He didn't exactly refuse to answer but Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky didn't exactly endorse his home-state colleague Jim Bunning in his 2010 race, either.
"Your fellow Republican senator ... Jim Bunning, is mad at you, I think it's fair to say," said "Fox News Sunday" host Chris Wallace to McConnell. "He says you don't want him to seek re-election and that while you've given money to other GOP incumbents, you've stiffed him.
You can put this all to rest right now, Senator," Wallace said. "I'm going to give you the opportunity. Do you endorse Jim Bunning for re-election?"
The Senate's top Republican responded that "what's happening in Kentucky, obviously, is the race has not yet formed. Sen. Bunning has encouraged someone to file an exploratory committee. There are now two exploratory committees. And there's a Democratic primary on the other side. I think it's safe to say the Kentucky Senate race is unfolding."
Republican Trey Grayson, Kentucky's secretary of State, has been exploring a Senate bid. But he said April 30 that he has "no plans to run against Sen. Bunning," immediately raising speculation that the senator will not seek a third term next year amid poor approval ratings and weak fundraising.
Wallace tried a second time: "I didn't hear an endorsement there. You usually endorse as the Senate..."
""Well, it's just not clear exactly who the players are going to be in Kentucky," McConnell responded.
"So you're not endorsing him," said Wallace.
"It's not clear who the players are going to be yet," McConnell repeated.
"I tried," said Wallace.
"You did," said McConnell.
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Comments
I doubt Bunning runs. He sees the writing on the wall...even if he is a stubborn old coot. Republicans had to practically win his reelection for him in 2004.
Posted by: mag_amberson
| May 18, 2009 1:57 AM
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