Why this Federal Prosecutor Resigned and is Running for Congress in Kentucky

Beth talks with Zach Dembo, the Democratic candidate for Kentucky's 6th Congressional District, running against Republican Ralph Alvarado in one of the closest House races in the country:

Zach's path to running: Teach for America, active-duty Navy, policy advisor to Gov. Andy Beshear, and most recently a federal prosecutor

Why he resigned from the DOJ, and how that decision affected his marriage (his wife is also a prosecutor)

His anti-corruption platform: no stock trading for members of Congress, 12-year term limits, a ban on lobbying, a ban on dark money and corporate PAC contributions

Why the corruption message is landing with voters across party lines in central Kentucky right now

His "team Kentucky, not team party" case for independence in a polarized Congress

The "nightmare scenario": what Congress can actually do if the executive ignores its own laws

His committee priorities — armed services and agriculture — and why farm economics are personal to both hosts

The contrast with his opponent, Ralph Alvarado

Running a true toss-up race, and how listeners can help

A closing conversation about UK football under Will Stein and UK basketball

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices