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Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003  Volume 10, Number 18 Page 1 of 9 he Meetup.com: Mitch T and Howard get it Howey It’s the ‘21st Century precinct’ By BRIAN A. HOWEY in Indianapolis As the Internet powered to presidential prominence and an endorsement, the idea of the Political “21st Century precinct” arrived in Indiana. The word had gone out on Meetup.com of a Mitch Daniels get-together at the Athenaeum's Rathskeller in Report Indianapolis Wednesday night. As the 8 o'clock hour neared, the ballroom next to the Kellerbar began to gather people, The Howey Political Report is published by NewsLink probably close to 75 in all when Republican gubernatorial Inc. Founded in 1994, The Howey Political Report is candidate Daniels appeared. There had been four previous an independent, non-partisan newsletter analyzing the political process in Indiana. events by the Meetup.com crowd before this one in Indianapolis. Another had taken place in Richmond. Brian A. Howey, publisher “Howard Dean has used this phenomenally well,” Mark Schoeff Jr., Washington writer explained Christie Luther, who heads up Daniels' volunteer Jack E. Howey, editor efforts. Spending no money for fliers, postage and envelopes, the word had gotten out to the . And The Howey Political Report Office: 317-254-1533 PO Box 40265 Fax: 317-968-0487 folks are showing up. New folks. Indianapolis, IN 46240-0265 Mobile: 317-506-0883 As a blues band played in the Kellerbar, and a dozen [email protected] people conspicuously partied and cackled on the other side www.howeypolitics.com of the ballroom, Lori Jannsen, another Daniels campaign member, explained to the gathered group, “Our goal is to Washington office: 202-775-3242; Business Office: 317-254-0535. bring a lot of new people into the movement.” The Daniels campaign wants these new people to write letters to the edi- Subscriptions: $350 annually via e-mail; tor and, as Jannsen said, “Come together and bring ideas.” $550 annually including the HPR Daily The campaign talks back, letting this new community Wire. Call 317-254-1533 or 254-0535. know what the Daniels effort is doing with e-mails. There © 2003, The Howey Political Report. All rights are “Mitch's Notes from the Road” that go out to thousands reserved. Photocopying, Internet forwarding, faxing or of supporters. The Meetup.com folks also tend to write $25 reproducing in any form, in whole or in part, is a viola- checks to the campaign. That doesn't sound like much, but tion of federal law and is strictly prohibited without 80 folks bring in $2,000 for 45 minutes work. These people consent of the publisher.

“This is a dark day in the history of liberty and Ticker: Scholer won’t run again p. 2 the Supreme Court.’” Where does Gore-Dean leave Bayh? p. 6 2004 Horse Race: Donnelly in 2nd p. 7 - U.S. Rep. , on Columnists: James, Colwell p. 8 Wednesday’s Supreme Court ruling upholding 2004 HPR 50 Most Influential List p. 9 campaign finance reform Covering 10 years of Indiana politics Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003 Page 2 of 9

leave with a sense of the 21st Century class warfare the Indiana General precinct. Assembly launched against local units of They come from everywhere and government. That could create a breeding anywhere. Dean's campaign connected ground for dozens of city, county and with a teenager living on an island off the school officials to think about challenging Alaskan coast, according to a story in last legislators in 2004. HAS BUSH AT 55 Sunday’s New Times Magazine. This Daniels surveyed the room and PERCENT: A Gallup poll of young man has gone on to make major observed, “These are new faces. It's excit- 1,004 adults, conducted intellectual contributions to the Demo- ing to see that somehow, someone new over December 5-7 (+/- 3%), crat's presidential campaign. came to our cause.” shows: 55% "approve of the way George W. Bush is han- The Republican took questions. dling his job as president", Table to table What about a running mate? someone 43% disapprove; 2% don't Daniels went from table to table, asked. “Are you available?” Daniels know; 48% "approve of the sitting down and talking to every volun- responded. He told the group that decision way George W. Bush is han- teer. When he rose to speak after about 20 would be made after the . dling the economy"; 49% minutes of hobnobbing, Daniels observed, disapprove; 3% don't know. “This is magnificent. It wasn't organized. Perotista redux 53% "approve of the way George W. Bush is handling It came from the bottom up. Some of you It was a truly amazing thing, just as the economy"; 43% disap- dragged your mother or a spouse. But this the volunteers of the spring of prove; 4% don't know. is a spontaneous meeting. It's very cool 1992 were. The Perotistas heard