Another GOP senator reported retiring

By AT symposium

Senator Jim Bunning is reported to be retiring. Josh Kraushaar and Manu Raju report in Politico:

Kentucky Sen. Jim Bunning, the most endangered Republican up for reelection in 2010, appears headed for retirement after giving his leading GOP rival the blessing to prepare to run for his seat next year.

Bunning's retirement would be a huge victory for national Republicans who have grown increasingly nervous that the 77-year-old two-term senator would lose a critical race as the party tries to cling to its diminished minority in the Senate.

On Thursday afternoon, Kentucky GOP Secretary of State Trey Grayson announced that he would form an exploratory committee to run for Bunning's seat - a move that Kentucky GOP operatives say is a precursor to Bunning's retirement.

Richard Baehr comments: Excellent news. This gives the GOP a shot at holding seat. Bunnning won twice, by 6,000 and 20,000 in increasingly GOP leaning state.

Ed Lasky adds: I wonder if the Specter switch added fuel to the fire? McConnell (like, Bunning, from Kentucky) must have had a talk with him. A sign that the GOP, realizing its unsettled position, must be playing hardball. I suppose they may have suggested that campaign funds would not flow to Bunning

Thomas Lifson adds: This move would add to the "new blood" theme that should be a winning strategy for the GOP. The public's skepticism toward Congress is as high as it has ever been in my lifetime. Obama's change theme worked for him, and it can work for the GOP in Congress, if enough new candidates appear.