Former U.S. Sen. Bunning endorses Comer for Ky. governor

Former U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning has endorsed Commissioner of Agriculture James Comer in the 2015 Republican gubernatorial primary.

In a statement provided to the paper, Bunning, who served in the Senate from 1999 to 2010, said that Comer "has consistently demonstrated his ability to fight government waste and abuse, while implementing economic growth initiatives.

"Kentucky faces many challenges that will require proven leadership," Bunning said in the statement. "James Comer is the candidate in this race that is ready to lead on day one."

Comer said in a statement that he was "humbled" to receive the endorsement.

"For years, he (Bunning) has held the bullhorn for conservative values and time has proven that he was right on so many issues," Comer said. "He established the Republican Party in northern Kentucky and paved the way for many Republicans in that region and throughout the commonwealth."

Comer's new campaign manager, Edwin King, was a former staffer to Bunning.

Comer and running mate state Sen. Chris McDaniel will file their paperwork to run with the Secretary of State's office on Thursday morning, followed by a rally in the Capitol Rotunda.

With just days to go before the filing deadline, Comer is currently running against former Louisville Metro Councilman Hal Heiner and retired state Supreme Court Justice Will T. Scott.

This story was originally published January 19, 2015 at 9:51 PM with the headline "Former U.S. Sen. Bunning endorses Comer for Ky. governor."