the call, 50% "approve of the way and exciting for us.” turned out in force, and reorganized George W. Bush is handling The Meetup.com volunteers leaned precincts into zip codes or “zippies.” They the situation with Iraq"; 47% into Daniels' words, because of the muf- measured in the 30th percentile in the disapprove; 3% don't know. fled blues in the distance and cackling polls. For a few weeks in ‘92, it seemed diners in the background. “This will be a a as if Perot could have won, until he suc- SCHOLER WON’T SEEK RE- campaign of ideas and change,” Daniels cumbed to his own paranoia. ELECTION: Many Tippe- promised in a soft, matter-of-fact delivery. Now, the Internet has become the canoe County Republicans will get the news by e-mail “It will be motivated by people not seek- conduit to scores of surfers, who con- today, but state Rep. Sue ing power, but to rescue the state from its tribute an average of $77 to Howard Scholer, R-West Lafayette, downward slide. And we are embarked on Dean, according to the Times. confirmed Wednesday that a campaign you can be proud of.” When the Burlington, Vt., based Dean she will not seek re-election Daniels said he has yet to “demean asked his Meetup.com volunteers whether (Lafayette Journal & or disparage anyone.” he should forego the federal campaign Courier). Scholer, who has “We will win by calling people to a funds, they responded yes. Overwhelm- served the 26th District for higher standard,” Daniels said, asking ingly. Dean is now determined to take on 61/2 terms, will step down at them to take better care of themselves. “I the $200 million Bush campaign by not the end of 2004, ending a believe the people are ready to aim a little taking a single cent from tax returns. political career that spans two decades. "It's been higher.” observed that such a privilege to repre- And, Daniels explained, it is time the Dean campaign has taken its cues sent this area. I will certain- for Indiana to start thinking about itself as from Robert D. Putnam’s book, “Bowling ly help and encourage oth- one people and one state. There are Alone” and has created the new mode of ers who are interested," regions versus regions; all regions versus communication and involvement. said Scholer, noting that her the center. “In some places, there are peo- “Responsiveness is the essential sound of husband, Charles, retired ple who only get a soundbite from their the Dean campaign. It is embodied not from Purdue University a own state,” Daniels, mentioning the per- only in Dean himself, but also in the , couple of years ago. "I just ception of a disconnect in The Region, the which creates the impression of constant know that the Lord's telling Hoosier suburbs around Cincinnati, and dialogue between supporters and cam- me to do something differ- ent." Republican Connie the growing antagonism between almost paign staff, and in the organizing on the all regions of the state and Indianapolis. ground. People at all levels of the Dean Continued on page 3 That is being exacerbated by the political campaign will tell you that its purpose is Page 3 of 9 Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003 not just to elect Howard Dean president. didate could trigger 15,000 people firing Just as significant, they say, the point is to off critical e-mails. Politics as usual is give people something to believe in, and gone,” Goss predicted. to connect those people with one another. Mitch Daniels is getting it. Howard The point is to get them out of their hous- Dean gets it. He's taken John McCain's es and bring them together at barbecues, Internet campaign of 2000 and has rallies and voting booths.” increased its sensors, it's financial power Basham, who is president There is the “Dean Space” software (raising $7 million in the third quarter off of the Tippecanoe County that allows the campaign in Burlington to the internet), and its communication ten- Council, confirmed that she monitor the conversatons and activities on fold. He's producing scores of oddball and will announce her own polit- ical intentions Friday at the estimated 900 volunteer Dean web- on-the-ball volunteers. press conferences in Pine sites around . A Democrat from is doing Village and West Lafayette. this. Al Gore, who helped shape the Basham said she's been The street is the web Internet (he really did), sees in Dean the instructed not to reveal in Discussing at the Chatterbox, a guy who gets it; who's hip to the new con- advance exactly what she nearby jazz joint, what I had just seen, my ductivity of the internet. That could be the will say Friday, but "my friend, trial lawyer Kevin McShane real reason for his endorsement of Dean. announcement will be relat- ed to Sue Scholer's explained, “You've heard of the politics of McShane made perhaps the sim- announcement." the street? It's now the world