Politics Indiana

V14 N16 Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007 Bad city omens for Daniels re-elect

Gov. Mitch Cities that had big Daniels with Indianapolis economic gains tossed Mayor Bart Peterson in out incumbent mayors 2005 as they pushed IACT’s “There’s danger on the edge of town...” elusive Home- - “The End” by The Doors town Matters proposals. By BRIAN A. HOWEY Daniels is fac- INDIANAPOLIS - On Election ing a fate simi- Night, Gov. Mitch Daniels was in Chi- lar to Peterson cago when the stunning news reached in 2008. (HPI him: Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson Photo by Brian had lost. It came as a shock despite A. Howey) plenty of warning signs, including Howey Politics Indiana moving the Ballard-Peterson race into “tossup” on Nov. 1. Peterson lost when the doors of perception swung zone himself. The latest Indianapolis Star/WTHR-TV poll against him. He was blamed for the property tax crisis, shows him losing to Democrats Jim Schellinger (44-40 per- aggravated by the fiscal need to raise income taxes by 65 cent) and Jill Long Thompson (44-43 percent) along with a percent to keep the city’s bond rating from declining, an “dismal” 40 percent approval rating. His political apparatus event that would have cost the city millions of dollars in had at times fretted over similarly low approval numbers interest. a couple of years ago. Back then, there was the luxury of Today, Gov. Daniels is back in the HPI’s “tossup” See Page 3

Let’s see, who do I trust?

By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS – Hmmmmm. Who am I going to trust? Local mayors and councilmen and county commis- sioners who every year for decades passed balanced bud- gets, kept tax rates stable and made sure the garbage got “I’m not asking him about his love picked up, or lawmakers at the State- house, who until recently worked up life. I’m asking him if he’s qualified budgets with smoke, mirrors, showboat fly-around and bombast? to be mayor, and I’m hearing deaf- Mayors and county commissioners ening silence.” who have opponents in an overwhelm- ing majority of elections, having to run - Attorney Ed DeLaney on questions on the merits or pitfalls of their ideas for Terre Haute mayor-elect Duke Bennett, and records? Or legislators, who create Terre Haute Tribune-Star HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 2 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007

uncompetitive districts for themselves Long Thompson and Jim Schellinger. Howey Politics with an overwhelming majority never It’s that the largest segment of Hoo- facing credible opponents? siers - 28 percent - now blame local Indiana Granted, Gov. Mitch Daniels governments (not including school is a nonpartisan news- has installed new fiscal integrity in his corporations) for the most responsibil- two budgets and, like mayors, will face ity in the property tax crisis while the letter based in Indianapolis an intense re-election battle in 2008. legislature gets 24 percent, and 14 Essentially, Daniels and the legisla- and published by NewsLink percent blame the schools. ture declared war on cities, towns In the September WISH- Inc. It was founded in and counties when, during the 2004 TV poll on who’s to blame for the campaign and while in office, Daniels 1994 in Fort Wayne. property tax crisis, 22 percent said expressed sympathy for the concept the Indiana General Assembly, 19 of “home rule.” Now they are telling percent said Gov. Daniels, 13 percent Brian A. Howey, publisher folks that in order to keep property the DLGF, 12 percent county asses- taxes permanently low, we have to Mark Schoeff Jr. and Mark sors, 11 percent townships assessors, cap property taxes and put a strangle- 12 percent all of them equally, and Curry, Washington Writers hold on local governments. We have 9 percent Mayor Bart Peterson. The Jack E. Howey, Editor fiscal analysts like Steve Johnson who change came as Gov. Daniels stumped Beverly Phillips, Associate have warned us about the “unintended the state since Oct. 23, using the bully consequences” of such a move. Editor pulpit to spread the notion that local When Daniels put out his tax governments must be reined in. On Therese Waechter, IT plan, the fact sheet noted that since one hand, he’s seeking a “healthier” 1998 (about the time Sen. Dan Coats Indiana. Under his caps, will cities be told the Indiana Senate that “new fed- Subscriptions: closing parks? eralism” would shift the cost of gov- This is deceptive. Cities and $350 annually HPI via e-mail; ernment to locals, who are closer to counties have been keeping tax rates $550 annually HPI & HPI Daily the people), local government spend- stable while having to absorb unfund- Wire. ing increased 65.1 percent compared ed state and federal mandates. to the rate of inflation of 24.7 percent. Schools, libraries, airports, Call 317-254-0535. As for who is spending tax dollars, sewer districts, many with unelected Howey Politics Indiana 50.5 percent are from schools, 18.9 members, do the most accelerated PO Box 40265 percent from cities and towns, 23.2 spending. And as the ISTA pointed out percent from counties and 4.2 percent Indianapolis, IN 46240-0265. this week in opposing the 100 percent from libaries. We’d like to see those state takeover of school operating figures from 1998. costs, most of the tax rate acceleration Contact Us We no longer have the comes from capital projects. We have www.howeypolitics.com Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute or the few clues as to how much government Taxpayers Research Association that [email protected] we’re actually going to be funding. Dave Bennett used to operate out of The Kernan-Shepard Commission will Main Office: 317-202-0210. Fort Wayne. So there are fewer and only get that ball rolling sometime in Howey’s Mobile: 317-506-0883. fewer independent research sources, the next four or five weeks. Indianapolis Fax: 317-254-0535. virtually no journalists who are trained I get extremely nervous economists (where are you, Doug Washington: 202-256-5822. when anything gets on the fast track Sword?), and a legislature (remember at the Indiana Statehouse, where a Business Office: 317-254-0535. the smoke & mirrors?) hellbent on single report or poll can get everyone ©2007, Howey Politics greasing the slats and fast-tracking scurrying like ants. That tells me that Indiana. All rights reserved. this whole thing. the governor and legislators - all of We have allies of the Governor Photocopying, Internet forwarding, whom are sitting in a tax crisis frying who are calling his 1-2-3 cut n’ cap pan of their own making - are feeling faxing or reproducing in any form, plan a “re-election document” with the heat and will do something ... any- in whole or part, is a violation of slowly emerging supporting data. thing ... this election year to placate federal law without permission from The most fascinating aspect angry voters who just tossed out some of the Indianapolis Star/WTHR-TV poll the publisher. of the more progressive mayors simply isn’t that Daniels is trailing both Jill because they were lashing out. v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 3 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007

