Local Leaders on Foley

The Courier-Journal has the statements from Rep. Ben Chandler and Sen. Bayh.

Statement from Rep. Ben Chandler, D-6th District
"I am sickened by the inappropriate actions of former Rep. Mark Foley and the apparent failure of the House Republican leadership to protect the children participating in the House Page Program. Action should have been taken immediately when the Republican leadership learned of Mr. Foley’s shocking behavior.

"This behavior is never acceptable, but it is especially horrifying that a member of Congress used his position of authority to prey on young students.

"There should be a full investigation into this matter to not only ensure the protection of the students participating in the program, but to determine who knew of Mark Foley’s behavior, when they knew, and how they responded.

"As a father of three young children, I know that parents will always worry about protecting their family, but the floor of the House of Representatives is one place that parents should never fear the safety of their child. We can not allow this type of exploitation to ever happen again."

Statement from Meghan Keck, spokeswoman for Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind.
"Senator Bayh believes the people who knew about these e-mails should’ve acted sooner to protect the pages.

"Bayh believes there should be a full investigation into this matter and that Congress should take whatever steps necessary to ensure that pages and all children are protected from this kind of disgusting behavior in the future."

Sweet, I can actually watch a debate on the 30th! Here's a list of future debates.

Sunday, 6:30-8 p.m. — Meyzeek Middle School Auditorium, 828 S. Jackson St. John Yarmuth, Donna Walker Mancini and W. Ed Parker to debate on African-American issues. Sponsors: Louisville branch, NAACP; Louisville Urban league and Urban League Young Professionals; Interdenominational Ministerial Coalition; Louisville Alumni National Pan-Hellenic Council; A. Philip Randolph Institute.

Tuesday, 7-8 p.m. — Live broadcast, WAVE-TV. Anne Northup and Yarmuth will debate. Anchor Scott Reynolds will moderate. Individual interviews will be aired in later 7 p.m. broadcasts with Mancini and Parker.

Oct. 13, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. — The Downtown Marriott. Sponsor: Greater Louisville Inc. Register online at www.greaterlousiville.com or call 625-0037; cost: $35 for members; $45 for nonmembers. Written questions will be accepted from the audience.

Oct. 18 — Louisville Forum with Northup and Yarmuth. Gary Roedemeier of WHAS-TV will moderate. The noon luncheon at Vincenzo's, 150 S. Fifth St., is sold out.

Oct. 30, 8 p.m. — KET televised debate. All the candidates except Northup have committed

There's something missing about the debate on the 30th. Oh, wait, I know what it is, Rep. Northup doesn't want to get humuliated statewide on television. The 30th is also a Monday which means my class would need to let out early, and I'd have to get 7th Heaven recorded, unless I find out if it will be rerun another time before the election.