Romney’s state co-chair could decide Santorum’s fate

Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney's Indiana co-chairman could decide whether opponent Rick Santorum makes it onto the state's May primary ballot.

Dan Dumezich is guiding Romney's effort to win Indiana. He also chairs the Indiana Election Commission, which considers challenges to candidates' ballot access. Santorum is eight signatures shy of the 500 needed from Indiana's 7th District.

Five voters filed challenges to Santorum's candidacy Monday. The four-member, bipartisan Election Commission then would have to make a decision by March 1.

Dumezich says he has no plans to recuse himself from a vote if Santorum's access is challenged.

Santorum supporter state Sen. Mike Delph says he's confident Dumezich will be fair and that Santorum's name will be on the May ballot.