By Gretchen Ross - bio | email | Twitter
Posted by Sarah Harlan - email
EVANSVILLE (AP/WFIE) - Former sheriff and current Congressman Brad Ellsworth ended the speculation and rumors surrounding his plans for Senate.
Ellsworth confirmed Friday morning in Evansville he plans to run for the Senate seat currently held by Evan Bayh.
Bayh announced early this week he will not seek a third term.
Congressman Ellsworth visited constituents Friday in Mount Vernon, Evansville and Boonville as part of his Open Door listening tour.
It was at his pit stop in Evansville Friday morning when he answered the big question that he does indeed plan on running for the U.S. Senate.
"It is my intention to run for Congress, I mean Senate," 8th District Congressman Brad Ellsworth said. "This is official Congressional business today, these town hall meetings, so we will be releasing a statement in the very near future when we are off the clock but like I said it is my intention to run for the Senate of the United States."
Ellsworth said his family supports his decision.
"That's who you rely on," Ellsworth said. "They're there no matter what, and that's what really counts."
It's now up to the state's democratic party 32 member central committee to pick their nominee for the seat.
After Friday morning's town hall in Evansville, one constituent said he doesn't think Ellsworth's decision is a good idea.
"I really hope he doesn't run because I like him where's he's at right now," Dennis Steffe said. "I was not in favor of Evan Bayh and because of his stance on healthcare."
Friday morning, Ellsworth released this statement:
"After many conversations with Hoosiers this week, and with the love and support of my family, I have decided to run for the U.S. Senate.
The best years of my life are the more than two decades I spent in the local Sheriff's department.
Sheriff is a job that comes down to protecting families from harm, helping folks solve their problems or resolve their disputes, and just being willing to put your fellow citizens' best interests ahead of your own.
When I look at the U.S. Senate these days, I sure think they could use more folks with those same qualities.
And that's something I hope I could bring to the U.S. Senate – an independent voice to help Indiana through these tough economic times, and get things done for everyday folks who are really struggling."
Others have expressed interest in being the Democratic nominee like Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr.
State Representative Trent Van Haaften also filed Friday morning to run for Congressman Ellsworth's 8th congressional seat.
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(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
