Politics

V14 N33 Thursday, April 3, 2008 Hamilton: Obama creates unity Former congressman’s endorsement could shift Southern Indiana

By BRIAN A. HOWEY NASHVILLE, Ind. - One of the most memorable moments in Howey Politics Indiana’s coverage of this state came in August 1994 when then U.S. Rep. Lee Hamilton gave an emo- ment in a state where tional defense of President Clinton at much of the Demo- the Indiana Democratic Editorial As- cratic establishment sociation. In doing so, Hamilton said, is backing Hillary “Sometimes when I’m standing at a Clinton. Steve Hildeb- public meeting, I feel a curtain drop rand of the Obama between me and the people I’m talk- campaign said that ing to. I’m a politician and, therefore, as the Obama forces they say, my word cannot be trusted.” explored around the Fourteen years later, Hamil- state, people kept ton cited Sen. ’s ability asking, “Where does to “reshape the contours of American Lee stand?” In South- politics” in announcing his support of ern Indiana, it wasn’t the Illinois senator on Wednesday at the same moment for- “Congressman Hamilton.” it was “Lee,” the wise man who mer President was speaking before 1,000 peo- ple at a packed Columbus firehouse. It is a huge endorse- See Page 4 Gov’s race fully enjoined

By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS - On Tuesday, the Indiana Demo- cratic gubernatorial primary was fully enjoined when hit the airwaves with 600 gross rating points in all instate “If we see Iraq as a set piece, we media markets. It includes a cable buy are more likely to become fixat- in the Chicago me- dia market. “We’re ed on artificial notions of achiev- on the air and the reviews of the ing victory or avoiding defeat.’ spots are good,” - U.S. Richard Lugar, in his opening Jim Schellinger gathers endorsements said Thompson me- Foreign Relations Committee statement on from Mayor Luecke and Gov. Kernan dia consultant Chris Wednesday. Sautter. “We’re on Iraq HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 2 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 3, 2008

Howey Politics Indiana is a nonpartisan news- letter based in Indianapolis and published by NewsLink Inc. It was founded in

1994 in Fort Wayne. Former Gov. Joe Kernan speaks of his longtime family ties to Jim Schellinger. (Schellinger Campaign Photo) Brian A. Howey, publisher Mark Schoeff Jr. and Mark message. It is fair to say today that from 2003 to 2004. “Jim is a great Curry, Washington looking back six months ago, few friend and will make a great Governor.” people thought Jill would be on the South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke joined writers air for good five weeks out. I think Kernan in endorsing Schellinger, calling Jack E. Howey, editor she will be able to protect the lead.” for leadership that will work with local Beverly Phillips, associate Within hours, Jim Schellinger had trot- leaders to bring positive change for In- editor ted out three endorsements: former diana. “I’m proud to join Gov. Kernan Gov. Joe Kernan, South Bend Mayor today in endorsing Jim Schellinger,” Stephen Luecke and Lafayette Mayor Luecke said. “Jim is the kind of leader Subscriptions: Tony Roswarski, who will reach out to both state and $350 annually HPI via e-mail; And there was the Sur- local leadership across Indiana to veyUSA Poll (March 29-30, 530 likely, create actionable solutions that will $550 annually HPI & HPI Daily +/-4.3%) that showed Schellinger improve South Bend and our entire Wire. with a miniscule 41-39 percent lead, state.” Schellinger said, “I’m truly Call 317-254-0535. though the Thompson campaign ques- humbled to be in my hometown today, Howey Politics Indiana tioned its veracity. “The Hotline won’t receiving support from two tremen- even use their numbers,” Sautter said. dous leaders who have given so much PO Box 40265 Schellinger’s own pollster, Fred Yang, to both our state and the city of South Indianapolis, IN 46240-0265. was quoted in the Hotline advis- Bend. Growing up here, I’d never have ing clients not to use them, though imagined this moment, For the past Contact Us Sautter acknowledged that even three years, our state has moved in SurveyUSA could spot a trend. And the wrong direction, and I am ready to www.howeypolitics.com the trend is that this race will likely be help pick up Indiana and bring Hoo- [email protected] close. Lost in the din of the presiden- siers the leadership they deserve.” Main Office: 317-202-0210. tial race that could stoke turnout to “It means a lot,” Jeffers said. modern highs, with women in Texas “Part of what we’ve been struggling Howey’s Mobile: 317-506-0883. and Ohio turning out in the 58-59 with, despite being out there a year, Indianapolis Fax: 317-254-0535. percent range, anything can happen. is it’s a big state. He’s been to all 92 Washington: 202-256-5822. Schellinger campaign manager Tim counties, but to get the endorsement Business Office: 317-254-0535. Jeffers acknowledged the challenges. of major city mayors and a former “Both campaigns are struggling with governor gives credibility. We’re very ©2008, Howey Politics the same thing: Name ID and learning excited about it.” Indiana. All rights reserved. about the candidates. What we are The two candidates had Photocopying, Internet forwarding, facing from the presidential race are a their first exchanges over the issues. faxing or reproducing in any form, lot of distractions.” Thompson urged a suspension of The Kernan edorsement was the gas tax and accused Gov. Mitch in whole or part, is a violation of key for Schellinger, particularly in Daniels of a 17-percent “tax increase.” federal law without permission from Northern Indiana. “I have known the Long Thompson proposed placing a the publisher. Schellinger family for many years,” trigger in state law that would auto- said Kernan, who served as governor matically suspend the sales tax on the HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 3 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 3, 2008

