V25, N22 Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020

A decade of GOP legislature dominance Speaker Brian The 2011 maps have given Bosma, along with Hoosier Republicans an Gov. and Republican unprecedented House run Chairman Eric Hol- comb, began forg- By BRIAN A. HOWEY ing the template INDIANAPOLIS – Going through the for an unprec- primary filings list brought to the fore how iron edented decade clad the 2011 reapportionment maps have of GOP majorities been for the Republicans in congres- that began in 2010 sional and General and has kept the Assembly races. Indiana House in As previously party control for observed, we are the entire decade. concluding a decade where not a single U.S. House seat has changed parties with these maps. The only change in the Hoosier Washington delega- 1900 and 2010, the Indiana House shifted party control 15 tion has been U.S. Sen. ’s defeat of incumbent times. Democrat Joe Donnelly in 2018 that was not dependent on In each of the television era decades – going back the maps. to the 1950s – the Indiana House has always changed The other modern precedent with the 2011 maps hands at least once, or, as in 1988, was a split 50/50 is that the 2020 cycle will likely conclude a decade when the Indiana House has not shifted party control. Between Continued on page 3 The Curtis Hill dilemma By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS — The faces a “political” decision that will be known in the next three weeks: What to do about Attorney General Curtis Hill? “Look, we shouldn’t have to Former justice Myra Selby determined a 60-day suspen- choose between one candidate sion in light of his 2018 sine die party horndogging, in which who wants to burn this party he was accused of groping a down and another candidate who Democratic legislator and three staffers. She also recommended wants to buy this party out. We no automatic return to office. can do better.” Indiana law requires the AG to be “duly licensed to practice - Pete Buttigieg, during the Las law in Indiana.” Vegas Democratic debate last In Selby’s words, “By seeking and accepting the night. Page 2 responsibilities of the office of Indiana despite some two dozen allegations attorney general, (Hill) undertook to of such behavior from an array of conduct himself both officially and credible victims, including a former personally in accordance with the Miss Indiana. highest standards that the citizens of Should Attorney General the state of Indiana can expect.” Hill be held for a different standard Howey Politics Indiana So if the Supremes accept than President Trump? In 2016, a WWWHowey Media, LLC Selby’s recommendation, Hill “likely clear majority of Hoosiers voted for c/o Business Office would be forced to immediately vacate Trump despite these troubling pro- PO Box 6553 his office because he no longer could clivities. practice law,” according to NWI Times The Hill dilemma could reach Kokomo, IN, 46904 reporter Dan Carden. a crescendo in June if he is nomi- www.howeypolitics.com This has never happened nated for a second term. That might since the 1851 Indiana Brian A. Howey, Publisher Constitution became the Mark Schoeff Jr., Washington law of the land. And it begs all Mary Lou Howey, Editor sorts of questions. Is the Susan E. Joiner, Editor alleged behavior by Hill that kind of behavior for Subscriptions which any other lawyer in Indiana would be disci- HPI, HPI Daily Wire $599 plined? Over the years, HPI Weekly, $350 we’ve seen aberrant Lisa Hounchell, Account Manager behavior by attorneys who (765) 452-3936 telephone were also legislators. If Hill (765) 452-3973 fax is to be held to a differ- [email protected] ent standard than other attorneys, such a result Contact HPI will raise interesting and [email protected] difficult questions for all Howey’s cell: 317.506.0883 attorneys who are elected or appointed officials and Washington: 202.256.5822 admitted to the practice of Business Office: 765.452.3936 law. What is the relevant standard for those attor- © 2020, Howey Politics neys? Indiana. All rights reserved. Terre Haute at- torney Jim Bopp Jr., a Photocopying, Internet forward- former Republican National ing, faxing or reproducing in any Committeeman, argues, “He should produce the awkward moment of the form, whole or part, is a violation not be treated more harshly because GOP ticket on stage, hands joined of federal law without permission he is a public official. That’s the job of and raised, which probably won’t from the publisher. the voters. When people do things in happen if Hill is renominated. Gov. office, they’re judged by the voters.” , as a top aide to Gov. And fresh off President Mitch Daniels, knows all too well Jack E. Howey Trump’s impeachment acquittal in the about such a moment. Republican editor emeritus U.S. Senate, one of the chief re- delegates rebuked Daniels at the 1926-2019 straints of Republican “jurors” was the 2008 convention in a year he was concept of overturning the will of the reelected by a landslide, nominating people. Indiana is one of 43 states to Greg Zoeller over Daniels’ preference, elect their attorney general. Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas. It was Those Republican officials a lesson Holcomb would not forget. who have called for “zero tolerance” Thus his reluctance to annoint a Hill on sexual harassment and assaults challenger. willfully greet President Trump at the The 2016 Indiana Republican airport and take the stage with him Convention delegates did not have a Page 3 stellar year. Not only did they select Hill, they also nomi- state on the issue rather than making someone file (a nated Supt. Jennifer McCormick, who went rogue on the lawsuit) for clarity after the fact.” GOP’s orthodoxy on school vouchers, joining then Demo- The AP also reported that the governor’s lawyers cratic gubernatorial contender on a listening are reviewing the situation. tour last summer and dallying with a potential lieutenant Here at the apex of the of GOP super majority governor nomination before he exited the race in January. rule, when it holds all the state constitutional offices, both Given the virtual school’s $85 million “scandal” in misspent General Assembly chambers, 10 of the 12 congressional taxpayer funded voucher funds, a case can be made in seats, 80% of county offices, 90% of county commission- favor of McCormick’s judgment. ers, a historic number of city halls, and is home to the U.S. A different route for the governor could be to vice president, the Hill dilemma is conspicuous. exert pressure on the Supreme Court, via the Judicial Attorney General Hill finds significant support on Nominating Commission, of which the governor has three the social conservative wing of the party. He presided over of the seven appointments. The JNC did Gov. Mike Pence’s the South Bend “funeral” of 2,400 fetal remains last week, bidding when it circumvented the Supreme Court selection and has a penchant of filing pro-life amicus briefs at the of Peter Rusthoven as one of three nominees. Rusthoven’s federal level. political sin had been his testimony against the constitu- So Hill is not going to go quietly. tional amendment banning same sex marriage. That’s why I term the coming Supreme Court ver- House Speaker , who joined Hol- dict on Hill political. It won’t alter the balance of power in comb’s call for Hill to resign in July 2018, acknowledged Indiana. But as the party’s only minority officeholder in the the dilemma and lack of “clarity.” He told the Associated Statehouse, he has created the proverbial elephant on the Press, “I will publicly ask for them to give clarity to the table. v

General Assembly is most likely to happen via party caucus General Assembly, from page 1 when members either retire or take another job, or via the primary. Legislators who won office via caucus are resulting in co-speakers, followed by outright Demo- being contested in the May primary election. State Sens. cratic control in 1990. Wave elections in 1958 in the final Brian Buchanan and Justin Busch who followed Sens. Eisenhower mid-term, 1964 with the LBJ landslide and and David Long into the Senate, as well Republican Lt. Gov. Richard Ristine’s tie-breaking vote as State Rep. Dollyne Sherman, are all facing challenges, on the income tax, the 1974 Watergate election that had though at this point we are forecasting that the incum- Hoosier Democrats taking both the House and Senate, the bents are likely to return. 1994 Gingrich Revolution for the GOP, as well as the 1998 The other notable trend following the Feb. 7 filing Clinton impeachment fallout, and the 2006 anti-Bush43 deadline is that 25 teachers have filed, including 22 Demo- wave including the the Major Moves toll road lease fallout, crats seeking House and Senate seats. brought at least one party change in the Indiana House. At this early point, Howey Politics Indiana is not This precedent of GOP dominance actually com- forecasting any incumbent upsets. But one race to keep menced in 2010 when Gov. Mitch Daniels, Republican an eye on is the matchup between two former LaGrange Chairman Eric Holcomb, and Speaker Brian Bosma recruit- County prosecutors with Jeff Wible’s GOP primary chal- ed and funded an influential class of House Republicans lenge to State Sen. Susan Glick. that morphed into the current skein of GOP super majori- From a historical standpoint, State Rep. B. Patrick ties. Bauer’s retirement has set up a three-way showdown to An HPI analysis of potential fall races reveals only see if daughter Maureen Bauer can extend that family six to eight potential flipped House seats, depending on dynasty to three generations. how the primary cycle ends up. That would likely occur Another marquee race is whether Fishers Deputy with a Democratic wave, which is a precarious bet with Mayor Leah McGrath can hold off Chris Jeter in the HD88 Democratic Socialist Bernie Sanders as the current presi- GOP primary for the nomination to succeed House Speaker dential frontrunner. Brian Bosma. She has been endorsed by Gov. Holcomb. The other signifcant trend is that change in the

