One of the biggest surprises – and announcements – from Mayor Tom Henry’s State of the City address had little to do with city government at all.WASHINGTON -- Tom Hayhurst, the former Democratic city councilman, will run for Congress next year, setting up a re-match with Rep. Mark Souder, R-3rd.
Hayhurst, a retired doctor, told the Federal Election Commission he will launch a campaign to unseat Souder. Hayhurst challenged Souder in 2006 in a campaign that Souder has said was his toughest re-election. Souder won with 54 percent of the vote, which is considered shaky for an incumbent.
Hayhurst has been active in advocating for reform of the health insurance system. Souder, who has scheduled a town hall meeting Aug. 28 to answer questions about the legislation, has said he does not support many of the components of the bills under discussion in Congress.
Souder, an eight-term incumbent, has drawn two primary opponents for the 2010 race. No other Democrats have announced their candidacy.
sylviasmith@jg.net
