| Ben Chandler | |
|---|---|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kentucky's 6th district |
|
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office February 17, 2004 |
|
| Preceded by | Ernie Fletcher |
| 48th Attorney General of Kentucky | |
| In office 1995–2003 |
|
| Governor | Paul E. Patton |
| Preceded by | Chris Gorman |
| Succeeded by | Greg Stumbo |
| 45th State Auditor of Kentucky | |
| In office 1991–1995 |
|
| Governor | Brereton Jones |
| Preceded by | Bob Babbage |
| Succeeded by | Edward B. Hatchett Jr |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 12, 1959 Versailles, Kentucky |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Jennifer Chandler |
| Residence | Versailles, Kentucky |
| Alma mater | University of Kentucky |
| Occupation | Attorney |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Website | Chandler for Congress |
Albert Benjamin "Ben" Chandler III (born September 12, 1959) is the U.S. Representative for Kentucky's 6th congressional district, serving since a special election in 2004. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
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Chandler was born in Versailles, Kentucky. He received a BA and a J.D. from the University of Kentucky at Lexington, Kentucky, and became a private practice lawyer.
Ben Chandler's grandfather Albert Chandler, better known as Happy Chandler, served as Governor of Kentucky, Commissioner of Baseball, and as a U.S. Senator.[1]
Chandler was State Auditor from 1991 to 1995, and Attorney General of Kentucky from 1995 until 2003.
Chandler is a signer of Americans for Tax Reform’s Taxpayer Protection Pledge.[2]
Chandler is a Blue Dog Democrat as well as a member of the House New Democrat Coalition. His name had been rumored as a candidate for governor for the 2007 election and Senator in the 2008 election. Chandler, however, announced on November 30, 2006, that he would not seek the governorship in 2007, stating he could better serve the Commonwealth in Congress: "With rising seniority and a Democratic majority, I have the opportunity to do so much more for my constituents and for the people of Kentucky."[3] Chandler told "Kentucky Newsmakers" that he would not start holding so-called town hall meetings in 2009, citing a lack of "civility" at forums regarding health care.[4] Chandler ultimately voted against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.[5]
Chandler was the Democratic candidate for governor in the election of 2003. He was defeated in that election by his Republican opponent, Congressman Ernie Fletcher. Fletcher resigned from Congress in order to become governor, and a special election was held for his seat in February 2004. Chandler became the Democratic candidate and won the election, defeating state Senator Alice Forgy Kerr by a 55%-to-43% margin.
As a superdelegate in the 2008 United States presidential election, Chandler endorsed Barack Obama.[6] Chandler's 2008 Republican opponent in the race for Congress was attorney Jon Larson.
Chandler was challenged by Republican nominee Andy Barr in the November 2010 election. Chandler was elected by a narrow margin, as results showed him leading Barr by about 600 votes. The results were re-canvassed due to the closeness of the outcome, but Chandler was certified as the election winner on November 12, 2010.[7]
| United States House of Representatives | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Ernie Fletcher |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kentucky's 6th congressional district 2004–Present |
Succeeded by Incumbent |
| United States order of precedence | ||
| Preceded by Randy Neugebauer R-Texas |
United States Representatives by seniority 227th |
Succeeded by G. K. Butterfield D-North Carolina |
| Legal offices | ||
| Preceded by Chris Gorman |
Attorney General of Kentucky 1995-2003 |
Succeeded by Greg Stumbo |
| Party political offices | ||
| Preceded by Paul E. Patton |
Democratic nominee for Governor of Kentucky 2003 |
Succeeded by Steve Beshear |
| 109th | Senate: M. McConnell | J. Bunning | House: H. Rogers | R. Lewis | E. Whitfield | A. Northup | B. Chandler | G. Davis |
| 110th | Senate: M. McConnell | J. Bunning | House: H. Rogers | R. Lewis | E. Whitfield | B. Chandler | G. Davis | J. Yarmuth |
| 111th | Senate: M. McConnell | J. Bunning | House: H. Rogers | E. Whitfield | B. Chandler | G. Davis | J. Yarmuth | B. Guthrie |
| 112th | Senate: M. McConnell | R. Paul | House: H. Rogers | E. Whitfield | B. Chandler | G. Davis | J. Yarmuth | B. Guthrie |