Evansville Web developer enters Indiana race for ‘bloody’ 8th disrict

EVANSVILLE – A self-employed Internet contractor who runs a Web site that calls evolution a “spiritual deception” has entered the race for southwestern Indiana’s 8th Congressional District. \nPaul Abramson, 50, of Evansville, announced plans Monday to seek the Republican nomination and challenge Democratic Rep. Brad Ellsworth, a former Vanderburgh County sheriff who defeated John Hostettler in 2006. He joins Greg Goode in the GOP field for the state’s “Bloody 8th,” a name that reflects the district’s history of contentious races.\nAbramson said his policies are similar to Hostettler’s religious and fiscal conservatism. He said he met with Hostettler for 90 minutes in October to discuss a possible run but did not seek or receive his endorsement.\n“We have a religious heritage,” Abramson said. “It’s not freedom from religion – it’s freedom of religion.” \nAbramson is the founder and editor of www.creationism.org, which promotes “creation science.” Goode, 34, who filed papers with the secretary of state Monday, left his post as Indiana State University’s chief public and governmental affairs officer to run.\nGoode welcomed Abramson to the race.\n“It’s a terribly difficult decision to make,” Goode said. “I respect (Abramson) for the decision, and I wish him \nsafe travels.”