Rep. Ellsworth Seeks to Replace Bayh in Senate

Ellsworth's name began circulating shortly after Bayh announced Monday he would retire rather than seek a third term this year. In a story today, The Indianapolis Star says party insiders believe Ellsworth may have an edge in the state because of his more conservative stances on abortion and guns.

Ellsworth, 51, is a former county sheriff who was first elected to the House in 2006. He voted for President Obama's legislation to revamp health care in November, but he was one of 11 Democrats who voted against the $787 billion economic stimulus legislation and one of 44 voting against the cap-and-trade energy bill.

Another Democrat being considered, eastern Indiana Rep. Baron Hill, voted for all three of those bills.