V18, N20 Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013 HPI Power 50: The Pence era begins Dramatic changeover at Statehouse and Congressional delegation By BRIAN A. HOWEY in and MARK SCHOEFF JR. in Washington You would have to go back to years like 1995, 1981, 1975 and 1965 to experience the kind of “change of the guard” feeling that exists in the political and public policy sectors today. We have a new governor and same- party super majorities in the Indiana House and Senate for the first time in the television age. For the first time in half a century, there is no Bayh or Lugar in the U.S. Senate from Indiana. U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, at age 34 and with two years and two months of tenure is the “dean” of Indiana’s Republican congressional Incoming Gov. Mike Pence (above) and U.S. delegation. For the first time in history, there Sen. Joe Donnelly (left) have changed the are two Indiana Republican congresswomen. Indiana political dynamic. They part of an unmistakable trend of more Hoosier women moving up the state’s political well as promising entrepreneurs who ladders. Indiana Democrats have been reduced could forge the next generation of politi- to an urban and college town party when it cal leadership, though most of them won’t comes to the . make the Power 50 list (few freshmen Scattered across the political landscape are the 20- and 30-something neophytes as Continued on page 4 Pence talks his agenda By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS – Gov.-Elect Mike Pence stopped by the offices of Howey Politics Indiana on Wednesday morn- ing and participated in this interview: ‘‘It’s already illegal. What’s to be HPI: Talk about the transition from being a legislator to being a gov- gained other than ostracizing a ernor. whole section of the population?” Pence: This was something I was pondering two years ago. I hope the - State Sen. Pete Miller, one of a fact that I’ve been a legislative leader growing number of Republicans will make me a better executive. But I do understand the different types of opposing the proposed leadership. As a legislator, you are an Constitutional gay marriage ban advocate. You represent your constitu- HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 2 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013

ents and your ideals. You carry those reach out to the leadership of both into the debate to the best of your political parties in both chambers ability. It’s vitally important to under- and make it clear our door is open. stand that being a legislator and an We’ve articulated what we think are www.HoweyPolitics.com executive are both leadership roles. the goals that we ought to pursue They are different kinds of leadership forward. We’ve articulated policies roles. Whereas a legislator is in my that we think will advance those Howey Politics judgment an advocate, an executive goals. But I don’t have any view that Indiana ought to be someone who demon- our administration or our party is the is a non-partisan newsletter strates the capacity to only place you can find good ideas. based in Indianapolis and listen to all sides, to Nashville, Ind. It was founded reflect, to cast a vision and then create a pro- in 1994 in Fort Wayne. posal to advance that It is published by vision on a consistent WWWHowey Media, LLC basis. That’s a transi- 405 Massachusetts Ave, tion we saw frankly Suite 300 through the campaign. When I gave my Indianapolis, IN 46204 speech to the State Republican Convention, Brian A. Howey, Publisher I had our vision as the Mark Schoeff Jr., Washington “State That Works” and Jack E. Howey, editor then we advanced that vision with six specific goals. We had When I met with our superintendent independent metric measurables. After of public instruction Glenda Ritz, we Subscriptions the convention, we rolled out one pro- had a very warm, cordial conversation. $350 annually HPI Weekly posal after another. Moving through We talked particularly about making $550 annually HPI Weekly and the transition, it all continues to con- career-oriented vocational education form to that vision. We’ll have admin- in high school a goal. We found out HPI Daily Wire. istrative action and legislative action this was something she was talking 'Call Adrian France that will advance those proposals that about completely independently from 812.455.4070 or email we ran on. I really believe the lead- what I was talking about. There’s a [email protected] ers I have admired include our 49th paperweight that I’ve had on my desk governor and the people who have for about 10 years. I’m told the saying followed that model. They have cast a on the paperweight was on Ronald Contact HPI vision and demonstrated the ability to Reagan’s desk. When I move in Satur- www.howeypolitics.com listen and have done the planning, of- day afternoon bringing in a few boxes, [email protected] fered proposals to advance that vision. I’ll put it right there. It says, “There’s 'Howey’s Cabin: 812.988.6520 HPI: Do you see the two no limit what a man can accomplish legislative super majorities as an asset as long as he doesn’t care who gets 'Howey’s cell: 317.506.0883 going in? You’re entering pretty much the credit.” The attitude that I hold is 'Washington: 202-256-5822 an unprecedented situation in modern reflected throughout our administra- 'Business Office:812.455.4070 times. tion on the very first day. Let’s bring Pence: I’ve said for many everybody together and let’s look for © 2013, Howey Politics Indiana. years, I truly believe the first charac- areas where we can agree on goals; All rights reserved. Photocopy- teristic or leadership in a free society where we can find common ground. is humility. I intend to approach this Where there are differences, let’s work ing, Internet forwarding, fax- job from the standpoint of servant on those differences that reflect civility ing or reproducing in any form, leadership. I am grateful for the and the courtesy that Hoosiers always whole or part, is a violation of majorities that the people of Indiana afford their neighbors. federal law without permission awarded our party in the House and HPI: I’m sensing wide bi- from the publisher. v Senate. But I intend from day one to partisan support for legislation that HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 3 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013

will address the skills gap with regional councils that will whose time has come. Well, one of the most powerful ideas address the needs of business and industry and match I’ve encountered from board rooms to shop room floors is local curriculum. That’s a safer bet for your top legislative the idea that the time has come to make career and high priority than the income tax cut, which may get tripped up school education a priority here in Indiana. And doing that by the April revenue forecast. Talk a little bit about how you on a regional basis to forge partnerships with businesses to will proceed on that and whether my perception is valid. design curriculum relevant to careers and make the curricu- Pence: We’ll be presenting a budget next week. lum available to high schools in those areas is an enor- That budget will reflect all of the priorities that we ran on mously important aspect to this proposal. I truly believe and the priorities that we want to advance in the legislative we’ll continue on our present course. process. When you look at this moment – what I call “Indi- HPI: There’s been a lot of caution from legislative ana’s Moment” – I think it’s our time to shine. Because of leaders about the income tax cut. It seems to me the April the progress we’ve made over the last eight years, Indiana revenue forecast will be critical. The whole thing may hinge is on the verge of a timely growth, educational attainment on that. Is that a proper way to gauge this? like no other time in our lifetimes. I really do believe that if Pence: What we’ll do in our first week in office is we continue to practice fiscal responsibility we’ll continue to present a budget to the budget committee and initiate a to be the fiscal envy of the country. We need to make sure process. I’m looking forward to working through this with we pass an honestly balanced budget, make sure we have the General Assembly. I really do believe that the focus go- reserves that will send a message across the country and ing forward is how do we seize this moment? I would just the world that Indiana has a strong balance sheet. It is of say to you I will welcome the dialogue and the discussion. the first importance. But next I think we have to lean into v the fight to make Indiana more attractive for investment by businesses that are here and businesses which want to come here. I truly believe that lowering taxes and improv- Pence announces economic team ing the quality of our work force represent two great op- portunities to do just that. INDIANAPOLIS - Gov.-elect Mike Pence named ad- HPI: How will your top priority be presented? ditional appointments within his Administration. Pence: When we present that budget next week, Victor Smith will join Governor Mike Pence’s Cabi- you’ll see we’ll put that priority on fiscal responsibility and net as Indiana Secretary of Commerce, where he will help protecting that balance sheet and those healthy reserves lead the state’s domestic and international economic devel- even as we fund our priorities and deal with issues like opment agenda. Previously, he was CEO of CDS Engineer- Medicaid and education. Beyond that, to seize this op- ing. portunity in my judgment, the most effective way to pass Eric Doden will serve as Chief Executive Officer pro growth tax reforms is to lower the marginal rates on of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Doden individuals. First, it lowers the tax burden on Hoosiers at most recently worked as a principal for Domo Ventures a time when their taxes are going up. Whether it was the LLC, a boutique private equity firm located in Fort Wayne. recent deal in Washington, or whether it’s the medical de- In 2011, Doden ran for Fort Wayne mayor on the Republi- vice tax taking effect, taxes are going up on Hoosiers. The can ticket. opportunity to lower taxes on every Hoosier will promote Dr. William VanNess will serve as State Health growth. As significant is the fact that 90% of our business Commissioner. Most recently, he served as President and enterprises file their taxes as individuals. While we have in CEO of Community Hospital of Anderson and Madison recent years provided tax relief on inheritance taxes and County, Inc. business taxes, I think the most important and effective Sean Keefer has been named Commissioner of way is to lower taxes on job creators in the cities and on Labor. Keefer, of Fishers, has served as Chief of Staff within through the marginal income tax rate. And lastly, the Indiana State Department of Health since 2011. we will also make Indiana more competitive because ac- Originally appointed commissioner of the Depart- cording to our analysis, using numbers from the Tax Foun- ment of Correction (DOC) in early 2011, Bruce Lemmon dation, if we lower the marginal income tax rate by 10%, will serve in this capacity in the Pence Administration. we’ll be the lowest tax state in the Midwest. When you add Danny Lopez and Jackie Cissell were named to everything else we have going for us, I think it gives us special assistants to the Governor. Lopez currently serves an even better story to tell. We are going to champion that as Executive Director of the Indiana Commission on His- idea cheerfully and consistently. In traveling around the panic/Latino Affairs. Cissell serves as the Assistant Director state, they say there’s nothing more powerful than an idea of of School Improvement and Turnaround for Community Engagement. v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 4 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013