time. Now, less than a year before the 2008 guber- natorial showdown, some of the basic premises surrounding a theoretical successful re-election campaign lay exposed in the wreckage of more than a half dozen mayoral defeats. Look no further than Greensburg, where Mayor Frank Manus was defeated despite some 4,000 jobs coming with a new Honda plant that was announced in the summer of 2006. Or Ander- son, where Mayor Kevin Smith had put together one of the most impressive economic development programs in the state that helped this moribund rustbelt city land the Nestle plant. Or West La- fayette where Mayor Jan Mills lost, despite a new Toyota plant coming nearby. Or Seymour, where Mayor Jim Bullard lost in the primary despite six Japanese companies that employ some 3,000 workers. Or Jeffersonville where Mayor Rob Waiz stood beside Gov. Daniels in announcing the Med- venture relocation from Kentucky and a big expan- Gov. Mitch Daniels sion of Jeff Boat. Waiz lost in the primary to former at Franklin’s NSK mayor Jim Galligan. Or Franklin, where Mayor Corp. with Mayor Brenda Jones-Matthews was defeated despite Jones-Matthews helping bring in Japanese companies like Nishima following up the and KYB. Gov. Daniels joined the mayor in 2005 in stairs. At left, Dan- announcing an expansion of Japanese-owned NSK iels breaks ground Corp. on the new Getrag The defeats of these mayors and others plant at Tipton. (HPI like Babara Ewing in Tell City, Al Huntington in Photos by Brian A. Madison and Kevin Burke in Terre Haute - all of Howey) whom helped land new plants or job expansions - is an all-too-real reminder that big economic development gains are not enough to power the presiding executive to further terms. The reasons mayors go down in defeat are many. In Mayor Manus’ case he found himself boiling over local water issues and the fact that he once referred to African-Americans as “colored people.” September 2008. Major Moves construction will begin in But conventional wisdom had been that if a mayor could St. Joseph County, Lakeville, Westfield and Kokomo. The land an economic gem like Honda, that would more than Norwest Regional Development Authority is beginning to neutralize a feud with a firerighters union or a water utility fund marinas, parks and transportation in Lake and Porter dispute. counties. The hope was that with thousands of new jobs - Major Moves was billed as the “jobs bill of a generation” - unemployment would dip below the national average and Ride the king’s highway personal income would increase. In Indiana, solid economic gains no longer do so. “There have been thousands and thousands of jobs The perception game becomes prescient over solid facts. announced all over the state,” said Michael Davis, political Many observers believe the property tax “crisis” that was director for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. “It’s more extensively covered by the Indianapolis media spilled over perception than reality.” into cities where there was no crisis (i.e. Greenwood Mayor The perception problem facing Gov. Daniels is that Charlie Henderson eked out a narrow victory). the property tax crisis - born out of the administration’s The re-election campaign of Gov. Daniels is based greatest political miscalculation to date - seems to be over- on an array of big economic gains like Honda, Toyota, riding just about everthing else. He needs to do a master- Dreyfus, Nestle, Medventure and dozens of other big ful orchestration of the issue come March, but started the economic gains. The new Colts stadium will be unveiled in HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 4 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007 process by alienating some of his staunchest supporters. It wasn’t until spring 2004 that the Kernan lead had eroded into a dead heat. Weird scenes inside the gold mine Chris Sautter of the Jill Long Thompson campaign, Democratic pollster Fred Yang, working for the explained, “The Star/Channel 13 poll reinforces what we Schellinger campaign, noted in a memo after the Star/13 have learned from the WISH-TV Channel 8 poll and the poll, “The results of this survey conducted a little less than November elections - the property tax crisis is driving the a year before the 2008 Indiana Governor’s election yield public thirst for change in Indiana. With a year to go and two key conclusions. First, Gov. Daniels is politically weak without spending a dime on advertising, Jill leads an in- and extremely vulnerable to defeat. Second, newcomer cumbent governor. And she leads her primary opponent by Jim Schellinger emerges as the more electable of the two 31 percent.” Democrats seeking their party’s nomination, and in fact, Chris Cillizza, who writes The Fix blog for the Schellinger accomplishes the rare feat of leading the in- Washington Post, noted that the Star/13 numbers were cumbent.” “challenging” for Daniels. Cillizza explained, “Forty-percent Yang explained, of the sample approved of “The Star poll presents the way he was handling discouraging news for his job while 50 percent the Daniels campaign disapproved. Other poll on three levels. First, questions offered more Hoosier voters actually of the same. Thirty-seven feel worse about the percent of respondents state’s direction now said they would vote for than they did when a ‘Democratic candidate’ Daniels was elected. while 32 percent chose Currently, nearly three a ‘Republican candidate.’ in five (57%) voters And, when asked whether say Indiana is off on they would support a Gov. Daniels with Terre Haute Mayor Burke during 2006 when mayors of the wrong track, com- Democratic presidential both parties endorsed the Major Moves initiative. Burke is currently in- pared with 35% who ticket that included home- volved in a recount after losing to Republican Duke Bennett. (HPI Photos say the state is headed state Sen. Evan Bayh (D) by Brian A. Howey) in the right direction. as vice president over a A May 2005 Star poll, generic Republican ticket, conducted shortly after Daniels’s first session as governor, 47 percent opted for Bayh showed 42% right direction and 48% wrong track. The while 33 percent chose the Republican ticket.” fact that Hoosiers have become noticeably more pessimistic is a stunning indictment of the Daniels administration and Of our elaborate plans ... no safety or surprise indicates that voters are in the mood for dramatic change.” The Daniels campaign assumed that Hoosier voters Yang said that the 50 percent who disapprove of would separate national issues like Iraq from state issues. the Daniels’ job performance is a “dramatic turnaround” But that didn’t happen in the mayoral races, where state from the 55 percent who approved in May 2005. Demo- issues leached into the municipal perceptions. cratic sources tell Howey Politics Indiana that some While improving prospects in Iraq are changing of the party polls in Northern Indiana show Gov. Daniels some of the national dynamic, and recent polling shows with an approval rating in the 20th percentile. ”We regard that five GOP contenders would lead U.S. Sen. Hillary the job rating as the most important indicator of an incum- Clinton in head-to-head matchups (and her nomination bent’s political standing,” Yang said. is hardly as sure a thing as the New York Times analyzed But Yang said that the “most promising result” is earlier this fall), Gov. Daniels clearly has his work cut out the fact that Daniels already is trailing Jim Schellinger in for him in the coming weeks and months. the trial heat. The Star poll shows Jim Schellinger with How he handles the property tax reforms between 44% of the vote, compared with 40% for Governor Dan- now and March 15, as well as the Kernan-Shepard Commis- iels. It is extremely rare for a challenger to be leading an sion report could determine whether he will join Joe Kernan incumbent this far from the election; in fact, in virtually all as an Indiana governor who couldn’t win a re-elect. cases (including those in which the challenger eventually Before Daniels arrived on the scene, a number of defeats the incumbent), the incumbent leads the challenger reformers wished for a governor who would make the hard throughout the election. At this time four years ago, Gov. policy choices without an obsession with re-election. Those Joe Kernan had a double digit lead over challenger Daniels. notions are closer to reality now than they’ve ever been.v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 5 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007

