Dan Mongiardo on Principles & Values 2004 former Democratic challenger for Senate (KY)

Spurred into medical career by loss of infant brother

Born on July 4, 1960, in Hazard, Dr. Mongiardo grew up the eldest of three surviving children of Jimmy and Katherine Mongiardo. An older brother, Dominick, died as an infant due to limited medical care access in Eastern Kentucky. That heartbreaking event, along with others in Perry County--where families too frequently struggled with health issues--became the catalyst for Mongiardo's chosen profession.

After graduating from the University of Kentucky School of Medicine, the prestigious McGill University selected him for residency training in otolaryngology. From there, he returned to Hazard to deliver specialized medical and surgical treatment to local residents.

Served as state senator, party chair, & Lieutenant Governor

From May until November 2003, Mongiardo served as vice-chair of the Kentucky Democratic Party. In that position he traveled across the Commonwealth listening, discussing, and analyzing citizen needs. The next year he challenged incumbent U.S. Senator Jim Bunning, garnering more than 850,000 votes in a hair-width loss to his heavily financed opponent. This show of support translated into the largest number of ballots cast for any Democratic candidate in Kentucky's history.

Dr. Mongiardo has stepped forward again to serve as Lieutenant Governor for his friend and running mate, Governor Steve Beshear.

Bunning has conduct that is unbecoming of a US senator

BUNNING: I made an inappropriate comment, and for that I personally apologize to you. I would hope that you would do the same to my wife & my family for all of the horrible rumors that you & your staff have been circulating about my health.

MONGIARDO: You have conduct that is unbecoming of a US senator. You have conduct that is unbecoming of a Kentucky gentleman. So people are reaching, searching for an excuse for that poor conduct.