From Kentucky Public Radio's Tony McVeighKentucky Governor Steve Beshear is endorsing a candidate in next year’s U-S Senate race in the commonwealth.In 2007, they successfully ran for governor and lieutenant governor. Now, Governor Steve Beshear is backing Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo for the U-S Senate seat currently held by Republican Senator Jim Bunning.In a written release, Beshear says, “While I will miss the contributions that Daniel has brought to our team, I know he feels called to service in the U-S Senate and I support his mission.” Beshear says the commonwealth needs a strong representative in Washington “to give voice to Kentucky priorities and values” and Mongiardo “can be that voice.”Despite low poll numbers, Senator Bunning says he’s in the race for re-election. Other prominent Republicans eyeing the race include Senate President David Williams and Secretary of State Trey Grayson, who says he'll get in if Bunning drops out.Democrats considering taking on Mongiardo in the primary include Congressman Ben Chandler, Attorney General Jack Conway, and State Auditor Crit Luallen.
Rick Howlett was midday host and the host of LPM's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." He was with LPM from 2001-2023 and held many different titles, including Morning Edition host, Assignment Editor and Interim News Director. He died in August 2023. Read a remembrance of Rick here.