DSCC intervenes in KY Dem U.S. Senate primary

[groovedaddy]

2 weeks ago, Lt. Col. Andrew Horne (U.S.M.C. retired) announced that he would end his bid for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Mitch McConnell (R-KY). Many people were surprised that Horne dropped out particularly without giving any reasons why he did so. Then other Democratic candidates for this seat stated they had gotten phone calls from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee requesting they drop out of the race to clear the way for Louisville businessman, Bruce Lunsford.
Lunsford says he was encouraged to run by Democratic Governor Steve Beshear, who had just competed with Lunsford (and others) in the primary for Governor last spring. While finishing 2nd behind Beshear, Lunsford lost by 20 points. Rumor has it that Lunsford was encouraged to run because of his deep pockets.
But businessman Greg Fischer, also of Louisville and also with deep pockets, would not consider dropping out. He believes he is a better choice to take on McConnell in the fall, feeling that Lunsford has too much baggage to beat McConnell. http://www.gregfischer.com/
Said baggage is probably why Lunsford fared no better than the 21% return he garnered in last year's gubenatorial primary after spending millions in the attempt. The "baggage" Lunsford carries was adeptly pointed out in ads against him in the 2003 Democratic gubenatorial primary related to the business practices of Vencor, Lunsford's company. The ads were effective enough to force Lunsford to drop out of the race and endorse the eventual winner for governor, Republican Ernie Fletcher. Kentucky Democrats with long memories will not be forgiving Lunsford for that move any time soon.

The biggest surprise in this is the complete lack of political aptitude of both Gov. Beshear and the DSCC. Those ads that forced Lunsford from the 2003 primary will certainly be dusted off by the McConnell camp for reuse should Lunsford some how manage to clear the primary. It surprises me that Beshear and the DSCC can't see this coming. It would have served us better if they had just stayed out of it.
In my opinion, of all the Dem candidates left standing, Greg Fischer has the best shot at beating McConnell. I would encourage those still looking for a candidate in this race to consider him.

http://www.gregfischer.com/