portion of sales price exceeding $2.75 per gallon, saving pointed out that the U.S. Justice Department cleared her Hoosier motorists about $100 million per year. Schellinger of any wrong doing, and that she had been confirmed for responded by saying, “We all agree that the price of Under Secretary of Agriculture by a Republican-controlled gasoline is out of control, but you can’t balance the books Senate three years later. based on one side of the ledger. For the past three years, “It was a 16-year-old incident,” Sautter said. we’ve lived under Washington-style budgeting, where Mitch “It seemed like they completely over-reacted on the ethics Daniels claimed he was fiscally responsible even though he proposal.” The story got very little play outside of the blogs balanced the 2005 budget on the backs of schools, hom- and the Indianapolis Star. HPI found a 1992 Fort Wayne eowners and local governments. His brand of piecemeal Journal Gazette photo of then U.S. Rep. Jill Long spreading problem-solving, which he must have learned from George out 17 bank statements in an effort of full disclosure. The W. Bush, is what helped get us in this mess to begin with. story had little political consequence later that year when Instead of merely addressing the surface issue of the sales she defeated Republican Chuck Pierson by a 62-38 percent tax on gasoline, we need to address the overall issue of ris- margin. The Thompson campaign reminded the media that ing fuel costs and what we can do to lower that burden on at last October’s HPI Forum, both candidates vowed to Hoosier working families and businesses.” refrain from personal attacks. Thompson campaign manager Travis Lowe assailed Sautter characterized JLT’s ethics proposal as Schellinger’s response. “What’s even more disturbing than one that would “really revolutionize Indiana politics.” He Mr. Schellinger’s general approach to taxes, is his consistent explained, “Schellinger made his way into politics due to record of dismissing tax relief for Indiana’s working fami- pay for play. It was a legitimate question to ask where he lies,” said Lowe. “As an architect he has regularly lobbied stood.” Hours after Schellinger fired the banking salvo, it for higher property taxes to pay for the expensive school hired controversial Democratic communications director construction projects he has designed and now he is out- and Taking Down Words blogger Jennifer Wagner as its right dismissing the idea of helping Hoosiers cope with the communications director. Schellinger called her the “per- high price of fuel and new sales taxes.” fect choice.” Did Wagner’s hiring mean the Schellinger Late last week, it looked as if the Democratic campaign was about to take the gloves off and put on the race was going to wobble into the gutter. The widely brass knuckles? “She’s very talented and you know as well repeated scenario was that as anybody that in any guberna- Schellinger hadn’t moved the torial campaign, you have 15 or numbers sufficiently during his 20 things to do. We zeroed in on solitary three weeks on the effective communications effort. air. With Thompson joining the We’re ramping up. With Jen’s skills air war, Schellinger’s ability to and abilities, we can make some move the numbers is compro- improvements.” mised ... unless he goes nega- Does it mean the at- tive. The Schellinger campaign tacks will be coming? “We’re had been fuming about the going to focus on Jim’s plans,” Trident Air story that has pretty Jeffers said. He’s expected to roll much confined itself to the out health care proposals, prob- Fort Wayne media market. The U.S. Rep. Jill Long in a 1992 effort at full disclosure with her U.S. House Bank statements. (Journal-Gazette Photo) ably next Tuesday. His govern- controversy involves an LLC the ment reform plans, where he will Schellinger campaign has fun- attempt to draw a sharp contrast neled money from Schellinger’s to Thompson, will come at the end of the month. “We’re business partners to provide his air travel. The Schellinger sensing momentum,” Jeffers said. “We’ve been on TV for campaign believes the Thompson campaign planted the three weeks in Indy and South Bend and two weeks every- story in Fort Wayne. It made its way to the Indiana Elec- where else. We’ve got some nice endorsements this week: tion Commission, but it doesn’t appear as if it will shift the Luecke, Kernan, Roswarski. That’s a big boost.” outcome in any sort of dramatic sense. When Thompson What should we expect next? A WISH-TV poll is in came out with an ethics proposal that would end the “pay the works, which should give us the first credible indepen- to play” political donations from firms seeking state con- dent head-to-head numbers of the cycle (the next Howey- tracts, the Schellinger campaign responded by bringing Gauge Poll will be released on April 29). An April 15 debate up the 1992 U.S. House banking “scandal” where more is scheduled for Fort Wayne via the Indiana Debate Com- than 300 Members had been routinely bouncing checks. mission and others will be announced. They accused Thompson of bouncing 17 checks when she HPI Horse Race Primary Status: Tossup. v initially claimed there had been a couple. Her campaign HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 4 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 3, 2008 policy agenda as any president in my memory.” Hamilton Hamilton, from page 1 explained, “The beginning point for me is to ask the ques- tion, what kind of leadership does the country need at this served in the 9th CD for 34 years, representing a culturally particular juncture in its history? I think the country is very and politically red Congressional District. evenly divided. I think it’s very difficult to get things done. With U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh, former Gov. Joe Ker- We’ve got enormous challenges both domestic and foreign. nan, former Lt. Gov. Kathy Davis, House Speaker B. Patrick It’s also an environment in the country that has very sharp Bauer, former House Majority Leader and partisanship. So I support the election of Sen. Obama for former First Lady Judy O’Bannon backing several reasons. He has the best op- , the Hamilton endorsement portunity to create a sense of national couldn’t have come at a more crucial time unity and to transcend the divisions in for Obama. A SurveyUSA Poll showed the country. He’s a person that strikes Clinton leading Obama 51-42 percent, me as one who seeks the politics of though while the Clinton clan has made consensus. I believe the political skill close to 20 Indiana stops over the past most needed in the country today ... is two weeks, at least two polls show her the ability to bring people together; not lead eroding in Pennsylvania. Quinnipiac to drive them apart.” had her leading 50-41 percent while Hamilton said, “Driving people Rasmussen Tracking had her up 47-42 apart is relatively easy to do; bring- percent. U.S. with his mentor, Lee ing them together is very difficult to The Clinton campaign coun- Hamilton. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey) do.” He said that Obama has a worthy tered with the Brademas endorsement approach to Islamic extremism, echo- Wednesday. ““I have known Hillary ing similar comments from fellow 9/11 Clinton for many years and I am confident that she has the Commissioner had made to HPI. “Obama intelligence, the integrity, and the experience to jumpstart has clearly recognized the challenges of radical Islamic our struggling economy, create needed Hoosier jobs and extremism, He has put together an agenda of hope and put the country back on the right track,” Brademas said.. opportunity for that part of the world.” He also emphasized “I look forward to working with the campaign to share Obama’s willingness to create a dialog, though not a “starry Hillary’s economic message and help deliver the Hoosier eyed” one. “I don’t know how you solve problems without State for her on May 6.” talking to people,” Hamilton said. “Not talking to adversar- Not to be outdone, Obama responded with Ethel ies - only talking to friends - is a path toward stalemate Kennedy, who will travel to South Bend, Fishers and and we’ve got some terribly important negotiations on the Indianapolis on Friday. ‘“Over these past few years, I’ve table we must move forward on.” The campaign said that it watched Senator Obama inspire Americans from all walks was talking with Hamilton about possible campaign events of life to believe in real change and a new sense of hope for Obama. and possibility,” Mrs. Kennedy said. “He’s a magnetic force. Hamilton added of Obama: “He’s got the best Barack is so like Bobby, who struggled for the rights of the chance to start fresh, change and inspire the country in his poor in the Mississippi Delta and Appalachia, traveled to march to a stronger and more perfect union.” California to stand in solidarity with Cesar Chavez and farm As the two presidential campaigns opened more workers, and fought to end another war.” offices around the state, Clinton also picked up some key Hamiton said that in a recent speaking tour to endorsements. Crown Point Mayor David Uran, Hobart May- Southern Indiana, he was asked by just about everyone he or Brian Snedcor, Whiting Mayor Joe Stahura, Hammond talked to whom he would support. “It was really that trip Mayor Thomas McDermott and East Chicago Mayor George to Indiana that prompted the timing,” Hamilton said. “It did Pabey all endorsed the senator. It seemed to impress me.” counter the wave of Northwest Indiana legislators and Gary At stake could be where Indiana’s undecided Mayor Rudy Clay who had endorsed Obama. super delegates - U.S. Reps. Baron Hill, , Brad Obama began making phone calls to the media Ellsworth and Andre Carson - end up. As he talked to the in advance of his second trip to the state, a town hall at Indiana news media Wednesday morning at about the Wayne HS in Fort Wayne at 11 a.m. Friday, and another time President Clinton was taking the stage in Columbus, two or three days coming next week. “I assure you we’re Hamilton said, “I see I have pending calls from several of are going to be in the Lafayette area,” Obama told the them on my desk right now. I have not encouraged them. Lafayette Journal & Courier over the phone. He had a simi- I think they will make up their own minds.” Hamilton said lar comment to the Times of Northwest Indiana over the the next president will face “about as formidable a foreign weekend. HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 5 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 3, 2008

