The Battle for the U.S. House: Indiana - The Big Three

In the battle over Indiana's House districts, there are three that stand out: the Indiana 2nd, Indiana 8th, and Indiana 9th. For the past few months these Republican held seats have stood out in the spotlight, and it seems very possible that all three incumbents may face defeat in November. So keep your eye out for the "Big Three" because their results may very well determine who gets control of the House in November.

Indiana 1st - Gary, Hammond
Long serving Rep. Peter Visclosky (D) represents one of the few Democratic strongholds in Indiana and so he should have no trouble defending his steelworker, union, and minority filled district against carpenter, Mark Leyva (R).

Indiana 2nd - North Central: South Bend, parts of Elkhart and Kokomo
This is the first of the "Big Three" where Rep. Chris Chocola (R) is facing a strong challenge from lawyer and small business owner, Joe Donnelly (D). Even though Rep. Chocola defeated Mr. Donnelly by a healthy margin in 2004, the current political climate is making this race competitive and the DCCC is sending in money to help Mr. Donnelly's campaign. The district is traditionally competitive and it includes a combination of areas such as the Catholic Norte Dame community, low income minority populations, blue-collar communities, and farming areas. I have seen polls where Mr. Donnelly is in the lead and so he may very well pull off an upset victory.

Indiana 3rd - Northeast: Fort Wayne
Rep. Mark Souder (R) represents a strong Republican district with strong agricultural and religious roots. He should have no trouble defending it against doctor and city council member, Thomas Hayhurst (D).

Indiana 4th - West Central: Indianapolis suburbs, Lafayette
Rep. Steve Buyer (R) represents a strong Republican district filled with farms, small towns, and suburbs. He should have no trouble defeating his opponent, David Sanders (D), who's a teacher.

Indiana 5th - East Central: part of Indianapolis and suburbs
Long-time Rep. Dan Burton (R) represents the wealthiest and strongest Republican district in Indiana, which is composed of Indianapolis suburbanites and rural farmers. He will more than likely dominate his opponent, Katherine Carr (D), a realtor.

Indiana 6th - East: Muncie, Anderson, Richmond
Rep. Mike Pence (R) represents a strong Republican district with a mix of farms, midsize cities, and suburban populations. He will more than likely defeat his opponent, Barry Welsh (D), a minister.

Indiana 7th - Most of Indianapolis
Rep. Julia Carson (D) represents the largest city in the state, Indianapolis, which is composed of minorities, heavy industry, and a large white-collar workforce. She should have no trouble defeating auto dealer, Eric Dickerson (R).

Indiana 8th - West: Evansville, Terre Haute
This is another of the "Big Three" where Rep. John Hostettler (R) is facing a mighty challenge from

Indiana 9th - Southeast: Bloomington, New Albany
This race is the last of the "Big Three" where Rep. Mike Sodrel is facing a rematch with the congressman he defeated in 2004, former Rep.

Works Cited
- Koszczuk, J. & Stern, H.A. (Eds.). (2005). CQ's Politics in America 2006: The 109th Congress. (13th Edition). Washington DC: Congressional Quarterly Inc.