V26, N36 Thursday, May 20, 2021

Hupfer on Holcomb’s ‘triple slam dunk’ GOP chairman on the budget, Rokita showdown, and ‘stolen’ elections By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS – Republican Chairman Kyle Hupfer began his fifth year at the helm with Statehouse Republicans embroiled in constitutional battles, his governor hitting a policy trifecta with an historic budget, a de- layed reap- Hupfer described Gov. as having portionment process that won’t yield achieved a “triple slam dunk” in the General Assembly. new maps until Thanksgiving, and questions on whether “The long-term take-away for the state, and I think this President Biden’s 2020 election was legitimate. will shine a light over the next three years on the gover- The potential 2024 gubernatorial candidate, how- nor as well, is how fiscally sound we were going into the ever, insisted he is “laser focused” on 2022 and the reelec- pandemic, how well it was managed during the pandemic tion of U.S. Sen. Todd Young as well as retaking congres- sional majorities. Continued on page 3

Schmuhl’s INDem retool By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS – Last year, Mike Schmuhl man- aged a $100 million presidential bid and helped Pete But- tigieg win the Iowa caucus. Two months ago, he took the helm of “That certainly changes the the woebegone Indiana Democrat- ic Party. Which will be the bigger meaning to this text from Greg: challenge? ‘Hey bro! Wanna hang this week- That question won’t be

answered until November 2022, end?’” or perhaps two years beyond that, - Talkshow host Stephen Colbert, but Chairman Schmuhl has been building a new foundation. Last commenting on U.S. Rep. Greg week, he announced a new red Pence’s vote against the 1/6 state program with the Democratic National Committee bringing a Commission. The mob had four-year fundraising agreement that includes direct investments chanted ‘Hang .” Page 2

Howey Politics Indiana WWWHowey Media, LLC c/o Business Office PO Box 6553 Kokomo, IN, 46904 www.howeypolitics.com Newly appointed deputy chairs include (from left) Christina Hale, Destiny Wells, Brian A. Howey, Publisher Nicole Bolden, Kent Yeager and State Sen. Eddie Melton. Mark Schoeff Jr., Washington and grants for states that meet the across the 92 Mary Lou Howey, Editor following criteria: No Democratic counties to try to Susan E. Howey, Editor senator or governor, less than 25% make Indiana a of the congressional delegation are competitive, two- Democrats, and a super majority of party state again. Subscriptions Republicans in their state legislature. This effort will HPI, HPI Daily Wire $599 Earlier this week, Schmuhl coincide with a HPI Weekly, $350 added five deputy chairs: Bloomington redistricting pro- Lisa Hounchell, Account Manager Clerk Nicole Bolden, liaison for cities cess that Repub- (765) 452-3936 telephone and towns; 2016 lieutenant governor lican Chairman Kyle Hupfer believes (765) 452-3973 fax nominee Christina Hale, candidate will delay new General Assembly and [email protected] recruitment; Sen. Eddie Melton, equity congressional maps until Thanksgiv- and engagement; Kent Yeager, a ing. former aide to U.S. Sen. , Schmuhl called that delay Contact HPI “disappointing,” and added, “Redis- [email protected] rural communities; and former India- napolis associate corporation counsel tricting has been tilted in one direc- Howey’s cell: 317.506.0883 Destiny Wells, coalitions and expan- tion. We want to be able to this sum- Washington: 202.256.5822 sion. mer going around the state holding Business Office: 765.452.3936 The chairman also announced the Republicans accountable as far as the following staff appointments on fairness, equity and composition.” Noting that while 57% of © 2021, Howey Politics Monday: Lauren Ganapini, executive director; Megan McCullough, data voters chose Republicans in 2020, Indiana. All rights reserved. director; Tiera Johnson, digital special- the majority party carried 70% of Photocopying, Internet forward- ist; and Drew Anderson, communica- legislative seats. “I think it’s skewed ing, faxing or reproducing in any tions director. and unfair,” Schmuhl said. “I want a Schmuhl said the deputies level playing field across the state as form, whole or part, is a violation much as we can.” of federal law without permission had been more regional in representa- tive under past chairs Dan Parker and The operative clause there is from the publisher. . “I wanted to have regional “as much as we can.” Standing in the representation but I wanted more way are the General Assembly super Jack E. Howey responsibility than that,” Schmuhl majorities poised to redraw maps told HPI on Monday. “Something they using 2011 terminology: Compact editor emeritus districts, communities of interest, 1926-2019 could focus on to boost our efforts around the state.” preserving county lines. Those maps He called the DNC’s red have resulted in the current historic state investment program that fits In- longevity of Republican super majori- diana to a T “the largest investment in ties, while not a single U.S. House state parties in history. We’ll get more incumbent lost this past decade, money.” which was unprecedented. This summer and fall, But in two out of three Schmuhl and his team will fan out U.S. Senate races, control of a seat switched parties. Page 3 “What we’ll do is have events across the state and is backing this plan. It is hugely popular to the tune of 70% talk to Hoosiers directly about what’s going on in India- plus.” napolis, on how Republicans tip the scales in their favor,” He believes the political environment will provide a Schmuhl said. “We need to really hammer that home, tailwind