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V14 N44 Tuesday, June 24, 2008 JLT labors under the unity facade UAW, Schellinger don’t join Jill’s Convention confab

By RYAN NEES INDIANAPOLIS - Jill Long Thompson has work still to do with the party faithful, who at the state convention Saturday appeared more swept by the candidacy of Barack Obama and even the muted appearances by the Hoosier Congressional delegation than of Indiana’s first female gubernatorial nominee. And behind the scenes, the machinery of the Democratic establishment still appears to be exacting upon her nothing short of malicious ven- geance. The candidate was met with polite applause as she toured district and interest group caucus meetings, but skepticism persisted especially amongst the roughly half of the party that supported her opponent in Indiana’s May primary. That unease was punctuated dramatically by the UAW’s refusal to endorse her candidacy the morning of the convention, a move that appeared designed to rain on the nominee’s parade. Jill Long Thompson listens to her brother talk about her life and candidacy The UAW’s support provided vital to archi- just prior to taking the stage Saturday at the Indiana Democratic Conven- tect Jim Schellinger’s primary tion. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey) campaign, which received See Page 4 Back home again with Jill

By BRIAN A. HOWEY NASHVILLE, Ind. - In the Hoosier brand of gubernatorial politics, home is where the heart is. We remember Frank O’Bannon talking about his “wired” barn down near Corydon. In January 2005, Mitch Daniels talked about an “These days many politicians Amish-style barn raising. He expanded on that last summer when he told the story in Lafayette of a FEMA worker are demanding change. Just like approaching an Amish man walking in the rubble-strewn path of a tornado. The federal homeless people.” expressed his amazement that the house before him was in pristine condition, hav- - George Carlin, who ing escaped the wrath of Mother Nature. To which the Amish man said, “Tweren’t there died this week at age 71 three days ago.” Jill Long Thompson gave a spiritual HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 2 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, June 24, 2008 speech on Saturday Lubbers, who wrote a Howey Politics at the Indiana Dem- mid-1990s tome titled, ocratic Convention. “Get real or die.” Indiana It was too bad that As Indiana slowly is a nonpartisan news- only one Indiana TV but surely becomes a station (WISH-TV) referendum state (and letter based in Indianapolis bothered to send a I strongly disagree with and published by NewsLink crew to watch the Gov. Daniels on this one), first female guber- there will be communi- Inc. It was founded in natorial nominee ties that thrive because 1994 in Fort Wayne. set the tone for her they’ll vote to build coming campaign. schools and libraries, She talked of her maintain their parks and Brian A. Howey, publisher family homestead shower their business Mark Schoeff Jr. and Mark in Whitley County. districts with wi-fi. Others “That farmhouse will be overtaken by tax Curry, Washington really did look the crumudgeons and will ... writers same as it did in the die. Jack E. Howey, editor 1930s,” she said of a Indiana is home Beverly Phillips, associate time when her family to dozens of forgotten descended on the communities. A town like editor homestead for re- Attica thrived 150 years modeling. “The same ago because it was on Subscriptions: slate roof, the same the Wabash River. Then sturdy porch, the same white paint. the railroads came and $350 annually HPI via e-mail; But in many ways it had changed.” railroad towns like my hometown of $550 annually HPI & HPI Daily Thompson explained. “The Peru thrived. Then came the National Wire. rural electric co-op brought electric- Road, and U.S. highways and places Call 317-254-0535. ity to the farm in the 1940s. Running like Greencastle did well. When the water and the indoor plumbing came natural gas in East Central Indiana Howey Politics Indiana in the 1950s. But more significant ran out, Gas City suffered. Then came PO Box 40265 than the electricity, in indoor plumbing the Interstates and a city like Browns- Indianapolis, IN 46240-0265. and the other changes in the house burg does well. While it sounds good, were changes in the opportunities for I don’t think every community can the people who lie on that farm and be saved. Muncie turned to the auto Contact Us in that community today. Those new industry after the natural gas ran out www.howeypolitics.com opportunities came about because of and, now due to corporate malfea- [email protected] the leadership and the policies of the sance of General Motors and others Democratic Party and organized labor. (there were industry and CIA esti- Main Office: 317-202-0210. From public education to college loans mates on the supply and demand of Howey’s Mobile: 317-506-0883. to civil rights and medical leave - and oil timetables) Muncie is in dire straits Indianapolis Fax: 317-254-0535. the list goes on and one - our party while Gas City, sitting next to I-69, has Washington: 202-256-5822. has made the difference.” become a logistics hub. Thompson did a nice job in But I am still having a hard Business Office: 317-254-0535. laying out where the Democratic Party time getting my mind around where ©2008, Howey Politics has been. She cited big drop-out rates Jill Long Thompson wants to take us. Indiana. All rights reserved. and 30,000 lost jobs and the “bad With Gov. Daniels, there was a fairly Photocopying, Internet forwarding, deal” the Indiana Toll Road lease is. explicit picture (literally) with his “Aim- Less clear is where she will take the ing Higher: Roadmap to an Indiana faxing or reproducing in any form, party. She has a “three-tiered” eco- Comeback” poster/brochure of 2004. in whole or part, is a violation of nomic plan for counties. She promises With Thompson, the picture isn’t as federal law without permission from to not leave behind a single town, clear. She explains, “In addition to the publisher. a single county, which is in sharp reforming our tax, healthcare, educa- contrast to Daniels image shaper Mark tion and infrastructure systems, I want HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 3 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, June 24, 2008