“We are going to be back in Indiana on Friday Obama wasn’t one to press Sen. Clinton. “I of this week and will be spending two or three days in In- think that she should run as long as she wants,” Obama diana the following week,” Obama said. “I confess I don’t told the Journal & Courier. “Her name is on the ballot. She have my schedule in front of me, but I assure you we are should compete. I think that after the last contest on June going to be in the Lafayette area. I am looking forward to 3, I think it’s important for us to come together as quickly talking to people about how we can change this country, as possible and select the nominee, because at that point, especially to make it work better for working people. Ev- there will be no contest to be had. I respect Sen. Clinton’s erywhere I go I’m meeting people who are at risk of losing tenacity, her willingness to compete. Ultimately, this isn’t their homes, maybe their job got shipped overseas, they’re about Sen. Clinton and myself, it’s about, what are we having trouble paying bills, they don’t have health care, doing to deliver to the American people? I don’t buy this and they don’t feel like Washington’s listening to them. notion that we’re going to be divided come August at the What I’ve been emphasizing is the need to restore govern- convention.” Obama added, “I understand why people are ment and listening to the American people, reducing the frustrated about the length of the campaign season, but influence of special interests and lobbyists, and that’s been think about what’s happened. States have been able to what I’ve been doing for 20 years now, and that’s the kind participate that never participated in the primary in a real of leadership I can bring as president.” way before. I think people have taken an intense interest This Hoosier presidential sequence began last in this race. That’s all good. That’s all helpful. And I think it Friday when Hillary Clinton made a five-city swing through bodes well for our performance.” Hammond, Mishawaka, Muncie, Indianapolis and New Hamilton is another who thinks the contested Albany. But the news emanating from that cycle was that primary going deep into the calendar is good. “Sen. Clinton she would stay in the race after U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy has every right to stay in her race and should stay in the of Vermont called on her to step aside. “There are millions race,” Hamilton said. “I worry much less about the candi- of reasons to continue this race: people in Pennsylvania, dates than I do the voters. The important thing is not the Indiana and North Carolina, and all of the contests yet to candidates here, but the voters to have their say and the come,” Clinton said. “This is a very close race and clearly opportunity to express themselves. Let the process play it- I believe strongly that everyone should have their voices self out. I am quite pleased, frankly, that Indiana - my state heard and their votes counted. I believe a spirited contest - has an opportunity to play an important role. I cannot is good for the Democratic Party and will strengthen the remember that in times past.” eventual nominee. We will have a united party behind Coming up: The Indiana Debate Commission has whomever that nominee is. I look forward to campaigning extended an invitation to Sens. Clinton and Obama to de- over the next several months. There are some people who bate on April 24. Neither campaign has committed. Rocker are saying, ‘You know, we really ought to end this primary, Dave Matthews will peform a free concert at IU’s Assembly we just ought to shut it down. The crowd at Mishawaka Hall at 7 p.m. Sunday on behalf of Obama. v High School responded by shouting,”No, no!” Hoosier House freshman face super dilemma

By MARK SCHOEFF JR. the other remaining primaries doesn’t produce a clear win- WASHINGTON -- Three Hoosier Democratic fresh- ner, the decision on the Democratic standard bearer will men in Congress face a difficult challenge in the May 6 come down to super delegates--elected officials and other Indiana primary. They’re not taking on tough political state party leaders. Clinton may have a slight edge in this opponents. They’re making a difficult political choice. For category so far, but Obama is gaining momentum. the first time in recent memory, Indiana will play a sig- That puts pressure on Reps. Baron Hill (9th CD), nificant role in choosing a presidential (8th CD) and Joe Don- nominee. Sens. Hillary Rodham Clin- nelly (2nd CD) to make up their minds. ton (New York) and Barack Obama None of them appears ready to do so (Illinois) are bringing their slugfest before the primary. for the Democratic nod to Indiana. A Earlier this week, Hill was courted SurveyUSA poll shows Clinton leading by President Clinton in what Hill called a by nine points but a Howey-Gauge poll “lengthy conversation” about his wife’s has Obama up by 15. candidacy. But even after being lob- If the voting in Indiana and bied by a politician with extraordinary HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 6 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 3, 2008

