V26, N24 Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021

Schmuhl enters INDem chair race “Jan. 6 really affected Forming a ticket me,” said Schmuhl, who has run campaigns for with Myra Eldridge, Joe Donnelly and Shelli Yoder. “The presidency Schmuhl has backing of Joe Biden is exciting. of Joe Donnelly The leadership of the DNC under Jaime Har- By BRIAN A. HOWEY rison, the former state INDIANAPOLIS – Less than a party chair from South year after running Pete Buttigieg’s mete- Carolina and a person oric $100 million presidential campaign I know, is also exciting. and three months after he appeared to Some of those bigger pass on a run pieces came together. for Indiana I also heard from a lot Democratic of Democrats from all Party chair, over the state who were Mike Schmuhl urging me to reconsider. officially kicked And I did.” off that cam- Schmuhl will face paign, running in tandem with off with long-time party Marion County Clerk Myra Eldridge. operative Trish Whitcomb, who told HPI Wednesday morn- Schmuhl told Howey Politics Indiana that the ing, “I continue to get people reaching out to me. I’m glad Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and outreach from that we have such talented people who want to be Demo- scores of Hoosier Democrats convinced him to reconsider. Continued on page 3

The mob & Mike Pence By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS – For those of us in Indiana who know Mike Pence, Wednesday’s video timeline was ab- solutely chilling. It is by chance that he survived the Jan. 6 insurrection, that this didn’t become a mass casualty “No more cult of personality. No event. The mob was just sec- more big lies. No more looney onds and steps away from the conspiracy theories. We should vice president, wife Karen and daughter, security video released cull those things out and move during Donald Trump’s second forward. There will be tensions impeachment trial revealed. A bloodthirsty crowd was seeking ... as we pivot back toward the revenge after being goaded by President Trump into attempting party of ideas and purpose.” to subvert the congressional cer- - RNC Committeeman John tification of the Electoral College vote. Hammond III Page 2

U.S. Rep. Stacey Plaskett, one Trump, who was glued to his White of the House impeachment managers, House TV, tweeted, “Mike Pence stated, “Several insurrectionists de- didn’t have the courage to do what scribed what they had planned to do should have been done to protect our if they encountered the vice president Country and our Constitution, giving Howey Politics Indiana or other lawmakers. One of them, States a chance to certify a corrected Dominic Pezzola, or ‘Spaz,’ is a mem- set of facts, not the fraudulent or in- WWWHowey Media, LLC ber of the Proud Boys. Pezzola came accurate ones which they were asked c/o Business Office to the Capitol on Jan. 6 with deadly to previously certify. USA demands PO Box 6553 intentions. He commandeered a Capi- the truth!” Kokomo, IN, 46904 tol Police shield, smashed a glass win- “Hang Mike Pence! Hang www.howeypolitics.com dow, entered the Capitol and paved Mike Pence!” the crowd could be the way for dozens of insurrectionists. heard chanting. Outside the Capitol, “According to an FBI af- where a gallows had been set up, Brian A. Howey, Publisher fadavit submitted to the court, the others called out, “Bring out Pence!” Mark Schoeff Jr., Washington group that was with him Mary Lou Howey, Editor at the sack of the Capitol Susan E. Howey, Editor confirmed they were out to murder anyone they got their hands on,” Subscriptions Plaskett said. “Here’s HPI, HPI Daily Wire $599 what the FBI said: ‘Other HPI Weekly, $350 members of the group Lisa Hounchell, Account Manager had talked about what (765) 452-3936 telephone they had done that day. (765) 452-3973 fax Anyone they got their [email protected] hands on, they would have killed, including Nancy Pelosi, and they Contact HPI would have killed Mike [email protected] Pence if they had gotten Howey’s cell: 317.506.0883 the chance.’ They were Washington: 202.256.5822 talking about assassinat- Business Office: 765.452.3936 ing the vice president of the United States. During the course of the attack, © 2021, Howey Politics the vice president never Indiana. All rights reserved. left the Capitol. He never Photocopying, Internet forward- left the side of his family.” The video showed one of ing, faxing or reproducing in any “They were within 100 feet of the insurrectionists saying, “Pence where the vice president was shelter- lied to us, that total treasonous pig. form, whole or part, is a violation ing with his family, and they were His name will be mud forever.” They of federal law without permission just feet away from the doors of this were also hunting Speaker Nancy from the publisher. chamber where many of you remained Pelosi, with some calling, “Where are at that time,” Plaskett said. you, Nancy? We’re looking for you!” Jack E. Howey The evacuation took place “Again, that was a mob sent at 2:26 p.m., 14 minutes after riot- by the president of the United States editor emeritus ers broke into the Capitol. “As Pence to stop the certification of an elec- 1926-2019 was being evacuated, rioters began to tion,” Plaskett told the Senate in her spread throughout the Capitol. … And conclusion. “President Trump put a the mob was looking for Vice Presi- target on their backs and his mob dent Pence because of his patriotism, broke into the Capitol to hunt them because the vice president refused to down.” do what the president demanded and Fox News host Chris Wallace overturn the election results,” Plaskett says there is now “residual bitter- said. ness” between Pence and Trump. Two minutes before, President “That weekend, some members of Page 3 the Pence team called me up ... to make it clear — this peachment manager, Rep. Eric Swalwell said. “He was is how angry the Pence team was — that Donald Trump wedged in the doorway, blood dripping from his mouth. He never called Mike Pence when he was in the bunker inside was struggling to breathe. All while the insurrectionists hit the Capitol, to ask him if he was safe, to inquire about his him.” safety, nor did he ever urge the people who were storming Five people were killed in the melee, including the Capitol to stand down and not to go after Mike Pence.“ Capitol Officer Brian Sicknick, who was bludgeoned to Pence’s team said Trump’s failure to call off death with a fire extinguisher. Two other Capitol officers the mob and ensure the safety of his loyal second-in- have committed suicide since Jan. 6. More than 140 officers command represented the “ultimate betrayal,” Wallace were injured during the confrontation, suffering broken explained. They felt they did “’everything we could for four ribs, gouged eyes. years to serve you, to stand by you,’” Wallace said. “’You On Tuesday, Raskin made the case that impeach- asked us to do something that was a constitutional impos- ing an ex-president was constitutional. He said that there sibility, and then you didn’t protect us when the mob came should be no “January exemption” for a president attempt- to — literally to try to find him [Pence]’ and to, in the ing to steal an election, which he said is what Trump was minds of some of them, to execute him.” attempting to do. Earlier Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin said Trump was responsible for the historic Raskin of Virginia said, “Donald Trump surrendered his role destruction of the Capitol. “You ask what a high crime and as commander-in-chief and became the inciter-in-chief of misdemeanor is under our Constitution? That’s a high crime a dangerous insurrection. He told them to fight like hell and misdemeanor. If that’s not an impeachable offense, and they brought us hell that day.” then there is no such thing.” “Fight like hell or you won’t have a country any- Indiana Sens. Todd Young and Mike Braun, who more,” Trump said at the Ellipse just minutes before. The were mostly silent during the months the “big lie” that laid video shows many in the mob echoing Trump’s challenge the groundwork for Jan. 6, both voted in the minority on to “overturn” the election results. the question of the constitutionality of the trial. Raskin said that Trump “watched it like a reality Braun said in a statement on Tuesday, “As I have show.” He never called out the National Guard. At 6 p.m., stated earlier, the framers of the Constitution never in- President Trump tweeted, “Remember this day forever.” tended for the Senate to hold a trial to remove a former Another impeachment manager, U.S. Rep. President from an office he no longer holds, which is why Joe Neguse of Colorado, traced this mob v. lawmaker I voted against the constitutionality of former president showdown to last spring when Trump knew he would be Trump’s impeachment trial.” challenged by Democrat Joe Biden. “Let’s start with the Asked for his reaction to Wednesday’s presentation, Big Lie,” Neguse said. “The president realized really by last Braun told CNN, “Same way I was before. If I think the spring that he could lose, he might lose the election. So process is flawed, how do I convict?” what did he do? He started planting the seeds to get some Which leads to the question I and many others of his supporters ready by saying that he could only lose have: How could you be a colleague, ally or friend of Mike the election if it was stolen.” Pence and his family and not be horrified that they came Other extremely disturbing video showed insur- within minutes of literally being torn apart by a mob? Even rectionists using bear spray against Capitol Police, as well more distressing, by a mob unleashed by the president, as American flags on poles. Another officer’s body cam who might return to office in four years unless he’s disqual- footage showed him pummeled by the mob There was the ified from office this month. often seen video of Officer Daniel Hodges being crushed in I’ve never seen anything like this in 40 years of a Capitol doorway, screaming out in pain. reporting. v “Rioters crushed Officer Hodges,” another im-

