V14 N33 Thursday, April 16, 2009 Change Dems don’t believe in trades leader Bayh, Bauer taking Tom O’Donnell different path from - longtime Democrats both the new president backing Gov. Mitch Daniels’ By BRIAN A. HOWEY re-election - was NASHVILLE, Ind. - If a supreme irony. you were there on May 2, 2008 I was half - at the Democratic joking last year Party’s Jefferson-Jackson Day when I wrote Dinner - you heard candidate that Indiana Barack Obama say, “You don’t might have been have to sit here and watch our the only state in leaders do nothing. I learned the union during we don’t have to consign our the Obama-Clin- children to a future of dimin- ton battle where ished returns, a future of few many Democrats opportunities. We don’t have to were really stand by, we don’t have to wait, voting for vice we don’t have to put off, be- president. cause this is the United States U.S. Sen. of America ....” had I remember the room at the Indiana Convention dropped his own presidential campaign and with Hillary Center exploding into applause. Clinton maintaining a 25-percent lead in the polls in Sep- That Obama was speaking under party sponsor banners by sheetmetal union chief Jay Potesta and building See Page 3 Shame of Indiana

By MORTON J. MARCUS INDIANAPOLIS - Most of the 150 men and women who sit in the Indiana General Assembly are fine people. This column, however, is too short to detail how they be- come a collective disgrace. “Obama is making a major mistake They continue to vote along strict party lines. Virtually every Democrat and Repub- in not forcefully outlining the rules lican is in lock-step with the caucus leadership. Even their web sites are of civilization for dealing with segregated. House Republicans and Democrats have their own websites pirates. We look weak.” as do Senate Democrats and Republi- - Newt Gingrich, Twittering cans. Four websites announcing to all that party is the over-riding organiz- Saturday, a day before the Navy Seals ing principle for these puppies. rescued an American held by pirates. HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 2 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 16, 2009 Are your interests being rep- use. While there are no “pure” public Howey Politics resented or are they being sacrificed goods, traffic lights and street lights to the interests of partisanship? When are good examples. The safety I gain Indiana we read that all the Democrats in the from those lights is not diminished by is a nonpartisan news- House voted against all the Republi- your use of them. Whereas, if I can af- cans in the House on a given issue, ford a seat at a Colts game, someone letter based in Indianapolis we know that independence has been else can not use it. cruelly killed by the leadership of each Indianapolis, Gary, South and published by NewsLink party. The same applies to the Sen- Bend, and Fort Wayne have been Inc. It was founded in ate. convinced that new The result professional sports 1994 in Fort Wayne. is a stalemate facilities “deserve” over the budget. public money. The Once more we are same cities do little Brian A. Howey, publisher seeing our state’s of substance to Mark Schoeff Jr.,Washington future stretched support the arts, Jack E. Howey, Editor on the rack of but shell out for politics by the athletic entertain- Beverly Phillips, Associate masters of the ment. The argu- Editor legislature. Each ment is that down- party ignores the town will benefit; governor’s at- restaurants will Subscriptions: tempts at mod- flourish, tourism $350 annually HPI via e-mail; eration by attempting to sell out our will be increased, and kids will have fun. $550 annually HPI & HPI Daily future for votes in the next election. We can do something about Now, to help out the CIB, our Wire. this. We can elect a legislature in Indiana General Assembly is seeking Call 317-254-0535. 2010 that is committed to nonparti- to increase existing taxes and find new sources of revenue. That an India- Howey Politics Indiana san redistricting so that elections are contested with greater vigor. This napolis casino would spell the death of PO Box 40265 may be the best way of getting rid of casinos in Anderson and Shelbyville, Indianapolis, IN 46240-0265. the deadwood that leads to deadlock. while diminishing the attractiveness Otherwise we might have to demand of other gaming venues in the state, legislative term limits to eradicate the is not of concern to the proponents of Contact Us infestation that afflicts us today. the bill. www.howeypolitics.com Consider this: The legisla- This legislature wants to de- fine school days in terms of teachers [email protected] ture is seeking to cover the financial disgrace of the Indianapolis sports instead of students. When the super- Main Office: 317-202-0210. facilities under the Capital Improve- intendent of public instruction wants Howey’s Mobile: 317-506-0883. ments Board (CIB). Sweetheart deals snow days made up in full, the legisla- Indianapolis Fax: 317-254-0535. at Lucas Oil Stadium (home of the ture is willing to have teachers engage Colts) and Conseco Fieldhouse (home in other activities as a substitute for Washington: 202-256-5822. of the Pacers) left CIB without enough teaching. Meeting with parents and Business Office: 317-627-6746. cash to cover expenses. improving skills are important; per- ©2009, Howey Politics Solutions proposed in the haps teachers should have separate legislature: Increased taxation and a compensation for these activities, but Indiana. All rights reserved. new casino for downtown Indianapolis not at the expense of teaching. Photocopying, Internet forwarding, (possibly on the White River or on a This is the legislature that faxing or reproducing in any form, moat surrounding the Statehouse). cut unemployment taxes while raising Long ago legislatures nation- benefits, squandered a surplus and in whole or part, is a violation of wide decided that sports facilities are now faces a massive deficit. We, the federal law without permission from public goods. Economists normally people of Indiana, must demand a leg- the publisher. define public goods as those where islature whose purpose is not politics people can not be excluded from but the public welfare. v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 3 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 16, 2009

to the right. A Democratic blog likened the Stutzman can- Democrats, from page 1 didacy to a “joke.” Yet in recent years, we’ve heard similar sentiments only to find Bart Peterson, Robert Garton and tember 2007, the junior senator endorsed her. The thought Larry Borst not laughing on election night. was that the once-in-a-generation senator from next door For the man who hoped to be a heartbeat away, - Barack Obama - wouldn’t choose a runningmate Bayh has voted against Obama on a couple of key votes, from Indiana motivated Bayh and his Hoosier Democratic including the budget blueprint that the President hopes will allies to tie in with Clinton. bring in an era of energy independence and health care Clinton won the Indiana primary by about a reform. It would be unfair to castigate Bayh for not follow- half percent, but essentially lost the nomination that same ing the party line after criticizing Congressional Republicans night. Obama’s meteoric rise while derailing the Bush/Clin- for doing the same. But Bayh seems to have joined New ton dynasties was stunning. It took only about a month Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg - once an Obama cabinet nom- before Bayh’s vice inee - running away presidential aspira- from the team in a tions were re- fit of self-preserva- kindled. He began tion. showing up on In the Indiana Obama veepstakes General Assem- short lists. There bly, we watch were conspicuous Democratic House joint appearances Speaker B. Patrick at Purdue, Elkhart Bauer and Senate and Portage (com- Minority Leader Vi plete with