Coats considering running against Bayh

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Former Republican Senator Dan Coats took steps Wednesday that could lead to an effort to unseat Democrat Evan Bayh in the November election.

Not only is it big news in Indiana, but its big news in Washington where national Republicans have been out recruiting in the belief that Evan Bayh is vulnerable. For them, Dan Coats is a big catch.

Dan Coats issued a statement saying he is testing the waters for a Senate run and giving the go ahead to supporters to collect petition signatures required to get on the ballot.

The move comes after Congressman Mike Pence rejected the same opportunity. Secretary of State Todd Rokita looked at it before launching a run for Congress.

State GOP Chairman Murray Clark was asked if he needs a stronger candidate than state Senator Marlin Stutzman.

"We, ah, we believe, I believe that Marlin Stutzman's a strong candidate," said Clark.

But Stutzman, who has the best organization among four Republicans already running, doesn't have the backing Coats has in Washington.

"My heart goes out to Senator Stutzman," said state Senate GOP Leader David Long. "He's a major talent and a fine Senator as well."

A matchup with Evan Bayh, meantime, would put Coats in a position he avoided in 1998, retiring when the popular Democrat launched his first Senate bid. But now Democrats who fear Bayh is beatable have already launched attacks on Coats because he is registered to vote in Virginia and a lobbyist for Bank of America.

They are attacks that Stutzman will use, too.

"People are looking for somebody who's real not for somebody from the Washington establishment," said Stutzman. "Somebody's that's here understands the challenges that we face and somebody that would live in Indiana."

Dan Coats may have to win a contested Primary before he can set his sights on Evan Bayh. But just getting on the ballot will be a challenge for Coats.

He must gather signatures from 500 registered voters in each of the 9 Congressional districts, 4500 signatures in all, and they must go to the county clerks by February 16, less than two weeks from now.

Democrats, by the way, are already pointing out that Coats is not eligible to sign his own petition.