Thrusday, January 07, 1999
Sen. Bunning shares glory at swearing-in
BY PATRICK CROWLEY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
WASHINGTON — Jim Bunning has spent 12 years in Washington but he never had a day like Wednesday.
Surrounded by his family and watched by some of his best friends and supporters, including Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, Mr. Bunning took the oath of office shortly after noon Wednesday and became a U.S. senator.
Even for Mr. Bunning, 67, a Southgate native and resident who is in Major League Baseball's Hall of Fame and who spent six terms in the U.S. House, the day was special.
“I'm going to try and get through this without breaking down,” Mr. Bunning told an energized crowd of about 250 supporters at the Ronald Reagan Republican Center, where a reception was held in his honor after the swearing-in ceremony.
“But there are so many people in this room who made this possible and who I need to thank,” he said, stopping briefly to compose himself.
“I would not be standing here today if it weren't for you.”
Among those singled out:
• His wife, Mary.
• Mr. McConnell, who as head of the Senate Republican campaign committee provided money, staff and resources to Mr. Bunning's winning campaign over Lexington Democrat Scotty Baesler.
• Kyle Simmons and Scott Douglas, members of Mr. McConnell's Washington staff who worked nearly a year on the campaign while on loan from Mr. McConnell's Senate office.
• His children, including Dave Bunning and Amy Towles, who worked on the campaign.
• Campaign Manager Debbie McKinney, Mr. Bunning's longtime political aide, and campaign volunteer Jay Poston.
• Mike Duncan, the eastern Kentucky banker and Republican National Committeeman who served a year as Mr. Bunning's campaign coordinator.
“All I can say,” Mr. Duncan said, "is dreams do come true.”
Mr. Bunning repeatedly thanked the Northern Kentuckians who made the trip to Washington, and for supporting him in the election.
“It takes a team effort, and we had one heck of a team,” he said.
Mr. Bunning was sworn in by Vice President Al Gore. After the formal ceremony in the Senate chamber, Mr. Gore posed for photos in the old Senate chamber with Mr. Bunning and members of his family.
“It was incredibly exciting to see Jim Bunning sworn into office, particularly after he and so many of us worked so hard to get him elected,” said Republican Party strategist Hayes Robertson of Alexandria. “It's a very special moment that most people never get to experience or see.”
Mr. Bunning, who succeeds retiring Democrat Wendell Ford, will have little time to warm to being a U.S. senator.
Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist is scheduled today to swear in all 100 senators as jurors for the impeachment trial of President Clinton.
Son Dave Bunning, an assistant U.S. attorney in Covington who made the trip to Washington, remarked on the success of his father.
“First, the Hall of Fame for dad, then the House, and now this. ... I think it can't get any bigger or better, but it does.”
Paul Barton contributed to this report.
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