cam- Simpson either call paign film crews for party line votes shooting away) against the all- and on the eve of but-dead Kernan- the Democratic Shepard reforms, or National Conven- gutting everything tion, Bayh found without even the cable news crews decency of allow- camped on his ing the reforms to front lawn. be fully debated in And then each chamber. came Joe Biden. You can argue After Bayh against some of the was nipped in the Kernan-Shepard veepstakes, the House Speaker B. Patrick Bauer with former East Chicago Mayor Robert Pastrick. Iner- reforms - as many Obama campaign tia has gripped the Indiana Democratic Party under Bauer’s leadership. of my editors stormed back to and readers have Indiana with a - but to flush away vengeance and the clarion message was this: Change. It almost two years of civic engagement under the leader- would not be business as usual in Washington. It shouldn’t ship of Indiana Supreme Court Justice Randall T. Shepard be business as usual in Indianapolis, either. and former Gov. in the amateurish manner that But watching Sen. Bayh and the Democrats in the Bauer flunky John Bartlett did in the House is an insult. Indiana General Assembly, I see nothing but continued That many reform-minded Democrats across political calculation, inertia and status quo. After watching the state sat this chapter out is supremely disappointing. Bayh trend left during his presidential run and veepstakes, And I am here to tell them that there is a poten- he has abruptly moved back to the right. There are conser- tial bitter harvest awaiting in 2010. Look no further than vative Republicans like State Sen. Marlin Stutzman of Howe Kokomo, where City Councilman Mike Karickhoff is poised and former state representative Dan Dumezich of Scher- to challenge Democrat State Rep. Ron Herrell. When Herrell erville preparing a challenge in 2010 while assailing his wins, the House stays Democrat. When he’s defeated - as Senate Banking Committee oversight during what became he was in 2004 - the GOP takes control. Howard County an epic Wall Street meltdown. They are pulling Bayh back has also backed the winning gubernatorial candidate over HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 4 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 16, 2009

the past decade and we find an April 1-2 Public Opinion Strategies Poll showing Gov. Daniels with a 69 percent ap- proval rating despite the ghoulish economy. Karickhoff said he is “generally supportive” of the Kernan-Shepard reforms, though he does not favor all 27 recommendations. He’s like most Hoosiers (including me) who see some of the reforms as obvious and others we can live without. He, too, is angered by Bauer’s royal flush. In my analysis of the 11 closest Indiana House races in 2008, Democrats had six seats where the margin of victory was less than 2,000 votes, not including Her- rell, who was not seriously challenged. And that was with Obama becoming the first Democrat to win the state in 44 years. State Reps. Joe Pearson, Scott Reske, Nancy Mi- chael, Vern Tincher, Bob Bischoff and John Barnes will not have the Obama tailwind next year; they may be facing the kind of political challenge that tends to come in a first presidential mid-term election. Remember that Presidents Reagan and Clinton suffered huge losses in 1982 and 1994 Tax protesters between the Simon Mall headquarters and the Indi- (Clinton, in fact, lost control of Congress). ana Statehouse. (HPI Photo by A. Walker Shaw) And the stakes couldn’t be higher since the party controlling the House in 2011 redraws the congressional and legislative maps. Republicans are already pressing for The most surreal redistricting the way Iowa does it, with a scientific, nonpar- tisan way to prevent the gerrymandered districts that per- petuate the kind of inertia unchallenged legislators foster. Statehouse Tax Day I remember Sen. Bayh at the Democratic National By BRIAN A. HOWEY Convention in Denver telling the nation, “The time for INDIANAPOLIS - Wednesday - April 15 - was a sur- change has come and Barack Obama is the change we real tax day at the Statehouse. need.” Shortly before 2,500 loud but orderly tax protesters I remember listening to candidate Obama at his showed up mingling between the Statehouse, the George campaign kickoff in Springfield, Ill., in February 2007. He Washington statue, and the Simon Mall Headquarters, said, “Washington must change. The genius of our found- the Republican-dominated passed the ers is that they designed a system of government that can Capital Improvement Board bailout. be changed.” It will increase alcohol, rental car, event tickets and Just 12 weeks after Obama took control of the possibly downtown parking for the common man, helping White House, we find Hoosier Democrats in the same the CIB dig out from at least a $47 million deficit (what a place we find Congressional Republicans. They are against relief to write about “millions” instead of “trillions.”) This change. They induce inertia and the status quo. will help the Colts and Pacers - owned by the Irsays and Or, as President Obama explained in his speech on Simons - find their stadiums lighted and heated in the the economy last Tuesday, Washington has an “attention coming years. Of course, we have no idea how bad the span that has only grown shorter. When a crisis hits, this economy will get and whether $47 trill ... um, million is town tends to lurch from shock to trance” instead of “con- even accurate. General Motors and Chrysler look as if they fronting the challenges in a sustained fashion.” He added, are headed toward bankruptcy. Fiat may bug out on Chrys- “This is not one of those times. The challenges are too ler. Indiana still may have to endure some major economic great; the stakes too high. We have been called to govern body blows. in extraordinary times.” State Sen. Mike Young, R-Indianapolis, said on Indiana Democrats have misread their own the Senate floor prior to the protest, “If this was the very president’s challenge. They have been called to politics in last day and this was the bill before us...I probably would extraordinary times, and they risk reaping what they sow.v vote no, but I know this is not the last day, and this is not what is going to be law. It may be something similar, but there may be other things that we haven’t thought about.” HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 5 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday April 16, 2009

Ya think? idea of cutting the Ballard millstone around In a policy tryst of strange bedfel- their neck, have a scant 15-14 majority. lows, conservative Republicans Mike Delph Many of the 2,500 tax protesters com- and Brent Waltz were joined by liberal plained bitterly about millionaire sports Democrats Charles Taylor and Jean Breaux owners like Mel and Herb Simon and Jim in voting with the minority in what was Irsay. Yet these conservatives were howl- a 33-17 passage of the stand alone CIB ing at Obama’s decision to end the Bush bailout. They are not planning on hiding it tax cuts, which really only impact the upper inside the biennial budget. 