INDIANAPOLIS – Northeast Indiana voters have a lot to think about this election season, including 10 contested Statehouse races fielding 24 candidates.

Only six area House and Senate seats will be filled without contest.

Historically, many local races are not competitive because of the demographics of the districts.

But a few seats are getting some attention as possible upsets this year.

And the result of the elections could have immense consequences – especially in the Indiana House.

Democrats currently control the narrowly divided chamber, 52-48. But with a tide of anti-incumbency – and some anti-Democratic feelings – that could change.

If Republicans grab the majority it will be especially important because that means they would fully control the upcoming redistricting process in which census data are used to draw legislative and congressional districts.

“There appears to be a little more excitement in some of these races,” said Andrew Downs, director of the Mike Downs Center for Indiana Politics at IPFW. “But I’m not sure it will show up in the results.”

One race the state Democratic Party is focusing on is House District 51 in Steuben County and part of DeKalb County.

Democrats have recruited attorney and former teacher Codie Ross to take on incumbent Rep. Dick Dodge, R-Pleasant Lake.

“There is a lot of energy around that campaign,” said Kristin Self, campaign director for the Indiana House Democratic Caucus.

“The district leans Republican, but the reason House Democrats have a majority is because we are able to take seats like that. It’s all about the candidates.”

One focus of Ross’ campaign is to get tax dollars generated in area counties back to the area counties, such as through the complicated school funding formula.

“It’s not so much about throwing more money at the problem. It’s about making sure we get our fair share in northeast Indiana,” Ross said.

So far, Ross has the fundraising edge over Dodge, who previously served in a number of county posts.

As of the April campaign finance filing, Ross had $22,000 on hand while Dodge had just $6,300.

Ross is backed heavily by a group of trial attorneys through the Felix Unger Political Action Committee, which has donated $15,000.

“I don’t think that financial lead’s going to hold up,” Ross said. “I think the governor will get involved. But we will outwork them.

“I needed the initial lead for the primary to put myself on the map and show people at the Statehouse that I’m serious.”

Dodge said he is going door to door, operating phone banks and attending meetings to try to beat back the attack.

“I’ve heard they are hot after me. For some reason or another they seem to think it’s a vulnerable seat,” he said.

“I’m not sure why, other than that I’m an incumbent. There are some anti-incumbent feelings. But I also hear people don’t like Democrats.”

A race the state Republican Party has targeted is House District 81 in Fort Wayne.

High school social studies teacher Mike Obergfell is running a campaign focused on talking to constituents in the district.

But he acknowledges he has a learning curve – especially when considering his opponent is former mayor and 18-year incumbent Rep. Win Moses, D-Fort Wayne.

“I’m no politician,” Obergfell said. “I’m just a concerned teacher. I have a lot to learn about the different interests out there.”

According to the pre-primary finance report, Obergfell had $6,300 in cash but owed thousands more in debts.

In comparison, Moses had about $33,000 on hand.

Moses also said Obergfell is keeping such a low-profile that he and Moses haven’t even met yet.

“I walk regularly. I’m raising money. Attending neighborhood meetings,” Moses said.

“I like campaigning and I’m enjoying it. It’s definitely in my wheelhouse.

“I think I’m significantly outworking him at this point.”

nkelly@jg.net