Bunning maintains that McConnell should be more like Rand Paul. Asked about Paul's comments on the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Bunning blamed the Courier-Journal for the controversy. According to Politico, "Bunning didn't endorse Paul's views and said he doesn't have any concerns with the 46-year-old Civil Rights law."
Showing posts with label Bunning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bunning. Show all posts
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Bunning Disses McConnell, Again
Sen. Jim Bunning actually spoke with reporters today, taking the opportunity to criticize Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and praise Rand Paul.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Bunning Endorses Rand Paul
Sen. Jim Bunning -- who encouraged Trey Grayson to run -- has endorsed Grayson's rival for the Republican nomination, Rand Paul.
Bunning can endorse whomever he wants. But to encourage Grayson to run and then endorse his opponent is just despicable.
Plainly, Bunning is trying to get back at Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, whom Bunning accused of "drying up" potential campaign donations. Bunning decided to retire after he was unable to raise the money to run for reelection.
Treacherous though it is, Bunning's endorsement is a big boost to the Paul campaign.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
A Bunning Reprise?
Politico speculates that as the short-term extension of unemployment and other benefits gets ready to expire in a two weeks, Sen. Jim Bunning might get all "irascible" and demand once again that the government find the money before passing the bill.
It's a pity that Bunning no longer attends his caucus meetings. This would be a really great time to let Bunning be Bunning: focus his innate irascibility on the health care monstrosity's return to the Senate. As Vice President Joe Biden clarified, it's a "big f--ing deal."
Friday, February 26, 2010
Stay Classy, Sen. Bunning
Sen. Jim Bunning is going to embarrass Kentucky up until the very end of his term. Check out what he did this week: He kept a bill that would have extended unemployment benefits -- this had huge bipartisan support -- from getting a vote because he didn't want to miss the UK- South Carolina game. Then he swore when colleagues complained.
Talking Points Memo explains:
Ninety-nine of the Senate's 100 members have agreed that people whose benefits are set to run out should be allowed to continue receiving them past the February 28 deadline. One senator--Bunning--disagrees. He says the benefits should only be extended if they're paid for with stimulus dollars. Democrats disagree.
Ninety-nine of the Senate's 100 members have agreed that people whose benefits are set to run out should be allowed to continue receiving them past the February 28 deadline. One senator--Bunning--disagrees. He says the benefits should only be extended if they're paid for with stimulus dollars. Democrats disagree.
If he were to relent, the extensions would be granted automatically. But, per the Senate rules, any single member can throw a wrench into an otherwise universal agreement.Bunning's concerns lay elsewhere: "I have missed the Kentucky-South Carolina game that started at 9:00 and it's the only redeeming chance we had to beat South Carolina since they're the only team that has beat Kentucky this year," he said on the Senate floor.
At one point in the discussion, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), asked Bunning to drop his objection. Bunning, according to Politico, had a two word answer for his colleague: "Tough shit."
Friday, September 25, 2009
Bunning Demands Dems Put Bill On Line; Baucus Refuses
It was a brilliant but obvious request, and it should have passed unanimously. Sen. Jim Bunning proposed that the Senate Finance Committee post the $ 900 billion health care bill online 72 hours before it is voted upon. And while you're at it, Bunning suggested, go ahead and post the the Congressional Budget Office analysis of what it will cost.
Sen. Max "the Gag Order" Baucus, however says that it's just too hard to do, and his fellow Democrats went along with the ruse, defeating the motion 12-11.
Masters of the Sucker Punch, the Democrats don't want the little people to read the bill until it's too late. The same for those Humana subscribers who -- according to the Congressional Budget Office -- will in fact see their Medicare Advantage benefits cut if this bill becomes law. But Baucus and his cronies reason that if we don't tell them, they won't worry. And anyone who dares tell the Seniors what to expect will be punished with a federal investigation.
Bunning, is absolutely right: the health care bill should be put on line for citizens to read it before our elected officials vote on it.
According to the Washington Examiner, only one Democrat, Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark, voted with Bunning. All the other Democrats essentially voted to hide the bill from the American people. So much for transparency.
Baucus's excuse is most amusing, given the Democrats' superiority on all things related to computer technology. After all, Al Gore invented the Internet, and President Barack Obama is the first president to refuse to give up his Blackberry. And recall how Democrats mocked Sen. John McCain for not being more proficient with a computer.
