(Rep.) Ellsworth considers bid (for Bayh's Senate seat)

[sabra]

Source: MSNBC

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Rep. Brad Ellsworth's name has been floated as one potential candidate to replace Evan Bayh in the Senate. He is considering a bid, per a statement from his office:

“Evan Bayh has served the people of Indiana with integrity and Hoosier common sense for over two decades. His time in the US Senate will be marked by his moderate approach and willingness to reach across the aisle to tackle our nation’s most pressing problems. I appreciate his service to our people and state. He will be missed.

“I heard about the news during my annual Open Door Listening Tour this morning, and I appreciate the support of those Hoosiers who have already encouraged me to run for Senator Bayh's seat. 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.”


Read more: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2010/02/15/2202437.aspx

[WI_DEM]

1. He's the guy it seems many in the party are looking at.

It may actually work out better with another nominee other than Bayh--like CT.

[Me.]

2. Hell, Another Dino!

[marshall]

21. The current state of events is set up expressly to get such a person

DINOs make more DINOs.

[gateley]

3. Those of you in the know: Would this be a good thing? Thanks. nt

[democraticinsurgent]

7. He's one of a few that could win

He and fellow Congressman Baron Hill are my picks. They are both centrists, but there are no progressives positioned to win statewide office in Indiana.

[gateley]

8. It's important that we get someone who could win -- thanks! nt

[endless october]

4. voting record :

http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/e000289/key-votes/

[gateley]

5. Thanks -- didn't read the bills, but it seems he's a tad over 50%

voting with the Dem position?

[TrollBuster9090]

6. Well, thanks to Evan, he's got all of 20 minutes to consider it..

Along with all the other Democrats who might be interested in the job.

I gather this was the idea. Quit at the last minute so there will be no primary, thus denying the possibility of the Democratic base running a progressive in Indiana, and handing the decision to the back room boys by default.

[JDPriestly]

13. Bayh seems to have made a hasty decision.

Could this mean that he has a personal problem or perhaps fears some sort of scandal?

Wonder what the whole story is on Bayh's decision to quit.

[Freddie Stubbs]

9. Another Blue Dog!

[Hawkeye-X]

10. Worthless, but we need a D.

And you're worthless too.

[Kingofalldems]

15. I think Blue Dog is a ruse. Repub in disguise.

:shrug:

[Hardrada]

25. LOL! Can we tell Mr. Blue Dog to bugger off?

[One Voice]

11. link to campaign website...

He's anti choice.



http://www.ellsworthforcongress.com/release.asp?id=2

[mvd]

14. Sure sounds more like a moderate Republican to me

Even makes extending Bush's tax cuts for the rich a priority. Doesn't seem like a strong candidate for a populist platform, but coinsidering the alternative, I hope he wins. Being new might help in this environment, as long as he runs a good campaign.

As for Bayh, obviously he didn't care about solving the country's problems. I think he's fine with the status quo.

[IndianaGreen]

17. and he opposes marriage equality for LGBTs

Not my choice!

[B Calm]

12. Ellsworth is my congressman and he is a worthless piece of shit!

A fucking republican in a democratic suit, much like Evan Bayh! I swear to god I'll never ever vote for either one of them again!

[mrtjbrown]

16. Mellencamp!

Hell, why not?

I think he'd make a pretty good legislator.
I think he'd have a great shot at this seat.

If he can win, he should run...

[IndianaGreen]

18. Great choice!

Name recognition and fund raising ability, plus he stayed close to his roots.

[No Elephants]

20. Genius. Anyone know ho to contact him? Let's persuade him to run! Name

recognition is half the battle. His patriotic songs should help, too.

[salin]

23. Won't happen... no time to plan to run

deadline for filing (with 500 valid sigs from each congressional district) is this week (have read both today at noon and friday - not sure which is true - but neither is feasible given the signature requirement). And the state party is no way so bold as to name him as the candidate.

[FBaggins]

19. He likely wouldn't win... and then his seat would be in play as well.

The IN 8th leans to the right (R+8 accoring to Cook).

[provis99]

22. Baron Hill would be the best realistic candidate

Ellsworth is a dick, an Evan Bayh knockoff.

[salin]

24. yet Hill differs, how?