to develop a ‘tier’ system in Indiana to help guide future But there’s a vast difference in being in the legislative development efforts. Modeled after successful programs in branch and being an executive. She did the latter when she Georgia, Nebraska and the Carolinas, this approach would was undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. encourage businesses to build or expand in the state’s We know she had 7,000 employees and a $10 billion bud- most economically distressed areas. Specifically my plan get. would categorize the state’s 92 counties into three differ- Being an executive tied to electoral politics ent economic tiers based on a variety of factors, including means having a network of relationships, clearly projecting a county’s unemployment rate, median household income, ideas and goals, and execution. I look at how a gubernato- population growth and assessed property value per capita. rial candidate manages a campaign. If you can’t manage a Counties within each tier $20 million campaign, how are designation would be al- you going to manage 6 million lotted different tax incen- people and a $22 billion bud- tives to help grow and get? There are troubling signs retain good-paying jobs. for Thompson here. She man- Sectors eligible include aged to qualify her candidacy’s manufacturing, telecom- signature requirements just munications, information hours before the deadline. She technology, research and hasn’t been able to raise much development, warehouse money (a $50,000 EMILY’s List distribution, life sciences contribution is only the sev- and tourism.” enth above $10,000 since her Some of us primary win). She clearly has wonder if we even need problems with labor - which had 92 counties, let alone the been her forte as a congress- townships. We know that woman - as there is trouble with of the 27 Kernan-Shepard the UAW, possibly AFSCME while Commission recommendations, Thompson can publicly the FOP, firefighters, sheetmetal unions are supporting only support one (only voting entities can raise taxes). She Daniels and there are divisions within building trades. wants to review privatization efforts of the past five gover- I watched a pleasing veneer at the Indiana nors. I’m not sure where that takes us. Democratic Convention and have to give Chairman Dan Of her economic development plans, she says, “As Parker credit for appealing stagecraft. But at a time when governor, I will focus on the impact of our state’s broad Thompson sorely needed credibility, there wasn’t an policies on growth as opposed to one-time giveaways O’Bannon, Kernan or Schellinger around (Birch and Evan aimed at luring any job - no matter the wage level - to Bayh along with Lee Hamilton were lavish in their praise in Indiana. The real barriers to growth in Indiana include an Chris Sautter’s bio film). outdated tax structure and a lack of any real policy to make Thompson did something I’ve never heard a gu- healthcare affordable and accessible to every Hoosier.” bernatorial nominee do: she told us she loved us. It was The problem here is that a year ago, just as her a poignant ending to a speech I wish more Hoosiers could campaign was beginning, a property tax crisis emerged. have heard. Thompson is a compelling figure with manure Thompson had most of the summer, all fall and into the on her boots, an audacious spirit who seems to thrive by winter to fashion a tax reform proposal, just like Speaker taking on the big boys despite long odds. She pulled off Doc Bowen did in 1971-72. I was a teenager back then, but one stunning upset in 1989. Her 2002 attempt to return I remember Doc coming to the Miami County Lincoln Day to Congress featured an inspired primary win, but 2nd CD Dinner talking specifically about his tax reforms. Thompson Democrats say she faltered down the homestretch before (and Jim Schellinger, along with House and Senate Demo- losing as the Iraq war drums were pounding. To win again, crats) took a pass on intricacies of tax reform. Gov. Daniels Thompson needs to reach further down, build her coalitions had the only plan in town and it is the one that has now and fill in many policy blanks. She cannot afford to let the passed into law. opportunity like the tax crisis of a year ago come and go I’ve been asking acquaintances this: What’s the without specifics. phrase that describes Thompson’s campaign? It’s a real Her most critical problems are time and money. stumper. Even some of her most loyal fans are at a loss. Watching those six weeks between the primary and the I’ve known Jill Long Thompson for almost 20 years convention come and go without much money, policy or and I will attest that she is a fine public servant, particu- union support consolidation is sending a message that the larly when she represented Northeast Indiana in Congress. Hoosier Democratic house is not in order. v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 4 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, June 24, 2008

son, but that the American Federation of State, County and from page 1 JLT, Municipal Employees union might as well. The group has yet to vote on an endorsement. (AFSCME gave Governor $215,000 from the autoworkers’ political action commit- Kernan’s campaign $200,000 in 2004.) tee in 2007 alone. Without the UAW’s field mobilization, The UAW is upset that Thompson won’t sign off on Schellinger would likely not have made it onto the ballot. a retroactive order that would send more power to the local And in 2004, the group donated $255,000 to Governor Joe UAW units. Kernan’s reelection campaign. Long Thompson appears And Schellinger himself sought to send another set to lose at least as storm cloud to the much in funding for victor’s celebration over her campaign as long the weekend, publish- as the UAW holds out. ing an editorial Friday Though Long Thomp- in the Indianapolis Star son minimizes the that used the word problem by asserting “I” sixteen times and that the bulk of the not mentioning Long UAW’s volunteers Thompson once. It even will hit the pavement seemed to take subtle against Governor digs at the former Con- Daniels whether or not gresswoman and longtime she receives a formal politician, expressing the wish endorsement, the financial that his campaign “will be an loss will be significant for example for others who want a campaign that already to serve the public but who acknowledges it will never believe there is no place on the reach fundraising parity ballot for outsiders, first-timers with Daniels. and nontraditional candidates.” UAW Region He incredulously cast himself Three Chief Mo Davidson as a not-entirely-welcome rebel announced the union’s against the machine, encour- “problem” with Long aging others like him to “feel Thompson at the group’s The Democratic ticket tried to push the perception of unity, but just as welcome running for State Convention caucus the UAW’s Mo Davidson (below with Gov. Daniels at the Getrag office as someone who’s been almost two months after groundbreaking) couldn’t produce an endorsement that has been involved in politics for decades.” he submitted a letter to vital to past gubernatorial campaigns. (HPI Photos by Brian A. The newspaper was the the Indiana Election Com- Howey) only place to find Schellinger, mission questioning how who despite writing that he Long Thompson funded would “absolutely” mount a her television advertising, accusing her of “Washington hypothetical future campaign, decided to skip the conven- political games.” Davidson wrote that he was “calling into tion and congratulations. question her commitment to ethics,” though not accusing While the Indianapolis Star (“State Dems Display her of any crimes “at [the] time.” United Front”) and the Louisville Courier-Journal (“Primary Long Thompson over the weekend was intent on Feud Set Aside, Democrats Unite Behind Thompson”) healing wounds. “If you do in November what you did in judged what was seen in the Marriott ballroom - a well pro- May,” she told the UAW members, “we’re going to have a duced, fast moving political pageant - neither story men- Democratic governor.” Asking, “Are you going to work as tioned the UAW split or Schellinger’s Star letter and lack of hard as you did in the primary?” Long Thompson seemed endorsement. to implicitly say, work for me this fall as hard as you Instead of rallying the base, Davidson focused on worked against me in the spring. Please. preventing a public maelstrom. “We don’t need to be bad Yet there is only so much the candidate can do, mouthing each other; that’s just what the news media and and this weekend it appeared as if the UAW is working as the Republicans want,” he said. hard against her even now as it did during the primary. The convention’s veneer of unity was little more UAW head Davidson indicated during the convention that than just that. v not only would his union hold out support for Long Thomp- HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 5 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, June 24, 2008