Nonetheless, Baucus claims -- with a straight face -- that it will take his staff two weeks to post the bill online. (Memo to Baucus: maybe you can get some of your federal investigators to help.)
Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., himself admitted that “This probably sounds a little crazy to some people that we are voting on something before we have seen legislative language.” Indeed.
Baucus's refusal to let citizens from around the country read the bill that will bankrupt our country and ruin our health care system -- it's almost as surprising as Iran having a second secret nuclear reactor.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
While McConnell Protected Free Speech, Bunning Snored
Give credit to Sen. Jim Bunning, who showed up the the Senate Finance Committee and condemned Sen. Max Baucus's latest iteration of Obamacare.
Unfortunately, Bunning then dozed off. Literally. Dana Milbank writes for the Washington Post,
"I do not support a government takeover of the health-care system," he [Bunning] railed. The proposal "confiscates more money from the taxpayers," he went on. "It tramples on American freedom and liberties."
After this vigorous display of open-mindedness, Bunning was spent. About an hour later, spectators noticed that the senator, who had been resting his chin in his hand, had fallen fast asleep. As giggles rippled through the chamber, an aide shook Bunning, who woke with a start.
Sen. Bunning has earned the right to take all the naps he wants, but it would be best if he wait until his successor is sworn in.
H/t: National Review
Friday, August 7, 2009
McConnell Was Right About Bunning
The Hill has praised Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell for not endorsing Sen. Jim Bunning for reelection -- the catalyst that eventually led Bunning to withdraw from the race.
It would have been easier for McConnell to simply endorse Bunning -- no confrontation, no hurt feelings. But McConnell knew that Bunning could not win reelection, so McConnell put the interests of the party and ultimately the country above Bunning's vanity.
As difficult and politically awkward as it was, McConnell showed leadership in pushing Bunning out of the race. Democrats wanted to face Bunning next year, and while they are not conceding the race, their effort to nab the seat has become much more challenging.
As The Hill notes, no matter how many times Bunning attacked McConnell for not helping him, McConnell never responded in kind:
Throughout 2009, Bunning lashed out at McConnell, who never publicly fired back.
When Bunning announced he was not going to seek a third term, he said, “Over the past year, some of the leaders of the Republican Party in the Senate have done everything in their power to dry up my fundraising.”
How did McConnell respond? He simply issued a statement saying he was honored to work by Bunning’s side.
Well said, Sen. McConnell.
It would have been easier for McConnell to simply endorse Bunning -- no confrontation, no hurt feelings. But McConnell knew that Bunning could not win reelection, so McConnell put the interests of the party and ultimately the country above Bunning's vanity.
As difficult and politically awkward as it was, McConnell showed leadership in pushing Bunning out of the race. Democrats wanted to face Bunning next year, and while they are not conceding the race, their effort to nab the seat has become much more challenging.
As The Hill notes, no matter how many times Bunning attacked McConnell for not helping him, McConnell never responded in kind:
Throughout 2009, Bunning lashed out at McConnell, who never publicly fired back.
When Bunning announced he was not going to seek a third term, he said, “Over the past year, some of the leaders of the Republican Party in the Senate have done everything in their power to dry up my fundraising.”
How did McConnell respond? He simply issued a statement saying he was honored to work by Bunning’s side.
Well said, Sen. McConnell.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Bunning's Out
Sen. Jim Bunning has announced that he will not seek reelection, according to WHAS 11. He says that he is not planning to endorse anyone -- hard to square with him telling Secretary of State Trey Grayson to form an exploratory committee.
Bunning also blames national Republicans for his inability to raise money. It's most unfortunate to see a man who has served Kentucky well resort to the role of victim:
“To win a general election, a candidate has to be able to raise millions of dollars to get the message out to voters,” Bunning said. “Over the past year, some of the leaders of the Republican Party in the Senate have done everything in their power to dry up my fundraising. The simple fact is that I have not raised the funds necessary to run an effective campaign for the U.S. Senate. For this reason, I will not be a candidate for re-election in 2010.” (From Politico.)
Bunning also blames national Republicans for his inability to raise money. It's most unfortunate to see a man who has served Kentucky well resort to the role of victim:
“To win a general election, a candidate has to be able to raise millions of dollars to get the message out to voters,” Bunning said. “Over the past year, some of the leaders of the Republican Party in the Senate have done everything in their power to dry up my fundraising. The simple fact is that I have not raised the funds necessary to run an effective campaign for the U.S. Senate. For this reason, I will not be a candidate for re-election in 2010.” (From Politico.)
