The frenzy following Sen. Jim Bunning's block of an unfunded extension of unemployment benefits is picking up even more steam as the week begins.  The cable and news networks have been on the story all day.  ABC's Jonathan Karl got into a confrontation with Bunning near a Senate elevator.  Now, at least two candidates seeking Bunning's seat are planning events in reaction to his Senate objection.

The campaign of Dan Mongiardo plans protests outside Bunning's Louisville office at Noon, Tuesday, followed by a 3pm protest outside Bunning's Lexington office.

The Democrats supporting Mongiardo in Lexington, however, will have company.  The campaign of Republican Rand Paul is planning a rally to support Bunning, also at 3pm outside Bunning's Lexington office.

Meanwhile, Democrat Jack Conway is asking supporters to sign a petition on his website and has released a new video complaining about Bunning, watched by clicking here.

Republican Bill Johnson is reaffirming his support for Bunning, saying the Hall of Fame MLB pitcher hurled "a perfect game" in blocking the bill.  Johson repeats what he revealed to me over the weekend, that because he refused a company transfer to Texas, he is unemployed and on Cobra medical insurance.  Cobra funding is also blocked by Bunning's action.

News releases

Mongiardo to Lead Protests of Senator Bunning’s Decision to Block Unemployment
and Health Insurance Benefits for 119,230 Jobless Kentuckians

Protests to be held Tuesday in Louisville & Lexington
________________________________________
Frankfort----Lt. Governor Dr. Daniel Mongiardo, the leading Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, will lead two public protests of Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning’s decision to single-handedly stop the funding of unemployment and health insurance benefits for more than 119,230 Kentuckians.

The protests will take place tomorrow (Tuesday, March 2) in Louisville and Lexington.

Louisville Protest

Location:  Martin Luther King, Jr. Park (between S. 6th & S. 7th Streets, along S. Chestnut Street) across from Bunning's office in the Federal Building
Time: Noon

Lexington Protest

Location:  771 Corporate Drive (on steps in front of Bunning’s Lexington office)
Time: 3 p.m.

Jack Conway’s efforts (continue) to persuade Jim Bunning to immediately stop blockage of an urgent expansion of unemployment benefits.

Friday afternoon, Jack posted a petition on our website at www.jackconway.org/bunning asking people to Tell Bunning to stop filibustering the expansion. We have gotten hundreds of signatures in the last few days.
 
Today, we released a new viral video, putting further pressure on Bunning to stop the filibuster. View Jack’s latest video, in which he opposes Bunning’s actions, .
by clicking here

STAND TALL SENATOR JIM BUNNING
Bunning Pitches a Perfect Game

ELKTON —Kentucky GOP U.S. Senate Candidate Bill Johnson today issued the following statement regarding Jim Bunning’s decision to block further deficit spending.

“I support Senator Jim Bunning.  Frankly, unemployment benefits are currently 99 weeks or almost two years. While I support extending the benefits for a short period of time longer, we must find a way to pay for those benefits.  I do not support extending unemployment benefits beyond two years.

“Even Germany limits unemployment benefits to one year.  Benefits here in America are exceeding those offered in the most liberal countries of Europe.  Two years of government support is not a safety net. It is an entitlement program. I am tired of paying for entitlement programs that continue well beyond a compassionate need.

“I am unemployed having refused a company move to Houston, Texas.  I am on Cobra, spending my savings (to live and campaign), but still standing confidently in my abilities.  I don’t want government help and I have not taken unemployment benefits.  I want the government out of my way so the economy will recover.

“Getting rid of the Department of Education would free up $45 billion per year.  Getting rid of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would free up $10.5 billion per year.  It is time to draw the line.  Stand tall Senator Bunning.  You are pitching a perfect game.”

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