Newly-minted Democratic gubernatorial candidate Karen Tallian
While John Gregg came unexpectedly close to beating Republican Gov. Mike Pence in 2012, plenty of Democrats
were not excited when Gregg announced he would seek a rematch. Even though Gregg criticized the infamous Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which could have allowed businesses to refuse to serve gay people, he has a record of opposing same-sex marriage and taking some other conservative positions. State Sen. Karen Tallian is hoping to take advantage of Gregg's potential liabilities with the base, and she's just announced that she'll
oppose him in the primary. Tallian isn't being subtle about her plan to run against Gregg from the left, calling herself "a clearer choice, and a more progressive choice."
There was little indication that Tallian was interested in running for governor before she said she was in, though Gregg himself said a few weeks ago that he thought she was considering. But Tallian says she's been talking to labor and women's groups in the last few months, though it's not clear how many of them are prepared to back her. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz says she'll decide in the next month whether to run, and Gregg's Democratic skeptics may prefer to wait on her before backing Tallian. State House Minority Leader Scott Pelath also recently confirmed that he's eyeing this contest.
Back in 2012 Pence looked like the clear favorite to win, and no serious Democrats challenged Gregg in the primary. However, with the governor posting weak poll numbers on the aftermath of the RFRA firestorm, more Hoosier Democrats are smelling blood, though an expensive primary could hamper them in the general.