Schmuhl, from page 1 in contact with all mem- bers of the Central Com- cratic chair.” Whitcomb said that mittee. I wanted to get there are still a number of Central their feedback before I Committee members who are not made a decision unilat- committed to a candidate. erally. I wanted to get Former senator Joe Don- their insights and experi- nelly told HPI Wednesday afternoon ence and really absorb that he is backing Schmuhl. “Mike all of that so I could has my backing, and he will do an Mike Schmuhl with Pete Buttigieg, Joe Donnelly and Mel make stronger decisions outstanding job,” Donnelly said. Hall. and have better ideas.” Schmuhl said, “I have been In a press release, Page 4 Schmuhl, 38, of South Bend, explained, “We are at a turn- Indiana Democratic Party is in need of bold leadership that ing point for both our party and our state. The Indiana is ready to take on challenges, bring an innovative mind- Democratic Party needs a fresh vision and a strategic plan set that not only just elects Democrats into office, but is to start winning again to improve the lives of Hoosiers in willing to make intentional investments into communities every part and corner of our state.” across the state that are eager for change and a seat at Eldridge added, “The time is now for our state the table,” Brandy commented. “I know that with the lead- party to restore, cultivate, grow, and take action for the ership of Mike and Myla, our party will be able to leverage future of our democracy. I look forward to speaking with the talent, skills and organizing ability of Young Hoosiers Democrats across Indiana with Mike as I start my cam- and marginalized communities that are tired of sitting and paign for vice chair of our party.” waiting their turn in party politics.” Schmuhl managed the 2010 Patti Yount, the Democratic reelection campaign of then-U.S. Rep. National Committee member from Donnelly in his race against Republican southern Indiana who has been involved Jackie Walorski. After narrowly winning, in campaigns and state party building Donnelly opted for the 2012 U.S. Senate efforts since the 1960s, added, “Indi- race, which he won. Schmuhl also was ana faces major challenges in the years involved in unsuccessful congressional ahead, from struggling family farms to campaigns of Mel Hall in the 2nd CD and urban areas tackling big city problems. Shelli Yoder in the 9th CD. But he found To be successful, the Indiana Democrat- conspicuous national prominence when ic Party needs a common-sense mes- he managed the 2020 presidential cam- sage that can bring people together and paign of boyhood friend Pete Buttigieg, win races in every corner of the state. who went from a dark horse figure to Mike has a proven track record of doing winning the Iowa caucuses before nar- just that, and I’m proud to lend my sup- rowly losing the New Hampshire primary port to his candidacy.” to Bernie Sanders. The Indiana Democratic Party The Buttigieg campaign ended State Central Committee selects the soon after U.S. Rep. James Clyburn next chair, vice chair, and other officers endorsed Joe Biden, who went on an during the reorganizational meeting on impressive Super Tuesday run to forge March 20. a huge lead. Buttigieg then endorsed HPI conducted this interview with Marion County Clerk Myra Eldgridge Biden, helping him secure the nomina- Schmuhl Wednesday morning: tion. HPI: Walk me through the evolu- Buttigieg became the youngest candidate in the tion where you said in November that you weren’t going race and the first LGBTQ presidential candidate in Ameri- to seek the chair, to this month when you’ve entered the can history to win national party delegates after his first race. place finish in the Iowa caucuses. The campaign team Schmuhl: I just had time to reflect over the last grew to nearly 600 staff members with a budget of $100 two weeks about our state and its future. A few things million. Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, was happened: Jan. 6 really affected me. The presidency of sworn in as the U.S. secretary of transportation in Presi- Joe Biden is exciting. The leadership of the DNC under dent Joe Biden’s administration last week. Jaime Harrison, the former state party chair from South Schmuhl and Eldridge were joined by voices of Carolina and a person I know, is also exciting. Some of support from the central, northern, and southern parts those bigger pieces came together. I also heard from a lot of the Hoosier State. Cordelia Lewis-Burks, a longtime of Democrats from all over the state who were urging me Indiana Democratic Party and AFSCME leader, voiced her to reconsider. And I did. I spent the last 10 years working support for Schmuhl and Eldridge. “As the party’s outgo- on Hoosier campaigns from municipal level all the way up ing vice chair and a long-time DNC member, I have had to the presidential level. I gained a lot of skills, expertise the pleasure of working with Mike Schmuhl as he’s or- and experience. I just couldn’t sit out the next few years ganized to elect Democrats at every level,” Lewis-Burks when I believe our state and our party are at a real turn- said. “Those experiences, including his work on the Pete ing point. for America campaign, are proof that he can bring our HPI: Did Sen. Donnelly encourage you to run? big tent together and win races up and down the ballot. I And is he backing your effort? am proud to support Mike and Clerk Eldridge in this year’s Schmuhl: You’d have to ask him. But, yes, Joe reorganization and I’m confident they will help move the is my first boss and gave me my first shot at running a Indiana Democratic Party forward in the years to come.” campaign in 2010. He’s always been a big supporter and a Arielle Brandy, the president of Indiana Young good friend. Democrats, also endorsed Schmuhl and Eldridge. “The HPI: I’ve witnessed one Democratic Party rebuild, Page 5 coming back in the 1980s with Evan Bayh. How do you re- from these disconnects? build the party in Indiana without that type of charismatic Schmuhl: Yes. I am a Democrat because I think or next generation candidate? we are a party that takes in a lot of different people and Schmuhl: It’s challenging. We don’t have a a lot of different viewpoints. That’s a healthy and positive statewide elected official. That is something that should be dynamic. We need to recruit candidates across Indiana a goal of ours. What we need to do is blend two things. who represent communities they live in and the communi- We need to blend the traditional values that we have as a ties they want to serve. So a candidate might be different party. You know, in my lifetime, there has been more of a in Marion County than one from a rural county. That’s OK. balance in terms of partisanship than one would realize. We need to recruit candidates for offices that really match Republicans have the upper hand right the people they’re trying to now, but that hasn’t always been the serve. One can argue there case, so I think we need to blend the are really four political par- traditions and where we come from with ties in the United States at new ideas and innovative strategies, the moment: There is a left new candidates with fresh visions for party, there is a center left the Hoosier State. I believe I have a mix party, there is a sort of cen- of both. I’ve always valued the experi- ter right party and there is ences of those who have come before a Trump party. I think most me. But I’ve always tried to embrace people in the United States new tactics and bring new and younger and most Hoosiers would people into the process. I think that mix be somewhat in the middle can help us turn the corner and be suc- and want a lot of the same cessful and build a bigger bench for the things. A lot of media chan- Indiana Democratic Party for years to nels and other tactics have come. made people so polarized in HPI: What you and Mayor Pete primaries and elections and did last year was extraordinary. What we need to try to break that are the key lessons or takeaways you can take from that so people can start to listen to one another again so they $100 million presidential campaign and bring to the Indi- can make good decisions for their families and communi- ana Democratic Party? ties. Schmuhl: I would urge folks to look at what we HPI: What did Jan. 6 mean to you? I thought the did in Iowa, which is a similar state to Indiana in terms video presented by the House impeachment managers of its size, its rural features, and its one big city; it’s in was damning. We’re now seeing real hatred for Democrats the heartland. I would like to duplicate some of that in from rank-and-file Republicans, when a generation ago the Hoosier State. Some of the bigger lessons would be they just disagreed on issues. going everywhere and talking to everybody. One thing Schmuhl: There is a toxicity that is really harmful that people noticed on the campaign was Mayor ... now to our democracy. Small town Indiana doesn’t have news- Secretary Pete, and his willingness to talk to everybody, papers of record any more. The newspaper of record in a to talk to any outlet, and to talk to any voter. That sort small town in Indiana is Facebook; it’s social media and it of open source and open media strategy really made the is national television news. In those dynamics and in peo- difference because he was a new entity, he was a new ple’s daily lives, an echo chamber was created and people candidate, was young, unique last name, he was a mayor gravitate toward voices who are right in their face all of from the Midwest, he wasn’t a senator or a governor, he the time. We’ve all seen a proliferation of misinformation, wasn’t a former vice president and so we really had to go so-called “fake news” and slanted journalism, and that’s all everywhere and spread our message. Indiana Democrats tremendously harmful. At the very, very local level, there can look at that strategy and run that game plan in years is still some coverage. You sort of know who your mayor ahead. is and who’s on the city council. At the national level, HPI: Another criticism of the party during the it’s well-covered and people know the players and know Bayh era was that it was “Republican lite” as opposed to what’s going on with the president every day. That middle presenting a true contrast. Instead of choosing a true path level doesn’t get as much coverage. Statehouse reporters on its own, it tried to be just a little less conservative than are ... filing regularly, but a lot of that news isn’t getting the GOP. By 2010, many Democrats in traditional party to folks across Indiana; how their state rep or senator is strongholds along the Wabash and Ohio rivers just decid- voting. In the absence of that knowledge and with such ed to become Republican. Fast forward to 2016 when we dramatic one-party control, that’s unhealthy. When left to had both Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders win presiden- their own devices, harmful strains come out of a dominant tial primaries in Indiana without any establishment support caucus. More Hoosiers want fairness, equity, and more from either major party. Are there lessons to be learned balance across the board. Page 6 HPI: So is one of your challenges to form a new Cordelia Lewis-Burks, was such a force. Her experience local news ecosystem, say, local Facebook pages? with the party as well as AFSCME was really, really mean- Schmuhl: I am approaching this with sort of a ingful to our party. I thought it was essential that the top blank canvas. I think we need to reimagine the future part of our party governance structure had strong female of not just our state, but the party. I really believe that. leadership and one of color. I am really grateful that Clerk Nothing is off the table. Hoosiers are kind and smart, Eldridge stepped up. Another good reason we’re a good straight forward people and they deserve a government team is I’m from Northern Indiana, she’s from Central Indi- that backs those characteristics. So nothing is off the ta- ana. I have spent most of my career at the federal level ble. I really, really want to embrace a strategy that people on campaigns. She’s been at the local and county level in can believe in and get us on a course to winning elections public service. I think that’s a nice mix. She’s also an elec- again, and improving the lives of people across the state. tion rights advocate and I think that’s going to be really, HPI: You’re teaming up with Myra Eldridge. Talk really important moving forward and a critical part of our about your relationship with the clerk and why you de- strategy. She’s had experience in recruiting people and cided to form a team. running elections and that’s going to be essential to our Schmuhl: The out-going vice chairwoman, success in the future. v

