Kentucky Senator Snubbed
Kentucky Senator Snubbed Save Email Print
Posted: 11:48 PM Dec 12, 2008
 Last Updated: 11:48 PM Dec 12, 2008
75 comments
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TAYLOR, Mich. (AP) - Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning was the toast of Detroit when he threw a no-hitter for the Tigers in 1958.

Now, after opposing a federal bailout for the auto industry, the
Republican senator from Kentucky can't even get a gig signing
autographs at a suburban sports-card show.

Bunning was to appear Sunday at the Gibraltar Trade Center in
Taylor. Fans would have paid $35 for Bunning to sign a baseball and
$55 to sign a bat.

But Bunning was kicked off the schedule after he helped derail
an auto-industry loan package in the Senate Thursday night.

Owner Jim Koester says he can't support someone who voted
against Michigan's economic well-being.

Messages seeking comment were left for Bunning's office.

Bunning is a Hall of Famer who pitched in Detroit from 1955 to
1963.

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Posted by: Jamie Location: Harlan on Dec 16, 2008 at 11:30 AM
What an idiot. Him and McConnell. How could anyone in this state support someone who doesnt support the united states Automotive industry? Our state is the 3rd largest producer of automobiles right behind Michigan and Ohio. Dont you think our economy is going to hurt badly if GM Chrysler or Ford goes under???? You didnt see these two bozos voting no when it came to giving AIG the big bailout did you????
Posted by: JPB Location: KY on Dec 16, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Hey "come on" are you kidding? The government won't bail out any individual, just the big multi-million dollar companies. The average citizen is up the creek if they face bankruptcy!
Posted by: J Location: KY on Dec 16, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Hey Margaret, if it wasn't for the unions, you or your friends daughter would work for a dollar an hour with no benefits! It would pretty much be slave labor.
Posted by: Joyce Location: Somerset on Dec 16, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Most of you generous people seem to be forgetting that it is US - you, me, our children and grandchildren - who will be paying for these bailouts for many years to come, while the CEOs, whose greed and bad business decisions responsible for this mess, are living like kings, with no intention of modifying their extravigant lifestyles. It turned my stomach when they showed up in Washington with their hands out, wearing their Armani suits and arriving in their private jets. They just don't get it. These greedy over-paid CEOs should be put out on the street (or in jail), without their multi-million dollar "bonuses", their penthouses and yachts should be sold, and the money put back into the companies where it belongs. Their decision-making abilities are no better now than they were when they got into this mess, and US bailing them out will change nothing. It will just be back to "business as usual" for them. Throwing money at them will only buy them a little more time on the take.
Posted by: margaret Location: taylor mi on Dec 16, 2008 at 08:19 AM
I have already posted 1 time on this board. Like I said I was against the bail out to start. The reason was my friend's daughter got a job at GM in Pontiac last year just before the union contract signing. This is one of the reasons the company is broke. 3 months later she was asked if she wanted her contract bought out or take a layoff. She chose to take the buy out, just 60,000. With less than 3 months into the contract. The unions are what destroyed this country. I feel people that worked 20-30 years deserve their pension funds but this other move is beyond me. When I was growing up my grandparents survived on Social Security and no medical benefits. So toss the unions OUT ! Down fall of the country !
Posted by: mike on Dec 16, 2008 at 07:47 AM
to paul in sville what would it be like in eastern ky with the union coal miners they make good money too they would be working for nothing even nonunion mine have to pay beyyer because they want to keep workers an keep the unions out the unions are not thugs of days gone by the average auto maker gm ford crysler dont make to much more than toyota workers and the cost of living up north is more the problem is not the workers wages it the ceos and stock holders wanting a big proffit yea cut the ceos and wages and bonus but dont put down the worker for trying to make it
Posted by: Come on on Dec 16, 2008 at 07:04 AM
I don't think anyone should be bailed out. What kind of a message is that sending to people. Hey spend all your money on extravagent things and the goverment will bail you out. I am short on the rent this month anyone want to bail me out. Don't get me wrong I am in no way a supporter of Mcconnel but maybe, just maybe he has his head out of his a@@ on this one.
