FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson is looking at a possible run for U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning's seat.

Grayson, who has insisted that he has no plans to run unless Bunning decides to retire, released a statement Thursday saying he had formed an exploratory committee. The move allows him to raise and spend campaign money.

In the statement, Grayson said he still has no plans to oppose Bunning. He said the exploratory committee simply allows him to lay the foundation for a campaign.

Bunning is widely seen as the most vulnerable Republican in the Senate, and some GOP leaders have been sending not-so-subtle messages that he should retire rather than face what is expected to be a strong Democratic challenge. Two major Democrats, Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo and Attorney General Jack Conway, already have entered the race.

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