He took much too long to clear the way for Grayson. Bunning's stonewalling is the best campaign contribution that Attorney General Jack Conway could ever get. But Bunning has done the right thing. He would not have been reelected. He probably would not have won the Republican primary.
Bunning has been an outspoken proponent of conservative ideals. And now that he is a lame duck, we can look forward to Bunning unleashed!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Senator Bunning's Fundraising Strikes Out
Senator Bunning's statistics for the season have now been reported and they do not look good. According to his Federal Election Commission filing yesterday, he raised only $300,000 in the second quarter for his re-election campaign. By contrast, Secretary of State Trey Grayson raised more than twice this amount for his Senate exploratory fund in just five weeks.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Is Jim Bunning Parsing Words?
Sen. Jim Bunning told reporters in his weekly conference call that "I think I'm going to have more cash on hand than any other Republican in the race."
This brave but puzzling assertion came after Secretary of Trey Grayson reported that he had raised $602,000 last quarter -- double what Bunning raised first quarter.
Perhaps Bunning is distinguishing between candidates who have actually filed for the Republican primary and those who are just testing the waters. Grayson has not yet filed; he is fundraising through an "exploratory committee." For that matter, so is Rand Paul.
So if Bunning is being precise, Grayson and Paul are not "in the race." It depends on on what the meaning of the word "in" is.
Has Bunning been listening to Rodgers & Hammerstein, South Pacific? If so, I applaud his taste in music. "Cockeyed Optimist" can now be loaded as a cellphone ringtone:
I have heard people rant and rave and bellow
That we're done and we might as well be dead,
But I'm only a cockeyed optimist
And I can't get it into my head. . . .
I could say life is just a bowl of Jello
And appear more intelligent and smart,
But I'm stuck like a dope
With a thing called hope
And I can't get it out of my heart!
Looks like we will just have to wait until Bunning files his report on July 15. The Tooth Fairy better get cracking.
This brave but puzzling assertion came after Secretary of Trey Grayson reported that he had raised $602,000 last quarter -- double what Bunning raised first quarter.
Perhaps Bunning is distinguishing between candidates who have actually filed for the Republican primary and those who are just testing the waters. Grayson has not yet filed; he is fundraising through an "exploratory committee." For that matter, so is Rand Paul.
So if Bunning is being precise, Grayson and Paul are not "in the race." It depends on on what the meaning of the word "in" is.
Has Bunning been listening to Rodgers & Hammerstein, South Pacific? If so, I applaud his taste in music. "Cockeyed Optimist" can now be loaded as a cellphone ringtone:
I have heard people rant and rave and bellow
That we're done and we might as well be dead,
But I'm only a cockeyed optimist
And I can't get it into my head. . . .
I could say life is just a bowl of Jello
And appear more intelligent and smart,
But I'm stuck like a dope
With a thing called hope
And I can't get it out of my heart!
Looks like we will just have to wait until Bunning files his report on July 15. The Tooth Fairy better get cracking.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
On Judges, Hypocrites and Limp Wrists
We heard lots of righteous indignation last year when Sen. David Williams described now Leut. Gov. Dan Mongiardo as "limp-wristed." That's a code that's no longer a code.
Williams's remark crossed the line from disagreement about political philosophy and public policy -- entirely appropriate for debate -- to casting aspersions based on personal attributes and vague hints of a sexual nature -- not appropriate against anyone.
Yet the Lexington Herald-Leader reprinted a similar allegation that Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is "limp-wristed" in his opposition to the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. In the past, the Herald-Leader correctly denounced the "limp-wristed" label as applied to Mongiardo, but not as to McConnell. (Indeed, the H-L magnified the aspersion by reprinting it.)
On the merits, it is laughable to assert that McConnell's advocacy against judicial activism has been "limp-wristed" as regards Sotomayor or any other nominee. McConnell has stood for judicial restraint and the rule of law more than any other member of the Senate. When other Republicans were preoccupied with running for President, McConnell was a constant presence at Federalist Society meetings (both local and national) where he demanded an up or down vote for all nominees, whether or not they get confirmed in the end. McConnell has been criticized for his relentless focus on the need for judicial restraint and the proper role of unelected Federal judges, an issue that he addressed recently at the University of Louisville's law school graduation.