2 percent of the population. It’s always This is the same Republican- delicious to find middle class average Joe dominated Senate that passed their bien- Plumber type Republicans who vociferously nial budget by a 32-18 vote that relies on protest the Bush tax cuts or the inheri- a generous helping of President Obama’s tance tax. stimulus money. Oh, this is a delicious Here’s the other unreported irony. That’s the money Gov. Mitch Dan- aspect of the CIB’s $47 billion ... er, million iels didn’t want in the budget, fearing the ... deficit. Last year, the Times state might go over a “cliff.” analyzed NFL quarterbacks and discovered The CIB bailout now presents that at age 38, their production (unless House Speaker B. Patrick Bauer with a you’re Warren Moon) tails off precipitously. dilemma. With Indianapolis Republican The most recent example was New York representatives like Dave Frizzell, Phil Jets QB Brett Favre, who turned 39 last fall Hinkle and Mike Murphy - a future 5th CD and tanked at the end of last season. congressional candidate - possibly waiver- If you’re Jimmy Irsay, you have ing on voting for tax hikes, the CIB bailout to be looking at wunderkind QB Peyton might need to be rescued by House Manning and note his age of 33. You have Democrats. to figure that he has five, maybe six good years left in him. The other strange aspect is that in all the tax howl- After the Manning era ends, there may not be a 25,000-fan ing, few had connected the Kernan-Shepard reforms that waiting list for tickets. And if you’re raising Colt ticket Bauer spiked and the estimated $600 million in annual sav- prices by slapping on a 10 percent tax, you’re in the ings to the rest of the tax universe. process of pricing the Colts away from the common man Speaker Bauer began his April 15 tax day in a rath- and his family, who won’t be able to afford a $500 day er bizarre mode, too. First, he killed the property tax caps (with cheap seats) at Lucas Oil Stadium. even though a recent Public Opinion Strategies Poll showed You have to wonder how much longer aging GM the public supports it 72-20 percent. He refused to let U.S. Bill Polian will be the draft genius. You have to wonder if Rep. Mike Pence address the House chambers, much to the in the next seven or eight years, the Colts might become protest of House Minority Leader Brian Bosma. And he did a mediocre team no longer able to fill the stadium. The everything he could to adjourn the House prior to the 4:30 stadium dilemma comes at the height of the golden era of p.m. tax day tea rally by the Simon headquarters, citing Colts football. Jimmy Irsay is simply working to consolidate “security concerns.” his position, like any good businessman. It’s always interesting when public servants be- The fact that Gov. Daniels came in and took control come alarmed by a gathering of the people. of building the stadium, while leaving Mayor Peterson (er, Bauer will look at this and see two possibly Ballard) holding the bag on maintenance and operation, is distinct scenarios. One, he will force Republican Indianapo- kind of like invading Iraq without an end game of how the lis Mayor Greg Ballard to betray his 2007 campaign stance country will be maintained. against tax hikes, paving the way for a Democratic mayor So the final two weeks of this legislative ses- in 2011. However, (two) will he want Democrats voting for sion are going to be harrowing for those brave senators any kind of tax increase with control of the House in su- and representatives who will have to cast tough votes (as preme doubt in 2010? This will likely be a challenging year opposed to being a firefighter, or a cop, or an Indiana -Na for President Obama’s party. Even if Indiana Democrats act tional Guardsman or woman over in Afghanistan, or Bronco like a loosely affiliated branch of Obama-Biden LLC? Stankovich running a Mittal blast furnace, or the guy scrub- Even if the CIB bailout passes the House, there is bing ore freighter smoke stacks at Burns Harbor). no guarantee that it will pass the Indianapolis City-County What’s that old saying? People usually get the gov- Council, where fearful Republicans - already pondering the ernment they deserve. v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 6 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 16, 2009

up any of Iowa’s 99 counties. Redistricting reforms In order to make as much information as possible regarding the redistricting process available to the public, three public hearings are required to be held on the first come to the forefront proposed plan from the Legislative Service Bureau. Addi- By BRIAN A. HOWEY tionally, Iowans can request paper maps depicting pro- INDIANAPOLIS - Thirteen states around the nation posed district lines from the bureau. have created redistricting commissions. Could Indiana be A commission consisting of four civilian members next? chosen by each caucus in the legislature and a fifth chair- State Sen. Mike Delph, R-Carmel, saw Senate person, chosen by the commission itself, is responsible for Concurrent Resolution 95 pass out of the Senate by a advising the bureau, but only upon the bureau’s request. voice vote (after passing committee unanimously) and now If the legislature does not approve the first three plans by awaits action in the Indiana House. It is a concept that the bureau, it must itself approve a plan by Sept. 1, or the counts Gov. Mitch Daniels and House Minority Leader Brian Iowa Supreme Court will take responsibility for the state Bosma as potential supporters. districts. The governor has veto power “It’s my hope that through an over plans, regardless of how they are in-depth study of latest available tech- developed. nology, we will be able to improve the Political Impact: Since 1981, process and find a redistricting solu- the Iowa Legislature has been quick to tion that maximizes voter participation accept the Legislative Service Bureau’s while keeping communities with like plans. Its recommendations may be in- interests together,” Delph said. “Our convenient to incumbent state legislative districts should allow Hoosier voters to leaders and members of Congress, who choose their elected officials instead are often placed in very competitive dis- of elected officials choosing their vot- tricts, but that only highlights the percep- ers.” tion that they are fair and nonpartisan, If the House allows this reso- Centrist.org observed. lution to pass (which, as with most During the last redistricting, the reform legislation, is questionable), Iowa legislature rejected the bureau’s the obvious starting point for study first plan but accepted the second. As is Iowa, which has had a nonpartisan Centrist.org observed, “Four out of Iowa’s redistricting commission since 1981. five new congressional districts are fairly Since 1980, Iowa has used a non- evenly divided between Democrats and partisan redistricting service, called Republicans, mirroring the state’s overall the Legislative Service Bureau. Even makeup. Only the 5th district, which runs though the state legislature twice down the state’s western border, has a rejected the bureau’s maps in 1981 solid majority of Republican voters. and ultimately drew up its own, Iowa Iowa is likely to lose a congres- lawmakers have generally accepted the bureau’s proposals. sional seat in the 2010 census while Indiana is projected to Most importantly, no district voting lines have been drawn keep its nine seats. by the courts since the 1980 legislation was passed. Ohio draws its legislative maps via the Ohio The Iowa Legislative Services Bureau develops Apportionment Board, which convenes every 10 years three plans that can be accepted or rejected by the legisla- following the census, draws the single-member legislative ture. districts for the Ohio General Assembly. Each of the 33 According to Centrist.org, the four criteria for Senate districts comprises three contiguous districts of the the bureau’s plans, in descending order of importance, are: 99 House of Representatives districs. The board has five 1. Population equality. members: the governor, secretary of state, state auditor, a 2. Contiguity. member selected by the House Speaker and Senate leader, 3. Unity of counties and cities (maintaining county and a member selected by the House and Senate lead- lines and “nesting” house districts within senate districts ers of the other party. This format ensures that no party and senate districts within congressional districts). can hold all five seats. At least one seat will belong to the 4. Compactness. minority party. It has an Oct. 5, 2011 deadline. Currently not a single Congressional district splits The Ohio legislature draws the congressional maps.

