Last Thursday Secretary of State Trey Grayson of Boone County launched his bid for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate with a live statewide video Webcast.

Grayson's supporters hosted house parties in 95 of Kentucky's 120 counties Thursday night to participate in the webcast and simultaneous telephone town hall meeting with Grayson.

In Russell County, Commonwealth Attorney Matthew Leveridge and wife Bernadette Leveridge, hosted a house party in support of the candidate.

"Matthew and I went to law school with Trey and have kept in touch throughout the years," said Bernadette Leveridge. "It's exciting to be involved with someone you know whose values and morals you believe in."

Grayson, 37, a Boone County Republican, filed paperwork Thursday to run for the seat now held by Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Southgate, who is not seeking re-election.

He faces Bowling Green eye surgeon Rand Paul in the May 18 Republican primary.

The winner of the Republican primary will face the winner of the Democratic primary between Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo of Hazard and Attorney General Jack Conway of Louisville.

Grayson pledged Thursday to be a strong, conservative voice in Congress if elected to U.S. Senate this year.

"I want to be in Washington to make sure that conservative, common-sense solutions are a part of the debate, and ultimately, part of the solution," he said. "…I'm going to fight to reduce spending, reduce the deficit and get our economy moving again."

Around 5,000 webcast viewers participated through the house parties, asking questions online and via phone.

If elected, Grayson said he would vote conservatively, but also vote his conscience.

"I think I'm right in tune with Kentucky voters, so I think the decisions I make, most voters in Kentucky will be happy with," he said.

Russell County School Superintendent Scott Pierce expressed his support of Grayson at the Leveridge's house party.

"I've liked Trey for a long time. I've known him many years," said Pierce. "He is progressive, dynamic and he's been a friend of Russell County for a long time."

During the webcast, Grayson proposed three ways to reduce spending: a constitutional amendment to require a balanced budget; passing a budget every two years instead of annually; and freezing all discretionary, non-defense and non-military spending.

He also reiterated his opposition to cap-and-trade legislation and pledged to work to repeal the health care reform recently passed by Congress, if it becomes law.

"The list of problems our country faces is growing, and the liberal majority in Washington keeps spending and borrowing and expanding government to try to fix them, but it's not working," said Grayson. "We need conservative leaders who will stand up against the status quo and fight for reforms to cut spending, reduce deficits, and get our country back on the right track."

Russell County Sheriff Larry believes in Grayson's abilities and came out to the Russell County house party in a show of support for the candidate.

"I think he'd do an outstanding job," said Bennett. "We need people like Trey Grayson in the U.S. Senate representing the citizens of Kentucky."

To learn more about Trey Grayson and his campaign for U.S. Senate go to www.treygrayson.com.