with a property tax deal, new companies coming on line 2008 Indiana Governor and hiring, and earth being moved as part of the Major Moves deal. Governor 2008: Republican: Gov. Mitch Dan- While we’ve always believed Daniels to be a master iels, La Ron Keith. Democrat: Jim Schellinger, Jill Long strategist and campaign implementer - his 2004 campaign Thompson. 1996 Results: O’Bannon (D) 1,075,342, was worthy of a poli-sci textbook - he faces a number of Goldsmith (R) 997,505, Dillon potential problems beyond his control. What if the economy (L) 35,261. 2000 Results: tanks? What if Sen. Evan Bayh ends up on the national O’Bannon (D) 1,230,345, McIn- ticket? What if the Iraq War goes totally south? (Though tosh (R) 906,492, Horning (L) right now it is improving even though there are questions 38,686. 2004 Results: Dan- of whether the surge can be sustained beyond spring.) iels (R) 1,302,912, Kernan (D) What if Illinois Sen. Barack Obama wins the Democratic 1,113,900, Gividen (L) 31,644. nomination and ignites a JFK-style New Frontier campaign 2008 Forecast: As we pon- that motivates Democrats and independents? dered in the Nov. 15 edition, we In the wake of the Star/13 poll, we think are now moving both the Democratic primary and the gen- Schellinger benefits the most. It gives him polling numbers eral election into “Tossup.” Previoulsly, it had been “Leans that match up with his primary money advantage. But it Thompson” and for the general, “Leans Daniels.” The comes less than a month after two of his campaign chairs Indianapolis Star/WTHR poll that show’s Daniels’ approval experienced devastating political (Mayor Peterson) and at a troubling 40 percent and trailing Schellinger 44-40 and personal (U.S. Rep. Carson) events. Expect this campaign Thompson 44-43 are statistical data that back up a lot of to go through similar swings as 2008 looks extremely the anectdotal things we’ve been volatile, unpredictable and hearing this fall. emotional. And while the The key date in this cam- Schellinger campaign has paign sequence comes on Jan. gone through a mixed 15, when we get the latest fund- month, we continue to raising reports. Daniels will have hear rumblings in several a big money lead. We’d expect party quarters that his Schellinger to be in the $3 million team - many holdovers range. Thompson’s numbers will from the Kernan ‘04 cam- be the wild card. If she can get in paign that squandered a the same ballpark as Schellinger, double-digit lead, relied then we have a real race. If she way to heavily on the lags significantly behind (say, IPALCO isssue and ended more than a million and, remem- up on its heels enroute to ber, Schellinger had only a four- Jill Long Thompson and Jim Schellinger at the Howey Politics defeat - needs an over- month advantage), that will spell Indiana Forum on Oct. 23. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey) haul. trouble for her as some Demo- Chris Sautter of the crats will push for a unity ticket. Thompson campaign There is a new perception that Gov. Daniels is truly notes, “Jill has the best record on taxes among the can- vulnerable. We now agree, even though JLT and Schellinger didates in this race - Democrat or Republican. During her have yet to put together any kind of comprehensive blue- years in Congress, she voted against every tax increase. print as to where they will take the state. Daniels is facing That fact makes her uniquely positioned to lead the state the specter of what did in Peterson: public anger aimed at in fixing its problems with an antiquated and inequitable incumbents with the challengers showing little about where tax system. Jill is the clear front-runner in this race and we they would take Indiana if elected. The difference here is look forward to uniting Democrats, independents, and dis- that Peterson’s campaign didn’t appear to comprehend that satisfied Republicans to defeat Mitch Daniels in the fall.” he was truly in trouble until it was too late. Gov. Daniels Thompson has several Evansville endorsements, still has some time to forge a property tax deal by March including State Rep. Phil Hoy, Evansville City Councilman 15, perhaps incorporating some of the Kernan-Shepard Keith Jarboe, Councilwoman-elect Missy Mosby, Council- Commission recommendations this session, then work to to man-elect Dan Adams, Vanderburgh County Recorder Betty define his likely Democratic opponent before they can de- Knight Smith, and Evansville City Clerk Alberta Matlock. fine him. His money advantage will work to his advantage Democratic Primary Status: TOSSUP. General Sta- there. The campaign hopes that the perception changes tus: TOSSUP v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 6 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007

love, support and trust. God bless our beloved country." 2008 Indiana Congressional The Carson political apparatus and even some friendly media sources led many to believe that Carson's Congressional District 7: Republican: condition was not serious in an apparent attempt to mask Wayne Harmon. Democrat: Indianapolis Councilman Andre preparation for the possible ascension of Indianapolis Carson, Marion County Treasurer Councilman Andre Carson - the congresswoman's grandson Michael Rodman. Geography: - to Congress. Former congressman Andy Jacobs Jr. told Indianapolis. Media Market: Howey Politics in October that the rumors of Carson's Indianapolis. People: Urban 99.7%; ill health were untrue. He then announced last week median income $36,522; pov- that if Rep. Carson didn't run in 2008, he would support erty 13.5%; race white 63, black Councilman Carson, who took office this fall. Sarge Visher, 29.4%, Hispanic 4.4%, Asian Carson's chief of staff, said Sunday he wasn't sure how far 1.3%; blue/white collar 26/58%; 2000 Presidential: the cancer has developed and wouldn't comment on her Gore 55%, Bush 43%; Cook Partisan Voting Index: D+6. future. He added that Carson's family and staff are still 2002 Results: Carson 77,478 (53%), McVey 64,379 processing the news (Indianapolis Star). "We are going to keep on keeping on and go into the office and keep tak- (44%). 2004 Results: Carson 121,303, Horning (R) ing care of the constituents," Visher said. 97,491, Campbell (L) 4,381. 2008 Jacobs explained it this way: "She had Forecast: What Howey Politics Indiana this problem years ago, and she beat it had been hearing for several months for a lot of years, so to hear that it came was confirmed over Thanksgiving week- back was a shock. She was getting ready end: U.S. Rep. Julia Carson is suffering to go back to Washington, and suddenly from terminal lung cancer. the cancer came out of remission. She HPI had reported on Nov. 14 that thought she beat it. If she passes, a top Democratic official said her life she's confident where she's going, and was likely to be measured in “weeks.” that's not down. She's definitely at That report was disputed by WTLC’s peace." Amos Brown, the only journalist to To date, Councilman Carson have recent contact with Rep. Carson, Rep. Julia Carson will pass from the and Marion County Treasurer Michael conducing a Nov. 5 interview where Rodman are the only Democrats who she endorsed Peterson. A WRTV report Indiana political scene as undefeated. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey) seem poised to make the race, with contained a quote from Carson's min- State Reps. Greg Porter, Carolene Mays, ister, Rev. Jonathan Baily, who said the former state health director Woodrow congresswoman had been diagnosed Myers and former Indiana Democratic with lung cancer a year ago. He said chairs Robin Winston and Ann DeLaney the doctor finally told her that she had just days to live mulling options. As to whether this seat will be in play, recently. "She asked the doctor, 'How long have I got?'" with State Rep. Jon Elrod already in the mix, our answer Baily said. He said, 'It's not our thing to tell you how long, is yes. With Marion County Democrats in disarray follow- just make you comfortable.'" ing Peterson’s defeat, there could be a scenario similar to The acknowledgement that Carson's political career 1989 when Jill Long won Dan Coats’ 4th CD seat, one of in truly in its final stages signals a frenetic battle for suc- the most Republican in the nation. Status: TOSSUP cession in a Congressional district that has already wit- nessed the stunning defeat of Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson. Carson's statement read: "In the late summer of 2008 Indiana Legislative 2007, Congress granted me a leave of absence because of my leg infection. My wonderful doctor cured the leg, and I House District 89: Republican: Holly went into rehabilitation, planning to be back in Washington Davis. Democrat: John F. Barnes. 2004 Results: Buell shortly. Then the second shoe fell - heavily. My doc- 15,391. 2006 Results: Buell 7,809, Barnes 7,297. 2008 tor discovered lung cancer. It had gone into remission Forecast: State Rep. Larry Buell announced his retirement. years before, but it was back with a terminal vengeance. Holly Davis, executive director of the Indiana Leadership Therefore, I take this occasion to express my loving and Forum, a 501 C3 non-profit education program, is ponder- literally eternal gratitude to my friends, including family, ing a bid and has formed a kitchen cabinet. This is a district constituents and colleagues, who have given me so much that is trending Democratic and would have been tough for Buell to hold on to. Status: TOSSUP. v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 7 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007

