As readers of this blog may be unfamiliar with Bruce Lunsford, a brief summary is in order. I believe it may be enough to say, though I could certainly say more, that he has a long, long history of supporting Republicans financially and vocally. As the most recent example, in 2003 he endorsed the Republican candidate for Governor, Ernie Fletcher after losing a bitter primary fight to now-Rep. Ben Chandler. Not only that, the collapse of his business, Vencor, the businesses' practice of dumping Medicaid patients, and his past support of Kentucky Republicans make him one big fish in a tiny barrel this fall for Mitch McConnell's notoriously nasty campaign style.

You can understand why, then, Kentucky Democrats might be eager for an alternative. Following ex-Marine Andrew Horne's DSCC-encouraged withdrawal from the race, Greg Fischer became the default alternative. A little about Greg from his website:

Greg's formal business career started in the early 1980's with his father and brother Mark. At age 25, working in a local garage, Greg co-invented the combination ice/beverage dispenser. This small family business, SerVend, eventually became a large global company.

...

As member and past chairman of the Bluegrass Young President's Organization (YPO), Greg led YPO community outreach with the Habitat for Humanity and the development of a long term partnership with the Center for Interfaith Relations to bring global thought leaders to Louisville for community learning.

Greg has endowed scholarships at Trinity High School and the University of Louisville to create educational opportunities for the youth of Kentucky. On the international stage, Greg led the development of a collaboration between YPO and the World Conference of Religions for Peace.

As I said above, the independent businessman from Louisville is coming into his own. His website, following its relaunch this week, is snappy. More importantly, though, he enunciates thoughtful positions on the economy, Iraq, health care, and energy independence. Like the ice/beverage dispenser he invented in his 20s, his common-sense solutions to America's problems flow from a desire to make life easier for working Americans. And, unlike some candidates, he has the credibility to deliver this Democratic vision to the people of Kentucky.

The first deadline for FEC fundraising figures is fast approaching (March 31), and I hope we can show Kentucky Democrats that articulating a progressive vision for Kentucky and America is the surest way to gain the netroots' support. Whether Fischer can overcome Bruce Lunsford's millions and Lunsford's support from many in the Kentucky Democratic establishment remains to be seen. For those of us who hope to vote for an actual Democrat on May 20, we're just glad there's still one in the race.