It appears likely that former U.S. Rep. Baron Hill will be the democrat choice to run for U.S. Senate upon Dan Coats’ retirement.
U.S. Rep. Todd Young, one of three top Republicans vying for the party nomination, said he can beat Hill. That’s because he’s done it before.
“This Marine can beat Baron Hill,” he said. “I’m committed to it.”
Young, who represents Bloomington and Southern Indiana in District 9, defeated Hill by 10 percent in 2010. It was Young’s first election of any kind. In the previous 2008 election, Hill had won, 58 percent to 39 percent.
Young, 43, spoke to a crowd of Hamilton County republicans at an informal breakfast at Henry’s at Clay Terrace on Nov. 11.
He focused his remarks on why he believes he’s not just the most electable candidate but also the right person to lead in Washington.
“Don’t vote for me just because you think I can win,” he said. “Victory not tied to principle is really an empty victory. You have to believe I can advance our conservative principles once you send me to Washington, that I can fight and win not just in the electoral arena but also fight and win in Washington D.C., too.”
Young reminded attendees about his background in the Marines and his membership on the House Ways and Means Committee.
He said it’s important to pick the right candidate because there are 24 seats held by republicans in the Senate up for grabs nationally and only 10 seats currently held by democrats.
“If we dream big and work hard, then it’s going to pay off for the country and for the Republican Party,” he said. “There have been some disappointments electorally. Let’s face it. Republicans in recent presidential contests and so forth. But we’ve have some big wins locally and nationally and so we’ve proven that if people stand up and speak up, if they don’t lose faith in our country, then we really can make good things happen for our country. And that what brings me to run for the U.S. Senate.”
Young is facing off against Eric Holcomb, former Republican Party chairman, and Marlin Stutzman, a congressman from Howe, Ind., who is a favorite among Tea Party supporters. In his past elections, Young said he has done well with Tea Party groups and more left-leaning Republicans residing near the Indiana University campus. He received 50 percent of the vote in Monroe County.