persuasive gifts, Hill remained neutral in the Clinton-Obama tilt. “I like both of them,” Hill said in an HPI interview on Memo to Barack and Hillary: Monday as he was leaving a Purdue University reception at the Library of Congress. He said he is leery of declaring his Welcome to Indiana, support because he’s not sure whether the voters of south- east Indiana want him involved in a national race. “I have a district (where) I have to be careful politically whether I home of the veeps endorse anybody,” Hill said. “One of the things I’ve learned is to make sure I stay local.” By BRIAN A. HOWEY Donnelly and Ellsworth are taking a similarly INDIANAPOLIS - To Barack and Hillary, welcome to cautious approach. Neither made themselves available to Indiana, home of the vice presidents! , Charles HPI, but they issued similar statements on Wednesday. “Ul- Fairbanks, Thomas R. Marshall, , and Thom- timately, I will support whomever I think would best serve as Hendricks are the alums. But as the riveting 2008 elec- our country as president,” Donnelly said. He listed several tion unfolds and John McCain compiles factors he will weigh in making his choice: the pledged his list of 20 possibilities, we count four delegate count, the popular vote and the results statewide Hoosiers who are making some of the as well as in the 2nd CD. various short lists: Republican U.S. Rep. Ellsworth said he is “watching the race closely, as and Democrats Sen. Evan all Americans should” and called 8th CD voters “indepen- Bayh, Lee Hamilton and Tim Roemer. dent thinkers who will make up their own minds.” But then This was supposed to be Evan he added an important element to his decision-making pro- Bayh’s year. When he dropped out of cess. “I am inclined to support the Democratic candidate the presidential race in December 2006, the voters choose,” he said. the whispers had Bayh possessing a If Obama wins, that could put him at odds with “soft commitment” from Hillary Clinton Sen. Evan Bayh. Bayh has been a strong Clinton propo- as her vice presidential nominee. In September 2007, nent, working hard for her and spending enormous political Bayh’s endorsement of the “inevitable” Clinton nomina- capital around the state. Bayh is a super delegate whose tion appeared to be evidence of this arrangement. Here, preference is not in doubt. Hill, Ellsworth and Donnelly Bayh was a momentum builder for the former First Lady. each benefited from Bayh’s help in their 2006 campaigns. But this is a year when conventional wisdom has been The senator took them under his wing, in an effort to rein- turned on its ear ... repeatedly and consistently. force his bona fides as a Democratic political power in a red And there’s one thing that Hoosiers know by now: state. If the freshmen three vote against Bayh’s presidential that obvious vice presidential timber doesn’t always build candidate, that could reflect poorly on Bayh. It’s a blemish a ticket. Since 1972, President Nixon’s “favorite mayor,” Bayh won’t want on his record, which he has decades to Richard G. Lugar, was supposed to be poised for a national continue to build. At 52, his presidential prospects remain ticket. Keith Bulen attempted a coup, rightly believing Vice viable even if Clinton or Obama win and serve two terms. If President Spiro T. Agnew was deeply flawed. the presumptive GOP nominee, Sen. John McCain, prevails, But the nattering nabobs could produce no Bayh could run for president as early as 2012. Regardless miracle at Miami Beach that year. In 1980, Lugar again of his national fate, he will continue to control the state was poised to join Ronald Reagan’s ticket. Rex Early writes Democratic party for the foreseeable future. Do Hill, Ells- in his book, “It’s a Mighty Thin Pancake,” that the Indi- worth and Donnelly want to risk crossing him? ana delegation was gathered around the “red phone” linked All three are pleased that Indiana will have an to the Reagan braintrust (while George H.W. Bush sulked important role in choosing the Democratic nominee. “I’m in a bar) which was supposed to ring with the news of the convinced that the real winners at the end of this process Reagan-Lugar ticket, When the phone rang, it was India- will be the state of Indiana and the party because of all napolis Star columnist Tom Keating ordering two pizzas (no the energy and enthusiasm the candidates are generating achovies, please). among the electorate,” Donnelly said. Hours after that gag, American politics changed in Hill is not concerned that the ongoing Obama-Clin- a dramatic way with news of the Reagan-Bush ticket. Eight ton battle will split the party. “A lot of people are participat- years later, it was Bush-Quayle, a choice so completely out ing in the political process that haven‘t participated before,” of left field that even Dan Quayle was caught off guard. Hill said. “Tell me that’s not healthy.” More Democrats may The sentiment heard across the Hoosier prairies was vivid: be headed to the polls in May than ever before. But the George H.W. Bush picked the wrong Indiana senator! And ones whose vote will count the most may end up being the to think how American history would have changed if the freshmen three. v choice had been Lugar. HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 7 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 3, 2008

On Monday, Washington Post blogger they offered two of the most eloquent moments. They elevated Tim Roemer to his Obama veep list, also includ- differ vastly on many issues (though both are pro-life) and ing Tim Kaine, Bill Richardson and Nancy Sebelius. Cillizza perceptions. But both are fascinating communicators. Do wrote, “A former congressman from the South Bend-based not be surprised if either of these Hoosiers begin making district in Indiana, Roemer could up his chances if he can national party ticket short lists in the summer of 2008.” help deliver the Hoosier State to Obama on May 6. As And our take? At this point, with Obama a more importantly, Roemer was a member of the high-profile 9/11 likely Democratic nominee than Clinton, we see Roemer Commission and is currently as perhaps having the best shot in the always fickle veep- the president of the Center for stakes. If the momentum swings back to Clinton, then Bayh National Policy, a think tank that resurfaces. But this is no redoubt to cheer on the home- looks closely at national security town boys. If we had to place a bet on the veep today, our issues.” best guess would be an Obama-Webb ticket (that’s Sen. He had Bayh on his Clin- James Webb) and McCain-Romney (there are no obvious ton short list: The protracted GOP female, African-Americans or Hispanics, though 65- primary fight is good news for year-old, Sen. Kay Baily Hutchison comes closest). v Bayh’s vice presidential chances as he gets an (unexpected) opportunity to show his mettle on behalf of Clinton in Indiana’s May 6 primary. Bayh has Race ads have been a terrific case on paper: two terms as governor and two terms in the Senate from a red state in the Midwest. He’s effective in the past also been one of the most effective and active advocates for Clinton throughout the campaign. Bayh’s biggest prob- By CHRIS SAUTTER lem is that vice presidential picks are not always made on WASHINGTON -- - knows something paper. His detractors see him as stiff and shallow, a choice about negative ads. The former two-term Democratic U.S. that wouldn’t create much excitement. senator from once had a Fidel Castro look-a- Lou Jacobson of Stateline.org wrote a column like appear in a negative ad accusing him of getting too for HPI last winter in which he touted former Congress- cozy with the Cuban dictator. Sasser was man Hamiton, who at age 76 would be a real stretch. But elected three times, defeating incum- Jacobson writes that Hamilton is a moderate, has decades bent in 1976 and losing to Bill of Washington experience, would beef up Obama’s “thin Frist in the Republican wave of 1994. All resume,” is battle-tested by holding the red-tinged 9th CD of his campaigns featured tough nega- for 34 years, and that his 9-11 Commission would end GOP tive ads in a state known for its rough- “ownership” of that calamity. and-tumble campaigns. Over a drink at Hamiton was asked on Wednesday about joining my local Chinese restaurant while wait- an Obama cabinet after he endorsed the Illinois senator. ing for take-out orders, Sasser told me “My name has come up in the last five or six Democratic of his concern about the impact of the nominees for president,” Hamilton said. “It’s pretty obvious Jeremiah Wright controversy on Barack I haven’t any job.” Obama’s chances in the November gen- When presumptive GOP nominee John McCain eral election. “There will be Swift Boat ads like no one has campaigned in Indianapolis last winter, he was asked about seen before,” Sasser predicted. Pence being on the ticket. He responded by saying it was Sasser’s remark made me think about the impact too early to focus on the veepstakes. The two of them of negative ads using race in prior campaigns as I prepared made international news a year ago at Baghdad’s Shorja for a class I was teaching at Indiana University’s School market. Current speculation centers of Republican gover- of Journalism. Why not screen some of these spots for nors. But Pence earned some attention when shortly after the class? So I went about digging through some classics McCain had the nomination sewed up he urged conser- of political advertising. Race baiting in American politics vatives to give him a chance and outlined a wish list. If is as old as the Republic. But when the Civil Rights Act of McCain feels he will lose the conservative wing of the party, 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 guaranteed equal which seems less likely today than it did a month ago, rights to Americans of all color, explicit racist speech gave Pence’s name could pop up on short lists. way to code words. In 1964, George Wallace ran in sev- Both Roemer and Pence appeared at the HPI eral Democratic primary contests on a platform of “State’s Forum in October 2006. HPI observed at the time, “When Rights,” which was a polite way of saying each state should Tim Roemer spoke about 9/11 and Pence on immigration, Page 8 Thursday, April 3, 2008

