IN-Sen: Pence Won’t Challenge Bayh

A bullet dodged for Evan Bayh:

As many of you are aware, I have been approached about running for the United States Senate in 2010. Karen and I have been humbled by the outpouring of support and encouragement which we received from across Indiana, especially since there are several capable and qualified candidates already seeking the Republican nomination.

After much prayer and deliberation, I have decided to remain in the House and to seek reelection to the 6th Congressional District in 2010.

I am staying for two reasons. First because I have been given the responsibility to shape the Republican comeback as a member of the House Republican Leadership and, second, because I believe Republicans will win back the majority in the House of Representatives in 2010.

As it stands now, Bayh’s highest-profile Republican opponent is ex-Rep. John Hostettler, who is not known as the strongest of campaigners. Still, if Dan Quayle could beat an longtime, respected incumbent…