Kentucky Sen. Jim Bunning's standing with Kentucky voters isn't exactly All-Star caliber, according to new polling numbers that are certain to add to the growing speculation that Bunning will choose not to run in 2010.
His approval rating clocked in at 34 percent in the latest Survey USA poll of 600 adults, conducted April 24-26.
Fully 52 percent of those responding to the poll said they disapprove of the job Bunning is doing, with 14 percent saying they weren't sure.
The margin of error was plus or minus 4.1 percent.
A Public Policy Polling survey in early April had showed his approval rating at 28 percent, and that he would lose in hypothetical matchups with the four possible Democratic candidates: Rep. Ben Chandler led Bunning by 14 points, Attorney General Jack Conway was up by 9, Auditor Crit Luallen had an eight-point edge, and Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo's advantage was 7.
Kentucky Republican Secretary of State Trey Grayson is making preparations to seek Bunning's seat -- a sign that Bunning will forgo what would be a very difficult re-election campaign.
In a statement April 30, Grayson said, "I have formed an exploratory committee to allow me to formally raise and spend funds as I seek support for a bid for U.S. Senate."
Yet Grayson added that he has "no plans to run against Sen. Bunning," immediately raising speculation that the senator will not seek a third term next year . Still, Mike Reynard, a spokesman for the senator, said April 30, "Sen. Bunning has every intention of running."
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