405 votes to Clay’s 280 HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 7 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 16, 2009

The state is facing the Its deadline is 90 days loss of two congressional after the commission is seats following the 2010 organized, or after census census, the most of any data is receive, whichever of the 50 states. is later. Here are how the Missouri: There other 11 states draw their are two separate re- maps: districting committees. Alaska: Gover- Governor picks one nor appoints two; then person from each list of president of the Sen- two submitted by the ate appoints one; then two main political par- speaker of the House ties in each congressional appoints one; then chief district to form the House justice of the Supreme committee. The governor Court appoints one. At picks five people from least one member must two lists of 10 submitted be a resident of each by the two major political judicial district. No member may be a public employee or parties in the state to form the Senate committee. No com- official. It must produce a plan 90 days after the census is mission member may hold office in the legislature for four officially reported. years after redistricting. It must complete restricting within Arizona: The commission on appellate court ap- six months. pointees creates a pool of 25 nominees, 10 from each of Montana: Majority and minority leaders of both the two largest parties and five not not affiliated with either houses of the Legislature each select one member. Those of the two largest parties. The highest ranking officer of four select a fifth, who is the chair. Members cannot be the House appoints one from the pool, then the minority public officials. Members cannot run for public office in the leader of the House appoints one, then the highest ranking two years after the completion of redistricting. Its deadline officer of the Senate appoints one, then the minority leader is 30 days after the plan is returned by the Legislature. of the Senate appoints one. These four appoint as chair New Jersey: The chairs of the two major parties a fifth from the pool, not a member of any party already each select five members. If these 10 members cannot represented on the commission. If the four deadlock, the develop a plan in the allotted time, the chief justice of the commission on appellate court appoints the chair. state Supreme Court appoints an 11th member. The initial Arkansas: Commission consists of the governor, deadline is one month after the 11th member is picked. secretary of state, and the attorney general. Pennsylvania: Majority and minority leaders of Colorado: Legislature selects four; (speaker of the the legislative houses each select one member. These four House; House minority leader; Senate majority and minor- select a fifth as chair. If they fail to do so within 45 days, a ity leaders; or their delegates). Governor selects three. majority of the state Supreme Court selects the fifth mem- Judiciary selects four. Maximum of four from the legislature. ber. The chair cannot be a public official. The deadline is 30 Each congressional district must have at least one person, days after the last public exception that is filed against the but no more than four people representing it on the com- initial plan. mission. At least one member must live west of the Conti- Washington: Majority and minority leaders of nental Divide. the House and Senate each select one. These four select a Hawaii: President of the Senate selects two. non-voting fifth to chair the commission. If they fail to do Speaker of the House selects two. Minority Senate party se- so by Jan. 1, 2011, the state Supreme Court will select the lects two. These eight select the ninth member, who is the fifth by Feb. 5, 2011. No commission member may be a chair. No commission member may run for the legislature public official. It has a Jan. 1, 2012 deadline. in the two elections following redistricting. It has a deadline 150 days after commission formation. Advisory Commissions Idaho: Leaders of the two largest political par- Maine: Speaker of the House appoints three. ties in each house of the legislature, each designate one House minority leader appoints three. President of the member; chairs of the two parties whose candidates for Senate appoints two. Senate minority leader appoints two. governor received the most votes in the last election each Chairs of two major political parties, or their designees designate one member. No member may be an elected or appoint one. The members from the two parties repre- appointed official in the state at the time of designation. HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 8 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 16, 2009

sented on the commission each appoint a public member, and the two public members choose a third public member. The commission must submit its plan to the legislature within 120 days after the legislature convenes in 2013. The Legislature must enact the plan, or another plan, by a 2/3 vote of both houses within 30 days after it receives the commission’s plan. Within 60 days after the Legislature fails to meet its deadline, the supreme judicial court must adopt a plan. : Chief justice appoints the chair; gov- ernor appoints one member from each political party that received 25 percent of the vote in the last gubernatorial election; those parties each select one. Secretary of state is secretary of the board but does not vote. No commissioner may be a member or employee of the legislature. By May 15, 2011, the legislature must adopt the plan or a substi- tute at that biennial session.

