V16, N20 Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011 Indiana’s mayoral gender gap Kennedy, Hughes, Melina Ken- nedy hopes Brown will try and to make his- tory as she break big city ceiling challenges Indianapolis By BRIAN A. HOWEY Mayor Greg INDIANAPOLIS - As Melina Ballard. Kennedy kicked off her Indianapolis A female mayoral campaign on Monday, her has yet to husband and young children were lead one of just off the stage to her right. At her Indiana’s left was a woman holding a placard biggest five reading, “Moms for Melina.” cities. (OFA Canon IV CEO Jerry Jones Photo) - whose company provided the backdrop to this ambitious occa- sion - talked of the great men, from Lugar to Peterson, “who molded this city. These men made history. Now it is time for us to make history. Don’t you think it’s time to put a woman in the mayor’s office?” mayor (there was a brief attempt to appoint one in the As the crowd erupted into cheers, Kennedy quickly aftermath of the Ku Klux Klan fiasco in the mid-1920s). Nei- responded, “It is time to make history.” ther have Fort Wayne, South Bend, Evansville, Lafayette, If Kennedy can defeat Mayor Greg Ballard, she Gary, East Chicago, Kokomo, New Albany and Jeffersonville. would enter the annals of Hoosier political history, which Cosette Simon served 11 days as mayor of Fort Wayne has been starkly short on female executive leadership. Indianapolis never has had an elected female Continued on page 3 Holding & folding

By RUSS STILWELL BOONVILLE - The opening session of the 2011 General Assembly should not have surprised anyone. When the House Demo- crats pulled a never-used rule out “I believe that for all our imper- of their political playbook that delayed opening day feel- good fections we are full of decency speeches, it was a classic case of and goodness and that the the minority informing the majority (or in this case Pat Bauer send- forces that divide us are not as ing not so subtle political smoke signals to Speaker Brian Bosma) strong as those that unite us.” that we matter, we count and be - President Obama careful with your agenda or you Page 2 Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011

just might not have one. national wave just short of a tsunami. He could have just as well Times were good. Sound familiar? sung lyrics from the classic Kenny Fast forward to 2010. With Rogers song, “The Gambler”: a wealth of “capital” support from You got to know when to Daniels, House Republicans ran on a hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, Daniel’s agenda of reform. They were Know when to walk away, and swept into office with a national wave know when to run. of relentless tsunami proportion. Sixty Howey Politics You never count your house seats and nearly a score of Indiana money when you’re sittin‘ at the fresh faces in the freshmen class. is a non-partisan newsletter table. There will be time enough In ‘95, they began the move based in Indianapolis and for countin’ when the dealin’s to dismantle organized labor that cre- published on the campus of done. ated the most contentious and mas- A long time ago, a prominent sive lobbying the Hoosier capitol had Franklin College. It was founded state senator said about House Demo- ever experienced! Twenty five thou- in 1994 in Fort Wayne. crat Leader B. Patrick Bauer, “Never sand trade unionists converged on the underestimate Pat Bauer politically or state capital. Brian A. Howey, Publisher intellectually.” Wise words from a wise The only issue talked about Mark Schoeff Jr., Washington former senator. No doubt that Gov. or written about was the controversial Daniels gets it. The bigger question is labor issues. They had forgotten their Jack E. Howey, editor whether the House Republicans get it. agenda and the political reality that Beverly K. Phillips, associate The governor has been on a near tsunami propelled them into editor the receiving end of the good, the office. And they lost their impressive bad and the indifferent from the feisty majority the very next election. partisan from South Bend throughout 2010? It was a very popu- Subscriptions his tenure. That’s one of the reasons lar and motivated governor with the $350 annually HPI Weekly the gov has repeatedly stated that hurricane-force winds of a tsunami of $550 annually HPI Weekly and now is not the time to for a conten- the century that propelled the House HPI Daily Wire. tious Right-to-Work battle. The state Republicans to victory. According to 'Call 317.627.6746 has other issues far more deserving the National Conference of State Leg- debate. I hope that Speaker Bosma islatures, the repudiation of Democrats and his caucus understand as well. in 2010 put the GOP in control of the Contact HPI Some of the most success- most state legislative seats since 1928. Howey Politics Indiana ful politicians in the Hoosier state are Sounds to me like a national storm of 6255 N. Evanston Ave. familiar with the crosshairs of political epic proportion, not a recipe to take weapons – sometime aiming the sights on all of organized labor in a mid-sized Indianapolis, IN 46220 and sometimes being the target. industrial state with a strong union www.howeypolitics.com Bauer and Daniels are experts at this presence. [email protected] political sport. Both have a lot of The 2010 win in Indiana 'Howey’s cell: 317.506.0883 practice with each other. But the shot ended with a political tsunami with 'Washington: 703.248.0909 initiated last week by Bauer was not waves that pounded the shores in directed at the governor; rather it was a relentless torrent. They just kept 'Business Office: 317.627.6746 a shot over the bow to Bosma and the coming, beginning at the doors of House Republicans. If they hope to then Speaker Pelosi and continuing the © 2011, Howey Politics Indiana. move their weighty agenda, hopefully cascade through the state legislatures All rights reserved. Photocopy- they took notice. all the way to the courthouses. It was ing, Internet forwarding, fax- One only has to look at the not a call to arms to dismantle labor past to predict the future. The year and pick a fight that will overshadow ing or reproducing in any form, was 1995 and the Republicans had what the election was really all about. whole or part, is a violation of captured the Indiana House with fifty- The House Democrats know federal law without permission six seats. They had run on an aggres- when to pick a fight and when to take from the publisher. v sive agenda of a Contract for Indiana. their medicine. They demonstrated They were swept into office with a this on opening day last week. Just Page 3 Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011

like Kenny Rogers, they know when to “hold ‘em and when Now Ev’ry gambler know the secret to survivin’ to fold ‘em.” After all, they are in the minority. Is knowin’ what to throw away and what to keep The House Republicans also know when to pick a “Knowin’ what to throw away and what to keep” fight and when to take their medicine. However, time will just might make the 2011 session a whole lot more produc- tell if they know when to “hold ‘em and when to fold’em.” tive, albeit a whole lot less interesting. v I hope they learn lessons from years past. Maybe they should review this classic song’s other lyrics as well. Stilwell is a former Democratic state representative.