be able to decide whether to continue racial segregation in hands of a white man opening and then crumpling a rejec- their schools and in public accommodations. tion letter. The voice-over is heard saying, “You needed successfully used phrases like “law and order” in 1968 to that job, and you were the best-qualified. But they had to appeal to white fears about urban crime and civil disorder. give it to a minority because of a racial quota. Is that really President Reagan was fond of telling campaign fair? Harvey Gantt says it is.” audiences stories about welfare mothers driving Cadil- An ad, which helped Harold Washington become lacs. With the rise of television advertising in politics, it Chicago’s first black mayor, used the ugly side of racial was inevitable that such appeals would appear as imagery politics to appeal to the better instincts of white liberal in campaign ads. Oddly, one of the first political ads to voters. The spot opened with a series of well-recognized specifically use race was developed by President Lyndon historic photos—the beatings of civil rights workers in the Johnson’s campaign in 1964 to depict Republican Barry South, the assassinations of John Kennedy and Martin Goldwater as too extreme on racial issues. The explosive Luther King, and the killings of students at Kent State. The spot, which never aired, showed footage of a KKK cross narrator says “There are burning while the nar- moments in our country’s rator quoted the head history in which all Ameri- of the Alabama Klan cans are thoroughly and embracing Goldwater profoundly ashamed. One as one of their own. of those moments may After the controversy be happening now, here over the “Daisy” ad, in Chicago.” The spot which suggested that moves into contemporary Goldwater might lead footage of angry whites the country into nuclear screaming at candidate war, the Johnson team Harold Washington as he wisely kept the Klan campaigns in a Chicago spot on the shelf. neighborhood. The narra- One of the most tor continues, “When you effective political ads vote on Tuesday, make using race was the Wil- sure it is a vote you can lie Horton ad developed be proud of.” Washington by supporters of George narrowly defeated Republi- H.W. Bush in 1988. can Bernard Epton in a city The ad is credited with which is overwhelmingly defining Democrat Michael Dukakis as being too liberal for Democratic. mainstream America. In fact, when Bush campaign man- A controversial ad in using racial and sexual stereo- ager Lee Atwater read an opposition research report on types is credited with helping Republican defeat Dukakis, he vowed to make Willie Horton the most famous Harold Ford in 2006 in Jim Sasser’s home state. The spot person in America. The ad began simply enough: “Dukakis features a series of mock man-on-the-street interviews and Bush on crime. Bush supports the death penalty for 1st talking sarcastically about Ford and his stands on issues degree murders.” Then the ad takes a quick turn: “Dukakis like taxes and national security. Then it cuts to an attractive not only opposes the death penalty for 1st degree murders, white blond woman, bare-shouldered, who claims she met he allowed 1st degree murderers to have weekend passes Ford at a “Playboy party.” The spot closes with the woman from prison.” The ad goes on to describe how Horton mur- winking and saying “Harold, call me.” Many observers felt dered and raped while out on a Dukakis weekend furlough. the spot played upon old Southern racial fears. The cheaply produced spot shows a series of grainy black While it is clear that political ads using race to and white stills of a sinister looking Willie Horton, who was appeal to the fears of white voters have worked, there is black. Dukakis was never able to escape the out-of-touch also some evidence that such advertising loses its appeal liberal label, which the ad put on him. when exposed. Barack Obama has based his entire cam- An even more explicit use of race appeared in paign on the premise that Americans are ready to move be- an ad produced by Sen. Jesse Helms in his 1990 re-election yond the racial divisions of the past 50 years. Sen. Sasser’s campaign against Harvey Gantt. Helms had a well-deserved prediction that there will be tough Swift Boat-like ads aired reputation for hardball politics and race baiting. The spot against Obama is undoubtedly accurate. Whether Ameri- which many observers believe helped Helms come from cans decide to cast votes they can be proud of remains to behind to defeat Gantt, who is black, showed the arms and be seen. v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 9 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 3, 2008