for Democrats. “This mid-term can be very differ- issues like competition and fairness. We need to call out ent from previous ones,” Schmuhl said. “This summer and Republicans when they rig their environment.” fall, kids will be back in school, parents back at work, we Schmuhl said that “creating alternative maps” is are gathering again socially, life is back to normal. That is also another option. not overly political, that is just human nature. As for the 2022 reelection bid by Republican “We’re already seeing how popular is,” U.S. Sen. Todd Young, who defeated former senator and he added. “We want these policies to continue and we’ll be governor Evan Bayh in 2016, Schmuhl said, “I’ve been promoting them throughout the entire state.” talking to a few candidates who have shown interest. As for ’s persistent efforts to portray Out of respect for those folks I don’t want to share their himself as a victim of a “stolen election,” Schmuhl said. “I names. I continue to chat with those folks about what it think there is a huge fracture within the Republican Party would take to put together a competitive bid. Todd Young from ex-president Trump all the way down to the state level does need to be held accountable for his term in office.” here in Indiana. Schmuhl called the biennial budget forged by the “Trump wants to be the guy and many people General Assembly in April “a successful session … be- are still with him,” he continued. “Then you’ve got the cause of Joe Biden and his leadership as president and the Cheney/Stefanik battle and where a majority of people federal stimulus coming in an extraordinary set of circum- were against when she talks about the big lie, stances.” that has come back to Indiana with Rokita v. Holcomb, and Indiana received more than $5 billion in American then you get down to the more granular level and it’s Lucas Rescue Plan funding, on top of the bipartisan-passed 2020 v. the speaker.” That was in reference to Speaker Todd Hus- CARES Act that was signed by President Trump. ton admonishing State Rep. Jim Lucas for racially-oriented “We were able to accomplish some goals that Facebook postings. had been sought for years. Public education, teacher pay, “It’s a battle for the identity of the Republican investments in infrastructure across the state are all very, Party,” Schmuhl said. “We’re going to be talking about very welcome,” Schmuhl said. things that are actually helping people, helping families, Reminded that voters will opt to vote against their helping workers, while they figure out who they are and own economic well-being for cultural issues, Schmuhl how extreme they want to be. responded, “We are organizing around that right now. This “We know where we stand, we know the issues summer, we are going to go around the state and talk we believe in. We’re going to go everywhere to talk about about the American Rescue Plan and what it is bringing to these issues and listen to people.”v Indiana. That’s every county, that’s every city. Everybody

governance.” Hupfer, from page 1 Ditto for to maintain our economy, and Gov. Holcomb’s le- how much foresight the gov- gal showdown with ernor had on key issues that Republican Attorney he was already working on General Todd Rokita in advance of the pandemic,” over the governor’s Hupfer said. right to legal coun- Despite legal show- sel. “They talk,” downs over HEA1123 on Hupfer said, an- whether calling a special ses- swering a question sion is an executive decision, of whether the two Hupfer said that Holcomb, executives are on House Speaker Todd Huston good terms. “I don’t and Senate President Pro Tem think it came as a remain on good surprise. There had terms. “He has strong relationships with Speaker Huston been dialogue before. I think it’s a very complex issue.” and Sen. Bray, and that continues,” Hupfter said. “It shows Hupfer said that delay in U.S. Census data will in how the budget got worked out; that this disagree- push the redistricting process back to around Thanksgiv- ment over the governor’s powers and the special session ing. “I’m hopeful that Thanksgiving is a timeline we know,” language didn’t get in the way of good policy and good Hupfer said. “That would allow folks to understand the new Page 4 district, still have some time to make That inevitably will get the a decision on whether or not they starting salary above $40,000, want to run once they know what the which was one of the gover- districts will look like.” He said that nor’s goals. There are huge prospective General Assembly and investments in infrastructure congressional candidates could have that are yet to come, and half less than 30 to 60 days to make that a billion in READI grants that decision on whether they’re going to are going to literally transform run after the maps are forged. every region, every community As for former president in this state likely to a tune of Donald Trump consistently asserting $3 billion and $4 billion in new that the 2020 election was “stolen” investment when you see the from him, Hupfer pointed to several leverage we’ve seen histori- “irregularities” in states, but said, cally. The governor is set up “When you see some of these small to lead the state to a place of things, again, like poll watchers be- immense heights. He is truly ing excluded from an area, it raises making that a reality where questions. Was that enough for the every Hoosier has the ability election to be stolen? It appears, and to optimize oneself with these Kevin McCarthy knows better than tools. me, that I think it’s pretty clear the HPI: The budget in- outcome of this election is going to cludes an extra $100 million to stand. Joe Biden is the