the days when he presided over the Indiana Policy Review Power 50, from page 1 Foundation, his hosting of popular conservative talk TV and radio shows, and then a 12-year congressional career do). where he became an avowed critic of drunken federal The 2013 HPI Power 50 – something we’ve pub- spending while championing an array of social and press lished since 1999 – is an exercise in prognostication about issues. He rose to leadership as the No. 3 conference chair who will be most likely to influence the compelling political position in late 2008. His ascension to the governor’s office and policy events of the day. This year, it is a legislative comes after a tight 49-46% victory over John Gregg when biennial budget session along with various Congress/White he kept a principled stand not to launch a negative cam- House battles that we believe will generate the main thrust paign, then fought off the Richard Mourdock ticket drag. of headlines, thus the Power 50 list reflects that dynamic. But in doing so, Pence becomes the first modern governor Many political and campaign candidates, operatives to win with under 50% of the vote. Pence’s biggest cam- and financiers have fallen out of the Power 50 and into our paign mistake might have been to believe that the Indiana honorable mention section, but not without our love and GOP wouldn’t suffer without U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar at the top affection. It’s just that there aren’t any elections this year. of the state ticket (Pence was neutral in the Senate primary Many of those names will rise again next year. and campaigned heartily with and for Mourdock through In the almost decade and a half we’ve been pub- late October). lishing the Power 50 – the most anticipated and widely While he survived anxious mid-evening Election read list of status in Indiana – we’ve had an unprecedented Night moments, Pence comes to office with unprecedented level of HPI subscriber participation. Thus, this list goes accoutrements: Republican super majorities in both the well beyond the authors of this article. It reflects the Indiana House and Senate. The last time there were super thoughts of HPI subscribers, which is a literal “who’s who” majorities came with the Democrats thanks to the Water- of the Hoosier political and public policy establishment. gate fallout of 1974. But those majorities lasted a mere two Many thanks for all the contributions we received. years and came with Republican Doc Bowen at the helm. This time, Pence not only will preside atop a GOP bulwark, Here’s our 2013 Power List. he also comes with stellar conservative and pro- life cre- 1. Gov. Mike Pence: Colts quarterback Andrew dentials that match those of Speaker Luck taking the helm after the leg- and Senate President endary Peyton Manning was sup- Pro Tempore David Long. The advent posed to be a tough act to follow. It of Roe vs. Wade occurred on Bowen’s was an analogy we pondered upon watch, and Gov. Orr was a member of writing this. And it was one of the Planned Parenthood and never made first things Gov.-Elect Pence brought pro-life issues a top priority. Daniels up when he stopped by Howey Poli- and this legislative team were able to tics Indiana on Wednesday morning. pass emphatic pro-life measures in Gov. Mitch Daniels leaves office next 2011 and 2012, such as the defund- Monday with a 58% approval rating ing of Planned Parenthood, something in the final Howey/DePauw Indiana Pence had championed in Congress. Battleground Poll late last October. That dynamic could allow Pence to fo- This will be the third time in modern cus mostly on the economic issues at Indiana history when a new governor hand. It was a position he repeatedly followed a relatively popular one (i.e. vowed to take during the campaign, Robert Orr after Doc Bowen; Frank while Gregg suggested a Pence gov- O’Bannon succeeding Evan Bayh) ernorship would amount to a radical and both were able to navigate tough “Tea Party” takeover of the state. economic times or complex issues to Pence insists he will be a governor for “all Hoo- forge a path to a successful reelection. Pence inherits a siers” and has reached out to new Democratic Education state with a chronic 8% jobless rate, but the perception Supt. Glenda Ritz and the small Democratic minorities in is that Daniels has future good times cued up once the the legislature. His biggest challenges at the onset of his national economy shakes off the doldrums, and there are term appear to come with Republican leaders, who have signs of that. been cool and cautious about his call for a 10% income tax Pence is fulfilling a lengthy anticipation that he cut, fearing it could burn up the surplus and blow up the would eventually slip on gubernatorial shoes dating back to tax base at a time when Indiana faces critical Obamacare HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 5 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013

decisions such as whether to fund Medicaid up to 133% avowedly pro-life, but he has cooled on his past advocation of poverty levels, as well as how to complete the I-69 of a constitutional gay marriage ban. In the wake of Supt. interstate between Indianapolis and Bloomington. Pence Tony Bennett’s upset last November, Bosma still ardently continues to declare the tax cut as his top legislative prior- embraces the Daniels/Bennett education reforms, but talks ity, whereas a number of Pence’s friends and allies hope of wise implementation as a key priority. Both Bosma and he opts for a universally Pence have teachers in their families and appear to un- popular “skills gap” derstand the fine line vocational education between reform and and jobs legislation populism as well as that could earn pas- teachers mounting GOP sage with big bipartisan primary challenges in majorities. 2014. While it’s a long As there was way off, it’s easy to with Gov. Bayh, there envision Bosma po- will be considerable tentially following Doc speculation that Pence Bowen’s footsteps from is using the governor- the speakership to the ship to build his “execu- governor’s office. tive” resume en route 3. Senate Presi- to a White House bid dent David Long: The in either 2016 or 2020. Fort Wayne Republican Pence is just 53 years has shown a deft skill at old and his presiden- keeping his pulse on his tial candidate shelf divergent caucus, and life could extend into knowing when to kill two decades. His top a bad idea in the crib, lieutenants insist that or when to let one get any such decision is enough sunshine to let a long way off. Any notion of a 2016 run when the White public opinion do it for him. Long is the proverbial “adult House will be open would probably have to come within 18 in the room” who has become a pragmatic leader even as months, and with that scenario Pence would need a strong he adheres to the true conservatism in his heart and mind. out-of-the-gates session this year, which he has the po- The sense is that Long will probably enjoy being beyond tential political apparatus and majorities to pull off. Critical Gov. Daniels’ alpha shadow, and it will be fascinating to see to his successes this year will be a favorable April revenue how his rapport with Gov. Pence – a man with a legislator’s forecast and his socially conservative allies not overplaying heart himself – develops in the coming four months. their hands. 4. State Sen. Luke Kenley: A critical dynamic in 2. Speaker Brian Bosma: He is in his second the Statehouse is the “Kenley Test” – whether an idea or a stint as speaker and has created an Indiana House that bill will pass muster with the powerful Appropriations Com- is transparent, has reached out to the minority party by mittee chairman. Kenley and Budget Committee Chairman appointing a Democrat committee chair for the second Brandt Hershman have developed a cohesive working rela- consecutive session, and his longtime nemesis – B. Patrick tionship, not unlike the old Borst/Mills dynamic in the days Bauer – has been neutered by his own caucus. Bosma can of yore. Kenley is more apt to take a controversial public rightfully claim credit for engineering the 69-seat super stance – as he recently did opposing the gay marriage majority he achieved with long-time campaign lieuten- amendment – whereas Hershman is more wonkish, more ant Mike Gentry. It could have reached into the 70s but of a policy mechanic who isn’t afraid to use, say, tax credits the Mourdock Senate candidacy imploded and created a to achieve a policy outcome. Kenley is more media friendly ticket drag. The matured, seasoned Bosma will certainly and savvy and has developed an institutional gravitas that make headlines as he grapples with the Pence income has served the Senate majority caucus well even as the tax cut, the Obamacare budget fallout, and controversial right grumbles. social legislation. The speaker appeared to be outside the 5. District Attorney Joe Hogsett: The Southern Pence campaign loop when the income tax was proposed District attorney could be on the precipice of a sensational last July, despite a long-time friendship between the two story and uncharted territory if he indicts former Marion dating back to their IU Law School days. Bosma remains County prosecutor Carl Brizzi, coming on the heels of his HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 6 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013

