Apparently Indiana GOP Sen. Dan Coats is not running in 2016, meaning there’s an open seat in a Midwest state where Democrats can win a statewide race (the Hoosier State’s other senator is Democrat Joe Donnelly). That’s the good news.
“Today I am announcing that I will not seek re-election to the United States Senate,” Coats said in a statement. “This was not an easy decision. While I believe I am well-positioned to run a successful campaign for another six-year term, I have concluded that the time has come to pass this demanding job to the next generation of leaders.”
Coats’s decision to retire may set off a Republican scramble for the open seat. While the GOP would seem to have the early edge, it is now another state they must defend in a presidential year where they’re almost entirely playing defense to protect their new Senate majority.
Potential Republican candidates include Reps. Todd Young and Susan Brooks, both of whom have long been viewed as having statewide ambitions, as well as Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and Reps. Todd Rokita, Jackie Walorski and Marlin Stutzman.
An aide to Rep. Luke Messer told The Hill he wouldn’t seek the Senate seat.
The bad news: Democrats need somebody moderate enough to win in Indiana, with name recognition, and enough cash on hand to run for Senate. Guess who that means might be back?
Their best recruit would likely be former Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), who chose to retire rather than facing a tough race in 2010 and still has close to $10 million in the bank for a potential return to politics. Bayh has ruled out a run for governor but hasn’t closed the door on a Senate run.
Ahh yes, Mr. No Labels himself. Boy howdy it’ll be fun rooting for him in order to try to get the Dems back in power.
Excuse me while I go find a bucket to puke in.