opinion, Conway asked for and received assurance from the Executive Branch Ethics Commission that his father's ownership of racehorses and service on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission did not present a conflict of interest. On June 15, 2009, just hours before the General Assembly convened in a special session called by Governor Beshear to consider – among other issues – enabling legislation for video lottery terminals at state race tracks, Conway issued his opinion that a constitutional amendment would not be required to allow such devices. The enabling legislation passed the House but was voted down in the Senate budget committee during the special session. Conway launched the Prescription Drug Diversion Task Force in August 2009, targeting prescription drug trafficking, overprescribing physicians, and illegal out-of-state pharmacies. The Task Force also conducted police training statewide. In October 2009, his office announced the arrest of 322 people in Eastern Kentucky in connection with a joint state-federal investigation of a multi-state prescription drug pipeline stretching from Pennsylvania to Florida. It was the largest such operation in state history. Conway also prosecuted Medicaid fraud cases and renegotiated gas rates increases. 2010 Senate election Primary Asked in November 2008 if he would consider challenging incumbent Republican Senator Jim Bunning for his seat in the 2010 election, Conway responded, "It's nice to be talked about. I'll certainly take a look at it." Politico described Conway as a viable candidate, citing his large margin of victory in the 2008 campaign for attorney general, his fundraising ability, and the age difference between him and Bunning. Conway consulted with Democratic Congressman Ben Chandler and state Auditor Crit Luallen about running for the seat. With two Democratic candidates – Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo and former U.S. Customs agent Darlene Fitzgerald Price – already in the race, Conway said in February 2009 that he would make an announcement about his plans after the General Assembly adjourned on March 27. He officially announced his candidacy for the Senate via a video on his campaign web site on April 9, 2009. He subsequently kicked off his campaign with a rally at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville on April 13. At the rally, he received public endorsements from Democratic congressmen Ben Chandler and John Yarmuth, Louisville mayor Jerry Abramson, and State Auditor Crit Luallen; Governor Steve Beshear had previously endorsed Mongiardo. In the first three months of his candidacy, Conway raised more than