They're good issues. Baesler said he is not likely to be adversely affected by President Clinton's problems in the Monica Lewinsky controversy. Bunning, who has nine children and 32 grandchildren, is showing no hesitance to link Baesler to Clinton as he talks about character and family values. Baesler often has parted company with the White House and his own party on House votes. Besides, Baesler counters, Bunning has his own ethics cross to bear Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
Money is another difference.
Bunning is tall, flinty and almost dapper, with a precise speaking style. He was elected to baseball's Hall of Fame following a stellar pitching career during which he had more than 100 wins. He began in local politics on the Fort Thomas city council, went on to the state Senate and ran for Congress after a failed campaign for governor in 1983. Baesler usually looks a little rumpled, even in suit and tie, and speaks with little apparent regard for ordinary punctuation or grammar. He was captain of the University of Kentucky basketball team.