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The first of what could be as many as four primary challengers to Fifth District Congressman Dan Burton is kicking off his campaign with a vow to impose term limits on himself if elected.

Brose McVey, who lost a 1998 race to Democrat Julia Carson, says there’s nothing wrong with Burton, but says Congress can’t generate new solutions without new blood. He says he’s frustrated at what he says is Republicans’ failure to offer substantive alternatives to Democrats’ stimulus package.

McVey hasn’t settled on what his limit would be, but he’s leaning toward 12 years. Burton will have been in the House 28 years when he and McVey face off next year.

The GOP primary field is expected to get bigger. Indianapolis State Representative Mike Murphy has indicated he’s likely to run, and former Shelbyville Rep. Luke Messer is actively exploring a bid.

Without mentioning them by name, McVey dismisses Murphy and Messer as the candidates of “the Indianapolis law firms.” He calls Burton Washington’s candidate.

Former Marion County Coroner John McGoff, who lost a challenge to Burton last year, has been mentioned as a possible challenger as well.

McVey is challenging Burton to debate this summer at each of the district’s 11 county fairs.

Eric Berman
http://www.wibc.com/news/Story.aspx?ID=1073455

March 19, 2009