Michael Who? Louisville M.D. First Out of the Gate Against McConnell

UPDATE BELOW

The first Kentucky Democrat has announced he will run against Senate Minority Leader against Mitch McConnell, and it's ...

somebody nobody ever heard of.

Which would explain why the announcement appears to be flying under the media radar. But WHAS-11's Mark Hebert's on top of it:

While the unknown millionaire, the recently reelected statewide officeholder and the outgoing governor killer decide whether they want to take on Mitch McConnell, a Louisville doctor is jumping in.

Louisville pain doctor Michael Cassaro is planning to announce his candidacy at a really bad time on a really bad day. Cassaro plans to announce his long shot candidacy on Tuesday, the same day President Bush will be right across the river in New Albany. I'm guessing the President's visit might take precedence over the Cassaro announcement. Cassaro has made a few political contributions to statewide candidates in the past, giving $1000 to Ben Chandler, Ernie Fletcher AND Gatewood Galbraith in the 2003 governor's race. Nothing like covering all the bases. Thanks to Pat Crowley for the heads up.

But here's the release from the first Kentucky democrat to say they're running for U.S. Senate in 2008:

"Michael G. Cassaro, a resident of Prospect, announces his candidacy for the US Senate in 2008. Michael Cassaro is a 51 year old Democrat. Michael Cassaro is a physician in active practice. He is also educated as an engineer and as a lawyer.

Dr. Cassaro is a political newcomer in this campaign against Mitch McConnell. 'Mitch McConnell has been in the US Senate for almost 24 years. I respect Mr. McConnell's rise to a leadership position in the US Senate. But, his devotion to politics has not served the interests of the citizens of Kentucky.'

Dr. Cassaro will take his leadership qualities, experience and beliefs about the role of government and the basic needs of Kentuckians to Washington for the benefit of the citizens of Kentucky."

I imagine that after four years of Governor Ernest Lee Fletcher, M.D., Kentuckians have had their fill of physicians. But I'm also an advocate of free-for-all primaries, so: Welcome to the Fight, Mike!

And if this first-into-the-pool dive by a political novice doesn't persuade the national media that Mitch is so vulnerable next year that the only person in the state who couldn't beat him is Ernie Fletcher, nothing will.

Crit Luallen, Andrew Horne, Owsley Brown, Greg Stumbo, and your grandmother still have until January 30 to file for Kentucky's U.S. Senate race.

UPDATE, 7:42 p.m.:Media Czech at BlueGrassRoots has a video of Lt. Gov.-elect Dan Mongiardo lauding potential Mitch-slayer Andrew Horne.

And Kentucky Elections posts "10 Reasons Why Andrew Horne is Our Best Candidate" on DailyKos.


Cross-posted at BlueGrassRoots.