presidential can- Oh O! Obama and didates and their supporters are putting renewed Oprah reach for stars emphasis on win- By MARK CURRY ning votes from WASHINGTON - Two months ago, Hillary Clinton’s them,” David presidential campaign was a rocket to the moon when Yepsen of the Des Indiana’s foremost Democrat beamed aboard. The Wash- Moines Register ington firmament fairly twinkled with U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh’s wrote on Tues- endorsement, and pundit and politico alike labeled the New day. Sen. Obama and wife at the campaign York senator’s nomination almost certain. In mid-October, Who kickoff last Febuary. (HPI Photo by Brian A. former House Speaker Newt Gingrich told the New York better to win Howey) Times editorial board that the general election would be female hearts and Senator Clinton’s to lose. minds than the Despite the fact that Hillary is seen as a polarizing television talk show host Time described as “arguably the figure by many Hoosiers, state Democratic celebrities fell in world’s most powerful woman,” Earth’s first and only female line, with the likes of Joe Hogsett, Kathy Davis, Dan Parker black billionaire, Oprah Winfrey, a former Indiana resident. and Vi Simpson committed to According to the Chicago Tribune, as Team Hillary. They were joined Oprah and Obama travel to Iowa, New by Mel and Bren Simon, Judy Hampshire and South Carolina, “the O’Bannon, John Gregg, Frank An- two are hoping the one-woman media derson and dozens of others. It conglomerate’s star power is so strong was a flight on gossamer wings, a that she can do what other big-name crazy fling, one of those bells that endorsers rarely have, namely to actu- now and then rings. It was one of ally win him votes.” those things. The announcement set the punditocracy But there came a sputter at fever pitch. Newt Gingrich confirmed his faith after Hillary lost her poise dur- in Oprah power on ABC News’ “Good Morning ing the debate in Philadelphia America.” “I think Oprah Winfrey is a remarkable about a month ago. Then came figure,” Gingrich said. “I think she brings not just “The Politics of Pile On,” and a celebrity status, but there are millions of people the polls began to frown. Sud- who trust her judgment.” As ABC reported, when denly, America’s former first lady pressed on whether she would tip the nomination was not laughing. She called on toward the Illinois senator, Gingrich replied, “I think the most potent weapon in her it’s a significant asset to (Obama) and he’s not mar- campaign arsenal - her husband - and struggled to regain ried to her. My guess is Senator Obama’s going to win Iowa momentum. and that he’s going to win it by a surprising margin.” Now, it’s five weeks until the Iowa caucuses, and But others doubt Obama will benefit from the less than six until the New Hampshire primary. Michigan Oprah effect. “She can sell soap. She can create best sell- voters go to the polls one week later, followed by South ers,” wrote Susan Estrich for Newsmax. “But can she sell Carolina, Nevada, Florida and, the date that may, for all candidates?” practical purposes, end it all: Super Tuesday, Feb. 5. Probably not, wrote Pat Sajack in an article pub- Recent polling out of Iowa indicates Team Hillary lished by Human Events. “...the idea of choosing the may be in trouble. Strategic Vision has Bill Clinton’s better Leader of the Free World based on the advice of someone half in a dead heat with Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, while who lives in the cloistered world of stardom seems a bit an ABC/Washington Post survey favors the newcomer. It loony to me.” appears “The Politics of Hope” may be winning the Hawk- And, critics ask, can a woman who performs well eye State. For Obama, it’s time to bring out the big guns on a studio couch survive the risks of the presidential cam- and seal the deal. paign trail. “It’s an arena that is getting uglier, nastier and more personal by the day,” MSNBC’s media analyst Steve Enter Oprah Adubato wrote. “What happens when Oprah is campaign- “With polls indicating some 62 percent of the likely ing side-by-side with Obama, with dozens of media crews Democratic caucus-goers in Iowa will be women, the party’s in tow, and she gets asked a few pointed and tricky ques- HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 8 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007

