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Ben Carson Says He’s the Calm Alternative In Presidential Race at Lexington Rally

Ryland Barton, WFPL

Presidential Candidate Ben Carson made his pitch in Lexington Monday, suggesting that Republicans nominate him as a “calm” alternative to front-runner Donald Trump. 

Carson, a retired neurosurgeon from Detroit, said that people who are upset about the state of affairs in Washington, D.C. and the Middle East need to check their emotions. “Typically people who are frightened and angry do not make good decisions. It’s very important that we calm down and actually start thinking logically.” 

Carson hinted, but wouldn’t say explicitly that Trump is catering to that fear and anger. Polls show Trump with major leads in most of the 13 Republican primaries that will take place on Super Tuesday, though Republican Sen. Ted Cruz has the lead in Texas.

Carson criticized the government for taking on too much debt and over-regulating private industries. In a nod to Kentuckians who oppose carbon regulations, Carson said that the Environmental Protection Agency should be “reoriented.”

Carson is still predicted to take between 8 and 9 percent of the vote in the contests, as is Ohio Gov. John Kasich. Carson is also on the ballot of Kentucky’s Republican caucus this Saturday. Donald Trump will be stumping in Louisville on Tuesday.

Ryland Barton is the Managing Editor for Collaboratives for Kentucky Public Radio, a group of public radio stations including WKMS, WFPL in Louisville, WEKU in Richmond and WKYU in Bowling Green. A native of Lexington, Ryland most recently served as the Capitol Reporter for Kentucky Public Radio. He has covered politics and state government for NPR member stations KWBU in Waco and KUT in Austin.
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