Terry Burns over at Indianapolis Times is blogging that Democrat Joe Hogsett has decided NOT to run for Mayor in 2011.

According to Terry…

Democrat Joe Hogsett has decided not to run for mayor in 2011, at least not for now. Hogsett made his decision over the weekend for “professional, personal and political” reasons.

Terry and I don’t agree on much, but if this is true it totally changes the dynamics in the race for Mayor on the Democratic side.  It also poses a question, if Ballard is so beatable, why get out of a race that should be a cakewalk?

Stay tuned.

5:10 p.m. Update

I just got this e-mail from Joe Hogsett a few minutes ago.

Just got this e-mail from Joe Hogsett.

In recent months, many friends and long-time supporters have encouraged me to run for mayor in 2011.  They all expressed concern that Indianapolis is moving in the wrong direction — for our families, for our economy and for our future.  It’s a concern I share and it is that concern that led me to consider running.  I have spent the summer visiting with rank and file Democrats all over Indianapolis, and while I’m flattered by the encouragement many have offered,  I have decided that I will not be a candidate for mayor.  I think Democrats will have several well-qualified candidates from which to choose, all of whom will present their own ideas for getting our city moving again.  I look forward to doing all I can to support the Democratic nominee for mayor.

I guess it’s official.