tions.” Oprah might impact the presidential race. A survey of 750 Liz Smith of the Baltimore Sun is one woman who African Americans conducted Oct. 5 - Nov. 2 found that shares the faith. “Many believe she won’t affect the vote, respondents most often favored Hillary over Obama. The but is merely providing a PR bonanza,” she wrote. “I say study, which was sponsored by the AARP and conducted by Oprah really wants Obama to win, and she’s putting her The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, found iconic charisma on the line for that goal. This woman will that 80 percent of African-Americans are “closely following be fine. She knows how to handle herself.” news coverage of their party’s candidates, while 87 percent said they planned to participate in the nominating process Polls tell a story of the Democratic Party.” Back in September, the Pew Research Center “If Obama was really going to challenge Hillary, I conducted a survey to gauge the potential have always thought he was really going to impact of a Winfrey endorsement. The short have to challenge her among women, not answer was “not much.” Nearly a quarter just black women but even white women,” (23 percent) of Democrats said they would David Bositis, senior research associate at be more likely to vote for the TV and film The Joint Center, told Politico. “There are star’s chosen candidate, but 13 percent said some real questions about [Obama’s] elect- they would be less likely. About two-thirds ability, but if he does well in Iowa there is the (64 percent) said her support would have potential for a fairly wholesale reevaluation.” no impact on their vote. Significantly, Oprah scored best among a demographic that will make or break Hoosier support any candidate’s hopes in Iowa: Women. Dozens of Hoosier Democrats have signed on to As the Register’s Yepsen said, “Like all celebrities, the Clinton campaign, but not so many are aligned with Winfrey will help her candidate attract a crowd. Those Obama. That’s a bit of a surprise considering Obama hails crowds should net Obama some additional names of sup- from our neighbor to the west. The latter list includes Kip porters. Winfrey’s television audience is large, and if she Tew, Charlie Brown, Melina Kennedy, Mae Dickinson, Bill can sell a candidate as effectively as she sells books, the Crawford and others. It will be interesting to watch the result will be a big plus for Obama.” fortunes of individuals in these two groups if Obama does A new poll released Tuesday also shed light on how indeed do well in Iowa, New Hampshire and the rest. v

2008 State Presidential Polls

Iowa (R) Date Romney Giuliani Thompson McCain Huckabee Rasumussen Nov. 26-27 25 12 11 4 28 Strategic Vision Nov. 23-25 26 12 10 7 24

New Hampshire (R) Suffolk/WHDH Nov. 25-27 34 20 2 13 7 CNN/WMUR Nov. 23-25 33 16 4 18 5

Michigan (R) Detroit News Nov. 7-11 25 28 13 12 9

Iowa (D) Date Clinton Edwards Obama Richardson Biden Strategic Vision Nov. 23-25 29 22 29 6 4 ABC/WashPost Nov. 14-18 26 22 30 11 4

