What's Next For Carson, Congressional Seat?

INDIANAPOLIS -- With U.S. Rep. Julia Carson sidelined with terminal lung cancer, questions about what will happen next for her and her congressional seat are on the minds of many.

The 69-year-old Democrat from Indianapolis maintains her seat despite having not been in Washington since September, but her staff said Monday that she will not seek re-election in 2008. If Carson determines that she is not able to fulfill the remainder of her term, she would turn in a letter of resignation.

If she turns in that letter, both political parties would call for special caucuses in preparation for a special election, 6News' political contributor Abdul-Hakim Shabazz said.

A special election would be set for within 30 to 60 days. The winner of that special election would then have to run again for the congressional seat in November 2008.

The potential opening of Carson's congressional seat has several possible Democratic and Republican hopefuls waiting in the wings.

"It's a bit morbid in a sense, because we've been getting feelers in some political circles about some people wanting to run if the congresswoman didn't serve," Shabazz said. "It's kind of like your grandmother on her death bed, and people are going through the house tagging silverware and marking their territory."

First-term state Rep. Jon Elrod, R-Indianapolis, has already announced that he plans to run for the congressional seat in 2008. Other Republicans are also considering pursuing it.

On the Democratic side, Marion County Treasurer Mike Rodman and state Rep. David Orentlicher of Indianapolis are two of the most prominent names who might have interest.

Rodman said he would be a candidate if Carson decided not to run, but said he expects lots of competition.

"I think there are going to be a number of Democrats who will be interested in the seat," Rodman said. "They're all friends of mine. So, I think we will, you know, have a family discussion."