Tuesday, February 20, 2007

McGoff To Challenge Burton

At last a Republican has emerged to challenge U.S. Rep. Dan Burton's hold on the 5th congressional district. Dr. John McGoff announced today he would not be running for mayor this year, but he does intend to take on Burton in next year's congressional primary. Matt Tully reports:

Former County Coroner John McGoff has spent several weeks on the fence, thinking about running for mayor. At a 10:30 a.m. news conference today, McGoff will announce his candidacy. But it won't be for mayor.

Instead, McGoff has announced he will challenge U.S. Rep. Dan Burton is the 2008 Republican primary.

McGoff, an emergency room physician who was elected coroner twice, will be taking on an incumbent who lately has attracted notice for skipping a bunch of House votes to go golfing in California.

There are many Burton critics. But his Republican district ensures he never has a serious general election opponent. The primary could be a different matter.

"We need to restore integrity back to Washington," McGoff said today.

After thinking about running for mayor, McGoff said he decided a run against Burton, "was a better fit for me."

McGoff's announcement today will come as pleasing news to many Republicans. Let's hope that McGoff's strategy will not include pandering to the religious right as Burton has become accustomed to doing. I got to know McGoff several years ago fairly well when we both participated in the Indiana Leadership Forum. I hope some of his views on social issues have become more enlightened.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kinda makes me wish I were a Republican...

Naaaaaaaaah.

Where do I deliver the prerequisite pumpkins or watermelons for the backyard shoot?

Go, Dr. John!

Sir Hailstone said...

Nit: It's the 5th Congressional District Mr. Welsh

Gary R. Welsh said...

Thanks, it's corrected.

Anonymous said...

It's time someone took action and has decided to run against old Danny Boy Burton. He's a disgrace to our State! I wish Dr. John the best and will support him in any way I can. I've had enough of Burton! ...As have many, many other Republicans!

Anonymous said...

I'd rather see a good candidate like McGoff run for mayor. Burton doesn't do much harm aside from PR, so I'd rather keep him and get rid of Peterson.