Oh, no:
Kentucky GOP Secretary of State Trey Grayson has formed a Senate exploratory committee to run for Jim Bunning's Senate seat -- a move that Kentucky GOP operatives say is a precursor to Bunning's retirement.
He wouldn't, would he?
The guy has been adamant, ironclad in his refusal to listen to anyone in his own party and retire with some dignity...and now he's finally caved?
Say it ain't so, Jimbo! You're gonna let those big meanies John Cornyn and Mitch McConnell intimidate you into retirement?
Maybe:
Earlier this week, Grayson flew to Washington to meet with Bunning and tell him of his plans to form the exploratory committee, according to a Kentucky-based GOP operative. The operative said it's a clear sign that Bunning does not plan to run for another term.
"Jim Bunning is the one who initiated the conversations with Trey to take this step. This wasn’t Trey lashing out, this is Jim Bunning reaching out to Trey and offering this idea," said the GOP operative.
And then again...maybe not:
But a spokesman for Mr. Bunning, Mike Reynard, refuted those rumors. "Senator Bunning has every intention of running, " he said in an e-mailed statement.
That's pretty much in line with everything he's said all cycle, and hopefully we can get a cantankerous confirmation from the Lizard himself at some point.
So who's getting Grayson in this race, if Bunning's sticking around? Signs point to Kentucky Republican power broker Mitch McConnell:
Either Bunning has put Grayson on notice to begin assembling a campaign because he is contemplating bowing-out before the January 2010 filing deadline, or Grayson has been convinced by Kentucky Republicans to put aside his close relationship with Bunning and act in the best interests of his political party.
All of my money is on the latter.
Bunning said yesterday he expected no primary opponent, so this flies directly in the face of that pronouncement. This tells me that Grayson is listening to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and this is the first step of Grayson getting in the race, raising a huge amount of money between now and the end of June -- dwarfing Bunning -- which will either force Bunning out or allow Grayson to defeat him in a primary. In my opinion, Grayson is the only Republican who can defeat Bunning in a one-on-one primary.
Assuming Bunning does ride off into the sunset, and Grayson is the nominee, winning the race gets quite a bit harder...but with two strong Democrats in the race (AG Jack Conway and Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo), it's still very possible.
But man, this race would be a lot more fun with Jim Bunning in it, and an easier ride. Bunning barely won both of his prior Senate races, has been an abysmal fundraiser, and has provided ample, er, colorful, if controversial, commentary on his race, American politics, and life in general.