Ambitious Dems could concede a lot of Turf in 7th

Advance Indiana reports that State Representative David Orentlicher (D-86) will seek nomination for the 7th Congressional District in 2008 if Congresswoman Julia Carson does not.

While some potential candidates are not in office (Bart Peterson) and others hold strong Democrat seats (State Rep. Bill Crawford, Center Township Trustee Carl Drummer, District 15 Councilor Andre Carson), Dems in key seats may leave their seats open to join the crowded primary, namely Orentlicher and Marion County Treasurer Mike Rodman. Others may follow suit.

And Republicans will fight for both seats if open. After Greg Ballard's mayoral win, I am sure there will be several names arise for the Treasurer seat even if Rodman doesn't join the fray in the 7th. The 86th House seat held by Orentlicher is competitive with him out of the race. Demographics put that district in play, and one name already mentioned is Kurt Webber, who earned 43% of the vote in the heavily Democrat 8th Council District against Monroe Gray.

Democrats are already hurting. A bloody Congressional primary with candidates who have vacated seats that are not easy to maintain control of is not the news they needed.

Comments

[Sir Hailstone]

Warren Central teacher Adam Nelson, a resident of Washington Twp has already announced his intentions to run for House 86.

[Oye!]

David O! Oye! That sends chills down my spine, but Julia was a campaign advisor on his last run and his appearances at the tax rallies told me he was planning something.