Posted by: Tommy Location: Floyd County on Dec 16, 2008 at 03:12 AM
If you believe Bunning is wrong, send money to the UAW to help them. I am sure they will take it. Bunning represents KY not MI. He has my vote. OK all you good liberal Democrats, give til it hurts, just not my money. I bet no one sends a dime. You just want to spend my money, not yours.
Posted by: Angry Citizen Location: Lexington on Dec 15, 2008 at 07:17 PM
The UAE is done. They were needed decades ago when auto workers needed fair wages, but they are the problem now! They drive up the cost of production of vehicles and are a major part of this problem. Get rid of the UAE!
Posted by: Diane Location: Mt.Sterling on Dec 15, 2008 at 04:56 PM
So the government should give money to people who manage their business poorly so they can continue to manage it poorly? Do you people honestly believe that will save the auto worker? Unfortunately, the auto workers are gonna suffer sooner or later. If the government bales the big three out the workers will see very little of that money. We have to face facts. Restructuring these companies will save far more jobs than rewarding them for failure by bailing them out with no conditions.
Posted by: lynn Location: ky on Dec 15, 2008 at 09:14 AM
my understanding "greg" is that how toyota workers make the (40.00) is including bonuses.. same for GM.. their hourly wage is high but it goes up to 70.00 plus with bonsues.. That is the average pay and I think that is how it is being explained. Maybe the Union needs to revamp themselves. We dont need to be bailing out anyone. The CEO's need to take a HUGE paycut and get NO bonuses.. that would put a lot of money back in their company.....
Posted by: Jason on Dec 15, 2008 at 08:57 AM
Good, I' glad he got snubbed and he should have.
Posted by: Alice on Dec 15, 2008 at 08:56 AM
I can't think of a single thing this man has done for KY can you?
Posted by: Terri on Dec 15, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Is this man brain dead? I can't wait again vote against him.
Posted by: wildbill Location: east,ky on Dec 15, 2008 at 08:50 AM
to greg you are out of your mind
Posted by: Steve Location: Prestonsburg on Dec 15, 2008 at 07:49 AM
To cole in Lexington. You are dead WRONG about the autoworkers making 70$ an hour. I see this splattered all over the net. 70$ an hour is what it cost GM per worker. It is NOT what they get paid an hour. They make on average 27-29 an hour in wages. Look it up. I do agree that the UAW is chocking them with the benefits packages though. The government needs to regulate the foreign car companies a little closer so that it's an even playing field in overhead. What gets me is: The very ones on here griping against the automakers would be crying like a 3 year old if they were an autoworker themselves.. "wahh.. they are trying to take my retirement.... wah..."... now wouldn't you? Own up crybabies !
Posted by: Jeff Location: Pike County on Dec 15, 2008 at 07:09 AM
I have to say with every ounce of my being I am ashamed to say that I am from Ky after reading these post. Educate yourself on the subject matter before posting. Mitch and Jim should give up and leave thier offices. The only reason they voted against the bill is the HUGE Toyota plant thats sitting in Georgetown. Look around the country and see the other senators that voted down the bill and notice what kind of auto plants they have located in thier states.
Posted by: Jeff Location: Pikeville on Dec 15, 2008 at 06:56 AM
They bail the banks out and no one is complaining. They want to Bail out the big three auto industry and all kinds of stink is being raised. If the big three go under this county is in ruin. By the way Toyota is non union and they make 20 per hour. So why not help save a few billion jobs and bail out the big three.
Posted by: Sam Location: Houston on Dec 15, 2008 at 06:39 AM
Do Right and Accept the Consequences!
