The Indianapolis Star reports that 7th District Rep. Andre Carson, D- Ind., is being overshadowed by his primary opponent former state health commissioner Woody Myers and his self-funded campaign. Carson won a March 11 special election to replace his grandmother, the late Rep. Julia Carson, 1996-2007. Andre “Carson is the sitting officeholder, the man with the title, the family name and the built-in advantages that come with incumbency. But Myers has been the more visible candidate, with a powerful TV advertising campaign and a well-run campaign office that has many wondering whether he’ll put an end to the Carson dynasty when voters head to the polls next week,” the newspaper reports. In a sparsely attended press conference in Indianapolis, Carson said that when district residents begin receiving their rebate checks they will think of him. “Those tax rebates will provide much-needed assistance to working families here in Indianapolis,” he said. Carson was elected to his late grandmother’s seat in a special election on March 11, several weeks after Congress approved the rebates.

The Macon Telegraph reports that former congressman Mac Collins, 1993-2005, who ran a close race against incumbent Democrat Rep. Jim Marshall two years ago and had said he was considering another bid in the 8th District this year, won’t be running. “I’m just going to sit this one out,” Collins said. “Collins’ decision may simplify the nominating process for retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Rick Goddard. Goddard has already become the popular choice for Republican Party elders. Gov. Sonny Perdue has endorsed him and, at an April 19 gathering, county Republican parties in the 8th District endorsed him as well,” the newspaper reports. Robert Nowak, a former Bibb County schoolteacher plans to face Marshall in the Democratic primary, filed Monday, the first day to file for local, state and federal offices. Marshall has not yet filed for re-election, but he is expected to before qualifying ends Friday at noon.