Charles Booker speaks at rally in Richmond

Oct. 1—Carey Holbrook

Charles Booker, who is running for U.S. Senate against Rand Paul, made an appearance at the Madison County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, Sept. 27, as part of the Rally2Victory event hosted by the Madison County Democratic Party.

Booker has already made history — in 2018, he became Kentucky's youngest Black state lawmaker at the age of 33. After winning the primary election this June, the candidate became the first African-American to be nominated for Senate by a major party in Kentucky.

During his remarks at the rally, Booker stressed how, if elected, he would make changes in Washington to better the lives of Kentuckians all the way "from the hood to the hollers" and to give marginalized groups a voice.

"Our campaign has been centered on lifting up young leaders working on college campuses across Kentucky, but also engaging in a lot of communities that have felt ignored and abandoned. We are training folks on the power of relational organizing."

Booker highlighted several areas he feels needs greater attention in Kentucky.

"In terms of my vision, not only am I calling out the need to address climate chaos, I'm building a policy around our sustainable future. I call it the Kentucky New Deal, and it's about life, freedom, and prosperity for everyone. Doing the holistic work to end poverty, which means you have to have high quality healthcare for everyone. We address environmental needs and make the investments to make sure that folks in Eastern Kentucky are not susceptible to the storms of the future, the floods. It's also about rebuilding an economy that children will have in the future," Booker said in an interview with the Register.

Booker stated the two things that he would accomplish to benefit Kentuckians in the Senate is legalize marijuana and ensure everyone has access to affordable healthcare.

"It's past time to legalize cannabis. This is something that has overwhelming support across Kentucky. We know that criminalizing a plant has really broken up families. In that same vein, we need to make sure that everyone has high quality health care, support, and Medicare for all. I know what it feels like to ration your medicine," stated Booker.

Booker is a diabetic and told the crowd on Tuesday how troubling it is to have to ration his insulin. He pointed out that he is not alone, as thousands of others in Kentucky have struggled with limited access to medical care that is vital.

"I've talked to a lot of coal miners about black lung disease. They can't get their benefits. A lot of veterans are suffering because of their service. Kentucky has been one of the states with the worst health outcomes. If we can protect that right. We can give a foundation for Kentuckians to do the rest of the work of rebuilding our future," Booker said.

When asked how he would counter the political claims of Rand Paul in his campaign advertising, which primarily addresses fiscally responsibility, Booker responded by claiming his opposition is a "fraud and imposter."

"The first thing that we're doing is calling out Rand Paul's hypocrisy. He claims fiscal responsibility, but he supported one of the largest tax cuts in history. He added trillions to our debt, and didn't invest in the Commonwealth of Kentucky every step of the way. He's proven to be a fraud and an imposter. So we're calling that out. I want to change that and speak for my people, my community," Booker said.

Kentucky Democratic Party Chairman Colmon Elridge also spoke and emphasized the importance of voting this fall. He also noted the value of investing in schools, as children and the public education system hold the future of communities.

"I was with the president and you know he is a broken record — but it's true, we are in a fight for the soul of our nation. I will add to that, we are in a fight for the conscience of our Commonwealth," Elridge said.

He emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of citizens and shared how this impacts his family in a statement critical of the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court.

"They're coming for all of us. Republicans tell you that they believe in small government and they will tell you that Republican men in Frankfort are the best decision makers for what happens in a woman's body..." Eldridge said.

Eldridge also said the recent abortion ban legislation leaves the door open for Republicans to begin taking other rights away.

"They want to come after gay marriage. You know, my brother's gay. He's married. They will not stop until they take all the rights away... and if you think that this doesn't apply to you, let me tell you that we are just one bill away from edifying it to you," Eldridge.

State Representative Pam Stevenson, who represents District 43, was also one of the many speakers at the rally. The veteran officially announced her campaign for Kentucky Attorney General.

On Tuesday, democratic supporters mingled and had the opportunity to meet and speak with candidates for the upcoming election in November, including local candidates Susan Cintra, state senate nominee for the 94th district, and Martina Jackson, nominee for the 91st district State Representative seat.

Both candidates have family, children, and education as cornerstones in their campaigns and core values.

Other candidates present were:

Geoff Young, running for the U.S. House of Representatives Kentucky 6th District seat.

Charles "Chuck" Givens, running for Madison County Judge Executive

Mike Coyle, running for re-election as Madison County Sheriff

Randy Cravens, a write in candidate for U.S. House of Representatives for Kentucky 6th District

Doug Thomas for County Jailer

Ben Robinson III, for 1st District Magistrate

Bruce Barnes for, 2nd District Magistrate

John Tudor, for 3rd District Magistrate

Debbie Vescio for 4th District Magistrate

Bruce Thomas, for 4th District Constable

Jimmy Cornelison for Madison County coroner