Rep. Hill To Decide This Week on Senate Bid

Rep. Baron Hill, D-Ind., says he's still mulling whether he will seek the Democratic nomination to succeed Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., in the Senate.

"It'll be sooner rather than later," Hill said, indicating that he plans to make a decision this week. The Indiana Democrat says he still wants to talk with constituents and fellow members of Congress before entering the race.

Hill was overseas last week when Bayh announced his retirement. If he does decide to run, it creates a hotly contested Democratic parimary with Rep. Brad Ellsworth, D-Ind. Ellsworth announced last week he would run for Bayh's seat.

Its expected to be a tough re-election contest this fall, if Hill stays in the House.  He would have a rematch with former Rep. Mike Sodrel, R-Ind. Sodrel defeated Hill in 2004. But Hill edged out Sodrel to retake the seat in 2006. Hill trounced Sodrel in 2008 as he secured the biggest winning percentage of his career.

2010 will mark the fifth time the two have been matched against each other if Hill stays in the House.