U.S. Representative, District 1

Candidate profiles have been edited only for spelling, grammar and punctuation, and otherwise appear as submitted.

DATE OF BIRTH Aug. 19, 1972

ADDRESS Tompkinsville, KY

EDUCATION BS in Agriculture, Western Kentucky University (1993)

OCCUPATION Farmer, Congressman

POLITICAL PARTY Republication

ELECTED OFFICES HELD Congressman, Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture, State Representative

SPOUSE/PARTNER & CHILDREN Wife TJ Comer; children Harlan, Reagan, Aniston

JAMES COMER

How would you rate the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic? What would you do, as a member of Congress, to prepare the nation for future pandemics?

The federal government has done as well as it could under very difficult circumstances. The coronavirus is a unique challenge, and while there have certainly been bumps in the road, we are getting closer to a vaccine and finally have testing available to most Americans. It is critical that we use this as a learning experience to prepare for future pandemics.

What additional federal assistance, if any, do you see the country needing in 2021?

Given that we have already spent over $3 trillion, any further stimulus should focus on providing targeted relief to businesses and individuals in need. We also need to provide support for schools and childcare facilities to reopen.

What is your plan for health care reform in 2021–22? If the Affordable Care Act is overturned, what, if anything, should replace it?

Rather than the one-size-fits-all approach found in Obamacare, we must pursue market-based alternatives and bring down costs. Congress should also expand Health Savings Accounts and promote association health plans to reduce costs. It is also critical that any reforms protect individuals with pre-existing conditions.

ADDRESS

What are three issues that would be your top priorities, if you were elected?

• Defeating COVID-19 and safely reopening the economy • Protecting communities from rioting and violence • Incentivizing American manufacturing by moving critical supply chains home from China

JAMES RHODES

How would you rate the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic? What would you do, as a member of Congress, to prepare the nation for future pandemics?

Mask wearing, social distancing and testing are necessary, but I believe if it had been addressed with the severity we knew it had from day one, we would be farther in control than we are. Future pandemics will need to have the pandemic response team reassembled.

What additional federal assistance, if any, do you see the country needing in 2021?

I believe it is possible (for) the need for something like Roosevelt implemented in the “New Deal” from the Great Depression. Modifications will be needed for current times, but I can see something like this.

What is your plan for health care reform in 2021–22? If the Affordable Care Act is overturned, what, if anything, should replace it?

I believe that it is worth looking into a universally publicly funded health care system. The success rates in other areas that use this system show positive results; it is worth examining the benefits.

What are three issues that would be your top priorities, if you were elected?

Affordable, quality health care and prescription medication is a must, senior citizens need to be secure in the fact that social security is going to be available and fully funded, and the tax loopholes need to be fixed to ensure that

DATE OF BIRTH Oct. 3, 1941

everyone is paying their fair share of taxes. 4520 Gordon Drive, Kevil, KY 42053

EDUCATION Graduate of Ripley High School, U.S. Army, and DeVry University

OCCUPATION Retired from the City of Paducah

POLITICAL PARTY Democrat

ELECTED OFFICES HELD None

SPOUSE/PARTNER & CHILDREN Spouse Leona P. Rhodes (deceased); children Paula McCutchen, Ann Rhodes, Melissa Hornbeck, and Jennifer Oliver