Indiana Congressman Joe Donnelly is running for Senate in 2012. He made the official announcement Monday.
The three-term, second district congressman from Northern Indiana announced his intention to run for current Senator Dick Lugar's seat in a video on his website.
In it Donnelly says Indiana needs a senator willing to fight for the best interests of middle-class workers and seniors.
"I ran for Congress to fight for jobs and the values of hard work, community and opportunity that come with those jobs. Now I'm here because I want to take the fight for American jobs and opportunity to the United State Senate. "
Some speculate Donnelly's decision to run is based on the new congressional redistricting maps approved by the Indiana General Assembly. Under the new maps, Donnelly's chances at reelection in his current district seem more unlikely.
While no other Democratic contenders have yet emerged, Lugar is facing a challenge in the Republican primary from tea-party endorsed state Treasurer Richard Mourdock.