On Tuesday, Senator Dan Coats (IN-R) announced he would not be running for re-election in 2016.
He said:Today I am announcing that I will not seek re-election to the United States Senate. This was not an easy decision. While I believe I am well-positioned to run a successful campaign for another six-year term, I have concluded that the time has come to pass this demanding job to the next generation of leaders.
The Senators decision to retire has sent Indiana politicians in a scurry.
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Potential candidates include Representatives. Todd Young, Susan Brooks, Jackie Warlorski and Marlin Stutzman. As well as Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard.
Senator Coat’s chief of staff, Eric Holcolm, is also thinking about running and it is said he is seen as a top candidate by Indiana observers.
Eric Holcolm’s spokesperson Pete Seat said:Eric has taken a leave of absence from Senator Coats’ office as he considers a run for the open U.S. Senate seat in 2016. He’s grateful for the immediate outpouring of support from every corner of Indiana and will make a decision soon.
Indiana Democrats are also eying up the seat. Former Senator Evan Bayh would most likely be their candidate of choice. He chose to retire in 2010 instead of facing a tough race. Bayh still has $10 million in the bank for a campaign but he is contemplating about running for Governor instead.
If he doesn’t run, former Rep. Baron Hill and Mayor Tom McDermott are also potential candidates.
Senator Coats has been thought to be looking at the exit for awhile per The Hill.
He initially served in the Senate from the 1980’s until 2000 and then he made a comeback to win Bayh’s seat in 2010. Coats is 71 and it has been rumored he is tired of the gridlock in the Senate.His retirement will also open up the chairmanship of the Joint Economic Committee as well as a spot on both the Senate Finance and Intelligence Committees.