Page 4 Here is our exclusive General Assembly primary race run- is president/CEO at Associated Builders and Contractors of down: Indiana. Gaylor is well-connected in GOP politics. Baldwin has the endorsements of Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness and Senate Republican primaries Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen. “With a history of public service and as an active member of the Noblesville com- SD7: State Sen. Brian W. Buchanan is facing a munity, Scott Baldwin will be an incredible state senator primary challenge from businessman Ethan H. Brown and who will listen to and serve the needs of our residents Vernon Budde. Analysis: Buchanan was appointed to the well,” said Jensen. “Scott Baldwin is an entrepreneur with seat by Republican precinct committee members when a track record of success who will bring an important former state Sen. Brandt Hershman resigned in early perspective to the state legislature,” said Fadness. After 2018. When Buchanan filed, he said he wanted to focus his Marine service during Operation Desert Storm, Baldwin on “efficient spending of our tax dollars,” keeping taxes served as an officer with the Indiana Department of Cor- low, decreasing regulations to attract jobs to the state and rections where he helped launch the first Special Emer- supporting Indiana agriculture. He told the Lafayette Jour- gency Response Team. He then served as a patrol officer, nal & Courier, “I welcome the competition. I am going to field training supervisor and detective supervisor with the continue doing what I have been since becoming a sena- Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) for tor – traveling my Senate district, talking with constituents, more than a decade, during which he earned two medals and listening to their thoughts, ideas and concerns. This of bravery and a medal ofvalor. “I’ve dedicated my life and is the process, anyone can run, and I respect that. I look career to serving our country and community, through my forward to Election Day.” Brown explained, “By electing me background in the military, law enforcement and pub- you will be electing a Christian conservative who loves and lic safety, to building and growing businesses in central respects the 2nd Amendment. Every Hoosier has the right Indiana,” Baldwin said. “As senator serving the residents to protect him or herself and their families. I will work of District 20, I will champion common sense, conservative passionately to make Indiana a constitutional carry state leadership to help build our economy and grow jobs, pro- and I will not quit until that happens.” Budde, who works mote fiscal responsibility, improve public safety and ensure for Wallenius Wilhelmsen Solutions installing features on Hamilton County continues to thrive.” Primary Horse vehicles made at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. Race Status: Leans Baldwin. plant in Lafayette, said he filed for the experience. “It’s something I can tell the kids, ‘Hey, I filed,’ just to get that SD16: State Sen. Justin Busch won Republi- experience,” Budde said about his first run for public office. can precinct caucus 51-35 to finish the term of Senate Primary Horse Race Status: Safe Buchanan. President Pro Tem David Long. He faces Tom Rhoades, Parkview Health public safety director who is a member of SD13: State Sen. Susan Glick is facing a chal- the Southwest Allen County School Board. Prior to being lenge from another former elected to the LaGrange County prosecu- State Senate, tor, Jeffrey W. Wible. Sen. Busch served as Glick is seeking a third full vice president term after she was appoint- of the Allen ed by caucus to succeed County Council. State Sen. Bud Meeks. “Bal- He also served ancing the needs of local as an aide government, implementing to three U.S. responsible school financing senators from measures, spurring econom- Indiana, includ- ic development as well as ing as Northeast protecting the rights of all regional director of our citizens without burdening them with unnecessary for U.S. Sen. taxes and regulation continue to be my primary goals in . “As a state senator, I am proud to have sup- serving you in the General Assembly,” Glick said. Primary ported a balanced budget without raising taxes, record Horse Race Status: Leans Glick. funding increases for K-12 education and school safety measures, and have always fought for our conservative SD20: When Scott Baldwin, former Marine, Hoosier values,” Busch said. “Putting Northeast Indiana police officer and Department of Corrections employee first to attract better jobs with higher wages, promoting filed, he essentially forced incumbent State Sen. Victoria fiscal responsibility by cutting excessive government regu- Spartz to opt for the 5th CD race. Spartz won the GOP lations, and supporting the men and women in the law caucus to replace powerful Senate Appropriations Chair- enforcement community are some of my top priorities, and man . Baldwin will face John “J.R.” Gaylor, who I look forward to continuing our work in the months and Page 5 years ahead.” Primary Horse Race Status: Likely Busch. to seek another term, that set off a showdown between SD30: State Sen. John Ruckelshaus is facing a Indiana Democratic Chairman John Zody, and 2016 unsuc- primary challenge from Terry Michael. Ruckelshaus pon- cessful 9th CD nominee Shelli Yoder. Trent Feuerbach, who dered a run for the 5h CD before opting to seek reelection. unsuccessfully sought the Republican 9th CD nomination, Primary Horse Race Status: Safe Ruckelshaus. is the third candidate. Yoder ran for the 9th CD in 2012 and 2016, losing to then U.S. Rep. Todd Young in her first Senate Democrat primaries race 55% to 44%, and Trey Hollingsworth in 2016. The former Miss Indiana is a lecturer at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. Zody is a former aide to Govs. SD10: Sen. David L. Niezgodski v. Alex Bow- Frank O’Bannon and man: Niezgodski has served in the Senate Joe Kernan, as well as since 2016 after a 10-year stint in the House U.S. Rep. Baron Hill. where he left as assistant minority whip. He He was elected to his is president and owner of Niezgodski Plumb- second term as state ing Inc., he is a former St. Joseph County chairman in 2017. He commissioner and chaired the NICTD Board is a part-time instructor (South Shore) for seven years. Bowman is a for Indiana University South Bend attorney, who says he is fulfill- Bloomington’s School of ing a “years-old promise.” “Elections should Public and Environmental be about choice,” Bowman said about his Affairs (SPEA), where decision to become the second of only two he completed his under- Democratic candidates vying for the position. graduate and graduate “I believe it’s always better for the voters degrees in public affairs. to choose their candidates than to have the We give Zody a nominal choice made for them.” In announcing his campaign, Bow- edge here given his tenure as state chair, and the fact that man said he was keeping the promise he made to himself: he served as Rep. Hill’s 9th CD district director. Primary That upon earning his law degree he would return to his Horse Race Status: Likely Zody. hometown and be a voice for people in the community that means so much to him. “I am committed to promot- ing the kind of economic growth and job opportunities in Republican House primaries South Bend and Mishawaka that will encourage people to build their lives right here, in the place they already HD4: State Rep. Ed Soliday will face the “Blohm call home,” Bowman said. Primary Horse Race Status: family” challenge throughout 2020. He faces Sara Blohm Likely Niezgodski. in the primary, and, possibly, Ben Blohm if he defeats Deb Porter in the Democratic primary. Primary Horse Race SD16: Tim Barr and Juli Dominguez are both Status: Safe Soliday. teachers seeking the seat held by State Sen. Justin Busch. Democrats have little chance of winning the seat that was HD18: Open seat (Rep. David Wolkins is retir- held by former Senate President Pro Tem David Long in ing). Russ Reahard and Winona Lake Councilman Craig Fort Wayne and Allen County. Primary Horse Race Sta- Snow are seeking the GOP nomination. Snow enters this tus: Tossup. race with the endorsements of Warsaw Mayor Joe Thal- lemer and Wabash Mayor Scott Long. Thallemer and Long SD36: Ashley Eason faces Jason Fletcher in the said they need somebody in the statehouse who will listen SD36 primary in Marion and Johnson counties held by to and consider supporting a range of issues important to State Sen. . Eason is a nonprofit executive. cities and towns. “I truly feel like he’s got the skills and “I have led teams and projects with business and govern- intelligence to really make a difference,” Thallemer said. ment partners, so I have a unique understanding of the Long said municipalities continue to worry about any at- needs of each sector,” she explained. “I also understand tempts by the legislature “to circumvent local control and how to achieve great outcomes with limited resources. I hurt their ability to function and get things done.” Reahard have deep experience leading bi-partisan advocacy teams of Wabash describes himself as a “constitutional conser- connected with communities at the grassroots level, vative and seeks to uphold the sanctity of life from con- having coordinated 300 high-level volunteers across four ception until natural death.” He will also defend the 2nd Midwestern states.” Jason E. Fletcher is a south side India- Amendment. He believes in “low taxes, balanced budgets napolis community activist, urging local control for Manual and fiscal responsibility” and in “treating the root causes HS. Primary Horse Race Status: Leans Fletcher. of drug addiction, crime and suicide in society.” If elected, the release states Reahard plans to “be a voice for the voiceless, a protector for orphans and those who are weak SD40: When State Sen. declined and powerless to protect themselves,” especially the 8,000 Page 6 unborn “murdered each year in Indiana through abortion.” HD32: State Rep. Tony Cook is facing Daniel A. Primary Horse Race Status: Tossup. Bragg. The challenger doesn’t have a website and has not filled out the Ballotpedia questionnaire. Primary Horse HD22: State Rep. is facing Bill Dixon, Race Status: Safe Cook. who complains about Nisly’s “behavior.” Dixon told Ink- FreeNews, “Somebody’s going to lose their seat. If my HD33: Freshman State Rep. John “J.D.” Prescott opponent is allowed to continue behaving as he has in of Union City is facing a primary challenge from teacher Indianapolis, it is going to be us.” Dixon describes Brittany Kloer. Prescott, Nisly as a “radical, right-wing conservative,” adding, a Union County farmer, “While Nisly’s positions are questionable, the real has authored bills on rural issue here is that we are going to go from two state broadband development, representatives in our area to one.” Dixon claims that historic bridges and 529 multiple current state representatives have already college saving distributions. told him that, if Nisly wins, the legislature will elimi- A leader in the agricul- nate the seat in order to get rid of Nisly, who they ture community, Prescott believe exhibits unacceptable behavior on the floor serves as president of the of the House. “This isn’t a normal election,” Dixon Randolph County Young declared. “This isn’t about a particular issue like Farmers organization. Kloer guns or schools or abortion. As basic as those are, explained, “I am running this election is even more basic. It’s about whether because I believe our or not we will keep this seat. Indianapolis will, because schools can be better. I am running because I believe we of growing faster, be due seats. It would be easy for the need to put our students first. As a lifelong teacher, I have powers that be to give them ours.” Primary Horse Race seen how our school system has changed the lives of so Status: Leans Nisly. many students. I’ve also seen how students slip through Page 7 the cracks. I am running because our current representa- but is borne of a passion to serve the people of west tion is full of individuals who have never worked a day central Indiana.” He added, “This is something I’m pas- in the classroom. However, during the 2019 legislative sionate about and something I think I can do well. I talked session there were 219 bills proposed pertaining to edu- to Mr. Borders before making this announcement to let cation. With the mass majority of these representatives him know I’d be running and that I’m not upset with him not coming from the classroom, how are we supposed to but just wanted to give this a shot. “I think it’s time for believe that these bills will not only benefit ourselves as some change,” Gormon, who is manager of Gormon Family teachers, but our students as well? We need to be able Farms. He has served on the Indiana Farm Bureau state to have an accurate representation to provide the highest board of directors since 2008, and was a Linton Township quality education for our students. I am running because advisory board member for 16 years. “Sometimes elected I believe in public education.” Primary Horse Race Sta- officials get elected, get into office and think they have all tus: Leans Prescott. the answers.” Primary Horse Race Status: Safe Bor- ders. HD35: Two Republicans are seeking to chal- lenge Democratic Rep. Melanie Wright. Elizabeth Rowray HD50: State Rep. is being chal- is a Yorktown School Board trustee. James Peters de- lenged by Huntington teacher John Stoffel. The challenger scribes himself as “100% pro-life, pro second amend- explained, “More than 150 years ago, Abraham Lincoln, ment, and a constitutional conservative. I want us to be the first Republican president, said that ‘a government of even more fiscally responsible. As your nominee I will the people, for the people, and by the people shall not promise to do what I say I am going to do which is rare perish from the earth.’ During our country’s darkest mo- in this day and age. I am asking for your vote as a Re- ment, Lincoln saw the brightest hope for its future. I am publican because I will fight for the rights of the unborn running for the Indiana House of Representatives District as well as our individual freedoms.” Primary Horse 50 seat because I have that same hope.” Primary Horse Race Status: Tossup. Race Status: Likely Leonard.

