LOUISVILLE -- A prominent news Web site is questioning whether Kentucky's junior senator suffers from dementia.

Salon.com leveled the allegations against Sen. Jim Bunning Tuesday, WLKY NewsChannel 32 reported.

The author cites Bunning's actions in recent months, including a comment about his Democratic challenger, Daniel Mongiardo, suggesting he looks like one of Saddam Hussein's sons.

Bunning issued a statement saying Mongiardo is spreading rumors about his health, WLKY reported.

"I've been around Jim Bunning," Jefferson County Republican Party spokesman Jack Richardson said. "I've seen Jim Bunning, and he's as alert on the issues as I've ever seen him."

Meanwhile, Mongiardo is raising concerns about his challenger's behavior during their one scheduled debate. Bunning was supposed to debate Mongiardo at a Lexington television station Monday night. But at the last minute, Bunning said he was needed in Washington to cast important votes.

"I think you're going to have to ask Jim Bunning why he won't talk to the voters, and why he won't talk to you, the press, why he has these bizarre behaviors and certainly conduct unbecoming of a United States senator."

Bunning taped his portion of the debate from the Republican National Committee Headquarters in Washington.

Please follow WLKY NewsChannel 32 and TheLouisvilleChannel.com for updates to this story as they become available.