Indiana Democrats set to confirm Bayh as Senate candidate

Bayh made a surprise return to IN politics last week after a recruitment push by national Democrats and former U.S. Rep. Baron Hill’s decision to withdraw as the Democratic nominee for the seat held by Republican Sen.

Following his retirement, Democratic Rep. Brad Ellsworth ran for his seat, but went on to lose to Dan Coats by 15 points.

“After touring musical equipment seller Sweetwater on Thursday, U.S. Senate candidate Evan Bayh seemed ready to belt out the Elvis Costello hit song “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding”.

The 60-year-old Bayh retired from the Senate in 2010, and his entry into the race boosts the chances of Democrats regaining control of the chamber this fall.

After a tour of the music retail giant, Bayh spelled out why he’s taking on Republican Todd Young.

The Indiana Democratic Party Central Committee is set to meet Friday to select the party’s U.S. Senate candidate who will appear on the November 8th ballot.

Bayh said during a campaign stop Thursday in Fort Wayne that he would defend himself. “We need leaders who will build us up, not tear each other down, and that’s the kind of message I’m going to take across the state of IN”. Talking about one of his bills that would help fund a local initiative in Indianapolis, Young says that he’ll focus on his connection to Indiana-based solutions. Citing media reports, Young’s campaign said Wednesday that Bayh “hasn’t quit his influence-peddling day jobs in D.C”.

Bayh served in the senate from 1999 to 2011.

Republican Todd Young is emphasizing his ties to Indiana.

The leading candidates are Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb and U.S. Reps.