successful prosecution of financier Tim Durham, who will House Budget Committee, where he also contributed to likely spend the rest of his life behind bars. It has been Chairman Paul Ryan’s budget plan, set him up for his re- generations since an Indianapolis public official as high as cent appointment to the House Ways & Means Committee. Brizzi has been prosecuted. Hogsett sits at the nexus of It’s the first time since 2006 that a Hoosier will serve on the all sorts of legal and political options. There has been talk tax-writing panel. It’s a plum position for the low-key Young about a potential 2015 challenge to Mayor Ballard in India- that sets him up for a strong sophomore term in Congress. napolis, or a 2016 rematch against U.S. Sen. Dan Coats, 9. Ways & Means Chairman Tim Brown: The who defeated Hogsett in 1992. Hogsett also has the cre- doctor finds himself in an unprecedented modern situation. dentials to wage a gubernatorial race. The American politi- He is the first House Ways & Means chairman to ascend to cal landscape has a number of former DAs – Rudy Giulani, that station with no experience on the committee. Speaker Chris Christie, Big Jim Thompson, and Richard Daley (the Bosma ostensibly tabbed him because of the potential younger) immediately come to mind – who have waged Obamacare impact on state budgets. Brown will face critical sensational prosecutions and reaped political dividends as questions from the beginning after inheriting a “mid-point” a result. Hogsett has been on the Indiana political scene budget forecast. The potential Medicaid hit of 17% could since 1986 as a key Evan Bayh ally. He now finds himself potentially eat up 80% of the $1.2 billion surplus in the in a position to create the political first year and 40% in the second. Thus, capstone to a storied career. the “surplus” is a mirage. We’ve seen 6. U.S. Sen. Dan Coats: other young turks come in and take major Finally . . . Indiana’s senior sena- budget roles: Pat Kiely took over Ways tor! As the highest ranking Republi- & Means after one session and former can on the congressional Joint Eco- Senate Budget Chair Larry Borst took over nomic Committee, Coats (pictured that post during his first term. Dr. Brown right) will have an opportunity to certainly has the intellectual wherewithal carve out some prime political turf to perform in that stellar league. in the debate over cutting the mas- 10. Purdue President Mitch sive federal deficit and debt. It’s Daniels: In West Lafayette, Daniels has an area that will come in handy, as an enormous canvass on which to inno- he tries to fend off a potential Tea vate and continue to think big thoughts Party challenge in 2016. Coats as and pursue big policies. He’ll likely enjoy a voice of reason could be on the the greater freedom that campus life cusp of the most impactful period provides. Sure, he’ll have fundraising pres- of his long career. sure, just as he did in politics. But dealing 7. U.S. Sen. Joe Don- with the Purdue Board of Trustees and nelly: The Granger Democrat is faculty will be a lot easier than contending probably the lawmaker with the with the legislature and answering to vot- best common touch in the Hoosier ers. If the Purdue constituencies couldn’t delegation. When he mixes it up with constituents at a bring down former President Steven Beering, who had a Congress on Your Corner meeting or throws back a beer tense relationship with some Boilermaker professors, they at a bar with Notre Dame fans, there’s no question about shouldn’t give Daniels too much trouble. Daniels critics his authenticity. He’s a blue collar Democrat in a mostly would be correct, if he was set to become provost. He’s not red state. He also asserts that he’s a moderate. You can qualified for that role. Instead, he was hired to be presi- bet that Republicans and conservative organizations will dent, a position in which he’ll excel. It puts Daniels in a po- be closely watching his votes on tough issues, like the sition to implement at that level many of the achievements debt ceiling, to keep him “honest” in their view. It will be in education, transportation, research and operations that interesting to compare and contrast his everyman approach were the hallmark of his two terms as governor. Daniels will with the more aloof posture of the previous Hoosier Demo- likely become a national voice on education issues. We also cratic senator, Evan Bayh. expect him to bring a fresh – and potentially controversial – 8. U.S. Rep. Todd Young: The Bloomington perspective to higher education and how a great university Republican is perhaps the most cerebral of the Hoosier operates. We see Daniels, IU’s Michael McRobbie and Ivy House freshmen in the 112th Congress. A graduate of the Tech’s Tom Snyder as an influential group of college presi- U.S. Naval Academy and a former Marine, Young earned an dents who touch many legislators. MBA from the University of Chicago while going to school 11. Indianapolis Mayor Gregg Ballard: The at night. His economics background and his work on the second term Republican has demonstrated his strength HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 7 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013

over the past few years; has not shied away from using his ultimately may have swayed the speaker’s decision involves veto pen on some Democrat council proposals (budget and Turner’s son and daughter who operate as lobbyists and in other fiscal items that would be bad for the city’s financial the nursing home sector. picture), and he remains popular among Independent, 15. State Rep. Bill Davis and State Sen. Ron Republican, and Democrat voters. His recent mission to Alting: As chairs of the public policy committees in the two transition city vehicles to electric/hybrid/natural gas has chambers, Davis and Alting will be the gatekeeper to an gained him national recognition. He has built a relationship array of controversial legislation related to abortion, various with Governor-elect Pence. He’s begun fundraising again social issues, alcohol, gaming and tobacco. and looking toward re-election in 2015. (Looking at the 16. Secretary of State Connie Lawson: The past couple of cycles for Republicans in Marion County just former state senator was chosen by Gov. Daniels to fill reinforces what broad appeal he has to have won in 2011). the remaining term of convicted secretary of state Charlie 12. Bill Smith: The new White and will run statewide for the first governor’s chief of staff has been time in 2014, making her the head of a loyal lieutenant of Mike Pence the GOP ticket in less than two years. throughout his congressional career She has the office running smoothly after heading the Indiana Family In- and visited all 92 counties in the last stitute. He has overseen the compila- nine months, getting a lot of positive tion of the new administration and press in local news outlets along the will be the key gatekeeper on the way. She has had a couple of very suc- second floor. cessful fundraisers in recent months 13. U.S. Rep. Marlin and is expected to post $200,000 cash- Stutzman: The farmer from Howe, on-hand for her year-end report. That’s Ind., is another Hoosier freshman a big number in a short time and nearly who landed an “A” committee as- two years out from her first statewide signment, when he was recently election. Her strong allies at the State- appointed to the House Financial house have helped in her campaign Services Committee. This role follows launch and will continue to aid her Stutzman’s work with Sen. Richard success. There are some grumblings Lugar in introducing and promot- about her selection from some rural ing the Rural Economic Farm and Republican chairs who are still upset Ranch Sustainability and Hunger with Daniels over the Jon Costas/Greg Act. Although Congress failed to Secretary of State Connie Lawson with U.S. Zoeller convention fight in 2008. But we pass a farm bill – a truncated ver- Rep. Todd Rokita. expect Lawson to be a heavy favorite to sion was included in the fiscal-cliff win a full term of her own. legislation – Stutzman’s legislation gave him a platform to 17. Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott Jr.: The talk about ag policy and highlight his own background as Lake County Democrat chairman is also mayor of the Re- a northeast Indiana farmer. He’s also become one of the gion’s largest city. He has been innovative, has reached out most vocal proponents of conservative philosophy in the to work with neighboring cities and has the ability to bring House GOP caucus. He was a strident opponent of Speaker a new era of regionalism to “Da Region.” Well into his third John Boehner’s Plan B fiscal-cliff proposal, helping torpedo term, the mayor should stop fretting about the “reputation” that measure, and was one of the first to come out against of the Region, showcase his own stewardship and not fear the Senate fiscal-cliff bill that the House passed despite 151 running a statewide campaign should it fit into his life’s sta- Republican “no” votes. Stutzman, who is likely to become tion. a player in the Republican Study Committee, says that he’s 18. Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke: The promoting conservative principles and generating a discus- Republican had a great first year in office, even with an 8-1 sion that House GOP leadership appreciates. Or maybe he’s Democratic city council. He’s cleaned up a few of his pre- annoying them and they’re just being tolerant. decessor’s messes without trying to pin blame on anyone 14. State Rep. Eric Turner: The Democrat (the Roberts Stadium decision was particularly tricky.) He’s turned Republican is the key social conservative in the getting very good reviews as someone who can work with House and he will head up efforts to pass the gay marriage the other side and get things done and he’s already looked constitutional amendment. Speaker Bosma decided against to and respected by his fellow mayors around the state. a rare nexus of a leading social conservative taking the 19. U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita: He got off to a reins of the powerful Ways & Means Committee, opting for strong start in his congressional career in 2011 by being Dr. Brown instead. The persistent talk in the hallways which appointed to the House Steering Committee, one of three HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 8 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013

freshmen to land on 21. Supt. Glenda Ritz: This what is essentially the Indianapolis Democrat stunned board of directors for the political establishment with her the House GOP. He had upset win over Supt. Tony Ben- a voice on policy that nett, riding a social media wave was more influential than of teacher discontent over the almost any other fresh- sprawling reforms of 2011. She man could attain. Rokita comes into a position both party claimed credit for helping platforms had advocated to be- to marshal the efforts of come a gubernatorial appointment, Reps. Todd Young (R- and Ritz is well aware of this and 9th CD), Larry Bucshon the limitations of dealing with the (R-8th CD) and Marlin dominant Republican General As- Stutzman (R-3rd CD) in punching above their freshman sembly. She plans to resist acting unilaterally and will seek weight during the 112th Congress. He also directly con- to build consensus. Her priorities will be literacy, working tributed and helped raise more than $800,000 for House with Gov. Pence on his vocational education program and GOP candidates in 2012. But Rokita’s efforts to parlay his improving assessment models. Ritz will strive to bring more fundraising and Steering Committee position into a perch people to the table and she has had initially friendly meet- on one of the House’s most powerful committees, the ings with key Republican legislators and Gov. Pence, who tax-writing Ways & Means panel, fell short. His ambition talked warmly about her on Wednesday. and aggressiveness sometimes rubs colleagues the wrong 22. Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry: The way. For instance, he refers to House Budget Committee second-term mayor of Fort Wayne was under key consid- chairman, and former GOP vice presidential candidate, eration for the Democratic ticket in 2012 after hosting his Paul Ryan’s budget plan as the “Ryan-Rokita budget.” But state convention. He is viewed by many Democrats we for someone who was shut out of an “A” committee like talk to as a potential statewide candidate, held in almost Ways & Means, Rokita loyally backed House Speaker John universal high esteem. Boehner’s Plan B fiscal-cliff legislation. He will serve as a 23. Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight: The sec- subcommittee chair on the House Education and Workforce ond-term mayor has been an innovative and popular mayor Committee. of the City of Firsts. He is a prolific fundraiser while leading 20. Evan Bayh: The Ten Million Dollar Man finds his city beyond the near 2008-09 automaker catastrophe, himself in a position for a possible second resurrection of reaching out to work with Marion Mayor Seybold to create the . He is a former two-term the “auto belt” economic zone. Both Kokomo and Marion governor and U.S. senator, has never lost an election, have seen their fortunes rise, jobless rates fall and home and raised eyebrows when he sent out a Christmas card construction revving up just four years after they could last month. His twin sons are now 16 and will be mak- have become cratered cities. Goodnight, who ran once ing a college choice soon. If they end up at IU, Purdue or unsuccessfully for Congress, Notre Dame, that would be one scenario that might draw is a Democrat with ticket po- the Bayh family back from DC and Delaware. Sen. Coats’ tential. There has been some last-minute move back to Indiana to claim the old Bayh talk of a gubernatorial run, Senate seat will be a politically untenable move after the though Goodnight has yet to Lugar primary residency debacle of 2012, so if Bayh is signal his interest. interested, 2014 might be the time he could be back home 24. Republican again. Having said all of this, his closest allies have told Chairman Eric Holcomb: HPI they don’t believe he’s interested, though that type of Although you think of Hol- thought is always couched with phrases like “Evan loves comb (pictured right) as a public service.” He just didn’t dig the Senate, he won’t be in Daniels guy, he has made a position to move past Hillary in a presidential race (that it clear he intends to make opportunity passed in 2006) and so either the Obama or sure Gov. Pence is successful Clinton cabinet or the Indiana governorship are the most out of the gate and there’s a likely places he could do that. Our take? If we had to place good chance he stays on as a money bet, it would be “nada.” But then, Evan Bayh has chair. Holcomb has been inti- surprised us all before. mately involved in state poli- HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 9 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013

