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.
Thank god
mbauer Thursday, April 30th at 6:06PM EDT (link)This is a seat we are sure to lose if Bunning is the nominee.
Why? nt
Flagstaff Thursday, April 30th at 8:11PM EDT (link)Pluto, the Ninth Planet - Forever!
Probably for the best
Scott Mustian Thursday, April 30th at 6:38PM EDT (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.
Scott Mustian
Say it ain't so!
Lisa Graas Thursday, April 30th at 6:45PM EDT (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
Scott Mustian Thursday, April 30th at 7:31PM EDT (link)Trey Grayson has the announcement on his facebook page.
Scott Mustian
NOT TRUE.
Lisa Graas Thursday, April 30th at 8:12PM EDT (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 Thursday, April 30th at 7:54PM EDT (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 Thursday, April 30th at 8:10PM EDT (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.
Pluto, the Ninth Planet - Forever!
Sen. Bunning
Hoover Thursday, April 30th at 10:14PM EDT (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.