Posted on 06/02/2005 10:34:14 AM PDT by Dan from Michigan
Ellsworth has eye on Hostettler
By JOHN MARTIN Courier & Press staff writer
June 1, 2005
One by one they've tried, and one by one they've failed.
From Jon Jennings to Gail Riecken, from Jonathan Weinzapfel to Dr. Paul Perry, Democrats have continued to come up short in their attempts to oust Republican Rep. John Hostettler, R-Indiana.
Can Vanderburgh County Sheriff Brad Ellsworth break Hostettler's hold on Indiana's 8th District? Or will he join the growing list of Democratic contenders who entered the race with high hopes, only to have them dashed on election night?
Ellsworth on Tuesday took a formal step toward challenging Hostettler in 2006, forming a committee that will allow him to raise money for the race.
Ellsworth said he will make an official announcement of his candidacy "in the months ahead," but his decision to license a campaign organization with the Federal Election Commission is the first step toward a campaign.
"I look forward to traveling throughout the 8th District, listening to people and working every day to put their interests first," Ellsworth said Tuesday.
"I've worked hard to protect people and protect people's rights in this job (as sheriff). I will now take my experience and the problem-solving abilities acquired as sheriff and put it to work for the people of Southwest Indiana."
A Hostettler-Ellsworth race would match up two political heavyweights.
Now with 11 years of seniority in Congress, Hostettler chairs a House subcommittee on immigration and is the second-ranking Republican on a military readiness panel.
The Wadesville resident is known for his conservative voting record and his legion of campaign volunteers. Hostettler's narrow margins of victory in the 8th District, however, have kept his name on Democratic target lists.
Last November, he collected 53 percent of the vote in defeating Jennings, who last week said he would not run in 2006. Hostettler pulled 51 percent of the vote in his 2002 victory over Bryan Hartke. He got 53 percent against Perry in 2000 and 52 percent against Riecken in 1998.
"John Hostettler is a survivor, a strong candidate," said Luke Messer, executive director of the Indiana Republican Party. "It seems like every two years they bring out a new rising star, and every two years John ends up beating them."
Ellsworth's second term as sheriff ends Dec. 31, 2006. He is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term in that office.
In 1998, Ellsworth defeated Republican Ed Bassemier in the general election and Art Gann in the Democratic primary, both by landslide margins. He was unopposed for re-election in 2002.
Anthony Long, 8th District Democratic chairman, said it is possible Ellsworth could have a primary foe in the congressional race, though he doesn't expect it to be more than "token" opposition.
"He's bright, well-educated, local and he's extremely popular in Vanderburgh County, which is an essential element for us to win this race," Long said of Ellsworth. Ellsworth declined Tuesday to make any comments about Hostettler or his record in Congress or discuss his own issue views, but he described himself as "independent-minded."
He vowed that once he officially declares his candidacy, "we'll spell out the differences."
Ellsworth said he knows his record as sheriff will be scrutinized during the congressional race, and "if I wasn't proud of my accomplishments, I wouldn't put my name on the line and ask people to hire me for this position."
Messer said defeating Hostettler will be a difficult task for Democrats.
"He's got a great grass-roots team built throughout that district that's really built on John's conservative values. That being said, the sheriff is a credible candidate, and it looks like we're in for another nationally targeted campaign."
I hope he wins again. He's the most pro-2a member in congress.
How well did Bush do in this district?
Bush did very well in 04. I think he marginally won it in 00.
Other then Evan 'Look at me! I vote just like Tom Dashle but I'm "Conservative" still, somehow' Bahy, Indiana is just getting stronger and stronger R.
It's 7-2 R now, and we just knocked off a longterm incumbent in '04 (Baron Hill).
The headline caught my eye right away.
Being a devout "Deadwood" fan, I thought it was a trailer for season three. Sorry about that.
BTW, Daschle is (gratefully) my ex-senator. He totally lost touch with his constituents.
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