Kentucky Senate Race 2010: “They’re at the Post!”
May 2nd, 2009 . by RickIt has been a busy past couple of days for Kentucky politics and it looks like it has only just begun. There has been wide speculation regarding Senator Jim Bunning’s (R-KY) attempts at reelection. It has appeared that he would retire, then he said that he would not. But on Thursday he basically gave up and said that he would welcome any other candidates to go against him in the fall election. As of today, its a four horse race on the Republican side. On the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo (D) is already in the race, while Attorney General Jack Conway (D) and state Auditor Crit Luallen (D) continue to mull their own bids. Rep. Ben Chandler (D), seen as national Democrats’ top choice, has not ruled out a race.
 Incumbent Senator Jim Bunning has been sending mixed messages for a long time as to whether or not he is going to run. In fact, when the National Republican SenatorialCommittee announced that they were going to entertain potential candidates to run against him (a first for the NRSC) he threatened to sue them. This is evidence of his ineffectiveness in developing relationships within the Senate (Kentucky’s other Senator, Mitch McConnell being the Senate Minority Leader) as well as not making himself clear with his plans for running.As a Senator Sen. Bunning has done a pretty good job in voting for Conservative principles, but has hardly been a charismatic figure. |
 David Williams, President of the Kentucky State Senate has indicated that he plans to run against Bunning, regardless of whether Bunning officially announces plans to be reelected or not. The Republican from Burkesville has met with the NRSC in DC, however the NRSC has denied that they are endorsing him or are recruiting him. It was probably just some friends having coffee (wink, wink). |
 Secretary of State Trey Grayson (R) announced April 29th that he was formally forming an exploratory committee. He has said that he would not be running against Bunning but wanted to make sure that things are in place in case the 77 year old incumbent decides to retire. Grayson has the distinction of being the first Republican (along with Sec Ag Richie Farmer) to win a statewide election in a year when a Democrat won the Governor’s seat since 1915.
Grayson will certainly win a lot of Democrats as he was a Clinton delegate in 1994 and a lot of the state still sees him as a Democrat. However, Grayson has not been clear on his positions on many issues and this may become a problem as Kentuckian’s begin to explore those positions. |
 Dr. Rand Paul is the latest to throw his hat in the ring and may actually be one of the strongest contenders.With a full card of professional politicians Dr. Paul comes to the ticket with business experience and a proven track record of caring about Kentucky issues from the perspective of citizen of the commonwealth. Founder and chairman of the Kentucky Taxpayer’s United, Paul is known for presenting awards to those in the Kentucky legislature who have done a great job at not increasing our taxes, and some recognition of those who did. Paul is accustomed to hardcore campaigning as he was instrumental in his father’s 2008 Presidential Campaign.
With Bunning’s approval rating at an all time low and his obvious inability to raise sufficient funds to mount the necessary campaign, it might be time for Kentucky to begin to look long and hard at those running and get behind one of them. |
May 3rd, 2009 at 2:07 am
Lets get this show on the road! I’m ready for a fun primary season!
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:25 am
Rand Paul all the way!
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:59 am
[...] on Who the KY GOP is Supporting so Far Posted on July 2, 2009 by fooser Two candidate descriptions, and you can guess which one the GOP establishment is supporting for the primary, for the seat Jim [...]
December 25th, 2009 at 2:09 am
I’ve been reading a few posts and really and enjoy your writing. I’m just starting up my own blog and only hope that I can write as well and give the reader so much insight.
January 31st, 2010 at 11:13 pm
Unfortunately the clearly most qualified canidate is missing from the list above. Bill Johnson is a decorated Gulf War Veteran and proven international business man. When you compare the resumes’ of the three canidates and consider what they have actually accomplished in their lifetimes Bill stands far above the others! He is the man to continue Mr. Bunnings’ proud service for the State of Kentucky!
KentuckyBill.com
Check Bill Johnson out and then compare him to Mr. Grayson and Dr. Paul and you will see he is the clear choice!
Sincerely,
Steve Hamlin
Lexington Kentucky
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:19 pm
I admit, I have not been on this webpage in a long time… however it was another joy to see It is such an important topic and ignored by so many, even professionals. I thank you to help making people more aware of possible issues.Great stuff as usual