Republican Field For U.S. Senate Seat Getting Crowded

Congressman Todd Young’s name recognition could give him a major advantage in the U.S. Senate race. The representative threw his hat into the ring Sunday.  That makes it a crowded race for the Republican nomination and some analysts say Young could be the candidate to beat.

The fight to earn the Republican nomination for Senate in Indiana is now a three-way race between former State GOP chair Eric Holcomb, 3rd District Congressman Marlin Stutzman and 9th District Congressman Todd Young.

Of those, Young has the widest statewide presence. His district spans from the northern part of Louisville to the southern part of Indianapolis. Political analyst Ed Feigenbaum says that could make a major difference with voters.

“He's in two of the district's largest media markets. People are familiar with seeing him on TV, and that's a big factor in building that ID and comfort zone," Feigenbaum said.

But the other candidates have their own strengths. Feigenbaum says Stutzman is good at raising a lot of small-dollar donations; and Holcomb has the backing of current Sen. Dan Coats.