While House Republicans field the best recruiting class in recent memory, state Democrats are scrambling to kill a primary fight brewing in Kokomo.  Rep. Ron Herrell is facing a strong election fight against Kokomo Common Councilman Mike Karickhoff, that is, if Herrell can manage to make it past the primary.

Rumor has it that Indiana Democratic Party chairman Dan Parker is trying to clear the field and convince Herrell challenger Chuck Sosbe to destroy any political future he might have by running against popular State Senator Jim Buck.  That makes sense, what with Dan Parker’s strong record of being able to stop bitter, high-profile primary fights and all.

With State Rep. Ron Herrell, D-Kokomo, facing a strong re-election challenge from Republican Kokomo Common Councilman Mike Karickhoff, pressure has been building on Chuck Sosbe to bow out of the primary.

Sosbe, a lobbyist for the Professional Firefighters of Indiana, made a Labor Day announcement of his intention to challenge Herrell.

Thursday, Sosbe confirmed he’s been approached about running instead against District 21 State Sen. Jim Buck, R-Kokomo.

“There are people that want that to happen, and I’ve been in discussions with them. And that’s as far as I’ve gone,” Sosbe said. “I haven’t decided.” — Kokomo Tribune