It’s not just the economy, stupid feel entitled to rewards because they have certification from the education bureaucracy. By MORTON J. MARCUS Second, the state can promote moderniza- tion and efficiency by maintaining superior infrastructure. INDIANAPOLIS - No doubt, the Daniels administra- “Major moves”, a highway reconstruction program made tion will trumpet the fact that Indiana was the ninth fastest possible by leasing (not selling) the Indiana Toll Road, was growing state in the first quarter of this year. That’s right; truly a major move. It put funds to work that can bring personal income in the Hoosier state grew at an annual Indiana’s highways into the latter part of the 20th century. rate of 5.1% while the nation advanced by 4.6%. The opposition of a few vocal citizens to this innovative But, as noted by the U.S. Bureau step is based either on a misunderstanding of reality or of Economic Analysis which gen- partisan stubbornness. erates these data, Indiana was But we cannot rest. Our cities must reclaim their among the faster growing states environmentally damaged land and restore or replace because of dramatic increases in unused structures. If Indiana is to be competitive, it can- the prices of corn and soybeans. not attract or retain entrepreneurs with antiquated, shabby North Dakota came in first with a communities. We need to invest in sewage systems, land 34.1% increase while Arkansas, a clearance and the full complement of urban amenities. poultry state and thus a heavy user Third, local governments must be liberated from of animal feed, was last at -7.3%. the serfdom imposed by the megalomania of the General State government deserves no Assembly. As long as 150 legislators dictate how localities credit for the explosion of commod- function, as long as an anti-urban philosophy retards pro- ity prices. gressive government, Indiana has little hope of prospering. Of course, Jill Long-Thompson and the Democrats In this decade, 77% of Indiana’s population will search through the same data to find negative truths growth has occurred within our cities and towns. But and use them to accuse the Daniels administration of grave much of that is sub-urbanization. Nine of our ten most neglect of the Indiana economy. For example, if they populous cities together lost 30,300 citizens while Fishers, look beyond the most recent quarter, over the past year, Noblesville, Plainfield, Westfield, St. John, Brownsburg, Indiana’s personal income growth rate ranked 36th in the Greenwood, Carmel, Zionsville and Crown Point grew like nation. From the start of the Daniels administration (first cankers. quarter of 2005), they’ll find Indiana has been the fifth These three areas of concern are appropriate slowest growing state in the nation. challenges for the gubernatorial candidates. But do the Plus, when we remove the unusual farm sector political parties and the major office seekers from Argos, gains, Indiana’s non-farm earnings for the most recent Bedford, and English understand that our urban needs are quarter were up 4.6% compared to the nation’s 5.5% our state’s priorities? v increase. However, it is foolish to believe that any gover- Mr. Marcus is an independent economist formerly nor, any administration has much influence on the state’s with IU’s Kelley School of Business. economy. The state government can do little to keep our auto manufacturers and their suppliers competitive. At best a state government’s policies can be effective in the Contacting long-term and in limited areas. These areas include, first, education, not trade Howey Politics Indiana schools focused on employable skills. What is required is emphasis on imagination, initiative, ideas, ideals, and inspi- Business Office: 317-254-0535 ration. This is possible if students can read effectively and Subscription/Passwords: 317-254-0535 have a fundamental knowledge of history. We should be less concerned about ISTEP scores, graduation rates, and Indianapolis Newsroom: 317-202-0210 college attendance. We should enhance the capabilities of Howey’s Mobile: 317-506-0883 students to be independent citizens whenever they leave school. Indianapolis Fax: 317-254-0535 As they enter the larger society, students need to Washington, DC Bureau: 202-256-5822 be energetic and ambitious. Do our schools nurture or Business Office: 317-254-0535 crush independence? A successful economy is populated Subscription/Passwords: 317-254-0535 by people who want to be successful, not by those who HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 6 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, June 24, 2008 Chairman O’Connor to bow out TRENDLINES: Psssst. Someone tell the Star’s Behind Close Doors that Marion County Democratic Chair- man Michael O’Connor has already confirmed he’s step- ping down. O’Connor told HPI last week that he will likely step down sometime in the next month. He said there is a “strong possibility” that former Chairman Ed Treacy will re- take the chair. “We’re talking with the party about the right time,” O’Connor said. “I had made a commitment through December 2007, given what happened, I felt an obligation to stay.” O’Connor said that with U.S. Rep. Andre Carson essentially securing the 7th CD, the time to move on is close.

Indiana Statewides

Governor: Republican: Gov. Mitch Daniels, Democrat Linda Pence vowed to take on the “big boys,” but does Democrat:Jill Long Thompson. Libertarian: Andrew Horn- that mean she’ll continue civil proceedings against former East ing. 1996 Results: O’Bannon (D) 1,075,342, Goldsmith Chicago Mayor Bob Pastrick, who is a member of the Democratic (R) 997,505, Dillon (L) 35,261. 2000 National Committee? Pence is shown here with Lake County Sheriff Results: O’Bannon (D) 1,230,345, Roy Dominguez at Saturday’s Indiana Democratic Convention. (HPI McIntosh (R) 906,492, Horning (L) Photo by Brian A. Howey) 38,686. 2004 Results: Daniels (R) 1,302,912, Kernan (D) 1,113,900, Gividen (L) 31,644. 2008 Fore- Attorney General: Democrat: Linda Pence. cast: In the six weeks since her Republican: Deputy Attorney General Greg Zoeller. 2004 primary win, Thompson accom- Results: Carter 1,389,640, Hogsett (D) 953,500, Milewski plished geographical diversity by adding State Rep. Dennie (L) 45,212. 2008 Forecast: Pence, introduced by former Oxley to her ticket. Her convention was a mixed bag: a fine attorney general Pamela Carter, vowed to “take on the presentation but, as you’ve already read, the unity is yet big boys” at the Indiana Democratic Convention on Satur- to be established. Can she win? Yes she can. But like Frank day. “The attorney general should be a tireless, relentless O’Bannon did in 1996, she has to run pretty much perfect advocate for all Hoosiers,” Pence told the delegates. “I am campaign from here on out and hope that Daniels makes a that person. I am tireless. I am relentless. For 34 years I big gaffe or, in the case of 1996, a big scandal breaks out. have practiced law in concentrating on people who need Or, Barack Obama picked Evan Bayh as his running mate it most. I have taken on big oil. I have punished polluters. and a major Democratic tidal wave washes out the gover- I investigated and prosecuted crooked executives. I put nor. We saw stories over the weekend that taken in tandem them behind bars. I am not afraid to take on the big boys, could put some chinks in Daniels’ armor. The Fort Wayne in fact, I relish the battle.” Pence, who will face Republican Journal Gazette reporting that legislators and the toll road Greg Zoeller in the general election, told delegates, “If you consortium are getting a lot of complaints about toll road want a tough attorney general, who is not afraid of big management. A key source was State Rep. Scott Pelath. oil, cyber criminals or meth peddlers ... I am your lawyer.” The South Bend Tribune reported that prison inmates are But a key question and a key campaign issue is whether complaining about the quality and serving sizes of prison Pence will take on the Bob Pastrick “big boy.” Current Att- food since privatization. This story was primarily sourced by torney General Steve Carter is working a racketeering civil prison inmates. Neither of these stories will provide much suit against Pastrick and Zoeller has vowed to continue impact, but this could be the beginning of a wave of press if elected. As the Times of Northwest Indiana explained, reports reviewing the first term of the Daniels administra- “Bob Pastrick left the East Chicago mayor’s office follow- tion and privatization in particular. Of course, the Hoosier ing defeat in a 2004 special election prompted by rampant political community is waiting to see if John Price can pull absentee ballot fraud in the regular contest a year earlier. off the “miracle” 33,000 signatures to get the Waterman- His last successful re-election, in 1999, later was tainted Jehl ticket on the ballot. Status: Leans Daniels by the unearthing of a massive sidewalks-for-votes scandal that snared a trio of top aides and three city council- HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 7 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, June 24, 2008

