Dems to pick nominee for Senate race

The only Democrat trying to run for Evan Bayh's Senate seat didn't have enough signatures by Tuesday’s noon deadline. That means the state Democratic Party's 32-member central committee will choose a nominee for the November election. South Bend Tribune political columnist Jack Colwell said, for Democrats, the heat is on. “As days go by, you’re not raising funds for a particular candidate, you’re not getting name recognition for that candidate,” said Colwell, adding that Republicans vying for the seat are already out on the trail. “It isn't safe at all for Democrats. In fact, it's probably leaning Republican now,” he said. Bayh’s announcement came less than 24 hours before the deadline for candidates to file their intention to run. Asked whether he hurt his party with the timing of his decision, Bayh said Democrats would still have a strong nominee. "I think you'll see someone who will emerge in the next week or so who will have an excellent chance of winning the fall election," said Bayh. “The candidate who is successful at attaining the nomination from the party's central committee will have broad-based support, and it will be the best possible person,” said Indiana Democratic Party Chairman Dan Parker. Republicans Dan Coats and Marlin Stutzman both said they had enough signatures by Tuesday’s deadline to file. "Hoosiers are looking for authentic conservative leadership, not more of the same from D.C. politicians,” said Stutzman, a state senator from Howe.