Bunning Run Out Of The Senate

Jim Bunning had a very good chance of being defeated for re-election, and the GOP knew it. So they systematically set about to deny him the funds he would need to compete. And they were very successful. So now he's cashing out.

Blaming GOP leaders for freezing him out on fundraising, Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.) is bailing on his Senate campaign and won't run for re-election next year.

The move comes as a great relief for Washington Republicans concerned about Bunning's prospects in the midterm elections, and Bunning blasted fellow Republicans, saying they had "done everything in their power" to force him out.

It does leave a formidable legacy for the former baseball pitcher, being run out of Washington by his own party.

Though Democratic Attorney General Jack Conway has a good profile statewide, I would guess that Bunning's departure makes this a more likely Republican seat in 2010. Democrats should focus on other pickup opportunities.