Backup Commissions Connecticut: President pro tem of the Senate, Jill Long Thompson, the 2008 Democratic gubernatorial nominee, Senate minority leader, speaker of the House, and House shown at the West Side Democrat and Civic Club in South Bend on minority leader each select two; these eight must select Dyngus Day. (South Bend Tribune photo) the ninth within 30 days. This commission kicks in after the legislature fails to meet deadline (Sept. 15, 2011) and must produce a plan by Nov. 30, 2011. Illinois: President of the Senate, Senate minority A Dyngus Day glimpse leader, speaker of the House, and House minority leader each select two, one of whom is a legislator and the other is not. No more than four from the same party. If the at the 2012 gov field commission fails to develop a plan by Aug. 10, 2010, the By BRIAN A. HOWEY state Supreme Court selects two persons not of the same INDIANAPOLIS - While Evansville Mayor Jonathan political party, one of whom is chosen by lot to be the ninth Weinzapfel occupied the brightest spotlight at South Bend’s member. It kicks in on July 10, 2011 if the legislature fails West Side Democratic & Civic Club on Dyngus Day, the to meet its deadline of June 30. peculiar sideshow came with the 2008 leftovers. Mississippi: Chief justice of Supreme Court is Both ‘08 nominee Jill Long Thompson and her pri- chair; attorney general, secretary of state, speaker of the mary rival, India- House, president pro tem of the Senate. This commission napolis architect begins after legislature fails to meet deadline (60 days after Jim Schellinger, end of second regular session following decennial census). told the South It has 180 days after special apportionment session ad- Bend Tribune’s journs. Ed Ronco that Oklahoma: Attorney general, superintendent of they “haven’t public instruction, and state treasurer commence after ruled out” a run in legislature fails to meet deadline (90 days after convening 2012. Thompson first regular session following decennial census). There are ran probably the no deadlines for this commission. worst campaign Texas: Lieutenant governor, speaker of the House, of a major party attorney general, comptroller of public accounts, and com- nominee since missioner of the general land office convene within 90 days Republican Linley after legislature fails to meet deadline (adjournment of the Pearson’s 1992 ill- first regular session following decennial census). It must Evansville Mayor Weinzapfel at an April 22, fated challenge to produce a plan 60 days after formation. v 2008 Obama rally for change at Roberts Gov. Evan Bayh. Stadium. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey) And despite being HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 9 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 16, 2009

the overwhelming favorite of the Democratic establishment Thompson, but in order for him to be taken seriously, he prior to the primary, Schellinger’s first campaign wasn’t has to demonstrate a much better campaign organiza- much better. tion and communication mode than he did in 2007-08. In Thompson disappeared after her ceiling-shatter- Schellinger’s case, Sen. Townsend’s 1980 and 1984 runs ing primary win for almost seven weeks, couldn’t pull the present viable models better positioned than anything labor component of her party together by the Democratic Thompson could muster. Convention, ran a spate of critically challenged TV ads At this earliest stage, Weinzapfel appears to have in August, and then went dark until a couple of weeks some momentum. That St. Joseph County Democratic before the general election. She was pulverized by Gov. Chairman Butch Morgan would limit the West Side mic to Mitch Daniels 58-40 percent despite the fact that President only the Evansville mayor is a clear hint that the Demo- Obama became the first Democrat to carry the state in 44 cratic establishment is leaning his way. Thompson and Lake years. County Sheriff Roy Dominguez were denied an opportu- If her 2008 nity to speak, according to campaign isn’t enough Democratic sources at the to dampen a JLT redux, event, though the West Side perhaps Democratic directors want Morgan (as Party history will. In- well as his predecessors) to cumbent Govs. Bayh control stage access. and Frank O’Bannon Vanderburgh County Dem- aside, you have to go ocratic Chairman Mark R. back to 1948 to find a Owen insisted that Weinza- repeat party nominee: pfel “has made no decisions Gov. Henry F. Schricker. about his political future” This was before the and that he “welcomed the time when governors invitation to participate in could run for consecu- Dyngus Day activities in tive terms. Schricker South Bend.” had served a first term Dominguez took his denied beginning in 1941. access to the mic in stride, Since the mod- but the more he and his ern era began with Gov. Doc Bowen’s two terms beginning allies pondered the snub, the more speculation grows that in 1972, there hasn’t been a repeat Democratic nominee the establishment was placing its earliest bets on the two- after a first run failure. And this includes some pretty term Evansville mayor. good talent in party legend Larry Conrad (1976), who lost Of course, the field could grow to include former to Bowen 57-43 percent, John Hillenbrand II (1980) and Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson and U.S. Rep. Baron Hill, Wayne Townsend (1984). both heavyweights who with the slightest signal would Of this group, Conrad was in the best position for dramatically transform the equation. Hill is speaking to the a second try. His allies seized control of the Democratic 3rd CD Democrats this month in Columbia City, and party Party in 1978 with the election of Don Michael as chairman. sources say he is seriously contemplating a return to state- While both Conrad and Townsend signaled a run, Con- wide politics. And there’s Lake County Democratic Chair- rad had the infrastructure and popularity to repeat as the man and Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., who, nominee. His problem was similar to Thompson’s; he had according to Rich James of the Post-Tribune, likes to talk no easy access to money to battle the GOP machine. That’s one way here in Indianapolis and another way back home, why, according to Ball State Prof. Ray Scheele in his book with diminished credibility. “Larry Conrad of Indiana,” Conrad supported the deep- pocketed Hillenbrand in 1980. Hillenbrand only defeated 2010 U.S. Senate Townsend by a 52-48 percent margin in the 1980 primary Republican State Sen. Marlin Stutzman confirmed as labor never bought into Hillenbrand’s business class for Howey Politics Indiana that he is seriously weighing a roots, a precursor to his loss to Lt. Gov. Robert Orr that 2010 challenge to U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh. “There’s plenty of November in the midst of the Reagan landslide. things to talk about,” Stutzman told HPI on Good Friday. In Democratic circles, if a candidate can run a “Sen. Bayh has been on the banking committee with Sen. good campaign, the second chances for people like Sen. Dodd and Washington has just failed to watch out for Townsend are there. Americans out here.” Schellinger has better access to funding than HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 10 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 16, 2009