H45: State Rep. is facing a chal- HD54: State Rep. Tom Saunders vs. Jeff Em- lenge by Vigo County farmer Jeff Gormon. The challenger bry. This is a rematch from a 2016 primary race. Embry told the Terre Haute Tribune-Star that his challenge “is is a truck driver who did not mount much of a campaign. not an indictment on the job he thinks Borders has done, Primary Horse Race Status: Safe Saunders. Page 8

HD57: State Rep. General Election House Rematches is facing Edward Comstock II. Comstock does HD5: State Rep. Dale Devon (R) v. Dr. Donald Westerhausen. Devon not have a website nor has he won in 2018, 51% to 49%. filled out the Ballotpedia can- didate questionnaire. Primary HD15: (R) v. State Rep. Chris Chyung (D). Chyung won in Horse Race Status: Safe Eberhart. 2018, 50.2% to 49.8%.

HD58: Open (State HD19: Julie Olthoff (R) v. State Rep. Lisa Beck (D). Beck won in 2018, Rep. Woody Burton is retiring). 50.5% to 49.5%. Greenwood Councilman David Hopper, Bruce Armstrong, HD24: State Rep. (R) v. Naomi Bechtold (D). Schaib- Heather Bline, Michelle Da- ley won in 2018, 55.6% to 41.6%. vis, and Jay Hart. Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers is pushing HD37: Aimee Rivera Cole (D) v. House Speaker-designate Hopper, while Rep. Burton is (R). Huston won in 2018, 54.5% to 45.5%. backing Davis, director of adult education at the Central Nine HD81: Kyle Miller (D) v. State Rep. (R). Carbaugh Career Center. Whoever wins in the primary will face Demo- won in 2018, 53.7% to 46.3%. crat Cindy Reinert, a retired Greenwood attorney who ran he was arrested on a DUI. Griffin against Burton in 2018, losing 63.3% to 36.7%. Primary told Warrick News he believes his Horse Race Status: Tossup. background in finance will make him a good fit for the position. HD60: State Rep. is facing While he is currently retired, he Martinsville School Board Trustee Dave Rinehart. Rinehart said his work with Old National said that he loves to serve his community and would like Bank and First Federal Savings to help tackle topics such as education, health care, roads, Bank shows his strengths. “I treat youth and veterans, if elected to the Indiana legislature. people fairly,” he said. “I want to Primary Horse Race Status: Likely Mayfield. treat people the way I need to be treated. If people know me, that’s HD62: State Rep. Jeff Ellington is being chal- my platform.” The primary winner lenged by Greg Knott. We could not find a campaign will face Democrat John Hurley, who lost to Rep. Bacon in website for Knott, nor has he responded to Ballotpedia’s 2018. Primary Horse Race Status: Leans Griffin. candidate questionnaire. Primary Horse Race Status: Safe Ellington. HD79: House Majority Leader Matthew Lehman is facing a challenge from Taylor Isch, who does not have HD66: Zach Payne and Brian Tibbs have filed to a website nor filled out candidate questionnaires. Primary challenge Democrat Rep. Terry Goodin. Neither Payne nor Horse Race Status: Safe Lehman. Tibbs has a campaign website and neither has responded to the Ballotpedia’s candidate questionnaire. This seat will HD88: (Open seat, House Speaker Brian Bosma not be in play in November. Primary Horse Race Sta- is retiring). Fishers Deputy Mayor Leah McGrath and Chris tus: Tossup. Jeter. McGrath passed on a 5th CD run to seek the seat held for the past generation by Speaker Bosma. Gov. Eric HD73: State Rep. Steve Davisson faces Mark Holcomb has endorsed McGrath. Jeter is a Fishers lawyer Cox of Henryville. Cox has no campaign website and has and Iraq war veteran. “I want to continue to advance not filled out candidate questionnaires. Primary Horse economic opportunity, create jobs, reform education and Race Status: Safe Davisson. maintain our state’s status as the best place in the nation to start and run a business. I look forward to traveling the district and sharing my vision of Indiana’s next chapter,” (Open seat, State Rep. Ron Bacon is HD75: Jeter told the Noblesville Times. As Fishers first deputy retiring). Warrick County Republican Chairman Michael mayor, McGrath helped to lead the community’s transition Griffin and Warrick County Councilwoman Cindy Ledbetter. from a town to a city, including efforts to modernize the Warrick County attorney Rick Martin was supposed to run city’s internal operations, eliminating antiquated ordi- for this seat, but on the day he announced his candidacy, Page 9 nances and updating local codes. She also spearheaded tional designer and business strategist. Hatcher had a city-wide effort to develop its first long-range compre- pondered entry into the 1st CD race after U.S. Rep. Pete hensive plan. “The major- Visclosky decided to retire, but she opted for reelection. ity of the things I have Primary Horse Race Status: Safe Hatcher. worked on here in Fishers over the years have really HD6: (Open seat, Rep. B. Patrick Bauer is retir- been focused on community ing). Maureen Bauer, Garrett Blad and Drew Duncan are involvement and community seeking the Democratic nomination which is tantamount engagement,” McGrath told to winning the seat. Maureen Bauer is seeking to extend the TownePost. “Under Re- the family dynasty to three generations. Her grandfather publican leadership, Indiana was former State Rep. Bernie Bauer and her father is the has steadily moved in the current Rep. Bauer. Asked by the South Bend Tribune if right direction for nearly she would have access to Bauer’s $103,000 campaign two decades. Gov. Holcomb war chest, Bauer said that Rep. Bauer had not committed and Speaker Bosma deserve to doing that. “I plan to fundraise and knock on doors, much credit for where we make phone calls and do all that is typical of a campaign,” have come as a state, but she said. “In the end, it’s about meeting the voters and there is still much work to getting their vote for the most qualified candidate, which be done. As our commu- I believe I am. I’ve never heard him giving me all the nity’s representative in the money. I think some of the money will certainly stay in General Assembly, I will bring a commitment to look at the district to get the House District 6 candidate elected, old problems in new ways, to always protect taxpayers, to but there are many other races that are important. My challenge the status quo when necessary and bring people dad has worked very hard across the state to get Demo- together to address the challenges our children and grand- crats elected.” Blad, who works out of his near-northwest children will face.” Primary Horse Race Status: Safe South Bend home as national press coordinator for Sunrise McGrath. Movement, a Washington-based nonprofit environmental advocacy group, said it’s “infuriating” to think Bauer might HD93: State Rep. Dollyne Sherman, who was give unspent campaign money to his daughter’s campaign, appointed by Republican caucus to replace State Rep. regardless of the amount. “I know she will have access Dave Frizzell, is facing a challenge from John Jacob, who to more money than anyone else who’s running in this does not have a campaign website and has not filled out campaign, and that’s not money she earned in any way,” campaign questionnaires. Sherman started in the Repub- Blad said. “I think Hoosiers and the American people in lican politics as a press secretary for the late Gov. Robert general are sick of nepotism. This campaign that we are Orr in the 1980s. She then did the same job for India- going to be building is going to be powered by people napolis Mayor Steve Goldsmith. She has also worked for and grassroots donations across this district, and I believe U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks and former Gov. Mitch Daniels. that is the strongest way we will not only win but build a Primary Horse Race Status: Safe Sherman. movement to influence change in Indianapolis.” Duncan, a management trainee for Enterprise car rental, said he HD100: (Open seat, State Rep. Dan For- estal is not seeking reelection). Wayne Harmon and Niles Yensel are seeking the GOP nomination. Har- mon has been a frequent candidate for the 7th CD. This is an overwhelmingly Democratic seat that will not be in play this fall. Primary Horse Race Sta- tus: Tossup.