Jan. 6, Hammond said, “I was devastated, disgusted about Hammond, Hupfer what was going on in real time as we all watched it. There was no one who watched it who could justify anything that happened with the breach of security, the violence at the survey a post-Trump, Capitol and the deaths that occurred. It was surreal and sad. I know for those who were inside the Capitol, it was a post-Jan. 6 GOP pivot terrifying time.” By BRIAN A. HOWEY Hammond was also effusive in his praise for INDIANAPOLIS – With House Democratic impeach- how Vice President Mike Pence handled himself in the final ment managers establishing a powerful video case against weeks of the Trump adminstration. “I couldn’t have been former president Donald Trump, one of Indiana’s Republi- prouder of Mike Pence to rise above all of this,” Hammond can National Committee members believes it’s time for the said. “He did what every vice president had to do, to hold party to pivot back to its roots. his oath of office and his allegiance to the constitution and “The Republican Party will con- the republic. Mike Pence, I think you tinue to be, as it has been since 1854, a can say, saved the republic.” party of ideas and conservative principles Pence was under seri- that a large segment of America should ous pressure from President Trump be able to gather under,” John Ham- to use his ceremonial post in the mond III told Howey Politics Indiana on congressional certification of the Wednesday. “No more cult of personal- Electoral College results on Jan. 6 to ity. No more big lies. No more looney subvert the will of the people. Pence conspiracy theories. We should cull those refused, setting up the stunning things out and move forward. There will scene of Trump unleashing a MAGA be tensions as we come out of this period mob at the Ellipse toward the Capi- of time as we pivot back toward the party tol, with many chanting, “Hang Mike of ideas and purpose, but that’s where Pence.” we’re headed.” Hammond explained, It comes as Reuters reports this morning that “Traditional and conservative Republicans were an impor- talks of forming an anti-Trump party are in early stage tant factor that put Pence on the ticket in 2016.” discussions and include former elected Republicans, for- He lauded the Trump administration for bringing mer officials in the Republican administrations of Ronald on regulatory reform and judicial appointments that were Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Trump, center right. “There were just a series of benefits,” Ham- ex-Republican ambassadors and Republican strategists, mond said. “Elections have consequences. Many good the people involved say. “More than 120 of them held things were accomplished.” a Zoom call last Friday to discuss the breakaway group, But in the end it culminated in Trump’s defeat on which would run on a platform of ‘principled conservatism,’ Nov. 3 and then the violence and tragedy on Jan. 6. including adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law “Those things were inflicted by the unconventional – ideas those involved say have been trashed by Trump.” personality of the leader, the president. We did our best Asked about the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on to accomplish the things we could accomplish. Some of us saw this coming a country mile away. From my perspec- Page 7 tive, I could not have imagined the result that came at the ly,” adding, “There is no purpose to it. He’s not going to be end of this Electoral College process. It was shocking and (convicted). Any legitimate constitutional lawyer has real a real disappointment.” concerns about impeachment after leaving office. It’s just Hammond talked to HPI following the announce- political gamesmanship we see in Washington. We have ment last week that Indiana Republican Chairman Kyle to get past this constant partisan bickering and, again, do Hupfer was named RNC general counsel. He called Hupfer what we do here in Indiana, which is to find solutions to “uniquely qualified” for the post, which he noted, was oc- problems. We have consistently had solutions that Hoo- cupied by Reince Priebus before he became nationl chair- siers have found competent and been beneficial to their man in 2013. lives. That’s what we have to get back to in Washington.” “His ascendency is a confirmation of the Midwest- As for his new role as RNC general counsel, Hup- ern battleground as well as how our values have allowed fer said, “I’m excited with working with Chair McDaniel. us to bring a more common sense approach to the party,” There is going to be a lot of legal focus with party, forward Hammond said. looking on ballot integrity and systems put into place by Hupfer acknowledged legislators feature safety and the GOP is grappling with the security.” fallout from the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. He said that over the “We are having a debate within the course of the 2024 election party,” he said in a Zoom call with cycle, as general counsel he HPI on Monday. “There are obvi- will be dealing with convention ously a spectrum of ideas within site selection, convention rules, the party. There are obviously debates and ultimately putting some that are unacceptable to the on the convention. “It’s a good party. There are somethings that reflection on what we’ve done are unacceptable anywhere, such here in Indiana and that’s re- as storming the U.S. Capitol Build- spected across the country, from ing. the strength of our party, from “We need to focus on what the election results is reflected in our ideals are inside the party,” this appointment.” Hupfer continued. “That’s where we always come back As for the coming delay in U.S. Census data and to our conservative principles: Fiscal policy like we have the reapportionment process, Hupfer doesn’t expect to here in Indiana; the protection of our rights such as the spend much time on those issues as general counsel, but right to bear arms, protection of life. I think as a national will be involved in Indiana redistricting. He doesn’t expect party, as we sit here today with the extreme left agenda the new maps to emerge from an Indiana General Assem- that is being put together by President Biden, it is time for bly special session until August or September. Republicans come together as to what are real issues are, “The RNC will provide some assistance,” he which is the deterorioration of our moral the fiscal fiber in said. “Right now I don’t believe I’ll be involved in other this country versus trying to fighting with each other.” states. There will be other folks who will concentrate on Asked to define the “conservative pillars” in the redistricting, since it happens on the legislative side. Here emerging post-Trump era, Hupfer said, “I think we can in Indiana we’ve had a solid history of drawing fair, com- look to Indiana as a good example. Dating back to when pact districts, keeping communities of interest together.” we took this state over as a party with Gov. Daniels, we’ve Asked about the lack of competition with the cur- been focused on balanced budgets, living within our rent maps drawn in 2011, Hupfer said that with 88% of means, maintaining a surplus, what we’ve seen during this county offices held by Republicans, it will be hard to carve pandemic where we’re thriving from a fiscal standpoint. out many Democratic legislative and congressional dis- We still have a surplus and are in a position where we tricts. fully fund our budgets, but look at ways to accelerate the “Those county lines were drawn a long time ago. growth this state economically. I just think it reflects the strength of the Republican Party “The governor is coming out with a major in this state,” Hupfer said. “This is a Republican state. For recovery plan,” Hupfer continued. “Hundreds of millions folks to go and try to create competitive districts would of dollars are in it and it could really put Indiana at the require some extreme gerrymandering. In most areas, top of the heap when coming out of COVID. I think fiscal there’s no way to do it. Pull out the maps. We’ve done restraint has been the hallmark here in Indiana. It’s obvi- a lot of analysis on the past races. There are significant ously a different game out in Washington. We need more swaths throughout the state where we were absolutely of Indiana in Washington and less Washington here in In- dominant and there’s no place to draw districts where diana. That is certainly the type of conservative Republican Democrats could win in those areas.” v who has served Indiana well.” Hupfer called Trump’s second impeachment “a fol- Page 8 protesters in killing and injuring cops and ransacking the Another letter Capitol. Good start. Alas, they didn’t hang Pence, shoot Nancy Pelosi or stop certification of Joe Biden, the choice of the child traffickers. But wait! The Storm was just de- to QAnon layed. Your faithful believed the prediction that it actually By JACK COLWELL would hit on inauguration day. They expected Biden and SOUTH BEND – Dear Q, It’s Jack again. I wrote to other cabal conspirators at his fake ceremony to be hauled you in a column back in August. You didn’t write back. But away. Trump still president. I’m sure you know about my questions. Your QAnon follow- I’m sure you understand how some QAnon ers say you know everything, including when The Storm believers were disheartened to see Trump board Air Force will come to destroy the satanic pedophiles engaging in One for Florida. But wait! They figured it was a