By Patrick Crowley
Enquirer staff writer

FORT WRIGHT - Kentucky's top Democratic leader said Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning should release his medical records because "the voters are entitled" to the information.

Kentucky Democratic Party Chairman Bill Garmer said Bunning and his opponent in November's election, Democratic state Sen. Dr. Daniel Mongiardo, should open their personal medical records to the public.

"I think it is important for the people of Kentucky to know the medical background of both of these candidates," Garmer said, "so the voters can know what is the condition of both of the candidates to be able to serve in this very high and very important office."

Mongiardo said he had "no problem" releasing his records. But Bunning's campaign refused to comment.

"If he releases his medical records," said Mongiardo, "I'm more than happy to give him a second opinion."

Republicans and Bunning supporters are convinced that Garmer and the Democrats are trying to plant seeds of doubt about Bunning's health.

They profess that Bunning, a member of Major League Baseball's Hall of Fame who turns 73 in October, has no health problems that would concern voters.

"This is just how Democrats campaign in Kentucky, through desperate, baseless attacks when they can't run and definitely can't run on the issues," said Marc Wilson, a GOP strategist. "The Democratic Party in Kentucky is a sinking ship."

Bunning has generally been viewed as being in good health with great stamina.

The only major public revelation about his health came in August of 2000, when he had his gall bladder and a benign tumor on his adrenal gland removed by doctors at the Mayo Clinic.

In the spring of 2001, Bunning suggested that members of former Gov. Paul Patton's administration were spreading rumors that he was dying.

Through his press office, Patton denied the rumors. The former two-term Democratic governor from Pikeville was going to run against Bunning this year. But he dropped those plans after being embroiled in a sex and alleged influence peddling scandal with businesswoman Tina Conner.

Garmer said his call for the candidates' medical records is "no fishing expedition."

"I have no knowledge of what the record will show," Garmer said. "I know there will be claims of privacy. But when you put yourself out to run for office, you implicitly make a promise that (you) will be capable of serving in this office fully and effectively for the full term.

"If there is something there that would prevent them, I think the public ought to know," he said.

Mongiardo criticized Bunning for missing a forum last Saturday at the state fiscal court convention in Owensboro.

"Jim Bunning is out of touch," Mongiardo said. "If he cared he would be here today."

Mongiardo has also claimed that Bunning is ducking opportunities to debate.

David Young, Bunning's campaign manager, said Bunning spent Saturday at Oldham County Days in LaGrange outside of Louisville. His appearance at the event was scheduled before the forum, Young said.

"Sen. Bunning regrets that he can't be in all 120 counties at once," Young said. . "Later this fall, when voters in Kentucky really start to focus on the election, we will have a rational discussion about this issue."

E-mail pcrowley@enquirer.com