president; address mental health issues. he’s going to be the president for the I’ve been covering the General next four years.” Assembly off and on over the Here is the HPI Interview conducted with Chair- past four decades and I have never seen as big an infu- man Hupfer at the Downtown Hyatt on the afternoon of sion of funding for this sector. Do you know what those May 13: priorities will be? HPI: Let’s start with the General Assembly ses- Hupfer: The Department of Health and FSSA will sion. You described it as a triple slam dunk for Gov. Hol- have to work out all the details. We know that COVID has comb. Why? had a negative impact on mental health. The governor Hupfer: The litigation has gotten some focus that hears that when he’s out traveling. He’s identified that as will play its way out and will ultimately get a decision from a priority. You’ll see that, like a lot of the programs the the Supreme Court on what is and what is not provided governor has put into place, it will impact at the people in the Indiana Constitution. The long-term take-away for level. The work at the agencies will be to decide how to the state, and I think this will shine a light over the next best invest those dollars to help those who are most hurt- three years on the governor as well, is how fiscally sound ing. we were going into the pandemic, how well it was man- HPI: You mentioned the governor got everything aged during the pandemic to maintain our economy, and he wanted in the budget. Walk me through that. how much foresight the governor had on key issues that Hupfer: You start with the huge paydown in debt, he was already working on in advance of the pandemic. significant investment in education, some one-off projects One of them was rural broadband, which was one of his that are sorely needed across the state including $250 top priorities, and now this budget, because that prior million for rural broadband, the READI grants, that’s a half fiscal restraint and discipline is going to set Indiana up a billion dollars for regional growth initiatives. Those are for an unbelievable future. You start with some of the some of the high points. more conservative aspects of it, which was a significant HPI: Gov. Pence told me that his Regional Cities pay-down in debt, which will provide for fiscal stability Initiative would likely stand as one of the most significant long into the future. You’ve got a tremendous investment parts of his legacy as governor. I get the sense that this in education and workforce development which is some- governor is pretty pumped about his version of this, the thing the governor was extremely focused on as you look READI Grants. around the state. Hoosiers still need to skill up for the jobs Hupfer: Well, sure. You’re talking about a pro- now and still coming. The boost in K-12 education is going gram that is more than three times the size of Regional to be immense. A lot of the things that came out of the Cities. You’re going to see an expanded ability to impact teacher pay report aren’t totally solved, but have substan- targeted areas like workforce training and development, tially moved forward, including not a basement on teacher economic development and mental health are all factors pay, but a requirement for school boards to explain why that were included as parts of this. You’ve got quality of they aren’t paying the minimum salary for new teachers. life which is such a critical component to continuing to Page 5 add residents to this state, so trails and infrastructure and to sort out. The personal relationships remain completely when we look around at the communities that have gotten intact. grants like this in the past, the leverage has been tre- HPI: When I traveled with the governor last mendous and the impact of these communities has been October, I asked if there was a pandemic plan in place and tremendous. We can expect that on a much larger scale as he said, yes, for the flu. So I’m assuming there’s going these are implemented over the last several years. to be some foundational things laid in the coming three HPI: The governor’s legal showdown with Attor- years that could be used in 20, 40 or 60 years for the next ney General Rokita … what’s going on here? Lay down the pandemic. scenario that led to this. Is this the 2024 campaign begin- Hupfer: Sure. There will be a lot of takeaways. ning to play out? Hupfer: You’d have to ask the attorney gen- eral how we got to this point. I’m not a constitutional law expert. I’ve heard the viewpoints of both the governor and the legislative branch. It’s a general le- gitimate disagreement. From all the experts who have been talking about the involvement of the attorney general in all of this, there seems to be a consensus that the third branch of government, the judiciary, is the correct locality for a dispute like this to be re- solved. We’ll see what the courts decide. HPI: Does the governor have a relationship with the attorney general? Do they talk? Hupfer: They talk. HPI: This was the classic bad news dump at 5 p.m. on a Friday. Hupfer: I don’t think it came as a surprise. There had been dialogue before. I think it’s a very complex issue. Legal scholars are digging in. We haven’t had something of this nature in a significant period of time. Each person involved, whether it’s the governor, the legislature or Todd are trying to do what they think the law provides. Ultimately the courts will decide. I struggle to think the legislature’s position is to There will certainly be study and analysis, not just in arbitrate the constitution. Indiana, but across the country and world as you look at HPI: There have been showdowns over HEA1123, how