wide web. plest and boldest observation of the night: And those streets go on forever. It's the “Ever hear of a doctor who lost an elec- PENCE CALLS CFR 21st Century precinct. With instant feed- tion?” an election. SUPREME COURT DECI- back.” Hmmmmmmm. Doc Bowen ... Dr. SION A ‘DARK DAY’: The My friend John Goss, a longtime Senator Bill Frist ... Dr. Borst ... I'm sure Supreme Court decision Democratic strategist and current director there is ... but I can't think of one. Aha! Wednesday upholding key of the Department of Natural Resources, Dr. John McGoff, but that was a conven- provisions of a new federal campaign finance law drew explained, “The kids in their 20s have fig- tion floor fight, not an election. mixed reaction from some ured it out, and Howard Dean's people McShane said, “They should call of Indiana's and have figured it out. And the negative TV him Dr. Dean. You can't lose folks when officeholders. The high spot and the crappy flier is the past. The they call you doctor.” court upheld the law's ban negative TV spot is dead.” Watch for these comments and on unlimited "soft money" Why? How? more on the Dean blog ... tonight.  contributions to national “Because one bad TV ad for a can- political parties and candi- dates, and certain political advertising in the months Gore’s nod to Dean leaves behind Bayh? prior to elections (Indianapolis Star). U.S. By BRIAN A. HOWEY ence at the Democratic National Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., INDIANAPOLIS - Perhaps it could Convention in Chicago. was the only member of the be said that the 2008 presidential race Bayh was the keynote speaker, House to serve as a plaintiff commenced in Harlem on Tuesday, just planning on a 30-minute speech highlight- in the lawsuit, and he called around the corner from ’s ing his and accenting the ruling a deep disap- office, when Al Gore endorsed Howard the pragmatic that was spawned pointment. "This is a dark Dean. by Bill Clinton and Al Gore within the day in the history of liberty But the earliest roots of what would progressive Democratic Leadership and the Supreme Court," be the “post-Bush era” may have been put Council. As HPR reported seven years Pence said, adding that the ruling would be remem- down during the last “post-Bush era,” on ago, Bayh’s speech was designed to bered along with such infa- Aug. 28, 1996. That was the night young “make him a national figure as he pre- mous decisions as the 1857 Indiana Gov. was to stake his pares for federal office in 1998 and, Dred Scott case, which claim as the future of the Democratic potentially, for the next political genera- found that blacks -- both Party before a nationally televised audi- tion.” continued on page 4 Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003 Page 4 of 9

But Bayh’s speech ended up in sus- politically useful, surely; ideologically pended animation. There was confusing, probably.” who spoke, followed by First Lady Bayh’s “assisted suicide” comment , neither of whom were on was followed by then-gubernatorial candi- schedule. Then came three regional chal- date ’s assertion that the DLC lenger candidates who seemed to drone on had become the “right wing” of the slaves and free -- were not and on through a couple of time zones. , a comment that angered and could never be citizens. Pence argued that the law As Bayh stewed behind the stage at and mystified the Bayh organization. contradicts the Constitut- Chicago’s , the show But it’s a trend, at least ion's First Amendment pro- seemed to drag for an eternity. When for now. tections for free speech. He Bayh finally reached the podium, it was said he was especially just a couple of minutes before the East Remaking the party offended by the law's ban Coast network affiliates were to break “I'm very proud and honored to on ads by special-interest away to their 11 p.m. news, robbing the groups that mention federal endorse Howard Dean to be the next pres- keynote of the limelight Bill Clinton candidates one month ident of the United States of America," before a primary election enjoyed in 1988. And the rampant specu- Gore said Tuesday in a move that gave and two months before a lation among Bayhphiles was that the Dean more momentum, with his lead in general election. But U.S. Gores and Clintons had purposely stag- Iowa and New Hampshire stretching into Rep. , D-Ind., gered the schedule, fearful of the up and double digits. “We need to remake the applauded that provision. "I coming young from Indiana. Democratic Party, we need to remake don't think many of us will The grand irony in the waning days America. In a field of great candidates, miss those killer ads that of 2003 is that many of these same char- one candidate clearly now stands out and have become popular here," acters are at it again, jockeying for posi- said Carson, who has been so