Dems make Ellsworth official pick to face Coats

INDIANAPOLIS — U.S. Rep. Brad Ellsworth became the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate on Saturday, without going through a primary election — a method that brings benefits as well as drawbacks.

Ellsworth, long the presumptive nominee, was chosen over Bob Kern of Marion County by the Democratic Central Committee. After the secret ballots were tallied and the vote announced, committee members and other Democrats at the meeting in Indianapolis gave Ellsworth a standing ovation.

"I'm humbled and I'm very proud at this moment to have the chance to go and represent you," Ellsworth told the crowd.

The Republican candidate, former Sen. Dan Coats, welcomed Ellsworth to the general election race.

"Hoosiers will hear two dramatically different views about the direction our country should be heading, and about the future of Indiana," Coats said.

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