McDermott out, Washington back in race for Senate seat (Post-Tribune)
McDermott out, Washington back in race for Senate seat
By Jane Huh
As one Lake County Democrat bowed out of seeking Evan Bayh's U.S. Senate seat on Saturday, another jumped back in.
Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. will no longer seek the state Democratic Party's nomination for the congressional seat after Bayh retires, said Keith Clock, chairman of the 5th District Central Committee, who spoke with McDermott on Saturday morning.
McDermott, also the chairman of the Lake County Democratic Party, could not be reached for comment as of press time.
However, Darren Washington could emerge as a candidate from the region.
"Northwest Indiana cannot afford to not fight for the opportunity to have representation in Washington, D.C., and represent the state of Indiana in the U.S. Senate," Washington said.
The Gary School Board member decided to again seek the party's nomination only after Highland Clerk-Treasurer Michael Griffin passed up on the idea of seeking the congressional seat.
Washington said he had hoped Griffin, who is "more than well-qualified to be U.S. senator," would seek the party's nomination.
LINK: http://www.post-trib.com/news/2074412,senate-dem-0228.article