Stutzman, 32, is in his first parties in Indianapolis and Tip- term in the Indiana Senate, represent- ton, and an industrial tour in ing Kosciusko, Noble, Steuben and Shelbyville. DeKalb counties, after three terms in Luke Messer released a list the House. He serves on the com- of hosts for his April 30 fundraiser merce, pensions & labor, utilities & at the home of former Republi- technology, and natural resources can Chairman Jim Kittle Jr. and committees. Stutzman is owner of wife Sherry. Included as hosts Stutzman Farms Trucking and co- are Andre Lacy, P.E. MacAllister, owner of Stutzman Farms. He said Dr. Beurt SerVaas, Jim Bopp Jr., he would make a decision after the David Brooks, Alex Carroll, Nate Indiana General Assembly concludes Feltman, Lou Gerig, Jennifer Hal- on April 29. lowell, Dottie Hancock, Keith and He said he is concerned about Sue Lochmueller, Lee and Rose the severe decline of the recreational McNeely, Mark Shublak, Patrick vehicle industry in his district, add- Tamm, Randy Tobias and Brad ing, “There is a lot of concern about Tracy, among others. energy issues. There’s only so much that can happen at the state level. 2011 Indy Mayor We need more fuel efficient vehicles Advance Indiana’s Gary and that includes RVs.” Stutzman said Welsh, an ardent backer of candi- he has talked with former State Rep. date Greg Ballard in 2007, is pre- Dan Dumezich of Schererville, another dicting that he will be a “one-term potential GOP challenger to Bayh, who mayor.” On his Advance Indiana will be seeking his third term. blog, Welsh quoted candidate Bal- He said he would talk with Du- lard saying, “The days of country mezich once the session is over, add- club politics are over in Indianapo- ing, “We’ll put our best foot forward.” lis.” Stutzman noted that he has 7- and That was before 3-year-old sons. “What does the nation Mayor Ballard came up with a cor- look like in 25 years from now?” he nucopia of alcohol, car rental and, asked. “What kind of country will we apparently, downtown parking fee leave our kids and grandkids?” increases on Monday to bail out The Democratic blog Blue Indi- State Sen. Marlin Stutzman (top) takes notes the Capital Improvement Board. ana characterized a Stutzman candidacy while visiting with constituents. U.S. Rep. Dan Ballard’s plan was placed into the as a “joke.” But all you have to do is Burton attends the Statehouse tea party on bill Senate Appropriations Chair- mine the Bayh family history to find the Wednesday. (HPI Photo by A. Walker Shaw) man Luke Kenley had prepared, weakest 1980 candidate for U.S. Sen. stripping out a statewide alcohol (U.S. Rep. as tax increase that was DOA after opposed to Doc Bowen) who was able the Easter weekend. Sources told HPI on Wednesday (the to pull off a stunning upset. Greg Ballard’s stunner over same day as the south Statehouse lawn tea party) that Bart Peterson in 2007, Greg Walker over Senate President House Republicans, fearful of passing any kind of tax hikes, Bob Garton in 2006 and Brent Waltz’s defeat of Senate Fi- are looking for a short-term CIB patch. nance Chairman Larry Borst in 2004 should supply enough They appear to be taking Welsh’s warning to heart: fodder for the notion that no one is utterly safe in Indiana, “If Ballard’s plan is adopted, it will ensure his status as a particularly during this era and in this economy. one-term mayor,” the blogger wrote on Tuesday. “Further, the Republicans will forfeit control of the Indianapolis City- 2010 5th CD County Council, which they currently only control by a one- U.S. Rep. Dan Burton is taking his growing list seat margin. So much for the accountability in government of challengers seriously. He played a conspicuous role in we were promised by candidate Ballard. Years of deception Wednesday’s “tea party” at the Statehouse. He also spent and deficit spending by the CIB is rewarded with more tax mid-week on a district-wide blitz that included business revenue to fuel even more spending.” v roundtables in Fishers, Greenfield and Wabash, the tea HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 11 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 16, 2009

Republican acclaim and Democratic disdain, for singling out Weinzapfel stars at the differences on abortion policy in denouncing Democrats such as Obama and former Gov. Joe Kernan. In his tradi- West Side Dem Club tional Dyngus Day blessing, Father Chrobot noted that the crowd was smaller than in the ’08 presidential year, and By JACK COLWELL said: SOUTH BEND - Dyngus Day was a little different “That’s OK. A Democrat was elected to the Monday in South Bend. presidency of the United States.” There still was plenty of kielbasa at all the sites The priest cited “family values” actually practiced where Dyngusing takes place in observance of a tradi- rather than just talked about by Polish-American Catholics. tion that traces roots back to the coming of Christianity to Testing the political waters as well as the kielbasa Poland over a thousand years ago. were two possible candidates for the 2012 Democratic But at the West Side Democratic & Civic Club, cen- nomination for governor _ Evansville Mayor Jonathan ter for political activity on the Mon- Weinzapfel and Lake County Sheriff Roy Dominguez. Both day-after-Easter event, there was said they were interested in getting known for a possible room to breath. That darn near future statewide election but stressed that it was far too wasn’t the case last year, when the early for any decision to run. place was packed for the appear- Weinzapfel was called on to speak by St. Joseph ance of Bill Clinton, campaigning County Democratic Chairman Owen “Butch” Morgan, who for his wife in the heated Indiana serves as master of ceremonies at the Dyngus event. presidential primary, and an array Dominguez, though introduced in the crowd, was not of- of other Democrats involved in fered time to speak. Morgan said Dominguez is out of favor backing Hillary Clinton or Barack with the state Democratic organization after past primary Obama or seeking election them- election and organization leadership contest differences. selves for governor, Congress and In departure from usual Democratic club procedure myriad local offices. of welcoming Republicans in “the spirit of Dyngus” but The hall was pretty well filled Mon- not introducing GOP candidates or elected officials, state day, but not to the packed-like-sardines (or closer) situation Democratic Chairman Dan Parker noted the presence of In- of ’08, and applause and cheering for favorite candidates diana Attorney General Greg Zoeller and praised him as the was quite a few decibels lower. only Republican state elected officials who came to Elkhart That’s because there is no presidential primary this County for the president’s appearance there to promise year. No primary at all. This is the one year in four in which help for the high-unemployment area and seek support for there is no May primary in Indiana, no upcoming election the stimulus package. this fall. Although Indiana Superintendent of Public Nor, of course, were there the rampant rumors of a Instruction Tony Bennett was not at the Democratic cClub year ago that Obama would attend to draw throngs per- event, he later discussed Obama administration education haps rivaling those for the legendary Dyngus Day appear- policies, with praise for Obama and criticism of Democrats ance of Bobby Kennedy in 1968. in the Indiana House. Obama really is coming, now as president. “I wish the House Democrats understood what the Not, however, until May 17, to deliver the president is saying as clearly as we do,” Bennett said. While commencement address at the University of Notre Dame, the president wants more stress on quality education, where he will be greeted enthusiastically by the graduates, Bennett said, House Democrats have supported waivers to but not by Bishop John D’Arcy, who has a conflict, or by reduce the 180 days of instruction called for in Indiana. serial law-breaker Randall Terry, who is in South Bend to Dyngus Day has been described as a Polish version organize disruptive protests. of St. Patrick’s Day. Both days have roots in religion from Obama’s victory last fall, mentioned frequently by centuries past in lands from which came the ancestors of speakers at the Democratic Club, drew some of the loud- many Americans. est applause, especially when Congressman Joe Donnelly, Even with the political flavor, the friendly spirit D-Granger, noted that Obama upset conventional political of Dyngus prevails among those of different cultures, of wisdom by carrying Indiana, the first time a Democratic different races, of different religions, of different political presidential nominee had done so since 1964. views. Everybody shows respect for the diversity and seeks Rev. Leonard Chrobot, South Bend Catholic parish understanding. Well, not quite everybody. v pastor who is the Democratic club chaplain, showed a dif- Colwell has covered Indiana politics over five de- ferent political inclination than Bishop D’Arcy, who has won cades for the South Bend Tribune. HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 12 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 16, 2009