N. Hampshire (D) Suffolk/WHDH Nov. 25-27 34 15 22 9 CNN/WMUR Nov. 14-18 36 13 22 6 HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 9 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007 explained, “You become more and more a part of what is Politics, internet, bloggers happening. When you ride a train to work in Washington, you see dozens and dozens of people reading their tele- and the ‘next big thing’ phone or watching a YouTube video on a PDA. One thing that blogs do very well is to easily organize people at the By BRIAN A. HOWEY grassroots level.” BLOOMINGTON – At the Howey Politics Forum last Gary Welsh writes the Advance Indiana blog month, Washington Post blogger Chris Cillizza was asked from Indianapolis and says the blog universe is the “com- about the “next big thing” when it comes to politics and mon people’s answer to the big money machine that drives communication. our political system today. A lot of people in the masses Since 1960, we’ve had a lot of “next big things.” feel so disconnected from their government today. The That year, it was the Nixon-Kennedy debates. By 1968, blogs are a way to come in with no investment at all. I can they were marketing Nixon like mighty fine cereal flakes. just invest my time and I can sit down and write about In 2004, it was Howard Dean’s fundraising via the Internet. things I’ve thought about for a long time and felt needed to In 2006, YouTube brought us U.S. Sen. George Allen and be reported.” his “macaca” remark that led to his defeat and tipped the Welsh said that WISH-TV political reporter Jim Senate. Now the speculation centers on the impact blog- Shella complained “people used to come to us with these ging has on mainstream news organizations as well as U.S. tips and now they’re just going to the blogs and getting Sen. Barack Obama (now leading Sen. Hillary Clinton in the them taken care of that way.” latest Iowa polls) who counts more than “The people who bring us these 350,000 campaign donors, supersizing the tips complain that for years they used mean Dean money machine. to go to mainstream media people Cillizza isn’t sure what the next big to try to get them to report a differ- thing will be. He is fascinated that some- ent angle in the newspaper and they one with a video cam (as I challenged my didn’t seem to be able to get through readers to help us cover the 2008 gover- to them,” Welsh explained. The nors race last week) can take a video clip, blogosphere brings them to life. find a Wi-Fi coffee shop, post the clip on Welsh refers to the 2006 race be- YouTube and e-mail 1,000 friends with the tween U.S. Rep. Julia Carson and car link, who in turn then e-mail it to 100 of Blue Indiana’s Thomas Cook (from left) dealer Eric Dickerson, as well as the their friends. “Before you had to get the HPI’s Mark Curry and Advance Indiana’s recent upset of Indianapolis Mayor Beta copy, you try to convince news sta- Gary Welsh at the Howey Politics Forum Bart Peterson by outsider Republican tions this is important,” Cillizza said. on Oct. 23. Greg Ballard. “It’s really intensi- Thomas Cook, who publishes the fied locally,” Welsh said. “Eric had Blue Indiana blog from Bloomington, $50,000 to run against her and some of us in the blogo- marveled at the Fort Wayne mayoral race when Republican sphere knew he was the candidate, but he wasn’t getting Matt Kelty found himself mired in a 9-count indictment be- the attention he deserved.” Despite the small amount of fore losing to Democrat Tom Henry. “Here we have a race money he had, Dickerson lost to Carson by just 7 percent, that was very much about perceptions,” Cook said. “It was a far more competitive showing than recent well-heeled about how to perceive the Republican nominee as he dealt challengers. with these unfolding legal troubles. These local blogs took This year, Welsh said, “The blogs exposed the the story and ran with it.” While newspaper and TV political fact that the Republican Party is in bed with Mayor Peter- reporters couldn’t write only about the mayor’s race – they son. The masses are infuriated because they see this blur- had other stories to cover – the bloggers could. “What you ring of the lines between the political parties.” saw was this narrative that grew out of these blogs make Blogs can salve the disconnect he explains, “When the jump to the mainstream media,” Cook said. I was 17 years old and a big Ronald Reagan fan, I remem- An example of this was the Indianapolis Busi- ber being able to write out a check for $25 to go to some ness Journal story last weekend about Scott Jones’ two friends of my parents, meeting Ronald Reagan in person, 21st Century Fund draws of $4 million sandwiched between shaking his hand and being able to talk to him for a few his $1 million fundraiser for Gov. Daniels after Jennifer minutes. Today, if you can’t max out a contribution, you Wagner’s Taking Down Words blog carried the story. can’t even get in the same room with them.” Thus, the Cook believes a similar narrative will develop with blogs become a release valve and a dangerous one for a the 2008 governor and congressional races. politician who plays conventional wisdom that many, many Mark Curry, Washington correspondent for Howey times, misses the “next big thing.” v Politics Indiana, predicts a wave of “interactivity.” He HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 10 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007 21. State Sen. Luke Kenley Help us compile 2008 22. U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky 23. U.S. Rep. Brad Ellsworth 50 Most Influential List 24. U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly 25. U.S. Rep. Mike Pence By BRIAN A. HOWEY 26. Indiana Democratic Chairman Dan Parker There’s no question about it, we went out on some 27. Indiana Republican Chairman Murray Clark limbs when the 2007 Howey Politics Indiana 50 28. U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer Most Influential List. 29. U.S. Rep. Mark Souder Some of them, like our “premature adulation” for 30. House Minority Leader Brian Bosma Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters, who lost in 31. Farm Bureau President Don Villwock the Fort Wayne mayoral primary, were busts. It happens 32. Tim Roemer every year. But others like Long Beach native Chief Justice 33. Marion County Democratic Chairman Michael O’Connor John Roberts, who has ushered profound changes to the 34. Terre Haute Mayor Kevin Burke U.S. Supreme Court, and UAW 35. U.S. Rep. Julia Carson Presidents Ron Gettelfinger 36. Republican Executive Di- and Mo Davidson, who helped rector Jennifer Hallowell rework auto contracts and land 37. Chamber President Kevin the Getrag plant deal at Tipton, Brinegar were right on the money. 38. IMA President Pat Kiely Obviously there were 39. Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman profound changes in the No- 40. South Bend Mayor Dennis vember elections and people Luecke like Jim Schellinger, Jill Long 41. U.S. Rep. Dan Burton Thompson, Greg Ballard and 42. State Reps. Sheila Klinker Tom Henry will emerge on the and Peggy Welch 2008 list. And that’s where 43. St. Joseph Democratic you come in. Send us your list, Chairman Butch Morgan whether it be someone you think is deserving, a top 10 or 44. FSSA Commissioner Mitch Roob an entire list to: [email protected]. Keep in 45. IACT President Matt Greller mind, our list is based on who will impact the events for 46. Lugar Chief of Staff Marty Morris the coming year. We’ll publish the list on Jan. 17, 2008. 47. State Sen. Vi Simpson 48. Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard 2007 HPI 50 Most Influential List 48. Senate Minority Leader Richard Young 1. U.S. Supreme Court Justice John G. Roberts 49. State Reps. Kreg Battles and Jon Elrod 2. Gov. Mitch Daniels 50. John Gregg 3. Speaker B. Patrick Bauer Honorable Mention (alphabetical) 4. Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson Marion County Sheriff Frank Anderson; 7th CD 5. U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar Chair Sherlonda Anderson; Warren Township Trustee Jeff 6. Koichi Kondo Bennett; Betsy Burdick; Deputy Mayor Steve Campbell; 7. Senate President Pro Tempore David Long Attorney General Steve Carter; Dan Coats; United Meth- 8. UAW Presidents Ron Gettlefinger and Mo Davidson odist Bishop Michael Coyner; Kathy Davis; Michael Davis; 9. Ways & Means Chairman Bill Crawford Shaw Friedman; State Rep. Craig Fry; Time Goeglein; 10. U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh Earl Goode; Bob Grand; Bill Haan; John Hammond III; Al 11. U.S. Rep. Baron Hill Hubbard; Madison Mayor Al Huntington; Lacy Johnson; 12. Carmel Mayor James Brainard Joe Kernan; Joe Loftus; Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott; 13. Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel Kokomo Mayor Matt McKillip; LaPorte Mayor Leigh Mor- 14. Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters ris; John Okeson; State Rep. Greg Porter; Jim Purucker; 15. Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi Indianapolis Councilman Isaac Randolph; Mishawaka Mayor 16. Gary Mayor Rudy Clay Jeff Rea; Supt. Suellen Reed; Charles Schalliol; Dan Seitz; 17. US. Rep. Pete Visclosky Tom Sugar; Hamilton County Republican Chairman Charlie 18. Lee Hamilton White; Abdul Hakim-Shabazz; Mike Sodrel; Sen. Thomas 19. IEDC Director Nathan Feltman Weatherwax; Gary Welsh; Robin Winston; Senate Minority 20. State Sen. Bob Meeks Leader Richard Young. v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 11 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007 New environmental director HPI: What are your immediate goals for HEC? Kharbanda: I believe HEC’s commitment to to focus on clean energy improve public health and to protect our precious natural resources are goals shared by the vast majority of Hoosiers By BEVERLY PHILLIPS regardless of where they fall on the political spectrum. Jesse Kharbanda joins the Hoosier Environmental Environmental protection is a nonpartisan issue. Environ- Council (HEC) as its new executive director on De- mentally friendly, economic development is also a non- cember 10. HEC is a statewide, nonprofit mem- partisan issue. Accordingly, my goal for HEC is to bership organization, dedicated to protecting reach a wider audience. I will work to hone HEC’s Indiana’s environment. Kharbanda has a gradu- legislative agenda so that we can translate our ate degree in economics from Oxford University, principles into on-the-ground change. This is criti- where he was a Rhodes Scholar, and has under- cally important in Indiana’s case where it recently graduate degrees in economics and environmen- ranked 49th out of 50 in a national survey on tal studies from the University of state environmental quality. Indiana Chicago. can and must do better. HPI: Tell us about your HPI: What is the single most recent position. most important issue for HEC at the Kharbanda: I was at the upcoming legislative session? Environmental Law and Policy Cen- Kharbanda: We want to see Indi- ter (ELPC), a Chicago-based orga- ana take a proud place in the nation nization focused on opportunities to as a major center of investment in advance environmental quality and wind, biomass and solar energy. economic development. At ELPC, We’d like to see Indiana emulate I was involved in building support neighboring states like Illinois by among agricultural, clean energy passing a strong, meaningful Re- and economic development organi- newable Electricity Standard (RES). zations throughout the Midwest in This calls on electric utilities to buy support of provisions in the Federal an increasing share of their power Energy and Federal Farm Bills. I also from clean, renewable resources; helped to craft rural-focused clean were a RES to become law, it would energy legislation and to write briefs attract billions in new investments on issues ranging from agricultural across many regions of the state. Jesse Kharbanda has joined the Hoosier Envi- In the last legislative session, it trade to clean coal technology. What ronmental Council as executive director. I especially appreciated about my passed in the Indiana House with experiences at ELPC was the oppor- great bipartisan support. We believe tunity to build great non-traditional that the momentum is on our side. partnerships with people in business and agriculture around There is great public concern about high-energy costs and environmental protection issues. growing concern about the very negative economic im- HPI: How did you become interested in environ- plications of promoting energy resources that emit large mental issues? amounts of global warming pollutants. Kharbanda: I was fortunate that the home that I HPI: What has your experience been working with grew up in suburban St. Louis was situated next to a large Indiana legislators on environmental issues? parcel of undeveloped land. That, coupled with family Kharbanda: I sit on the executive committee of vacations to some of our country’s great national parks, the Indiana Coalition for Renewable Energy and Economic enabled me to experience the joys of open space, pristine Development (ICREED). This group was founded in 2005 air and water. Intellectually, I am drawn to environmen- and its membership includes businesses, advocacy groups, tal issues because of my travels in the developing world public health experts and local elected officials. We have – observing how peoples’ health and wealth are severely testified before Indiana legislative study committees and harmed by a degraded natural environment. In recent legislative standing committees. We have also individually years, I have been deeply concerned about our nation not briefed dozens of legislators on renewable energy issues. embracing the opportunity to provide bold leadership on I’ve felt fortunate to engage with legislators from all parts global warming policy, particularly when Americans have of the state, representing a diverse array of economic historically been looked up to for our economic dynamism interests. This experience will allow me to hit the ground and our courage to lead on great ethical challenges. running when the session starts in January. v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 12 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007