Posted by: Bill Location: Georgetown on Dec 14, 2008 at 11:23 PM
[edited], a guy who pitched for a city in peril, is snubbed because he opposed giving good money to a bad situation. Thanks Jim, I appreciate your stance on the auto issue.
Posted by: Greg Location: Jackson on Dec 14, 2008 at 10:48 PM
I work at Toyota and we make $26.28/hr.Not $40/hr like has been reported.I'm thankful for that and I'm glad we are union free.They are the downfall of the Big 3.
Posted by: w Location: knott on Dec 14, 2008 at 09:46 PM
funny why did the gov help other people when they wer fighting to hold onto their busisness, this country is way out of hand.
Posted by: union worker Location: ky on Dec 14, 2008 at 08:26 PM
the workers are in part to blame.unions are nothing without people. they have to vote (members, not leaders on every contract). rockwell in winchester wnet out because you can't keep putting everything that you get for a raise each year on your hourly pay, it has to be broken up between health and welfare, pension and if you have a vacation fund or christmas fund etc. the big three are in part to blame but don't forget that they are only half of the problem the workers are the other half. i have been a union worker for seven years and i am glad that i am, i have'nt lost any money on my retirement and i have decent, not he best, but decent insurance. i know that people talk about union this and that but to each his own, all i can say is that i for one, am a proud union worker.
Posted by: Robert Davis Location: Berea, Ky. on Dec 14, 2008 at 05:51 PM
If the autoworkers do not agree to a massive pay cut then their employers need to go bankrupt.
Posted by: john Location: ky on Dec 14, 2008 at 04:07 PM
i am with paul location: salyersville. the union is why people like cole makes 21 dollars an hour,when they break all the unions then see what you make.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 14, 2008 at 03:34 PM
ohh i make $6 an hour.. everyone is crying because they are now only going to get $40 an hour.. i guess they don't care about average people working and still having a hard time paying the bills and feeding the kids. sounds to me like they need to be brought down from their high horse.
Posted by: Jerry Location: Kentucky on Dec 14, 2008 at 03:18 PM
I've done my part to try to get those two idiots out of office. Kentucky deserves what they get from these two.
Posted by: kevin Location: winchester on Dec 14, 2008 at 11:55 AM
I am glad the UAW stood their ground. There is no reason why they shouldn't get paid the wages they do. Our system of finance capital is fundamentally flawed. Illegal immigration enables large corporations to drive down the wages for the rest of America while increasing profits. Our country needs to stop exploiting illegal labor so that wages will go up for the rest of us!
Posted by: Tonya Location: Prestonsburg on Dec 14, 2008 at 09:03 AM
I'm with you Charles of Lexington!
Posted by: cole Location: Lexington on Dec 14, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Some folks here say wake up? Avg. GM workers make $72 p/hr! Who needs that kind of $$. The UAW needs to bend and help the taxpayers help them get out of this mess and then if they do not want to then they get no help. I for one and blessed well by God and make $21 a hour. I have anything I want so why should somebody cry if their wages are cut from $72 to say $40 an hour as I am an example that one can live well on a lot less. I feel sorry for these workers but I do not think the rest of us should bail them out so they can continue making over $70 an hour when they can sacrifice some and live good on less. When you think about it and point the finger at the Republicans that are not supporting this, just remember one thing, GM, Ford, Chrysler, there are four more pointing right back at you.
Posted by: Billy Bob on Dec 14, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Cry baby Democrats al you hear from them is give,give me.=NO= No more free money,its our money and he reps. us.Free money is whats got us here now,trying to keep up every lazy PostOffice Democrat in the state and country. The Parasites have broke our nation, and they still stand with thier hands out.
