Something to keep an eye on over the next few days:
Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) says he and his wife will “take the weekend” to decide whether to run for the Senate this year.
Pence said Friday on WIBC radio host Greg Garrison’s program that he’s been “flattered” and “humbled” by calls for him to challenge Sen. Evan Bayh (D). […]
Though Pence hasn’t come to a decision, he seemed to lay out a stronger case for continuing to serve in the House, where he has a safe seat. Pence noted that he holds a leadership position and thinks Republicans can win a majority in the House this year. The path to a Republican majority in the Senate, however, is even more difficult.
“Whether it be fiscal responsibility or traditional moral values or a strong defense, the fact that conservatives could get control of one chamber of the Congress in 2010 and begin to restore those principles to government is a very significant opportunity and a serious opportunity,” Pence said. “So we’re weighing those things. … Karen and I are going to take the weekend, take a hard look at it, commit the matter to prayer and try and make a decision in the near future.”
Pence, the number three Republican in the House, also confirmed that he recently met with NRSC Chair John Cornyn and his staff. He’d have a lot to lose by giving up his comfy perch in the House, especially since, as he correctly notes, the GOP has a real shot at retaking that chamber this year. However, I don’t think that Evan Bayh is an unbeatable incumbent in a year like this, and the platform of a Senate seat has to be tempting for a guy who may be angling for Presidential contender status soon.
If he decides he wants to run for President someday, he will run for the Senate. If he wants to be Speaker, he will stay in the House.
I’ll give him that.
A weekend doesn’t seem like a long time to think over a major career decision like this.
The only Republican capable of beating Bayh is Mitch Daniels and he doesn’t want to campaign again.
I do not think that he could win (although he would make Bayh try) however I think Hill needs some Bayh cottails, and I think that Pence would get more votes than most rethugs.