I'm asking all of you to join in this the target of such ads in tion. grassroots movement to elect Howard past campaigns. U.S. Sen. There was Al Gore, endorsing Dean president of the United States.” , R-Ind., who Howard Dean, the very candidate that Shaw Friedman, Dean’s Indiana voted for the measure, also Bayh, now chairman of the DLC, had fret- coordinator, said Gore’s endorsement was said he was pleased by the would lead the Democratic Party to critical. “This is a big boost to continue court's action. "The court's disaster. At the DLC’s “National building what is already there: Message, decision allows implement- Conversation” in Philadelphia, Bayh money and momentum at the grassroots ing a law that improves a observed, “The administration is being deeply flawed campaign level,” Friedman said. finance system by estab- run by the far right. The Democratic Party Not only were people such as Sen. lishing greater disclosure is in danger of being taken over by the far stunned at the turn of and protections against cor- left.” When a reporter asked whether events, but it marked a sharp leftward tilt ruption," he said. Democratic woes were a result of of the Democratic Party. With the econo- Republican attacks or Democratic mis- my revving up, the Dow flirting with ARMY REINSTATES PAY TO takes, Bayh responded with a curt two- 10,000 again, many Democrats see Dean HOOSIERS IN IRAQ: U.S. word answer that silenced the room: as drawing the sharpest contrast to Sen. Dick Lugar was “Assisted suicide.” President Bush with the as the informed Wednesday that As HPR reported in July, it was a the Army will allow immedi- crucial issue. ate temporary reinstatement broadside aimed at Dean, who has Gore called the Iraq invasion and of reduced pay for some emerged as a McGovern/McCarthy style occupation a “catastrophic mistake” by 650 members of the Indiana anti-war Democrat to whom Republicans the Bush administration, terming the pre- National Guard members love to attach the word “liberal.” sent situation a “quagmire.” serving in Iraq. The Army R.W. Apple Jr. of the New York “He was the only major candidate decision came in response Times observed in Wednesday’s editions, who made the correct judgment about the to a December 4th letter “It is almost as if the dovish Senator Iraq war," Gore said of Dean. “And he from Lugar to Acting Eugene J. McCarthy, the insurgent hero of had the insight and the courage to say and Secretary of the Army Les Brownlee. In response to 1968, had been endorsed by the hawkish do the right thing. And that's important Harry S. Truman --flattering, of course; because those judgments -- that basic continued on page 5 Page 5 of 9 Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003 common sense -- is what you want in a sary” coverage will inundate the public, president.” through June. That’s when many There is ample reason to believe Americans will decide who they will vote that strategy might work. In another blast for. The second wave will come in late from the past, former House Speaker October or early November. How will the told that U.S. American occupation look then? Lugar's letter, the Army has policy in Iraq was going “off a cliff.” No one knows. It is about as decided to immediately rein- Gingrich explained, “Americans volatile a proposition as we’ve seen since state the deduction for any can't win in Iraq. Only Iraqis can win in 1968, a year when the economy purred soldier who requests it. The Iraq.” Gingrich, a member of the influen- and won a razor-thin victo- soldier must make the tial Defense Policy Board, argued that the ry over Hubert H. Humphrey with the request through his chain of administration has been putting far too as the critical issue. command to the 336th much emphasis on a military solution and Finance Command in slighting the political element, adopting “a Credible scenarios Kuwait, and the money will deliberate strategy of amnesia.” The real be paid to him before the There are credible scenarios that key in Iraq, he said, “is not how many end of the month. could go either way. Collection of the debt will enemy do I kill. The real key is how many If you’re President Bush, the cap- then be pro-rated over a allies do I grow. And that is a very impor- ture or killing of , fol- four-month period from tant metric that they just don't get.” lowed by battlefield defeats of his guerilla January through April, when the unit is scheduled to thugs, a new Iraqi constitution, the trans- Jockeying for position come off active duty. "I am fer of power and the resumption of oil pleased that Secretary Having said that, many analysts production could prove to be a rosy sce- saw Gore’s move as a clear strategy to Brownlee and the Army nario that would bring him a second term, realized the seriousness of become a , and challenging the and redeemption