GM, Bunning, Mongiardo, Conway, Spector

• Browning Chevrolet’s closure could be the end of the line for GM new auto sales in Hopkins County. While rumors have reached the Spin Doctor that there may be interest out there in opening a new dealership here, GM announced Monday that it is closing, not opening dealerships. The car maker said it will close 2,600 dealerships by the end of 2010. GM had more than 6,300 dealerships nationwide at the end of 2008.

• Sen. Jim Bunning says he doesn’t expect any “major” oppposition in the 2010 Republican primary, but any opposition could be a real problem for him. While Bunning has only been able to raise $400,000, Sen. Mitch McConnell is handing out money with both hands. Except none of it is going to Bunning. According to Politico.com, McConnell’s political action committee has doled out $105,000 to 10 incumbent Republican senators. The cost of a Senate seat is high. McConnell spent $21 million in last year’s race against Bruce Lunsford.

• Interesting that Bunning would mention U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield as one of people he considers “major.” While even most Democrats would admit that Whitfield has done a good job for the 1st District, does he have the name recognition and star power to run a statewide campaign?

• State Attorney General Jack Conway’s candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the Senate race is picking up steam. U.S. Reps. Ben Chandler and John Yarmouth have endorsed his bid, as has Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson. State Auditor Crit Luallen previously threw her support behind Conway.

• Lt. Gov. Dr. Dan Mongiardo has Gov. Steve Beshear’s support. The Kentucky United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Unions announced last week they will support him.

• The Doc has a donkey pin ready for Sen. Arlen Specter. The Pennsylvania Republican has announced he will run for re-election next year, but this time as a Democrat. He and fellow Republicans have had more public spats than George Steinbrenner and Billy Martin. Enough is enough, he said. His defection could give the Dems a filibuster-proof Senate.

• How about them Red Sox.

• Madisonville Tire has an F-1 car and simulator on display. Take a test drive.

• Happy 83rd birthday (Tuesday) to Harper Lee. Thanks for Boo Radley and To Kill a Mockingbird.