ky_sen_BAESLER

REP. SCOTTY BAESLER

· Henry Scott Baesler, known as Scotty, is a local celebrity in his native Lexington - he was the captain of the University of Kentucky basketball team in 1963, the same year he graduated with a degree in accounting. In 1966, he earned his J.D. from University of Kentucky.

· Before his political career began, Baesler practiced law and continued to work on his familyÂ's cattle and tobacco farm. He served as LexingtonÂ's Mayor for ten (10) years (1982-92). Baesler ran for Governor of Kentucky in 1991, but finished second in the Democratic primary.

· Baesler was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1992, beating his little-known Republican opponent with 61% of the vote.

· Three elections later, Baesler is the only tobacco farmer in the U.S. House of Representatives (Almanac of American Politics). This is symbolic of the differences he has with the Democratic leadership. In 1995, the Blue Dog Democrat supported North Carolina Congressman Charlie Rose over MissouriÂ's Rep. Gephardt for House Minority Leader. Baesler opposed ClintonÂ's healthcare tobacco tax and sharply criticized former Surgeon General Joycelyn ElderÂ's plan to legalize marijuana but outlaw tobacco. Naturally, he looks after the tobacco industryÂ's interests from his seat on the Agriculture committee.

· Baesler has established himself as a moderate on culturl, economic, and foreign issues. Besides Agriculture, Baesler also sits on the Budget committee. He is the only Democrat in KentuckyÂ's House delegation.

· In 1996, the National Republican Congressional Committee targeted BaeslerÂ's seat. They poured funds into the race, but their candidate Ernest Fletcher lacked focus. Baesler won, carrying 56% of the vote - down, however, from his two previous elections, 61% in 1992 and 59% in 1994. He outspent his opponent by less than $150,000.