this pandemic played out and how things should be over SEA5, but the governor seems to be maintaining prepared for in the future in a different way. I expect that good relationships with Speaker Huston and President Pro to happen here, I expect the federal government to look Tem Bray . . . . at what they are stockpiling, what they have on hand. Hupfer: Sure. You’re also going to have some innovative things to come HPI: Fill in some blanks. What is the dynamic go- out of this. We are getting ready for 40% of the eligible ing on there? population across the United States to be vaccinated, that Hupfer: It’s positive. I think the governor is a speaks to what Vice President Pence and President Trump positive guy. He’s a glass one and a half times full. So he’s put in place at the time, and what these private companies always going to look at the positive in these situations. did to innovate in very short order and it’s very apparent He has strong relationships with Speaker Huston and Sen. it’s working. There will be a post-mortem done as to how Bray, and that continues. It shows in how the budget got things should look in the future, to prepare for this and, worked out; that this disagreement over the governor’s you know, next one may or may not look anything like this powers and the special session language didn’t get in the one. way of good policy and good governance, particularly in HPI: Were you surprised there was no COVID the budget. As the governor said from the beginning, it’s outbreak during the General Assembly? not really a question of calling a special session. Everyone Hupfer: No. You were not seeing throughout the has acknowledged he offered that multiple times to the pandemic a lot of breakouts coming by transmission in legislative leaders and they declined. But their personal the workplace. The legislature is just one big workplace. and legislative relationship remains strong. This is a fairly Employers were able to put in safeguards and protections. minor disagreement that is going to be more historical in By the time they met there was enough of a track record context that will likely impact a governor 20, 40, 80 years to do such things. from now and not Gov. Holcomb. It’s one for the courts HPI: When do you think redistricting will be fin- Page 6 ished? say? Hupfer: I’m hopeful it is in the Thanksgiving Hupfer: It’s not as simple as the question you’re time frame or earlier. Some of these dates are still moving asking. targets. As soon as we have the data available, the legis- HPI: How should I be asking the question? lature will take it up and start working on the maps, with Hupfer: There were certainly irregularities that at input from the public and others. I’m hopeful that Thanks- the time caused some people angst. Any time during any giving is a timeline we know. That would allow folks to election process, when you’re restricting access, denying understand the new district, still have some time to make transparency to the ballots being counted and handled, a decision on whether or not they want to run once they when you change the rules in any election mid-process, know what the districts will look like. it causes folks who are not successful in that election to HPI: This will really compact the timeline for po- question things. Those questions have been asked. I don’t tential candidates. think there is any question there were irregularities of a Hupfer: Sure. You could have less than 30 to 60 decent size. days to make that decision on whether you’re going to HPI: Give me an example. run. Hupfer: In Detroit there was video of them HPI: What are your priorities for new maps? Do shutting out watchers. If you look at statistics looking at you want to see them help preserve the Republican super ballots disregarded in some places to historic statistical majorities? numbers don’t add up. And I think a lot of it was driven by Hupfer: If you look at the statewide map and COVID, to be fair. There wasn’t an ability to run some of where votes are going from, it’s difficult to draw any maps the normal processes like signature matches. There were that don’t have the Republican Party with the super majority or a number really close to it. I think the legislature has done a good job historically, and I think they’ll do a good job again of keeping communities of interest together, drawing as compact districts as they can. I fully expect them to take that same approach, to use as many county lines as they can that are already existing borders for continuity, and we’ll see a good, fair shape of maps coming out of the legislature. HPI: Do you expect the 1st CD to come into play? Hupfer: We’ll have to see what the maps look like. Certainly it wasn’t last time. HPI: Will there be sig- nificant changes in the 5th CD? Hupfer: We’re going to see the 7th CD move so many ballots coming in. When you see some of these up some with the population changes going. My guess is small things, again, like poll watchers being excluded from you’ll see the 5th change in some way. My guess is you’ll an area, it raises questions. Was that enough for the elec- see every congressional district change in some way as tion to be stolen? It appears, and Kevin McCarthy knows population has grown and shifted in places. better than me, that I think it’s pretty clear the outcome of HPI: U.S. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy this election is going to stand. Joe Biden is the president; came out today after Liz Cheney was ousted and acknowl- he’s going to be the president for the next four years. edged that the 2020 presidential election wasn’t stolen. We need to, regardless of how that happened, focus on And that’s one thing I’ve been asking Republicans, was insuring our election integrity going forward, strengthen- the election stolen? Because Donald Trump is still putting ing ballot and election provisions in law to give the public statements out saying it was. Apparently that is catching confidence. The public should have confidence, 100% -ut on with the rank and file. We’ve been seeing polls where most confidence that election results are legitimate. I think anywhere from 50% to 70% believe the election was sto- every state legislature owes that, to tweak and insure that. len and that President Biden is not legitimate. What do you Certainly the Republican National Committee will do that Page 7 with several committees that will put out recommendations. And we have to be, as the RNC is, laser focused on 2022. We’ve got to win back the House and Senate. We’ve got to slow down the destruction coming out of the House; the Sen- ate is putting a halt, but the House is passing bill after bill that would gut America as we know it. HPI: We had Attorney General Barr and U.S. Cyber Secu- rity Director Chris Krebs say there was no widespread fraud that would have changed the results. Hupfer: It was a very difficult election. There were numerous changes in elections, how ballots were cast, how they were counted, how they could be delivered, in midstream by consent point and that focus is making a mistake. When we see decree or by executive order. That doesn’t necessarily what the potential damage for Congress and Joe Biden mean the outcome would change. It was a very difficult to do on this country, we have got to get the House and election to administer. Senate back. That’s where all my energy is going to be, HPI: Donald Trump continues to put out blog and that’s where every Republican should be, and 2024 statements saying the 2020 election was stolen and he is will take care of itself after that. considered the titular head of the Republican Party. Will HPI: Critique President Biden at this point. the GOP accept future victories by Democrats? Hupfer: It just seems that there is a lack of Hupfer: The minority leader of the House has leadership. We don’t see him but there is no ability said that Joe Biden won the election so it seems like Re- to trust anything that he says. He guaranteed when publicans have accepted that outcome. he was running that he wouldn’t attempt to pack the HPI: Except for Donald Trump. Supreme Court and we already have a commission that Hupfer: Republicans have always had a big tent he’s put forth to study it. He’s out of touch with the with differing views. The president is going to share what working man of this country. He’s shut down jobs on the his belief is. Some Republicans are going to align with Keystone Pipeline and now we find ourselves instead of that, some are not. What we have to do as Republicans is strengthening our energy independence through some- stop some of infighting we’ve had and turn it on to 2022. thing like that, we sit here today with a pipeline being It is of vital importance we come together taken over by a cyber as a party and it is well on the way to do threat. I think the world that. A lot of this other stuff will play itself has very little respect for out over time and I tend to focus on what Joe Biden. If you look at what is happening in the we can do here in Indiana. Sen. Young Middle East, that wouldn’t is in an enviable position and, thus far, be happening under there’s not even a whisper out there of an President Trump and Vice opponent. President Pence. To see HPI: There’s a woman from Gary, the rockets raining in Haneefah Khaaliq, who is campaigning on on Israel is a sad situa- Twitter. tion. You see Iranian fast Hupfer: That would be news to attack boats coming up me. on our warships. There is HPI: Have you talked to Mike going to be a significant Pence lately and do you expect him to run test of this administra- for president in 2024? tion over the next several Hupfer: I’ve not talked to the months. We’ve got to vice president in well over a month. But I will say the break up the Biden, Schumer, Pelosi triumvirate in 2022. focus of the Republican Party and the state and national v levels has to be on 2022. Anybody deviating from that Page 8 tricts and enough time to consider the legislative proposals and provide feedback. The public wants the opportunity to Citizen’s Redistricting draw maps and submit their proposals for consideration by the legislature. Commission Report: What Hoosiers have to say How can the legislature give the public what they want? about 2021 reapportionment To create a redistricting process that will result in the kind of districts the public wants, the Indiana Gen- Indiana Citizens Redistricting Commission eral Assembly should start with transparency and public INDIANAPOLIS – For a long time redistricting was participation. Give the public the information they need to an issue that only politicans and political insiders cared evaluate redistricting proposals and provide opportunities about. Those days are over. We held nine public forums, for meaningful public participation. Conduct the process in one in each congressional district, plus a 10th follow-up, public and explain how decisions about where to draw the from late February through mid-April 2021. Almost nine lines were made. hundred Hoosiers participated. We heard several consis- n Transparency: The redistricting process must tent themes at all of the virtual public hearings, revealing the desire for a new redistricting process in 2021 focused on the needs of voters and communities and where voters choose their legislators, instead of legislators choosing their voters.

