Lexington Herald-Leader: Moment is here for KY to put common sense over corruption, people over politics | Opinion

Kentuckians will head to the polls across our commonwealth and make a decision about the future they want in the U.S. Senate. After 42 years in office, Mitch McConnell is retiring and we can forge a new path. One that centers common-sense leadership over corruption and puts Kentucky first.

Throughout this campaign, many asked why I am running for Senate. From the day I announced my candidacy to this very moment, the answer was simple: you. I am running for every single Kentuckian. Democrat, Republican, and independent. It’s even why we launched Republicans for Booker, because every Kentuckian deserves genuine leadership in the Senate.

You deserve far better than empty promises and rampant corruption. Mitch McConnell helped create the D.C. swamp that President Donald Trump still hasn’t drained. That’s fine by Andy Barr. He’s spent 14 years in Congress getting rich, while leaving you behind. He’s opened the door to data centers in your backyard, Flock cameras on your front porch, endless war and crushing tariffs, and made it very clear that he represents the special interests set on exploiting our commonwealth for their own profit.

Politicians like Andy Barr started looking out for themselves, and you became an afterthought. And instead of solving Kentucky’s challenges, he’s fear mongered in an effort to scare you into voting for him.

Let’s set the record straight: I am a capitalist. I support the free market, lower costs, higher wages, lower taxes, and good paying jobs. I support a strong and secure border and support our troops and veterans. I will protect Kentucky’s air, water and land. Everyone should have strong public schools and thriving communities. That means fully funding education, law enforcement, and community safety programs.

This means putting Kentucky first while ending special treatment for the most powerful.

Andy Barr might think that’s socialism, but it sure sounds more like common sense to me.

Prices for nearly everything continue to rise. When I take my daughters shopping, I try to put less and less in the basket, but when I get to the checkout counter my bill keeps rising. I’ve had to ration my insulin just to make sure there’s money to put food on the table. For too long our stories have been defined by the obstacles created by those in Washington more fixated on securing power and wealth from themselves rather than delivering for the people. Rep. Thomas Massie saw it. He and I often disagree, but we are unified in our fight against corruption. When Massie fought to release the Epstein Files, corrupt interests in Washington more interested in protecting pedophiles than delivering for the people worked to defeat him.

But the tide is turning. The people are standing up and ready to decide that we, the people, hold the power.

I reject the idea that Washington can’t work. We have come together to fight world wars, rebuild the nation after depressions, recessions, and pandemics. We have championed the causes that truly make America great and I remain steadfast in my belief that America can rekindle the spark of building a better future.

Gov. Andy Beshear and former governors Steve Beshear and Paul Patton see it. I have their support because they all have seen firsthand why it’s so important for Kentucky to have leadership in Washington who puts Kentucky first.

This election is a moment in our history where we have a clear fork in the road: continue down the path of corruption, or choose the path of genuine leadership.

I ask for your vote because I believe in Kentucky and I believe in you. I see it every single day I’ve traveled the state, shaking hands, hearing your stories, sharing laughter and shedding tears. Together, we will build a Kentucky for all of us. Together, we will restore honesty and integrity to Washington and it starts with this Senate race.

Charles Booker is the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Kentucky, running against Republican nominee Rep. Andy Barr for the seat held by Mitch McConnell. He is a former state representative and the founder of Hood to the Holler.