CARMEL, Ind. -- Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard could consider a congressional run if U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks is chosen to take Gov. Mike Pence's spot on November's ballot.
In the latest political shakeup since Pence was announced as a leading candidate to be Donald Trump's running mate, Brainard says he has been urged to run if Brooks – currently running for re-election for her third term representing Indiana's 5th Congressional District – moves to the governor's race.
"I've received a lot of calls from people in this area encouraging me to run for her seat if she's a gubernatorial candidate," Brainard said. "And so I'm listening to these people. We haven't made any decisions."
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Brooks, a former U.S. district attorney, is one of three Republicans who have officially thrown their hats in the ring to replace Pence. Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb and U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita have also filed paperwork to enter the governor's race.
Brooks' Democratic opponent, Dr. Angela Demaree, released a statement Friday criticizing Brooks for "abandoning" her Congressional seat for a potential gubernatorial run.
‘’We deserve someone who is committed in good times and bad, someone who is willing to do the job no matter what, and not put their own political ambitions over the needs of district residents,’’ Demaree said..
Brainard won re-election to an unprecedented sixth term as Carmel's mayor in 2015. He has spearheaded much of the city's development over the past 20 years, including the elevated roundabouts on Keystone Avenue, the revitalization of the Arts & Design District and the creation of City Center and the $180 million Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts.
"I really love being mayor and we have a lot yet to do in Carmel," Brainard said. "I get excited every day to come to work. We've built a city here where I think anybody in the world can succeed, there's good jobs, it's a beautiful and safe place to live."
Nevertheless, Brainard says he thinks he could be effective in Congress.
"You know, there's a lack of people in Congress with experience in local government and experience with providing good quality of life, providing good governmental services on a day-to-day basis," he said. "Having people in Congress with that sort of experience is something that's sorely lacking at the federal level."
The Indianapolis Business Journal reported Friday afternoon that State Senators Mike Delph (R-Carmel) and Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis) are also potential candidates for the GOP spot in the 5th District race.
Brainard said either would be a fine choice to replace Brooks.
"They're both dedicated public servants," he said. "I agree with them on some issues, and on others I don't, but they're good solid people who would represent the 5th District well."
Merritt told RTV6 he was on the road and "will reserve comment for now." A call to Delph's office wasn't immediately returned.
As to the agenda items he ran for a sixth term as Carmel's mayor on, Brainard thinks the city will continuing flourishing even if he's not at the helm.
"I think there's a lot of good people in Carmel who have a similar vision," Brainard said. "It's tempting that think that one is irreplaceable, but I know better than that."