opponent, or someone else from the religious right. Daniels may use his judicial appointments to appease the religious right. Appointing Steele to the Court of Appeals may be one way of satisfying the religious right.” Decisions of the Court of Appeals (about 2,500 each year) are final unless reviewed by the Indiana Su- preme Court (that issues about 200 opinions each year).

Parties plan to party Judge Brent Steele? Both state Democrats and Republicans have holiday party plans in place with impressive VIP guest By BEVERLY PHILLIPS lists. The Indiana Democratic Party celebrates at the Hyatt Making the short list for Gov. Daniels’ next Indi- Regency in downtown Indianapolis on Friday, Dec. 7, be- ana Court of Appeals appointment is Sen. Brent Steele (R- ginning with a 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception where you can Bedford), along with six other finalists, including Stephen rub elbows with Sen. Evan Bayh, U.S. Reps. Brad Ells- Johnson, executive director with the Indiana Prosecut- worth and Baron Hill, Speaker Pat Bauer and others. ing Attorney’s Council. The Indiana Judicial Nominating Rep. Julia Carson is included on the list of attendees. Commission on Dec. 12 will publicly interview the seven Contact Kelly Norton at (317) 231-7106 for party details. candidates. Three names The Indiana Republican are then forwarded to the Party celebration features Fox Governor who will make News Political Commentator an appointment within 60 John Kasich. Gov. Mitch days. Daniels, Lt. Gov. Becky The judicial ap- Skillman and Indianapolis pointment is nonpartisan, Mayor-Elect Greg Ballard however Gary Welsh of are expected to attend. That Advance Indiana predicts party starts at 6:30 p.m., Steele’s appointment may Dec. 3 at the Westin in down- be imminent. He says, town Indianapolis. Contact “As Daniels prepares his Mindy Westrick at (317) re-election bid next year, 964-5013. the last thing he wants is a

primary opponent. Al- though the religious right Send Holiday blasted Daniels earlier in Greetings to Iraq his administration for sup- Help Tre Cox, 10, of porting an EEO policy of Marion send 3,864 holiday non-discrimination, which cards to troops stationed included protections based overseas. (Each card repre- on a person’s sexual orien- sents a soldier who has died tation or gender identity, in the Iraq War.) His mom and for writing a letter of says he wanted to do some- support for an Indianapolis thing for American soldiers gay pride event, Daniels after seeing war veterans has subsequently retreat- in wheelchairs at a local ed and toed the line on Veteran’s Day Parade. Mail many of the demands of boxes of cards to: Operation the religious right. Already Christmas Card, Southeast struggling with low public Elementary School, 3340 approval ratings, Daniels South Lincoln Blvd, Marion, wants to avoid a poten- HPI Publisher Brian A. Howey’s account of Sen. Richard Lugar’s IN, 46953 or contact the tially costly and divisive oversight mission to Russia, Ukraine and Albania - “A Farewell to school for drop off locations primary battle against Eric Arms” - is in the December edition of Indianapolis Monthly, currently by calling (765) 664-3931. Miller, his 2004 primary on newstands. Deadline is Dec. 5. HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 13 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007

