Democrat Cowan plans to run for Senate in 2004 (Kentucky - Bunning)

The Courier-Journal ^ | April 3, 2003 | Al Cross

[JohnnyZ]

Former Kentucky Attorney General Fred Cowan said yesterday that he's running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Jim Bunning, a Republican in his first term.

Cowan, a Louisville lawyer and the first Democrat to enter the 2004 race, declined to say why he is running. ''We will have an announcement later and discuss all those kinds of things,'' he said.

[JohnnyZ]

First good summary of where things stand in Jim Bunning's reelection drive. Gov. Patton and Rep. Lucas would have been the strongest challengers. Patton got dirty with a mistress and Lucas is breaking a term limits pledge to run for reelection.

Jonathan Miller is a baby-faced good-for-nothing; he would be more likely to run for Congress, I think.

[fieldmarshaldj]

I can't see as anyone other than a 2nd tier type will run against Bunning. Bunning's major problem, however, is one of age. Though he looks far younger than his years, he will still be 74 in 2005 at the beginning of his 2nd term.

[conservative_2001]

Bunning is looking to be in better and better shape every day. None of the names mentioned here is a top tier candidate. Owen and Miller couldn't even get nominated for their prior races, much less elected. Cowan's last two races are a loss in a county race in a Democratic county, and failing to get nominated for Lt. Gov.

The only threat I could see to Bunning right now is the AG Chandler, currently running for Gov. If he runs a good campaign and narrowly loses, he could pull a Talent and potentially make a decent run for Senate. But he'd still be the underdog.

[republicanwizard]

I' not overly concerned about his age. I always thought he was in his fifties, sixties until I read his bio. It was quite shocking.

Not to worry. The Bush sweep of Kentucky will push Bunning's margin even higher. Hopefully, Governor Fletcher will be able to help.