Kentucky Senate: How did Bunning's mental status become an issue

I know, he is a wingnut, but I see that the Democratic party of KY wants Bunning to release his complete medical records not only those stating he is healthy--physically, but also mentally and he is refusing to do this. What brought this to the forefront of being an issue?

He's been behaving incredible bizarre and broke the debate agreement he had w/ his opponent.

His performance in a debate seemed to support it.

Lots of reasons for the request - rambling, incoherent statements; sudden outbursts of anger; backing out on the long-agreed debate rules (Bunning will now not appear in person, will speak only from the RNC headquarters in DC and refuses to allow any third parties in the room where he will speak) and much more.

The Salon article has it all, and it's not just a political hatchet job. It sounds like he's seriously cracking up.

from www.dailykos.com

Sen. Bunning released two doctor's notes to prove that he is in good health:

One letter furnished by Bunning's campaign is signed by Dr. John F. Eisold, the U.S. Senate's physician. Eisold wrote that a Sept. 21 "preventative health assessment" showed normal lab work and vital signs, including blood pressure, total cholesterol and blood sugar.

The second letter, from Bunning's personal physician, Dr. Donald A. Saelinger of Southgate, says Bunning "has had several minor health issues over the years, all of which are currently resolved or well controlled."

No one is accusing Bunning of having high blood pressure or demanding he adopt a low-cholesterol diet. These letters do nothing to address the speculation -- that Bunning mental faculties are fading.

Bunning refuses to release his medical records, meaning the issue will remain front and center in this race until November 2. It doesn't look like the Kentucky Democratic Party is going to back down. And really, this is the only card Mongiardo has to play (and a legitimate one, at that) if he has any chance of winning.

I say good for Mongiardo

Thanks everyone it sounds pretty bad.

jock name. Dumber than a box of rocks.

But why hasn't the DNC stepped up to the plate in this race?

They have just sent a huge amount to the Democratc challenger there. the polls show the race tightening to almost within the margin of error. Eight points or some such.

I'm a volunteer on Mongiardo's campaign, I'm thrilled that he's getting some national attention now.

State Sen. Daniel Mongiardo is getting a boost from a national Democratic campaign committee, which has infused his campaign with cash three weeks before the election.

The Washington-based Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee transferred "tens of thousands" of dollars to Mongiardo's election fund, campaign manager Kim Geveden confirmed on Friday. Neither Geveden nor a committee spokeswoman would reveal the amount.

It was the first tangible sign that Democratic leaders in Washington have any hope of winning the race. But many experts say Mongiardo still faces an uphill battle against a better-funded Republican incumbent, U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning.

<snip>

"If the national liberal Democrats want to throw their money down a hole at a sunken liberal candidate in Kentucky, they can go right ahead," Bunning campaign manager David Young wrote in an e-mail. It's unclear whether the National Republican Senatorial Committee will make a similar contribution for Bunning. Republican committee spokesman Dan Allen said the organization constantly re-evaluates races and "reserves the right to make an investment any time."

http://www.wkyt.com/Global/story.asp?S=2411655

Let's pull in a surprise seat!
:bounce:

for donations?

n/t

One of Saddam's sons. Mongiardo is an Italian-American, BORN and RAISED in SE Kentucky. It was disgusting, and as another Italian-American born in the US and living in SE Ketucky I was appalled.

Bunning made the Top 10 Conservative Idiots list that week.

any rumor of being mental and its buh-bye

This KY Senator seems to be very impaired. Most depressed people function just fine, and with medication or counseling or both often appear less depressed than those without the diagnosis.

And I've gotta say, that after four years of Bush and his policies, if you're not a little depressed you're either not paying attention or in serious denial.