House Democrat primaries

HD1: In District 1, Democratic State Rep. Carolyn Jackson, of Hammond, is facing a Democratic challenger, former Hammond councilman Anthony Higgs, according to the Indiana Election Division. Primary Horse Race Status: Likely Jackson.

HD3: Freshman State Rep. will square off against Jessica Renslow, an instruc- Page 10 began telling people in December that he would challenge Bauer in the primary. “Our fundraising is going pretty well,” Duncan said. “Not that I can throw punches with $100,000, but I think we’re suited to win our race.” Duncan has run unsuccessfully in party caucuses four times, most recently for party chair, and was cam- paign manager for Rep. Joe Taylor’s 2018 nar- Maureen Bauer, Garrett Blad and Drew Duncan have filed for HD6 to replace the retiring State Rep. B. Patrick row win over Republican Bauer. Troy Dillon. “This is not HD42: Amy Burke Adams, Jasen Lave, and going to be a race where a person can just spend money Brandi Cooper Vandiver are Democrats seeking to chal- and win the seat,” Duncan said. Voters “want to see an lenge State Rep. Alan Morrison. None of these Democrats active and present representation. Her father had a lot of has a website or has filled out candidate questionnaires. power and if he plans to hand some of that over to her, Primary Horse Race Status: Tossup. that’s a part of running for office.” Primary Horse Race Status: Likely Bauer. HD49: Joseph Lehman and Amanda Qualls are the Democrats who have filed to challenge freshman HD12: (Open, State Rep. Mara Candaleria Rear- Republican State Rep. Christy Stutzman. Neither appears don is running in the 1st CD). Democrats running include to be running an active campaign. Primary Horse Race Mike Andrade, Brandon Dothager and Mike McInerney. An- Status: Tossup. drade has been endorsed by Lake County Democratic Jim Wieser. Primary Horse Race Status: Leans Andrade. HD59: Two Columbus area educators – Dale Nowlin, Cinde Wirth – are vying to challenge State Rep. HD25: Maurice Fuller and Alex Sabol are Demo- Ryan Lauer, who defeated Nowlin in 2018, 56.8% to crats seeking to challenge long-time Republican State 40.6%. Primary Horse Race Status: Leans Nowlin. Rep. Don Lehe, who defeated Fuller in 2018 by a 70.8% to 29.2% margin. This is a reliably Republican seat. Fuller HD93: Angela Elliott, Andy Miller and Abdul-Aziz and Sabol do not appear to be mounting credible cam- Yamobi have filed for this seat held by appointed State paigns. Primary Horse Race Status: Tossup. Rep. Dollyne Sherman. None of these Democrats appears to be mounting a campaign for this reliably Republican HD39: Mark Hinton and Ashley Klein are the seat. Primary Horse Race Status: Tossup. Democrats seeking to challenge State Rep. . Hinton is seeking a rematch, after he was defeated by Torr HD95: State Rep. John Bartlett v. Eugene 57% to 43% in 2018. Klein decided to jump in after Dem- Dooley. Bartlett is expected to easily win this primary chal- ocrats took two Carmel City Council seats in 2019. “After lenge. Primary Horse Race Status: Safe Bartlett. the recent municipal elections, we’ve seen that Carmel residents are shifting as voters, recognizing one-party rule HD98: State Rep. , Edwin isn’t right for us,” she told the Carmel Current. “We need Johns and Bob Kern. Rep. Shackleford should easily be to start putting the state of Indiana first on our nation’s renominated in this Democratic Indianapolis district. Pri- report card rankings, and I’m hopeful that Carmel can help mary Horse Race Status: Safe Shackleford. lead the way to a prosperous future for all Hoosiers.” Klein has held positions at various law firms as a commercial HD100: (Open seat, indicted State Rep. Dan real estate appraiser and at United Way of Central Indiana, Forestal is not seeking reelection). Indianapolis Council- working with foster youth. She is a residential real estate man Blake Johnson will take on Clif Marsiglio in the pri- broker at F.C. Tucker Co. in Carmel. Hinton is an educator. mary. Johnson, 33, is the CEO of IndyHub, a not-for-profit Primary Horse Race Status: Leans Hinton. that connects young adults with community opportunities. Primary Horse Race Status: Likely Johnson. v Page 11

