Hal Rogers: “in the same bipartisan spirit of cooperation that has characterized Kentucky delegations to this great body, it is my…”

“in the same bipartisan spirit of cooperation that has characterized Kentucky delegations to this great body, it is my privilege tonight, as dean of our delegation, to present to you our newest Member and America's newest Congressman, Ben Chandler. Ben won the special election a week ago tonight to fill the unexpired term of our colleague and now Governor, Ernie Fletcher. The Chandler name in Kentucky is legendary. Ben's grandfather, the late Albert ``Happy'' Chandler, was a twice-elected Governor; U.S. Senator; and baseball commissioner, who, by the way, presided over the integration of Major League Baseball. But young Ben has earned his own stripes. He has just completed two terms as Kentucky attorney general, and before that the elected State auditor, and was nominated by his party for Governor last year. Ben Chandler follows in the seat held by a long list of national leaders, including our own Governor Ernie Fletcher. One of the greatest Speakers of this body held this seat, Henry Clay, twice Speaker, three-time candidate for President, Secretary of State, U.S. Senator, the Great Compromiser of pre-Civil War years; Kentucky's greatest national legislator, that is until recently, of course.”