Dr. Daniel Mongiardo to run for Senate race

Per the AP, Lt. Governor Daniel Mongiardo, MD, has announced his intentions to run for the United States Senate seat currently held by National Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Bunning.

"The people of Kentucky deserve a senator that has the vision, energy and record to help improve our state and country," Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo said Monday in a written statement announcing his candidacy for the November 2010 election.

A longtime physician in the Kentucky coalfields, Mongiardo is the first to formally announce his intentions to challenge Bunning, although at least two others have said they are considering the race. Mongiardo said he will file the necessary paperwork later this week, setting up a possible rematch.[...]

"We have a senator who is simply not getting the job done," Mongiardo said. "He offers no ideas, no actions and no solutions. I believe today, as I did in 2004, that Jim Bunning continues to fail the people of our Commonwealth. Kentucky's families deserve better."

Attorney General Jack Conway and state Auditor Crit Luallen, both Democrats, have said they also are considering entering the race and that they will announce their decisions by spring.[...]

Mongiardo, elected lieutenant governor just over a year ago, said he made the decision to run for Bunning's seat based on a desire to improve health care.

"I have made fixing our broken health care system my life's mission," Mongiardo said. "I understand and see every day how the cost of health care is burdening families and damaging the ability of businesses to compete, to grow, and to create jobs."

His decision to challenge Bunning means Gov. Steve Beshear will likely have to choose a new running mate for his expected 2011 re-election bid. Before he can begin fundraising, Beshear has to name his running mate.

Beshear spokesman Jay Blanton said Monday the governor is not ready to discuss who his running mate will be.

"Right now, his focus in on the state budget crisis and the legislative session, she's not going to speculate on who that running mate might be," Blanton said.

Beshear said in a statement that Mongiardo would be an outstanding senator, calling him an "important voice for Kentucky's future."

Things will start heating up soon.