Here's a strange blast from the not-too-distant past:
Former Rep. John Hostettler (R-Ind.) announced Thursday that he will challenge Democratic Sen. Evan Bayh in 2010.
In a YouTube video, Hostettler repeatedly ties Bayh to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, blaming the pair for what he calls a failed economic stimulus package.
Hostettler served in the House from 1994 to 2006, when he was the victim of the biggest defeat of any incumbent in that wave year, losing 61-39 to then-Vanderburgh Co. Sheriff Brad Ellsworth. This came after the NRCC had to give up on supporting him, concluding that he "wasn't listening" to them, which may be code for "wasn't taking PAC contributions," something he'd always refused to do.
Given Hostettler's frequent bucking of House leadership (he was one of only six Republicans to vote against authorizing the Iraq War) and his antipathy to fundraising, I can't see the NRSC taking much interest here -- leaving him with only grass roots support to go up against Evan Bayh and his $13 million. However, given Hostettler's extreme conservatism and his love of guns (as seen in his having to plead guilty after taking a gun through airport security in 2004), he could certainly arouse the sympathies of the teabagger movement. (Of course, he'll still need to get past state Sen. Marlin Stutzman in the primary -- no guarantee, despite his superior name rec, if the establishment tries to box him out.)
http://www.swingstateproject.com/diary/5975/insen-hostettler-to-challenge-bayh
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