GOP’s Pence won’t run for Indiana Senate seat

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Republican Indiana Congressman Mike Pence said he won’t run this year for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Democrat Evan Bayh.

Pence had been considering a run and a possible showdown with Bayh, who has twice won election to the Senate.

But the third-ranking House Republican said he’s running for reelection to a seat representing much of eastern Indiana that he first won in 2000.

Pence said today that he made his decision partly because he has been given responsibility to shape a GOP comeback as chairman of the House Republican Conference.

Those who have announced they will seek the Republican nomination are former U.S. Rep. John Hostettler, state Sen. Marlin Stutzman of Howe, Richmond financial adviser Don Bates Jr. and Fishers businessman Richard Behney.

-- Associated Press