distraction. child-trafficking and child-cannibalizing and controlling our Trump would zoom back to retain his presidency, no doubt country. They don’t sound very nice. for life. Democracy restored. Trump didn’t return. He Well, Q, I guess you couldn’t reply because you’ve wimped out on martial law and a violent coup. And you, been really busy. I mean, QAnon Q, are being abandoned by some of your QAnon faithless was busy getting Marjorie Taylor faithful. Greene elected to Congress. She But wait! The Storm still could come on inaugura- really speaks up, calling 9/11 a tion day, the traditional inauguration day, March 4. That hoax and saying that supposed was inauguration day throughout most of the nation’s his- shooting of little kids at Sandy tory. Then some fake amendment in 1933 moved it to Jan. Hook Elementary School was a 20. So, Q, I hear the prediction now is for The Storm to hoax. She’s a real leader, getting a hit on March 4. Will it hit then to vanquish Biden, restore standing ovation from the House Trump to power and save those kids in that Washington QAnon Caucus. And you relent- pizzeria? And maybe JFK Jr. will show up this time to be lessly promote Pizzagate, about vice president. Hillary Clinton molesting children Please, Q, write back this time. Sincerely, sort of, in that Washington pizzeria. She Jack v shouldn’t do that. You were busy predicting things like an Oct. 17 Colwell has covered Indiana politics over five de- appearance of John F. Kennedy Jr. at a Trump rally. He was cades for the South Bend Tribune. to be named the vice presidential nominee, replacing Mike Pence. Wow! Guess you were for hanging Pence even back then. But JFK Jr. didn’t show up. Must have had other plans that day. Talk about busy, you did a lot of planning for QAnon and the GOP storming the Capitol. Now, some of your followers dare to question your predictions. They worry that you predicted too many times congresswoman that The Storm was about to hit, with Donald Trump, then By KELLY HAWES president, declaring martial law to bring down the evil CNHI News Bureau cabal of global elites, Hollywood celebrities, Democratic ANDERSON – House Minority Leader Kevin Mc- officials and their news media apologists. If you were a TV Carthy sees unity in his caucus. “Two years from now, weather forecaster, you’d lose viewers by so often predict- we’re going to win the majority,” he told reporters. “That’s ing a big storm that never comes. because this conference is more united. We’ve got the You always explain why The Storm is delayed. right leadership team behind it.” Yet, some of your followers lose faith, turning away from I’m not so sure. When 61 members of the confer- QAnon to embrace instead violent white-supremacist and ence vote to remove Liz Cheney neo-Nazi militia groups with similar objectives. They even from her leadership position question whether you exist. because she supported Donald Yes, Virginia, there is a Q. Maybe you, Q, aren’t Trump’s impeachment, does that just one person. Maybe you’re a group of conspiracy theo- represent unity? And what about rists or some profiting entrepreneurs. But your QAnon does the 11 Republicans who voted to exist. You can drive supporters to riot. Still, you didn’t get strip fellow Republican Marjorie Trump reelected to fulfill your prophesy that he, in a secret Taylor Greene of her committee war with the cabal, would bring it down with mass arrests assignments? Is that unity, too? and harsh justice, very harsh. Like gallows. Among the 11 Republi- Your followers storming the Capitol were sure that cans who joined that second vote Jan. 6 was The Storm, the big one. They joined with other was Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, Page 9 a critic of McCarthy’s leadership. “He needs to stand for truth, and he needs to recognize this party, the future, is not going down to Mar-a-Lago and being with Donald Rembering the late Trump,” Kinzinger told CNN the day after a closed-door meeting of the Republican caucus. First Lady Susan Bayh Kinzinger expressed disappointment with what By DAVE KITCHELL happened when Greene spoke during that meeting. “I LOGANSPORT – In a moment of a state Democrat- don’t like to reveal a ton of conference details, but she ic dinner evening in the 1980s, there was a foreshadowing stood up and kind of gave a bit of contriteness, but then it that brought hope to a moribund reality – 20 consecutive pivoted to ‘they’re coming after you next,’” he said. “Obvi- years of Republican rule. ously, I had a huge problem with all of that, but the ‘they,’ An Evan Bayh in his 30s stood up, being the Democrats, I think if you’re not buying into Jew- holding the hand of his wife, Susan. ish space lasers and false flag operations and QAnon stuff, In perfect unison, they pivoted 180 to think that they’re just going to come after you next, I degrees to acknowledge everyone think is way a bridge too far.” in every corner of the ballroom. Not everyone shared his concern. Some actu- Without saying a word, they received ally stood and applauded her remarks, a fact Kinzinger an ovation. There was swelling opti- described as “disappointing by a factor of 1,000.” For the mism filling the room, and the kind record, McCarthy did condemn Greene’s past positions, of hope that builds to victories in suggesting she needed to steer clear of them as a member May and November. It was the first of the House of Representatives. “I hold her to her word, wave of a sea change about to hap- as well as her actions going forward,” he said. pen in Indiana politics. Both McCarthy and Greene suggested her wacky At that precise moment, the hus- positions were ancient history. “I never once said any of band of an Indiana legislator turned to me and said, “Yep, the things that I am being accused of today during my he’s running.” campaign,” Greene said on the House floor. “I never said That affirmation meant that an Indiana secretary any of these things since I have been elected for Con- of state who had narrowly defeated the son of a former gress. These were words of the past and these things do governor to win the third highest office in the state was not represent me.” about to throw his hat in the ring against Lt. Gov. John To be honest, she doesn’t seem all that contrite. Mutz. It wouldn’t be easy because in the middle of the “Today’s the day I could be removed from committees, or Reagan Revolution, Mutz was the state’s chief cheerleader worse, expelled from Congress,” she wrote on social media for economic development. Many a Las Vegas betting par- that same day. “Why? Because I stood up for President lor would have placed prohibitive odds that Mutz could not Trump. I stand for America First. I filed Articles of Im- lose. peachment against Joe Biden, and I speak the truth.” What transpired in the months following took How should her supporters respond? Well, contrib- Indiana from having the oldest governor in the nation to ute to her campaign, of course. As for how she got elected the youngest. It happened in part because the Bayh name in the first place, you can blame it on a district that is so resonated with voters who remembered his father. It hap- tilted in favor of Republicans the election was effectively pened in part because it was just time for a fresh party over in the primary. to reset the dynamics of the Indiana political scene. And Back in the day when the Democratic Party had it happened in no small measure because of Susan Bayh. a stranglehold on the South, political observers coined She looked like what you would want your First Lady to be, the phrase, “Yellow Dog Democrats.” These were Demo- and her effusive spirit and smile had an infectious way of crats who would vote for a yellow dog before voting for a renewing faith in the expectations of political office. Republican. Now voters in some of those same states have Make no mistake about it, Susan Bayh looked switched their allegiance, and those yellow dogs are show- and acted the part of what a first lady of something should ing up on the Republican side of the ballot. be. It’s a moment I recall fondly now as we absorb the No Democrat has ever held the seat Greene now shock of her sudden passing. A former Miss Southern Cali- occupies. The district first had an election in 2012, the fornia, a former Rose Bowl princess, a former attorney and year Georgia added a 14th congressional seat thanks to a wife and mother, she was a presence who could stand on the 2010 Census. In 2017, the Cook Political Report ranked her own, far more than a beauty queen or a wife with con- the district 10th in the country for its concentration of nections. Republican voters. This district is deep red, and it’s likely At a speaking engagement she once keynoted, to remain that way. she unleashed a self-deprecating humor. She shared her In other words, the only candidate that could de- husband’s eagerness to meet a future Republican governor, prive Greene of her seat would be another Republican. Do Arnold Schwarzenegger, recalling the moment he received you suppose McCarthy will campaign for her? v a T-shirt from Schwarzenegger. Evan was proud to say he and Arnold had the same chest size, but with Susan imitat- Her husband’s 2016 campaign to win a third U.S. ing Arnold’s trademark accent, she said, “No, Evan, that is Senate term was bittersweet. Susan was still on a statewide Danny DeVito’s shirt, not mine.” bus tour with Evan, but it would be their last. She acknowl- In that sense, she was very down to earth. In edged in campaign commercials what kind of caring hus- the larger sense, she proved that she didn’t want to be a band she had during a time when she had endured cancer. First Lady who stayed in the governor’s residence, happily Unfortunately, it wasn’t the time for another storybook hosting ceremonial teas. She was out and about the state, ending far past a golden wedding anniversary. meeting with groups of all sizes and stripes. While the While the biography of Susan Bayh has ended far former governor’s worst critics might have claimed him to too soon, it is one that reflects the spirit and impact of a be too formal at times, Susan was the warmth and fresh woman who made the Midwest her home and served our spirit that made you not only believe in her, but believe in home state as few ever have. As Hoosiers mourn her loss, her husband and what they had to bring to Indiana’s table. we know how the Beach Boys felt. We wish all our First She was the kind of person who would speak Ladies could be California girls who grow up to be Susan to you on the streets of Indianapolis, and the type of per- Bayhs. v son more spouses of public officials should be – involved, concerned and willing to accept a family’s time in public Kitchell is the former mayor of Logansport. life as not just an opportunity, but a responsibility.

