McDermott Out, Washington Back In for Senate Seat

By Jane Huh - Post Tribune

As one Lake County Democrat bowed out of seeking Evan Bayh's U.S. Senate seat on Saturday, another jumped back in.

Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. will no longer seek the state Democratic Party's nomination for the congressional seat after Bayh retires, said Keith Clock, chairman of the 5th District Central Committee, who spoke with McDermott on Saturday morning.

McDermott, also the chairman of the Lake County Democratic Party, could not be reached for comment as of press time.

However, Darren Washington could emerge as a candidate from the region.

"Northwest Indiana cannot afford to not fight for the opportunity to have representation in Washington, D.C., and represent the state of Indiana in the U.S. Senate," Washington said.

The Gary School Board member decided to again seek the party's nomination only after Highland Clerk-Treasurer Michael Griffin passed up on the idea of seeking the congressional seat.

Washington said he had hoped Griffin, who is "more than well-qualified to be U.S. senator," would seek the party's nomination.

On Friday, Washington had taken himself out of the running and declined a chance to speak as a Senate candidate on Saturday before the Fifth District Central Committee in Noblesville out of respect for Griffin's possible Senate seat interest.

"I really believe Mike Griffin would be an excellent choice," Washington said.

Although the suggestion is "gratifying, humbling and heartening," Griffin said he is occupied with other priorities.

"It is profoundly flattering to have your name mentioned in that special league," Griffin said. "But, presently, the league I need to be focused on is being a new dad (to an 8-month-old daughter) and being a good public servant for the people of Highland."

After hearing that Griffin wasn't interested, Washington decided to "take up the mantle."

"I'll have to have serious conversations with the party leadership," he said. "I just may have to step out in faith."

The Central Committee cannot meet to vote on a candidate until after the May 4 primary and has until June 30 to chose a nominee.