Sen. Stutzman Gearing up Challenge to Bayh
State Sen. Marlin Stutzman, R-Howe, has told the Kendallville News-Sun that he is preparing a bid to challenge U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh in 2010. His announcement is expected to come in mid-May. Richmond banker Don Bates Jr., has also indicated he will challenge Bayh. Former state representative Dan Dumezich of Schererville has also been considering the race. Stutzman is shown here with his two sons on the family’s farm in Howe, Ind. Bayh has a campaign warchest of almost $12 million. Stutzman told the News-Sun that he needs to raise at least $5 million to be competitive. Bayh is seeking a third term and his first since a brief presidential run in 2006. He terminated that campaign in December of that year and backed Hillary Clinton for president, helping her forge a 13,000 vote victory over Barack Obama in May 2008 Indiana primary. Bayh was a finalist contender to join the Obama ticket last August, but has since parted with President Obama, voting against his $3.5 trillion budget last week that the new administration intended to be a blueprint for a number of initiatives such as energy independence and health care reform. A recent Hamilton Campaigns Poll conducted for the Indiana Democratic Party shows Bayh has a 74/23 percent favorable/unfavorable rating and a 73/24% job approval rating. Stutzman, 33, spent three terms in the Indiana House before a caucus chose him to replace Sen. Robert Meeks last year. He represents LaGrange, Noble, DeKalb and Steuben counties.
