Cowan drops out, Others mull the Kentucky Senate race

[mndemocrat_29]

Here's the link:

http://www.courier-journal.com/localnews/2003/11/22ky/met-3-cowan11220-5435.html

Louisville lawyer Fred Cowan pulled out of the race for the U.S. Senate yesterday, saying Democrats' loss of the governorship had made it impossible for him to unseat first-term Republican Sen. Jim Bunning next November.

Cowan's withdrawal leaves state Sen. Daniel Mongiardo of Hazard as the only Democratic candidate, but state Treasurer Jonathan Miller said he is still considering the race and other key Democrats mentioned other potential candidates.

State Auditor-elect Crit Luallen said Mongiardo would be a strong nominee, but "I think we need to encourage other strong Democrats to consider the race because it's very important we have a total Democratic effort, especially in light of the recent loss of the governor's seat." Even if Chandler had won, Luallen said, Democrats would have faced a financial challenge. She said Mongiardo "plans a very serious race ... but we also need to be open-minded about other candidates who might bring additional financial resources to the table."

She mentioned Louisville lawyer Jack Conway, who raised almost $1.7million in a strong challenge to 3rd District Republican Rep. Anne Northup last year, and Louisville multimillionaire Charlie Owen, who ran for lieutenant governor with Chandler and spent $6.6million of his own money in the 1998 Senate primary.

I'm kind of shocked that Jack Conway is considering this race. I figured he'd be an eventual Senate nominee, but I assumed that he'd beat Northup in 2004 and take on the empty seat in 2008.

[BJ]

1. How courageous of Mr. Cowan.

No wonder this country's going to the elephants.

[jiacinto]

2. Well

I would like Miller in the race. He won re-election as State Treasuer by a solid margin.