tics for over a decade. He served as Daniels’ deputy chief litical status and operations to position herself as Indiana’s of staff, ran the re-election campaign and Aiming Higher first female governor, which could happen as early as 2016 PAC, plus wrote a book on Mitch’s leadership qualities thus if Pence were to opt for a presidential campaign, or 2020 putting him in a key position to be a huge resource for the when there could be an open gubernatorial seat. Neither Pence team. The continuity he will provide Team Pence Davis or Skillman ever developed the political operations during their first state legislative session will be invaluable. that Lt. Govs. Robert Orr and Frank O’Bannon did when Both Pence and Holcomb graduated from Hanover College they ascended to the top job. and were members of the same fraternity there. He’s close 28. State Rep. Judd McMillin: One of to senior Senator Dan Coats and close friends with most the key questions leading into this year’s Power 50 list is members of Indiana’s congressional delegation. Holcomb which of the Class of 2010 Republicans is emerging as is what you want a modern day state chairman to be, a a leader? A number of HPI’s influential subscribers point professional, inclusive leader for the team. He understands to McMillin, who will chair the House Courts and Criminal local party politics, messaging, and is an effective fundrais- Code Committee. This committee will play a critical role er. Our sources say Holcomb is being “heavily” encouraged in the efforts to reform Indiana’s aging criminal code and to run for re-election as chairman in March. bring about sentencing reform. McMillin took some hits 25. U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky: The dean of the from Democrats in his first campaign because of profes- entire Indiana delegation has had a lower profile since the sional and personal indiscretions, but he’s been focused House went Republican. His Marquette Plan for revitalizing since arriving to the Statehouse and is earning respect. the Lake Michigan shoreline into an array of recreational 29. U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon: The Republi- uses and his support for the NW Revedelopment Authority can heart surgeon from Newburgh was targeted by the in an alliance with Gov. Daniels will be Visclosky’s indelible Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in his first imprint of Indiana.. re-election bid but prevailed in November by 10 points 26. Chamber President Kevin Brinegar and over former Democratic state representative Dave Crooks. IMA President Pat Kiely: The “skills gap” that impacts Going from a “race-to-watch” status to a blowout is a business and industry, as well as the state’s unemployment political achievement for Bucshon, who was helped out rate and personal income should be the front-stage-center tremendously by an infusion of almost $1 million in out- issue of the Indiana General Assembly. Both these powerful side spending. He attributes his success to working hard leaders deal with the limitations of workforce development in Congress and keeping his finger on the pulse of one of on a daily basis, and both are in a position to greatly influ- the few districts in Indiana that became more Democratic ence legislation that deals with the problem this session. in the 2012 cycle. Bucshon garnered a seat on the always 27. Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann: The incoming district friendly House Transportation and Infrastructure lieutenant governor (pictured left) has had a meteoric, Committee in the 112th Congress. This gave him a platform virtually unprecedented rise in Indiana politics, going from for championing provisions in the highway authorization bill career educator and business- that benefitted the I-69 extension woman to the state’s second and manufactured housing compa- highest elected executive in the nies. He also brought House Trans- span of three years. In reach- portation Chairman John Mica to ing the Statehouse, she upset Indianapolis for an event. The key House Minority Leader Russ question for Bucshon is whether he Stilwell in 2010, and did so by can continue to improve his fund- agreeing with the Democratic raising ability to fend off the DCCC. leader to run a clean campaign. 30. John Gregg, Jonathan Pence tabbed her as a socially Weinzapfel, Baron Hill and conservative ally who offered Woody Myers: OK, we cheat a bit gender and regional balance. on the Power 50 list, in that there So she moves from the House are always more than 50 names. back bench to running the Sen- At No. 30 is the “2016 Democratic ate sessions in just 48 months. gubernatorial” category beyond Over the next two years, the Evan Bayh. Within this grouping is Statehouse community will be a probable gubernatorial nominee watching her the way they did Lt. Govs. Kathy Davis and should Bayh take a pass (see No. 20). Many believe that Becky Skillman to see if she develops and accrues the po- had Gregg started, hired a finance director and moved HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 10 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013

beyond his Sandborn schtick earlier, he might have pulled below) and Rep. Walorski represent two-thirds of the new off the most epic upset since Frank O’Bannon in 1996. Nor- House freshman women. Brooks could be showcased by a mally in Indiana politics, you get one shot at the nomina- Republican Party that is trying to show that it is diverse and tion (i.e. John Mutz, Larry Conrad), but Gregg has gravitas, sensitive to a wider range of political values and priorities his statewide name ID will not be a problem, and an earlier, than just those espoused by rural white men. Her experi- better heeled campaign is not out of the question . . . if ence as a senior vice president at Ivy Tech and stints as a he wants it. Weinzapfel, the former U.S. attorney and deputy Indianapolis Evansville mayor, is young, hand- mayor provide her with the background some and has run at the municipal, to make an immediate impact on two legislative and congressional level. of her committees – Education and the He currently practices law with Workforce and Homeland Security. In Faegre Baker & Daniels and would fact, she’s chairing a homeland subcom- have to be taken seriously if he an- mittee. Many Republicans we tak to see tes in. Former congressman Baron her as a true rising star where the sky is Hill has run statewide (credibly los- the limit. ing to Sen. Coats in 1990) and is a 33. U.S. Rep. Andre five-term congressman, is popular Carson: The emerging perception is with Indiana Democrats and has that Carson is growing into his job as exquisite taste when it comes congressman after arriving as a legacy to building a new Brown County figure following the death of his grand- cabin. He’s a Blue Dog Democrat mother, U.S. Rep. Julia Carson. The In- who could contrast well with Gov. dianapolis Democrat was recently named Pence. And, finally, Dr. Myers has a a senior Whip and has joined the House voluminous portfolio when it comes Armed Services Committee. to state and municipal health care, 34. Chris Atkins: Pence’s Fortune 500 business, and as an top campaign policy guy will serve as di- investing entrepreneur. His han- rector of the Office of Management and dling of the Ryan White case is still Budget in the new administration. Atkins a beacon of Hoosier compassion. will bring a wealth of fiscal policy experi- Myers also ran a credible 7th CD ence. He served as general counsel and race, losing to U.S. Rep. Carson in policy director forMitch Daniels in OMB. a special election. It’s way, waaaay 35. State Sen. Brandt Hersh- early when it comes to 2016, but man: This Republican senator is the this is the potential field we envi- bookend to Sen. Kenley, chairing the sion at such a premature posting. Senate Budget Committee. It’s a simi- 31. South Bend Mayor Peter Buttigieg: There lar dynamic to the Larry Borst/Morrie Mills twin towers of are five mayors age 30 or under (LaPorte’s Blair Milo, budgetary powers, though neither Kenley nor Hershman Columbia City’s Ryan Daniel, Frankfort’s Chris McBarnes, intimidate lobbyists by making them putt for funding, as and Rising Sun’s Brandon Roeder). But Mayor Buttigieg Borst used to do. is the big city version of the fountain of youth. He did his 36. Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson: The master’s thesis on war zone economic development after second-year mayor of Indiana’s most financially and cultur- on-the-ground study in Afghanistan and Iraq. He has told ally distressed city is earning good marks from the Region associates, “If I can do it there, I can do it in South Bend.” to Indianapolis. She is beginning to eradicate the percep- As a high school student, he won a Harvard John F. Kenne- tion that the Steel City’s woes are insurmountable. The for- dy School essay contest on municipal government. Now he mer attorney general has opened a very business oriented leads a city that has been denigrated as a rust belt poster administration, reached out to academics, former Chicago child in the Wall Street Journal, though he has developed a Mayor Daley and is exploring models of cities in Michigan relationship with Gov. Daniels and brings a fresh set of eyes to face the same needs: reduce the city’s foot print and and ears to Michiana. Buttigieg lost to Treasurer Richard corral services to fit a dwindling tax base. She is building Mourdock in 2010, but many believe he has a bright future, a rapport with key Indiana General Assembly leaders such particularly if he can change the fortunes in river city and as Sen. Kenley and, as Matt Greller of the Indiana Associa- steer through a police department mess he inherited. tion of Cities & Towns notes, “She’s smart enough to know 32. U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks: Brooks (pictured what she doesn’t know.” A Lake County income tax would HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 11 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013