men. But Pastrick, the so-called King of Steeltown, never Representatives. Miller, the Republican mayor of Elkhart has been charged with a crime. And that’s enough for the from 2000 to 2007, is expected to announce Wednesday Indiana Democratic Party. Despite his considerable political that he will challenge Fry, a Mishawaka Democrat, to the baggage, the 33-year mayor continues to serve as one of 5th District seat he has occupied since 1988. “He and I three Hoosiers on the Democratic National Committee. The are from different parties; it’s not a personal thing,” Miller prime post, which Pastrick has held for more than three said Friday. “I thought that frankly, the citizens — the vot- decades, makes him a member of the exclusive club of 13 ers — deserve a choice. And uncontested races offer no Indiana superdelegates. “We think a lot of Bob Pastrick,” choices except not to vote.” Miller says he was asked to run said Bonnie Reese, a Wheatfield Democrat, who serves as and got the blessing of his employer, Horizon Transport, 1st District chairwoman of the party’s State Central Com- where he works as vice president of sales and marketing. mittee. “He’s an elder statesman of the party, and we treat The company moves recreational vehicles from manu- him with respect. And unless he’s convicted of a crime, facturers to dealerships and between dealerships. And we’re going to keep on treating him with respect.” State although Miller’s candidacy isn’t official — papers have yet Democrats have no plans to push Pastrick, 80, toward to be filed and he must be chosen at a June 29 GOP caucus political retirement, even though the longtime mayor is at — his place on the ballot is exciting to St. Joseph County the center of a civil racketeering lawsuit seeking to recover Republican Party Chairman Chris Riley. “I had a number of more than $24 million in public money diverted to a paving conversations with him, and I know some close friends had spree that preceded his last re-election victory “He’ll always conversations with him,” Riley said. “I think the party, in be welcomed in our party, and the attorney general hasn’t terms of statewide Republican leaders, have been urging proved anything in this case,” said Indiana Democratic him for years to consider running for this position.” Fry has Party Chairman Dan Parker. “The only thing he’s proved is represented the 5th District for 20 years. And Miller has he can spend a lot of money with an out-of-state (legal) low name recognition in most of the district, Fry said. “The firm.” Zoeller, Carter’s chief deputy, has vowed to carry out district is 80 percent in St. Joseph County and the part the lawsuit. Pence, who represented a paving firm that of Elkhart County that I have is about 60 percent Demo- paid $625,000 to settle claims it cratic, on average,” he said. Not that that’s a free pass. “If colluded with city officials, has somebody’s name’s on the ballot, they’re always competi- said she doesn’t know enough tive,” Fry said. “You have to assume they’re competitive.” about the case to make such a Fry says he’s going to attack what he sees as Miller’s weak commitment. Pastrick, meanwhile, record during one term on the Elkhart City Council and said his continued presence in two terms as the city’s mayor. “In each and every case, he the state party should not cast raised taxes, voted for pay increases, and some would say a pall over Pence, or any other Democratic candidate. “I the city is worse off after he is there than it would have can’t see why that has any merit whatsoever toward their been otherwise,” he said. But Miller defends those decisions abilities and the manner with which they would conduct and wonders if Fry hasn’t made similar ones in his career. themselves in office,” Pastrick said from his home in Ogden “It frankly costs more each year to do what cities do,” he Dunes. “I certainly hope that everybody would have better said. “Gasoline prices that people pay for their personal judgment than that, around the state of Indiana, than to vehicles also must be paid to run firetrucks and police cars judge somebody on a situation that is in effect up here. It’s and snowplows and paving equipment.” Status: Leans Fry a political situation, which I hope will be over soon.” Watch for Pastrick to play a role in this attorney general’s race. Status: TOSSUP. Indiana Congressional

Congressional District 7: Republican: Indiana Legislative Ray Irvin. Democrat: U.S. Rep. Andre Carson. 2008 Forecast: Marion County Republicans have approached HD5: Republican: Dave Miller. Democrat: former Indianapolis councilman and greenways director Ray State Rep. Craig Fry. 2004 Results.Fry 10,947, Reddy (R) Irvin to challenge Carson. Irvin worked under Mayors Ste- 10,507. phen Goldsmith and Bart Peterson and recently retired from 2006 Results. Fry 8,906. Hiler (R) 6,603. 2008 fore- INDOT. He was the catalyst behind the Monon Trail and cast: Dave Miller and state Rep. Craig Fry have both said Indy Parks greenways. Irvin would be an ideal candidate they get along and have respect for each other (Ronco, for the Republicans because, unlike Rep. Jon Elrod and South Bend Tribune). But that probably won’t stop either other challengers to the Carson dynasty, Irvin has actually from trying to convince you they each would be better at worked with various communities and built something: a representing Indiana’s 5th District in the state House of bridge between communities. Status: Likely Carson v Page 8 Tuesday, June 24, 2008

