Bunning Bows Out

The flood gates have opened...Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning will not seek re-election in 2010. Bunning's announcement Monday wasn't a shock to many GOP leaders in the Bluegrass...it was almost expected. The 77 year old pitcher turned politician struggled to raise the necessary money it would take to run a competitive race, blaming fellow Republicans for drying up his funds. Bunning wouldn't point out particular backstabers, but its well known that Kentucky's other senator...Mitch McConnell...has been leading a rebellion against him. The news excited Secretary of State Trey Grayson and Bowling Green Physician Rand Paul as both Republicans have been on the sidelines waiting to jump into a Bunning-less race. It's expected there so called "exploratory committees" will turn into full-flegged campaigns in the days to come. The path is perhaps trickier to navigate for Liet. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo and AG Jack Conway...Democrats who declared their intention to run months ago. Mongiardo and Conway would have benefited from all the gunfire within the GOP had Bunning stayed in the race. Even with Bunning's departure, deciding on a favorite this early in the race would be foolish. Nevertheless, the change is landscape is important to note.