McGoff to run against Burton, again

The GOP field challenging Rep. Dan Burton (R-Ind.) next year grew to three Tuesday as John McGoff, who ran against Burton in 2008, announced he will run again, the Indianapolis Star reports.

The Hill reported in early February that several Republicans were considering a run against Burton, including McGoff. So far, Brose McVey, who ran for Congress in a different district in 2002, and state Rep. Mike Murphy have formed exploratory committees. Murphy, in particular, is moving forward with his campaign, having already put a poll into the field.

McGoff lost to Burton by a 45 pecent to 52 percent margin last year – closer than many expected. That left the impression that Burton, a 14-term incumbent, may be vulnerable.

However, the more primary challengers that jump in the race, the better it is is for Burton. Those challengers will likely split the anit-Burton vote, making it harder for one of them to defeat him.

jeremy.jacobs@digital-staging.thehill.com