Congressman Donnelly's announcement came early in Whitley County
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
He may have made his announcement officially yesterday, but second district Congressman Joe Donnelly of South Bend let local Democrats know of his intentions, albeit accidentally, on Saturday, April 30, during the Third District Democratic Dinner held at the Eagles Nest Event Center in Columbia City, above. Donnelly spoke before a crowd of about 400 supporters from northeast Indiana, saying "when...(pause)...if" he decided to run for Senator Richard Lugar's seat in the US Senate. It was clear his announcement at that time was not meant to be public, but the applause from the audience may have helped solidify his plans. Donnelly announced formally yesterday that he intends to seek the Democratic nomination to run for the US Senate.