CALVERT CITY, Ky. — In the wake of U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning's decision not to seek re-election, Secretary of State Trey Greyson campaigned in Western Kentucky on Friday, espousing conservative beliefs.
Republicans and Democrats both held events Friday in advance of Saturday's Fancy Farm picnic that signals the beginning of the campaign season. Political speeches start at 3 p.m.
Grayson, who is expected to make his Republican campaign for the U.S. Senate official in a few weeks, told a crowd of about 100 at the Calvert City Civic Center that he understands their concerns about President Barack Obama's energy and health care legislation and attacks on guns, right-to-life views and traditional marriage.
"Maybe that's why you have trouble sleeping," he said.
Grayson's comments came after the Lexington Herald-Leader reported this week that some Republicans in the state were concerned whether Grayson, a former Democrat, were a true conservative.
"I am a conservative," Grayson told reporters before his speech. An aide noted that Grayson was endorsed in his elections for secretary of state by the National Rifle Association and Right to Life.
Also sounding conservative themes at the GOP rally were two others eyeing Bunning's Senate seat — Bowling Green eye surgeon Rand Paul, the son of U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, and Bill Johnson, a Navy veteran and businessman from Todd County.
Bunning, who was elected in 1998 after six terms in the House of Representatives, announced on Monday that he has decided not to seek a third Senate term.
Read more at Kentucky.com