certainly help her in the attempt to resurrect her city. politics. 37. Marion Mayor Wayne Seybold: The three- 44. Chris Crabtree: The former political director term mayor is preparing his first statewide bid as treasurer for Mike Pence for Indiana, Crabtree will continue his work just two years after an unsuccessful run for the 5th CD. He for Pence, serving as the deputy chief of staff for external was instrumental in Marion surviving the possible liquida- operations and overseeing administration outreach and tion of General Motors, and reaped the benefits when the community relations in the governor’s office. In his role automaker consolidation operations in his city. for the campaign, Crabtree traveled to all 92 counties with 38. Attorney General Greg Zoeller: The the governor-elect and worked to build relationships with second-term attorney general has taken a lead role in bat- organizations and community leaders across Indiana. He tling the federal government, Obamacare and a variety of has served in a similar capacity for nearly 20 years for two controversial issues. members of Congress and Lt. Gov. Skillman. 39. John Hammond III: An array of political, 45. U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski: For a freshman corporate and ruling lineage comes together with Ham- member of Congress who faces an almost certain rematch mond. He is the new Republican National Committeeman, against the Iraq war veteran who came within a whisker of defeating Jim Bopp Jr. after the latter’s attempt to create a beating her in November, Walorski has been put on some Republican “litmus test” followed by the party breech dur- advantageous committees. She will serve on the House ing the Lugar/Mourdock primary battle. Hammond heads Armed Services Committee and the House Veterans Affairs the 7th CD Republicans, and is a power attorney with Committee. Likely Democrat challenger Brendan Mullen IceMiller where General Motors is part of his must be thrilled. He brandished portfolio. And Hammond has been a close friend his military experience at and confidante of Gov. Daniels and will almost every opportune moment – certainly be a valuable asset to Gov. Pence. and even some that weren’t 40. Karen Pence: Multiple Republican – during the last campaign. sources tell us that the incoming First Lady will Now he’ll have to contend take more of an activist Judy O’Bannon type with a lawmaker who can cut role during her husband’s first term. She is a commercials about her work teacher in both public and private schools, an on the panels that set military accomplished water color artist, a pilot and policy. One of the flash points mother. She founded the Artist Therapy Pro- between Walorski and Mul- gram at Riley Hospital. She will likely become a len was whether Walorski is key asset for her husband, as she was on the a typical partisan politician or campaign trail and will certainly have his ear a lawmaker who is willing to after his long days at the office. The new First work across the aisle, as she Lady will focus on cultural issues. asserted. The first clue will be 41. Joel Elliott: He is the chief of staff her approach to raising the for Sen. Donnelly and will be a key gatekeeper for the new debt ceiling. It could be a bruising political battle. senator. 46. U.S. Rep. Luke Messer: The Shelbyville 42. Heather Neal: She will be Gov. Pence’s legis- Republican will be in a position to pick up the mantle that lative director after serving as Supt. Tony Bennett’s chief of fellow GOP Reps. Todd Young and Marlin Stutzman leave staff. Before that, she was the state’s public access coun- behind on the House Budget Committee. In addition to selor and chief of staff to Secretary of State Rokita. She’ll an appointment on that panel, Messer also will serve on be Pence’s Betsy Burdick. Education and the Workforce and Foreign Affairs. On the 43. Mike Schmuhl: Sen. Donnelly will play the latter, he could start to build on the legacy that Sen. Rich- critical role in selecting the next Indiana Democratic Chair- ard Lugar – and former House Foreign Affairs Chairman Lee man and has installed Kelly Norton on the state committee. Hamilton – have left behind. Messer also has been elected Donnelly will take the pulse of his district chairs before as the GOP freshman class president. The role is largely making a final decision. This is a stab with no reliable symbolic but also speaks to Messer’s appeal. sourcing, but 2nd CD Chairman Mike Schmuhl ran Don- 47. State Rep. : A number of nelly’s tough 2010 reelection bid against Jackie Walorski, HPI’s Statehouse subscribers view the Syracuse Republican did the same for Mayor Buttigieg a year later, and then as a real up-and-comer. In just her second session, she will replaced the indicted Butch Morgan in the 2nd CD. So this chair the key Family, Children and Human Affairs Commit- is our educated guess on the next state chair. Even if it isn’t tee in a year after an array of negative headlines hit the Schmuhl this time, he’s got a very bright future in Indiana Department of Child Services. She is a Latino and will be an HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 12 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013

important voice on immigration issues that come before the his GOP national committee post and bungled late mailers legislature. Kubacki is a rising star in the Class of ‘10. which implied a Lugar endorsement for Mourdock. 48. St. Joseph County Republican Chair Deb Bill Moreau: A key confidante to the Bayhs, a for- Fleming: She is making the GOP county effort serious mer gubernatorial chief of staff and now a power attorney rather than a joke. With election of a Republican commis- at Barnes & Thornberg who has the ear of Sen. Donnelly. sioner this time, the GOP now for the first time since the Brendan Mullen: Coming within 4,000 votes of 1970s has 2-1 control of the board of commissioners. And Rep. Walorski, Mullen will likely follow a 2nd CD tradition State Rep. Dale DeVon won HD5 vacated by Craig Fry. established by John Brademas, Chris Chocola, Tom Ward 49. Club For Growth Chris Chocola: He was a and Joe Donnelly and try it again in 2014. critical player in the GOP fiasco that saw the Indiana party Jeff Papa: The Zionsville Councilman is the influ- cede a safe U.S. Senate seat to Democrat Joe Donnelly. ential chief of staff for the . He was an early backer of Richard Mourdock and failed to Fort Wayne Councilman Mitch Harper: The recognize the troubling tell-tales that doomed the Indiana council president and former legislator is preparing for a treasurer to an ignominious defeat when he shot his mouth 2015 mayoral run. off on the topic of rape during the final Senate debate. State Rep. Wendy McNamara: She won her But Chocola is not chastened. Within weeks, the Club for seat by a mere four votes in 2010, then defeated former Growth president was condemning potential U.S. Senate State Rep. Trent Van Haaften last November, this coming candidates in places like West Virginia and railed against after she took a decisive stand on the controversial Right to the fiscal cliff deal. The grumpy rich old men who hate pork Work legislation. “Mac” did not duck the controversial issue and moderation still like Chocola, and he will likely continue and won reelection by 3,500 votes. to be a mega money bundler in the 2014 cycle, though his Anne Hathaway: The Lugar Series director is an days as a candidate in Indiana are most likely over. From a influential Republican political operative. news media standpoint, Chocola was not only good copy, IACT Director Matt Greller: Municipalities are but he showered Hoosier media with lots and lots of cash. making a push for more local options and he plays a key 50. Whiting Mayor Joe Stahura: He is president role. of the Indiana Conference of Mayors and is a key force State Sen. Scott Schneider: This key social behind the coordinated “Trust Locals” group that is seeking conservative survived a harrowing reelection bid. more local flexibility, taxation and control from the Indiana State Rep. Heath Van Natter: An emerging General Assembly. Stahura has been a long-time, innova- member of the class of ‘10. tive mayor in this small city nestled along Lake Michigan State Rep. Mike Karickhoff: Another emerging near Chicago. member of the class of ‘10 Councilman Jeff Cardwell: The Indianapolis Honorable Mention: councilman will serve as Gov. Pence’s faith-based director. State Rep. : He is the minority Larry Landis & David Powell: The sentenc- leader of the 31-member House Democrats. ing reform bill will be full speed ahead this year and it will State Sen. Tim Lanane: He is the minority leader have a huge impact on the Department of Corrections for of the 13-member Senate Democrats. generations with Landis, executive director of the Indiana State Sen. Ryan Mishler: Many believe the Bre- Public Defenders Council, and Powell of the Indiana Pros- men Republican is being groomed for a post-Kenley Senate ecuting Attorneys Council will be key voices. budgetary era. HPI subscribers describe him as thoughtful, Councilman Vop Osili: The former Democratic loyal and a business guy. secretary of state candidate is a likely 2015 Indianapolis State Sen. Carlin Yoder: A leading Senate social mayoral candidate. conservative who is effective, not prone to grandstanding. Jim Schellinger: The unsuccessful 2008 guber- Bob Grand: Indiana’s “Mr. Republican.” natorial candidate has become a significant fundraiser for Democratic Chairman Dan Parker: The out- Democratic candidates and causes. going Indiana Democratic chair ended a lengthy stint by Mike Gentry: He’s the campaign architect of the helping engineer the Donnelly victory (he had no primary Republican House classes of 2010 and 2012 and the 69- opponent). seat majority. Jim Bopp Jr.: The key figure in rewriting cam- Mel Raines: Rep. Brooks’ chief of staff is a former paign finance law, which resulted in a $50 million U.S. Cheney operative and worked on the Super Bowl Commit- Senate race here in 2012, Bopp will likely play a conspicu- tee. v ous role in defending what he wrought even though he lost HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 13 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013