Bloomberg said, “They decided when they signed What happens in Vegas ... the agreement they wanted to keep it quiet.” Politico observed, “Mike Bloomberg spent the goes nationwide with past 10 weeks flooding the airwaves with ads, racking up endorsements and climbing into contention ahead of his the Dem presidential race Super Tuesday debut. And in two hours Wednesday night, he risked losing those swift gains as he stumbled through By BRIAN A. HOWEY his first nationally televised primary debate. He was INDIANAPOLIS — What happens in Vegas ... well, rusty. He was testy. He was out of touch.” The New York in the case of the Democratic presidential race ... the fear tabloids had a headline feast: New York Post: “Black and and loathing goes nationwide. With Michael Bloomberg Bloom”; New York Daily News: “Bloom Goes the Dyna- on the debate stage for the first time, and the Democratic mite.” establishment in a panic that Socialist Bernie Sanders is Largely neglected in this conflagration was on an irreversible course for the nomination, the debate President Trump, whose best case scenario — a head to turned into a maul. head with the socialist Sanders, a millionaire with three “We’ve got to wake up homes — appears to be unfolding. “The Democrat Party is as a party. We could wake up in the midst of a full-scale meltdown,” said Trump cam- two weeks from today — the paign spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany. “Americans are day after Super Tuesday — and watching the party of JFK be torn apart by anti-job social- the only candidates left standing ists and anti-worker globalists who want to control every will be Bernie Sanders and Mike aspect of Americans’ lives. This train wreck is nothing Bloomberg, the two most polarizing figures on this stage,” compared to what they would do to our country.” said former South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg. “And most The subplot was the rising animosity between Americans don’t see where they fit if they’ve got to choose two of the “moderates” ... Buttigieg and Sen. Amy Klobu- between a socialist who thinks that capitalism is the root char. of all evil and a billionaire who thinks that money ought to Buttigieg pressed Klobuchar on her inability to be the root of all power. Let’s put forward somebody who name the president of Mexico in a recent interview, ask- actually lives and works in a middle class neighborhood in ing how she could sit on committees overseeing Mexico an industrial Midwestern city. Let’s and not be able to “speak to literally put forward somebody who’s actually the first thing about the politics of a Democrat. the country to our south.” “Look, we shouldn’t have to Klobuchar turned to Buttigieg and choose between one candidate who said, “Are you trying to say that I’m wants to burn this party down and dumb? Are you mocking me here? another candidate who wants to buy I’m saying I made an error. People this party out. We can do better,” sometimes forget names.” Buttigieg said. “I wish everyone was as perfect Sanders gouged at Bloom- as you, Pete.” berg for the controversial stop-and- At another point, Buttigieg took a frisk policing policy his administration shot at the senators on stage, turn- used, “which went after Latino and ing to Klobuchar and saying, “This is African American people in outra- the arena, too. You don’t have to be geous ways,” Sanders said. Bloom- in Washington to matter.” berg responded, “I don’t think there’s Buttigieg also assailed Sanders any chance of the senator beating for what he described as out of con- President Trump.” trol partisans who had criticized the Sen. Elizabeth Warren at- culinary union leaders who declined tacked Bloomberg, accusing him of to endorse a candidate. calling women “horse-faced lesbians” and said the former As Sanders defended his supporters’ actions, New York mayor should release sexually harassed employ- Buttigieg said, “Leadership is about what you draw out of ees from the non-disclosure agreements. people. It’s about how you inspire people to act. And right Bloomberg responded, ”None of them accuse me now we’re in this toxic political environment. Leadership of doing anything other than maybe they didn’t like a joke. isn’t just about policy. I think — at least in broad terms — we have a very few non-disclosure agreements.” we’re largely pulling in the same direction on policy. But “How many do you have?” Warren pressed as leadership is also about how you motivate people to treat the crowd howled. “Some is how many? This is about the other people.” v question of electability.” Page 12

industries, and I hope to see justice served in this case. I don’t believe this specific incident is representative of all More accountability for charter schools. Not every student excels with traditional classroom instruction – some require a different environ- school vouchers urged ment to shine. Howey Politics Indiana Raatz reaffirmed his support for vouchers, saying, INDIANAPOLIS — Two years after Chalkbeat “I remain a fierce advocate for innovative policies that detailed misspent state voucher school funds and a State improve education in our state. I will remain actively Board of Accounts audit put the tab at $85 million last engaged in ongoing conversations on how we, as a state, week, Senate Democrats sought more accountability. can best prevent this incident from occurring again.’’ “Because of an absolute lack of oversight, two virtual charter schools were able Central Indiana RDA proposed to steal $86 million from taxpayers Indiana lawmakers are considering legislation that and students.” Sen. Mark Stoops would allow the communities in central Indiana to cre- said. “It’s unacceptable. For the ate a regional development authority, but the framework last four years, the super major- isn’t exactly what advocates initially proposed. Senate Bill ity has refused to hear Senate 350, authored by Sen. , R-Markle, would Democratic bills that could have create a regional development authority framework for prevented this fraud. I truly believe that this recent scan- central Indiana to allow local officials to work together on dal is just the tip of the iceberg, and by failing to approve significant economic development initiatives (Erdody, IBJ). legislation that prevents charter schools from being able to The pilot program would be in place for five years. Hold- rob the state again, Republicans are telling these schools man said the idea is that central Indiana officials would they will continue to look the other way. It’s a shame that use that time to come up with a framework for regional Republicans repeatedly reject the opportunity to safeguard development and cooperation that could be implemented Hoosier taxpayers.” statewide. Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, who has been an Gov. Eric Holcomb responded to the SBA audit, advocate for regionalism, described the legislation as “a saying in a statement, “Those found defrauding students, first step” and told lawmakers it allows him and other may- families and teachers of needed education dollars will ors in the Indianapolis metropolitan area to continue work- be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. I’m ing toward the best long-term solution. Westfield Mayor hopeful that through a thorough investigation, a complete Andy Cook said he thinks the creation of the RDA could restitution of the defrauded funds will be realized.” help him promote his city to prospective businesses and Holcomb added that he’s “instructed my campaign residents, because a strong region helps all the communi- team to identify any and all contributions received from ties. “We want to coordinate what we’re all doing together involved organizations and donate those past campaign so we can paint a much better picture,” Cook said. The bill contributions to a local nonprofit organization involved in also has support from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, education. I’m hopeful all other candidates, campaigns, the Indy Chamber, OneZone and Aspire Johnson County. and office holders will do the same.” Democratic Chairman John Zody said, “Eric Hol- House panel OKs fetal remains bill comb pocketed thousands in campaign cash from donors he Indiana House next week likely will approve that very likely could face criminal charges. He can donate legislation requiring women completing a pill-induced the money, but he can’t change that fact. These aren’t abortion at home to be told they can return the embryonic new allegations or new contributions; they date back remains to their abortion clinic or hospital for disposal years. Holcomb isn’t donating the money on principle, he’s through burial or cremation (Carden, NWI Times). On donating because he got caught.” Wednesday, the House Public Health Committee voted Senate Education Chairman said, “We 11-1 to advance Senate Bill 299 to the full chamber for have known for over a year about the massive problems possible revisions and a decision on whether to forward at these two virtual schools, but the newly released audit it to Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb to be signed into law. report shows the issues were even worse than previously Even Democrats who typically oppose the annual abortion thought.” restrictions crafted by the Republican-controlled Legisla- Raatz added, “In 2019, lawmakers passed Sen- ture supported the proposal in committee because they ate Enrolled Act 567, which addressed initial concerns the said they wanted to applaud anti-abortion lawmakers for General Assembly had with Daleville Community Schools recognizing women deserve choices when it comes to and its oversight of the two virtual schools. While SEA 567 reproductive health care. State law already obligates abor- set some good guardrails, as virtual learning continues to tion providers to dispose of aborted embryos and fetuses advance, we know that other measures will be required. in their possession through burial or cremation, rather There are bad actors who take advantage of the law in all than as medical waste. v Page 13

was built as a means of managing disagreement without coming to blows. Treating one another civilly is how people Without civility, our who don’t agree still manage to weigh issues carefully and find common ground. The founding fathers did not expect system won’t work all Americans would become friends, but they did expect By LEE HAMILTON that we could all be respectful and civil to each other. BLOOMINGTON — When he was just a young And there’s no question that incivility has conse- teenage schoolboy, George Washington sat down and quences. It makes the work of democracy more difficult: copied out 110 “Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior.” Many Building consensus, reconciling competing views, entic- of these had to do with simple ing ordinary Americans to give up some of their private manners. “Cleanse not your teeth lives to devote themselves to the public good. It makes with the tablecloth, napkin, fork key institutions like Congress less effective. Walking into a or knife,” reads Rule 100. Good room or chamber where the differences are sharply drawn advice at any time. and finding a way to bring people together is political skill But the first rule the of the highest order. And it’s pretty much impossible to future president wrote down and exercise without civility. followed for the rest of his life Where many of us grew up, and still to this was especially notable: “Every day, talking easily, comfortably, and courteously with one action done in company, ought another is the way we resolve our problems. Especially at to be with some sign of respect the state and local level, political leaders mostly recognize to those that are present.” There that they have a responsibility to respect the dignity of the are times when I find myself people they’re bound to encounter on a regular basis. wishing that all of us, public officials and ordinary citizens This is not always easy. Civility takes discipline alike, would adopt the civil behavior of that particular and patience. Especially when faced with incivility, the teenager. temptation is to lash right back. But aside from some kind Our politics today too often is strident and polar- of momentary satisfaction, it’s hard to see how this is an ized. To put it mildly, we do not always show respect to effective tactic if our purpose is to get things done. those present, as Washington did, and try to make them Because in a democracy like ours, the key chal- comfortable. Often, it’s just the opposite. We live in a pol- lenge is to foster a debate that respects all voices, even ity that seems to reward in-your-face rhetoric and confron- those of dissent and protest, and create an environment tational behavior. that enables the agreements we need to advance the Yet civility – respecting the rights and dignity of common good. The future and the effectiveness of our others – uplifts our common life. It makes engaging in representative democracy require that we get the balance politics more pleasant, more appealing, and ultimately, between civility and dissent right. more fruitful. The reassuring thing is that bringing this country I’m well aware that calls for civility in the past closer to the political behavior that George Washington have been used by political “haves” to try to rein in those had in mind is not a matter of enacting laws or pass- seeking entree to power. And Americans have an inter- ing new regulations. It’s simply a matter of encouraging esting, conflicted view on the topic. On the one hand, respectful behavior, one person at a time. If we can do a Georgetown University poll found last fall, Americans that and reverse the course we’ve embarked on in recent across the political spectrum “agree with the premise that years, then we can still show that a government of, for, our political culture has become too uncivil and lacks a and by the people works. v focus on solutions, and that common ground and com- promise should be the goal for political leaders.” Yet they Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana often tolerate, if not University Center on Representative Government; encourage, incivility, a Distin- and want their leaders guished to “stand up to the Scholar at other side.” the IU Ham- But stress- ilton Lugar ing respect for one’s School of opponents does not Global and mean we need to Internation- agree with one an- al Studies. other. Far from it. At its heart, our system Page 14

