Indianapolis, In. — Indiana congressman Republican Luke Messer has announced his bid for the U.S. Senate seat held by Joe Donnelly. The official announcement was made yesterday along with the roll-out of the campaign website lukemesser.com/.
Political observers now predict a Republican primary that could turn brutal, focusing very little on incumbent Democrat Joe Donnelly.
Messer has assembled a team of top Hoosier Republicans including brother of Vice President Mike Pence, Greg, Marty Obst and Indiana National Republican committeeman John Hammond III.
Kokomo attorney, Republican Mark Hurt will also be on the Republican primary ballot. Hurt is a graduate of Taylor University and also earned a bachelor’s degree in political science/international relations from Baylor University. He has served as a legislative assistant for Iowa Republican Fred Grandy and a senior policy analyst and legislative assistant for Dan Coats. He has also served as a health policy advisor to Michigan governor John Engler. After graduating from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State he has practiced law in the Kokomo area.
Messer’s move now has strategists speculating on who will make up the list of Republicans running for his congressional seat. Indiana attorney general Curtis Hill, state representative Mike Braun, state senator Mike Delph and Greg Pence have all been mentioned as possible candidates.
Rising Sun attorney Lane Seikman is the only democrat to enter the Indiana 6th District congressional race so far.