McConnell will ensure that Sotomayor's record is given the same scrutiny that then Senator Barack Obama demanded for the confirmation hearings of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito. As a former district court and now appellate judge with a propensity for inflammatory speeches, Sotomayor's record provides much to scrutinize -- including more than 3,000 judicial opinions.
A filibuster would be necessary and appropriate only if Republicans were denied the opportunity to explore the Judge's vast record. Absent a move to railroad her confirmation, however, no filibuster is necessary.
Once the nominee's opinions have been reviewed and the committee testimony taken, McConnell knows that all nominees deserve and up or down vote, including Judge Sotomayor. Perhaps McConnell will vote "nay," as he did when Sotomayor was elevated to the Second Circuit. Or perhaps not: Sotomayor would replace Justice David Souter, simply swapping one liberal with another liberal.
The problem is not that McConnell is not conservative enough, not aggressive enough on activist judges (or anything else for that matter). The problem is that he doesn't have enough troops in the Senate. That's one more reminder for Kentuckians: we cannot afford to let Sen. Jim Bunnings persist in his losing campaign.
Williams's remark crossed the line from disagreement about political philosophy and public policy -- entirely appropriate for debate -- to casting aspersions based on personal attributes and vague hints of a sexual nature -- not appropriate against anyone.
Yet the Lexington Herald-Leader reprinted a similar allegation that Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is "limp-wristed" in his opposition to the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. In the past, the Herald-Leader correctly denounced the "limp-wristed" label as applied to Mongiardo, but not as to McConnell. (Indeed, the H-L magnified the aspersion by reprinting it.)
On the merits, it is laughable to assert that McConnell's advocacy against judicial activism has been "limp-wristed" as regards Sotomayor or any other nominee. McConnell has stood for judicial restraint and the rule of law more than any other member of the Senate. When other Republicans were preoccupied with running for President, McConnell was a constant presence at Federalist Society meetings (both local and national) where he demanded an up or down vote for all nominees, whether or not they get confirmed in the end. McConnell has been criticized for his relentless focus on the need for judicial restraint and the proper role of unelected Federal judges, an issue that he addressed recently at the University of Louisville's law school graduation.
McConnell will ensure that Sotomayor's record is given the same scrutiny that then Senator Barack Obama demanded for the confirmation hearings of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito. As a former district court and now appellate judge with a propensity for inflammatory speeches, Sotomayor's record provides much to scrutinize -- including more than 3,000 judicial opinions.
A filibuster would be necessary and appropriate only if Republicans were denied the opportunity to explore the Judge's vast record. Absent a move to railroad her confirmation, however, no filibuster is necessary.
Once the nominee's opinions have been reviewed and the committee testimony taken, McConnell knows that all nominees deserve and up or down vote, including Judge Sotomayor. Perhaps McConnell will vote "nay," as he did when Sotomayor was elevated to the Second Circuit. Or perhaps not: Sotomayor would replace Justice David Souter, simply swapping one liberal with another liberal.
The problem is not that McConnell is not conservative enough, not aggressive enough on activist judges (or anything else for that matter). The problem is that he doesn't have enough troops in the Senate. That's one more reminder for Kentuckians: we cannot afford to let Sen. Jim Bunnings persist in his losing campaign.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Grayson Inches Closer
Secretary of State Trey Grayson has formed a finance committee to support his exploratory committee regarding a run for the U.S. Senate. Finally, a Republican who wants this seat badly enough to do some actual fundraising.
Grayson's finance committee includes members from across the state, including some Republicans with a strong history of raising lots of cash for GOP candidates. Here's the list.
In a perfect world, the formation of Grayson's finance committee would be with Sen. Jim Bunning's blessing, preferably given at the news conference in which Bunning announces that he will retire upon completing his term. Regardless, it is good news for Republicans across the country, not just in Kentucky, that we now have a serious candidate for this pivotal seat.
Grayson's finance committee includes members from across the state, including some Republicans with a strong history of raising lots of cash for GOP candidates. Here's the list.
In a perfect world, the formation of Grayson's finance committee would be with Sen. Jim Bunning's blessing, preferably given at the news conference in which Bunning announces that he will retire upon completing his term. Regardless, it is good news for Republicans across the country, not just in Kentucky, that we now have a serious candidate for this pivotal seat.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Joe Gerth Mocks Bunning
Joe Gerth from the Courier-Journal has taken his investigative skills to Sen. Jim Bunning's campaign site, and results would be funny if they weren't so pathetic. Bunning's campaign site looks slick enough at first glance, replete with photos and endorsements.