for Bayh and others. this situation and have Clintons as the titular head of the But if Saddam and Osama bin acted quickly to remedy the Democratic Party. Laden prove elusive, the body count con- problem," Lugar said. In one scenario, if Dean wins the tinues unabated, no clear end game nomination and loses to Bush, Gore emerges, and the United States takes a THREE INDICTED IN BMV PROBE: Three more people emerges in 2008 as a true powerhouse, domestic terror hit, that could propel Dean seeking an open seat with scores of were charged Wednesday into the . Dean’s “Meetup.com” supporters remem- with attempting to bribe a And the timing of a terror hit could bering his decisive move. Bureau of Motor Vehicles be crucial. Al Qaeda is legendary for That sets up an expected battle worker in a scheme officials keeping its powder dry and lying in wait. now think could have between Sen. Clinton, Gore, and, perhaps, A domestic terror attack just before the helped thousands illegally Sen. Bayh. November election might prompt obtain state identification Gore was sharply critical of the war Americans to rally around the president. (Indianpolis Star). The feder- and called Dean’s anti-war status the rea- An attack in April or June, with a al indictments against Hugo son Democrats should get on his band- Santos, Ricardo W. Herrera nightmare scenario of coordinated suicide wagon. Sens. Clinton, Bayh, Lieberman, and Kamila Saxova followed bombers hitting U.S. stadiums, shopping and supported the November arrests of malls or other symbolic and economic tar- the war resolution. So Gore’s move was seven other people in what all about creating distinctions. gets would devastate the current message authorities say is a scheme And it’s a gamble. from the Bush re-election campaign: That that has allowed foreign they’ve kept America safe. nationals to fraudulently It’s too early to determine if the obtain Indiana driver's American invasion will become the licenses. Marion County proverbial “quagmire,” or a bold move to Bayh and Dean Prosecutor Carl Brizzi said create an atmosphere of democracy in the So, is Sen. Bayh a big loser as the "potentially thousands" of Middle East. Democratic Party tilts leftward? people had obtained Indiana Americans will likely come to grips “Right now, Howard Dean is the IDs using bogus immigra- with this first take on history between hot button,” said former Indiana Demo- next April, when a spate of “first anniver- cratic Chairman Robin Winston. “But I continued on page 6 Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003 Page 6 of 9

can remember four years ago when John end up backing someone like Gephardt.” McCain was the hot button.” Winston’s own man, Sen. Edwards, Winston said that even if Dean gets could revive his campaign in South the nomination, “They’ll come back Carolina. Still, Winston said he called around. As the campaign evolves, our Shaw Friedman the day Gore endorsed nominee has to appeal to centrist voters. Dean. “I called Shaw to say congratula- tion documents. Many of And I think Evan has positioned himself the applicants were from as a centrist Democrat and that will do tions. It looks like you're on the way to Russia, , Bulgaria, him well in Indiana and nationally.” the nomination.” Pakistan and Mexico, Brizzi Winston will remind you that the CNN’s called the said, adding investigators nomination is far from locked up. “Forty endorsement an “enormous boost” that may never be able to identi- percent of those at the convention are fy all of the people who would clearly give Dean momentum. super delegates,” he said. “That means fraudulently obtained IDs. “It's very good for him,” Begala said. “I 200 of ’s colleagues will be The three were arrested wouldn't go so far as to say it locks any- Nov. 24 after a BMV worker, there. There’s still a long way to go with acting as a police informant, Michigan, and Ohio, which thing up, though, because people want to helped snare them in a sting have big AFL-CIO contingents who might make up their own minds.”  operation. Who’s supporting who in Indiana ST. JOSEPH AUDITOR HEARS PLIGHT OF PEO- By BRIAN A. HOWEY PLE: A chastened St. Joseph County Auditor INDIANAPOLIS - So, when it comes to Democratic presidential candidates, Michael Eby said Tuesday which Hoosiers are backing who? Thus far, Howard Dean has the biggest and most that he is concerned about influential contingent. Headed by Shaw Friedman, it includes 2nd CD Chairman Butch the effect rising tax bills will Morgan, Gaming Commissioner Glenn Lawrence, 6th CD 2000 nominee Melina Fox, have on low- and fixed- LaPorte County Chairman Vidya Kora, former 6th CD Chairman Ray Scheele, and income residents (James 1984 gubernatorial nominee . Wensits, South Bend Backing Sen. John Edwards are former Democratic Chairman Robin Tribune). "Our hearts go out