group of men. One would go on to be vice president. Four Rating six U.S. Senators would launch unsuccessful presidential campaigns. One would become an ambassador to Germany. One would write two of the 26 amendments to the U.S. Constitu- over a half century tion and Title IX, which opened the institutional gates for By BRIAN A. HOWEY female athletes. And one would help topple two foreign and JACK COLWELL regimes and play a huge role in securing and destroying INDIANAPOLIS – There was a fascinating photo the arsenal of a bitter U.S. enemy, the Soviet Union. Two of that emerged from the U.S. Senate chambers on Jan. 3. the senators would be early opponents of the Vietnam War. You could see Joe Donnelly taking the oath of office from Four of these senators ran against each other. In Vice President Joe Biden, both of their right hands held 1974, Birch Bayh defeated Lugar. Two years later, Lugar aloft. would defeat Hartke. And in 1980, Quayle would upset To the left was the eye of U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar, Birch Bayh. Twice it appeared that Evan Bayh and Dan who Donnelly is succeeding. Behind Donnelly stood former Coats would be opponents, but in 1998 Sen. Coats abruptly U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh. And behind U.S. Sen. Diane Feinstein announced he would retire. And in February 2010 – just was the great cerebral mass of former Sen. Birch Bayh, days after Coats announced he would challenge Evan Bayh though you couldn’t see his face. U.S. Sen. Dan Coats – Bayh returned the favor. Coats was the only senator to had intended to escort Donnelly for his swearing in, but enter the upper chamber as an appointee, chosen by Gov. he had to deal with a family Robert Orr to fill Vice President Quayle’s Senate term. emergency and was unable to attend. Coats personally called Donnelly prior to the ceremony to explain his situ- ation. Donnelly and Coats had met prior to Jan. 3. Since 1963 – fully a half century – Indiana has had only seven U.S. senators. Joining Don- nelly, Lugar and the Bayhs in this exceedingly exclusive group of people serving in the Most Exclusive Club in the World have been Sens. Vance Hartke, Dan Quayle and Coats. “Donnelly was es- corted by Sens. Lugar, Bayh and Bayh,” said Bill Moreau, a long-time friend of the Bayh family who has become par- How do these senators rate as individual public ticularly close to Sen. Donnelly. “The Vice President was in servants? full form. He greeted the four Hoosiers with great enthusi- In our view, none of them grade below a “B-” (us- asm, with a special embrace for Birch. Then there’s a short ing Colwell’s grading system for classes he teaches at the break before the next group of four is brought up. During University of Notre Dame). this period, Birch and Evan, in separate spots on the floor, Here’s how HPI rates our six modern senators who were greeted enthusiastically by their former colleagues. have served more than a week: Birch lingered so long on the floor that the Vice President Dick Lugar, 1977-2013, A+: Lugar is a states- had to lean across his desk and in a stage whisper basically man, serving long and well the interests of the state, the shoo Birch off the floor so the next group could be brought welfare of the nation and the safety of the world in his up. Vintage!” efforts to eliminate or control weapons of mass destruc- For a state of six million plus people, that is an tion. He advised presidents from both parties on foreign extraordinarily tiny pool of public servants. But beyond the affairs. Most listened. George W. Bush should have listened mere numbers, there is a fascinating quality about this more to Lugar’s questions about what we would do after HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 14 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013

reaching Baghdad. He reached across the aisle, a govern- minute, resulting in Quayle rushing through a crowd in New mental plus that unfortunately cost him the 2012 Republi- Orleans, breathless and unprepared for his introduction to can nomination. As an election observer, Lugar called out the nation. Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos for fraud, leading to Evan Bayh, 1999-2011, B: It was not his fa- the toppling of his regime. He convinced President Reagan ther’s Senate, and he was not up to his father’s “A” grade. to abandon apartheid South Africa, leading the way for Perhaps he would have been if he had taken more risks the imprisoned Nelson Mandela to come to power. He was on key issues than he deemed wise for future presidential instrumental in the saving of Chrysler Corporation in 1979. hopes. His vice presidential chances faded when he had no And Lugar initiated the Freedom to Farm Act which has out-front stands on some of those issues. He represented resulted in high commodity prices and increasing farmland well the views of a majority of Hoosiers. He sought to con- values. vince fellow Democrats to be proactive on the debt issue, Birch Bayh, 1963-1981, A: He was an effective not just defend against Republican attacks on spending. He senator, for the state and also could reach across the aisle, nation after he upset Sen. and would have been a valuable Homer Capehart in 1962, contributor to bipartisan coopera- and probably would have tion, if he had run for re-election. been a better president Dan Coats, 1989-1999; than Jimmy Carter, if he 2011-present, B: The Senate had won the Democratic needs a utility infielder. Coats, presidential nomination never a star or a starter on in 1976, at a time when anybody’s all-Senate team, has voters mistakenly sought in both of his widely separated an “outsider.” Carter was times in the Senate, proven to so “outside” as a presi- be a reliable representative of dent that he went down Indiana interests. Like a good to defeat in 1980, drag- utility infielder, he handles roles ging down Bayh and many on various committees and issue other Democrats with him. areas, doing the work. He tries Evan Bayh managed his now, with some success, to work father’s final campaign. both with Tea Party zealots, who Bayh had an ability to never wanted him, and the more connect with Hoosiers The Bayhs and Joe Donnelly had up to the Senate swearing in establishment Republicans, with from different walks of life, ceremony on Jan. 3 whom he is more comfortable. farmers, union members, Coats served as a U.S. ambassa- educators, students and dor to Germany and helped forge even moderate Republican business people. Sen. Bayh the post-Sept. 11 terror attack alliances. authored the 25th and 26th amendments replacing vice Vance Hartke, 1959-1977, B-: While he wasn’t presidents who ascend to the White House in death or the greatest of senators, and many Hoosiers (except those resignation (ratified in 1967) as well allowing 18-year-olds in Evansville) would agree with President Lyndon John- to vote (ratified in 1971). Bayh was also instrumental in de- son’s description of him as “a two-bit mayor from a two- feating two of President Nixon’s Supreme Court nominees bit town.” Rumors about him being “bought” were never in G. Harold Carswell and Albert Haynesworth. And Bayh proved. On Jan. 8, 1965, Hartke was the first Democratic authored Title IX, which required high schools and colleges senator to break with President Johnson on Vietnam. “It to fund female athletics. hurt me back home,” he said. “People have not forgiven Dan Quayle, 1981-1988, B+: This grade could me to this day in Indiana for breaking with my own party. shock those who believe Quayle was a Mr. Potato(e) Head, They said it should be, ‘My country right or wrong’ and shallow and unfit ever to have been a heartbeat away from I would say, ‘No, that’s not the phrase. It should be ‘My the presidency. He was, however, a good senator, reaching country right or wrong, may she always be right, but if she across the aisle to get things done at times with Democrats is wrong, put her right.’ I was the only senator who spoke such as Ted Kennedy. If he had remained in the Senate, at the Moratorium. The Kennedys wouldn’t do it. I was the he would have become a leader there. He was smart and great dove.” He also brought home the pork, viewed as a able. Those traits were obscured immediately when George positive then. An example is how he fought successfully to H.W. Bush kept his selection of Quayle secret until the last save the South Shore Railroad. v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 15 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013

cal school should be expanded into a full-fledged operation. Thinking back to my old Those now suffering traumas are either driven or flown to Chicago or South Bend – both of which are life- threatening options. General Assembly days By RICH JAMES SOUTH SHORE RAILROAD AND REGIONAL MERRILLVILLE – When the General Assembly BUS SERVICE: The NWI delegation has an obligation convenes each January, I think back to 1979 and the first to move the area out of the Dark Ages when it comes to session I covered as a reporter. transportation. My lasting impression of that first week that year It is imperative that legislators come up with local was meeting Martin K. “Chip” Edwards. funding sources to match federal dollars for those opera- He was a Republican and the president pro tem of tions. the Senate. Legislators can talk all day about economic devel- He was a big man – tall and husky opment, but without proper transportation, it’s not going – and had an air about him that to happen to any degree. commanded respect. Edwards was a lawyer who CONVENTION CENTER: It is time to stop talk- wore $500 suits and snakeskin ing about the need for a convention center large enough to boots. But all that was wasted by host the biggest events. State funding is clearly needed to the $25 toupee that hid his bald help a convention center become a reality. head. Speros Batistatos, the president of the South Shore Edwards’ mission that Convention and Visitors Authority is known to want the session was to change the law on facility near U.S. 30 and Interstate 65; that isn’t the best how Indiana nominated governor location. candidates. He wanted to move It is time to acknowledge that the facility should be the nomination out of the primary built on the Lake Michigan shoreline that is being reclaimed process and back into convention. through U.S. Rep. Peter Visclosky’s Marquette Project. The He got the bill through the Senate but it died in a House lakefront also is the area’s greatest asset. committee when Chairman Richard Mangus denied Ed- wards a vote following a lengthy hearing. CASINOS: It’s also time for legislators around the Republican Bob Orr went on to become governor. A state to get serious about the threats to the Indiana casino few years later, Edwards went to prison for taking kickbacks industry. for ramrodding legislation through the system. With a casino in Chicago’s southern suburbs loom- That was then and this is now. ing, NWI better get competitive. The start of any legislative session is much like Yes, Gary needs a land-based casino somewhere the opening day for baseball – everyone is even and full of along Interstate 94. And the city should be able to keep optimism. more of the profits than now is allowed with the riverboat Such is the case for Northwest Indiana as legisla- casinos. tors again will try to pass what has crashed and burned in And because of casinos coming online across the the past. And there may be new endeavors as well. Ohio River from Indiana’s casinos – and the threat of more The face of the local delegation has changed some- casinos in southwestern Michigan, the Legislature should what. Republican state Reps.Rick Niemeyer of Lowell and look hard at keeping the state’s casinos competitive. of Schererville are new. Batter up. v Democratic state Reps. Chester Dobis of Merrillville and Dan Stevenson of Highland have retired. James is the former editorial page editor for the Despite the changes, many of the issues are the Post-Tribune. same. And most of them involve money. I expect the local delegation – or at least the better part of it – to pursue these issues. At least they should do so. TRAUMA CENTER: It’s much past time for North- west Indiana to be home to a trauma center. The ideal spot would be at Indiana University Northwest where the medi- HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 16 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013

