Messer defeats Bookout, wins Pence's 6th seat

Associated Press

Updated: Nov 7, 2012 7:09 AM

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A former state leader of the Republican Party and school choice supporter will succeed Mike Pence as Indiana's 6th District representative in Congress.

Former state Rep. Luke Messer defeated former Democratic Delaware County Council member Bradley Bookout on Tuesday to win the seat Pence gave up to run for governor.

Messer is a former executive director of the state GOP who heads School Choice Indiana. The group lobbied in support of the state's new private school voucher law.

Messer promised during his campaign to work for the repeal of the federal health care overhaul.

Messer finished second to Rep. Dan Burton in the 2010 5th District Republican primary, but redrawn district lines moved his Shelbyville home into the 6th District.

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