Rep. Joe Donnelly (Ind.) has been hinting to local press that he would mount a bid against Sen. Dick Lugar (R) instead of running for governor as many had expected.

At a recent Democratic dinner, Donnelly told the Indianapolis Star that he feels his experience “is best served in the Senate … continue focusing on helping the economy and bringing jobs to Indiana.”

WSBT reported that Donnelly said he has accepted invitations from state Democrats to speak at Jefferson-Jackson Day dinners as a “chance to talk to people about a possible Senate run.”

In a related development, the South Bend Tribune reported that Donnelly’s 2010 challenger, Jackie Walorski, wants to run again in 2012.

The Republican announced that she will run in the 2nd district. “No matter what the district map ultimately looks like or who my opponent eventually is, I couldn’t be more committed to the 2nd District and fighting for a smaller, more responsible government and a strong economy,” she told supporters.