won in 1999, did not seek a second term Mayors, from page 1 in 2003, then defeated Republican Mayor Leigh Morris in 2007 by a 2,499 to 1,750 after Mayor Win Moses resigned in a margin. Huntingburg Mayor Connie Nass campaign finance scandal. Moses was served two terms before making the the then reelected by Democratic precinct rare jump to serve two terms as state audi- officials to finish out the term he won in tor. 1983. And then there are the grand Indiana never has had a female dames of mayoral politics. Democrat Sonya governor. The two women lieutenant Margerum served 24 years at the helm governors - Democrat Kathy Davis and in West Lafayette while Republican Mag- now Becky Skillman - took a pass on gie Prickett did four terms in Mishawaka, the next open gubernatorial nomina- winning her first term in 1963 and serving tions despite the state’s long history of until Bob Kovach upset her in 1979. It’s LGs positioned to make the next step interesting that Margerum and Prickett up. Jill Long Thompson won the 2008 served in smaller “twin” cities where males gubernatorial nomination, but lost to ran the predominantly larger cities next Gov. Mitch Daniels by 18 percent, failing door. to unite Hoosier Democrats even while Prickett, Allison, Margerum, Hut- Barack Obama carried the state in the ton and Michael also served or serve in presidential race. the college towns of Purdue, Indiana, Indiana has yet to elect a fe- DePauw, Earlham and Notre Dame univer- male U.S. Senator, and only Virginia Ellis sities - places where a more enlightened Jenckes, Cecil Murray Harden, Katie Hall electorate would be better disposed to look and Julia Carson have won congressio- beyond gender. nal seats. “Maggie was a widow best known In most cities where the gender as the operator of a grocery store when barrier has been broken, the results she first ran and won, taking advantage were hardly lasting. Mayor Judy An- of a split among Mishawaka Democrats,” derson lasted only one term in Terre said longtime South Bend Tribune colum- Haute, as did Eleanor Kesim in Elkhart. nist Jack Colwell. “Quickly, she brushed Muncie Mayor Sharon McShurley and away any of the concerns of that era Portage Mayor Olga Velazquez are on that a woman wouldn’t be able to handle thin ice politically in this year’s elec- the tough job of mayor amid tough eco- tions. nomic times resulting from the demise of That’s not to say there haven’t Studebaker automotive production. She been success stories. Former state was a tough administrator, and adding to representative Nancy Michael in Gre- her image were stories about how she encastle (three terms), Jane Reiman Indiana’s successful female mayors often would be the winner in friendly in Carmel (two terms), Sally Hutton in - Greencastle Mayor Nancy Michael poker games with ‘some of the boys’ who Richmond (two terms), Sheila Brillson in (top), Bloomington Mayor Tomilea Alli- thought they could outbluff or outsmart Michigan City (two terms), and Tomilea son, and West Lafayette Mayor Sonya her.” Allison in Bloomington (two terms) won Margerum led college towns. Prickett played to the parochial reelections. LaPorte’s Kathleen Chrobak interests of those Mishwaka citizens who Page 4 Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011

wanted no part of joint efforts with neigh- Bart Peterson by nearly 20,000 votes. That boring South Bend and solidified her race became a referendum on Goldsmith’s popularity by besting South Bend in eco- two controversial terms in office. But in losing nomic development competition. But at age to Peterson, Gilroy lost a significant slice of 71, she ran one time too many, losing to the Republican female vote. “It wasn’t just Democrat Kovach as she sought a fifth term GOP women,” said J. Cameron Carter, who in 1979. “Democrats finally were united managed communications for the Gilroy cam- for the first time in the mayoral contests paign. “We were concerned with the female in which she ran,” Colwell recalled. “While vote in the closing weeks.” Maggie still was personally popular, there And therein lies the danger to female may- was a growing feeling among Mishawaka oral candidates. Because the mayor deals with voters that some of the key figures in her the grittier aspects of public policy - running administration had been in power too long police and fire departments, collecting the and needed to go.” garbage, running the sewer system - the real- For most females, just breaking ity is that many voters see it as a “man’s job.” through the glass ceiling can be daunting. But staying in office can be even more of Playing brute force politics a challenge. Successful female mayors - as In 2003, Indiana had 14 females Prickett did with her poker games - have to in the two major parties who ran for play brute force politics. mayor and 11 won in 119 cities, includ- Chicago’s Jane Byrne won a 1979 ing Nancy Michael in Greencastle, Linda mayoral race when incumbent Mayor Buzinec in Hobart, Gail Kemp in Hunting- Michael Bilandic mishandled a blizzard that burg, Suzanne Handshoe in Kendallville, year. Byrne made a number of bold moves, Deborah Cantwell in Lawrence, Shannon such as temporarily moving into the crime- Buskirk in Martinsville, Rosemary Knowles riddled Cabrini-Green housing project. But in Mount Vernon, Sally Hutton in Rich- she made critical mistakes, such as endors- mond, Gayle Strassell in Tell City, Judy ing Sen. Edward Kennedy in his race against Chastain in Salem, and Jan Mills in West President Jimmy Carter, then had a public Lafayette. Of those, Michael, Knowles and showdown with her fire department, which Mills defeated female opponents. Richmond Mayor Sally Hutton had been ordered to knock off a climber on In 2007, four of those - Buzinec, (top) and Fort Wayne Republican the John Hancock Center with a fire hose. Buskirk, Knowles, Chastain - lost primary Paula Hughes will be running this Ultimately Byrne lost a 1983 reelection battles to men. And another five - Mills, year. battle to African-American candidate Harold Kemp, Cantwell, and Strassell along with Washington after splitting the white vote appointed Franklin Mayor Brenda Jones-Matthews - lost with Cook County State’s Attorney Richard M. Daley, the general reelections. son of the former mayor and now the current mayor. A big winner in 1999 - New Albany Republican Re- The political danger for Kennedy could be ele- gina Overton - upset Mayor Doug England by 1,300 votes. ments she views as assets. Her two young children were In 2003, Democrat James Garner easily defeated Overton conspicuous at Monday’s campaign kickoff. But that can put 5,971 to 3,893. the campaign into the gender gray zone. Fair or not, some This year, along with Kennedy, two Fort Wayne voters will question why she isn’t raising her young children Republicans - former Allen County Councilwoman Paula as opposed to running American’s 12th largest city. Hughes and Fort Wayne Councilwoman Liz Brown - are Kennedy’s portfolio as deputy mayor under Bart challenging incumbent men. If Hughes or Brown wins the Peterson centered on economic development, playing an GOP primary (Eric Doden is also running) the winner takes instrumental role in creating the BioCrossroads project. on first-term Democratic Mayor Tom Henry. Republican Her community activism is broad and includes programs Linda Buskirk lost to Democrat Graham Richard in 2003 by like Dress for Success, Great Indy Neighborhood Initiative, a 27,251 to 19,701 margin. Teach for America and the Domestic Violence Network. The experience of then Secretary of State Sue The campaign website features the couple’s “twin Anne Gilroy in Indianapolis is instructive. She entered the school-age children, Marcus and Sophia.” In fact, the cam- 1999 mayor’s race with the imprimatur of former mayors paign is themed around them. “It is their future, and the Dick Lugar, Bill Hudnut and Stephen Goldsmith, but lost to opportunities Melina and Bob want for them, that drives Page 5 Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011

