Thieneman decides to restart bid for KY-3 GOP nomination

Louisville businessman Chris Thieneman has confirmed he will restart his campaign for the Republican nomination 3rd Congressional District.

As originally reported on the PageOne blog this weekend, Thieneman will now face three primary opponents, including former 3rd District Congresswoman Anne Northup (R-Louisville).

Thieneman would not divulge many details about his campaign today, except to refer to the forthcoming 3rd District GOP debate on KET April 28 at 8pm.

"It will all be on there," he said this afternoon. "Encourage all your readers to watch that debate."

He earlier told PageOne that he did have "commitments for more than $100,000 from at least 50 political supporters"

The candidate will resurrect his campaign after calling it off in late January, claiming he was being pressured to quit by allies of Northup and Senator Mitch McConnell.

When Thieneman quit the race, he said he would leave the GOP and endorse current 3rd District incumbent John Yarmuth (D-Louisville).

After a March incident which saw Thieneman escorted from the Jefferson County Republican Convention by a police officer, he hinted he may jump back in the race because of his frustration with the local Republican establishment.

He then told PolitickerKY.com his endorsement of Yarmuth was "a mistake" and spoke of his commitment to the GOP.

The confirmation of his candidacy comes at a tricky time in the race for Thieneman. While the debate still lies ahead, only 29 days remain before the May 20 primary. Recent polling - albeit conducted while his campaign was dormant - shows Thieneman 68 points short of Northup.

In addition, a portion of the remaining campaign season falls during "Derby Week" - the time and festivities surrounding the Kentucky Derby horse race that detract much attention away from things political in the 3rd District.

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