Doug Ross, Times of Northwest Indiana: What mittee -- a group made of up of four lawmakers and the the Porter County Council did on Wednesday in withdraw- state budget director -- hears a forecast of tax receipts ing from the RDA was a knee-jerk reaction, give or take a through June 30, 2011, a report that will serve as the base knee. They also, with their “so sue me” attitude, essentially for all spending decisions legislators make in the final days put a “kick me” sign on the county’s back. Sorry for the of the session. The numbers in that forecast likely will de- metaphor marathon, but these zingers are all so appro- termine whether public schools receive any new state mon- priate to describe what the council did at Wednesday’s ey over the next two years or whether their funding goes meeting. The council voted, 4-3, to withdraw from the unchanged or perhaps is even cut. It could decide whether Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority and to services like the CHOICE home health care program for rescind its appointment of Gus Olympidis to the older Hoosiers is fully funded and whether college students RDA. Then it voted, 4-3 again, to stop sending will have more aid available. Funding for prisons, for its $3.5 million annual payment to the RDA but land conservation and for universities hangs on the to leave the requisite tax in place. I watched results of this fiscal forecast. And the news is not the drama unfold Wednesday from the back expected to be good. In December the bipartisan of the room. I couldn’t escape the irony of the forecasting committee, which evaluates national and whole situation. Porter County prides itself on its local economic information and makes predictions quality of life and fiscal prudence, compared to about what it will mean for Indiana taxes, signifi- Lake County. May I remind the county officials that Porter cantly lowered the revenue estimates the current budget County failed to send out property tax bills in 2008? Or is based on, forcing Gov. Mitch Daniels to make substantial that the county already has received more in RDA spend- spending cuts. But that forecast did predict some economic ing than it has paid in? Or that of the initial 0.25 percent recovery late this year, giving lawmakers hope that they county economic development income tax, all bets are now could weather the recession without too much harm to off? [private] the budget. The only thing that will likely save lawmakers from approving massive cuts for schools and universities is federal stimulus money that Congress approved this year. Raymond Dix Jr., Post-Tribune: I can no longer Republicans have built nearly $2 billion in stimulus revenue avoid the question that confronts me every time I read an into their proposed state budget, a move Democrats ap- article on our new president’s latest budget plans. I need to plaud. The question now is whether that will be the only know, “Does President Obama hate rich folks?” Now I know new money the state has available to spend and, if so, “hate” is a strong term, yet when I examine his efforts to whether it will be enough to prevent major budget cuts. “act in the best interests” of Americans, he notably singles We’ll know more Friday. out rich people as the financiers for this effort. My brother recently said he’s disappointed the stimulus package did not include any funds for homeowners like him who need Gary Gerard, Warsaw Times-Union: Presented low-interest loans to invest in the improvement of their for your consideration, a couple of political foibles. You property. Instead, the package seems to reward those who probably heard all the outrage leveled at American Inter- bought more than they could afford and now must receive national Group, the too-big-to-fail insurance giant that the a “bailout” paid for by the so-called rich. As my brother government has spent $182.5 billion tax dollars on so far lamented I said to him, “While you will not get any stimulus in its bailout tomfoolery. AIG paid out some $165 million in money, it could be worse; they could have sent you the bonuses after taking all that tax money. Damn them. Presi- bill.” We laughed, but I thought within myself that some- dent Barack Obama called it “stunning” and an “outrage.” body who worked, perhaps, equally to or even harder than Really? Well the truth of the matter is that Sen. Christopher my brother to gain wealth would get the bill for this bailout. Dodd, D-Conn., chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing If we keep billing those who invest in the creation of wealth and Urban Affairs Committee, stuffed the language in the and jobs in this country, soon they would stop investing. TARP bill that allowed payout of the bonuses. Why would Has anyone seen the Dow average lately? Some say, “Hey he do that, one might ask? Well, according to Dodd himself, the rich can pay; they have more disposable income.” in an e-mail he sent to Bloomberg news, it was because Never mind that it is incredibly immoral to take a person’s Obama told him to. Bloomberg: “Dodd acknowledged ... money simply because he has a lot of it. I am not sure if I that he ‘weakened a provision dealing with executive pay in want to win the lottery now. ... stimulus legislation at the request of the Obama admin- istration.’ The provision inserted in the bill instead expressly allowed companies that received taxpayer bailout money Leslie Stedman Weidenbener, Louisville to pay retention bonuses that were part of employment Courier-Journal: Friday could be the scariest day of the contracts signed before Feb. 11, 2009.” Nice. v 2009 legislative session. It’s when the State Budget Com- HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 13 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 16, 2009 Texas governor suggests Patrick Bauer, D-South Bend, to hold a ary of conservative values claiming vote on the legislation, but he refused. America is moving in a different direc- state can seceded “Those who are in the minority cannot tion. The turnout Wednesday proved AUSTIN, Tex. - Texas Gov. expect to move the agenda forward,” opposite, the congressman said. “I Rick Perry fired up an anti-tax “tea said House Minority Leader Brian believe we’re on the verge of the great party” Wednesday with his stance Bosma, R-Indianapolis. “But to have American awakening,” he said. against the one or two leaders in this chamber federal stop what 75 percent of Hoosiers want government to have happen this session — the Ellsworth calls Emanuel and for passage of permanent constitutional over spending states’ rights property tax caps — is really arro- EVANSVILLE - U.S. Rep. Brad as some gance beyond what I’ve seen during Ellsworth, D-Ind., said in Evansville in his U.S. my term here.” Wednesday he called White House flag-waving Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel recently audience to urge a more forceful display of shouted, Daniels pleased by federal spending cuts (Evansville “Secede!” An animated Perry told tax rally at Statehouse Courier & Press). “I called (Eman- the crowd at Austin City Hall — one INDIANAPOLIS - Gov. Mitch uel) a week and a half ago, and said, of three tea parties he was attend- Daniels is pleased to see the protest- ‘We need to start showing the Ameri- ing across the state — that officials ers (Ulery, WIBC). “It’s very refresh- can people where we’re cutting federal in Washington have abandoned the ing,” Daniels told WIBC talk show host spending,’ “ Ellsworth told reporters country’s founding principles of limited Greg Garrison. Governor Daniels says outside the YWCA. government (CNN). Answering news it is a rare occasion when citizens reporters’ questions, Perry suggested come down and speak for the public Texans might at some point get so fed interest in less spending and taxes. Ellsworth wants up they would want to secede from Daniels told Garrison he would like to compromise on choice the union, though he said he sees see the protests more often. no reason why Texas should do that. EVANSVILLE - With labor “There’s a lot of different scenarios,” supporters rallying for the Employee Perry said. “We’ve got a great union. Pence attends tax Free Choice Act in Downtown Evans- There’s absolutely no reason to dis- ville on Wednesday, Rep. Brad Ells- solve it. But if Washington continues rally in Columbus worth, D-Ind., called for compromise to thumb their nose at the American COLUMBUS - They spoke out (Evansville Courier & Press). But people, you know, who knows what on stage, talked back from the crowd a key Washington, D.C.