space for an office and the new overhead was reflected in 2008 Congressional his budget, rather than out of the sheriff’s budget. Second, Congressional District 5: Republican: in 2004, the auditor’s office decided to move PERF, health- care, disability and employer social security payments for U.S. Rep. , Dr. John McGoff, Clayton Alfred. county employees from the auditor’s budget to each county Democrat: Chester Kelsey, Mary Etta Ruley, Kenny Stall. agency’s budget. This resulted in every other county Geography: Media Market: Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, agency’s budget increasing, while the auditor’s decreased. South Bend. People: Urban/rural 73/27%; median income At best it was a shell game, and did nothing to increase $40,381; Poverty 9.5%; Race 84% white, 8% black; 5 taxes. Finally, it is important to note that John became the Hispanic; Blue/white collar: 34/50%. 2006 Republican first coroner in the history of the state to actually gener- Primary Result: Burton 61,150, Alfred 6,869, Wakley 4,822. ate revenue for the office, offsetting many of these budget 2006 General Result: Burton (R) increases at no expense to the taxpayer. He did this by 133,118, Carr (D) 64,362, Shar- negotiating a contract with the State Department of Health low (L) 7,431, Miller (I) 18. 2008 to investigate natural causes deaths for the state. Primary Forecast: McGoff unveiled his status: Leans Burton first TV ad, stressing “integrity, leadership, experience.” It tout Congressional District 7: Democrats: his experience as an emergency U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, State Rep. Carolene Mays, State room physician and a colonel in the Air National Guard. Rep. David Orentlicher, Dr. Woodrow Meyers, Joseph In an e-mail to supporters, the McGoff campaign is seek- Stockett III, Frances Nelson Williams, Larry Ledford, Pierre ing funds to run the TV ad. Late last week, Rep. Burton Pullins. Republican: State Rep. Jon Elrod, Cat Ping, started running what the McGoff campaign calls “nega- Lawrence Shouse 2008 Outlook: The ads for Demo- tive and misleading ads” on the radio. “While this shows cratic congressional hopeful Carolene Mays, which how scared and desperate Rep. Burton is becoming as we are expected to debut today on radio, feature a glowing move closer to the May 6 election, we want to make sure endorsement from the Rev. Jeffrey Johnson (Indianapolis you are armed with the correct Star). That’s the same Johnson information to combat what the whose church held the funeral other side is saying,” said cam- of U.S. Rep. , D- paign manager Trevor Foughty. Indianapolis. Her grandson is The ad called McGoff a “career now the 7th District incumbent. politician.” McGoff notes that Johnson’s support for Mays, a he successfully ran for Marion state representative for India- County coroner in 1996 and 2000 napolis, is only one of many and secretary of state in 2002. signs that black clergy once It notes that since 1966, Burton unified behind Julia Carson may has spent 42 years in office. “Yet be pulled in many directions as he wants to imply that John is a the May 6 primary draws closer. career politician?” Foughty asked. Not only is the field divided Burton Claim #2: While coroner, among three well-known black John’s budget went up 200%. candidates, but one of them, Foughty writes, “The first year Andre Carson, is a Muslim, John was in office, the coroner’s further complicating the picture budget was $1.1 million; the last for some. With a little more year, it was $1.9 million. That is than five weeks left until the an increase, but only 73%, a far primary, more ministers than cry from 200%. John’s budget usual remain uncommitted. went up for various reasons that And all of the candidates in the were beyond his control. First, Democratic primary, including in 2002, the coroner’s office was a fourth prominent contender, forced to move out of the Marion state Rep. David Orentlicher, County Jail because they were D-Indianapolis, are working running out of space. John was State Rep. Carolene Mays is seeking support in 7th CD to secure their endorsements. forced by the county to find new churches. (Mays Campaign Photo) “Generally, you are able to HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 10 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 3, 2008

determine long before this stage in the campaign where many of the black churches are coming down,” said Rozelle 2008 Indiana Statewides Boyd, a former City-County Council member and longtime ATTORNEY GENERAL: Republican: leader among black Democrats. “But that has not been Secretary of State , Indiana Election Commis- the case in this situation.” Leading up to his special-elec- sioner Chairman Tom Wheeler, Deputy Attorney General tion victory March 11, Carson and his surrogates visited Greg Zoeller. Democrat: Linda Pence. 2008 Convention 36 black churches. Since the special election, Mays has so Outlook: Zoeller is going forward, meeting with 8th CD far focused on black churches almost exclusively, hitting as Republicans over the weekend. Status: TOSSUP many as four a week. Former state health commissioner Woody Myers has aimed for two a week. Mays, Carson, My-

ers and Orentlicher are expected to continue their church stops across the district for the next five Sundays. Mays will introduce her neighborhood plan at a Community Rally, 2008 Indiana Legislature Thursday April 3, 2008 beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Save the Youth, 1704 Trumbull St. (near 38th and Orchard Ave.). SD19 Caucus: Travis Holdman of Wells County The Myers for Congress Campaign is pleased to announce has been elected to the state senate seat left vacant by the the launch of its campaign blog. Available at http://www. death of Sen. David Ford. (Bluffton News-Banner) Hold- myers2008.org/blog, the blog will serve as a forum for man won with a 43 to 29 vote over his closest challenger citizens and activists to discuss Dr. Woody Myers’s candi- on a fourth ballot at the Republican caucus held Saturday dacy for Congress in Indiana’s 7th District. The blog launch morning at Bluffton High School. The other three candi- comes two days after the campaign began running radio dates were Tamra Boucher of Wells County, Nan Nidlinger ads in Indianapolis. Audio of the ad entitled “Mess” is avail- of Adams County and Mike Scott able on our blog. Orentlicher will unveil his “green jobs” of Grant County, who was the proposal on Earth Day (April 22). “These steps will improve runnerup in the final ballot. A the health of our planet, the health of our children, and the total of 72 precinct committee health of our economy. For too long, our government in members from Adams, Wells, Washington has dragged its feet when it comes to address- Blackford, Grant and Allen ing the threat of global warming and the rising costs of gas counties took part in the voting, and other energy supplies. We need to step up and lead meaning a candidate needed the rest of the world in protecting our environment and majority of 37 votes to win. No ensuring that our economy can continue to grow and meet winner emerged from the initial our future needs,” Orentlicher stated. Primary Status: ballot. Holdman had 31 votes, Leans Carson Scott had 19, Nidlinger had 21, 9TH CD: Democrat: U.S. Rep. Baron Hill, Gretchen and Boucher had one. On the Clearwater, John Bottorff, Lendall Terry. Republican: Mike second ballot, Again no winner emerged. Holdman received 32 Sodrel. Libertarian: Eric Schansberg. 2008 Forecast: Sodrel Travis Holdman was elected announced that he is naming Columbus native Aaron votes, Scott tallied 20, Nidlinger to the Indiana Senate, re- 19, and Boucher one. Boucher Hankins as Chairman of his Pro-Life Advisory Committee. placing the late Sen. David “I’m please to have Aaron join our team and look forward was then dropped from the bal- Ford. (Blutfton News-Ban- lot and the caucus voted a third to working with him to advance the Pro-Life agenda,” said ner Photo) Sodrel. Hankins said, “Hoosiers deeply believe in the sanc- time. Still, no winner emerged. tity of Life and want leaders who will advance the cause Holdman received 34 votes, for Life. Pro-Life leadership is more than casting votes in Scott 21, and Nidlinger 17. Congress. Life is the most important moral issue facing our Nidlinger was dropped from the ballot, and a fourth vote nation today and leadership must make and take this case was cast. Finally, on this vote, Holdman emerged victorious to the people. This Pro-Life advisory board shows Mike with a 43 to 29 majority. Holdman said he had no accep- Sodrel’s commitment to doing just that and I look forward tance speech prepared. He simply thanked the caucus and to working hard with the Sodrel campaign to ensure that quoted Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but the 9th District is the strongest Pro-Life district in America.” with advisors they succeed.” He planned to seek as much General Status: LEANS HILL counsel as possible when making decisions. v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 11 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 3, 2008

