WASHINGTON (CNN) — Republican Sen. Jim Bunning of Kentucky announced Monday he won’t seek re-election in 2010. The former professional baseball pitcher has been a strong conservative voice in the Senate, and his decision could harm the ability of Republicans to recover election losses in 2006 and 2008 that left them with a 40-seat minority in the 100-member chamber. In a statement issued by his office, Bunning said he has been unable to raise enough money to run an effective campaign, adding: “For this reason, I will not be a candidate for re-election in 2010.”