Posted by: Paul Location: Salyersville on Dec 14, 2008 at 04:03 AM
Posted by: randy Location: eastern ky on Dec 13, 2008 at 01:59 AM Who needs Detroit? Serve the people of ky. and stay away from the overpaid union guys. I with you all the way , Jim. dont you realise if it wasnt for the "over paid union worker " there wouldnt be a 40/hr work week and everyone would make $5.00/hr including non-union people . The concessions that the unions have got for workers and the lobbying for workers right are to numerous to list, so dont say something like that when you have no idea what you are talking about.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 14, 2008 at 03:52 AM
Zatochi,,Granholm has tried to straighten out the mess the republican that was there before her left . and she has done a good job if you lived or spent anytime in Michigan you might actually know what your talking about
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Pikeville on Dec 14, 2008 at 03:07 AM
Good vote Jim!!ceo and union are to blame because they are not willing to cut cost. If the goverment were help the tax payer out there would be more money flowning around to get the economy going in the wright direction and no I did not aprove of the first bailout the same ceo stay in power of stock exchange so what change nothing we the people now own stock in company's that are still losing our hard earn money.
Posted by: Gil Location: Richmond on Dec 14, 2008 at 02:51 AM
Before anyone goes making false statements as to what UAW workers make, follow the reports in Washington. Toyota pays higher than GM and the president for UAW laid it out in black and white for everyone to see.
Posted by: charles Location: Lexington on Dec 14, 2008 at 12:30 AM
GM and Toyota sold the same # of cars in '07--GM lost 37 billion while Toyota made 17 billion. The average GM worker made $72/hr while the average Toyota worker made $40/hr. The average US worker makes $23/hr. GM has a business model that has exported jobs to other countries and has failed, while the Japanese car companies are building factories in America and employing Americans for nearly twice what the average American makes. Why should the average American who makes $23/hr have to pay for the pension and healthcare of GM workers? Let GM follow a proven and successful business model or fail. Those who hold out empty hands are never satisfied, but those who are busy using their hands will prosper.
Posted by: steve on Dec 13, 2008 at 11:17 PM
lets see you vote him out sore tailed liberals sorry for your liberal dinosaur dying to bad .
Posted by: bill Location: pikeville on Dec 13, 2008 at 11:12 PM
couldn't happen to a better person. ha ha ha
Posted by: Goebel Location: Lexington on Dec 13, 2008 at 09:25 PM
You reap what you sew Bunning and I'm so happy stay home.
Posted by: Taxpayer Location: floyd county on Dec 13, 2008 at 07:24 PM
Cry me a hand full sen. Bumming! You are a piece of work!
Posted by: wendy Location: london ky on Dec 13, 2008 at 07:21 PM
Why should our tax dollars help auto makers stay a float when our schools were cut 4 million dollars? Working people cant even afford to buy the new cars they are making its either a home or a new car!! Help our children get an education so they can grow up to fix this mess, dont take from their education to keep the auto industry going, because without a good job you cant afford to buy a new vehicle anyway!!! They are not selling cars because they cost as much as a house, so they can fly their ceos around in private jets. Lower your prices on cars and you will sell more therefore you wont need our hard earned tax dollars.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 13, 2008 at 06:58 PM
The babyboomers destroyed the country.
Posted by: Charles Location: Hazard ky on Dec 13, 2008 at 05:38 PM
your nothing but a rat jim bunning........that why you guys in Washington get such a bad name...let us cut your benfits
Posted by: Lee Location: E. Ky on Dec 13, 2008 at 05:34 PM
Serves him right. He wants the people whom he is kicking to the street to pay him for his signature. Arrogant out-of-touch politician. Washington is willing to give Wall St. HUNDREDS of BILLIONS to fix their mis-management problems but will not give Detroit 14 billion to help fix theirs. Strange how a lot of those Senators who opposed helping Detroit have foreign automakers in their districts, makes you wonder. Funny how people point their finger at the union workers, call them over-paid and blame them for Detroit's problems but don't think twice about the money that is given to Wall St whose workers make much more than the typical autoworker. Guess the republicans just want to sink the ship(America) if they can't be the capitan.
