60 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 2. 112th Congress. Repealing the Health Care Bill. Ben Chandler voted Nay on 01/19/2011. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Chandler: Repeal the Bad and Keep the Good in Healthcare Law. 19 January 2011. "I voted against the healthcare reform legislation last year and want to repeal many parts of this new law, especially burdens on our struggling small businesses and the cuts to Medicare and health services for our seniors and our working families. But as I have said repeatedly over the past few months, I will not vote to repeal parts of the law that protect Central Kentuckians by preventing insurance companies from dropping people if they get sick, ending lifetime caps on coverage, and eliminating pre-existing condition exclusions." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Issue Position: Health Care. 20 October 2011. "As I have consistently and repeatedly stated, I believe we need to repeal many parts of this legislation [Affordable Care Act], but I also believe we must keep provisions that help protect Kentuckians. As we move forward in the 112th Congress, please rest assured that I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress, on both sides of the aisle, to improve our nation's healthcare system, to ensure access to coverage and services, to lower costs, and to improve health outcomes for all Americans." (votesmart.org)
  • Federation for American Immigration Reform. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of the Federation for American Immigration Reform 67 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute 57 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 5281. 112th Congress. DREAM Act. Ben Chandler voted Nay on 12/08/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 4437. 109th Congress. Border Security Bill. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 12/16/2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Issue Position: Homeland Security and Defense. 20 October 2011. "Our country's freedom is one of the many reasons that people seek to come here to live, sometimes illegally. Secure borders are necessary for a safe and secure homeland. In 2006, I voted for the Secure Fence Act to authorize and construct a fence on our southern border to prevent illegal immigration and keep our borders secure. We must continue to strengthen our immigration policies until we secure our borders and successfully account for all foreign visitors within our country. I strongly support efforts to stop illegal immigration, improve border security, and develop a border management system that enhances homeland security while facilitating legitimate travel and trade." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Issue Position: Immigration. 20 October 2011. "I believe if you break the law you should be punished. Not only do I think we need to fix the dangerous loopholes in our immigration system, but I am also opposed to giving blanket amnesty to all undocumented immigrants inside our borders. In 2006, I voted for the Secure Fence Act to authorize and construct a fence on our southern border to prevent illegal immigration and keep our borders secure--but that isn't enough. We must continue to strengthen our immigration policies until we secure our borders and successfully account for all foreign visitors within our country." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Issue Position: Immigration. 20 October 2011. "I strongly support efforts to stop illegal immigration, improve border security, and develop a border management system that enhances homeland security while facilitating legitimate travel and trade. In 2006, I voted for the Secure Fence Act to authorize and construct a fence on our southern border to prevent illegal immigration and keep our borders secure. We must continue to strengthen our immigration policies until we secure our borders and successfully account for all foreign visitors within our country." (votesmart.org)
  • American Civil Liberties Union. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of the American Civil Liberties Union 50 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Human Rights Campaign. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 70 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Traditional Values Coalition. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of the Traditional Values Coalition 42 percent in 2006" (votesmart.org)
  • American Family Association. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of the American Family Association 22 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
  • Family Research Council. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of the Family Research Council 42 percent in 2006." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 2965. 112th Congress. Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 12/15/2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. HR 3685. 110th Congress. Sexual Orientation Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA). Ben Chandler voted Yea on 11/07/2007. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. H J Res 88. 110th Congress. Same-Sex Marriage Resolution. Ben Chandler voted Yea on 07/18/2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. House Passes U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health and Iraq Accountability Act. 23 March 2007. "It is also a goal of this bill that more resources be directed to the war against al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. It is long overdue that the Bush Administration be held accountable for not having the right priorities on fighting terrorism. Our priorities need to be destroying al-Qaeda training camps in Afghanistan and all our terrorist enemies around the world not refereeing what has become a civil war in Iraq." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Op-Ed: Congress to the Commonwealth: Supporting Our Troops. 20 march 2007. "Lastly, the bill will redirect more resources to the war against al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. The majority of Americans believe our troops should be hunting down terrorists, not refereeing what has become a civil war in Iraq. This legislation provides an additional $1.2 billion to focus our efforts on destroying al-Qaeda training camps in Afghanistan and all our terrorist enemies around the world. It's time we held the Bush Administration accountable for having the right priorities on fighting terrorism." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Issue Position: National Debt, Budget, and Taxes. 20 October 2011. "Currently, the proposed Republican budget makes radical and harmful cuts to Medicare and Medicaid to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy and for corporations that ship jobs overseas. It would end Medicare as we know it, turning it into a voucher system and sending seniors to find coverage on the private market. I do not believe we should end the guaranteed benefits of Medicare that seniors have earned through a lifetime of hard work. I fought a similar Republican proposal to privatize Social Security in 2005, and I pledge to all of my constituents to fight against this new attack on our seniors as well. I voted against this budget on April 15, 2011." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Issue Position: Seniors. 6 June 2012. "I believe that how we treat our seniors says a lot about who we are as Americans. In these hard economic times, while 401(k) accounts and other retirement accounts aren't providing the income that many had counted on, it is good to know that Social Security continues to provide. I stood up for Social Security, strongly condemning the unsuccessful effort by some to privatize this pillar of retirement." (votesmart.org)
  • Alliance for Retired Americans. 04/18/2012. "Ben Chandler supported the interests of the Alliance for Retired Americans 100 percent in 2008." (votesmart.org)
  • Ben Chandler. Republican Budget Building American House on Sand. 6 June 2012. "Nearly since the birth of Social Security and Medicare, these two successful programs have been under constant attack. I remember so clearly in 2005 fighting against President Bush's plan to privatize Social Security and gamble seniors' benefits in the stock market. Imagine what would have happened if seniors' benefits had been in the stock market during the 2008 financial crisis. Instead of learning from that experience, today our vital American programs are again under attack." (votesmart.org)
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
The Political Courage Test asks candidates which items they will support if elected. It does not ask them to indicate which items they will oppose. Through extensive research of public polling data, we discovered that voters are more concerned with what candidates would support when elected to office, not what they oppose. If a candidate does not select a response to any part or all of any question, it does not necessarily indicate that the candidate is opposed to that particular item.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning abortion.