votes in the “moderate” lane and keep Buttigieg from actu- ally defeating Sanders in a huge upset. Sputnik aims a Biden’s coloring of the river lights as blah in comparison with other “issues” had no effect in keeping conspiracy at Pete Buttigieg from a win. Biden, clearly uncomfortable with the By JACK COLWELL attack, was no doubt pushed into it by campaign strate- SOUTH BEND — Sputnik calling. Never, a year gists in desperation to avoid his disastrous showing in New ago, could I have imagined Russia’s International News Hampshire. Agency Sputnik seeking comment about a contrived con- The requests by journalists from around the world spiracy theory aimed at Mayor for interviews about what the former mayor did or didn’t Pete. do here and what he’s really like couldn’t have been imag- Or that South Bend’s ined a year ago. Interest of the news media in this country Pete Buttigieg would be the is understandable as a young mayor from a middle-sized frontrunner in delegates for the city in Indiana suddenly appeared on the national scene. Democratic presidential nomina- But a camera crew from Japan? Multiple requests from tion after the Iowa caucuses and England, France and Canada as well as from Japan? Sto- New Hampshire primary. Or that ries in publications in Denmark and Slovenia? the city’s river lights would be There is interest around the world in what is ridiculed in a political attack by happening in America and what will happen in the presi- former Vice President Joe Biden. dential election. Is America in tune with President Trump? Or that I would be in- Will the election bring a different tune? And if there is to terviewed by journalists from six be a new president, who might that be? Could it possi- foreign countries. Would have been eight if communica- bly be this young guy with credentials as mayor of South tions with Australia worked and if I agreed to an interview Bend, wherever that is? with Sputnik, a spreader of Kremlin propaganda. They found South Bend. Their stories on Buttigieg Well, a lot that couldn’t have been imag- after seeking information here and along the campaign ined a year ago has happened as former Mayor Buttigieg, trail, differ in analysis of whether he is a solid contender or then such a long, long long shot for the Democratic a contender whose time has not yet come. One winner in nomination, has become a top contender, within a whis- all of this attention seems to be South Bend. Visitors from ker of knocking off Bernie Sanders in the New Hampshire afar often express surprise at finding a Rust Belt city in primary. this strange Indiana that isn’t as rusty as they might have If the Russians want to promote disinformation envisioned. about Buttigieg, does that mean that Putin’s spreaders of One journalist for a publication abroad sent an fake news fear a former mayor email saying she of South Bend as a threat to found “people very win the presidency? Maybe friendly in a way not. But chances are that they you don’t experi- aren’t interested now in promot- ence in New York, ing conspiracy theories about where I’m based, or Andrew Yang. Washington, D.C., A year ago, I was where I go often.” wrong, although also right. Will we continue to Buttigieg winning the most hear from journal- delegates in the first tests, Iowa ists like that and and New Hampshire? No way. from Sputnik? Wrong. He did. Buttigieg making Depends on what a strong showing in debates, happens next in Ne- enhancing national prestige and vada, South Caro- having a good showing in Iowa? lina and the states Yes. Right about that. voting on Super Buttigieg still is a long Tuesday. v shot for the nomination, but not nearly as long a shot as a year Jack Colwell is a ago. Pundits would be calling columnist for The him the favorite now if Sen. Amy Klobuchar hadn’t come Tribune. Write to on so impressively in New Hampshire to snare so many him in care of The Tribune or by email at jcolwell@ comcast.net. Page 15

from engaging in this exercise; no need to be too com- prehensive.] Strategic plans normally are instruments of Nothing but good obstruction designed to take time and effort away from doing. The required plan assures us no actual change will news about Indiana occur before mid-decade to disrupt the comfy competition and charming ineffectiveness of today’s metropolitan units. By MORTON MARCUS However, SB350 just might be that toe in water, INDIANAPOLIS — This week there’s nothing but that foot in the door, that camel’s nose in the tent, which good news to report about Indiana. Many readers will say eases us into a new, less-constraining era: A time when this is long overdue. Rightfully, they want to feel good 18th Century thinking ceases to dominate our 21st Century about our state, to read about our lives. v achievements and opportunities. Enough with ugly clouds of statis- Mr. Marcus is an economist. Reach him at mortonj- tics, let’s celebrate the sunlight. [email protected]. We open with a report from the cheery folks at the Tax Foundation who discovered, in the depths of data from the Bureau of the Census, federal aid was 38% of Indiana’s total state general rev- Economic growth enue in FY 2017, the most recent year of data available. The national requires patience figure was a mere 23%. Indiana ranks tenth highest among the 50 states in reliance on By MICHAEL HICKS federal funding. MUNCIE — A full eight weeks have passed since After years of complaining about not getting our the unveiling of New Year’s resolutions. Like most of us, fair share of federal aid to states, we’ve broken into that mine lies abandoned, which means I will not receive that elite quintile, just behind West Virginia and a fraction free YMCA attendance shirt again this year. This brevity ahead of Kentucky. Still, some Hoosiers yearn for those of resolve is an apt metaphor for days in the 20th Century when Indiana refused to seek or the dilemma facing many Hoosier accept federal funds. But now we’re hep, we’re woke. communities, and others across And it’s federal dollars that will help connect the Midwest. I-64, running from Louisville to St. Louis across southern Over the course of a year, Indiana, with I-69, winding northeast from Evansville to I am asked to deliver about 50 Indianapolis. INDOT is out there holding meetings to get talks in various places around the public input on an expanded roadway focused on Jasper. state. Most of these presentations This new road might simply run north along what are about the common worries is now U.S. 231. But the Feds require many routes be con- of slow-growing places. So, to sidered. That’s a boon for the Hoosiers in Opposition. Now, groups of elected leaders, ma- the HIO can call out those folks who retired after battling jor employers, and civic-minded I-69. Now, a juiced-up economic development cadre will folks I explain the findings from once again have fierce foes with whom they can feud. decades of research on the topic. A complement to this decade-long contest is Readers of this column will find my prescriptions Senate Bill 350, a worthwhile effort to broaden thinking in familiar. People hoping for a growing local economy must Central Indiana. Imagine Marion and its contiguous coun- first make communities in which people would wish to live. ties, cities and towns coalescing into a regional economic I explain that this means focusing on the quality of local development authority. schools, remediating blight, ensuring there are parks and What wonders that could do for infrastructure trails, and otherwise removing barriers to new residents. planning and financing, for education programs, for trans- With the exception of school quality, I try not to portation integration, for housing our diverse population, be too specific about needs. Every community is different for inter-governmental environmental cooperation, and the and has different priorities. Perhaps the best way to set provision of local government services. these priorities is by asking residents in a formal, diligent Wisely, however, the State Senate, when passing and inclusive way. In finding remedies to problems, the this bill 48 to 1, provided a sunset date of July 1, 2025, most important voices are apt to be those who are least for this cross-county, voluntary authority. By then it must often consulted. This fundamental lesson is too often provide a comprehensive economic development strategic ignored from neighborhood association boards to city hall. plan. [Note: Madison and Howard counties are excluded My talks are generally well-received, the factors Page 16 that cause population growth are familiar to anyone who average citizen of San Francisco is twice as productive as has looked for a home. But there is also pushback and the average Hoosier. While I wouldn’t advise mimicking the consternation about my ideas. Many people in the Midwest City by the Bay, clearly higher taxes and spending doesn’t have lived in one place all their lives, and are ignorant of deter economic growth and productivity. the factors that influence mobile households. Others are Interestingly, both Indiana and San Francisco simply wedded to yesterday’s policies. have nearly identical population growth this century. I find both positions puzzling. The data is However, more than 85% of our growth has occurred in overwhelmingly supportive of my position. For example, the Indianapolis metropolitan area alone. If it weren’t for over the past 50 years Indiana has spent more than a the success of the relatively high tax regions of our state, billion dollars a year for on economic development, yet we’d have lost another half-million residents over the past we have fewer ‘attractable’ jobs now than we did 50 years 20 years. The simple fact is that households value public ago. At the same time, our incomes have steadily dropped services more than in years past, and this is especially true relative to the nation as a whole. Maybe the saddest fact is among more mobile, educated and productive households. that in a state that beat Great Britain to universal literacy, These things cost money. Again, I don’t say this because we now have educational attainment closer to that of Mis- they sound good, I say it because literally hundreds of sissippi than the national average. studies, across all the developed world, report these re- The traditional economic development model is sults. now a half-century old in Indiana. It has failed the state. In speaking to communities, I tell the same As a fiscal conservative, I object to the continued waste of story. If you wish to grow, be more like the fast-growing a billion dollars a year in economic development spending. counties around Indianapolis or in San Francisco. What But, the billion dollars is only the tip of the iceberg. The I also say is that getting there takes time. The greater real losses come in the under-investment in things that Indianapolis area has been working on quality of place mattered to families over the past half century. improvements for at least 50 years. San Francisco has been It isn’t just that we have spent money on the at it even longer. For many communities, this is more like a wrong things, like piling on business incentives and con- resolution for a new century, not just a new year. Patience structing vast empty business parks. These were mostly and diligent effort matters. There are no quick solutions, wasted, but the real damage lies in ignoring the things only long ones. v that could’ve delivered that mattered. For a half century we’ve been told that a business-friendly environment with Michael J. Hicks, PhD, is the director of the Center few regulations and low taxes were critical to our econom- for Business and Economic Research and the George ic development model. The failure of that policy is readily and Frances Ball distinguished professor of econom- evident to anyone who looks. ics in the Miller College of Business at Ball State So far in this century, the City of San Francisco has University. had more than twice the economic growth of Indiana. The

