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Owensboro retiree enters US Senate race

Associated Press - November 16, 2009 4:14 PM ET

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - An 85-year-old western Kentucky retiree is the first Republican to file the necessary paperwork to enter the race for U.S. Senate.

Gurley L. Martin said he is running "just because I can."

The World War II veteran paid the $500 filing fee on Monday to run. He will likely face two well-financed Republicans, Secretary of State Trey Grayson and Bowling Green eye surgeon Rand Paul. Both have raised more than $1 million for their campaigns.

On the Democratic side, former U.S. Customs Agent Darlene Price of Whitley City was the first and, so far, only candidate to file to run. Two Democratic heavyweights, Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo and Attorney General Jack Conway, have been campaigning and raising money for months for the race.

They're running for the seat held by Republican Jim Bunning, who has announced he will not seek a third term.

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