PORTAGE | When Democrats gather at City Hall here tonight, it will put an end to more than two weeks of political ups and downs in the state's 10th House District.

Five-term state Rep. Duane Cheney will be asking for his job back.

Longtime Portage Democrat Jack Clem will be looking to slip into the state seat if precinct committee persons in the district don't grant Cheney's request.

The outcome rests in the hands of the 51 precinct committee chairmen expected to attend the caucus, which begins at 6:30 p.m. The 10th District predominantly is made up of Portage Township precincts -- 28 to be exact. But it also includes 12 precincts in Center Township, two in Liberty Township, two in Union Township and seven in Westchester Township.

Less than two weeks ago, Cheney resigned his seat and endorsed A.J. Monroe, the city's director of community planning and development, as his favored successor. Monroe also garnered the support of House Speaker Pat Bauer, Porter County Democratic Chairman Leon West and Portage Mayor Doug Olson.

Early last week, Clem, who has been active in party politics for some 40 years, filed with the Indiana Democratic Party.

Clem's filing prompted West to withdraw his support of Monroe and throw it to Clem, citing Clem's "hard work, dedication and loyalty."

Monroe has since withdrawn his name from the caucus ballot, and Cheney has filed a request to have his resignation reconsidered by the precinct committee persons.

Cheney, who had planned to retire to southern Indiana, would only say late last week he changed his mind because of "the situation as it exists." He said he feels he should return to represent the district until his term expires at the end of next year.

Both West and Clem took shots at Cheney last week for his decision.

Clem accused Cheney of deserting the district. West, who is still backing Clem, called Cheney a "sore loser" who is getting back in the race because his choice for his replacement -- Monroe -- appeared not to have the support necessary to win the seat.

Despite the disagreement, West, who also has announced his intention to resign his post soon and move to Texas, denies that the party is split or splintered.

Also today, Democrats will caucus at the Lake County Government Complex auditorium at 4 p.m. to fill the District 19 seat of Bob Kuzman. Just one candidate, Rochelle "Shelli" VanDenburgh, filed a notice of candidacy.

10th District House contenders

Duane Cheney

- First elected to the Legislature in 1998

- Chairman of the Labor and Employment Committee

- Member of the Interstate and International Cooperation and Judiciary committees

- Retired Indiana State Teachers Association Uniserve director

Jack Clem

- Served on the Portage Town and City councils from 1964 to 1975

- Spent 12 years on the Porter County Council

- Retired steelworker; worked for Indiana Department of Transportation for eight years

- Currently works as Porter County code enforcement officer