a) Abortions should always be illegal.
b) Abortions should always be legally available.
c) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy.
d) Abortions should be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape.
e) Abortions should be legal when the life of the woman is endangered.
f) Eliminate public funding for abortions and public funding of organizations that advocate or perform abortions.
X g) Other or expanded principles
We should reduce abortions and encourage adoption. I respect privacy of individual and think decisons should be between a woman, her physican, her faith and her family.

State Budget: Indicate the funding levels you will support for the following general categories.State Taxes: Indicate the tax levels you will support.

Slightly Increase Funding a) Education (Higher)
Greatly Increase Funding b) Education (K-12)
Maintain Funding Status c) Environment
Slightly Increase Funding d) Health care
Slightly Increase Funding e) Law enforcement
Slightly Increase Funding f) Transportation and Highway infrastructure
Maintain Funding Status g) Welfare
Maintain Status a) Alcohol taxes
Maintain Status b) Capital gains taxes
Maintain Status c) Cigarette taxes
Maintain Status d) Corporate taxes
Maintain Status e) Gasoline taxes
Maintain Status f) Income taxes (incomes below $75,000)
Maintain Status g) Income taxes (incomes above $75,000)
Maintain Status h) Inheritance taxes
Maintain Status i) Property taxes
Maintain Status j) Sales taxes
Maintain Status k) Telecommunications property taxes
Maintain Status l) Telecommunications services taxes
Slightly Decrease m) Vehicle taxes
n) Other or expanded categories
Undecided o) Should Internet sales be taxed?
Undecided p) Do you support legalizing electronic gambling at horse racing tracks to increase state revenues?
Yes q) Do you support using 50% of tobacco-settlement funds for agriculture?
End waste, fraud, and abuse.
Support giving the people a choice to vote on legalizing expanded gaming at race tracks and require by law that all money goes to education.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding campaign finance and government reform.c) Do you support limiting the following types of contributions to state legislative and gubernatorial candidates?

Yes a) Do you support the current limit on the number of terms for Kentucky governors?
Yes b) Do you support limiting the number of terms for Kentucky state senators and representatives?
Yes 1) Individual
Yes 2) PAC
Yes 3) Corporate
Yes 4) Political Parties
Yes d) Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
Yes e) Do you support partial funding from state taxes for gubernatorial campaigns?
Yes f) Do you support voting on-line?
Yes g) Do you support adopting statewide standards for counting, verifying and ensuring accuracy of votes?
Yes h) Do you support prohibiting the reporting of media exit polling results until all polling locations in Kentucky are closed?
No i) Should Kentucky recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?
Yes j) Should Kentucky restrict marriage to a union only between a man and a woman?
k) Other or expanded principles

Indicate which principles you support (if any) to address crime.

