Would-be Bunning successors applaud his stand

The two Republicans seeking to succeed Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.) are both applauding his controversial stand against an extension of jobless benefits and health insurance payments to the unemployed.

Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson and ophthamologist Rand Paul are both sticking by the state's junior senator, even as he receives bomb threats and Democrats decry him.

McClatchy reports that Grayson "said he would 'proudly stand up to ensure that programs are paid for.'" Paul, meanwhile, said "more senators need to stand up for the taxpayers and against the big-spending career politicians in both parties."

While it's nice to stand for fiscal responsibility in a GOP primary, there's a reason you don't see tons of Republican senators jumping to Bunning's aid right now. This is a tough position to take for the general election.