Winston, trial lawyer Ed Delaney (with influential wife Ann attending several Edwards to these people," said Eby, fund-raisers, lawyer David Kahn, and Roger Pardieck from Seymour. whose office has been Former Greencastle Mayor Mike Harmless is heading up the Indiana campaign besieged by residents who have suddenly been faced of Sen. John Kerry. Sources tell HPR that there have been a number of Indiana defec- with huge tax bills they tions from the Kerry ranks in recent weeks as his campaign has gone south. have no way to pay. There Supporting Gen. are former Marion County Chairman Kip Tew, are human faces on both and former Democratic National Committeewoman Bren Simon, who will be hosting a sides of the office counter fund-raiser for the general at her estate in Carmel. and both ends of the tele- Joe Champion has headed up Sen. Joe Lieberman’s Indiana campaign in addi- phone line, according to tion to helping Evansville Mayor-elect Jonathon Weinzapfel with his transition. Eby, who said some of the Beyond those names, few Democratic members of Congress, Gov. , stories told are so woeful and a number of other influential Democrats have taken sides. that his staff members have If you’re U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh, the reason for neutrality is because so many of had to go to their break room and cry. his Senate colleagues are running for president. In the past, Bayh frequently mentioned Lieberman as a mentor as he ran and then entered the Senate. It would be Lieberman or LAWLER EYES TAPPING Edwards who might find Bayh an attractive running mate. Bayh would appeal to OLD GAS FIELDS: Mayor J. Midwestern voters in critical battleground states such as Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan Mark Lawler said Tuesday surrounding Indiana. that Anderson might return Edwards might be inclined to reach outside the South, and Bayh could poten- to its glory days of natural tially fit into those plans.Winston said that if former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean pre- gas (Anderson Herald- vails, he would almost certainly have to look to the South for a running mate. “As a Times). The city and the party, we just can’t concede the South to the Republicans,” Winston said.  Page 7 of 9 Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003 2004 Racing Form Indiana 2004 Gubernatorial Governor 2004: Republican: Mitch Daniels, Eric Miller, Petersburg Mayor Randy Harris, Bob Parker. Democrat: Gov. Joe Kernan, Roy Graham. 1996 Results: O’Bannon (D) 1,075,342, Goldsmith (R) 997,505, Dillon (L) 35,261. 2000 Results: O’Bannon Corporation for Economic (D) 1,230,345, McIntosh (R) 906,492, Horning (L) 38,686. 2004 Forecast: Rumors had it that Development are funding a there has been griping on the far right about Daniels’ endorsement of Supt. Suellen Reed. We study to determine if 100- have found no evidence to support those rumors. Miller said he has no problems with Reed, year-old gas reserves are the GOP’s top statewide vote-getter in the last three elections, being on the ticket. Republican still present and if they could Primary Status: Likely Daniels; General Status: Tossup. be extracted at a competitive cost. But Lawler wouldn't say how much the city is Indiana 2004 Congressional paying for the study, nor the Congressional District 2: Republican: U.S. Rep. Chris Chocola, Tony Zirkle. source of funding. "The Democrat: Joe Donnelly. Geography: South Bend, Michigan City, Mishawaka, Elkhart, study is of the prospects of Kokomo, Plymouth, Logansport; LaPorte, St. Joseph, Starke, Marshall, Pulaski, Fulton, Cass, the old gas field," said John Carroll and parts of Howard, Porter, Elkhart and White counties. Media Market: South Bend- Hagen, director of the Elkhart, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Chicago. People: Urban/rural 73/27%; median Corporation for Economic income$40,381; Poverty 9.5%; Race 84% Development. "Are those white, 8% black; 5 Hispanic; Blue/white collar: fields depleted or are there 34/50%. 2000 Presidential: Bush 53%, Gore some prospects for the 44%; Cook Partisan Voting Index: R+5; 2002 future?" Hagen said any Result: Chocola 95,081 (50%), Long exploration or extraction of Thompson 86,253 (46%); 2002 Money: Chocola $1.69m, Long Thompson $1.535m. 2004 natural gas is a long way in Outlook: This race is going opposite directions for the primary round. The Democrats coa- the future. lesced around Joe Donnelly, the Mishawaka attorney from Granger. Steve Ross and Bill Carnegie dropped out of the race and showed up at Donnelly’s press conference. “The discus- KOKOMO RESIDENTS DON’T sions have gone on for months,” Morgan said. “If it had been shoved down everybody’s throat, LIKE US 31 ALTERNATIVES: this wouldn’t have happened.” Morgan said that St. Joseph County Prosecutor Mike Dvorak On the latest Indiana had first refusal, and after he declined, the consensus among district chairs and labor was Department of Donnelly. Meanwhile, Republican Tony Zirkle will challenge Chocola in the primary. “I'm just Transportation map of a pos- not satisfied with the quality of the debate in the last election. It seemed like all we heard sible eastern bypass to U.S. about was where candidates lived and how much they're worth,” said Zirkle (Elkhart Truth). 