Posted by: it's sad all the way round Location: Taylor, Michigan on Dec 13, 2008 at 04:03 PM
let's put them thinking caps on boys and girls...true, it doesnt seem fair to help "Michigan"...and true...people in Mi, Ohio and Indiana did branch out and worked...that's why they left good ole KY but..... if this country was to need war machines or anything that had to be manufactured...what "state" would you have to depend on??? I don't see anyone "perfect" on this eath. I just hope and pray that we "all" can survive this famine ahead of us. God Bless smiles....
Posted by: Bill on Dec 13, 2008 at 03:52 PM
Bunning is a disgrace and will be gone next election, thank God.
Posted by: George Location: Manchester,Ky. on Dec 13, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Way to go Mitch. You and the rest of the republican party will be like the saber tooth tiger. I love to see you guys keep cutting your own throat. It was all right to give wall street 700 billion dollars and give nothing to save 3,000,000 working class peoples jobs.
Posted by: Zatoichi Location: Richmond on Dec 13, 2008 at 02:59 PM
And to think the Governor of Michigan who has presided over the collapse of their economy is now one of Obama's economic advisors. Perhaps she their so they know to do the opposite of what the Gov recommends.
Posted by: Amy Location: Floyd on Dec 13, 2008 at 02:12 PM
The last time I checked most the people on welfare were more than capable of working just too lazy! You cant say there isnt any jobs because everywhere you look, people are hiring, granted they may not be jobs making a CEO salary but I would rather have a job and be restpected than depending on the state to pay for my family. I say good job Jim Bunning! I work everyday and if I happened to come behind on bills and faced foreclosure, no one would be wanting to bail me out! People need to quit being so lazy and actually work for a living and quit depending on welfare! To the CEO's they should lose their jobs because if they were doing them right in the first place they wouldnt be needing a bailout! Keep up the good work Jim! And by the way, I'm not even a democrat and didnt even vote for Jim, but I'm glad he's actually got enough sense to stand up for what he and I believe is right!
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 13, 2008 at 12:27 PM
What's the country music song---Take tis job and shove it!!!!
Posted by: J Location: KY on Dec 13, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Funny how we as taxpayers are supposed to just jump right in and support this bailout. Where is the logic in it? If someone, an average citizen, gets in over their head financially, looking at bankruptcy, losing their home, etc., no one steps in to bail them out. They have to deal with it. So what is the actual difference here, same principal, bigger scale as far as I can see. Mr. Bunning is correct, why do we have to bail them out when their bad spending got them where they are today?
Posted by: margaret Location: taylor on Dec 13, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Mr. Bunning no money for you here !! Sorry to say most people do not understand the draw back from the bailout denial. The state of michigan will end up like the state of kentucky. No work ! Welfare ! My brother in law works for a parts manf. in ky and his job, will go also. Take a look people this is Not Just about cars. I was not for the bailout, until I found out it affects all of us. There will not be taxpayers to pay taxes !! Who will pay then ? It amazes me that no one is looking at the overall picture !! Wake up people ! This country will be in a total welfare state !!
Posted by: Sharon Location: Lexington on Dec 13, 2008 at 10:27 AM
I hope the same thing happens to Mitch
Posted by: Ordinary Radical on Dec 13, 2008 at 09:57 AM
Thanks to Senator Bunning, there are thousands of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana families celebrating a Christmas with fear and anxiety instead of relief and hope.
Posted by: Dave Location: Garden Springs on Dec 13, 2008 at 09:54 AM
The union chambered the round, pointed the gun at union foot and pulled the trigger resulting in the blown off foot, not Jim.
Posted by: Eddie Location: Pike on Dec 13, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Funny how people on here tend to forget, Jim Bunning was the one who actually said we were heading for this kind of economic meltdown, and voted against numerous bills he felt were leading towards it. They called him crazy then, but he was crazy like a fox. I appreciate him having the courage of his convictions to vote for the right thing. Keep it up, Mr. Bunning! We can't continue to bail out bloated, overpaid companies who don't have the backbone to stand up to the overzealous union bosses.
