Here’s what some of the candidates for Bunning’s seat are saying about the Republican’s recent blockage of an unemployment benefit extension.
The top Republicans seeking to replace Bunning, who is not seeking re-election in November, applauded the 77-year-old Hall of Fame pitcher’s hard ball stance as the top Democrats in the race denounced the move.
Republican Trey Grayson, Kentucky’s secretary of state, said he would “proudly stand up to ensure that programs are paid for …” Republican Rand Paul, a Bowling Green eye surgeon, said “more Senators need to stand up for the taxpayers and against the big spending career politicians in both parties.”
Democrat Daniel Mongiardo, Kentucky’s lieutenant governor, labeled Bunning’s maneuver “cold-hearted disregard for his fellow Kentuckians.” Democrat Jack Conway, Kentucky’s attorney general, accused Bunning of “grandstanding and political posturing, despite being asked to stop even by his Republican colleagues.”
Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear said 119,230 unemployed Kentuckians are receiving benefits through the federal extension program that will expire Sunday. About 14,000 of those would exhaust their benefits within two weeks without the extension, he said. Kentucky’s unemployment rate stands at 10.7 percent.
