By AP
Frankfort, KY – Kentucky Republican Bill Johnson says he has loaned his U.S. Senate campaign $250,000 to start off the new year on stronger financial footing. The loan was intended as a signal to the political establishment that he is a serious candidate for the Senate seat being vacated by two-term Republican Jim Bunning. Johnson says he put up the money in hopes of convincing the Washington establishment and the media that he is a legitimate contender. Most of the focus in the Republican primary race has been on Secretary of State Trey Grayson and Bowling Green eye surgeon Rand Paul, both of whom have banked well more than $1 million.