Batesville, Ind. — Batesville High School graduate and Republican state representative from the 67th district in Indiana, Randy Frye has declined a run for Congress. Frye says he has given the matter serious consideration but feels he can be most effective remaining at the state level.
After the decision, Frye publicly thanked his supporters.
Democrat, Lane Siekamn has announced he will challenge incumbent Luke Messer. Siekman is a fifth generation Ohio County resident and serves as the executive director of the Ohio County Economic Development Corporation and secretary of the Southeast Indiana Regional Growth Alliance.
Will Messer run for reelection?
Earlier this year Messer established statewide finance committee headed by Greg Pence, brother of Vice President Mike Pence. Other members of the committee include former GOP party chairman Murray Clark, Jim Kittle, Al Hubbard and Mike Pence campaign official Marty Obst. Political insiders believe Messer is preparing to challenge Democrat U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly.
Republican Congressman Todd Rokita’s name has also been mentioned as a possible challenger for the Indiana U.S. Senate seat.
Messer has not made an official announcement, but in April his office reported raising about $700,000 in the first quarter of 2017. Combined with $925,000 left over from the 2016 election cycle, Messer has a campaign war chest of more than $1.6 million.