31, Howard County resident “Issues win the hearts and minds of people, and that's what's important. I'll have to prove Larry Smith's 120-acre farm myself to Republicans, but I will win.” The Democratic field cleared for Donnelly. Zirkle got has a big line running 37 percent of the vote against then St. Joseph County prosecutor Chris Toth in the 2002 GOP through it (Scott Smith, primary. Dvorak told the South Bend Tribune that polling showed a challenge to Chocola was Kokomo Tribune). And “doable” but he decided to remain as prosecutor. Status: Leans Chocola. according to Smith, he's not Congressional District 6: Republican: U.S. Rep. Mike Pence. Democrat: very interested in having his acreage bisected by a four- Melina Ann Fox. Geography: Anderson, Muncie, Richmond; Wells, Adams, Blackford, Jay, lane interstate. Like most of Madison, Delaware, Randolph, Henry, Wayne, Rush, Fayette, Union, Decatur, Franklin, and those in attendance at parts of Bartholomew, Shelby, Johnson and Allen counties. Media Market: Indianapolis, Fort Kokomo High School's audi- Wayne, Dayton, Cincinnati. People: urban/rural 59/40%; median income $39,002; poverty torium Tuesday evening, 9.7%; race: 93% white, 3.8% black, 1.3% Hispanic; blue/white collar 35/49%; 2000 judging from the applause, Presidential: Bush 58%, Gore 40%; Cook Partisan Voting Index: R+10; 2002 results: Pence Smith was there to let INDOT 118,436 (64%), Fox 63,871. 2002 Money: Pence $1.2m, Fox $342,987. 2004 Outlook: Fox know he doesn't want an will make her decision on whether to run by Jan. 4. The Conservative Political Action eastern bypass. "If the [pro- Conference will have Pence deliver the “State of the Movement” keynote address on Jan. 22 in posed] bypass was on the Arlington, Va. Last year, Vice President gave the keynote address. Pence has western side of the county, I  been front stage in the reaction to the Status: Likely Pence. probably wouldn't be here at Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003 Page 8 of 9

Rich James, Post-Tribune - This should be eliminated and assessments this meeting," Smith told reassessment nightmare is pretty much the done by certified appraisers appointed by the audience. Howard culmination of a long, bad dream. It start- the county assessor.  County residents first ed in the early 1950s when John Pers was learned Nov. 23 that INDOT officials were no longer elected Lake County’s North Township Jack Colwell, South Bend Tribune - considering improving U.S. assessor. It intensified over the next 41 Santa arrived early at the Bristol home of 31 along its existing route. years of Pers’ reign. Former Hobart Chris Chocola with a nice present for the That decision was the main Township Assessor Paul Leon Wolek, who congressman. What better present could focus of the audience's criti- served for 36 years, is responsible as well. the Republican incumbent receive than cism. Kokomo resident Clee Each retired at the end of 1994. Each word that he won't face a challenge from Oliver, who said he favors since has died. Each has to shoulder a St. Joseph County Prosecutor Mike improving the existing good deal of responsibility for the fix we Dvorak, the Democrat who would have route, said he didn't think find ourselves in today. And each is a fit- INDOT officials had listened had the best chance to deprive Chocola of ting example of why the system needs to to enough "of us average a second term? Chocola now becomes not Joe people." Oliver noted be changed. Although Pers and Wolek did- just an early favorite against an opponent that INDOT's 1995 Major n’t necessarily do anything illegal, their with a reasonably good shot but rather a Improvement Study of performance showed that the system is strong favorite against an opponent seek- Kokomo's U.S. 31 corridor corrupt. In order to guarantee re-election ing to pull a major upset.  