ally according to the aggregated RealClearPolitics average, although individual pollsters often show more variation Sanders and the Senate than that. Still, the national polls right now tell a more By KYLE KONDIK consistent story than the ones released four years ago at and J. MILES COLEMAN this time, when Hillary Clinton led Donald Trump by three CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Bernie Sanders’ ascen- points nationally while Marco Rubio led Clinton by five and dancy to a soft frontrunning position in the still-uncertain Ted Cruz led her by a point. Obviously, Trump overcame Democratic presidential primary has led many to wonder his weaker position at this point of the 2016 cycle to win not just about his general election odds against Donald the Electoral College anyway. Trump, but also whether he would be a good “running A recent report by the Democracy Fund Voter mate” for Democrats in the most important Senate races. Study Group found that both Biden and Sanders lead Generally speaking, Sand- Trump nationally, but that the ers’ national polling in horse race makeup of their support is a little matchups against Donald Trump bit different. Sanders does bet- is similar to that of Joe Biden, ter with younger and less affluent himself a soft frontrunner before voters, while Biden does better the voting started, and Michael Bloomberg, who is trying with older and more affluent ones. Biden also performs to position himself as a less liberal alternative to Sand- better with white voters -- two points better among whites ers. As of Wednesday afternoon, Biden, Bloomberg, and without a college degree and eight points better among Sanders all led Trump by a little under five points nation- whites with a four-year degree. The latter group’s voting Page 17 power is evident in some of have the easiest pickup. the Sun Belt places where Jones, a fluke special Hillary Clinton performed election winner in 2017, ap- markedly better in 2016 than pears likely to face former Sen. Barack Obama did in 2012: Jeff Sessions, former Auburn places like metro Atlanta, University football coach Tommy Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Tuberville, or Rep. Bradley Byrne Phoenix, and Raleigh. All of (R, AL-1) in the general elec- these big urban areas are tion (two of them seem likely in states (Arizona, Georgia, to advance to a runoff following North Carolina, and Texas) the March 3 primary, with Ses- that host Senate races this sions the best bet to grab one of year, with Arizona and North those spots). That is a blow to Carolina standing out as Jones, who surely hoped to face our only two states rated as disastrous 2017 opponent Roy Toss-ups. For now, Sanders Moore. Moore is running again appears to be weaker though but is clearly lagging behind the still competitive in these other candidates, to the point states. This is part of the where it would be a huge sur- reason why some Democratic prise if he made a runoff. Biden and Sanders vs. Trump in RCP polling average leaders worry about a po- Jones’ vote to remove the tential Sanders nomination, president in the impeachment because they fear he would cede some recent Democratic trial will make it even harder for him to create the kind of gains in well-off suburban areas due to his strongly pro- electoral distance he’ll need from the Democratic presi- gressive/liberal policy proposals. dential nominee to win reelection. We are just having a This shows up in state-by-state polling, too. A few harder and harder time seeing much of a glimmer of hope weeks ago in the Crystal Ball, Alan Abramowitz showed for Jones, who according to a recent Alabama Daily News/ how Sanders was doing a bit worse in the key states than Mason-Dixon poll is lagging the three leading Republicans Biden. Table 2 updates Abramowitz’s compilation of num- by margins ranging from eight to 13 points. Jones benefit- bers from the RealClearPolitics national and state polling ed from a disproportionately strong Democratic turnout in averages, with the states featuring Senate races in bold. the 2017 special election -- helpfully illustrated by political Note that one of the biggest discrepancies between Biden mapper Matt Isbell -- that is highly unlikely to be repeated and Sanders comes in Arizona, a state that, according to in a presidential year. our ratings, features Toss-up races for president and Sen- We are moving Alabama’s Senate race from Leans ate, and probably is a must-win for Democrats to capture Republican to Likely Republican. a Senate majority, if not the Electoral College. The likely loss of Alabama means that Democrats These state-level averages include polls that are, have to win at least four currently Republican-held seats at this point, several months old, whereas the national to get to a 50-50 tie in the Senate, and five for an outright polling is fresher. Also, some key Senate and/or presiden- majority. Colorado has long stood out as the Democrats’ tial states are not included because of a lack of polling. best target, and we’re formalizing that in our ratings by There will be plenty of time to assess the impact moving Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) from Toss-up to Leans of the Democratic nominee on the Senate picture -- espe- Democratic. While polling has been sparse in Colorado, cially once we know with more confidence who that person Gardner has long appeared endangered by the Centennial is going to be. But the numbers illustrate why Democrats State’s shift toward the Democrats. He has emphasized involved in Senate races may prefer other candidates to some local issues but has generally stuck with the presi- Sanders. dent on the bigger-picture ones that are increasingly more salient in our nationalized elections. Gardner is in a tough Alabama and Colorado rating changes spot: After distancing himself from Trump in 2016, Gardner In the meantime, we have two rating changes, risks losing his own base voters if he criticizes Trump, but both of which highlight each party’s best pickup opportuni- if Trump again loses the state, voters may not have much ties this year. A roadblock to Democrats’ hopes of winning reason to split their tickets in Gardner’s favor. He faces a control of the U.S. Senate is the reality that even though version of the same dilemma that Jones does in Alabama, they are only defending 12 seats on this year’s map to the although Jones is in a significantly worse position because Republicans’ 23, the most vulnerable seat on the map is Alabama is an overwhelmingly Republican state, whereas one of those they currently hold: that of Sen. Doug Jones Colorado is just a light shade of blue. (D-AL). In other words, even though the Republicans are That said, the trendlines in Colorado must be wor- playing much more defense than the Democrats are, they rying to Gardner. v Page 18