And there's a nice letter from Bunning that says, "Almost six years ago, Kentuckians elected me to serve them in the U.S. Senate and I have been privileged to represent them. It was a competitive and close race that came down to the final stretch, but we won the open seat by a mere 6,766 votes."
Six years ago? 6,766 votes? He won relection four years ago. By nearly 23,000 votes.
Wait a minute.
And those endoresements are from the 2004 election.
This website hasn't been updated in four years.
Why does his wife allow him to persist in this alleged campaign? Or has Mrs. Bunning tried to talk some sense into her husband and he refuses to listen to her (as he does everyone else)?
Somebody, please make him stop.
And there's a nice letter from Bunning that says, "Almost six years ago, Kentuckians elected me to serve them in the U.S. Senate and I have been privileged to represent them. It was a competitive and close race that came down to the final stretch, but we won the open seat by a mere 6,766 votes."
Six years ago? 6,766 votes? He won relection four years ago. By nearly 23,000 votes.
Wait a minute.
And those endoresements are from the 2004 election.
This website hasn't been updated in four years.
Why does his wife allow him to persist in this alleged campaign? Or has Mrs. Bunning tried to talk some sense into her husband and he refuses to listen to her (as he does everyone else)?
Somebody, please make him stop.
Bill Lamb Blasts Bunning
Fox 41's Bill Lamb minced no words last night regarding Sen. Jim Bunning. In Lamb's Point of View segment, he said that Bunning is "not a bad guy" but is a "bad politician." Bunning -- who recently refused to speak to a Fox 41 reporter, apparently because he's mad at Lamb -- is "clearly no longer a viable candidate."
Lamb dismissed Bunning's attempt to blame Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell for Bunning's central problem -- that he is unelectable. "In blaming just about everyone but himself for his political woes," Bunning "fails to see the real problem."
"While Sen. Bunning might not like what he's hearing, he would do well to listen to his critics instead of dismissing them as disloyal traitors."
Those who have publicly or privately told Bunning not to run are not traitors; they are trying to save him from the embarrassment of ending a distinguished career with a crushing loss. Friends speak the truth to one another, whether it's spinach on the teeth, toilet paper on the shoe or a reelection bid that has taken on the stench of certain defeat.
Lamb dismissed Bunning's attempt to blame Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell for Bunning's central problem -- that he is unelectable. "In blaming just about everyone but himself for his political woes," Bunning "fails to see the real problem."
"While Sen. Bunning might not like what he's hearing, he would do well to listen to his critics instead of dismissing them as disloyal traitors."
Those who have publicly or privately told Bunning not to run are not traitors; they are trying to save him from the embarrassment of ending a distinguished career with a crushing loss. Friends speak the truth to one another, whether it's spinach on the teeth, toilet paper on the shoe or a reelection bid that has taken on the stench of certain defeat.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Bunning in His Own Words
Twice during Sen. Jim Bunning's conference call with reporters, an ambulance blared its siren in the background. It seemed a fitting sound effect for a campaign that does not have enough energy (or money) to get off the ground.
Bunning was quite articulate -- and genuinely conservative -- when discussing policy. That made the rest of the call even sadder: when taking questions about his own race, Bunning sounded unhinged. His logic became hard to follow and his tone became shrill and condescending.
For example, Bunning said that he won't be doing much polling not because his campaign is broke but rather because "there are a lot of free polls coming out so why should I poll?" He cited the Courier-Journal as an example of a "non-partisan poll" that he could rely on. And he did not appear to be joking or engaging in sarcasm. To be sure, whatever media outlet commissions a poll would like us to accept it as non-partisan, but that's a leap of faith no serious candidate can afford to take.
However, Bunning is not relying on the C-J to get him reelected. He's talking to a former adviser from the McCain campaign (and we know how well that turned out). Heaven help the poor man.
Bunning insisted that it was his idea for Secretary of State Trey Grayson to form an exploratory committee for statewide federal office, and that he "would have preferred Trey filed earlier." Yet Bunning maintains that the Greyson exploratory committee could be used down the road: "people don't always run in the year they file."
He conceded that Grayson's exploratory committee could be used for the 2010 Senate race but said that it also could be used for "some larger race in 2011." Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but there is no federal race in Kentucky in 2011 -- barring a special election.
