Bunning Apologizes, Then Attacks Mongiardo For Rumors

(LEXINGTON, Ky., October 11th, 2004, 5 p.m.) -- U.S. Senator Jim Bunning apologized Monday for having said months ago that his Democratic opponent looked like one of Saddam Hussein's sons.

Bunning then claimed Daniel Mongiardo had spread rumors that his health was failing.

Bunning and Mongiardo traded sharp barbs during a debate taped in Lexington. Mongiardo was in the WKYT TV studios, while Bunning participated from Washington, D-C, via satellite.

Mongiardo said he had not spread any rumors about Bunning's health. He criticized Bunning for "conduct unbecoming a U.S. Senator."

After the debate, Bunning's campaign released two letters from doctors who said Bunning had "excellent health."

The debate was originally to be face to face. Bunning made a last-minute schedule change, saying he had to stay in Washington for key votes. He refused to reschedule it.

(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)