This report is from Roll Call:
In a move that signals a retirement announcement from Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.) is imminent, Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson (R) has formed an exploratory committee to run for Senate.
In making the announcement, Grayson reiterated that he has “no plans to run against Senator Bunning” — and one Republican political strategist confirmed Thursday that Bunning did in fact give Grayson the green light to open up an exploratory committee, a clear signal that he does not plan to seek another term in 2010. A second GOP source said Grayson was likely to run now, even if Bunning decides not to retire after all.
Kentucky Republicans are speculating that Bunning will make his retirement announcement May 9 at the state’s Lincoln Day Dinner.
Grayson met with Bunning and other Members of the the Kentucky delegation this week before forming his exploratory committee. One of those meetings was with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who has been a political mentor to Grayson.
In their meeting McConnell “wished [Grayson] luck,” said McConnell’s chief of staff, Billy Piper.
Grayson has hired McConnell’s pollster, Jan van Lohuizen.
Neil Stevens
Moe Lane
Steve Maley
Daniel Horowitz
Jake Walker
Thank god
mbauer (Diary) Thursday, April 30th at 6:06PM EST (link)This is a seat we are sure to lose if Bunning is the nominee.
Why? nt
Flagstaff (Diary) Thursday, April 30th at 8:11PM EST (link)“The press is so powerful in its image-making role that it can make a criminal look like he’s the victim and make the victim look like he’s the criminal. If you aren’t careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.”– Malcolm X, Audubon Ballroom, December 13, 1964
Probably for the best
Kentucky Scott (Diary) Thursday, April 30th at 6:38PM EST (link)Senator Bunning’s voting record was impeccable so I hate to see that conservative voice lost but he had an uphill battle. I have some concern with octogenarians continuing to serve in office no matter what party … it was obvious age was catching up with him.
It will be great to see what Trey Grayson stands for. He has been the rising Republican in Kentucky for some time now. There are some in Kentucky who question his conservative commitment but only time will tell. Career politicians who have such high ambition at a young age sometimes give me pause. I know he was paying attention to the Tea Parties in the state so hopefully he will reflect these messages in his campaign.
Kentucky by registration is highly Democrat but these are very conservative Democrats. Grayson may have a really good time pinning the first two years of Obama Administration on his likely opponent Lt. Governor Dan Mongiardo. By the time November 2010 rolls around, Obama’s name may not even be mentionable in this state. If the message takes hold perhaps this could carry some momentum for the Kentucky Governor’s race in 2011.
Say it ain't so!
Lisa Graas (Diary) Thursday, April 30th at 6:45PM EST (link)One of the gals from Smart Girl Politics called Bunning’s office THIS MORNING and asked if he is running for re-election. She was assured that he will be. Either the staffer is out of the loop, lied, or this story is PREMATURE.
Bunning has not abandoned conservatives. He is a solid conservative and I am saddened to hear these reports. Please change your story. It’s not substantiated.
It is true that Grayson is running
Kentucky Scott (Diary) Thursday, April 30th at 7:31PM EST (link)Trey Grayson has the announcement on his facebook page.
NOT TRUE.
Lisa Graas (Diary) Thursday, April 30th at 8:12PM EST (link)But Bunning is NOT RETIRING. This is a hoax to put pressure on Bunning and fool people, I think. Why would Red State have a headline that is FALSE????? It says nowhere in the linked article that Bunning is retiring! It is speculation, but look at the headline, and also Bunning’s staff is saying this is not true. Please make a correction!
Well
dld1717 (Diary) Thursday, April 30th at 7:54PM EST (link)I just saw this
But a spokesman for Mr. Bunning, Mike Reynard, refuted those rumors. “Senator Bunning has every intention of running, ” he said in an e-mailed statement.
I am curious just how popular is Grayson?
The only Senator to have pitched a perfect game.
Flagstaff (Diary) Thursday, April 30th at 8:10PM EST (link)Fathers’ Day, 45 years ago.
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/boxscore/06211964.shtml
I recognize every name on the Phillies’ box score except ‘John Hernstein,’ and most of the Mets.
“The press is so powerful in its image-making role that it can make a criminal look like he’s the victim and make the victim look like he’s the criminal. If you aren’t careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.”– Malcolm X, Audubon Ballroom, December 13, 1964
Sen. Bunning
Hoover Thursday, April 30th at 10:14PM EST (link)Has served Kentucky and the country very well. He is a true gentleman and a strong conservative. Thank you for all your years of leadership. I hope he will continue to be involved in the state and national party, he has a voice that should be heard.