her commitment trast. We are doing more with to public service less. We’ve improved city ser- and her vision of vices and in 2009, we offered a new tomorrow relief to taxpayers by reduc- for Indianapolis.” ing income taxes by nearly Kennedy $7 million. We continue to is undaunted by consolidate township fire any gender gap. departments to provide more “My candidacy efficient and cost-effective is based on my services. For mayors, I led experience. I’m the charge for property tax qualified to run caps, and now the average the city,” she said homeowner is paying one- on Wednesday. third less in property taxes “I have the vision than they did in 2007! That and passion and is leadership at work, and we I happen to be a Melina Kennedy announcing her candidacy on Monday with husband Bob and absolutely cannot go back.” woman.” her two young children to her right. She had a good week, reporting $1 million Her while Jose Evans dropped out of the race, leaving only Rob Gibson facing her Instructive history candidacy comes in the Democratic primary (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey) History can be instructive on the heels of in Indianapolis politics. Police two other historic controversies can exact a po- political events in the state when Hillary Rodham Clinton litical price, as Goldsmith found out in 1996 when a police became the first women to win the Indiana presidential pri- riot ruined his gubernatorial bid. When Mayor Lugar ran for mary and then the man she defeated then, Barack Obama, the U.S. Senate in 1974, there was another police contro- became the first African-American president and the first versy that didn’t help in his loss to Sen. Birch Bayh. Democrat to carry Indiana since 1964. Ballard acknowledged that in his campaign kickoff, “Our president broke some barriers,” Kennedy said, saying, “We are putting more police officers and detectives adding that in recent judicial elections, “the top vote get- into the hot spots, using real time data to be proactive in ters have been women. I think the people will be look at our crime prevention – and the numbers show it is working. me as a candidate who can be effective. I don’t think it will Now we’ve had our share of challenges in recent months, be a key issue.” but let me be clear – the vast majority of the brave men She plans to hold Ballard accountable on several and women who put on that uniform everyday are dedicat- fronts. Kennedy said he reneged on a promise to rescind ed to making our city safer and serving the public honor- the county option income tax hike. And he’s lost 35,000 ably.” jobs, Kennedy says. There have been an array of tax and Kennedy notes that the homicide rate is up despite fee increases and there have been problems with the India- falling in other big cities across the nation while property napolis Metropolitan Police Department which has been at crimes are up. “Why are we not following national trends?” the center of the Officer David Brisard vehicular homicide she asked. “That will be an issue.” case and the alleged beating of a teenager. Another critical aspect is knowing when to go Ballard will defend his record, saying in his Decem- negative. Gilroy was forced to run negative ads in 1999 ber campaign kickoff, “Just last month, Newsweek listed when polls showed Peterson leading and they backfired. Indianapolis as one of the top 10 cities in America best The same happened to Peterson eight years later with poised for economic recovery. CNBC named Indianapolis Ballard winning by 5,000 votes despite a 10-to-1 money as one of the 10 best cities to relocate to. In fact, we have disadvantage and only a couple of weeks of positive TV. commitments for more than 8,500 new jobs and nearly The two decade-long population shift is a big 900 million dollars in capital investment to the city this year advantage for Kennedy, as Democratic candidates swept alone. To put that in perspective, in this difficult economy, all Marion County offices on Nov. 2 despite the Republican Indianapolis attracted 3,000 more jobs than any other year tsunami nationally. in the last 10 years! That is leadership at work.” If Kennedy can take advantage of those trends this Ballard added, “As cities across the country face November, then the real challenge may just be beginning. staggering budget deficits, and have increased taxes and And that’s winning reelection. v dramatically cut services, Indianapolis stands in proud con- Page 6 Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011

Americans are so mentally ill that they are capable of violent outbursts, according to research by Dr. E. Fuller Violence Torrey, a research pychiatrist and author of “The Insanity Defense.” It is out of this mostly apolitical group that half of The not-so-distant the American murder rampages similar to what we saw last Saturday are perpetrated. Many cite the shrill political rhetoric these American cousin days as a potentially volatile element. But in reality, vio- lence has been a constant companion in the American By BRIAN A. HOWEY experience, whether it was the gun duels of Aaron Burr, INDIANAPOLIS - Hoosier U.S. Reps. Shepard Crum- Alexander Hamilton or Andrew Jackson, the street brawls packer and E. Ross Adair were seated on the House floor of Tammany and Chicago politics, or canings on the House on March 1, 1954 in the midst of an immigration debate floor in the prelude to the Civil War. when they were startled by a commotion in the gallery. Violence flared last Saturday and it inevitably will “I didn’t realize they were shooting guns,” Crum- again some day. packer recalled in a 1986 interview. “I thought it was firecrackers. So we just sat there and then we realized that anybody who had gotten up and ran had either been shot or shot at. People who moved attracted their attention.” Five congress- men were shot by Puerto Rican extrem- ists - some in the back - and none were killed. The story is a reminder that violence has always been a not-so-distant cousin to American politics. Four of our presidents have been assassinated and several others - including Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan - were injured in attempts in some 20 U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly during an August 2009 town hall that was moved outside to a Kokomo street due to attacks. All of our mod- the size of the crowd. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey) ern presidents since Richard Nixon have In the quarter century that I’ve covered Indiana been targeted, with the exception of President Obama. politics, the notion of violence is a constant, if latent, That U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, federal Judge companion. For me it became more conspicuous in August John M. Roll and 9-year-old Christina Green - among oth- 2009 as the health reform debate rolled into the town hall ers - couldn’t escape the gunsights of Jared Loughner with season. We watched national media coverage of people the stillness that Crumpacker and Adair summoned in their showing up at rallies carrying AK-47s and with Jeffersonian crosshair moment is tragic. placards, quoting “The tree of liberty is watered by the In the confusing aftermath some of my media col- blood of patriots and tyrants.” leagues and many citizens became engrossed in specula- I traveled to Kokomo to watch U.S. Rep. Joe Don- tion of a political motive. Statistically, an estimated 40,000 Page 7 Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011

