Poll results favor Pence over Bayh in possible Senate race

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - There is no word from GOP Congressman Mike Pence on whether he will oppose Democrat Evan Bayh in this year's race for U.S. Senate but Monday Pence got some new information to consider.

A poll conducted over the weekend shows Pence beating Bayh in a head-to-head match up, 47 percent to 44 percent. The Rasmussen Reports survey also shows Bayh beating former Congressman John Hostettler by just three percentage points, 44 percent to 41 percent. Against state Senator Marlin Stutzman, Bayh wins 45 percent to 33 percent.

For state Senator Marlin Stutzman, the Republican candidate who has campaigned the longest, the poll numbers ring true.

"It really has matched up to what we're hearing out on the campaign trail," he said.

But it may not be enough to convince Mike Pence to leave his post as the number three Republican in the House of Representatives for a chance at a Senate seat.

On Indiana Week in Review, even the Republican was reluctant to predict a Pence run.

"It's a tough decision," said Mike McDaniel. "You know, clearly the political winds are blowing in such a way that there appears to be some vulnerability that wasn't there before. Clearly."

Meantime, the Bayh camp won't admit weakness.

"Evan Bayh's prepared to run against whoever the Republicans nominate," said state Democratic Chairman Dan Parker.

But then, until Pence makes a move, no one knows what the landscape is.

Stutzman was asked if it will difficult for him to proceed if Pence runs.

"Oh yeah, absolutely," he said. "You know, I think he's the guy that everybody would like to see run. But I think at the same time we have an opportunity for us to make our case to the people of Indiana as well."

Because Evan Bayh is no longer a prohibitive favorite.