Democrat sets up possible Senate rematch in Kentucky
(CNN) - Kentucky Lt. Governor Dan Mongiardo, a Democrat and practicing surgeon, announced Monday he plans to challenge Republican Sen. Jim Bunning in 2010.
The move sets up a possible rematch of the memorable 2004 Senate race, in which Bunning ran what was regarded by many as a lackadaisical campaign but still managed to eke out a win over Mongiardo by just 1.4 percentage points.
Mongiardo said in a statement he will “launch a vigorous campaign replace Senator Jim Bunning” and pledged to focus on shoring up America’s health care system if elected.
Bunning, a former Major League All-Star who has served in the Senate since 1998, is seen as one of the most vulnerable incumbents of the 2010 cycle. According to The Hill, some bluegrass Republicans are mulling asking Bunning to stand down to make room for a more energetic candidate.
Mongiardo is the first Democrat to announce a challenge to Bunning, but other state officials are reportedly eyeing the seat as well.
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I'm waiting for the 1st announcement of candidacy for the 2012 Presidential election. Shall we set the over-under for Valentine's Day, 2009.
Really, the election cycle is way too long. Just look at all the votes the major candidates for President in 2008 lost due to campaigning. We should limit campaigns to 3 months and allow those elected to do their jobs until then.
To rebuild her "base," Caroline needs to get her own YouTube channel. Either she has something to say on issues, or she doesn't. She will learn to speak briefly and to the point, and she will learn to live with negative feedback (as well as positive) in the Comments. On the other hand maybe she should do kissy-kissy with Andrew Cuomo and run for Lieut. Gov. with him for Gov. In any case she need to earn her way in government, not claim unelected high office as an aristocratic legacy. Enough of these twitty dynasties.
I tell you what, even though we are in hard times and complex, you can't go wrong with this competition. I think it makes for good entertainment and awareness, it makes our country interesting that's for sure and of course, the matches couldn't been better than the playoffs to name a few...
I think that's cool, we'll play OVER/UNDER instead...in a good way, in a good way, LOL!!
50,000 layoffs today...
and John Boehner wants 'tax-cuts.'
Hmmm... he must be lookin out for the rich guys, only.
Bunning is useless and has been for a long time. It's time for him to EXIT STAGE RIGHT.
If you are running as a Republican, why do you have to be energetic? Don't they believe that government is the problem, not the solution?
Of course, if you really believe that, it's something of a mystery why you would want to run for office in the first place. And its more a mystery why anyone would vote for you.
It's a little like choosing Ralph Nader to run General Motors. Much as you may like his message, it doesn't fit the job.
Bunning sucks. Another old-style Republican obstructionist who's gonna lose in 2010.
Many of us in Kentucky believe that if the 2004 race had lasted about 10 minutes longer, Daniel Mongiardo would have been the victor. Bunning's mental state was scary and he was rambling accusations about strange events that happened exclusively in a very dark place, his mind. The fact that he "got it right" in his ranting about Fannie and Freddie brings back memories of my father's reminder that even a broken clock is right twice a day....
Yes, Bunning Sucks – I agree – He needs to go!!!!
If you were a Republican in Wisconsin, you could just ask the Court to change the outcome from 2004. Change the weather too.
Let's do this Kentucky! Turn BLUE and jump on the bandwagon.
I'm ready to help all the way from Texas!!! Turn it blue...
As a Republican, I have one hope....Bunning retires. Republicans can win here, but not with Jim Bunning!
Yes it's time for Senator Bunning to go. Put someone in that will take the job at heart for Ky and let Mr. Bunning look after his family as he so stated
Go Big Blue!!!! Thank you, Mongiardo! Yes We Can!
Let's hope you win Dan Mongiardo. I agree that Senator Bunning just don't get it. He's a loser.
Let make it happen Kentucky! Turn BLUE.
Yes, Bunning Sucks