[img_assist|nid=1069|title=U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning|desc=Getty Images Photo|link=none|align=none|width=420|height=287]ST. PAUL, Minn. – As speculation continues about who will run from the Democratic side, National Republican Senatorial Committee Vice-chair and Sen. from Utah, Orrin Hatch, sounded sure that Republican incumbent Jim Bunning (R-Southgate) would seek re-election in 2010.

“He’s going to run,” Hatch told PolitickerKY.com.

Bunning won a narrow re-election fight in 2004, eeking out a 1 point win after a hard-fought campaign over now-Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo (D-Hazard).

The junior Sen. from Kentucky, Bunning recently announced he thought he would $10 million to secure his seat next time around.

Hatch lauded the Kentuckian today while giving interviews at the Republican National Convention.

“Bunning is a tough guy,” said Hatch. “I love Bunning.”

At the Democratic National Convention last week in Denver, Mongiardo and state Auditor Crit Luallen (D-Frankfort) both said running in 2010 was possible.

Political novice, activist and author Darlene Fitzgerald has already announced she would run in 2010.