The AFL-CIO had invited the gubernatorial candidates to meet with about 50 of its local leaders at the Holiday Inn Express in Frankfort. The purpose of the Committee on Political Education (COPE) meeting was to listen to the candidates and see who the statewide AFL-CIO might endorse, or not endorse. Chairman Bill Londrigan says the discussion with Lunsford "wasn't the most cordial" and was "a little contentious on the issues". According to Londrigan and others at the meeting, Lunsford was confronted about his joking comment during a Lexington TV interview that his running mate, Greg Stumbo and pro wrestler Hulk Hogan should engage in a cage match with the two union bosses Stumbo allegedly threatened and others who have publicly come out against Lunsford. According to Londrigan, Lunsford was vehemently denying having made that statement when UMW rep Eddie Bowling whipped out a tape recorder, plopped it down on the table and told Lunsford "here's exactly what you said." Bowling proceeded to play a portion of Lunsford's interview with WKYT-TV's Bill Bryant. According to Londrigan, Lunsford was taken aback.

The AFL-CIO gave a "no endorsement" to Lunsford which means its local affiliates aren't supposed to support the Lunsford-Stumbo ticket in any way.

A spokesman for Lunsford-Stumbo didn't address what happened in the meeting but did issue this response to the AFL-CIO actions:

Bruce Lunsford and Greg Stumbo have a strong track record when it comes
to fighting for Kentucky's working families. Bruce helped bring
thousands of quality union jobs to Kentucky, including UPS, when he was
Commerce Secretary. Greg has spent two decades as a defender of working
families in the State House and AG's office.

Bruce and Greg will continue to fight for issues important to hard
working Kentuckians. They will reach out to all voters across the
Commonwealth including labor leaders and union members about their
ability to get the job done on health care, education and jobs.