a) Increase state funds for construction of state prisons and for hiring of additional prison staff.
b) Support contracting with private sector firms to build and/or manage state prisons.
X c) Support the use of the death penalty in Kentucky.
d) Support alternatives to capital punishment for crimes committed by individuals when they were under the age of 18.
X e) Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
X f) End parole for repeat violent offenders.
g) Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
h) Decriminalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
X i) Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
j) Allow law enforcement officers to stop a motorist solely for a seat-belt violation.
X k) Minors accused of a violent crime should be prosecuted as adults.
l) Require that crimes based on gender, sexual orientation or disability be prosecuted as hate crimes.
X m) Ban the use of racial profiling by law enforcement officers.
X n) Increase state funding for community centers and other social agencies in areas with at-risk youth.
X o) Increase state funding for additional security of critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks.
X p) Other or expanded principles
Must work to provide adequate federal funding for first responders (ie. police, fire, ems) to enable us to protect our families from terrorist attacks.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding education.

X a) Support national standards and testing of public school students.
b) Provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any participating school (public, private, religious).
c) Increase state funds for school capital improvements (e.g. buildings and infrastructure).
X d) Increase state funds for hiring additional teachers.
e) Support teacher testing and reward teachers with merit pay.
f) Support displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools.
g) Endorse teacher-led voluntary prayer in public schools.
h) Require public schools to administer high school exit exams.
X i) Provide state funding to increase teacher salaries.
X j) Increase state funding to expand Head Start programs.
X k) Provide state funding for tax incentives and financial aid to help make college more affordable.
l) Support age-appropriate sexual education programs that teach about abstinence, contraceptives and HIV/STD prevention methods.
X m) Support abstinence-only sexual education programs.
n) Require that public schools try to decrease child obesity by limiting access to sodas and snacks.
X o) Other or expanded principles
I support national standards if states like Kentucky, with superior testing programs, can continue their program. I support voluntary school prayer.

Employment: Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning employment.Affirmative Action: Should race, ethnicity or gender be taken into account in state agencies' decisions on:

X a) Increase funding for state job-training programs that re-train displaced workers or teach skills needed in today's job market.
X b) Reduce state government regulations on the private sector to encourage investment and economic expansion.
X c) Provide low interest loans and tax credits for starting, expanding or relocating businesses.
X d) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide child care for their employees.
X e) Increase state funds to provide child care for children of low-income working families.
X f) Retain executive order including sexual orientation in Kentucky's anti-discrimination policy.
X g) Other or expanded principles
a) College and university admissions
b) Public employment
c) State contracting
Although I favor reducing regulations, the environment must be protected.
I oppose quotas but support efforts to encourage diversity in all levels of our society.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the environment and energy.

X a) Promote increased use of alternative fuel technology.
b) Use state funds to clean up former industrial and commercial sites that are contaminated, unused or abandoned.
c) Support a new beverage container fee to fund clean up of open dumps in Kentucky?
Yes d) Do you support state funding for open space preservation?
Undecided e) Should state environmental regulations be stricter than federal law?
X f) Other or expanded principles
(e): How strict they are depends on the regulations.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning gun issues.

a) Ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting.
b) Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
c) Ease state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
d) Repeal state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
X e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns.
f) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns.
g) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows.
h) Require a license for gun possession.
X i) Other or expanded principles
No new gun laws are needed.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding health issues.

a) Ensure that citizens have access to basic health care through managed care, insurance reforms or state-funded care where necessary.
b) Transfer more existing Medicaid recipients into managed care programs.
c) Limit the amount of damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
X d) Support patients' right to sue their HMOs.
X e) Support patients' right to appeal to an administrative board of specialists when services are denied by their HMO.
X f) Guaranteed medical care to all citizens is not a responsibility of state government.
g) Legalize physician-assisted suicide in Kentucky.
X h) Increase state funding for training health workers to recognize and respond to the release of biological agents.
X i) Other or expanded principles
I have a prescription drug plan that will save up to $150 million in the Medicaid program and allow Kentuckians to save money on prescriptions.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding welfare.

X a) Support the current five-year lifetime limit on welfare benefits in Kentucky.
X b) Increase employment and job training programs for welfare recipients.
X c) Provide tax incentives to businesses that hire welfare recipients.
X d) Provide child care for welfare recipients who work.
X e) Increase access to public transportation for welfare recipients who work.
f) Eliminate government-funded welfare programs.
g) Redirect welfare funding to faith-based and community-based private organizations.
X h) Use federal TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) funds to expand state services to include the working poor.
X i) Other or expanded principles
I am not in favor of reducing welfare funding, but these organizations should be eligible for additional funding from other sources.
My first legislative package will include legislation to join with other states to purchase prescription drugs in bulk and pass the savings on to Kentuckians and our Medicaid program. I will also include an Economic Dvelopment Package to create jobs in every region of the state.

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