nelly host a town hall and close to 500 people showed I remember leaving Kokomo that day with a up, prompting the congressman to move it outside to the good feeling. The public square had been the scene of a street. Having grown up in nearby Peru, I know Kokomo vigorous, respectful debate. well and its politics can be dynamic. During the energy While Donnelly and U.S. Rep. Mike Pence keep a shocks three decades ago, I remembered UAW members brisk pace of town halls, other members of the Indiana lining U.S. 31, verbally targeting those who drove foreign- delegation avoided them. Then congressman Baron Hill, made autos. Beyond this passion, there was little reason to who struggled to control a town hall that same month at expect political violence. Bloomington North HS, spoke of “political terrorists” to the As Donnelly spoke, there were several plain clothes Washington Post. “That’s a strong word to use, but if you’re cops in the audience. Under the intense heat and sunlight there to blow up a meeting, that’s terrorism,” Hill told HPI. (Donnelly borrowed my Ray-Bans for the first 15 minutes Hill acknowledged he used “pretty strong language” but of the discussion), folks asked questions and demanded described people disrupting town hall meetings around explanations. Donnelly was earnest, respectful and was the U.S. as those “who have no intention in engaging in interested in facts and debate.” opinions. That is what Republican Tea he received from these Party activist and assembled patriots. U.S. Senate candi- “This is our date Richard Behney chance to hear what talked of cleaning his others have to say,” guns if change didn’t Donnelly told the crowd come to Washington. which appeared to be Many activists realized an even mix of Obama the danger of such supporters and skeptics rhetoric, as was the whose concerns ranged case in Corydon last from budget deficits fall when, during a to “death panels” and speech by Treasurer abortion, and even Richard Moudock, a constitutional concerns. sign was placed near Nearly half the license the stage repudiating plates in the nearby violence. parking lot were from It is a sad thing outside Howard County. when public servants Like his close become afraid of the friend Gabrielle Giffords people. - with whom Donnelly It’s a two-way had entered Congress street. Political can- in 2007 - the Democrat didates and activists had hosted “Congress who place gun cross- on the Corner” events, including one at a Martin’s Super- hairs on the maps of political opponents - as was the case market in Mishawaka a few days before. Normally 15 or with Reps. Giffords, Hill and Donnelly so targeted - stand to 20 people might show up, but on that day more than 200 reap a bitter harvest. Politicians who target minorities and turned out. The atmosphere that Donnelly experienced in they are killed or injured by extemists risk the broad bush. Kokomo and Mishawaka demanded a strict stewardship. The public square needs to survive and sometimes “What I won’t have is people screaming and shouting at it may be up to average citizens to keep a watchful eye each other,” he said. “At that point, we have a safety risk.” over our public servants, even if we disagree with their Afterwards, a sweating Donnelly who talked politics. Good employers protect their employees. for nearly 90 minutes, beamed at how the event that was As for the Jared Loughners who invariably walk originally supposed to take place in a 100-person audito- among us, Hoosier singer John Mellencamp observed in rium ultimately turned out. “What you saw here was a real his song “Rural Route” - “Give us the mercy for the drug- Hoosier crowd. They wanted to hear what I had to say and addicted and the mentally ill .... “ v I wanted to hear what they had to say. I’m glad it went that way. I expected it to go that way.” Page 8 Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011

expanding universe? Not in Mitch Daniels’ Indiana. “Across Daniels speech through the country, state spending, despite the recession, is still up sharply the last six years. But here it is virtually flat, one-third the rate of inflation. Elsewhere, state government the presidential prism payrolls have grown, but here, we have the nation’s fewest By BRIAN A. HOWEY state employees per capita, fewer than we did in 1978.” INDIANAPOLIS - When sizing up Gov. Mitch Dan- Echoes of George H.W. Bush in 1988 saying iels’ seventh State of the State address in the prism of a “read my lips?” In Mitch Daniels’ Indiana, “I just mentioned potential presidential bid, the 30 minute annual exercise no tax increases. Can I get an amen to that?” he asked. was chalked full of fodder. The conservative wing of the Indiana Senate - The first quarter of the speech was heavy on In- Sens. Mike Delph, Jim Banks and Dennis Kruse - were diana contrast with the rest of the Great Recession belea- standing and saying “Amen.” guered states. First, there was anticipation. Homespun cornbelt wisdom? “Remember what the “Hoosiers are wating tonight for a national eco- Hoosier philosopher said: ‘It’s tainted money. ‘Taint yours, nomic recovery,” Daniels said. “The best efforts of our ‘taint mine” (actually it was Mark Twain) as the governor state, or any one state, to break free of recession’s suf- made a case for tax refunds when reserves exceed 10 per- focating clutch, are never adequate cent of annual needs. Grins creased and we can’t wait for better times.” the faces of all good Republicans and Then contrast. even some Democrats. Sizing up the nation, “Indi- There were teachable civics mo- ana is now the leader in business cli- ments and instances of humility. mate, fiscal integrity, transportation, Bragging about the epic gains last property taxes and so many other Nov. 2? respects.” You could feel The Wall “It changed a few things,” Daniels Street Journal, the Concord Coalition said. “like the seating arrangement in and Grover Norquist leaping to their this chamber.” But ... “that election, feet. like all elections, was not a victory for “Breaking the all-time record one side. It was an instruction to all for new job commitments isn’t of us. It was not an endorsement of enough,” Daniels explained. “Adding a political party, it was an assignment new jobs at twice the national average isn’t enough. We to everyone present.” did all of those things in 2010, but it couldn’t offset the ter- There was an Obamaesque call for unity. “By itself, rible drag of a national economic ebb tide that continues to it accomplished nothing, but it threw open the door to leave too many boats stuck in the muck.” great accomplishment,” Daniels said. “Starting tonight, we He talked of the 2008 property tax cuts and the must step through that door together.” constitutional caps. Daniels talked about reforming criminal sentencing “Tonight, because of our action, Indiana’s property laws in a nation where 14 states have either legalized or taxes are the lowest anywhere in America. And thanks to a decriminalized some drug laws. ringing 72 percent verdict by our fellow citizens, who voted He talked of government reform in an area the in referendum to protect those cuts in our constitution, Tea Party avoids, describing townships awash in millions of they’re going to stay that way. During this terrible reces- dollars of reserves while neighboring governmental units sion, at least 35 states raised taxes, but Indiana cut them. are broke. He called for “major changes” in education Since ‘04, the other 49 states added to their debt, by 40 “rooted most deeply in a love” for school, teacher, student percent. We paid ours down by 40 percent.” and parent. So in the Tea Party era, the combination of tax He talked of foreign societies - even Slovenia - cuts and constitutionality is a potentially powerful political passing our schools by. potion. On the Daniels time line, Indiana is on the 18th Fiscal credibility? As Illinois, California, New York hole, in the NFL red zone with Peyton Manning, racing with and Texas face structural deficts measured in the tens of Bulldog Gordon Hayward past Duke defenders and the 10 billions of dollars, “Our credit is AAA,” Daniels said. “Here in second line. Indiana, we live within our means.” By the time Gov. Daniels should be giving his Expanding government keeping pace with the ever eighth and final State of the State, the compelling datelines may well be Des Moines and Dixville Notch.v Page 9 Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011

