Conway, Paul Spar On ADA

WTVQ ^ | 07/26/2010 | John McGary

[speciallybland]

Both of Kentucky's major candidates for the U.S. Senate may have a little homework to do on the American With Disabilities Act.

The ADA was signed into law July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. Monday, his son Jeb was in Louisville at a fundraiser for Rand Paul, the Republican nominee who's expressed reservations about the ADA.

In Frankfort, a rally to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the law gave Democratic nominee Jack Conway an opportunity he couldn't resist. Conway, one of the last speakers, began to wrap up his remarks by noting, "And I know this is a nonpartisan rally -- and I want to respect that."

Seconds later, Conway used what he said were Paul's statements about the ADA against him, first saying Paul was against the ADA, then ever-so-slightly misquoting him:

"'You know what, if a business owner has two stories, let someone with a disabililty take their office on the first floor,' Conway said, quoting Paul, then adding, "That is ignorant -- because the ADA exempts buildings that are two stories or lower."

Actually, the ADA exempts only some two story buildings from the elevator requirement.

Title III of the ADA says, "Elevators are not required in facilities under three stories or with fewer than 3000 square feet per floor, unless the building is a shopping center or mall; professional office of a health care provider; public transit station; or airport passenger terminal."

[speciallybland]

The Attorney General of Kentucky, the democrat's candidate, doesn't even know the law and is calling others "ignorant" whilst making incorrect statements in the same sentence.