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Whitfield Cites Unfinished Business; Will Run for Reelection

Hopkinsville, KY – U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield announced that he is seeking an eighth term in the United States Congress. Whitfield was first elected in 1994 and has won every subsequent election with a significant majority of voters.

“After considering my options for 2008 and what still needs to be accomplished, I have decided with the support of my family there is just too much unfinished business not to run again,” said Whitfield. “My experience and seniority on the House Energy and Commerce Committee brings many benefits to the First District of Kentucky.”

A recent poll surveying likely voters in the First Congressional District shows Whitfield with an approval rating and job performance rating above 60%, which is consistent with polling over Whitfield’s 13 years in Congress. Whitfield’s strong support has given him nearly $1 million in campaign contributions on hand for reelection.

Since coming to Congress, Whitfield has been a champion of promoting fiscal responsibility and family values, strengthening our military, promoting coal as a primary source of energy and revamping Medicare so that seniors can afford the medicines they need to live a healthy life.

“The issues of today – strengthening our economy and stopping excessive government spending, improving access to health care, ensuring coal remains in the nation’s energy portfolio and winning the War on Terror are all reasons I have decided to run for reelection as a United States Congressman representing the First District of Kentucky,” continued Whitfield.

Over the past 13 years, Whitfield has demonstrated his support for the First District as well as representing his constituents in Washington. He has:

Supported and helped pass the Balanced Budget Act of 1997
Secured more than $4.5 million to help local law enforcement agencies battle the methamphetamine drug epidemic in the First District
Helped establish three outpatient clinics for the veterans in the First District: the Hanson Outpatient Clinic, Hopkinsville/Fort Campbell Outpatient Clinic, and the Paducah Outpatient Clinic.
Supported the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA), which created the first Medicare Prescription Drug Plan for seniors
Supported increases to the veterans’ budget by 94% since 1995
Supported and worked in favor of the tobacco buyout
Authored law that compensates workers who suffered illness related to their work in government defense facilities
Consistently supported efforts to reduce taxes including the elimination of the marriage penalty, termination of the death tax on farmers and small businessmen, a lowering of the income tax brackets, and an increase in educational and child care tax credits
Co-sponsored legislation to repeal the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination (WEP) provisions of the Social Security Act in order to protect Kentucky school teacher’s retirement
Supported establishing several community health centers (CHCs) to improve health care access in rural areas
Supported a Patients Bill of Rights to improve medical care without increasing litigation and raising premiums
Secured over $2 billion in federal funds for the First District

“While we have accomplished so much over the past 13 years, there is certainly more unfinished business to attend to. So, I ask, once again, for the trust and support of my constituents so that I can continue serving Kentucky and attend to the unfinished business in Washington.