democratic processes – over the right to vote and the way those votes are counted – leave us weaker abroad. It is Good foreign policy hard to take the greatest democracy in the world seriously when many of its elected leaders were willing to seek to is good domestically overturn the results of a legitimate election, or when state By LEE HAMILTON leaders pursue policies aimed at limiting the ability of voters BLOOMINGTON – There was an interesting mo- to cast their ballots. ment in Washington at the end of January, on Antony In the end, you cannot separate foreign and do- Blinken’s first full day as secretary of state. Meeting with mestic policy. They are different aspects of the same world. the press corps that covers the What you do with respect to one affects the other. State Department, he called an Over the next few years, if we can do the right independent press “a cornerstone thing regarding domestic issues, from the environment to of our democracy,” and told the ballot access to the economy, it will strengthen our hand in assembled reporters, “You keep foreign policy, since of course the rest of the world watches the American people and the world us closely. And if we can use our dealings and posture informed about what we do here. abroad to stand for the best of American ideal – promoting That’s key to our mission.” decency, respecting individuals’ rights, settling disputes as I have no doubt that there often as possible through responsible negotiation, nurturing will be plenty of tense moments democracy and the institutions that sustain it – we will un- between Blinken and the journal- doubtedly reap the benefits at home through strong political ists who cover U.S. foreign policy. and economic relationships, healthy alliances with friendly But Blinken’s comment – meant to nations, and a position as a world leader widely seen as signal a change from the hostile relationship that devel- deserving the role. v oped under the previous administration – underscored a key facet of American diplomacy: What happens at home Lee Hamilton is a senior advisor for the Indiana affects our posture and capabilities abroad. Just as impor- University Center on Representative Government; tant, how we conduct ourselves abroad says a great deal a distinguished scholar at the IU Hamilton Lugar about who we are at home. School of Global and International Studies; and a One way to think about this is to imagine a professor of ractice at the IU O’Neill School of Public foreign policy that puts us at the forefront of curbing hu- and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the man rights abuses around the world or that makes certain U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years. that in cases of major natural disasters, the U.S. leads the way in providing disaster relief. These actions send mes- sages about who we are as a nation, and as the American people, that resonate with ordinary people the world over, even if foreign regimes sometimes resent them. Boiled down, we ought not to apologize for trying to do the right thing as a country. If we can be a factor Page 11

legislative body may say, ‘OK, the third extension we need to come back and at least have a discussion,’” said Lehm- The governor needs an, R-Berne. Other legislation by State Rep. Bob Morris would flexibility in crisis prohibit the governor from placing restrictions on any By BRIAN A. HOWEY business’s capacity or operating hours. It would block the INDIANAPOLIS – There’s a reason that President governor from suspending elective surgeries at hospitals. Truman had a sign on his desk reading “The Buck Stops Holcomb has been operating under I.C. 10-14-3- Here” that became ingrained in American culture. There’s 12, or the “Disaster emergencies; emergency gubernato- a reason that a statue of Gov. Oliver P. Morton along with rial powers” law, that was passed in 2010. The governor two Union soldiers guards the can declare a disaster emergency by executive order or east entrance to the Indiana proclamation “if the governor determines that a disaster Statehouse. And there’s a reason has occurred or that the occurrence or threat of a disaster you have to go back a generation is imminent.” The statute allows the governor to renew to find a former legislator as- executive orders every 30 days. cending to the governor’s office. In essence, Indiana Code gives a governor broad These reasons all point to powers. The governor is the “commander-in-chief of the one critical thing: Leadership. In the case of Morton and organized and unorganized militia and of all other forces Truman, they rose to power and made crucial and astute available for emergency duty.” He or she can commandeer decisions in trying times with no playbook. Just like Gov. private property, move state employees, order the evacua- Eric Holcomb and 49 of his American counterparts did tion of endangered areas, control the “ingress and egress” beginning about a year ago with the COVID-19 pandemic. to such an areas, suspend or limit the sale and transporta- Holcomb is now faced with an Indiana General As- tion of alcoholic beverages, explosives or combustibles, sembly trying to whittle away what little power an Indiana provide emergency housing, allow out-state licensed per- governor has. sonnel to operate in the state, and give specific authority On Monday, the Senate overrode Holcomb’s veto to allocate drugs, foodstuffs, and other essential materials of SEA148 (Senate Enrolled Act 148) and services. which would prevent all local govern- According to the Banks ments from regulating any aspect of & Bower legal blog, Indi- landlord-tenant relationships. The ana case law is very limited motivation was a reaction to tenant on this statute. Most of it protections that the Indianapolis City- is in relation to a governor County Council passed and Mayor Joe declaring martial law. In Cox Hogsett signed last spring. In ordinary vs. McNutt, D. Ind. 1935, times, these decisions would end up on a 12 F.Supp. 355, the court mayor’s desk. generally found that the There is a bill that would take governor had wide discretion the responsibility of the Indianapolis in determining whether an Metropolitan Police Department from emergency existed requir- the mayor and put it into the hands of a ing the utilization of military board chosen by state and local officials. forces, and if he determined In normal times, it would be the mayor that exigency existed the of Indianapolis who would take respon- courts would not interfere sibility for IMPD and would be held therewith. accountable twice – in the primary and To put these bills into general elections – every four years. context, it’s important to And there are efforts to crimp understand what leaders like the governor’s power that he exercised Gov. Holcomb were facing a 55 times via executive orders since the little more than a year ago. pandemic began in March 2020. Included When COVID-19 caught the in this legislation would be exemptions for churches during attention of U.S. officials, there were so many unknowns: pandemic shutdown orders. A previous version of the bill How did it spread? Who was susceptible? How lethal was sponsored by House Majority Leader Matt Lehman would it? Would it impact children and adults or the elderly dif- have required the General Assembly to be called into ferently? Could it swamp local and state medical systems? session for an extension of a governor’s emergency order Could it be spread in school classrooms? beyond 60 days, according to WIBC’S Eric Berman. Holcomb, other governors and President Trump “It’s just at any time during those extensions, the operated with a number of blind spots and came to the Page 12 unprecedented decision in mid-March to shut the economy indifferent to stressing masking. The White House became down. It wasn’t until early April that the consensus de- a COVID hotspot. The pandemic has hit the United States veloped that COVID-19 was spread by aerosol particles. harder than just about every other nation, with the death Health officials ranging from Surgeon General Jerome Ad- rate soaring toward half a million casualties. ams and Indiana Health Commissioner Kristina Box were Now let’s go to the “what ifs.” Like ... what if the advising against face-masking then (though in Adams’s next pandemic might be more severe than COVID-19? case, it was to preserve the limited availability of N-95 What if the next pandemic is far more lethal for children? masks for front line health professionals). Or is far more transmissible? Preventing the governor By the end of April, the shifting consensus (with from shutting down schools or churches in the wake of the notable exception of Rep. Morris) was that face-mask- a pandemic would severely limit the executive response, ing was the best step prior to vaccine at preventing the potentially creating a more arduous crisis. spread of the virus. Joshua Claybourn, Evansville attorney and HPI By January, the shifting consensus was that contributor, observed in January: “By separating pow- schools could safely reopen; that COVID-19’s lethality was ers among branches, the Founders sought to safeguard far more dangerous for the elderly than it was for young against tyranny. We need separation of powers and checks students. and balances not merely in spite of emergencies, but Early on in the pandemic, once it was un- often because of them. A strict separation of powers is derstood how it spread, the dangers of exposure during more, not less, important during crises. Indiana legislators church services with singing and shouting came into focus. should revise our emergency power laws to incorporate That led the way for a prioritized social distancing, mask- more checks and balances while maintaining a stream- ing and the frequent practice of personal hygiene. lined, flexible legal system for emergency response.” The point here is that in the midst of the pandem- The fact that there were few calls for a General ic crisis, it wasn’t up to a legislative committee to make Assembly special session during the first nine months of the tough decisions. It was up to the president and the the pandemic means that Gov. Holcomb and staff were in governor. The buck would stop with them. what he calls “constant” contact with legislative leader- Since then, there was an election in which Hol- ship. comb was returned for a second term with a landslide, and It’s important that the emergency laws be re- Trump was ousted by a more than 7-million-vote plural- viewed and updated in the sense that this time we were ity. Hoosier voters gave the governor an emphatic OK at dealing with a pandemic as opposed to a flood or tor- how he handled the pandemic. American voters rejected nado outbreak, or civil strife. But it’s also important for Trump’s approach. the General Assembly not to force emphatic prohibitions. Comparing Holcomb and Trump led to obvious More checks and balances are fine. But anything that conclusions. Holcomb and his team advocated masking would crimp a future governor’s flexibility in dealing with a and social distancing, while suspending normal political wicked curve ball could have disastrous impacts down the and social activity. Trump proceeded to hold MAGA rallies road. in arenas without incorporating safety precautions and was The buck should stop with the governor. v

