corrente

AP:

Ben Chandler saw opportunity after his big loss in last November's governor's race, figuring that between the high-profile campaign and his family's deep roots in Kentucky politics, voters knew him about as well as they could.

The Democratic former attorney general won a special election Tuesday to fill the congressional seat Gov. Ernie Fletcher left after he defeated Chandler.

Seems a little like musical chairs, but we'll take it.

Just as in his race against Fletcher, Chandler faced a better-financed opponent in Kerr. Unlike his bid for governor, Chandler was able to withstand the money onslaught.

Rather than harp on national issues like the economy or President Bush, Chandler focused on more local issues and worked on endearing himself to veterans. He also campaigned on a platform to help lower the cost of prescription drugs and extend Social Security benefits to stay-at-home parents.

Kos has more, and reminds us we could be 20 seats down in the (gerrymandered, illegitimate) 2004 House races, so there's a lot of work to do.