Remember in 2004, the KY Senate race was nearly lost at the last minute because of perceptions that Bunning was not "up" to another six years. I don't recall if that view came from Bunning's age or over some ethnic remark that he made.
Why do Republicans keep making such silly remarks and then apologize ad nauseum thereafter? If they would stick to principle, they would be better served.
"[Bunning] could not appear in person due to an important vote held just few hours before the debate and instead was televised from the Republican national headquarters; he refused to allow an independent observer in the room with him; he insisted that no portion of any recording of his performance could be rebroadcast; he insisted that the debate be broadcast live in the afternoon instead of the customary prime time hours; and other conditions. After the debate it was leaked that Bunning was using a telepromter to read previously crafter answers to the questions posed to him during the debate (upon insisting that he receive the questions ahead of time)." - Wikipedia
He ended up winning by one percent after leading by 15-20 points throughout the summer. People have a short memory here and they refuse to believe that history can repeat itself.