Ex-Democratic Chair to Run for Ind. Gov.

Associated Press ^ | 2/02/03

[LdSentinal]

INDIANAPOLIS - Former state and national Democratic Party chairman Joe Andrew said he will enter the race to become Indiana's next governor.

Andrew, 42, joins state Sen. Vi Simpson of Bloomington in a primary race that was thrown into confusion in December, when Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan unexpectedly dropped his campaign.

Kernan had been the party's presumptive nominee to replace Democratic Gov. Frank O'Bannon, who is barred by term limits from running again next year.

Andrew is seeking elected office for the first time. He was the Indiana Democratic chairman from 1995 until 1999, then served as national chairman until early 2001. He has worked as a lawyer in Washington, D.C., since then, but said he will soon move back to Indiana.

"My job is to be the next governor of the state of Indiana," Andrew told The Indianapolis Star for a story Sunday. "My job is to create as many jobs as I can for the state of Indiana."

Democrats have held the office since 1989.

Republicans in the 2004 race include former U.S. Rep. David McIntosh, the party's nominee in 2000; state Sens. Luke Kenley of Noblesville and Murray Clark of Indianapolis; conservative activist Eric Miller; and Petersburg Mayor Randy Harris.

[LdSentinal]

Other possible candidates for the Democrats are congressman Baron Hill (D) and former St. House Speaker, John Gregg (D).

[fieldmarshaldj]

I believe both Hill and Gregg have taken themselves out of contention. Hill's seat would surely go GOP without him, one reason he doesn't want to leave, and it's going to be tough for any Dem to hold the Governorship anyway after 16 years of control.

[gop_gene]

Wonder if this is going to be another "Battle of the Presidents"? Clinton's guy Andrew vs. Mitch Daniels? (i.e., if he runs and wins the nomination). If so, it'll be good to see Billary bite the dust through his surrogate yet again.

[LdSentinal]

I believe both Hill and Gregg have taken themselves out of contention. Hill's seat would surely go GOP without him, one reason he doesn't want to leave, and it's going to be tough for any Dem to hold the Governorship anyway after 16 years of control.

You're right. Baron Hill and John Gregg have taken themselves out of contention as has Indianopolis mayor, Bart Peterson.

This article shows the slim pickings the Democrats will probably offer in 04'.