Rokita plans to run for Buyer's seat

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Secretary of State Todd Rokita is a candidate for Congress;  Rokita hopes to replace fellow Republican Steve Buyer in the 4th District, however, another Republican may be favored.

It's State Senator Brandt Hershman who is also an aide to Steve Buyer. He expressed confidence today while Rokita sounded like an underdog.

Todd Rokita didn't have to leave his Secretary of State's office to file the paperwork required to launch a campaign for Congress. Just last week he was considering a run for U.S. Senate. "I feel, and after spending the weekend with my wife thinking about it and talking about it, we feel we can make the best difference running in our congressional district," Rokita said after filing.

It's a district that will have an open seat because of Steve Buyer's surprise Friday announcement that he won't seek re-election because of his wife's illness. 

At the announcement was Buyer aide and state Senator Brandt Hershman (R-Monticello) who was asked today if he expects to have Buyer's endorsement. "I believe I will have Steve's endorsement," he said.

Hershman will file his paperwork later this week and believes he will be the frontrunner in a field that could get crowded. "I wish them all well," said Hershman. "This is about me and the people rather than anybody else who's running."

But Rokita is clearly focused on Hershman. "The fact of the matter is," said Rokita, "this is not Congressman Buyer's seat. It's the people's seat."

No matter how this campaign plays out, it will go by quickly in the predominantly Republican 4th district. It will be decided in the May Primary just three months from now.