No surprises here: Kentucky Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo is seriously considering a rematch against creaky GOP Sen. Jim Bunning:
“I’m considering the race. I think at this stage, being less than two years away, anyone running against an incumbent will have to start the fundraising process.” […]
Now, though he continues to mull a bid, Mongiardo sounds like he wants a second shot at Bunning.
“I got involved in politics out of frustration for where healthcare was headed. And that will largely determine what I do and where I go,” Mongiardo said. “It’s interesting how the stars are lining up right now with [President-elect] Obama and the incoming administration talking about reforming healthcare.”
Mongiardo added he will consider whether he’s done all he can to help improve Kentucky’s healthcare situation, but that his expertise could help his party.
“I think the Democratic Party needs a physician” in the Senate, he said. “We need more people that understand healthcare from the inside to help change it.”
I like Dr. Dan a lot, and if he wants a rematch against Bunning (who insists that he’s running for another term despite his advanced age and notoriously, uh, sloppy campaign style), I’d be happy to let him take it. But fortunately, Mongiardo isn’t the only option we have — both state Auditor Crit Luallan and state Attorney General Jack Conway are also considering the race. Any one of them could give Bunning a serious scare in 2010.
Update: Somewhat amazingly, I neglected to mention Rep. Ben Chandler’s name as a potential candidate. Okay, so we have four strong possibilities here, although I haven’t heard Chandler express his interest lately.
Mongiardo should DEFINITELY give it another try! And even if they’re both in a primary, that’d be a tough choice to make. Damn, I can hardly wait to give Bunning the boot! 😉
http://www.politico.com/blogs/…
Rep. Chandler is definately not running?
I would like PPP or R2K to poll Chandler, Luallen, and Mongiardo in an “omni-bus” poll (primary and general) against Bunning to see if one starts out in a particularly stronger position than the rest.
But would be happy with any of them.
in Kentucky. I would be happy with any of them, so I mostly just want the strongest candidate. Absent polling data I am inclined to think Luallan would be the best pick. Conway has a bright future, but he is still green. Mongiardo would be good pick, but might be better suited running for governor in 2015. Chandler struggled last time he ran statewide, but some people do well when they learn from their mistakes. Also, Chandler seems more suited to being a Senator than governor and sometimes it seems voter can see that. Luallan has won 2 statewide elections and seems to have a good political operation built statewide, but I would like to hear someone from KY opinion on who would be strongest.
Crit Luallen is the best candidate we can recruit to this race. Why would wouldn’t we want to try her or someone else after Mongiardo couldn’t beat Bunning four years ago? Luallen is popular, has won statewide, and doesn’t have any electoral losses on her slate. I think it’s best to save Chandler for the House and a potential run at McConnell in six years. I’m just disappointed both of them backed out this year when either of them could have won, particulary in Luallen who gave us the indication she was running, but then backed out, apparently because she wasn’t confident she would win.
I really, really like him and would support him if he decides to run (which is saying nothing against the other fine candidates we might have to choose from). He really, really got slimed in the most ugly way last time, including rumors about his sexuality because he isn’t married. I think he deserves another shot at Bunning, and would be an even stronger candidate this time around.
On the other side, I can guarentee that many Kentucky Republicans are not exactly thrilled to have to step up for Bunning again, in what is sure to be a blooper-filled gaff-athon. Last time there were legtitimate questions about his mental health and lack of accomplishments in the Senate. Next time, from the very beginning he is not going to be given a pass on anything. We need a candidate who is going to hold his feet to the fire every single day.