INDIANAPOLIS -- Sen. Evan Bayh plans to push for Indianapolis' Mapleton State Post Office to be renamed the Julia M. Carson Post Office, in honor of the late congresswoman.

Bayh announced Saturday that he will introduce legislation that would make the change.

Carson advocated construction of the post office branch in the 2600 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street. It opened in July 2005.

Bayh said he plans to introduce the legislation when the Senate reconvenes on Tuesday. Sen. Richard Lugar has signed on to cosponsor the bill, Bayh's office said.

Carson, who died on Dec. 15, 2007, spent more than 35 years in public service. She was elected to the first of six terms in the House in 1996.