2022 Midterm Elections: Sen. Rand Paul & Charles Booker on abortion, inflation, & more
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In the Nov. 8 election, Kentucky voters will decide whether to give Republican Sen. Rand Paul another six-year term in Congress or ditch him for Democrat and former state Rep. Charles Booker.
We sent three questions to the two major-party nominees to help voters make their choice. Here's what they said. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Charles Booker (Democrat)
Age: 38
Occupation: Self-employed
Political offices held: Kentucky House of Representatives, District 43 (Jan. 2019 - Jan. 2021)
Contact information: info@charlesbooker.org
Sen. Rand Paul (Republican)
Age: 59
Occupation: Opthamologist
Political offices held: U.S. senator since 2011
Contact information: Jake@randpaul.com
Do you support Kentucky’s near-total trigger ban on abortion, and, if elected, would you:
Vote to expand nationwide access to abortion by passing a federal law;
Vote to restrict nationwide access to abortion via federal law;
Oppose any proposed federal law that would instate nationwide rules on abortion, regardless of if they expand or restrict access?
Booker: "No, I do not support Kentucky’s ban on abortion. When elected to the U.S. Senate, I would vote to codify Roe. No, I would not vote for legislation that would restrict access to healthcare, including abortion care. Yes, I would oppose any legislation that restricts access to safe and legal abortions nationwide."
More:Rand Paul ad suggests Charles Booker and allies support violence: 3 things to know
Paul: "I am 100% pro-life. I believe that life begins at conception, and the role of government is to protect the life and liberty of all Americans, born and unborn. Overturning Roe v. Wade was a positive step in that direction. Now, state legislatures are empowered to use the democratic process to protect the life of unborn individuals."
What, if any, federal policies would you support to reduce inflation?
Booker: "The progress coming out of Washington with the Infrastructure Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act are critical steps forward to help get more money in the pockets of Kentuckians (and) to invest in a sustainable economy. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the global market, and it has hurt Kentuckians' pockets more than it has helped. These two pieces of legislation are great first steps, but more work needs to be done."
Paul: "I’ve consistently supported federal proposals to balance our national budget. Inflation is caused when the government overspends, and the Federal Reserve has to print up money to buy the excess debt.
"Overspending should never occur under Congress's PAYGO rule, which requires that all spending be offset by equal cuts. Yet, it’s constantly being waived by big government Democrats and Republicans alike. In order to curb inflation, we must adhere to fiscal responsibility and stop overspending."
What is the No. 1, specific bill you would push to pass in Congress next year if you’re elected?
Booker: "Legislation surrounding voting rights, such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, needs to be passed immediately. Voting rights have been under attack in our country for years, especially in Kentucky. We need legislation at a federal level that will end voter suppression and will make it easier for people to cast their ballots."
Paul: "I’ve never voted for an unbalanced budget, and since 2011 I’ve introduced numerous balanced budgets. Most recently, I introduced my “Six Penny Plan” federal budget that cuts 6 cents for every dollar of spending for the next 5 years, balancing our federal budget by 2027.
"Reckless spending and unbalanced budgets have caused record inflation, and my plan is a responsible tool that puts our nation on track to solve the economic crisis that Congress created."
For subscribers:Here's how Charles Booker can beat Rand Paul in November
Reach reporter Morgan Watkins at mwatkins@courierjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter: @morganwatkins26.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Midterm election 2022: Rand Paul, Charles Booker on abortion, inflation