He denied that the Grayson committee would dry up his own fundraising, in direct contradiction of his complaint that Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell's fundraising had precluded Bunning from raising much money by competing for scarce dollars.
Bunning's logic on McConnell was flawed in other respects. On the one hand, he complained that McConnell "wants to run everybody." On the other hand, Bunning attributed every Republican Senate seat lost to McConnell. He called McConnell "selfish," notwithstanding that it was McConnell who saved Bunning from losing his last election. Bunning's real problem is that he cannot win without McConnell once again rescuing him.
Bunning said he "won't walk into 2010 with less than $1 million," conceding that the race will cost between $7-10 million. His next financial report is due in mid July.
Thank goodness Trey Grayson is not waiting to mid July to see the inevitable -- that Bunning's 30 year career in public service, while honorable and consistently conservative, is coming to an end that's painful to watch.
Bunning was quite articulate -- and genuinely conservative -- when discussing policy. That made the rest of the call even sadder: when taking questions about his own race, Bunning sounded unhinged. His logic became hard to follow and his tone became shrill and condescending.
For example, Bunning said that he won't be doing much polling not because his campaign is broke but rather because "there are a lot of free polls coming out so why should I poll?" He cited the Courier-Journal as an example of a "non-partisan poll" that he could rely on. And he did not appear to be joking or engaging in sarcasm. To be sure, whatever media outlet commissions a poll would like us to accept it as non-partisan, but that's a leap of faith no serious candidate can afford to take.
However, Bunning is not relying on the C-J to get him reelected. He's talking to a former adviser from the McCain campaign (and we know how well that turned out). Heaven help the poor man.
Bunning insisted that it was his idea for Secretary of State Trey Grayson to form an exploratory committee for statewide federal office, and that he "would have preferred Trey filed earlier." Yet Bunning maintains that the Greyson exploratory committee could be used down the road: "people don't always run in the year they file."
He conceded that Grayson's exploratory committee could be used for the 2010 Senate race but said that it also could be used for "some larger race in 2011." Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but there is no federal race in Kentucky in 2011 -- barring a special election.
He denied that the Grayson committee would dry up his own fundraising, in direct contradiction of his complaint that Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell's fundraising had precluded Bunning from raising much money by competing for scarce dollars.
Bunning's logic on McConnell was flawed in other respects. On the one hand, he complained that McConnell "wants to run everybody." On the other hand, Bunning attributed every Republican Senate seat lost to McConnell. He called McConnell "selfish," notwithstanding that it was McConnell who saved Bunning from losing his last election. Bunning's real problem is that he cannot win without McConnell once again rescuing him.
Bunning said he "won't walk into 2010 with less than $1 million," conceding that the race will cost between $7-10 million. His next financial report is due in mid July.
Thank goodness Trey Grayson is not waiting to mid July to see the inevitable -- that Bunning's 30 year career in public service, while honorable and consistently conservative, is coming to an end that's painful to watch.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Bunning is No. 2!
Senator Jim Bunning is no longer the most vulnerable incumbent in the U.S. Senate, according to Roll Call. He's been displaced by Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT), who is up to his eyeballs in corruption charges relating to his sweetheart mortgage, his wife's connections to AIG and moving his family to Iowa when he ran for president, among other problems.
So Bunning, like Avis, is now No. 2. Guess that means he has the "big mo."
So Bunning, like Avis, is now No. 2. Guess that means he has the "big mo."
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Bunning Loses It Again -- This Time, Over Poll Results
TheHill.com reports today's outburst from Senator Bunning:
Amid the soap opera-like drama that has become Sen. Jim Bunning's (R-Ky.) political future, the lawmaker has commissioned the first poll of his bid for a third term — and he's not releasing the results."It's none of your godd---ed business," Bunning told reporters on a morning conference call, when asked about the poll's results. "If you paid the 20 grand for the poll, you can get some information out of it."
Needless to say, that is not a comment inspiring much confidence in Bunning's poll numbers.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
Amid the soap opera-like drama that has become Sen. Jim Bunning's (R-Ky.) political future, the lawmaker has commissioned the first poll of his bid for a third term — and he's not releasing the results."It's none of your godd---ed business," Bunning told reporters on a morning conference call, when asked about the poll's results. "If you paid the 20 grand for the poll, you can get some information out of it."