Shepard also addressed the issue of criminal justice Shepard finds ‘amazing sentencing reform. “The package of sentencing reforms before you is based on reliable evidence. I think it’s good for Indiana range of challenges’ and I join Gov. Daniels in endorsing it,” Shepard said. By SAMM QUINN Daniels had also called for criminal sentencing INDIANAPOLIS—Indiana Chief Justice Randall T. reform during his State of the State address Tuesday night. Shepard said in his State of the Judiciary Address Wednes- Such changes would “see that law breakers are day that challenges such as the foreclosure crisis have incarcerated in a smarter way, one that matches their place created the same challenges for the state’s courts that they of punishment to their true danger to society,” Daniels said. have for other branches of government. “We can be tougher on the worst offenders, and “The challenges of the moment cover an amaz- protect Hoosiers more securely, while saving a billion dol- ing range,” Shepard said. “The men and the women of lars the next few years,” Daniels said the night before. the Indiana courts tackle all these issues and more, both Sen. Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, said that the through long-range strategic planning and through immedi- General Assembly should be careful in regard to sentenc- ate action.” ing reform and provide incentives for those attempting to Shepard said that the re-enter society from prison. mortgage foreclosure crisis is “What can we present to an area that all three branch- those people? We need to es of Indiana government provide them with opportu- have worked. nity,” Taylor said. Foreclosure filings “If not, there’s a were even higher last year risk of them going back to than in 2009. jail.” “While Indiana may Shepard also said no longer be near the top of the state’s courts need to the national list, that’s little take better advantage of comfort to the 43,000 new technological advances. families facing loss of their “If there’s a field homes,” Shepard said. where Indiana’s courts have He said that the proven themselves capable General Assembly recently of identifying an opportu- passed legislation giving every nity or a problem, devising homeowner the right to a a plan to address it and settlement conference and executing on the plan, it is the chance to negotiate for a Indiana Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard during this State of the technology,” Shepard said. modified loan. Judiciary Address on Wednesday. (HPI/Franklin Photo by Tim Recently the “The judges working Grimes) Judicial Technology and on this have discovered that Automation Committee when the court itself sends a separate settlement notice, built a system to notify law more than 40 percent of the homeowners respond,” he enforcement immediately when a court enters a protective said. order on behalf of victims of domestic violence. To make sure that these conferences are pro- “Victims will soon be able to receive immediate ductive, the judiciary has assigned settlement facilitators to notice by text or e-mail,” Shepard said. “bring the right people to the right table.” The chief justice’s last major point dealt with Techniques now are used in counties that have 60 simplifying the way courts communicate with non-lawyers percent of the foreclosures and the rest of the state will be involved in judicial proceedings. covered by the end of the year. It is done without any claim Shepard said that the new “Plain English Jury to the state’s general fund because a user’s fee has been Instructions” make the legal system easier for citizens. The authorized on foreclosure cases filed by lenders. drafting committee spent three years revising the tradition- “There is a need for further legislation, and we’ve al instructions. v outlined our own ideas to possible sponsors,” Shepard said. Adam Powell contributed to this story. Page 10 Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011

We’ve come a little ways since then,” Daniels said. Daniels takes aim at Daniels said in his address that townships are not only outdated, but they have an abundance of money. He said that the townships have hundreds of millions of dollars township government in reserves. By SUZANNAH COUCH After the State of the State, Driskell said that her INDIANAPOLIS - Township government could be organization has conducted surveys and they found town- abolished if Gov. Mitch Daniels and the Republican majority ships that have large sums in reserve sometimes are saving of the General Assembly pass their proposed local govern- for a capital project, such as a community center. ment reform legislation. “Townships, as part of their history, have shown The leader of the Indiana Town- themselves to be units of government that pay cash for ship Association signaled that township their purchases,” Driskell said. “Many townships are saving government won’t go away without a for those … purposes.” v fight. “We feel strongly we still need to have that local checks and balances with locally elected folks, at a very low cost to Linking drugs to jobs the taxpayer,” said Debbie Driskell, the as- sociation’s executive director. By MEGAN BANTA Driskell said it costs taxpayers 7 to INDIANAPOLIS --- A proposal that could require 27 cents per board member per household to have a town- jobless Hoosiers seeking unemployment benefits to say, ship advisory board. She said many township board mem- under penalty of perjury, that they haven’t used and will bers make less than $500 dollars per year, and most make not use drugs moved to the Senate floor Wednesday. less than $1,000 a year. Sen. Jean Leising, R-Oldenburg, said that Senate In his State of the State, Daniels said that he sup- Bill 86, which she authored, would protect employers. ports the recommendation of the Kernan-Shepard Com- “As our unemployment population stays high and mission, which states that township government should be we have more and more frustrated people that we rep- eliminated and that the duties of the boards be assigned resent, more frustrated employers worrying about how to city and county officials. “If their duties are transferred they’re going to pay increased unemployment premium to the county council, you lose that local representation in tax, I think we’ve got to figure out who’s receiving [welfare every township,” Driskell countered. benefits] and if they’re eligible,” Leising said. Mark Lawrance from the Indiana Chamber of Sen. Jim Arnold, D-LaPorte, said he thought that Commerce said the Legislature should eliminate township Leising had a valid point. government where it is no longer needed. Lawrance said “You’ve probably undertaken a problem that we’re voters should have the option to vote to have a township all concerned with and I think we all need to really evaluate government, especially in rural counties. that [and] look at it,” Arnold said. “Some don’t want to do anything. Others want to While Arnold said that he is supportive to Leising’s wipe out townships altogether. My bill eliminates townships stance, he thinks that the bill has a long way to go before it in large counties,” Rep. Phil Hinkle, R-Indianapolis, said can be passed as law. about counties with first- and second-class cities. Ed Roberts, vice president of human resources and Under state law, Indianapolis is the only city given labor for the Indiana Manufacturers Association, also gave first-class status. Second-class cities must have populations testimony in favor of the bill. between 35,000 and 600,000. Fort Wayne, Bloomington He argued that in order to be eligible for unem- and Evansville, among others, are second-class cities. ployment benefits you must be available and actively seek- Every city with a population of less than 35,000 is ing work, and that drug users are not available for work. third-class. “In rural areas, there would be county-wide ref- Roberts suggested that the committee “link drug erendums. Hopefully, that kind of approach will find some use by whatever evidence that knowledge may be acquired common ground,” Hinkle said. to availability for work.” Lawrance and Daniels both argued that the role Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Portage, agreed that there is of the township has changed from the 1800s when the a problem with the current system, but she does not agree system first was established. with Roberts’ suggestion and did not think that the bill will “Many township lines were laid out to accommo- address the problem. date the round-trip distance a horse could travel in a day. Tallian said the bill could put up “another barrier to Page11 Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011

