Democratic state lawmaker won’t make Indiana’s US Senate bid

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – A state lawmaker considered a possible Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate next year has decided against entering the race.

Democratic state Rep. Christina Hale announced Monday she would seek re-election in 2016 to her district on the northeast side of Indianapolis.

Hale was seen by some as a possible fresh face for Democrats as opposed to former U.S. Rep. Baron Hill, who is the party’s only declared 2016 Senate candidate.

The Senate seat is opening up with Republican Dan Coats’ announcement in March that he would not seek re-election next year.

U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman and former Indiana Republican Party Chairman Eric Holcomb have announced bids for the GOP Senate nomination, with U.S. Rep. Todd Young also considering a candidacy.