Senator Bunning is apparently considering immolation of his career as a "nuclear option," to use news-speak from 2008. Senator Bunning, while I disagree with him about some things, was one of few Republicans to keep a steady non-socialist, anti-"stimulus" platform under both a Republican and a Democratic president. He has done this without regard to his own political future. It is refreshing to see an elected official put principle ahead of personal gain, for a change.
Now, it seems that the GOP is conducting a political assassination in retaliation by trying to keep him from being re-elected. This is similar to Bush and the PA GOP taking out Rep. Pat Toomey in his 2004 primary contest against Arlen Specter. Perhaps Sen. Bunning has found the only way to defeat the neocons: Let them know that they will lose all political power if they drive out the last few conservatives and libertarians.
Why do the good Republicans get chased out of politics? The statist Bush establishment forces them out of their own party. While I disagree with many conservatives on some social issues, I will applaud the few who have stood their ground on economic issues like the bailout and similar socialist endeavors. Good job, Senator Bunning, for fighting the GOP establishment and the bailout socialism.
To all the fiscal conservatives and libertarian republicans out there: When you are done wandering in the wilderness of the statist GOP, remember your philosophy's roots in freedom. Follow those roots, and they will lead you to friends who still believe in fiscal responsibility and freedom.