receiving unemployment benefits for people who are other- said a public smoking ban would hurt casinos’ business. wise entitled to them.” The state’s Legislative Services Agency estimates Sen. Jim Buck, R-Kokomo, disagreed. He sees the that it could cost Indiana between $95 million and $188 bill in a positive light. “I think this is a bill that’s trying to million in gambling tax revenue in fiscal year 2012. bring one thing that seems to be lacking in society any- There are three amendments to the bill that will be more, and that’s accountability,” Buck said. discussed and voted on next Wednesday. v George Raymond, vice president of human re- sources and labor relations for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, also gave testimony in favor of the bill. Ray- mond said that there is a paradox when it comes to drug School’s out for summer? testing: an employee caught using drugs and fired for that By ZACH OSOWSKI same reason can be denied unemployment benefits, but INDIANAPOLIS - Just like last year, three Indiana an employee terminated for any other reason is free to use state senators want to change the start date for Indiana drugs while receiving unemployment benefits. schools “We need to look at eligibility and we need to look “It [Senate Bill 171] will mandate that schools at benefit levels to try to bring a balanced approach to our start their school year after Labor Day and end no later fund system,” Raymond said. than June 10,” said Sen. Mike Delph, R-Indianapolis, one Leising agreed with Raymond. “I think we’ve really of the bill’s three sponsors. Sen. Dennis Kruze, R-Auburn, got to address the misuse of the system,” Leising said. “I’m and Sen. Scott Schneider, R-Indianapolis, are the other just trying to get people to be honest that they are truly two sponsors. Delph told the Senate Education Commit- eligible for unemployment.” tee Wednesday that his push for the changed school start The Senate Pensions and Labor Committee ap- date began when Delph had a discussion with some of his proved the bill on a 9-1 vote. Tallian voted against it. constituents who were upset about how early school was “This is not what we need to do,” Tallian said. starting in August. He said they were frustrated by their “What we need to do are things that really work. I just lack of ability to talk to their school administrators about think that this sort of empty pledge (by applicants) does getting it moved back. nothing, and that was why I objected to it.” v Sen. Earline Rogers, D-Gary, repeatedly asked why Delph thought the state government should be responsible to mandate when schools start. She said local government Heated smoke ban debate should make decisions regarding local schools. Many witnesses, including Becky Beckdell, a volun- By MONICA HARVEY teer spokesperson for Save Indiana Summers, who carried INDIANAPOLIS - A bill that would ban smoking in a bright T-shirt touting her cause, said this is something public place and work sites produced heated debate before that most superintendents want. “No superintendent wants a committee of the Indiana House of Representatives on to be the first to step down even thought they all want to,” Wednesday. Beckdell said. House Bill 1018 generated two hours of argument. The main opposition to the bill came from teachers The only interruption was a fire alarm in the middle of the and principals. Nancy Papas, representing the Indiana State House Public Health Committee meeting. Teachers Association, said having a schedule like the one Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, said his measure isn’t Delph proposes would leave schools with fewer breaks over hard to understand. It will ban smoking in public places, in the course of the year. “Students and staff alike do burn places of employment and within 12 feet of public places or out if they go for a long time with no break,” Papas said. enclosed areas. “The bill is straight forward,” said Brown. The hotel and tourism industry are among those in Still, it generated controversy. favor of pushing the school start date back to September Brown dismissed the notion of smokers’ rights. so more people might travel to in Indiana during the month “It should be noted that there is no constitutional of August. right to smoke,” said Brown. Proponents pointed to Michigan as an example of a Greenfield resident Karena Walter, 38, said she quit state that has a late school start and brings in many tour- her job at the Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg in March ists as well. v because of the secondhand smoke. “I just want be cared for as a person—as an em- ployee,” said Walter. Mike Smith of the Casino Association of Indiana Page 12 Thursday, Jan.13, 2011

vast majority of the Democrats who were re-elected were GOP health repeal strong advocates of the reform, running in districts where it is more popular. It was the Democratic “Blue Dogs” who could work (or backfire) opposed or strongly criticized the health care reform who suffered substantial losses. By JACK COLWELL And in the Senate, there is no chance of getting SOUTH BEND - The new Republican-controlled the votes for repeal, not alone for a veto override. House now cannot kill the health care reform law, but it So, Upton cannot be in the role of Dr. Kevorki- can endanger the plan’s health and perhaps leave it termi- an, killing the health care reform outright. But he and other nally ill. Republican chairmen in the House can make it very sick, Congressman Fred Upton, the Michigan Republican perhaps terminally ill, with its demise coming if there is a from St. Joseph, pledged last week on “Fox News Sunday” Republican president taking office in 2013. to use his new committee chairmanship “to go after this Republican chairmen can hold hearings on every bill piece by piece . . . to see if we can’t aspect of the plan, tying up Obama administration officials have the thing crumble.” responsible for implementing it with demands for tons of When Fox host Chris Wallace said information and reports and day after day of testimony. repeal “is not going to happen,” with A more telling blow could come through “starv- Democrats still controlling the Senate ing” the plan by House refusal to fund implementation of and President Obama with veto power, significant pieces, part of the Upton strategy of looking at Upton responded: “Just wait.” Spoken the plan piece by piece “ to see if we can’t have the thing like the avowed Chicago Cubs fan that crumble.” he is. The strategy could work. Waiting for repeal this year will be Or backfire. as fruitful as waiting for the Cubs this Republicans favoring this approach believe there is season to win the World Series. The still strong public disapproval of the plan and that they can numbers don’t add up - for repeal or the Cubs. But both continue to make political gains by attacking it and promis- causes could see prospects improve for the future, 2013 for ing to make it all go away. repeal. Democrats, who know they lost the public debate Upton is the new chairman of the House Energy over the bill by the way deliberations dragged on and and Commerce Committee, with jurisdiction over aspects of content was poorly explained, cite polls showing growing the health care reform legislation passed last year. While popularity for parts of the plan, such as prohibiting insur- Upton had been known for sharing pizza at lunches with ance denial for pre-existing conditions, allowing children GOP centralists, he couldn’t have won the chairmanship to stay on parents’ insurance until age 26 and closing the without now drinking the tea of the party advocates of doughnut hole for senior citizens for Medicare drug costs. instant death of the health care reform plan. “Make my day,” say the Democrats who welcome Although the president hails the plan as a monu- Republicans continuing to fight to repeal all of the health mental reform, long overdue, to improve the nation’s care law. health, hold down health costs and trim the federal deficit, “You already made our day,” say the Republicans Republican critics of what they call “Obamacare” claim it who welcomed the Democratic passage of the law as a won’t accomplish any of that and actually would hurt the political gift in 2010. They see it as a gift that keeps on health care system. giving. v Members of the House Republican majority, many of whom credit their vociferous opposition to the Colwell has covered politics over five decades for health care reform as instrumental in their election victories the South Bend Tribune. and take-over of the House, are anxious to continue with the same strategy. Many promised to vote for repeal. And they will. Repeal will pass quickly in the House. Upton contended that “a significant number of Democrats” will join in the repeal, with the House at least close to the two-thirds vote needed to override a veto and with “enormous pressure on the Senate to do perhaps the same thing.” One problem with this House scenario is that a Page 13 Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011

