The County Line
Congresswoman Susan Brooks’ recent announcement that she will not seek re-election next year means speculation will soon begin on who might run to take her 5th District seat. Technically, any citizen of the district 25 years of age or more could run. But, realistically a person needs the time, the financing, the name identification, the ability and the desire in order to make a creditable candidate.
It would be helpful for Hamilton County to elect a local resident to the position. Community leaders and citizens can often more easily get the attention of an official who lives close to home. Rep. Brooks and, in the past Rep. Richard Roudebush, served our county well.
Candidates will run next May in the Republican and Democratic primaries to determine each party’s choice for the November 2020 general election. Hamilton County has an advantage in a GOP primary because of our large number of Republican voters which far outnumber those in any other county in the 5th District.
So, who might be interested in running? Traditionally it would be someone who has held elective office such as a state legislator, a mayor or high profile county officer. Or, it might be a successful and well known business or professional person or even a popular educator or local sports figure.
There are names that come to mind. Former sheriff and current Superintendent of State Police Doug Carter and Mayors Scott Fadness of Fishers and Jim Brainard likely would not rule out interest in higher office. State Representatives Tony Cook, Donna Schaibley and Jerry Torr or former Judge Steve Nation might be possibilities.
But, it’s early yet, and none of these have given indications of interest. Presumably with an “open seat” in Congress there will be no shortage of candidates. It would probably serve us well if at least one of them is from Hamilton County.