By Josh James
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-999313.mp3
Lexington, KY – U.S. Congressman Ben Chandler visited his district today and shared some thoughts on the redistricting debate in Frankfort and colleague Gabrielle Giffords.
With the state House redistricting plan stalled and a vote on hold until at Tuesday at the earliest, it's unclear what changes might be in store for Representative Chandler's sixth district. According to the Washington post, early maps drawn up by House Speaker Greg Stumbo in December would given Chandlers' chances for reelection a small boost, while Senate Republicans' map would have made him slightly more vulnerable. Despite winning by less than 700 votes in 2010, the congressman says he's not particularly concerned about redistricting.
"The biggest issue really is the political environment more than it is the lines. You're going to rise or fall based on the political environment you're dealing with more than anything else," Chandler said.
Chandler also offered some words of admiration for fellow representative Gabrielle Giffords, who made a public appearance Sunday, one year after the 2011 tragedy that left her in critical condition.
"She's been a heroic figure, in my opinion, to be able to overcome what she has faced," Chandler said. Chandler is set to run against Lexington attorney Andy Barr again in November.