FRANKFORT – In an astonishing show of ignorance about Kentucky’s universities, Bruce Lunsford referred to Eastern Kentucky University yesterday as “the eastern Kentucky campus of U.K.” Lunsford’s campaign blog described his recent visit to Richmond “in his own words:”

“Today I spent a very warm early summer day working at a gas station/food mart (the ‘College Food Mart’) in Richmond, Kentucky near the Eastern Kentucky campus of U.K.” (http://bruce2008.com/blog.asp)

“I was initially outraged by this ignorance, but what do you expect from a guy who lives in Arizona and Chicago,” said Republican Party of Kentucky Chairman Steve Robertson. “I guess we should cut him some slack. There are probably not too many out-of-state folks who could answer such detailed questions about Kentucky’s universities.”

This latest episode is another example of why Kentucky should not trust a U.S. Senate seat to someone who simply cannot deliver for the Commonwealth.

“A rookie senator would have a hard enough time doing anything for Kentucky, not to mention a rookie who can’t tell the difference between a Colonel and a Wildcat,” Robertson added.

Former Kentucky Lt. Governor Steve Pence, a Distinguished Alumni of EKU who earned graduate and undergraduate degrees and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, said he’s not surprised by Lunsford’s lack of Kentucky knowledge.

“I’m not sure I could pick out all of Arizona’s universities on a map, so I guess I won’t be too hard on Bruce,” Pence said. “But he should know that EKU has a proud history, proud alumni, and a record of turning out some of the best graduates in our state.”

Lunsford, who spent about an hour in Richmond yesterday after telling members of the media he would be there for four hours, might need another trip.

“Bruce Lunsford is finding out that silly political stunts can’t substitute for being a serious candidate for U.S. Senate, and I suspect most Kentuckians - especially folks in Richmond - won’t forget being slighted anytime soon,” Robertson said.

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Fast Facts on Eastern Kentucky University

1. It’s an actual university, all by itself, with nearly 16,000 students.

2. Recognized as one of the best teacher’s universities in the region, EKU’s website says: “Ever-mindful of the purpose of its founding, Eastern continues to recognize its historic function of preparing quality teachers for the elementary and secondary schools of the Commonwealth.”

3. We’re not kidding! It really is a University separate from UK!

4. Lee Majors, the Six Million Dollar Man, graduated from EKU.

5. Eastern Kentucky University’s graduate occupational therapy program has been named one of “America’s Best” by U.S. News & World Report.

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