One year ago, we witnessed a violent insurrection waged at the United States Capitol. The goal: end American democracy as we know it.
It was fueled by hate and racism, lies of a “stolen” election, and a desperate grab for power. Countless first responders were critically injured. Six people died.
We refuse to forget the sacrifice of our first responders. We refuse to forget this attack on our democracy. We must continue calling for justice until every person, every elected official involved in the attack is held accountable.
You know who wish we’d forget? Rand Paul.
He’s tried countless times to gaslight us into thinking it was just a “tourist visit”. To this day, Rand has tried to block a full investigation into what happened.
I know you know this, but I need you to hear it from me: this was no tourist visit. And any attempt to minimize the severity of this moment is an affront to our very democracy.
Why does he want us to forget? Because he was complicit. For months leading up to the attack, Rand Paul stoked his base, promoting false narratives of “stolen votes” and fraud — a claim that members of his own party have even walked back.
It’s shameful — but it is nothing new. For years, Rand Paul has been working to suppress our votes to keep his own seat.
Kentucky has one of the worst records of voter disenfranchisement in our country’s history. For too long, massive groups of people, especially Black and brown communities, have been excluded and discouraged from voting. As a result, the number of people in Kentucky who don’t vote outnumber those who do.
We know that a different type of politics is possible — and that’s what our movement is fighting for. Together, we have the power to replace Rand Paul and every politician who betrayed our democracy last January.
Like most of you, I was relieved when the American people removed Trump from office and the Biden administration began the work of turning the tides of our country. Millions of us — many for the first time — voted to make our voices heard and rise against his corrupt, overtly racist, destructive agenda.
Despite the fact President Biden won the election by historic numbers — Rand Paul cried voter fraud and led a dangerous narrative about a stolen election. Someone who actively works against our democracy doesn’t belong in the U.S. Senate. Period.
It’s not the first time Rand Paul chose to play political games over serving the folks he represents. For too long, our Senators have failed the Kentuckians they’re supposed to represent. From spreading the big lie that fueled an insurrection to spreading disinformation about COVID-19, and blocking life-saving policies like a Green New Deal and Medicare for All — Rand Paul has refused to act in the best interest of our communities over and over again.
But I know that change is on its way to Kentucky and that together we can make sure his failed leadership comes to an end.
That’s why I’m running for U.S. Senate to take on Rand Paul so we can finally elect a leader who will tell the truth and fight for working people.
Together we can save our Democracy,
Charles Booker
