It’s said that
you should never judge a person until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. When it comes to understanding the problems
coal miners face, I’ve walked that mile. I’ve been a coal miner and a member of the United Mine Workers. I understand
the dangers, the health risks and how hard these people work to earn a dollar. It’s not an easy life.
As a doctor I now treat
some of the same people I once worked along side in the mines. I know how people get black lung. I know how easily injuries
happen and how that situation can change lives forever. It’s one reason why I respect miners. It’s why I always
do everything in my power to help them in any way I can — not because of politics, because of compassion. I’ll
do the same thing when I’m your state senator. With your help we can all win on Election Day.