By Ryan Alessi

HERALD-LEADER POLITICAL WRITER

Democratic voters who show up at the polls May 20 will find eight names of candidates for the U.S. Senate on their primary ballot, including Andrew Horne.

But Horne, a Louisville lawyer and retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, is no longer running.

After ginning up support of Democratic bloggers and activists, Horne suddenly retreated from the race last Monday night with a vague statement to supporters telling them of "some disappointing news."

"This afternoon I informed Gov. Steve Beshear of my decision to withdraw from the United States Senate race," his e-mail statement said before going on to criticize Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell. McConnell will be the target of whoever wins the Democratic primary.

However, Horne missed the deadline of 4:30 p.m. Monday to withdraw his candidacy papers. So his name will remain on the ballot as a reminder of what already has been an unusual political season for Democrats.

Questions echoed among the ranks of Democrats, particularly the "net-roots" activists who had encouraged Horne to run and were staunchly supporting his bid.

Was he strong-armed to get out? Was he having fund-raising problems? Did he give up when millionaire Bruce Lunsford entered the race Jan. 29 to the glee of Washington Democrats?

Horne, whether purposely or not, has only fueled speculation by staying silent about the reasons behind his exit.

He didn't return calls from the Herald-Leader placed Monday night, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday morning. That's unusual for Horne, who up to last week had been responsive to news media calls.

Supporters were equally baffled.

From: Yahoo! Travel 

Everyone knows cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago are among the best in the United States, but there are many other fabulous – albeit smaller – American cities that just don't get their fair share of the limelight.

Whether their proximity to a bigger city steals their thunder or a recent city makeover remains undiscovered by the masses, the cities on our list are oft-overlooked by even the savviest of travelers. If you're looking to broaden the scope of your trips to include some less-talked-about places with great art scenes, friendly locals, delectable cuisine, and rich history, add one of our most underrated cities to your "must-see" list.

#5. Louisville, Ky

        The Kentucky Derby may be its claim to fame, but the famous horse race isn't all Louisville has to offer. Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, this Southern city has loads of small-town charm, a cosmopolitan riverfront district, a diverse art scene (thanks to the Kentucky Center for the Arts), and a growing foodie market with its own Restaurant Row.

Sports lovers should make a stop at the Louisville Slugger Museum; thrill-seekers, take a ride on one of the world's longest stand-up coasters at Kentucky Kingdom. History lovers can sip mint juleps on a river cruise aboard the Belle of Louisville, a National Historic Landmark."