Senate seat in play, but why?

Political handicappers are saying the announcement of former Sen. Dan Coat’s entry into the race to be Indiana’s senator now moves Sen. Evan Bayh’s seat into play.

But, Hoosier Access’ Scott raises some questions about Sen. Dan Coat’s entry into the senate race for those of us who enjoy watching politics:

So why is Dan Coats’ entry enough to move the rating when the national environment and the polling didn’t cause it to budge?

He hasn’t raised any money. He’s starting late. He hasn’t run a competitive election before (and declined to face Bayh last time). He has unfortunately baggage (lobbying, TARP, residency, etc).

There also hasn’t been a poll matching him up against Bayh, though polling has shown the race competitive with other potential November opponents (one of which is already running).

So where does that leave us?

We have a candidate with no money, no polling, no prior serious campaign experience, but who is being talked up by a bunch of GOP bigwigs.

Why?

I hope to learn the answer, since what I am seeing so far doesn’t convince me.

Technorati Tags: Dan Coats, Evan Bayh, Indiana, politics, Senate

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