UPDATE: Horne Endorses Lunsford

Andrew Horne Watches Bruce Lunsford at this morning's announcement - Trey Pollard

FRANKFORT -- Ex-Democratic Senate Candidate Andrew Horne will announce his support of current primary frontrunner Bruce Lunsford this morning at a press conference in Frankfort.

Horne left the race in mid-February. Lunsford currently leads a seven candidate field by more than 30 points in recent polls.

Update - 11:22am: At the Capital Plaza Hotel, Lunsford and Horne appeared for a short press conference. Horne - the former candidate who was the focus of a internet-based "Draft Horne" movement last year - indicated he decided last week to endorse Lunsford 's candidacy in the race to unseat Republican Senator Mitch McConnell.

"He's a fighter. He knows what it takes to fight statewide," said Horne of Lunsford, referencing Lunsford's two previous bids to win the Democratic Gubernatorial nomination. "I am proud to say I support Bruce. I am a thousand percent behind him."

Horne said his decision came prior to the release of poll numbers this week showing Lunsford ahead by a large margin over the rest of the Democratic field.

Horne also said it was "imperative" that Democrats unify in their effort to unseat Senator McConnell.

"I'm a realist," remarked Horne. "There are few greater challenges than to take on the minority leader of the United States Senate."

Of McConnell, Horne said the Senator "has sat by and watched the health care crisis in this country develop" and "enabled the disasterous situation in Iraq."

Horne previously served as a Marine during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In Februrary, Horne had commented that supporting Lunsford against McConnell would be akin to supporting "the lesser of two evils." When asked what changed his opinion of Lunsford, Horne said "I know him now."

Lunsford acknowledged he actively pursued Horne's support.

"We had to spend a lot of time together for him to feel comfortable with this," said Lunsford.

Lunsford told assembled members of the media "this is just the beginning," noting the close of the state legislative session will mean more attention will be turned to the Senate race.

"I got into this Senate race because I really felt the country was going in the wrong direction," said Lunsford. "What I've seen is a situation where I've seen our Senior Senator spend more time pandering to party politics."

Lunsford argued that because of the actions of the Bush administration and Senator McConnell "I'm not sure you can live the American dream anymore...I think that's a result of choosing party politics and pandering in lieu of America."

As for his campaign, Lunsford said he spent a great deal of time seeking the support of organized labor and only about "ten days" on the phone raising funds.

In recent weeks, Lunsford received the endorsement of AFL-CIO and the Change to Win labor coalitions.

Recently, Lunsford took a good deal of criticism from fellow millionaire businessman and candidate Greg Fischer. Fischer launched a series of attacks this week highlighting Lunsford's past support of some Republican candidates.

In 2003, Lunsford dropped out of a contentious Democratic Gubernatorial primary and ultimately endorsed Republican Ernie Fletcher. Fischer also pointed to Lunsford's past financial contributions to Republicans.

During his gubernatorial bid last year, Lunsford publicly apologized for this support. Now, he says this history is a lingering issue with Democrats still frustrated with this history.

"The issue is with Democrats...Most politicians do not admit they made a mistake. I was a rookie, and my advisors told me to take these actions," said Lunsford. "I don't know how many Republicans are going to be mad that I supported a Republican."

"I don't mind fighting the enemy. I mind fighting my own guys," said Lunsford.

While maintaining a large lead over his primary opponents, Lunsford says he is prepared for the "kitchen sink" from Senator McConnell's campaign.

"Its going to be seven long months," said Lunsford.