weeks, shadowed by the spirit of the late Sen. Robert F. A retrospective on Kennedy, who was invoked often. Hoosiers remembered what he did 40 years ago. People will be talking about 2008 Clinton, Obama and some 40 or 50 years from now. His widow, Ethel, recited a poem at the Kennedy-King Memorial on April 4: “Two he- roic hearts, who for a short time, traveled toward the sun. the Hoosier pivot point And singed the vivid air ... with their honor.” By BRIAN A. HOWEY With the Hoosier air singed by the campaign, the INDIANAPOLIS - With each applause line, the smoke has barely cleared. seven letters in the stands at Roberts Stadium in Evans- Howey Politics Indiana suggested the Hoosier state ville would rise - I-N-D-I-A-N-A. And as the noise gradu- could be a battleground in late 2007, though we thought it ally subsided, and Barack Obama spoke again, the letters more likely to be the Republicans, not the Democrats. But would sink back into the crowd. The memorable scenes for hours after Super Tuesday as Hillary Clinton began sink- Democrats, reporters and searching Republicans and inde- ing into a 12-primary defeat hole, we told you this: For the pendents fill our collective journals. Lines forming at 3 a.m. first time since 1992, Indiana Democratic voters will have a to see Hillary Clinton contested presidential primary that will draw in the candi- in Terre Haute. Bill The girl on the Clinton with John shoulders was Gregg at Vincennes one of 21,000 University. John who turned out Mellencamp sing- for Obama at ing “Small Town” the American to Obama support- Legion Mall on ers as the “bitter” May 5. At left, controversy faded. Hillary Clinton Obama’s quiet town at the J-J Din- hall at Garfield Park ner and Obama a few hundred yards in Evansville. from a momument (Photos by to Confederate Mark Curry, A. Civil War soldiers Walker Shaw, who took their last Brian A. Howey) breaths there. There was Obama sinking buckets at the Indiana Basket- ball Hall of Fame with George McGinnis, playing a pickup game in Kokomo and visiting Hinkle Fieldhouse on Election Day. And Hillary sipping a shot and an Old Style at Bronko’s in Crown Point. There was Obama recalling Dr. King’s “arc of the moral universe” in Fort Wayne on the 40th an- niversary of the assassination. They appeared at VFW halls, at a Tipton County homestead where the Obama blood- dates and flood city squares, gymnasiums and schools with lines once flowed. There was Hillary Clinton with an ani- fervent supporters. Perhaps it will be as stimulating as the mated Evan Bayh at the Wigwam a few blocks away from granddaddy of them all in 1968. Anderson’s hulking rust belt. Obama showing up at Nick’s And in our March 21 edition, working off a rare in Bloomington. leaked memo from the Obama campaign, Howey Politics It was an amazing, dizzying, incredible seven Indiana was the first to declare Indiana as the “last swing HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 9 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, June 24, 2008

state” - the last true up-for- 3, it was over. America had grabs battleground, or, as its first minority presidential Obama would put it at one nominee, eclipsing the Hill- of the three press conferenc- ary gender dream of getting es he held here (on April 11) there first, buoyed by mil- “the potential tiebreaker.” lions of women. Four days When it was all later, Clinton suspended her said and done in the early campaign and endorsed her morning hours of May 7 with bitter rival, though she said Clinton’s minuscule victory, the glass ceiling had “18 Indiana was essentially her million cracks.” last hurrah. And even then, When the history of the with Gary Mayor Rudy Clay 2008 campaign is written in holding Lake County returns dozens of future books, the to deprive her of the prime- Hoosier spring will be an time TV network momentum integral chapter. Perhaps, as she so desperately needed, well, will be the Hoosier fall the victory was pyrrhic. The as Obama seeks to become super delegate dam was the first Democrat since compromised the week be- Lyndon Johnson to carry the fore when Joe Andrew switched sides and turned the topic state. away from Rev. Jeremiah Wright, augmented by U.S. Rep. What impressions and revelations should be mined Baron Hill’s courageous endorsement of Obama that stood as the drama is still fresh? in stark contrast to the people of his Southern Indiana There are the words of the candidates, like Obama district. With Obama declaring victory in North Carolina, on May 5 talking about “when politics became small as the Clinton’s stewed, harrassed Hammond Mayor Thomas the problems became big” and he felt that people “want McDermott, and saw any hope of political salvation dimin- change in Washington.” He said the challenges are more ish in Indiana. urgent because the problems facing the people of Indiana “are growing by the day. I’m not telling you anything you Lament and resilience don’t know. We are here today looking for an answer to the At the Indiana Democratic Conventoin last week- same question: Where is that America today? How many end, the buzz was still about what happened here in years? How many decades do we talk and talk and talk Indiana in March, April and May. The Clinton supporters about these problems while Washington has done noth- can only lament how only if Hillary had found her Hoosier ing or tinkered around the edges? Or in some cases, made groove in February when she lost her way in a terrible los- them worse. There is no doubt these problems require fun- ing streak. For Barack Obama, Indiana was resilience. After damental shifts. The question is whether we shed our cyni- enduring the worst two weeks of his campaign with the cism and fear and doubt and we reach for what we know is Rev. Wright fiasco, possible. It won’t be easy. Change in America is never easy. he had come within That’s why a black guy born in Hawaii can win this race. I 14,000 votes, es- will never forget that the only reason I’m standing here is sentially putting a that someone, somewhere stood up for what they believed. giant asterisk behind Stood up for me when it was hard. Stood up for me when the Clinton win. The it wasn’t popular. Then a few people stood up, and then a delegate count was few more stood up. Now is our turn,” a wash, with Clinton And Clinton, speaking in hushed tones at the Jef- coming out only a ferson-Jackson Day Dinner 48 hours before the election: handful better. That “There is no doubt in my mind we can repair the damage following week, U.S. we will inherit. I carry the dreams of people all across the Reps. Joe Donnelly country. People who embrace hard work and opportunity, and Pete Visclosky who never wavered in the face of adversity; who never joined the super Hillary did shots at Bronko’s in Crown stopped believing. And tonight across Indiana and across delegate tide toward Point in mid-April, while Obama ap- America, teachers are grading papers and nurses are caring Obama. And by June peared with Rep. Baron Hill at IU. (Times for the sick. They need a president who listens to them. of Northwest Indiana and HPI Photos) Waitresses are pouring coffee and police officers are stand- HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 10 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, June 24, 2008

ing guard. They need a president who stands for them. don’t all tend to get caught up in the media hype, if I can Small business owners figure out how to grow their compa- say that. Instead, people want to focus on who can deliver nies and pay their employees. They need a president who the changes we need the most that matter in their daily delivers for them. And our brave men and women in uni- lives. They want our nation and state to get back on the form, some on the deserts of Iraq and in the mountains of right track. So, it’s that Hoosier common sense, decency Afghanistan, some on their third and fourth tours, deserve and practicality that I think our nation could use right now. a commander-in-chief who will bring them home and take So I think it’s good we’re going to play a role in selecting care of them.” the nominee for president.”

