Washington (CNN) - Indiana Democratic Rep. Brad Ellsworth signaled Monday that he's considering a bid to replace Sen. Evan Bayh, who announced he will not run for a third term.
Shortly after Bayh's press conference ended in Indianapolis, Ellsworth released a written statement saying Democrats in his southwest Indiana district are already encouraging him to jump into the statewide race.
"The next step will be taking a few days to talk to my wife and to folks in Indiana about where I can best serve our state. In the meanwhile, I will continue to travel throughout the 8th District this week listening to Hoosiers about the challenges they face and their ideas for getting our economy back on track," Ellsworth said.
A former sheriff, Ellsworth beat Republican Rep. John Hostettler in 2006. Hostettler held the seat for six terms. The district was nicknamed "the bloody eighth" because of its history of incumbents losing in bruising contests. But in 2008, Ellsworth won re-election easily with 65% of the vote.
Ellsworth is a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition. He elevated his profile during the health care debate last fall, joining a group of anti-abortion rights advocates pressing for more restrictive language on abortion coverage in the House passed health care reform bill.
Another Indiana House Democrat, Baron Hill, who represents the district adjacent to Ellsworth's, could also take a look at the Senate race. But Hill is out of the country this week visiting U.S. troops. His spokeswoman had no comment.
From CNN Politics
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Bring it on, Brad.
Lotsa luck.....with all that totally ineffectiveness, of the Dem party.
Oh brother!
Do we really need another Republican in Democratic clothing?
Hey Indiana are there any real Democrats out there?
The only way to accomplish any thing meaningful is to govern with true Democratic legislators.
Yeah, well, good luck with that. Winning a Congressional district is one thing. Winning an entire state is another matter entirely. Indiana's red state, and always has been. Looks like another potential pick up for the Republicans.
Pro Life! I would support him.
Reported by CNN:
In his two terms in the Senate, Bayh cut a centrist path and worked across party lines, which at times frustrated liberal Democrats.
"He hates the Senate, hates the left bloggers," a friend and longtime adviser to Bayh said. "They are getting their wish, pure Democrats in the minority."
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Yes, the Democratic Party is in full fledged IMPLOSION MODE. The blood thirsty Progressives have turned on their moderates like Bayh. The Progrssives believe the answer is to purge their way to purity and a minority! Obama, Reid and Pelosi will go down in history as the Three Stooges that destroyed the Democratic Party IN ONE YEAR!
Sir,
Because you are a financial conservative (Blue Dog) and are pro-life, you have failed the DEMs purity test! You may be a great option but he party's liberal purists will not support you. Good luck!
Another Democrat? No thanks – we've had enough.
Senator Bayh is positioning himself for the office of U. S. President in 2012
I like how he labeled the constituents as "Hoosiers." After watching that disgrace of an election up in Mass., I think it's a smart idea to study up on your sports. Although that has nothing to do with governing.
Go Dem's, keep up the great work!
BENRAM 1960 February 15th, 2010 4:39 pm ET
Senator Bayh is positioning himself for the office of U. S. President in 2012
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What about the annointed one, I thought he was the liberal chose one for 2012? The more probable truth for his departure has yet to reveal itself, he probably got caught doing something bad and someone has the dirt on him! Let's see what the "media" turns up.....
Are any of you even from Indiana? Well I am, and even this red state went blue for Obama. We call ourselves Hoosiers not because of the team, the name was there first. And I know Bayh had a hell of a time getting the districts to sign to get him on the ballot in the primary, not because of a "purity test" but because even his "moderate" stances were more for the republicans than even Lugars vote was. Bayh's retirement is definatly not for presidential reasons, because he doesn't have a chance to run till 2016. I'm hoping he's gonna vote for the health care bill, because he no longer has to worry about re-election.