Burton picks up another challenger

by Jeremy P. Jacobs - 04/04/09 1:20 PM ET

Looks like Rep. Dan Burton (R-Ind.) is going to have his hands full in his 2010 GOP primary.

Luke Messer, a former Indiana state representative and former executive director of the state GOP, announced on Friday that he’ll challenge Burton next year. He is Burton’s second Republican challenger – Brose McVey was the first.

At his announcement, Messer was quick to criticize Burton, who has represented Indiana’s 5th District for 14 terms.

“He’s been a leader in the bickering ways of Washington for the last 16 years,” Messer said, according to the Indianapolis Star.

Messer and McVey are two of several Indiana Republicans that have been said to be eyeing the race. The Hill reported in mid-February that Burton is not the most well-liked Congressman among the Indiana GOP and his closer than expected victory over Republican John McGoff in last year’s primary has encouraged some Republicans to jump into the race.

Of course, as we pointed out in that article, a large cadre of primary challengers could benefit Burton because it would split up the anti-Burton vote.

jeremy.jacobs@digital-staging.thehill.com