Parallels to 1968 Hillary teetered on oblivion For me, the parallels to 1968, when I was 12 years While Clinton arrived in Indiana a few days after old and just coming of age, help accentuate the changes Obama kicked off the campaign sequence here on March and the mainstays. I remember my father, an editor with 15 in Republican Plainfield, and seemed to have some mo- the Peru Daily Tribune, coming home one night and tell- mentum with primary wins in Ohio and Texas (though she ing us he had spent the day would lose the caucus there), her campaigning with Sen. Eugene campaign often teetered on oblivi- McCarthy. Or the South Bend on. In Mark Curry’s April 24 analy- Tribune’s Jack Colwell getting sis (“Clinton at the Crisis Point”), mobbed with RFK to the point he explained: By every metric, the that the senator’s cuff links were New York senator should already ripped away and he needed be down and out. Pledged del- emergency dental work in egates: Obama. Popular vote: Mishawaka. In 2008, the entire Obama. Number of states won: relationship between press Obama. But the nation’s former and candidate was much more first lady, and her millions of sup- guarded. Most journalists could porters, refuse to surrender. Fresh only get 10 minutes of interview time from hard-fought victory in Pennsylvania, with Clinton and Obama. There was and apparently ceding North Carolina to no whistlestop campaigning; no spon- her opponent, Hillary Clinton is muster- taenous town-to-town gladhanding. ing every resource to convince Hoosiers Clinton and Obama were rock stars - and the country - that she is the best this time, playing to Hoosier arenas or candidate to battle John McCain in the setting up well-choregographed stages general election this November. Situated like Clinton and Bayh did on April 12 in the heartland that borders Obama’s at Allison Transmission and AM Gen- Sen. Obama invoked Martin Luther King home in Illinois, Indiana is Hillary’s last eral. Jr. on April 4 at Wayne HS in Fort Wayne relevant opportunity to demonstrate the In 1968, Gov. Roger Branigan (top) while former President Clinton mettle of her campaign. With 72 del- was the favorite son, running (and campaigned with former Speaker Gregg egates at stake, Indiana is likely the last finishing second) as a stand-in for Vice remaining battleground. She must win President Hubert H. Humphrey. Forty here if she intends to dominate the party years later, it was Evan Bayh who became the Hoosier son. convention in Denver come August. To that end, Hoosiers Our analysis on February 21 came under the headline: can expect nothing short of a political spectacular unseen “Evan Bayh’s predicament,” in which we laid out the stakes in these parts since the days of Bobby Kennedy. for Bayh in forging a win for Clinton. “Bayh hasn’t been Bayh was able to attract a number of key endorse- earnestly tested since his first statewide races in 1986 and ments - John Gregg, B. Patrick Bauer, Dan Parker, Joe 1988. Now he faces a challenge, unless Clinton loses big in Kernan, Judy O’Bannon and 40 county chairmen - many both Texas and Ohio and the race fizzles before it gets to following his lead because they thought it was his best Indiana.” path to a vice presidential nod. He cited his organization’s It didn’t. “seamless” integration with the Clinton campaign as a In our Feb. 14 edition, Bayh explained, “I am hope- pivotal development. HPI writer Ryan Nees observed: ful that we will play an important role and the reason I am The Clinton camp has relied primarily on Bayh and state hopeful is that I have great confidence in the people of our party chairman Dan Parker to secure endorsements from state. Our values, our common sense, our judgment. We legislators, mayors, and county chairs in an effort that HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 11 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, June 24 2008

Sen. Evan Bayh looks on as the Clintons project victory in Indiana on May 6 even though the networks hadn’t called the race. Gary Mayor Rudy Clay had denied them the momentum they needed as super delegates began cascading to Obama the following day. (HPI Photo by A. Walker Shaw)

has encompassed personal phone calls, dinner dates, and coalitions needed to address our nation’s challenges,” said sometimes acrimonious arm-twisting. The covert organizing Ruckleshaus, who ran for the Senate against Birch Bayh has miffed Obama supporters and impartial party leaders with the Nixon ticket in 1968, then defied him during the hoping that neutrality will mitigate post-primary fractures in Watergate scandal five years later. “Senator Obama’s integ- the party. rity and commitment to ethics reform give me confidence The Clinton trio - Hillary, Bill and Chelsea - went on that he’s the best candidate to bring transparency to Wash- to visit more than 100 Hoosier cities, many of which had ington, D.C.” Another was former conservative Notre Dame never witnessed a presidential candidate or a former presi- law professor Doug Kmiec, who also endorsed Obama. dent. Bill Clinton concentrated on small towns like Hartford City and Martinsville. Chelsea hit the college campuses. Changing contours Hillary did the arenas and the policy events. Then came former congressman Lee Hamilton’s wise voice, who in March predicted the changing con- Bayh emerges intact tours of American politics. “The beginning point for me Even though Clinton’s win was by only 1.14 per- is to ask the question, ‘What kind of leadership does the cent, Bayh emerged intact and on some of the Obama vice country need at this particular juncture in its history?’ presidential short lists. While he placed his face and name Hamilton asked. “I think the country is very evenly divided. on the line, insisting that Hillary Clinton I think it’s very difficult to get things done. had “a spine of steel” in her first Indiana We’ve got enormous challenges both domes- TV ad, he never denigrated Obama, the tic and foreign. It’s also an environment in man whose emergence on Tim Russert’s the country that has very sharp partisanship. Meet the Press in November 2006 essen- So I support the election of Sen. Obama for tially forced a pragmatic Bayh out of the several reasons. He has the best opportunity race in a stunning move a month later. to create a sense of national unity and to There were other moments that transcend the divisions in the country. He’s a lifted eyebrows. One occurred on April person that strikes me as one who seeks the 8 with a fascinating trail going back to politics of consensus. I believe the political 1968: Bill Ruckleshaus’ endorsement skill most needed in the country today ... is of Obama. “Senator Obama’s ability to the ability to bring people together; not to attract not only Democrats, but also drive them apart.” Republicans and Independents, makes In the April 27 edition of Howey Politics him uniquely qualified to build the broad Indiana, we observed: By early this week, Page 12 Tuesday, June 24, 2008

you could almost feel the air rushing out reaching a record high, which of Barack Obama’s campaign. While the explains why the top oil compa- Howey-Gauge Poll of April 23-24 had nies made $123 billion last year.” Obama with a narrow 47-45 percent lead Obama accused “Washington over Hillary Clinton, later surveys, includ- politicians” dating back to Presi- ing an April 28 SurveyUSA Poll had Clinton dent Nixon of avoiding finding surging to a 52-43 percent lead. It came a solutions to alternative energy day before Obama conducted a press con- “when they had the chance.” ference in North Carolina and denounced It was an issue that exit the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. The sense on polls essentially indicated Obama the ground was that a shift was under had won. Coming on the heels of way. Within 12 hours, Obama picked up the Rev. Wright denunciation, it two stunning endorsements. The first was was gas that got him back in the from U.S. Rep. Baron Hill, who ran coun- game as the race see-sawed. ter to 10 of the county chairs in the 9th Hamilton’s remarks of a CD that endorsed Clinton. The Obama di- divided nation were only a pre- lemma with Rev. Wright actually prompted cursor to Clinton’s razor thin vic- Hill to act. “His comments regarding state- tory in a primary where 1.7 mil- ments made by Reverend Wright showed lion Hoosier voted, including 1.3 me another aspect of Senator Obama’s million who voted Democratic. leadership, a strength of character and But the real irony was predicted commitment to our nation that transcends the personal,” Hill explained. “One of the tests of a true leader is his ability and willingness to come to a new conclusion based on new events. Senator Obama did just that yesterday.”