local regulations. It could have large ramifications in Indi- ana, a state where wind and solar projects are booming as House panel passes utilities and large companies demand renewable energy. Since 2008, developers have installed more than 1,000 bill setting standards wind turbines across the state, chiefly on 16 large wind farms, that crank out more than for renewable energy 2,000 megawatts of electricity— enough to power more than 1 Howey Politics Indiana million homes. Developers have INDIANAPOLIS — A bill that would set statewide zeroed in on the state, in part, standards for large wind and solar projects in Indiana because its flat terrain, espe- passed a House committee on Wednesday morning, fol- cially in northern Indiana, leads lowing a passionate debate between renewable energy to higher wind speeds. More than 1,000 megawatts of advocates and a group of residents and local officials who new wind capacity are under construction or in advanced said the bill would take away local control (Erdody, IBJ). development. But some projects have run into setbacks The House Utilities Committee approved the bill, HB 1381, in recent years, as some counties have restricted wind by a 12-1 vote. The measure would set standards on farms, saying they are too large and intrusive. As a result, setbacks, heights and other facets of commercial projects developers have clamored for state standards, saying they across Indiana’s 92 counties, replacing an assortment of Page 13 are tired of negotiating a hodgepodge of local laws before Conflict of interest surrounds several bills moving forward with projects, or seeing them canceled An Indiana lawmaker who builds homes is the at the last minute, after huge upfront investments. The sole author on a bill to ban community architecture design bill’s supporters included the Indiana Chamber of Com- requirements, a proposal that could save him and others merce, the Clean Grid Alliance, Hoosiers for Renewables, in his profession thousands of dollars. Ethics experts say a group of large industrial manufacturers, and developers Rep. Doug Miller’s involvement in the bill is inappropriate, of renewable energy. The state’s 22 largest manufacturers, because of his ownership of Elkhart-based development including drugmaker Eli Lilly and Co. and manufacturer Al- company Tailor Made Homes and his role on the board lison Transmission, also support the bill, saying they want of directors for the National Association of Homebuild- to buy more renewable energy. ers (Lange, IndyStar). He also chairs the House commit- tee that passed the legislation, giving him control of that Gutwein won’t hear House enviroment bills process. The Elkhart Republican says his goal with House Thirteen bills addressing state environmental Bill 1114 is to increase affordable housing options for Hoo- issues will likely never see the light of day. House Envi- siers and push back on local overreach. Miller said simply ronmental Affairs Committee chair, Rep. Doug Gutwein moving the garage door or changing the material on the (R-Francesville), said he won’t hold hearings for any of exterior of the house can generate savings of $15,000. the bills assigned to that committee this session (Thiele, Leaders in Indiana’s cities and towns say the bill would Indiana Public Media). Gutwein said revised rules from the hamper their ability to negotiate quality products and federal Environmental Protection Agency should be able lead to so-called vinyl villages and the mass production to address concerns laid out in three of the bills — specifi- of identical — and potentially unsafe — homes, making cally coal ash pollution and lead in schools. As for the rest, it challenging to sustain quality of place. “Why not have he said there are some duplicate bills working their way somebody else bring it forward, if it’s that significant of an through the Senate and others can wait. “Anything that issue?” asked Abe Schwab, a professor of ethics at Purdue was extremely important we’ll do from the Senate. There University Fort Wayne. House Speaker Todd Huston, a was nothing that urgent in the House. So that’s why we’re fellow Republican, said he did not see an issue with Miller going to wait, but the EPA stuff we’ll watch closely and taking the lead on the issue. He offered a common refrain make sure that they get their work done,” Gutwein said. used by lawmakers with potential conflicts of interest, say- ing that the General Assembly is a part-time job. “I think Ending gun permits would cost $3.5M people in the legislative body bring their level of exper- Indiana legislators would face coming up with tise and the experiences they’ve had,” Huston said. “Rep. $3.5 million a year for local police agencies if they repeal Miller is using his unique experiences in that field to bring the state law requiring a permit to carry a handgun in forward legislation that doesn’t directly impact Rep. Miller, public (AP). An Indiana House committee heard testimony but the industry and frankly, communities as a whole. This Wednesday on a bill that would allow any resident to carry is one where he’s just bringing his little expertise.” a handgun unless for reasons including previous felony convictions, being under a restraining order or having Bill would allow alcohol at Lake Michigan dangerous mental illnesses. Supporters of the bill argue State lawmakers appear poised to support Gary’s that requiring gun permits undermine Second Amendment efforts toward revitalizing its lakefront by granting the city protections and that violent criminals don’t obey the law. six additional alcohol sales permits for to-be-developed Bill sponsor Republican Rep. Ben Smaltz of Auburn said he lakefront restaurants (Carden, NWI Times). The House expected the Legislature would dedicate the $3.5 million Public Policy Committee unanimously agreed Wednesday in permit applications fees that police and sheriff depart- to allow Gary, and any eligible city located on Lake Michi- ments now collect and spend on equipment and training. gan, to obtain additional alcohol sales permits for lake- Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter and adjacent developments under a program originally created leaders of the state police chiefs association and Indiana to boost business and tourism in Whiting. State Rep. Earl Fraternal Order of Police spoke against the proposal, say- Harris Jr., D-East Chicago, said if House Bill 1090 becomes ing it would eliminate a valuable screening tool identifying law it will help make the Gary lakefront a bigger draw for those who shouldn’t possess handguns. Republican Gov. both city residents and visitors from outside of Gary. Eric Holcomb was noncommittal when asked Wednesday about the proposal that has failed during previous years in Bill would prevent jail for misdemeanors the Legislature. “I’ll be watching it and paying close atten- An Indianapolis lawmaker thinks Hoosiers tion to what does or does not come to my desk and I’ll be shouldn’t get arrested and booked in jail for non-violent very clear when I start to see the bill’s language become crimes such as shoplifting or possessing small amounts a bit clearer as well,” Holcomb said. The committee could of marijuana (IndyStar). That lawmaker is Rep. Cherrish vote next week on whether to advance the proposal to the Pryor, D-Indianapolis, and she’s hoping her stance will full House. become Indiana law. Pryor is the author behind House Bill 1023, which would require law enforcement officers Page 14 to issue court summonses to people who have committed ing to me and many others to see our beautiful capital city non-violent misdemeanors instead of arresting them. destroyed that night.”

Bill targets teacher union fees Indiana passes 12,000 COVID deaths Indiana teachers could see extra steps to pay Indiana has surpassed 12,000 coronavirus-related union dues in the future if a bill headed to the Senate deaths after the state’s three deadliest months during the floor succeeds. Testimony weeks ago sparked lengthy pandemic. The state Department of Health on Wednesday debate about the contentious measure (Hicks, Indiana added 52 recent coronavirus deaths to the statewide total, Public Media). The bill would make teachers sign forms pushing it to 12,001 fatalities including both confirmed each summer allowing their union to automatically deduct and presumed COVID-19 infections (AP). Indiana’s rates of dues from paychecks. The forms would include bold-font new COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths have language informing them of their rights to not join a union declined steeply since peaking in early December, but the and if teachers forget to renew, their membership would state still recorded more than 1,900 coronavirus deaths lapse. Senators voting for the measure said it would help during January. That followed more than 9,000 coronavi- teachers make “informed decisions” about their dues and rus deaths last year that contributed to a one-year jump of membership. Testimony from anti-union groups sug- 16% in statewide mortality. State health officials, mean- gested teachers could forget about the automatic pay- while, have lowered the risk level for COVID-19 spread in check deductions and end up paying them against their more counties. The state Department of Health’s weekly will. Indiana State Teachers Association President Keith tracking map updated Wednesday labels only Switzerland Gambill said it’s trying to solve a nonexistent problem and County in far southeastern Indiana in the highest-risk red will only direct more funding away from teaching supplies. category. That is down from 73 of the 92 counties in that “Staff time that’s going to have to be devoted from school category four weeks ago. This week’s map lists 40 coun- districts is staff time off of other work that would’ve been ties in the next-riskiest orange category. assigned,” he said. “That money ends up coming out of the classroom and it’s hurting kids.” State identifies next vaccine groups The state’s coronavirus numbers are decreasing Bill increasing riot penalties to full Senate — an encouraging sign for Hoosiers and hospitals (CBS4). A bill that would increase the penalties for rioting When it comes to vaccines, the state said it will soon open and obstructing traffic if either leads to serious injury or vaccinations to Hoosiers age 60 and older once enough causes serious property damage passed out of committee vaccine is available. Then the state will offer vaccines to this week and will be considered by the full Indiana Senate Hoosiers age 50-59 and Hoosiers younger than 50 with (Blake, WRTV). Under current Indiana law, rioting is a mis- certain co-morbidities. Those health conditions include: demeanor. The proposal from State Sen. Michael Young, People on dialysis; People with Down syndrome; Solid R-Indianapolis, would raise it to a felony. “Amid protests organ transplant recipients; Sickle cell anemia; People that turned to violent riots last summer in Indianapolis, actively in cancer treatment or who have received cancer two Hoosiers were tragically and senselessly killed the eve- treatment in the last three months. v ning of May 30, whether it was from the actions of rioters or because law enforcement had to focus their efforts on the rioters,” Young said. “It was disappointing and frustrat- Page 15

