Kentucky U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield of Hopkinsville says he is ready to retire after more than two decades in Congress but is pleased with the legacy he will leave behind.
Whitfield, who was first elected to represent Kentucky’s 1st congressional district in 1995, announced in September that he would not run for re-election in 2016.
In an interview with the Kentucky Chamber’s Bottom Line in his Washington office, Whitfield noted he has been in office for 22 years once his current term ends and added he felt that was long enough.
“I never thought I would be here that long. But it has been a great pleasure working with the 1st district of Kentucky,” Whitfield said. “I think some of the things I am most proud of was establishing LBL as a national forest because it was in the hands of TBA and they were talking about some commercial development so we have 170,000 acres down there that I think will be protected for future generations.”
Whitfield also noted he is proudest of his accomplishments establishing the health care program at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant and working with the men and women at Fort Campbell as well as his work to ensure the humane treatment of animals. (Hear his remarks in the video below.)
“I just want to thank the people of the 1st district of Kentucky for working with me for almost 22 years and giving me the opportunity to represent them,” Whitfield told the Chamber.
As for the issues that still face the district, Whitfield said energy issues, the cost of health care, the country’s defense and more will still be left on the table after he is gone. Watch the interview segment below to hear his thoughts on the issues.
The Kentucky Chamber also spoke to Whitfield about the race to replace him as 1st district congressman and what qualifications someone needs to have to fill the position. Hear what he had to say on Bottom Line here.
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