In this year's race for governor, it's been noted that GOP candidate Ernie Fletcher keeps crowing about 'change.' It seems prudent that we examine what changes we might possibly need in Kentucky.

Under Fletcher/Bush, over 3 millions jobs have been lost in the United States; over 70,000 jobs have been lost in Kentucky! Fletcher has voted for tax cuts for the wealthiest 1 percent and has been an advocate for unbridled free trade, with estimates of 5 million jobs lost to other countries by 2015. (Remember Red Kap and Auburn Hosiery Mill?)

Healthcare costs continue to soar, along with devastating cuts to Medicare/Medicaid, hurting especially our senior citizens.

We have a sky-rocketing, $374-billion deficit, a war with no end, costing U.S. lives almost daily, and an economy in the cellar.

Heard enough? Yes! It is time for a change!

As governor, Ben Chandler's goals for Kentucky include keeping jobs in Kentucky and creating new business and opportunities for Kentuckians. He will make every tax dollar count, and cut wasteful bureaucracy, putting new money into our schools.

Ben's plans include cracking down on HMOs that put profits ahead of patient care and in putting concrete policies in place to insure affordable, accessible health care for all Kentuckians.

Kentucky and all of our states are in crisis, struggling with job losses, a sagging economy and disastrous federal funding cuts-- Washington-made crises!

Ben Chandler has both the courage and the plans in place to see us through. He embraces the Democratic philosophy of standing up for and supporting Kentucky's working people, the exemplary education of our children, and the health and social welfare of our families.

That's the kind of change we need! It's time for a governor who will put Kentucky first! And that is why I know that my mother, my grandmother and Uncle Doc would join me in urging you to vote for Ben Chandler as our next governor.