Chris Cillizza, Washington Post - It’s bers cited above is whether Indiana is following the path easy to forget amid the granular coverage of the primary of Virginia from a red to a purple state in federal elections. horserace that once the nominees are chosen -- some And, if Indiana is emerging as a competitive state at the time in late January or early February-- we will presidential level, are there other states that have be faced with the longest general election in long been considered Republican strongholds that modern political history. Conventional wisdom are moving in that direction as well? v dictates that the nine-month slog will focus primarily on 10-12 battleground states -- Ohio, Gary Gerard, Warsaw Times- Florida, Iowa, New Mexico, Minnesota to name a Union - The property tax situation in Indiana few -- that have been at the epicenter of the last has the potential to have a significant impact on two presidential elections. (Michael Barone de- Kosciusko County. And when I say significant, I tailed the even-steven split of the American electorate first don’t mean it in a positive sense. Frankly, if I was a county and best in his essay “The 49 Percent Nation.”) But what commissioner or a county councilman, I’d be shaking in if that conventional wisdom is wrong? What if continued my boots. Essentially, what I see happening is the state discontent with President Bush and the war in Iraq is in the legislature giving everybody in Indiana a property tax process of fundamentally altering the playing field -- broad- break and telling the counties to make up the difference. ening the number of states that are potentially in play for This whole mess started when courts ruled unconstitution- the Democratic nominee? A new poll out of Indiana should al the way property in Indiana was taxed. So the legisla- give hope to Democrats who believe Bush’s eight-year ture came up with the new “true market value” system of tenure and the continued unpopularity of the war in Iraq taxation. At the same time, the inventory tax for business has fundamentally altered the partisan composition of the was removed. The purpose was to make Indiana a more country. The survey, which was conducted by highly regard- attractive destination for businesses. And at the same ed Iowa-based pollster J. Ann Selzer, showed broad dissat- time, ag land was assessed at $880 per acre. This drove isfaction with the direction of the country and the state as property taxes of homeowners way up, and there was a well as with the current President and Indiana’s Republican hue and cry across the state for reform. So now we have governor. Just 20 percent of the sample said the nation was Eric Miller running around the state holding town hall-type headed in the right direction while 74 percent said it was off meetings calling for a statewide referendum on a consti- on the wrong track; the numbers were only slightly more tutional amendment to repeal property taxes. I don’t think optimistic when it came to Indiana with 35 percent saying that really has a chance of happening because there aren’t the state was moving in the right direction and 57 percent enough legislators willing to vote in favor of a referendum. believing it was off on the wrong track. Asked whether they But if by some strange twist of fate it was put to a referen- approved of the job Bush was doing, a meager 28 percent dum, I’m pretty confident it would pass. Who would vote said they did while 66 percent voiced disapproval. Those against eliminating property taxes? v broad number were reflected on nearly every major issue; just 28 percent approved of Bush’s handling of Iraq, 25 per- cent approved of Bush’s work on the economy and just 17 Sylvia Smith, Fort Wayne Journal percent approved of his handling of immigration policy. The Gazette - Before the Senate left Washington for its lone issue on which more Indianans approved than disap- Thanksgiving break, the lawmakers spent hours and hours proved of how President Bush handled a matter was on the arguing about the farm bill. Oops. Please allow me a slight “fight against terrorism.” Forty-eight percent backed Bush correction. It spent hours and hours arguing whether and 46 percent did not. Those poll results are all the more to discuss the content of the farm bill and whether to striking when put in the context of Indiana’s past political consider any amendments to the proposal written by proclivities. The last time Indiana voted for a Democrat for the Agriculture Committee. The argument boiled down president was 1964 when Lyndon Johnson drubbed Barry to whether the Democrats would allow Republicans to Goldwater, 56 percent to 44 percent. Since that time, the propose amendments that have nothing to do with agricul- best any Democrat has done in the Hoosier State is 46 per- ture. (Some Republicans wanted to offer amendments on cent by Jimmy Carter in the 1976 presidential race. George tax and immigration policy.) The upshot was that the Sen- W. Bush carried the state with 57 percent in 2000 and 60 ate never voted on Sen. Richard Lugar’s Stop Being Stupid percent in 2004. Despite those daunting numbers, Indiana About Ag Welfare amendment. He calls it something was at the heart of Democratic gains in 2006 as three Re- cuter – the FRESH bill – but my version is more descrip- publican incumbents -- Reps. Chris Chocola, John Hostettler tive about what Lugar wants to do: end subsidies that go and Mike Sodrel -- were all defeated for re-election. to just a few kinds of crops and far too often to wealthy landholders. v The question raised by those gains as well as the poll num- HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 14 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007 Yelton doesn’t see Chicago tween different safety groups. Richard Chief William McCorkle and John said it will help local first- responders Clemmons, superintendent of the city’s casino coming soon deal with a disaster by getting them to sewage lift stations, will be retained INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana’s interact during training. when he takes office Jan. 1. top gambling regulator isn’t betting on a Chicago casino anytime soon. Ernest Yelton, executive director of Carters can’t force con Indiana RTL, Pence the Indiana councilman out of office mourns Rep. Henry Hyde Gaming INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Commission, attorney general and Lake County EVANSVILLE - Indiana Right to expressed prosecutor said Wednesday they have Life executive director Mike Fichter is- little con- no legal authority to remove from of- sued this statement today on the death fidence fice a county councilman found guilty of former Illinois congressman Henry Wednesday of tax fraud (Times of Northwest Hyde: “Henry Hyde’s rich legacy of in a speedy Indiana). At least not yet. Attorney defending the sanctity of life will long be remembered by all who reflect upon his resolu- General Steve Carter and Lake County years of unwavering commitment to the tion to the Springfield gridlock that Prosecutor Bernard Carter said a flaw rights of unborn children. We have lost has stalled efforts to authorize new in a 2005 state law intended to force casinos for Chicago and the suburbs a true champion for the right to life of public officials out of office upon all persons, born and unborn. The most (Times of Northwest Indiana). criminal convictions keeps them from “Although I understand that the enduring tribute to his life will be for removing Councilman Will Smith Jr. today’s pro-life champions in Congress same political party has control of But both prosecutors urged Smith, the House, the Senate, the governor to carry on his work until the life of who was found guilty in federal court every unborn child is protected by law.” and the mayor (of Chicago), all four in September of filing a false tax re- U.S. Rep. Mike Pence said, “Henry Hyde of them disagree about what to do,” turn, to resign immediately. They also was the essence of dignity, civility, com- Yelton said. “I just see no agreement asked Smith’s fellow public officials to mitment to principle, and he has been from those people.” Even if Illinois censure him. “Does the (county) coun- a lion of the right to life. Life has lost Gov. Rod Blagojevich reaches a gam- cil really feel it is necessary for them its lion and this world will miss his roar. bling expansion accord with legisla- to continue to allow this individual to Throughout his years in public service, tive leaders, Yelton said, past practice serve and continue to use taxpayer he was a champion for great causes suggests the state will botch the deal funds to support that service? It cer- – life, liberty and the rule of law. He to the benefit of Indiana’s five Lake tainly is legally questionable,” Steve was a voice for the voiceless – for the Michigan casinos. Carter said. Bernard Carter concurred. victims of human rights abuses around Steve Carter said he won’t question the world and for the unborn child here Fort Wayne opens the validity of any of the council acts at home. He was my friend and mentor since Smith’s conviction -- particularly and I will miss him greatly. In my heart Public Safety Academy his crucial vote Monday to enact a I know that this day Henry Hyde heard FORT WAYNE - Mayor Gra- county income tax -- but said others the words, ‘well done, good and faithful ham Richard hopes one of his mile- should. “It is certainly a question the servant’ and was greeted by ‘a chorus stone achievements not only improves council should be thinking about,” of voices never heard in this world.’ “ public safety by drawing new people Steve Carter said. Smith couldn’t be into the field but also encourages reached Wednesday afternoon for development on the city’s south side. Pipeline fire could crimp comment. He is scheduled to be sen- Speaking before hundreds of local, tenced Jan. 9. oil supplies in NW Indiana state and national dignitaries, Rich- GRIFFITH - A major oil ard on Wednesday officially opened pipeline fire that killed two workers the $27 million, 132,000-square-foot Hobart mayor-elect to in Minnesota could impact supplies Public Safety Academy of Northeast keep 2 department heads to northwest Indiana (Inside Edge). Indiana. The two-story building will INDIANAPOLIS - At least two The company’s pipeline runs through host the city’s police and fire acade- appointees of outgoing Mayor Linda northwest Indiana and includes an of- mies, public safety courses from local Buzinec will keep their jobs after the fice in Griffith. Enbridge, Inc. Spokes- schools and various training facilities, city’s new mayor is sworn in (Post- man Bill Stephens tells Inside INdiana from gymnasium to indoor shooting Tribune). Hobart mayor-elect Brian Business that it is too early to tell how range. It intentionally has numerous Snedecor on Wednesday said Fire supplies will be affected. v open spaces to assist interactions be-