actually recommended every four years, they kept residential upgrading the existing assessments woefully low. In North Mike McDaniel, Indianapolis Eye - route. Township, industry picked up the slack “I want to start construction as soon as but never complained until later years SINGLETON WON’T RUN: because business was good. When John possible and I don’t want to wait 12 to 14 Republican Judy Singlton years to finish,” Mitch Daniels declared will not seek a challenge to Matonovich replaced Pers in 1995, he found out that it was even worse than he while detailing his commitment to build State Rep. David Interstate 69 by using a direct route from Orentlicher. Singleton is anticipated. “There were 2,000 homes in Evansville to Indianapolis. I am sure there currently helping to coordi- Hammond that paid zero taxes,” nate “Lugar Series” organi- Matonovich said in 1999. “Almost all of are some of you asking, isn’t this the same zations in more than a Hammond was rated as poor — very Mitch Daniels who, when asked about I- dozen states. Republican undesirable and unattractive, including 69 shortly after he announced his candida- Mort Large has already homes valued at $150,000.” As a result of cy, said he was open to reconsider all declared. Orentlicher, mean- the 1995 reassessment, Matonovich was routes? Including improving U.S. 41 on while, is already conducting able to add homes to the tax rolls. He got the western border of the state? This was an aggressive door-to-door an earful. “They didn’t want to pay any- and is classic Mitch Daniels. He wasn’t campaign through the about to give an absolute answer to the Meridian-Kessler neighbor- thing,” he said about the complaints. But hoods hard hit by reassess- former St. John Township Assessor Terry reporters’ original question until he had ment. The just concluded Barczak, who was elected in 1990, wasn’t studied the issue. Study doesn’t begin to special session of the legis- so fortunate. She replaced Joe Rokosz, describe his research. He sought out the lature was called by some who had been assessor for 20 years. best information available from within the the “Orentlicher Session” Barczak said in 1999 that she found the state, from the federal government, and because House Speaker B. township’s assessments a mess — with a from other states. He concluded first and Patrick Bauer was trying to host of favors for certain individuals at the foremost that the project is essential for find some relief for home- expense of commercial properties. the future economic revitalization of the owners hit with skyrocket- state. Second, he is convinced that the best ing property taxes. Barczak played it by the book — cut out the favors and raised assessments for route is a direct route with an adjustment HOUSE USES UP EIGHT many. She was voted out of office after from Martinsville north. DAYS: During the just con- one term. That’s why township assessors  Page 9 of 9 Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003

Help pick the HPR 50 Most Influential List

Dear HPR Subscriber: Who should be on the 2004 THE HPR 50 Most Influential list? cluded special session, the How about Northern HOWEY Indiana House used up eight days of the 2004 short session District Attorney Joseph Von OLITICAL calendar, given them 22 days Bokkelen? P left, unless rules are suspend- Or Bernie Toon? Mark ed. The Senate did not use up REPORT any of its days. Lubbers? Sen. Becky Skillman? The Weekly Briefing On Indiana It’s time to make your sub- missions for the 2004 HPR 50 Most Influential List. Ponder the 2003  list (and other years going back to 1999 at www.howeypolitics.com) and make your additions, subtractions and reordering. Send me your thoughts, or even your own complete list to: [email protected]. It will be published in the Jan. 8 edition of HPR and a January edition of The Indianapolis Eye magazine. Cheers!

2003 HPR Most Influential List 26. Ken Zeller 1. Sen. Richard Lugar 27. Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard 2. OMB Director Mitch Daniels 28. Evansville Mayor Russell Lloyd Jr. 3. U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh 29. U.S. Rep. 4. State Sen. Larry Borst 30. Lee Hamilton 5. Senate President Pro Tempore Robert 31. State Sen. Murray Clark D. Garton 32. David McIntosh 6. House Speaker B. Patrick Bauer 33. Eric Miller 7. Gov. Frank O'Bannon 34. House Minority Leader Brian Bosma 8. GOP Chairman Jim Kittle 35. Supt. Suellen Reed 9. U.S. Rep. Mike Pence 36. U.S. Rep. Baron Hill 10. Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson 37. Secretary of State Todd Rokita 11. State Sen. Vi Simpson 38. Attorney General Steve Carter 12. Joe Andrew 39. U.S. Rep. 13. U.S. Rep. 40. Michael Gerson 14. Ambassador James Morris 41. U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky 15. Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan 42. U.S. Rep. Chris Chocola 16. Democratic Chairman Peter Manous 43. Bob Grand 17. Ways and Means Chairman William 44. Mike Fichter/Betty Cockrum Crawford 45. Allen County GOP Chairman Steve 18. Marty Morris Shine 19. Kevin Brinegar 46. St. Joe County Democratic Chairman 20. Pat Kiely Butch Morgan 21. Dan Clark 47. Lake County Sheriff Roy Dominguez 22. U.S. Rep. Julia Carson 48. Marion County Democratic Chairman 23. U.S. Rep. Ed Treacy 24. Ambassador 49. Tim Goeglein 25. House Majority Leader Russ Stilwell 50. Jack Colwell