towns can be punished for trying to exercise control over Two bills target rural quality of place. HB1573, authored by Rep. Jeff Ellington (R-Orleans), would prohibit local governments from using their zoning and planning authority to ban factory farms neighbors of CAFOs and logging operations from being built too near municipal By ANNE LAKER boundaries. Fare thee well, home rule. Hello, industrial INDIANAPOLIS – Once upon a time, individual rights. property rights were the bedrock of the American fairy Much of the rancor here comes from a long- tale, the manifest destiny dream that shaped our DNA. simmering Indiana court case that made it to the doorstep Like the right to bear arms, controlling your own property of the U.S. Supreme Court. A Hendricks County couple was sacred and inalienable, especially in the GOP pan- living next to a CAFO were deemed to have no just claim theon. against the damage the CAFO was doing to their health – What’s changed? A lot. only since the couple chose to begin using their own land It’s strange that Republicans as residential rather than agricultural. Individual property have managed to attract vot- rights? ers of any kind with their new Shrug. sacred principle, industrial rights This is because Indiana already has one of the above all. stiffest “right to farm acts” (RTFA) in the nation. Other If you’ve ever taken states apparently call often to find out how this act passed the back roads of, say, Dubois constitutional muster in the first place, and how they can or Newton counties, you’ve shove it through their legislatures. probably smelled, if not seen, The RTFA says: As long as a CAFO complies a confined animal feeding with regulatory requirements, the decision to build a CAFO operation (CAFO). These are on vacant cropland next to existing homes cannot be con- the sprawling complexes that sidered negligent conduct under the RTFA, no matter how churn out Indiana’s 20.5 million unreasonable, extreme, and knowingly harmful. Amending turkeys, 4.2 million hogs and 187,000 dairy cows. These the Right to Farm Act so that it doesn’t strip property rights are the mechanized factories that make Indiana first in is the obvious solution. As it stands, there are no limits to the nation in commercial duck production, second in total the number of animals or amount of waste CAFOs can gen- eggs produced, fourth in turkeys raised, and fifth in hog erate, and they’re allowed to be as close as 100 feet from production – as the Indiana Department of Agriculture churches and schools regardless of the amount of waste claims with pride. and emissions they pump out. But living near a CAFO kills any romance of rural There is one lonely pro-property rights bill in the life. Forget the golden sun rays, red barns and freedom IGA meant to counteract the avalanche of industrial rights from urban tyranny. Prepare for a stench that will wreck bills. Rep. Thomas Saunders (R-Lewisville) has joined Rep. your property values in no time flat. But now, legal Sue Errington (D-Muncie) in co-authoring HB1472. It says battles and combative bills out of the General Assembly that a CAFO owner can be sued for failing to use reason- are making it practically impossible for individual families able care in siting, building or operating a CAFO. and even entire towns to co-exist with industrial animal The push for industrial rights at the Indiana producers. Statehouse begs the questions: Is the only motivation for Twin bills, SB411 (from Sens. Jon Ford, R-Terre being a lawmaker the opportunity to advantage Big Ag in Haute and Scott Baldwin, R-Noblesville), and HB1380 exchange for campaign cash? How hard, and how risky, (from Rep. Alan Morrison, R-Covington), place a formi- would it really be to legislate a fair balance between the dable burden of proof on anyone claiming that a CAFO’s thriving of Indiana’s major industries and the rights of citi- operations is harming his/her property or quality of life. zen property owners to live in peace? And when will voters The bill says that if a CAFO has a permit, it’s as good as awaken? v a legal shield. While permits regulate manure manage- ment and water contamination – no doubt lightly, since A consultant and grant writer, Laker is principal of this is Indiana – permits don’t at all regulate odor, a.k.a. Laker Verbal LLC. She is the former director of com- air quality standards. These two bills remove an entire munications at Indiana Forest Alliance and hosts a category of claim, known as stigma damages, or stink movie review show, Flick Fix, on WQRT 99.1 FM. objections. Insert joke here: In Indiana, we don’t just think our waste doesn’t stink; we legislate it. But the matters of the right to live vs. the right to farm are far from funny. Industrial rights don’t just run roughshod over individuals. Another bill ensures that Page 16

same time period. Since 2000, the Indy metro area has grown by Stop restricting the 35%, the City of Indianapolis by 12%, and the whole rest of the state by 2.1%. The City of Indianapolis saw more growth of Indianapolis population growth this century than the 80 non-Indy met- By MICHAEL HICKS ro counties combined. So, whatever concern about crime, MUNCIE – The 2021 state legislative session zoning or building design residents have about Indy, they is remarkable for a series of bills that limit the exist- are worse everywhere else. Surely there is something else ing power of Indianapolis city government. One of these troubling the General Assembly for them to take such a would remove the control of the police department from keen interest in restricting Indianapolis government. What the elected mayor and city council. Another removes the about jobs? city’s legal authority to provide bus Since 2000, the Indianapolis metro region has rapid transit, and yet another would added some 154,000 jobs. Of those jobs, the City of In- prevent the city from regulating the dianapolis can account for 18,000 new jobs over the same placement of 5G wireless devices. time period. Here’s the rub; over the same time period, all The state legislature also appears the rest of Indiana lost a whopping 151,000 jobs. So far poised to override Gov. Holcomb’s in this century, the Indianapolis region actually absorbed veto of a city ordinance that pro- more than 100% of all the new jobs created in Indiana. vided extra protections for tenants. So, if businesses have a problem with the way the Indy These are unusual issues region is run, the problem is far, far, far worse in the other for a state legislature to become 80 counties. involved in, but there’s more. One Likewise, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Statistical bill would prevent Indianapolis, or Area has absorbed 65% of all the Gross Domestic Product any other city, from changing its name. To be fair, that growth this century. So far in the 21st Century, the City bill might be targeted at Russiaville, Toad Hop or Slab of Indianapolis alone received one out of every four new Town, not Indianapolis. Another would limit the powers of dollars of economic activity created statewide. Today, a Indianapolis to undertake land-use authority within its city worker in the City of Indianapolis produces $179 worth of limits. A casual observer might conclude that some mem- goods and services for every $100 produced by a worker bers of the General Assembly have abandoned federalism, outside the Indy region. that mainstay of conservative thought for the past 244 The real shocker is that each year residents of years. That couldn’t possibly be the explanation, though; it Marion County send, on net, a bit more than $500 per must be something else. person in tax revenues to residents of the rest of the This flurry of legislation aimed at the heart of state. All told, 20 Hoosier counties pay more taxes to the Indiana’s largest municipal government seems to signal state than they receive in tax revenues from the state. that something unseemly is happening in Indianapolis. It Five of those are in the Indianapolis metro area. So, just implies that Indy is failing at something important, some- to summarize it clearly, Indianapolis, and the Indianapolis thing at which the rest of Indiana is successful. Maybe, region as a whole, are growing leaps and bounds faster Indianapolis has a problem that is keeping it from attract- than the rest of the state. At the same time, they bear a ing people, jobs or economic activity like the rest of the greater state tax burden, of which a significant share is state. Surely that is the case? It must be that Indianapolis sent to other counties. They get far less back in tax dollars and the Indy metro region are doing so much worse than than they spend. the rest of the state, that lawmakers feel compelled to This realization ought to prompt a bit of circum- intervene. Let’s see what the data says about that. spection among Indiana’s lawmakers. It stands to reason First, it is important to definethe geographies. that because Indianapolis is outperforming the state on There is the City of Indianapolis proper, which is essentially growth in population, jobs, GDP and worker productiv- Marion County. Then, there is the Indianapolis Metropoli- ity, the remainder of the state ought to be taking notes. tan Statistical Area, which also consists of the surrounding Instead, lawmakers are throwing roadblocks in front of counties. The legislation noted above would affect both this, and other cities. A modicum of wisdom would incline the City of Indianapolis and the surrounding metropolitan legislation toward more, rather than less, local autonomy. area that depends upon the success of the city. Governing is hard work, and for serious From 2000 to 2019, Indiana’s population grew people. One way to make mockery of the seriousness of by 639,000 persons. Within the Indianapolis metropolitan those tasks is legislation that removes rental rules from area, population grew by 543,000. So far this century, a city council, prohibits municipal governments from land full 85% of the state’s population growth happened within use planning or, or keeps the good people of Mudsock or the Indianapolis metro area. Outside of the Indy metro, Gnaw Bone from changing their town’s name. the state had just 96,000 new residents. By comparison, Households and businesses are voting with their Marion County alone saw 104,000 new residents over the feet. The City of Indianapolis is growing five times faster Page 17 than the 80 non-Indy metro counties combined. For towers must be, there is a quick and easy way to do so. whatever flaws the city and region might have, the rest of Run for mayor. v Indiana would be better off economically if it were more like Indianapolis. Michael J. Hicks, PhD, is the director of the Cen- The General Assembly should permit every one ter for Business and Economic Research and the of our municipal governments more freedom to mimic the George and Frances Ball distinguished professor of success of Indianapolis. And, if any member of the legisla- economics in the Miller College of Business at Ball ture still wants to decide how many two-way streets a city State University. should have, to run a police force, or dictate how tall 5G

mental improvement? Not unless the Feds insist. The same for worker safety.” Death in the swamps Sorethroat’s breath is freezing fog as he says, By MORTON J. MARCUS “The status quo is the way to go, except when there’s a INDIANAPOLIS – “It’s cold out here,” Sorethroat chance for legislators to take power from the locals or complains. “Why are we under the east stairs of the Capi- from the governor. Indiana’s one of 23 states where the tol building?” legislature can readily override a governor’s veto. Seven “Because I can’t go into the Statehouse as casu- of these states are Blue, 16 Red. You think COVID is a ally as I’d like since the legislative gators started their pandemic? Think about gerrymandering.” security checks,” I tell him. I’m getting hot under the collar despite the “Well, what do you want to talk about? Be quick!” cold. “And Hoosiers put up with this for years on end?” Am he shivers with the cold. I asking or decrying? “We have several good “Most do,” he says. “Remember, there are Hoosiers folks from both parties in the who sincerely believe COVID is a hoax.” General Assembly, yet when one “Death is no hoax,” I insist. “CDC data for 2020 senator proposes a cockeyed bill show 10,780 “excess” deaths in Indiana over and above preventing Indianapolis and other the total number expected from past experience with all cities from ever changing their other causes. The State Dept. of Health has the COVID names, the Senate approves it 36 total through Feb. 3, 2021, as 11,231. They’re consistent.” to 11. Why?” I ask. “Well, aren’t both part of the conspiracy to fund “Oh, that’s just Jack. Big Pharma?” he says, shivering as he goes back indoors. Grandstanding. He’s stirring v up some bluster about Native Americans objecting to deroga- Mr. Marcus is an economist. Reach him at morton- tory names beyond sports teams,” Sorethroat says, taking [email protected]. Follow his views and those of another drag on his mini-cigar. John Guy on “Who Gets What?” wherever podcasts “Don’t take that bill seriously,” he says. “Senators are available or at mortonjohn.libsyn.com. know it’s a joke and the members are just having a little fun. They know the bill dies in the House or in a confer- ence committee.” He flicks off a bit of cigar ash to demon- strate the insignificance of the issue. “What about the serious matter of redistricting?” I ask. “Dead,” he says. “You