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Last updated on Monday, May 11, 2015
(PORTAGE) - Portage Senator Karen Tallian is expected to enter the race for governor this week, giving Democrats a contested primary for the second time in three elections for the office.
2012 nominee John Gregg is already seeking a rematch, and at least two other Democrats have said they're considering the race. Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz says she'll decide next month whether to challenge Pence. And House Minority Leader Scott Pelath tells Howey Politics Indiana he's looking at it as well.
IPFW political scientist Andrew Downs says even a bitter primary could help the winner by honing his campaigning skills and giving him experience in fending off attacks -- as long as things don't get too bloody. He says Democrats' hopes of victory begin by shaping a negative image of Republican incumbent Mike Pence, and says a primary will force candidates to find the proper balance between criticizing Pence and criticizing each other.
Downs says all four current and prospective candidates bring a mix of pluses and minuses. He says Gregg can point to his narrow loss four years ago, but he still lost -- and some Democrats fault him for waiting too long to go after Pence directly.
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