and Halloween so important that we care unable to raise Daniels ignores the annual taxes by the amount we spend on those blatantly silly events? deficit of neglect To attract more businesses to Indiana we could accelerate depreciation on capital investments. That is, if a By MORTON J. MARCUS firm makes an investment in Indiana, the company could INDIANAPOLIS - When Mitch Daniels speaks his recoup that expenditure faster than allowed on the federal mind, he usually thinks through his positions carefully. It return. This would make Indiana a more attractive place was no surprise, therefore, that he thanked Illinois for for business location and create new, better jobs for our considering higher taxes to combat its financial difficulties. citizens. Higher taxes in our neighboring state, In the long run, a place (city or state) will attract the governor contends in an interview households and businesses through the services it offers, with the Northwest Indiana Times, not the taxes it does not collect. Our political leadership will drive residents and businesses to knows this, but ignores it. Most public officials focus on Indiana. election rather than service. Daniels believes, if I may When pandering to the worst aspects of public speak for him, government needs to opinion, elected officials say things like, “My job is to pro- moderate its programs in times of tect the interests of the taxpayer.” economic distress. He proudly holds This is sad. The statement presumes citizens think the line on taxes and cuts spending of themselves only in terms of taxes paid and not services in order to sustain Indiana’s good fiscal enjoyed. Yet, that is how citizens think because public condition. officials constantly address us as taxpayers and not as He recognizes our fiscal condition has problems. consumers of government services - clients of government Unfunded pensions remain a liability for state and local agencies. governments. We are in debt to the federal government Language shapes thought. It is time to recognize because of an underfunded unemployment compensation that we are much more than just taxpayers. Perhaps that fund. Our local infrastructure reveals serious neglect. is happening in Illinois. v To balance the Hoosier budget, we (yes, you and I are as culpable as the governor and the legislature) have Marcus is an independent economist, speaker, and cut services to those who are in serious need and often writer formerly with IU’s Kelley School of Business. have no voice to object. One example will do: the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) has cut funding for people who require 24/7 supervision and assistance. Often their emergency needs can not be met adequately. It may be good fiscal management, but it is heartless, dangerous neglect. Nonetheless, this is the Indiana to which we hope to attract Illinois residents and businesses. Our workers struggle to receive justified compensa- tion for injuries on the job. Our unemployed must make do with less generous payments than similar people in other states. Our schools are inadequate by most measures. Our local streets and roads are in poor-to-dismal repair. Our highway program is more than a generation behind. Ancient sewerage systems all over the state are in need of modernization. Pub- lic transit is on life support where it still exists. All these deficits, but we have a balanced budget! Do Hoosiers have such low opinions of themselves that they truly condone such neglect? Is private household consumption for Valentine’s Day Page 14 Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011

Matt Tully, Indianapolis Star: Gov. Mitch Dan- sense. With the Indiana House and Senate now both in iels promised there would be no surprises in his State of GOP control, he would gain some substantial victories the State address Tuesday evening. His 2011 legislative he could tout on the campaign trail. Already, Daniels has agenda, after all, had been exhaustively laid out in recent achieved national acclaim for guiding a state that has main- weeks. So I tuned in instead to look for clues about the tained a balanced budget, even as other states have run up presidential questions surrounding Indiana’s governor. deficits. His national profile was elevated as well by a new Would there be signs of a budding White House bid in his Zogby International poll that showed 5 percent of Repub- 30-minute speech? Would he look for ways to impress lican voters said they would vote for Daniels for president national political pundits or Republican insiders who have in 2012 if he were on the ballot. That’s progress. Not near begun to pay more and more attention to him? Would New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, at 27 percent, but still No. 5 he offer something intended to endear himself to social on the list. v conservatives and others who dominate the GOP primaries? The answer to all of the above questions was no. Daniels Eric Bradner, Evansville Courier & Press: If he is stuck to the same themes he has talked about for seven interested in running for governor in 2012, Evansville Mayor years now and avoided any gratuitous shout-outs to the Jonathan Weinzapfel’s plan to consider his options and wait D.C. crowd. His target audience appeared to be the Hoosier a few months before making an announcement will give lawmakers and voters who were watching. The funny thing him time to see how other potential candidates maneuver. is, though, anyone looking to see what kind of presiden- U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, the likely Republican candidate if tial candidate Daniels would be, or what kind of he wants to run for the governor’s mansion message he would bring to the campaign trail, rather than the White House, likely will have found plenty of answers Tuesday. He talked in announced his decision by then. And U.S. Rep. depth about government efficiency and spending Joe Donnelly, who is said to prefer to remain in restraint, issues that have long filled his speech- Congress but might not stand much of a chance es. With lawmakers preparing to begin a debate at doing so after the redistricting process is over the next two-year budget, Daniels insisted: complete, will have the information he needs “We will stay in the black, whatever it takes.” to make his decision about whether another Daniels has pushed that message from the day term in the House is possible, or whether he’ll need to seek he took office in 2005. The good news for him is that the another office. Weinzapfel is one of at least three potential message has taken center stage for the GOP base of late. candidates from Southern Indiana. Others are former U.S. All that talk from Republican voters about the federal deficit Rep. Brad Ellsworth and former Indiana House Speaker and increased government spending? That plays into Dan- John Gregg of Sandborn. “To say that there are multiple iels’ strengths. v people that are looking at it — and I would assume that includes the mayor from Evansville — is accurate,” said Dan Doug Ross, Times of Northwest Indiana: Indi- Parker, the Indiana Democratic Party chairman. “I think ana Gov. Mitch Daniels has been coy about his presidential we have a solid crop of candidates that are looking at it.” prospects. When I asked him about it sometime back, he Democrats split almost evenly between Jill Long Thompson said he might run if he were drafted, opening the door a and another contender, Jim Schellinger, in the 2008 pri- crack to the possibility. That crack is widening. Max Eden, a mary. Long Thompson won the party’s nomination, but was senior at Yale University, is building a Students for Daniels already hobbled on her way to being handily defeated by organization in hopes of persuading the governor to run incumbent Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels. Parker said he’d for president in 2012. A flashy website has been built, and prefer to avoid a similar scenario in 2012. “I lived through a network of organizations at colleges across the United a primary in ‘08 and I don’t want to have to do that again,” States is being formed this month. Eden told me Thursday he said. Anthony Long, the Democratic Party’s 8th Congres- the list is up to about 40 college campuses, and he is hop- sional District chairman, said he is encouraging Weinzapfel, ing for more than 100. Then, in February, the “Draft Dan- Ellsworth and Gregg to consider running for governor. “I iels” petition will be ready for the students to sign. Eden think the candidate for governor next year will come from wants to present thousands of signatures to Daniels to con- Southern Indiana, and most likely from what’s now the 8th vince him to run for president. “He says that he will decide District,” he said. He said Weinzapfel has done the most to at the end of April,” Eden said, so time is of the essence. lay the groundwork for a gubernatorial campaign, travel- Daniels has said he wants to get through this legislative ing the state and attending Democratic functions often in session before making up his mind -- or perhaps changing recent years. Ellsworth, meanwhile, could benefit from the his wife’s mind -- about running for president. That makes name recognition he gained during his failed U.S. Senate campaign. v Page 15 Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011

