Posted on 02/23/2009 3:34:42 AM PST by Impy
KENTUCKY. US Senator Jim Bunning (R) is already expected to face a tough fight for reelection next year, as leading Bluegrass State Democrats are lining up to run. Over the weekend, Bunning helped to contribute to his reputation for making erratic comments. Speaking at a Lincoln Day event over the weekend, Bunning said that US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg will be dead from pancreatic cancer within the next nine months. Bunning also complained the NRSC isn't doing enough financially to help him and other embattled conservative incumbents. In related news, The Hill reports that State Senate President David Williams is considering making a primary challenge to Bunning. Williams was in DC Friday meeting with NRSC officials. Williams, an ally of US Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R), has high name recognition in the state. McConnell has openly expressed his hopes that Bunning will retire next year -- after the unexpectedly close call he survived in 2004. Secretary of State Trey Grayson (R) says he would run for the Senate seat if Bunning retires, but will not challenge Bunning in a primary. Bunning insisted again this weekend that he will seek re-election in 2010.
NEW HAMPSHIRE. Well-placed sources close to former US Senator Bob Smith (R) tell Politics1 that Smith has shifted away from his earlier plan to run for US Senate in Florida, where he has lived for the past few years. Instead, Smith -- who has maintained a home in New Hampshire -- now plans to return to the Granite State and run for US Senate in the GOP primary next year if former US Senator John Sununu Jr. runs for Judd Gregg's open seat. One of Smith's consultants, who asked not too be named, said Smith will emphasize his pro-gun rights, pro-life and pro-environment stances against Sununu. Smith lost for renomination to Sununu in the bitter 2002 primary, so part of Smith's motiviation for running against Sununu would be to inflict as much political damage as possible on Sununu.
I guess these Kentucky Democrats plan to run on Obama’s coat-tails, which was a great strategy for Dems in 1994.
Sitting conservative have nothing to fear in 2010, despite what the MSM or even what the polls say today.
But if the go the McCain route, all bets are off.
Unhinged nutbar envirowacko Bob Smith would like to screw with Sununu if Sununu runs for Gregg’s seat.
Jim Bunning may face primary opposition from the State Senate President.
Bunning could be vulnerable. He’s old and almost lost in 2004 to a nobody.
Congressman Chandler (D) may run, he’d be using his grandfather’s coatails, not Obama’s.
Dang! I saw Bob Smith in the title and thought this was a Howdy Doody thread.
You have just dated yourself. ;)
LLS
That’s what I was/am terrified of, but it’s a joy to see so many Republicans steadfastly and boldly resist the Democrats. Maybe the GOP isn’t dead to me after all. But we’ll see.......
Bunning is in trouble, that really isn’t in doubt. His fundraising efforts are in the toilet. He’s a good man and fine Senator, but he’s past his prime (he’d turn 80 at the start of his next term). Even if 2010 goes our way elsewhere, if he’s renominated, he’s going to lose. I’d like to see him retire with his head held high. There’s no seat we can afford to lose next year. With a fresher Republican like David Williams, we have a better shot at holding the seat. The likely rodent running is the Lt Governor, Mongiardo, and he’s a world-class a$$hole and sure vote for the Stalinist False Messiah agenda down the line.
As for Bob Smith, he just needs to go away. He turned into a flake. I don’t think Sununu is the ideal choice, either.
Bunning won in a Landslide in 2004. He is not 80.
No, he's never won in a landslide. He won his first term in 1998 by six thousand votes, barely a HALF percent margin. In 2004, against Mongiardo, he won 50.7-49.3%, just under 23,000 votes.
"He is not 80."
He will be in 2011, were he to be reelected, the first year of his third term. He turns 78 this year.
“Rasmussen says that we would take 45 House seats and 11 Senate seats if the election were today”
I looked for that and didn’t see it. Would you pls post a link to that article. Thanks.
“He will be in 2011, were he to be reelected, the first year of his third term. He turns 78 this year. “
Yeesh... I remember when he was a pitcher for the Phillies. Dating myself now...
Scoob, Bunning barley inched out a win in 2004.
Smith was a flake when he temporary ditched the party in 1999 only to return to take deceased Chafee Sr.’s chairmanship.
Despite this I was interested in him running for President in 2000. Oh what a young fool.
Mongiardo, Bunning insinuated he was queer IIRC, may have backfired.
Still I’d like to see that queer Mongiardo pitch a perfect game!
Gain 45 seats?
And 11 Senate seats?
Really?
Who’s this state senate president? Why would Bunning be vulnerable in a primary?
I’m not sure if Sununu is the best choice, either. He just lost a race that was not particularly close.
LLS
I heard about it on Rush’s show a week or so ago. Proves that the lsm still lies for hussein.
LLS
Rush may also have the transcript of that show archived.
LLS
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.