Pence Decides Against Senate Run

Erick Erickson reports that Rep. Mike Pence won’t be running for Senate.

Sources are confirming for me this morning that Congressman Mike Pence (R-IN) will not run for the United States Senate.

In fact, later today the Congressman will send out a letter to supporters outlining his reasons. In it he will write:

First because I have been given the responsibility to shape the Republican comeback as a member of the House Republican Leadership and, second, because I believe Republicans will win back the majority in the House of Representatives in 2010.

Lots of people on the outside have been pushing Pence, but he has all along seemed interested in staying to fight for 2010. A Senate run would bring into question his ability to lead the House GOP Conference at the same time.

This is refreshing news to many conservatives who were fearful that Pence leaving the House would leave its leadership devoid of a truly conservative voice.

Erickson goes on to say that Pence isn’t opposed to higher office, he’s just not interested in running for the Senate. Interesting.

By way of background, Pence had been polling well against Sen. Evan Bayh. In normal times, Bayh would be feeling quite comfortable, but not these days. He’s only polling 3 points above John Hostettler, which isn’t a good sign for Bayh, especially if he goes along with the agenda of his party.

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