Andrew switches the topic But the real stunner came when former Democratic National Chairman Joe Andrew reversed course and endorsed Obama. “I am convinced that the primary process has devolved to the point that it’s now bad for the Democratic Party,” Hillary Clinton at the Wigwam in An- Andrew said “While I was hopeful that derson and Obama at Garfield Park a long, contested primary season would in Indianapolis. (HPI Photos by Brian invigorate our party, the polls show that A. Howey and A. Walker Shaw) the tone and temperature of the race is now hurting us.” Howey-Gauge also noted that gas prices had gone from 1 percent in top is- at the April 29 Howey-Gauge Poll sues in our February poll to 12 percent in that showed Clinton and Obama April. That set off the Obama-Clinton gas locked in a 46-46 percent tie. wars: Clinton proposing a three-month It would be Republicans, we federal gas tax holiday; Obama denounc- accurately predicted, who would ing it as a “gimmick” while holding a descide the Democratic primary. press confernece in front of Phillips66 And of all Republicans, it was gas pumps. “Few costs are rising faster Rush Limbaugh who might have than the ones at the pump,” Obama said. prodded the 14,000 difference “To most Americans, it’s a huge problem as he sought “chaos.” Obama bordering on a crisis. Here in Indiana, gas campaign manager David Plouffe costs $3.60 a gallon. Last year alone, the acknowledged Limbaugh’s mea- price of oil has shot up almost 80 percent, sureable impact. HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 13 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Sen. Barack Obama and wife Michelle greeted eager Hoosiers in Evansville on the night of his loss to Pennsylvania. He became much more hands-on in the final two weeks in Indiana. (HPI Photo by BrianA. Howey)