Needless to say, that is not a comment inspiring much confidence in Bunning's poll numbers.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Is Bunning the GOP's Burris?
Talk about embarrassing. In today's Chicago Tribune James Oliphant offered this unflattering analogy:
And you thought Democrats had a problem with Roland Burris?
Burris, the freshman senator from Illinois, has something in common with Jim Bunning, the irascible Republican senator from Kentucky. Their parties seem inclined to move on without them—if only they would get out of the way.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
And you thought Democrats had a problem with Roland Burris?
Burris, the freshman senator from Illinois, has something in common with Jim Bunning, the irascible Republican senator from Kentucky. Their parties seem inclined to move on without them—if only they would get out of the way.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
"Contankerous Kentuckian" Bunning: Support Me Or I Will Sue You!
Senator Bunning speaks curiouser and curiouser every day. Today's twist, as reported by TheHill.com:
Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.) said Tuesday that he would sue the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) if it recruited a primary challenger against him.
. . . .
Committee officials last week met with Kentucky Senate President David Williams, who is exploring a challenge to Bunning.
Bunning threatened to sue the committee if it supported Williams or any other challenger.
“I would have a suit against the NRSC if they did that,” he said, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal.
“Support of incumbents is the only reason for [the NRSC’s] existence,” Bunning added. “So if they recruited someone and supported them in a primary against me, I would be able to sue them because they’re not following their bylaws.”
Cornyn said Monday that the NRSC would support Bunning’s reelection bid, but that failed to appease the cantankerous Kentuckian.
“I don’t believe anything John Cornyn says. I’ve had miscommunications with John Cornyn from, I guess, the first week of this current session of the Senate,” Bunning stormed to the Courier-Journal. “He either doesn’t understand English or he doesn’t understand direct: ‘I’m going to run,’ which I said to him in the cloakroom of our chamber.”
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.) said Tuesday that he would sue the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) if it recruited a primary challenger against him.
. . . .
Committee officials last week met with Kentucky Senate President David Williams, who is exploring a challenge to Bunning.
Bunning threatened to sue the committee if it supported Williams or any other challenger.
“I would have a suit against the NRSC if they did that,” he said, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal.
“Support of incumbents is the only reason for [the NRSC’s] existence,” Bunning added. “So if they recruited someone and supported them in a primary against me, I would be able to sue them because they’re not following their bylaws.”
Cornyn said Monday that the NRSC would support Bunning’s reelection bid, but that failed to appease the cantankerous Kentuckian.
“I don’t believe anything John Cornyn says. I’ve had miscommunications with John Cornyn from, I guess, the first week of this current session of the Senate,” Bunning stormed to the Courier-Journal. “He either doesn’t understand English or he doesn’t understand direct: ‘I’m going to run,’ which I said to him in the cloakroom of our chamber.”
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.
Dude, You Offended My Grandma
A group of 13-year old boys were playing with my son a few days ago when one boy's father came and spoke quietly to him. The boy burst into tears and left with his dad. My son later informed me that this child's grandmother had just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
That's the same disease that our Junior Senator Jim Bunning announced would kill Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg within nine months.
Bunning has now apologized "if" (if!) he offended Justice Ginsburg.
No word yet on whether he will apologize to the thousands of people battling pancreatic cancer, or their families and friends "if" they, too, were offended. Bunning, however, did something much worse than offend: he stole hope from those who need it the most.
Somebody, anybody needs to challenge Bunning in the primary if he persists on running for a third term. It would be an act of mercy not just to Kentucky and the Republican party but to Bunning himself. Bunning's premature announcement of Ginsburg's imminent demise comes just as he's gearing up; it's the warm-up of a campaign few can bear to watch. Somebody, please spare us from what he might say next.
That's the same disease that our Junior Senator Jim Bunning announced would kill Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg within nine months.
Bunning has now apologized "if" (if!) he offended Justice Ginsburg.
No word yet on whether he will apologize to the thousands of people battling pancreatic cancer, or their families and friends "if" they, too, were offended. Bunning, however, did something much worse than offend: he stole hope from those who need it the most.
Somebody, anybody needs to challenge Bunning in the primary if he persists on running for a third term. It would be an act of mercy not just to Kentucky and the Republican party but to Bunning himself. Bunning's premature announcement of Ginsburg's imminent demise comes just as he's gearing up; it's the warm-up of a campaign few can bear to watch. Somebody, please spare us from what he might say next.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)