cuts. Historic lows for It’s time to realize that the best solution to the national debt is a robust economy, where folks now collect- ing unemployment are instead working and paying taxes, the U.S. Congress where businesses are expanding with confidence instead By JACK COLWELL of worrying that Congress will shut down government and SOUTH BEND - Just shut up. destroy the nation’s credit. Not you, dear reader. This salutation is directed An improved economy will do more good than the at the loudmouths in Congress, the ones whose abrasive, revenue increases or spending cuts about which congres- abusive blustering hinders economic recovery and prevents sional loudmouths bluster in ways that stall economic constructive action on almost every- growth. thing. While loudmouths shouted at each other at the fis- They drive down approval of Con- cal cliff, the deal put together to avert disaster was forged gress to historic lows. quietly by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and The compromise passed to prevent Vice President Joe Biden. They said little as they worked tax increases for the vast majority of together to come up with the best compromise that could Americans and at least delay draconian pass in both House and Senate. sequester cuts that would threaten a A message from the voters in the election was that new recession wasn’t perfect. Many on they wanted cooperation to get something done, compro- the far left and the far right were un- mise rather than chaos. happy, a sign of a pretty good compro- That was what McConnell and Biden did, cooperate mise. to get something done. Neither, if having the choice, would The stock market responded with enthusiasm to want exactly what was done. Both knew that hope of a the reprieve from a fiscal-cliff fall. Business, pleased with “grand bargain” dealing with all fiscal problems had van- certainty on tax rates and avoidance of going over the cliff ished. and into recession, could finally plan to hire and expand. The extent of bipartisan support surprised Wash- With passage, however, the loudmouths would not ington observers of the long, contentious political stalemate shut up. there. Sure, it’s reasonable to express disappointment The Senate voted 89 to 8 for the compromise, with about things not in the bill and urge negotiations on deal- just three Democrats and five Republicans voting “no.” ing with other fiscal problems. The House voted in favor 257 to 167, with 85 Re- Reasonable people, however, also could hail that publicans and 172 Democrats voting “yes.” And there likely Congress had at least and at last shown ability to reach a could have been more Republican support if needed. Some significant bipartisan agreement, preventing harm to the Republicans, fearing primary challenges if they voted for a nation and giving a measure of confidence to help spur the compromise, took the “safe” route of voting “no” but would recovering economy. have considered switching if needed to avert tax increases But congressional loudmouths, with usual angry for everybody. and threatening tone, denounced the bill that averted The compromise also dealt with the alternative disaster as though it was a disaster. They seemingly seek minimum tax problem, extending unemployment compen- to drive the stock market back down with threats of refus- sation, the “doc fix” on Medicare and extending farm bill ing to pay the nation’s bills for what Congress has already programs to prevent a big hike in milk prices. bought. Not bad. Not as good as everybody would like. Playing political games with the debt ceiling led to But the important evaluation is that it was not bad and lowering of the nation’s credit rating before and, if repeat- could show the way for future bipartisan efforts that will ed, could again endanger our fragile economic recovery strengthen the economy. The loudmouths in the way and even bring down the world economy. should just shut up. They won’t. But the rest of Congress It’s time to look at future use of the federal credit knows now that it’s possible to tune ’em out. v card, not shout insults in unhelpful ways about what al- ready was charged by the wild spending of Congress in the Colwell has covered Indiana politics over five de- past, with Republicans and Democrats both to blame. cades for the South Bend Tribune. It’s time to look at all future spending, defense and domestic and entitlements, but not with blind sequester HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 17 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013

Mike Pence is now left with the till being empty and com- Best Daniels reforms came munities around the state crying for additional road funds just as Major Moves has gone bust and a key potential in government with BMV money making asset – the Toll Road - is gone for seven more decades! By SHAW FRIEDMAN Northern Indiana residents continue to soundly LaPORTE, Ind. - Amidst the gushing tributes that resent this Governor’s sell-off of an asset they drove on are pouring forth for the outgoing Governor from the ador- routinely and felt they paid for. In fact, the Toll Road was ing Indianapolis press corps, one angle most of them are spinning off grants to counties along the Toll Road in the missing is the fact that Daniels’ signature achievement was final 10 years of its existence as a public asset. In my own accomplished with a government agency – not in a priva- county, water and sewer improvements for the 39 North tized venture. Conservancy District were paid for by nearly $2 million in That’s right – government. Governor Privatizer who Toll Road corridor funds. Those Toll Road corridor dollars made a career and a name that once were granted to all counties along the Toll Road out of going after govern- are gone and so is any hope of recouping profit from the ment agencies and soundly Toll Road for the public good. excoriating public employees The same with the Governor’s epic misadventure fails to mention that one of with seeking to privatize the state’s welfare intake and the true reforms that he can eligibility system. Though warned by critics that welfare rightly claim to his credit privatization had been a huge failure in places like Texas, occurred in a government he took privatizer-in-chief Mitch Roob’s advice and plunged agency - the Bureau of Mo- the state headlong into a disastrous effort that would cost tor Vehicles. recipients of food stamps and Medicaid millions in wrongly While this Governor withheld benefits and then cost the state $10 million in brought a new efficiency and legal bills and $52 million in a judgment the state lost to acountability to this most contractor IBM. ossified and hidebound bu- Want another example of the Governor’s reliance reaucracy, it would kill him to on private sector management of government resources admit this was ‘government’ at turning sour? its finest. How about his vaunted Indiana Economic Unlike the agencies that he turned over to for- Development Corporation and the Liang scandal that has profit corporations that became enduring emblems of waste left such a sour taste? Fortunately for both Mitch and that and profiteering, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles wasn’t left son-of-a-Mitch Roob, dead women tell no tales and we will to fend for itself in the private marketplace. Rather our never know what the Governor knew and when he knew privatizer-in-chief has only helped make the argument of it. What was the head of the IEDC doing giving a letter to his critics stronger that many government enterprises can this junior staffer to shop around to her Chinese contacts be reformed from within and can deliver a solid and satis- indicating she was the exclusive representative for Indiana factory product to the public without needing the interven- state government in China? Somehow she ended up with tion of the private marketplace. $50,000 in a personal bank account from a Chinese busi- Indeed, I would submit that this Governor’s two ness. The whole thing stinks but it is emblematic of the se- biggest mistakes were his ill-founded forays into privatiza- crecy and shady dealings between an agency under Mitch tion, despite the warnings of numerous critics. that traded in its opaque relationships with certain select Take the Toll Road sell-off, please! Though businesses and was loathe to share details or operational touted as the “jobs vote of a generation” when the Toll information with the press or public. Perhaps we will see a Road was auctioned off in a 75-year lease to foreign con- different management style at the IEDC under Gov. Pence. glomerates, the $3.8 billion received up front is now gone. The incredible irony for those of us who have It’s spent. While the Governor could have imposed the followed Mitch Daniels’ incessant efforts to brand “govern- same kind of efficiencies and profit-making incentives on ment” as the enemy of innovation or creativity is that it the Toll Road as he did with the BMV and probably turned was a government agency – properly reformed and man- the Toll Road into a revenue generator for the state for aged efficiently – that provided one of the best success generations to come, the Toll Road is now in the hands of stories of the past eight years. That contrasts with Daniels’ a foreign conglomerate that is free to continue raising tolls enduring and blind love affair with privatizing government and paying no more to Indiana tax coffers. Incoming Gov. ventures and allowing the private sector to sell off or lease HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 18 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013

public operations or services. wittingly, the Governor has proven his privatization critics Mitch Daniels will never understand or recognize were right all along. Government agencies, if well run and that there are some duties and responsibilities that are too efficiently administered, can advance the public good and important, too core to our functioning as a civil society to the BMV is Exhibit A. v turn over to the profit-seeking private sector. Wonder if our Princeton-educated Governor can see the irony that the Shaw R. Friedman is a LaPorte attorney and a regu- most enduring success of his eight year reign was accom- lar HPI columnist who served as Counsel for the plished fully in a governmental agency - the BMV - with no Indiana Democratic Party from 1999-2004. outsourcing or privatizing of that agency’s functions. Un-

those 65 and older. A special inflation We also have learned that health care prices often, but not always, rise faster than the general level of prices rate for the elderly as represented in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). It is no wonder then that groups (such as the American Association By MORTON J. MARCUS of Retired Persons -- AARP) seek to have the CPI redefined INDIANAPOLIS - Each year consumers cooperate for use with Social Security, Medicare, and other programs with the U.S. Bureaus of Labor Statistics and the Census for older citizens. to report how we spend our money. According to the 2011 Ironically, there are members of Congress Survey of Consumer Expenditures, our 122 million house- who wish to use a variant of the CPI that would reduce holds spent $6.1 trillion or nearly $50,000 per household. the growth of benefits for older Americans. In a state like How much we spend and what Indiana, with a poorer and older population than the nation we buy depends on many factors. Not in general, using a lower CPI growth factor would put a the least of these factors is age. As we squeeze on consumer spending and retail trade. pass through time, our family circum- All of which raises a more fundamental question: stances change leading to different Should there be different CPIs for different groups? income levels, and our personal needs Veterans, for example, might have different spend- alter our spending patterns. ing patterns from the general public. Persons with disabili- A household headed by a per- ties may reasonably have recognizable variations in their son 45 to 54 years old spends about purchases. Single parents, college students, Cubs’ fans --- $58,000 per year while the household there might be no limit to the fracturing of the population headed by a person 25 to 34 spends in we could devise. the neighborhood of $48,000. Those Ultimately, each household is unlike the average in households of persons 65 and older household, but it would seem foolish to advocate 122 mil- spend $39,000 per year. lion CPI computations. That extreme, however, does not in- The differences in households by age can be seen in validate separate calculations for substantially large groups many spending categories. Food eaten at home accounts with clearly differentiated spending patterns. v for 7.2, 7.6, and 8.4 percent respectively of the expendi- tures by households in the 25-34, 45-54, and 65+ groups. Mr. Marcus is an independent economist, writer and The influence of age in spending patterns is most speaker. clearly seen in the health care sector. Households with per- sons 65 and older account for 21 percent of all households, yet they represent 30 percent of all health care spending. This age group buys 34 percent of health insurance which is a $235 billion market. (These figures exclude purchases of health insurance by employers.) As we have learned in national discussions about health care, the percent of household spending for health care rises with age. That percent is 4.4 for the 25-34 age group, 5.9 for those 45-54, and rises to 12.2 percent for HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 19 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013

