NEWS 25 WEHT Evansville, Henderson, OwensboroHostettler Tells NEWS 25 What Prompted Him to Re-Enter Politics

Hostettler Tells NEWS 25 What Prompted Him to Re-Enter Politics

story by Courtney Gousman

POSEY CO., IN - NEWS 25 talks to the latest candidate in Indiana's U.S. Senate race.

He is former Eighth District Congressman, John Hostettler, stepping-up to run against Democratic Senator Evan Bayh.

We caught up with Hostettler Friday to find out how he plans to beat a popular Democrat. 

Hostettler says Washington is due for some major change and he's focusing on the U.S. Senate race to help make it happen. 

Back at his old stomping grounds, North Posey County High School graduate, John Hostettler came out to enjoy Friday night's game.

He was also greeted by a number of supporters; just a day after his announcement to run for Indiana U.S. Senate went public on Youtube.

"Reaction has been so very positive and I'm encouraged by it," says Hostettler.

Hostettler is no stranger to politics. He held Indiana's Eighth District Congressional seat for 12 years before being beat-out by Democrat Brad Ellsworth.

If he wins the primary, the Republican will be up against another Democrat, and incumbent next November-- Evan Bayh.

NEWS 25 asked, "How do you run a campaign against someone who's so popular in Indiana?" 

Hostettler says, "We do it the same way we did in 1994. A tremendous grassroots effort. Senator Bayh's record has had virtually no critical examination by anyone. Our campaign will be that force that does that does that examination."              

Hostettler says he's already heard from Hoosiers all over the state, about his decision to get back into politics run.

He says what prompted the decision was an email he received from a friend, alleging a conflict of interest for Senator Bayh.

"His wife sits on the board of several health care companies. Senator Bayh was in the process of going against his own party to filibuster the health care bill," says Hostettler.

So how does Bayh feel about Hostettler's entering the race?

The Senator tells NEWS 25, "I'm going to focus on doing my job here, trying to create jobs, get the deficit down, hopefully improve health care. If I do that, the politics will work itself out."

Hostettler says he will soon be traveling the state to work his campaign.

He'll also be relying on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to get his message out.

"You can educate the people of Indiana to understand how truly liberal Senator Bayh is, and when they understand that, they'll be ready for change," says Hostettler.   

Hostettler is having a book signing Monday at Oaklyn Library in Evansville.