Described by one area Republican official as “the opportunity of a political lifetime”, the field of Republicans seeking to take Mark Souder’s place on the ballot continues to grow. The number of candidates stands at 10 and includes a local TV anchor, a city councilwoman, three members of the Indiana legislature, a trio of businessmen, an attorney and a sheriff’s deputy.
After winning the GOP primary, Souder resigned from Congress after confessing to an affair with part-time staffer, Tracy Jackson. The resignation means in the next thirty-days 500 Republican committeemen and women of Indiana’s 3rd Congressional district will have to gather and vote for two replacement candidates.
One candidate will be for the yet-to-be scheduled special election for the remainder of Souder’s current term. Then another vote must be held to select a candidate to replace Souder on the November ballot for the next two-year term. Party leaders believe ultimately one Republican will be selected for both elections.
The current list of potential replacement candidates:
-Randy Borror / State Representative from Ft. Wayne area
-Liz Brown / Ft. Wayne City Councilwoman and only female candidate
-Wes Culver/ State Representative who proudly says on his website he was raised on a duck farm
-Greg Dickman / businessman and property manager from Auburn IN
-Ryan Elijah/ anchor of WPTA-TV’s morning show
-Mike Foster / sheriff’s deputy who ran unsuccessfully against Souder in 2000
-Bob Morris / owner of five health and nutrition stores and a beef cattle ranch
-Marlin Stutzman / State Senator who finished 2nd to Dan Coats in the Indiana Senate GOP primary
-Bob Thomas / car dealership owner who finished 2nd to Sounder in the 2010 GOP primary
-Phil Troyer / attorney who worked for both Senators Richard Luger and Dan Coats, finished third in 2010 GOP primary
The Democratic picture is decidedly clearer. Indiana State Party Chairman Dan Parker says Tom Hayhurst, who won the Democratic primary will most likely be the party’s pick for the special election as well.
Governor Mitch Daniels has not set a date for the special election contest.