Indiana Senate field shapes up with Brooks announcement

Indiana's U.S. Senate field is slowly taking shape on the Republican side, with U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks' announcement Monday that she would not seek the seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. Dan Coats.

Brooks' decision, which she said was based on her desire to continue representing her Central Indiana district in Congress, adds to the list of potential candidates who have bowed out. The list of announced candidates remains short, with only one name: former Republican Party Chairman Eric Holcomb.

A top staffer for U.S. Rep. Todd Young said the Southern Indiana congressman is still mulling a run with his family but acknowledged that a path is becoming increasingly clear with Brooks' decision.

U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, who represents northeastern Indiana, has generated a lot of buzz with his travels throughout the southern part of the state. But he has yet to announce his plans.

The bigger question mark hangs over the Democratic side of the field. Former U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh announced last month that he was not running for the seat, leaving roughly $10 million in his campaign account. No Democrats have announced their candidacy.

This story will be updated.

Call Star reporter Tom LoBianco at (317) 444-7136. Follow him on Twitter: @tomlobianco.