Stars Calls On Burton To Retire

With four big-name Republicans poised to challenge him in the Fifth District GOP primary next year, a Star editorial calls on U.S. Rep. Dan Burton to retire rather than seek re-election to a 15th term. The editorial describes him as having an "undistinguished legislative resume with a record of self-serving, sometimes bizarre behavior that has drawn national negative press and cost the veteran lawmaker in terms of party favor and committee assignments." As I've previously observed, Burton is a shoo-in for re-election if he faces a crowded primary race. The Star agrees. "If the challengers are serious about replacing Burton with a better representative of their party in the general election and in Washington, all except one will have to decide individually to drop out well before election day," the editorial reads.

To the challengers, the 2010 race may be as much about the 2012 race as it is next year's congressional race. They include former Marion County Coroner Dr. John McGoff, former unsuccessful 7th District candidate Brose McVey, State Rep. Mike Murphy and former State Rep. Luke Messer. District boundaries will be redrawn after the 2010 election. Indiana is not expected to lose a congressional district; however, the 5th District's boundaries could be dramatically altered and Burton will be more likely to retire then if he's successful in a 2010 re-election bid. The challengers all want to poise themselves as the best choice to take Burton's place, which requires them to make the difficult, if not impossible, campaign against Burton in 2010. It is unlikely party leaders can convince all but three of the candidates to drop out of next year's race, but I doubt that will stop them from trying. The problem with that is their choice will likely be lobbyist and former state party executive director Luke Messer. Look around. Voters are not hungry to send a lobbyist to become the newest member of Congress, particularly in today's environment. They're looking for someone who will shake up the status quo.