Mark Bennett, Terre Haute Tribune-Star: This working class votes—those of young black and Latino community’s check-engine light came on last week. It was workers, and those of the white workers who swung the triggered by school superintendent Rob Haworth’s an- 2016 election to Trump. Minority voters are unlikely to look nouncement to folks gathered for his State of the Schools kindly on his mayoral record: intensifying stop-and-frisk, address that enrollment in the Vigo County School vetoing legislation that banned predatory lenders from do- Corp. had dipped below 14,000 for the first time. ing business with the city, and opposing city legisla- Haworth and school district staff have responded tion to raise the living wage. Now that he’s running by crafting a five-year strategic plan around its for president he says he backs a minimum wage continuing enrollment drop — both to “right size” hike, but in 2014, he told Fox News, “I’ve always its operations for a smaller number of students, thought that this impetus to raise the minimum and also for the VCSC to help the entire community to wage is one of the most misguided things we can reverse its population decline in the future. “We have do.” v to turn the corner on our population decline,” Haworth told the Tribune-Star editorial board last month. Indeed, William A. Galston, Wall Street Journal: In school district leaders are serious about the situation. one respect, at least, the Democratic nominating contest Elementary schools will close, for example. The broader is running true to form: Sen. Bernie Sanders is getting the population decline causing the enrollment drop deserves lion’s share of young adults’ votes. In New Hampshire, for to be addressed with an equal sense of urgency from the example, voters under 30 represented 15% of the total community. Projections that the Terre Haute metropolitan but 28% of Mr. Sanders’s support. Voters 65 and older area’s population will shrink by 5.4% by 2050 aren’t mystic were 25% of the total but only 13% of the Sanders coali- visions. The Indiana Business Research Center at Indiana tion. The youngest voters haven’t always leaned left. In University’s renowned Kelley School of Business calculated 1984 Ronald Reagan won 61% of voters under 25, more the projections for all 15 of the state’s metropolitan areas. than his 59% of the popular vote. Something deeper, spe- The research center projects 11 cities to grow, and the cific to our time, is at work. Consider the formative experi- other four — Michigan City-LaPorte, Terre Haute, Muncie ences of adults 30 and younger. For them, the Cold War and Kokomo — to dwindle. Why? The short-term causes exists only in history books—which they didn’t necessarily are birth rates that have been dropping since the “great read. Throughout their adolescence and young adulthood, recession,” and a larger number of people are moving they have seen their country embroiled in Middle Eastern out, rather than into, those towns. In the long term, the wars triggered by the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. remaining populations in those four metros will grow more Next came the financial collapse of 2008 and the ensuing aged than other Hoosier cities because of the short-term 2007-09 recession, the deepest downturn since the 1930s. causes. v As today’s 30-year-olds entered college that fall, they ex- perienced sharply rising tuition as cash-strapped state gov- Harold Meyerson, American Prospect: This ernments slashed aid to public higher education, forcing should be a happy time for former New York Mayor them and their families to assume unprecedented amounts Michael Bloomberg. Right now, his ads are drowning the of student debt. They responded by postponing marriage airwaves in the 14 states that will vote on Super Tuesday, and home purchases, and returned in record numbers to March 3, while in most of those states, the campaigns of live with their parents. Even as the economy has improved his non-billionaire opponents for the Democrats’ presiden- in recent years, many young Americans haven’t felt the tial nod have barely begun. As the campaign rolls on, how- benefits. Today’s young adults are demographically distinc- ever, Democratic voters will learn more about Bloomberg’s tive. Nearly half are nonwhite. Young Republicans as well actual record. The mass incarceration in black and brown as young Democrats are likely to be more comfortable with communities that resulted from police practices he put in demographic diversity than are their elders. For example, place as mayor; the pre-emptive arrests he authorized of 85% of Republicans 65 and older view illegal immigration people who sought to protest the 2004 Republican conven- as a “very big problem” for the country today, compared tion in New York (for which the city had to pay hefty fines with 35% of Republicans under 30. Fifty-nine percent of for false arrests); his defense of Wall Street bankers in the Republicans under 30 believe the legalization of same-sex wake of the 2008 financial panic (he termed the fines lev- marriage has been good for society, compared with 27% ied against banks for misconduct “outrageous”)—these are of Republicans 65 and older. Finally, climate change: 59% just some of the many Bloomberg policies and positions of young adults view it as a “very big” problem, the only that should give Democrats pause. Even so, some Demo- age cohort in which a majority does. Against this back- crats may be willing to overlook that Bloomberg governed drop, it isn’t hard to understand why only 15% of those and in many ways still thinks like a Republican because under 30 think the U.S. is the greatest nation on earth, they believe he has the best chance to unseat President why nearly half believe hard work is no guarantor of suc- Donald Trump next November. But he doesn’t. Indeed, cess, or why so many of them support a single national he can’t. It’s hard to imagine a Democrat less able to win health-care program—and Bernie Sanders for president. v Page 19

munity will never be the same (CBS4). to Germany, to be acting director of Councilman refuses Resort owners; APEX explained the national intelligence. “Rick has rep- decision to close in a statement: resented our Country exceedingly to resign for posting “Despite significant effort and a great well and I look forward to working

deal of investment in infrastructure with him,” the president tweeted. The KOKOMO — An Indiana coun- and rides we have not seen an im- move installs a fierce loyalist at the cilman whose predecessor resigned provement in operating results.” commanding heights of the American after posting Islamo- “Times change and that’ there’s intelligence community, in the latest phobic comments online nothing personal in this. It’s a example of a newly liberated president says he will not step business decision,” Monticello seeking to place trusted individuals in down after he was also Mayor Cathy Gross said. Locals highly sensitive posts. Grenell would criticized for sharing mention the resort wasn’t just take over from Joseph Maguire, who similar views on Face- a place for fun; it brought a lot entered the role after the departure book (AP). Roger Stewart, a member of money into the city. People trav- of Dan Coats last summer and is of the Kokomo Common Council, eled long distances to go to Indiana required to leave his acting post by was elected last week by the Howard Beach, but without it here will people March 12. As the country’s top intel- County Republican Party. He replaced still come visit? Mayor Gross hopes ligence official, Grenell — who has not Greg Jones, who resigned Jan. 17, the other outdoor activities in the city served in any U.S. intelligence agency after his Islamophobic and homopho- will still bring people. “We can provide — would oversee the 17 U.S. intel- bic Facebook posts from 2015 came to for them the recreation they are look- ligence agencies and also serve on the light. Last February, Stewart shared a ing for. Maybe it won’t be in a roller National Security Council. Trump supporter’s post on his private coaster, maybe it will begin a kayak Facebook account that said: “I refuse ride on the river,” Mayor Gross said. to bend, twist or change to make Roger Stone to be Muslims feel comfortable in MY COUN- sentenced today TRY. They either adhere to our laws or Blago gushes leave! THIS IS MY COUNTRY! Under- about Trump WASHINGTON—A longtime stood???” Stewart also shared a post friend and associate of President that described anyone who took the CHICAGO — Former Illinois Trump is scheduled to be sentenced Oath of Office on a Quran, the holy Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Thursday on charges of lying to book of Islam, as a traitor, accom- gushed about Donald Trump a day Congress, obstruction and witness panied by a photo of U.S. Rep. Ilhan after the Republican president set him tampering (Wall Street Journal). Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, free from a federal prison, delivering Roger Stone, a Republican consultant who was one of the first two Muslim a 20-minute monologue Wednes- who has been a political mentor and women sworn into Congress. Stewart day outside his Chicago home that adviser to Mr. Trump for decades, will said Tuesday, after photos of his posts sounded like an extended campaign be sentenced by Judge Amy Berman were published online, that he was commercial (AP). Standing before a Jackson at a morning hearing. The “incredibly sorry” if he had “shared crowd of more than 100 reporters sentencing has drawn the interest of something offensive to anyone,” add- and well-wishers at the steps of his Mr. Trump, who has said on Twitter ing that hadn’t been his intent. But house, the governor-turned-convicted and to reporters that Mr. Stone had he said he would not resign. “I am felon even offered an endorsement of been treated “very unfairly.”. an imperfect Christian (who) is also Trump’s bid for a second term. “I’m a a proud American,” Stewart said in a Trumpocrat,” said the one-time con- Trump tweets statement to the Kokomo Tribune. “I testant on Trump’s reality TV show, served our United States proudly as “Celebrity Apprentice.” “If I had the test Barr an Army veteran. I take full respon- ability to vote, I would vote for him.” WASHINGTON — President sibility for my shared post. These Felons in Illinois can vote once they Trump continued to test his relation- views do not represent my colleagues, leave prison, though they have to ship with Attorney General William P. friends, or family.” register again, according to the state Barr on Wednesday by amplifying con- Board of Elections. servative allies demanding he “clean

Monticello braces house” at the Justice Department and for resort closure Trump tabs target those involved in the Russia Grenell as DNI investigation that once threatened his MONTICELLO – An Indiana presidency (Washington Post). The landmark is closings its doors after WASHINGTON — President grievances shared by Trump in a flurry nearly 100 years. Those who live close Trump on Wednesday tapped Richard of morning tweets included claims of a to Indiana Beach now fear their com- Grenell, the current U.S. ambassador “seditious conspiracy” against him.