Eric Bradner, Evansville Courier & Press: Incom- of its budget on education. Since K-12 education already ing Gov. Mike Pence wants Indiana lawmakers to phase in accounts for about 55 percent of all state spending, that’s a a 10 percent cut in the state’s income tax over the next key area to watch. two years. He’s probably not going to get exactly what he Regionalism: Southwestern Indiana’s delega- wants. The Indiana General Assembly is set to kick off its tion knows the state needs money to finish Interstate 69 four-month, budget-writing legislative session on Monday, without tolls, so those lawmakers will take transportation and as the session opens, the biggest political question is funding issues seriously. But that’s just one example — whether Pence will achieve one of his top campaign priori- every area has something like a public university or a major ties. Upon first glance, it would seem the answer should roadway in need of improvements, and lawmakers from be yes. He’s a Republican, and his party just captured those areas have things they want more than a 10 percent supermajorities in both the House and the Senate, giving income tax cut. It all takes money. them enough seats to pass their agendas whether or not Power: Outgoing Gov. Mitch Daniels has enjoyed Democrats even show up. Also, Indiana is expecting to see sky-high approval ratings, and with that comes the political its tax collections grow by about $1.2 billion over the next capital to force the Legislature to meet his will. two years — enough to cover the $750 million or so price But a fact of life is lawmakers outlast governors. tag of Pence’s tax cut and still increase spending in some Republicans in the Legislature are, to some extent, tired of areas. So why might lawmakers not give Pence being the second-most important branch of gov- the major political victory that he wants to kick ernment in Indiana. They agreed to put a number off his term? That’s a complicated question with of goals on the back burner through the recession, a number of answers. Here are some of them: but that won’t last forever. As a six-term congress- Non-discretionary spending: man, Pence will understand this better than most. Now that President Barack Obama’s health care Pence is calling for the state’s income tax to be law is on the books to stay, states have to cope stepped down from 3.4 percent to 3.06 percent, with some additional costs — and the notion and he wants it done over two years. What’s more that by declining to set up its own health insurance ex- likely is that for this budget session, lawmakers change, Indiana can do much to dodge those costs is little will give him a smaller income tax cut, and they’ll start more than wishful thinking. Whether states expand Med- it later. It won’t be a terrible political blow for the new icaid or not, individuals who qualify for the program under governor. He can rightly note Obama’s health care law will current law but aren’t signed up for it will enroll starting in claim a chunk of the state’s new tax revenue, and he can 2014 because of a “woodwork effect” forced by the individ- point out that the latest revenue forecast projected growth ual mandate, according to Milliman Inc., the state’s health in tax revenue that is slightly below what his campaign had and human services actuary. Indiana might also have to expected. Still, it won’t be what he’d hoped for during the increase the amount it pays health care providers to treat campaign. How this issue plays out will be fascinating to Medicaid recipients, because of the influx of new custom- watch because it will tell Hoosiers a great deal about the ers, according to Milliman. state’s new political dynamics in a post-Daniels era. v The Medicaid expansion that Obama’s law envi- sioned, which Republican lawmakers might or might not Jim Shella, WISH-TV: There’s an effort underway opt to block, actually wouldn’t cost much when compared at the Statehouse to preserve cursive writing. It’s no longer to the “woodwork effect” and changes to reimbursement required in Indiana schools. The digital age has educators rates. So, again, the idea that Indiana could dodge higher making new choices and, suddenly, keyboarding is more costs by declining to participate is just wishful thinking. important than cursive writing. This was irony, meantime, Political survival: Republicans saw State Su- when the Senate Education Committee considering a bill to perintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett defeated restore cursive writing started its first hearing of the year in November because of backlash to an education reform under new circumstances. It’s paperless. “I’ve never had agenda that they’d passed for him. Because of the reces- an I-pad and never worked on one till this Monday,” said sion, they’ve been denying schools much in the way of committee chairman Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn) as he funding increases for four straight years, and they know launched the meeting, “so, this is new to me.” And while that loosening up the purse strings a bit might help ease technology marches on, the question is: should students tensions with teachers who don’t earn much in the first in Indiana schools continue to learn the old way? “We place and have been burdened with a number of new could be creating a generation of kids that, if the battery’s obligations in recent years. House Speaker Brian Bosma, dead or the power’s out, they won’t know the value of a R-Indianapolis, has said he’d like to see teachers get pay pen, pencil or piece of paper,” bill author Sen. Jean Leising. raises. That means the state would have to spend more HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 20 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013

ment faced almost no GOP opposition they must shuttle their children back GOP opposition in the past. On the Senate side, both and forth to two schools rather than to gay marriage ban state Sen. Pete Miller of Avon and one. his fellow Republican state Sen. Luke INDIANAPOLIS — Some Re- Kenley of Noblesville have gone public publican state legislators are calling for with their opposition. Neither sup- the Indiana General Assembly to slow ports legalizing same-sex marriage, BMV licences for down on the constitutional ban on but both say a sweeping constitutional same-sex marriage, offering a variety ban isn’t needed. “It’s already illegal,” illegals in bill of reasons why the effort shouldn’t go Miller said. “What’s to be gained other INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana ahead (Hayden, CHNI). Both publicly than ostracizing a whole section of the could become the fourth state to issue and privately, GOP lawmakers are population?” Miller echoed the con- driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants expressing doubts about a measure cerns expressed by Republican state if a proposal sponsored by state Sen. that saw wide support in past ses- Rep. Ed Clere of New Albany. Frank Mrvan, D-Hammond, becomes sions, and they cite changing public law. Mrvan told The Times on Wednes- opinion on whether the state’s current day he’s preparing to file legislation ban on same-sex marriage should be this week eliminating the requirement locked into the state’s constitution. Dustup over sibling that the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Republican State Rep. Jud McMillin, voucher bill only issue driver’s licenses to Indiana a Brookville residents able to prove legal status lawyer who sits INDIANAPOLIS — An effort in the . He said making on the House to expand Indiana’s school voucher driver’s licenses available to the state’s committee ex- program, which allows students to use estimated 200,000 illegal immigrants, pected to hear tax money to attend private schools, many of whom currently drive with- the measure, spurred a sharp back-and-forth out a license, will improve road safety thinks it needs between two state Senate Republi- by ensuring all motorists on Indiana to be put on cans during an education committee highways know the rules of the road hold this session. He cites the U.S. hearing Wednesday (Bradner, Evans- and how to properly operate a vehicle. Supreme Court’s decision to take up ville Courier & Press). To qualify for Licensed drivers also are required to the issue of whether state constitu- the current program, students must be insured, he said. tional bans on same-sex marriage are attend a public school for at least one legal and wants the Indiana legislature year. Sen. Carlin Yoder, R-Middlebury, to wait on the court’s ruling. “I just has proposed a measure that would Former Lt. Gov. think it would be irresponsible for us allow siblings of previously qualified to be putting something in the public students to obtain vouchers and head Robert Rock dies hands when we know the Supreme straight to private school without the ANDERSON - Former Indiana Court may come down and rule on one-year stint in a public school. Sen. something that may alter our ability Lieutenant Governor and Anderson Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, took issue Mayor Bob Rock was not a politician. to do that,” McMillin said. Republican with that idea during a Senate Educa- State Rep. Ron Bacon of Boonville, “He was just a man who knew how to tion and Career Development Com- make government work,” said his wife, who voted for the constitutional ban mittee meeting. He said he saw it as two years ago, said he wouldn’t vote Mary Jo Rock (Anderson Herald-Bulle- an initial step toward tearing down tin). Robert L. Rock, whose career in for it again this time. Bacon’s reasons all of the restrictions on the voucher are two-fold: He agrees with McMillin Indiana politics was marked by pushes program that lawmakers approved in for industrial development, tourism that the legislature needs to wait for 2011. “I think this is a pretty funda- the court ruling, but he also objects and foreign trade, died Wednesday in mental change, and I’m just wonder- Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He was 85. State to the language in the measure that ing whether it’s one that really meets would create a constitutional ban on Rep. and state Senate the intent of the original law — wheth- Democratic Leader Tim Lanane, both civil unions as well as same-sex mar- er it would have passed if it was in this riages. “That’s a step too far,” Bacon of Anderson, issued a statement, say- form to start with,” Kenley said. Yoder ing Rock’s death “brought an end to a said. Their concerns are significant, quickly shot back, saying he doesn’t given that Republicans control the In- remarkable chapter of public service in see how “the state of Indiana, in its the history of Indiana.” diana legislature and that the amend- infinite wisdom,” can tell parents that