By RONNIE ELLIS
FRANKFORT — Two major U.S. Senate candidates announced changes to their campaign staffs Monday and Tuesday.
Democrat Jack Conway announced that Jonathan Drobis who previously worked for Hillary Clinton’s campaign, will be his campaign manager and media strategist Mandy Grunwald of Grunwald Communications has also joined the campaign.
Republican Trey Grayson announced Jeremy Hughes will serve as his political director and lead grassroots organization and voter turnout for Grayson’s Senate campaign.
Hughes, a Fleming County native, previously served as campaign manager for Fourth District Congressman Geoff Davis and managed Dr. Jack Ditty’s campaign for the state senate in the August special election which Democrat Robin Webb narrowly won.
Hughes is also known for his expertise in get-out-the-vote organization, something Davis’ campaigns have used effectively enough to garner a national reputation.
Grayson said he is “thrilled” to have Hughes on board to work on his grassroots organization.
Conway said he has “put together one of the best (campaign) teams in the country,” with the additions of Drobis, Grunwald and press secretary Allison Haley whom Conway called “one of the most experienced communication experts in Kentucky.” She previously worked for House Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark, D-Okolona, and before that was spokeswoman for Bruce Lunsford’s unsuccessful U.S. Senate campaign against Mitch McConnell. She also worked for the Kentucky Democratic Party for a time.
Media strategist and consultant Mark Riddle will remain on board for Conway’s campaign. Riddle has worked in previous Conway campaigns, the 2003 primary for gubernatorial candidate Ben Chandler, and previous campaigns for Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson. Chandler switched campaign managers for the 2003 fall election he lost to Republican Ernie Fletcher.
Both candidates were at one time viewed as heavy favorites to win their parties’ respective primaries but each ran into some unexpected bumps in the road.
Conway chose the annual Fancy Farm picnic to utter his tough-guy statement that he was "one tough son of a bitch" and his main rival in the Democratic primary Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo pounced. Conway’s campaign has been trying to recover its footing since.
Grayson seemed to have a clear path to the Republican nomination once incumbent Sen. Jim Bunning withdrew but Bowling Green eye surgeon and self-described outsider Rand Paul has demonstrated an ability to raise money, garner media attention and attract support. A recent SuveyUSA poll for WHAS-TV in Louisville showed Paul with a 3 point lead over Grayson.
The race to succeed Bunning has become crowded. Monday, Henderson physician James Buckmaster filed for the Democratic primary joining Conway, Mondiardo, former U.S. Customs Agent Darlene Price and Eastwood businessman Maurice Sweeney.
In addition to Grayson and Paul, Elkton businessman and veteran Bill Johnson, Roger Thoney of northern Kentucky and Gurley Martin of Owensboro have filed to run.
RONNIE ELLIS writes for CNHI News Service and is based in Frankfort. Reach him at rellis@cnhi.com. Follow CNHI News Service stories on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cnhifrankfort.