don’t think the Reds will let the Blues have any chance of gaining seats in the Leg- islature or Congress? Indiana’s gerrymandering is so good that 11 of the 25 Senate seats up for election in 2020 were uncontested by one or the other major parties. In the House, 41 of 100 seats were uncontested.” “That a tragedy for democracy,” I moan. “Yeah,” he agrees, “but these guys ‘n’ gals can’t be persuaded to change their minds on anything. Gun safety? Never! Local governments having a say on issues concern- ing the big utilities, like the power or phone companies? Forget it! Wetland and waterways protection plus environ- Page 18 James Briggs, IndyStar: Mike Pence could have Trump sicced his frenzied supporters on Pence and every- died last week. We need to be explicit about that, far more one else in the Capitol with no regard for their safety. v explicit than we’ve been so far, or we risk failing to under- stand the gravity of the events that unfolded inside the , IBJ: Republicans in Indiana’s Leg- Capitol building and what they mean for our future. It’s Nate Feltman islature have filed three bills aimed at taking control of the not that no one is talking about the danger Pence faced Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department away from — many people are — but we have not collectively paused Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. The most extreme is Sen- long enough to process the stakes: A breakdown ate Bill 168, filed by Sen. Jack Sandlin, which calls in our political system nearly led to the execution for the establishment of a five-member board to of the sitting vice president. All because Presi- oversee IMPD. Four members would be appointed dent Donald Trump’s ego did not permit him to by the governor and one by the mayor. The efforts concede an election that he lost to Democrat Joe by Republican legislators to assert more control Biden. That is not hyperbole. Trump spent weeks over Indianapolis and IMPD stem from the riots and loss of preparing his supporters for a final showdown over his life last summer, as well as the 40% increase in homicides attempt to remain in office under the pretense of a stolen in Indy last year. There were 215 murders in Indy last election. After failing to make his voter fraud case in court, year—an all-time high. In addition, there is frustration with Trump fixated on the vice president’s obscure role in cer- the newly created General Orders Board that gives civilians tifying the election results as the solution to his problem. control over IMPD policies, a move opposed by the police Trump and others insisted Pence had the power to reject union. The growing frustration with the rise of crime and votes from states that supported Biden. When the day the deterioration of our downtown is understandable. De- came, Pence released a long statement that doubled as a cades of work have gone into the development and growth history lesson. Pence explained that his role was “largely of downtown. The combination of the riots and the ceremonial” and that he lacked “unilateral authority to pandemic have brought downtown to the brink. Add to the determine which electoral votes should be counted and mix a lack of leadership out of the City-County Building, which should not.” Trump was not satisfied. As his sup- and the ground has been laid for the Republican superma- porters swarmed the Capitol building, Trump gave them a jority in the Statehouse to assert itself in the affairs of our target. The president tweeted: “Mike Pence didn’t have the capital city. The irony of this effort is that Republicans typi- courage to do what should have been done to protect our cally are in favor of “home rule” policies and laws, which Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to allow a community to tailor its local government to meet certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inac- local needs. The Republican Party I know wants to narrow curate ones which they were asked to previously certify. government interference in residents’ lives and allow local USA demands the truth!” Pence was presiding over the government to handle issues that are local in nature, such Senate moments before the mob reached the chamber. as crime. How is it that the same Republican Party that Rioters shouted for him by name — they yelled, has filed bills to rein in the governor’s emergency powers “Where’s Mike Pence” and “Hang Mike Pence,” a phrase (as a result of his pandemic executive orders) now wants that trended on Twitter, according to multiple news reports to grant the governor authority over policing in Indianapo- — and all available evidence suggests they had the violent lis? If Sandlin’s bill becomes law, you might see the mayor impulse and wherewithal to attack him if he hadn’t es- dancing in the streets, since local policing would become caped. Vice President Mike Pence certified Joe Biden and the province of an unaccountable state board. v Kamala Harris’ victory after violence erupted at the U.S. Capitol. U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon, a Trump-supporting Re- publican, issued a statement condemning the president’s John Kass, Chicago Tribune: In their second “harsh unfounded criticism of my friend Vice President impeachment of the man who is now no longer president, Mike Pence.” Here’s more of Bucshon’s account of what the Democrats fixed Donald Trump’s orange political head led to the violence: “This breach was an attempt to force upon their rattle. They waved it before a deeply divided the Congress to overturn an election for which the rioters nation and pronounced him a demon. On one level, it did not like the result. An insurrection against the Federal reminds me of the Native American sorcerer in the movie Government. Unfortunately, earlier in the day President “Black Robe,” who castigates his rival as a michimindo, Trump, in a speech on the National Mall, incited the crowd a demon. On another, it fills me with foreboding. Not for to do just that. President Trump said, ‘We are going to the Trump. I don’t care about Trump or the posturing of Re- Capitol’ to ‘try and give them the pride and boldness that publicans or Democrats. But I do care about our republic. they need to take back our country.’ I cannot condone this And I see terrible pain ahead of us. As Democrats shake dangerous rhetoric by the President. Words have meaning the orange rattle, emotions and outrage are re-stoked over and many of the President’s supporters took him literally, the disgusting events of Jan. 6 and the deadly attack on resulting in the attempted insurrection.” It is deplorable the Capitol by several hundred Trump voters, egged on by enough that Trump demanded an illegitimate act of loyalty Trump himself, filled as he was with his absurd fantasies of from his vice president. It is pure evil that, once spurned, a stolen election. v Page 19

into “attempts to influence” last year’s Impeachment video general election, including a call in Federal deficit which President Donald Trump asked provides narrative a top official to find enough votes to up 89% in January

overturn Joe Biden’s victory in the WASHINGTON — Chilling WASHINGTON — The U.S. state (AP). In a Jan. 2 telephone con- security video of last month’s deadly government’s budget deficit hit $735.7 versation with Secretary of State Brad insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, includ- billion through the first four months Raffensperger, Trump repeat- ing of rioters searching of the budget year — an all-time high edly argued that Raffensperg- menacingly for House for the period — as a pandemic-in- er could change the certified Speaker Nancy Pelosi duced recession cut into tax revenues results of the presidential and Vice President Mike while spending on COVID-19 relief election, an assertion the sec- Pence, has become a key measures sent outlays soaring (AP). retary of state firmly rejected. exhibit in Donald Trump’s The Treasury Department reported “All I want to do is this. I just impeachment trial as Wednesday that the deficit so far for want to find 11,780 votes, which is lawmakers prosecuting the case wrap the budget year that began Oct. 1 is one more than we have,” Trump said. up their opening arguments for why 89% higher than the $389.2 billion “Because we won the state.” Fulton Trump should be convicted of incit- deficit run up in the same period a County District Attorney Fani Willis, a ing the siege (AP). The House will year ago. Last year’s deficit through Democrat elected to the job in No- continue with its case Thursday, with January had not yet been impacted by vember, did not specifically mention Trump’s lawyers set to launch their the pandemic, which began hitting the Trump in the letters she sent to state defense by week’s end. The footage U.S. in February. officials Wednesday announcing her shown at trial, much of it never before investigation. But the former president seen, has included video of the mob has been under intense criticism for Kroger to offer smashing into the building, distraught the call. members of Congress receiving com- vaccines today fort, rioters engaging in hand-to-hand Indy educators seek INDIANAPOLIS — Kroger will combat with police and audio of Capi- begin offering the COVID-19 vaccine tol police officers pleading for back-up. ILearn suspension to eligible Hoosiers beginning today It underscored how dangerously close at pharmacies across Indiana (WTHR- the rioters came to the nation’s lead- INDIANAPOLIS — Leaders TV). The change comes after the state ers, shifting the focus of the trial from at Marion County schools are asking received more Moderna vaccine sup- an academic debate about the Consti- the state of Indiana to cancel test- plies, allowing expanded availability. tution to a raw retelling of the Jan. 6 ing requirements for 2021 and hold Kroger plans to offer it at all stores assault. Videos of the siege have been districts harmless for the year (McKin- with a pharmacy. There is no out-of- circulating since the day of the riot, ney, WRTV). Superintendents from pocket cost to get it, but insurance but the graphic compilation shown to school districts across the county sent information will be taken to help cover senators Wednesday amounted to a a letter to Indiana Secretary of Educa- the costs of distribution, storage and more complete narrative, a moment- tion Katie Jenner Wednesday, saying administering the vaccine. by-moment retelling of one of the the burden from COVID-19 is already nation’s most alarming days. The foot- too much for students. The superin- COVID cases age included rioters roaming the halls tendents say testing takes about 20 chanting “Hang Mike Pence,” some days out of the year, and teachers begin to plummet equipped with combat gear. Outside, need the instructional time back. “The the mob had set up a makeshift gal- 20 instructional day testing window WASHINGTON — New coro- lows. And in one wrenching moment, takes precious instruction time away navirus cases continued their sharp police were shown shooting and killing to address the COVID-19 learning decline over the past week — prog- a San Diego woman, Ashli Babbitt, as loss,” the letter states. They also say ress that could help the U.S. find its the mob tried to break through doors students undergoing COVID-19 quar- way out of the pandemic faster and near the House Chamber. antining would unfairly penalize the more safely, if it keeps up (Axios). An schools. “Families should not have to average of 108,000 Americans were Georgia prosecutor choose between their personal health diagnosed with COVID-19 infections concerns and state testing,” they said. each day over the past week. That’s a opens case v. Trump “Parents are indicating that they will 24% decline from the week before. not send their students to schools in Hospitalizations were also down last ATLANTA (AP) — A Georgia order to test. week, by about 8%, and deaths fell by prosecutor said Wednesday that she 3%. The virus is still killing an average has opened a criminal investigation of roughly 3,000 Americans per day.