Posted by: Al Location: Kentucky on Dec 13, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Don't worry Senator Bunning. You did the right thing in opposing the auto industry bailout. Why should taxpayers have to pay for the mistakes of greedy CEO's? Come back home to KY and sign cards and bats.
Posted by: pete Location: harlan on Dec 13, 2008 at 08:54 AM
now lets just see if the backlash from such an ignorant move will result in him finally being beaten in an election. hes too old to serve this country anyhow. there should be an age cap on elected officials
Posted by: steve Location: irvine on Dec 13, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Hey i thought liberals were caring and heart felt people i thought that you don't supposed to put politics in anything Jim you must hit some liberal nerves keep up the good work my man you done the right thing.
Posted by: Keith Location: Hillsboro, Ky 41049 on Dec 13, 2008 at 08:25 AM
Jim Bunning is a no hitter!
Posted by: josh Location: ky on Dec 13, 2008 at 08:13 AM
looks like he's been inducted into the hall of shame now
Posted by: haleycat123 Location: northern ky on Dec 13, 2008 at 08:07 AM
why should any of us want to help out the auto industry, they should be looking for ways to trim their overhead and have a more lean manufacturing process, taxpayers can't keep bailing everyone out.
Posted by: Wondering Location: Wellington on Dec 13, 2008 at 07:51 AM
The taxpayers of this country....SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BAIL OUT THE AUTO INDUSTRY! We have to live within limits or we have to file bankruptcy...so should any industry which cannot operate within their boundaries. I respect Mr. Bunning for having the courage to look out for the citizens of this land who will end up paying for THEIR bad business dealings.
Posted by: grumpy on Dec 13, 2008 at 07:38 AM
he deserves to be snubbed after not supporting something to help the workers not only in michigan but kentucky we have a lot of factories that make auto parts that will have problems due to this stunt
Posted by: Jim Location: Annville,Ky on Dec 13, 2008 at 06:59 AM
There was no bailout for the people who have allready lost their jobs,their homes and every thing they had why should there be a bailout for the Auto Makers. Send thebailout money to to the American tax payer and to those that have been layed off and bail us out.
Posted by: Don Location: williamsburg on Dec 13, 2008 at 06:36 AM
Dont know anything about you senator Bunning. But if more elected officials did what they thought was right this country would be a lot better off. If the uaw which is just part of orgnaized crime and the workers cant take cuts equal to honda and toyota, let them work at jobs like macdonalds or any miminum wage job with no benifits like so many million american workers are haveing to do. They would Probally beg to take a cut and get back to work. The rest of the poor people cant even buy gas to put in a used car anyway.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 13, 2008 at 04:50 AM
Thank you Senator Bunning for helping to preserve the free markets. The big 3 failed to innovate and shouldn't get special treatment. I was also very pleased of Senator Bunning's opposition to the Financial Industry Bailout (highway robbery). We need more conservatives like Bunning
Posted by: namon Location: yerkes on Dec 13, 2008 at 03:53 AM
Jim Bunning is great man all he did was to vote the way he felt . The people in Mich. should be ashamed
Posted by: randy Location: eastern ky on Dec 13, 2008 at 01:59 AM
Who needs Detroit? Serve the people of ky. and stay away from the overpaid union guys. I with you all the way , Jim.
Posted by: Teresa Location: Mt. Sterling on Dec 13, 2008 at 12:24 AM
You know, I know this seems really bad for the auto workers and their families, but who do you think is going to pay for this bail out? and who do you think is going to be the last to lose their pay checks, (the big knuckleheads who caused this mess at GM, Chrysler, etc.)
Posted by: James Location: East KY on Dec 12, 2008 at 11:17 PM
Serves him right!!!!!!!
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