Obama tells nation ‘We can be better’ TUCSON - Summoning the soul of a nation, President Barack Obama on Wednesday implored Amer- icans to honor those slain and injured in the Arizona shootings by becoming better people, telling a polarized citizen- ry that it is time to talk with each other “in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds.” Following a hospital bedside visit with Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, the target of the assassination, he said “She knows we’re here, and she knows we love her.” In an electrifying moment, the president revealed that Giffords, who on Saturday was shot point-blank in Obama’s appeal for civility played out of Representatives. We’re praying for the head, had opened her eyes for the against a deepening political debate. her recovery, the recovery of all those first time shortly after his hospital visit Earlier in the day, Republican Sarah injured and the comfort of the families (Associated Press). First lady Michelle Palin, criticized by some for marking of the fallen.” Pence added, “Today the Obama held hands with Giffords’ Giffords’ district with the crosshairs of American people speak with one voice. husband, Mark Kelly, as the news a gun sight during last fall’s campaign, We will condemn these unspeakable brought soaring cheers from thou- had taken to Facebook to accuse pun- and evil acts. We will remember the sands gathered for a memorial service. dits and journalists of using the attack injured and the lost. And we will gen- Obama bluntly conceded that there to incite hatred and violence. tly reaffirm our ideals.” is no way to know what triggered the shooting rampage that left six people dead, 13 others wounded and the na- Pence pays tribute tion shaken. He tried instead to leave Palin cites indelible memories of the people who to shooting victims were gunned down, and to rally the ‘blood libel’ country to use the moment as a reflec- WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. WASILLA - Sarah Palin posted tion on the nation’s behavior and com- Mike Pence spoke of the shooting in a nearly eight-minute video on her passion. “I believe we can be better,” Tucson on Saturday on the House Facebook page early Wednesday, ac- Obama said to a capacity crowd in the floor Wednesday. “Like every Ameri- cusing journalists and pundits of incit- university’s basketball arena and to can I’ll never forget where I was last ing hatred and violence in the wake of countless others watching around the Saturday,” Pence said. “My wife and I a deadly Arizona shooting that gravely country. “Those who died here, those were shocked and saddened when we wounded U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords who saved lives here — they help learned of the attack on our colleague (Associated Press). Last spring, Palin me believe,” the president said. “We Gabby Giffords, her staff and her targeted Giffords’ district as one of may not be able to stop all evil in the constituents. Gabby is a hard worker, 20 that should be taken back. Palin world, but I know that how we treat a talented legislator and has been said has been criticized for marking each one another is entirely up to us.” He poignantly on this floor so much better district with the cross hairs of a gun spoke of decency and goodness, de- than I will ever be able to today, she’s sight. In the video, the 2008 GOP vice claring: “The forces that divide us are a dear person. And a unique individu- presidential candidate said vigorous not as strong as those that unite us.” al who is universally liked in the House Page 16 Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011

debates are a cherished tradition. But thinks it has enough support to pass Minority Leader Patrick Bauer, D-South she said after the election, both sides in both the Senate and the Indiana Bend, said he believed that was the find common ground, even though House. Similar legislation did pass appropriate action and called Daniels’ they disagree. “But, especially within overwhelmingly in 2008. Kenley said proposals a distraction from more im- hours of a tragedy unfolding, journal- his proposal would amend that law to portant budget and economic issues. ists and pundits should not manufac- clarify provisions that Brainard used to “I think there probably is a need for ture a blood libel that serves only to justify incurring debt without seeking some merging,” Bauer said. “I think incite the very hatred and violence approval from the Carmel City Council. there is compromise there, but I think they purport to condemn. That is rep- at the same time that’s not going to rehensible,” she said. save this budget crisis. That doesn’t help the state cut half a billion to a AFL-CIO to seek billion dollars.” Obama, Daniels at ‘bill of rights’ Gridiron Club INDIANAPOLIS - Members of Gora unhappy with WASHINGTON - Indiana Gov. the Indiana State AFL-CIO and other performance goals Mitch Daniels will speak to the Gridiron labor organizations have scheduled Club in March, addressing the society a news conference for 1:30 p.m. the INDIANAPOLIS - Ball State of Beltway reporters, columnists and Indiana Statehouse where they will University President Jo Ann Gora bureau chiefs at their annual dinner unveil their first-ever “Workers’ Bill of spoke out against the state’s perfor- (Politico). After declining invitations in Rights.” mance-based funding formula, which 2009 and 2010 to speak at the exclu- has led to funding recommendation sive dinner, President Barack Obama that would be the largest drop of any has accepted an invitation and will Bosma hopeful institution in the state (Muncie Star also for the first time since taking of- on township reform Press). Appearing before the Indiana fice. Obama last spoke at the dinner House Ways and Means Committee in in 2006, when he was considering his INDIANAPOLIS - Sen. Den- Indianapolis, Gora criticized the Indi- own national campaign. Health and nis Kruse, a Republican from Auburn ana Commission for Higher Education’s Human Services Secretary Kathleen and former township trustee in DeKalb formula, which includes graduation Sebelius is also scheduled to speak. County, said he disagreed with the rates. The commission compared the governor’s contention that township four-year graduation rates of students government was inefficient and dis- who entered BSU in the fall of 2003 to Kenley bill targets puted the notion that the state would those who entered in the fall of 2005. be better off without the some 4,000 “It’s almost as if you were at a base- development elected township officials (Louisville ball game and they decided the winner based not on what happened over INDIANAPOLIS - The new Courier-Journal). “We should want as the full nine innings but took a look at Center for the Performing Arts many people as we can get involved in what happened between the sixth and wouldn’t be opening if Mayor Jim the process,” Kruse said. “I think the seventh innings and said the winner is Brainard and his redevelopment com- more the better.” Republican House determined by the team that got more mission hadn’t taken their city $95 Speaker Brian Bosma said he didn’t runs in the seventh inning than they million deeper into debt (Indianapolis believe the lukewarm response to got in the sixth inning,” Gora said. Star). And if a powerful state law- the governor’s remarks indicated his maker has his way, neither the Carmel proposals would fall flat. Bosma said redevelopment commission nor any House Republicans, who regained a other in the state will be allowed to majority in November’s election, had Nappanee mayor take on such debt again for big-ticket endorsed a bill that passed the Senate projects unless it has the approval of last year to eliminate township boards to seek 5th term its elected city council. Luke Kenley, a and that the proposals would receive Noblesville Republican who is chair- a full hearing in the House this ses- NAPPANEE - Mayor Larry man of the Senate Appropriations sion. “I think you will see action on Thompson announced earlier this Committee, said he will introduce his many of these initiatives both by the week that he would seek election for proposal today in the Senate, and he House and the Senate,” he said. House his fifth term in office (Elkhart Truth).