U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning of Kentucky had a lot to say Tuesday — and as usual it was candid and controversial.

Bunning said his fellow Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell and Texas Sen. John Cornyn, head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, are trying to recruit primary challengers in Bunning’s re-election campaign, making it difficult for Bunning to raise money for his 2010 campaign.

And he called on U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner to resign.

When asked how his fundraising for his 2010 re-election is going, Bunning said, “We’re finding it more difficult to raise money because of McConnell and Cornyn. When they recruit someone to run against you in a primary, it puts doubt in people’s minds that you are going to finish the race. Therefore, they’re waiting and waiting. It’s almost a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

Bunning was then asked if he thought McConnell and Cornyn were actively recruiting primary challengers.

“They brought in David Williams,” Bunning said, referring to the state Senate President who has shown interest in the race. “Is that active?”

He said McConnell’s Chief of Staff, Billy Piper, “forced Cornyn to accept David Williams” when he visited the NRSC in Washington. “So, is that actively recruiting?” He went on to say, “It’s too obvious.”

Piper, contacted in Washington, declined comment.

Bunning also took on The Courier-Journal, saying its reporters write what they wish regardless of the facts. Then in an aside about a Courier-Journal story that quoted three unnamed sources, who reportedly said Bunning threatened to resign his seat if he didn't receive more support from his party, said: “Three sources, my ass.” Bunning denies saying he would resign at a fundraiser in Washington.

Bunning also said he and McConnell had little to say to each other three weeks ago in Corbin where they sat at the same table for the Fifth District Lincoln Day Dinner. Bunning said they only exchanged hellos. He implied that Fifth District Congressman Hal Rogers, R-Somerset, doesn’t share McConnell’s and Cornyn’s apparent preference that Bunning not run for re-election.

“I talked to the real power in Corbin – Harold Rogers,” Bunning said. Asked what Rogers told him, Bunning replied, “He’s telling me where to go find money.”

Bunning, 77, is finishing a second term in the Senate and has said repeatedly he will run for re-election in 2010. He narrowly defeated then state Sen. Dan Mongiardo of Hazard in 2004 by 1.4 percent. Mongiardo, now lieutenant governor, has already announced he will run again. Democratic Attorney General Jack Conway is interested in running. So might state Auditor Crit Luallen and Congressman Ben Chandler, although most think only one of those three political allies will run.

On the Republican side, Williams seems to be testing the waters and has said he’s not made up his mind about “any future races.” Secretary of State Trey Grayson has said he would run if Bunning doesn’t but will not challenge Bunning in a primary. Bowling Green eye doctor, Rand Paul, son of Texas Republican Rep. Ron Paul who ran for president last year, has said he will run if Bunning doesn’t.

Bunning was asked Tuesday what he thinks is McConnell’s position.

“I’m not answering that,” Bunning replied.

Bunning opened his weekly teleconference with Kentucky reporters by criticizing the plan to save troubled banks and calling on Geithner to resign. He said Geithner’s plan poses no risks to investors and puts taxpayers on the hook.

He said there is not much private investment in the plan “except the profit the fat cats on Wall Street will be making off the deal.” He called the plan “total socialism,” and said, “It’s time for Secretary Geithner to step aside.”

RONNIE ELLIS writes for CNHI News Service and is based in Frankfort. Reach him at rellis@cnhi.com.