Carson's Congressional Seat Up For Grabs

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(INDIANAPOLIS) - Amid the funeral tributes to Congresswoman Julia Carson, several speakers seized the occasion to try to shape the race to replace her.

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-Michigan) says Carson told her on her deathbed she wants her grandson, City-County Councilor Andre Carson, to succeed her.

Ohio Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones and Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan also urged Carson to take the plunge. Former Congressman Andy Jacobs had endorsed Carson for the seat even before Julia Carson's death.

Carson hasn't said whether he'll run, and didn't address the subject at all in his turn at the mike.

Andre Carson has been a councilman for three months, and was unopposed on election day for a first full term.

So far, Marion County Treasurer Michael Rodman is the only announced Democratic candidate. State Rep. Jon Elrod (R-Indianapolis) and parole officer Wayne Harmon are seeking the Republican nomination.

There are actually two elections for the seat. Party caucuses will nominate candidates to complete Julia Carson's term once Gov. Mitch Daniels sets a date for a special election. That election will probably take place in February or March.

There's also the regular election for the next two-year term. The filing deadline for that election is in February, with voters selecting the candidates in the May primary.

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