-based lobby- might come out of that. But Texas is a and carried signs to the facility (Co- ist against the proposal, also known very unique place, and we’re a pretty lumbus Republic). Some read: “Taxed as “card check,” said the kind of independent lot to boot.” He said Enough Already.” “No taxpayer money compromise Ellsworth said he wants when Texas entered the union in 1845 for abortion.” “We are over stimulat- is impossible and is probably an at- it was with the understanding it could ed.” Travis Hankins, who plans to run tempt to avoid angering either side pull out. in the 2010 election on the Republican of the controversial issue. Ellsworth ticket for Indiana’s 9th District seat supported the Employee Free Choice in the U.S. House of Representatives, Act in 2007 after the Bush administra- Bauer kills tax caps said many politicians care more about tion said the bill would be vetoed if it INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana their careers than they care about the passed. “I’d love to work on finding House Republicans left the Statehouse American people. He suggested the middle ground,” he said. late Wednesday night, fuming over government focus on cutting federal what they said was a lost opportunity spending to 2002 levels, eliminate the to vote on an amendment that would income tax and abolish the Internal Long fears DC place the state’s property-tax caps Revenue Service and elect states- takeover of jobs trust into the state constitution (Rutthart, men who believe in term limits. U.S. INDIANAPOLIS - Senate Indianapolis Star). Midnight was the Rep. Mike Pence, RInd., said he was President Pro Tem David Long says a deadline for the House to vote on the encouraged to see so many participate deal on fixing the bankrupt unemploy- legislation this session, which already in the rally. Pence told the crowd that ment trust fund is critical to avoid a passed the Indiana Senate. House a lot of people are writing the obitu- federal takeover of the fund (Berman, Republicans pushed for Speaker B. HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 14 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, April 16, 2009

WIBC). The Fort Wayne Republican on Gary’s Don Barden-owned Majestic front of you are not good enough,” says negotiators have been “working Star casino boats are heating up with Bennett said as the state Depart- quietly” toward a compromise, and two weeks left in the legislative ses- ment of Education released the says he’s optimistic about an agree- sion. Senate President Pro Tem David latest lists of schools and school ment with the House by the April Long, R-Fort Wayne, said there is broad districts that didn’t make “adequate 29 deadline. He says both parties support in the General Assembly for al- yearly progress” under federal stan- recognize the tax hikes or benefit cuts lowing Gary to move one of its licenses dards. “We must get better.” needed to stabilize the program will within the city. only get steeper if there’s no deal this Jobless fund could year, and warns a stalemate could take the decision out of the state’s Teen cell phone bill see 38% hike hands. “That would be a disaster,” passes House 93-6 INDIANAPOLIS - The federal Long contends. “I think it would INDIANAPOLIS - A bill that bans unemployment tax rate Indiana raise rates incredibly at an unsustain- drivers younger than 18 from talking on employers pay might rise 38 percent able level for employers. We’d have their cell phones or texting with wire- next year if the state hasn’t repaid a Washington-style fix, (with)tax less devices is a step closer to becoming all of the hundreds of millions of dol- increases dictated by a very liberal law (Louisville Courier-Journal). The lars in loans it needs to keep paying government.” House approved House Bill 16 on a 93-6 jobless benefits, a top official said vote yesterday. yesterday (Associated Press). Chief Financial Officer Scott Sanders Revised abortion bill of the Department of Workforce De- passes House 73-20 Regional transit bill velopment told the Unemployment INDIANAPOLIS - There were passes Senate 43-7 Insurance Board that if the state harsh words and even a few tears hasn’t repaid its loans in full by Nov. during debate on a measure origi- INDIANAPOLIS - The northern 10, 2010, Indiana employers could nally aimed at abortion doctors that Indiana regional transportation district pay about $59 million in additional passed the Indiana House 73-20 late took an important step toward becom- unemployment taxes to the federal Wednesday night (Kelly, Fort Wayne ing law Wednesday, but the multi- government. They’re already ex- Journal Gazette). Senate Bill 89 county authority still has a long way to pected to pay an estimated $214.5 would require all health care provid- go before it reaches the governor’s desk million. As of Monday, Indiana had ers performing surgical procedures in (Post-Tribune). The Senate adopted borrowed $725.1 million from the Indiana to have admitting privileges at the package by a 43-7 vote Wednesday federal government to keep paying a nearby hospital. And women seeking afternoon, with all Northwest Indiana’s jobless benefits, and more borrow- abortions would be told that a fetus senators voting in favor of it. The pro- ing is expected as the state copes might feel pain during the procedure. posal includes a county-by-county refer- with a jobless rate that reached “What this bill is about is patient endum, to be held in May 2010 in Lake, 9.4 percent, seasonally adjusted, in safety,” said Rep. Matt Bell, R-Avilla. Porter, LaPorte and St. Joseph counties. February. Only four states, including Michigan and Ohio, have borrowed larger amounts. Gary riverboat move Bennett promises on the table swift, bold action Sachem award to GARY - Gary’s two casino INDIANAPOLIS - Indi- licenses are back in play in the State- ana Superintendent of Public Instruc- Danny Danielson house, with legislators trying to broker tion Tony Bennett pledged yesterday to INDIANAPOLIS - Gov. a late session deal that could culmi- take swifter and bolder action against Daniels has presented the Sachem nate with the creation of a land-based schools that repeatedly fail to meet (SAY-chum) award, Indiana’s highest casino near the Borman Expressway or standards under the federal No Child honor, to former Indiana University a riverboat in the Little Calumet River Left Behind law (Weidenbener, Louis- board of trustees president Danny (Byrne, Post-Tribune). The deal ville Courier-Journal). But Bennett, Danielson (WIBC). The 89-year- could also transfer a gaming license elected in November, would not give a old Danielson has left a large mark to another part of the state. Several timeline for action or say how far the on the state, the university, and his lawmakers confirmed Wednesday state would go to force some schools to adopted hometown of New Castle. that behind-the-scenes talks focused reorganize and improve. “The results in v