New era of campaigning the last Hoosier opportunity, the Keystone loss was an Despite Obama’s loss, his organization opened a awakening for Obama, who quickly took a hands-on role new era of campaigning. Former Fort Wayne mayor Gra- when in smoother times he delegated much of the logistics ham Richard called it a confluence of “grassroots meets ne- to others. While he always wrote his speeches and signed troots” inspired by Facebook. At my Broad Ripple home, the off on his TV commercials, Obama personally re-engaged Obama campaign made five touches: two canvassing calls, in Indiana. He shifted from the arena town halls to more a direct mail piece with the Evansville I-N-D-I-A-N-A fea- intimate settings, like Garfield Park or drinking Budweisers tured on the front; a door hanger, and two phone calls, in- at a St. Joseph County VFW Hall. Or, as HPI put it on April cluding the offer of a ride on Election Day. HPI Washington 28, “When in doubt in Indiana, play hoops.” writer Mark Curry observed in an April 17 analysis: Obama Yet Obama arrives at a nexus of message, philosophy and technology ended his spring Hoo- that thus far has served to further his career. But he has sier experience with not arrived alone. With him are thousands of campaign a 21,000-person rally workers and volunteers attracted to Obama’s notion that at the American Le- ideological labels are “old politics,” that the familiar means gion Mall in downtown to success in Washington is no longer working, that, in fact, Indianapolis on the eve “we can do better.” The Obama campaign relied on ele- of the primary, perhaps ments like Thiessen Polygons, means of increasing band- the largest political rally width, methods of capturing and parsing data, and using since the Ku Klux Klan graphic overlays for Geographic Information Systems (GIS). took over the state The Clinton-Obama race also revealed the Indiana eight decades before. Democratic Party’s dirty little secret. A number of editors “I’m not out to win an and political operatives had told us that many Democrats election,” said Obama, just wouldn’t be able to vote for a black man for president. who would lose Indiana Obama at the American Legion Mall MSNBC exit polling revealed that 15 percent (10 percent but win this poltical war. on primary eve. He would declare white and 5 percent black) saw race as a reason for their “I’m here to change the victory on June 3 and just days later, vote. Of the whites, Clinton would carry 78 percent. country.” v put staffers back in Indiana. (HPI If Clinton’s Pennsylvania win presented her with Photo by A. Walker Shaw) HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 14 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Lesley Stedman Weidenbener, Stephanie Salter, Terre Haute Tri- Post-Tribune: Southern Indiana voters and independents bune-Star: While Barack Obama and John McCain are could determine who wins the governor’s race this year. working out the ground rules for the next four months, it That’s among the conclusions reached by the Mike Downs would be so great if they would agree to a moratorium on Center for Indiana Politics after conducting an interesting religious pandering. Before they decide about town hall poll of Hoosier voters this month. What made the poll fas- meetings, running mates, which convicted felon pals to cinating is that the center measured support for the major defend or jettison — both men should sign a joint promise party candidates using four different questions. “Depend- to lay off of seeking and trumpeting religion-related en- ing on how the question is asked, this either appears to be dorsements. Given their experiences so far with religious one of the closest gubernatorial elections ever or it will be cheerleaders, McCain and Obama ought to be extra-moti- a comfortable re-election victory for Gov. Mitch Daniels,” vated. The Rev. Jeremiah Wright and the Rev. John the center said in an analysis of the poll. “The Hagee revealed themselves to be such liabilities, way a question is worded can influence greatly it should be cause, not just for renunciation, how people respond to it and can result in very but for a shared vow to go forth and politically different interpretations.” Even with the differ- sin no more. Co-humbled, Obama and McCain ing results, however, the center came to four could use their dispiriting clergy crises to return conclusions: Daniels, a Republican, is leading evangelizing and faith-based policy making to Democrat Jill Long Thompson, but not by much. their rightful place: The pulpits and TV studios of Daniels’ base is more solidly behind him than America’s tax-exempt churches, temples, syna- Thompson’s is behind her. A large percentage of gogues, mosques and strip mall storefronts. v independents could be swayed to vote for either candidate. Both candidates have regional advantages and the candi- Rich James, Post-Tribune: There is a date who is able to improve in Southern Indiana may be the faction in this country that lies awake at night making up candidate who wins. The latter is not too surprising. Daniels reasons why they can’t vote for Barack Obama. I see it on a won four years ago in part by winning a surprising number daily basis, reading letters to the editor and listening to calls of votes in the traditionally Democratic areas of Southern to Quickly. You hear it on the TV news shows as well. There Indiana. That’s one reason Thompson picked state Rep. are a myriad of reasons why people say Barack Obama Dennie Oxley of English as her running mate. He’ll likely shouldn’t be the next president of the United States of spend the rest of the campaign stumping across South- America. The people who spew forth this drivel probably ern Indiana. But it’s unclear from the poll just how good a don’t believe what they are saying, but it is considerably chance Thompson has of unseating Daniels because voters less painful than having to tell the truth. So, why is it that sent different messages, depending on the way the ques- some don’t feel Obama should be president? Well, they tion was asked. For example, 452 voters were asked, “If the say ... -- He’s a Muslim. To show proof that he is a Muslim, election for governor were today and you were standing in they always mention that his middle name is Hussein. The the voting booth right now, who would you vote for, Repub- first name of the guy who started the Coors Brewing Co. is lican Mitch Daniels or Democrat Jill Long Thompson?” The Adolph. Wonder if that means he’s a Nazi? -- Obama was answers to that question indicate the race will be tight, with too slow to condemn what the Rev. Jeremiah Wright -- his each candidate receiving the support of 49% of the respon- Baptist pastor -- had to say about white folks many years dents, the Downs Center said. That question showed that ago. And if you weren’t sure whether to dislike Obama Daniels, who is from Indianapolis, had a big lead in Central because of what Wright said, there’s also what his Catholic Indiana while Thompson, a former congresswoman who buddy, the Rev. Michael Pfleger, had to say about Hillary lives in Marshall County, is far ahead in Northern Indiana. Clinton. That’s all got me terribly confused, because if his The two candidates were much closer in the southern part pastor is Baptist and his longtime buddy is Catholic, how in of the state, where Thompson has 51 percent to Daniels’ 47 the heck can Obama be Muslim? v percent, the poll showed. Another version of the question asked 434 voters, “If the election for Indiana governor were today, and you were standing in the voting booth right now, Gary Gerard, Warsaw Times-Union: how likely would you be to vote for Mitch Daniels -- very I wonder if county officials around the state are start- likely, somewhat likely, not very likely, or not at all likely?” ing to think differently about tax abatements. Taxpayers The question was asked for both candidates. In this case, in Kosciusko County whose applications for a tax abate- 57 percent of respondents said they were somewhat likely ment on real estate was approved in 2007 for 2008 total or very likely to vote for Daniels, while 43 percent said they $17,509,890. So it seems to me, with the property tax were somewhat likely or very likely to vote for Thompson. dilemma lots of municipalities are facing, it might be time to v adjust policies with regard to tax abatements. v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 15 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, June 24, 2008 McCain lags behind man, says he is being forced to choose Budget cuts will be between his precinct position and his in Hoosier money right to free speech (Michigan City painful in St. Joe INDIANAPOLIS - Republican News-Dispatch). Metheny used his SOUTH BEND - Layoffs of John McCain had his second best Saturday morning WEFM radio show workers, including police officers and fundraising month from Hoosiers in to blast efforts by party members to jail guards. Closing of county parks, or May, but oust him as precinct committee person reducing their hours. Keeping county still lagged because of his public criticism of fellow government open only four days a behind the Democrats. “I want people to see week. Eliminating funding for agen- Democrats, how the La Porte County Democratic cies like the Youth Service Bureau and according to Party wants to shut down my freedom REAL Services. No raises again for the most re- of speech,” Metheny said. “I went into county workers (South Bend Tribune). cent disclo- the military to defend the freedom “Everything’s on the table,” County sure reports of speech for everyone.” Vidya Kora, Council President Rafael Morton said filed with the La Porte County Democratic Party as the county begins its annual budget the Federal chairman, said the issue has nothing process. The budget must be ready Election Commission (Indianapolis to do with freedom of speech but is for a public hearing Sept. 12, with a Star). The Arizona senator raised a matter of Democratic Party rules vote possibly Sept. 23, he said. No $108,824 from Hoosiers last month for precinct committee persons. Kora decisions have been made yet, Morton compared with the $132,185 raised received a letter from Rich Mrozinski and Auditor Peter Mullen stressed, by Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and the Jr., president of the La Porte County but they’re certain the process will be $113,645 raised by Sen. Hillary Rod- Democratic Civic Club, saying the painful. The county is looking at lay- ham Clinton, D-N.Y. members unanimously voted on April offs and budget cuts; new local option 10 to request Metheny’s removal. They taxes; or a combination of both, GOP chooses Yarde said he was violating guidelines requir- ing him to be supportive of the Demo- EPA approves in HD52 cratic Party and promote party candi- AUBURN - David Yarde will dates. The letter criticizes Metheny BP permit try to keep Indiana House District 52 for verbally attacking fellow Demo- WHITING - The Indiana in Republican hands (Fort Wayne crats in public, encouraging citizens Department of Environmental Manage- Journal Gazette). Yarde, a DeKalb to vote against certain Democratic ment has issued the final air permit for County councilman, was selected from candidates and criticizing Democratic the BP Whiting Refinery’s $3.8 billion eight candidates Monday evening in a elected officials. It alleged he “uses his expansion project (Times of North- caucus in Wolcottville to replace Rep. radio show to state his anti-Democrat west Indiana). The permit, which will Marlin Stutzman, R-Howe, on the fall views.” allow significant modifications to the ballot. Stutzman was chosen to fill refinery’s air permit, was issued June Sen. Robert Meeks’ spot on the Senate 16, the day after the Environmental District 13 ballot after Meeks decided Evansville Council Protection Agency’s proposed review not to seek re-election because of passes annexation period of the operating permit ended health concerns. Stutzman’s current EVANSVILLE - The City Council without the federal agency raising any district covers parts of LaGrange, approved an ordinance Monday to objections. In a letter to IDEM dated Noble and DeKalb counties. Yarde was annex a heavily commercial part of June 13, the chief of EPA Region 5 first elected to the council in 1994. Knight Township, a decision that one air permits section, says the agency This is the first run for state office for council member called paramount to reviewed the proposed Title V operat- the fifth-grade teacher at Northcrest the city’s future (Evansville Courier ing permit and compared it to issues Elementary in Fort Wayne. & Press). Council President Keith it had raised concerning the draft con- Jarboe said adding the land will give struction permit, as well as to issues Dems may punish Evansville greater political influence raised by the public. “As a result, EPA in the region. “I think that we are on concludes that IDEM has adequately radio show host the right track but with that we need addressed the issues raised in our to continue to move forward,” Jarboe March 21, 2008 letter,” states Pamela MICHIGAN CITY - Dennis said. Blakely in the letter. “We have no fur- Metheny, Coolspring Township trustee ther comments on the proposed Title and Democratic precinct committee- V operating permit.”