UMWA Defends Chandler

{Lexington, Kentucky}...The United Mine Workers of America union has rushed to the defense of U.S. Representative Ben Chandler after an attack ad portrayed him as an enemy of the coal industry. Chandler's Republican opponent, Lexington attorney Andy Barr, has begun airing a TV spot in Lexington that blames Chandler, President Barack Obama and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for devastating the coal industry. UMWA Regional Vice President Steve Earle said Monday that Chandler, who is seeking re-election in Kentucky's 6th District, has always been a friend to miners and an advocate for more stringent laws to protect their safety. UMWA endorses Chandler in the race.