just three years we slipped to 2.10% of the population (not It’s not the jobs, it’s much of a drop) but only 1.83% of the personal income. Our problem is income, not population. Raise the income the money, stupid and we might well see population grow more rapidly. In which sectors is Indiana adding income faster than is By MORTON J. MARCUS the nation? There were five of them from 2004 to 2007: INDIANAPOLIS -“It’s jobs, jobs, jobs,” presidential Federal civilian employment, private educational services, and gubernatorial candidates shouted last week in Indiana. forestry, farming and non-durable goods manufacturing. And the crowds responded in the affirmative, urging the However, there are 19 sectors where Indiana lagged the candidates to promise more jobs for more Hoosiers. OK; nation. They are too numerous to mention here. Oh, but is jobs are good, but good-paying jobs are better. What In- that too short a period of time? diana needs are more jobs that pay well. Since the 1980s, Let’s go back to 1990 to 2007. Now there are nine the state has claimed that sectors doing better in Indiana than in the nation: we add it is interested only in jobs five to the previous five (durable goods manufacturing, that pay above the average administrative and waste services, health care and social for the area in which they assistance, arts-entertainment-recreation (gaming), and are located. other services. But we subtract federal civilian employment to give us nine sectors growing faster in Indiana and 15 When challenged by the failing to meet the national average rate of expansion. Even fact that the jobs being if we printed all the detail here, it would not help our eager acclaimed do not always economic developers. Too many factors are at work to meet that standard, the pluck answers out of a data set. All that we can derive from bureaucrat du jour says that data are slashes on the tree bark pointing the way along a we need jobs for people at faint trail. v all levels in the economic pyramid. Don’t get involved Mr. Marcus is an independent economist formerly in this nonsense. The ques- with the IU’s Kelley School of Business. tion is, “Will the average wage rise as a result of the new jobs?” New jobs can have a wage level below the average, but as long as they replace lower paying jobs, the average will rise. Example: if the average is $15 and the new job pays $10, but replaces a job paying $5, the average will Contacting rise. It is not necessary to bring in jobs paying more than $15 to raise the average. What we need to do is drive out Howey Politics Indiana the lower paying jobs. The average worker in Indiana in 2007 made about $51,900. While that’s a heap of bucks, Business Office: 317-254-0535 it is about 15% below the national average of $60,800. Worse yet, we are on a path that is moving up only gradu- Subscription/Passwords: 317-254-0535 ally compared to the steeper slope for the nation. Earnings per employed person in the U.S. grew by an annual aver- Indianapolis Newsroom: 317-202-0210 age of 3.8% over the past three years while in Indiana that Howey’s Mobile: 317-506-0883 increase was only 2.7%. Indianapolis Fax: 317-254-0535 When the personal income numbers came out Washington, DC Bureau: 202-256-5822 last week, showing another poor performance by Indiana, Business Office: 317-254-0535 some, seeking any straw, said, “It’s because our population Subscription/Passwords: 317-254-0535 isn’t growing as fast as the nation, so naturally our total personal income would be slower than the national growth Brian Howey: [email protected] rate as well.” Yes, population in Indiana is growing less rap- idly than in the nation (0.67% per year vs. 0.95%, 2004 to Mark Schoeff Jr. [email protected] 2007), but it is our slow rate of growth in personal income Jack Howey [email protected] (4.6% vs. 6.2%) that is of more concern. Put differently, in 2004, Indiana had 2.12% of the nation’s population with 1.92% of the personal income. In www.howeypolitics.com HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 12 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 3, 2008

