Kokomo Tribune

Brose McVey, the Carmel-based consultant who raised more than $1 million to challenge then-U.S. Rep. Julia Carson in 2002, is set to announce he’ll challenge U.S. Rep. Dan Burton for the 5th congressional district seat.

McVey sent out press materials Wednesday, in advance of an expected 10 a.m. announcement Thursday in Noblesville.

“We’ve heard some things, but this should draw people out, to either say they’re running or they’re not,” said McVey campaign spokesman Andy Roth.

According to Brian Howey, publisher of the Howey Political Report, McVey could be one of three or more GOP primary challengers next year.

State Rep. Mike Murphy and former Indiana legislator Luke Messer have also been mentioned, and Burton survived a challenge last year from former Marion County Coroner John McGoff.

McGoff also announced more than a year prior to the 2008 primary, but McGoff’s announcement came primarily to capitalize on the political fallout over one of Burton’s golf vacations.

Despite the notoriety surrounding his decision to play in a California golf tournament, Burton easily beat McGoff in the district, with his largest margin of victory coming in Howard County.

McGoff did, however, narrowly win in Hamilton County, leading to widespread speculation more challengers would arrive for the 2010 primary.

First elected to the U.S. House in 1982, Burton has represented Kokomo since 2000.

Burton, now in his 14th term, has been asked numerous times when he plans to retire.

“In 2010 — and right now I’m not making any comments one way or another — but that will be the year new districts are drawn for Congress, and I’m going to give it some very serious thought,” Burton said after winning reelection in November.

Scott Smith
Tribune staff writer

http://www.kokomotribune.com/local/local_story_077141232.html?keyword=secondarystory

March 18, 2009