Rich James, Post-Tribune: As Northwest Indiana order. v awaits the arrival of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, there is prime time news on the campaign trail for both Jack Colwell, South Bend Tribune: Instead of Republicans and Democrats. If you had your TV tuned to a gaining a strong voice early in the presidential primaries, news channel -- that excludes Fox -- you likely saw a pretty Michigan and Florida suffered political laryngitis as they depressing sight Tuesday. The Republican Party moved up their primaries. They still are unable trotted out Nancy Reagan on the arm of GOP to say anything about selection of a Democratic presidential candidate John McCain. Well, I nominee. But Indiana, which usually votes too guess when you are almost 87 -- as is the case late to have any voice in picking nominees, could with Nancy -- it is more of a shuffle than a trot. speak decisively on May 6 in determining whether There she was, hanging on to McCain as she Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton will be the stood outside her California home, telling any- Democratic nominee. The extensive campaigning one who cared that she was endorsing McCain already in Indiana, even with the important Penn- for president. I don’t know if I felt more sorry sylvania primary vote coming first, shows that both for Nancy, McCain or the Republican Party. Here we had the contenders regard Indiana as a battleground state. Former 87-year-old widow of Ronald Reagan -- the last thing the President Bill Clinton set the bar high. “Nobody believes she GOP has felt good about -- endorsing a 71-year-old man (Hillary) can win in Indiana because it borders on Illinois,” for president. And all the while, the people of America are he told a Fort Wayne crowd. “If you show them they’re clamoring for change. I think McCain is a decent man, but wrong, she’ll be the nominee and she’ll be the president.” if the GOP has any chance for a rebirth, it better realize The scenario presented by the former president is this: that Reagan is no longer with us. And while he was the His wife would win big in Pennsylvania, win in Indiana great communicator, he wasn’t a very good president. Heck, and follow up with momentum-driven wins he then would Reagan was out of office when Mikhail Gorbachev decided expect in West Virginia (May 13) and Kentucky (May 20). to tear down that wall. v While most of the few remaining states holding primaries are regarded as leaning pretty much one way or the other, Indiana is viewed as a battleground where either candidate Sylvia Smith, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette: Reps. could win. v Mike Pence and Dan Burton have taken a chastity pledge – they won’t ask for any earmarks in the 2009 budget – and some folks in their districts are wondering how to cope with Gary Gerard, Warsaw Times-Union: Just when the vow. While the business community in Muncie, Ander- I thought Hillary couldn’t do anything that would shock or son and the Indianapolis ’burbs might agree in theory with surprise me, along comes the delusional account of the abstinence when it comes to the congressional budget add- Bosnian tarmac incident. Honestly, what was she think- ons called earmarks, they are seething privately. It’s not as ing? For those who may be unaware, Hillary, while on the if the money Pence’s and Burton’s pet projects would have campaign trail last week, was talking about her vast foreign gotten will be dollars taxpayers won’t have to spend. In policy experience. She noted that once, while landing in fact, it just means there will be more money spread around Bosnia, she came under sniper fire and had to run - head in other districts. Let me repeat that: If a couple of dozen down - to a car waiting on the tarmac. Well, it turns out members of Congress forswear earmarks for 2009, the pool that a CBS News crew happened to be filming the event of earmark money will not shrink. It just will be divvied up and no such thing happened. The film shows a smiling among a smaller number of lawmakers. As a result, Ball Hillary, Chelsea and the usual entourage exiting the plane State University probably will be the only major university and being greeted by a group of friendly people. One of in the state that does not get money through the earmark- the people turned out to be an elementary school-aged girl ing process. This year it received $1.2 million for a research who read a poem to Hillary while the group stood on the project requested by Pence, Sen. Richard Lugar and Rep. tarmac. When confronted with the discrepancy, Hillary first . Will that – or some other project – get said she misspoke. Later, she said she was sleep-deprived. money this year? It’s possible, but do you really think any Hillary can say whatever she wants - and she will - but I project will get a green light if the congressman who rep- have a tough time understanding how sleep-deprived you resents the university opposes it? This year, the earmarking would have to be to tell a whopper like that. Seems to me system accounted for $199 million for Hoosier projects; a person would remember in no small detail whether or not $6.9 million of that went to Pence’s district, and roughly they came under sniper fire. “Hey, remember that time we the same amount went to Burton’s. If the numbers remain landed in Bosnia? Were there snipers shooting at us or was the same for the 2009 budget, the nearly $14 million Pence there a little girl reading poetry? Darn if I can remember.” and Burton won’t get will be allocated to other lawmakers Yeah, Hillary’s sleep-deprived all right. She’s also truth-de- – some in Indiana, some not – based on a political pecking prived, character-deprived and integrity-deprived. v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 13 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 3, 2008 Bayh suggests side. Clinton “had 11,000 volunteers he would not seek re-election. call up and offer to volunteer on her Clinton-Obama ticket campaign (in Indiana) before she set WASHINGTON - If Hillary foot in our state,” he said. “The fact Valparaiso U. honored Rodham Clinton is the Democratic that she’s now getting outspent 4- or Obama pastor nominee, an “obvious answer” to 5-to-1 and is still hanging in there and VALPARAISO - The Rev. help repair competing very well and winning some Jeremiah Wright Jr., Democratic any rifts in of these states, I think speaks to her presidential candidate U.S. Sen. the party is strength,” he said. Barack Obama’s controversial minister, to offer the received an honorary doctorate degree No. 2 spot from Valparaiso University in 2002 to Barack Okeson became ill (Post-Tribune). Wright has come under Obama, on Sunday before death fire recently for incendiary remarks in Sen. Evan FORT WAYNE - Fort Wayne a sermon about the Sept. 11 attack Bayh said attorney John Okeson died in a Fort that some have called anti-semitic. Wednesday Wayne hospital Tuesday evening after Some people also interpreted his (Smith, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette). becoming ill Sunday night. Oke- speech as saying the country deserved “I think she needs to first reach out son was in his forties (WPTA-TV). the attack. Obama is a member of to him directly and possibly ask him He served as Indiana’s Clerk of the Wright’s church, Trinity United Church to be her running mate if that seems Supreme and Appellate Courts in the of Christ in Chicago. appropriate at the time. That seems 90’s. He was the first Allen County the most obvious step,” Bayh said at resident to be elected to statewide a breakfast discussion with surrogates office in about 25 years. He became Daniels honors from each of the three presidential ill Sunday evening with what was de- candidates. “He’s obviously a tremen- Bill, Gloria Gaither scribed as ‘flu-like syptoms’. Reported- INDIANAPOLIS - Gospel dous person, a gifted individual.” Clin- ly, he was to be transported to an Ann ton and Obama are fighting for the legends Bill and Gloria Gaither were Arbor hospital for treatment but was awarded the state’s highest honor nomination, with neither candidate too ill to travel. So a specialist was likely to arrive at the convention in on Wednesday, as Gov. Mitch Dan- brought to Fort Wayne to attend to iels presented them with the Sachem August with enough delegates to win. Okeson. Gov. Mitch Daniels said “John They and their campaigns have been Award during a ceremony in the Great Okeson taught and improved everyone Hall of the Indiana State Museum lobbing sometimes-tough criticism at around him, no one more so than me. each other, questioning the other can- (Anderson Herald-Bulletin). A crowd of His wisdom, calmness under pressure, more than 100 watched the ceremony didate’s truth-telling, experience and and the trust and good will he enjoyed reliability. Bayh was asked how Clin- for the local celebrities. The Sachem on both sides of the aisle were things Award, bestowed just once a year, ton could repair the intraparty anger if I’ll always remember. But most of all, she wins the nomination. Bayh’s name was first conceived in 1970 by Gov. he was a father. All the 12- and 14- Edgar Whitcomb. Over the years, the is tossed around on a likely short list hour days he finished by driving north for Clinton’s running mate. But Clinton honor was forgotten, until 2005, when just to be with his kids in the morning Daniels revived the award, presenting has hinted that she would consider – that’s what I’ll remember most.” Al- Obama, who is leading in pledged it to John Wooden, legendary UCLA len County Republican Party Chairman basketball coach. The award is meant delegates and the popular vote. Bayh Steve Shine said, “ This is just shock- said if Clinton is nominated, she to recognize “excellence in the pursuit ing. A man so full of vigor, so full of of life’s work,” Daniels said before would have to reach out to Obama’s promise. A great leader of the com- most fervent supporters, especially the crowd. He added that the honor munity and of the Republican Party, was not meant to recognize accom- young people, and assure them she words cannot express the sorrow and “could be an effective change agent, plishment alone, but also virtue and loss that I feel on this unexpected morality. “For us, the things you did too.” He said Clinton’s message would passing of John Okeson.” The highly- have to be: You may not have got- in life are not as important as the way regarded Okeson was sought-after to you led your life.” Daniels encouraged ten your first choice, but you can run for Mayor in 1999, 2003 and 2007, still have a president who speaks for Hoosiers to appreciate the rare gifts but chose no to. He was mentioned given by the Gaithers. “Shout with you, who is your champion. Bayh as a possible candidate for Indiana At- said the enthusiasm generated by the joy, as I have so many times, at the torney General, once incumbent Steve wonders of their gift to Indiana.” Democratic race isn’t all on Obama’s Carter had announced in March that