What the public wants 1. Draw districts that encourage competitive elec- be fully transparent. tions. The most common complaint heard at our virtual 1. The public must have access to all the data the hearings was that too many districts in Indiana, at both General Assembly will use to draw maps. the congressional and state level are not competitive. This 2. When proposed maps are introduced, legislators leaves people feeling as if their voice isn’t heard in the must disclose which redistricting criteria was prioritized. process. People also complained that their representatives 3. If consultants are hired to assist with redistrict- are not responsive to their concerns and they attributed ing, the contracts to engage them must be disclosed. this disregard to “safe” districts. 4. The General Assembly should strive to conduct 2. Keep communities of interest (COI) together; redistricting in public and avoid caucus or other private don’t combine clashing COIs in same district. We heard discussions that prevent public scrutiny. from many people, particularly people living in the larg- n Public participation: Invite public partici- est cities in Indiana, that their communities are divided pation and make redistricting information and materials into multiple districts. This is confusing for voters and can accessible. make it difficult for communities to get the representa- 5. Let the public know well in advance when the tion they need. This is particularly problematic in districts General Assembly will return for redistricting. that combine rural areas with urban areas. Constituents 6. Public hearings should be conducted in each in these districts often have very different needs and congressional district both before maps are drafted and af- concerns; making it difficult for their legislators to fully ter the initial legislative proposals become public. Hearings represent everyone. should be held both virtually and in-person if public health 3. Divide cities and counties into as few districts conditions allow. as possible. From Fort Wayne to Greencastle we heard 7. Adequate time should be given for the public to numerous examples of cities and counties divided into far study redistricting proposals and provide feedback. Thirty more districts than their population would seem to justify, days would be appropriate. creating confusion and again serving to reduce the political 8. The public should be given access to a mapping influence of the community. website and the ability to draw maps and submit them for 4. Create a transparent process that gives the consideration by the House and Senate elections commit- public real opportunities to participate. The public is tees. distrustful of a redistricting process that is opaque and controlled by the same people who will run in the new Fostering competition and rotecting communities districts. They want an open and transparent process that It is imperative that the legislature be delibera- gives them real opportunities to help shape the new dis- tive about what redistricting criteria it chooses to empha- Page 9 size and make those decisions public. This is important (ICRC) was formed by the All IN for Democracy coalition in because redistricting involves making choices among early January 2021 after an open application process that competing interests. Two redistricting criteria that often yielded nearly 300 candidates. It is composed of nine Indi- play against each other are compactness and competition. ana voters; three Republicans, three Democrats, and three The has said that it who are neither Republican nor Democrat. The purpose prioritized compactness when drawing districts in of the ICRC is to demonstrate how redistricting could be 2011. A decade of elections has shown that districts conducted if Indiana had a citizens redistricting emphasizing compactness have had a negative impact commission. Members of the All IN for Democracy coalition on competition in both congressional and state legislative believe that it is important to have a group that is multi- races. When called to choose between compact districts partisan, diverse, representative of all voters and indepe- or districts that are competitive politically, a majority of dent of the legislature leading the redistricting process. participants in our public meetings said that competition They are determined to lead a process that is open should be prioritized over compactness. and transparent and that welcomes public participation. The ICRC recognizes that seeking to emphasize All of our virtual public forums were recorded and can be compactness over competitiveness, or vice versa, can accessed at All IN For Democracy - YouTube create problems. For example, compactness will often In addition to holding a series of public meetings require splitting communities of color in ways that make to educate Hoosiers about redistricting and to take public it hard for minority voters to have meaningful impact on comment, the ICRC will also sponsor a public mapping elections. competition. We have worked with the redistricting experts On the other hand, stressing competition as the at Tufts University to develop the Indiana DistrictR web- pre-eminent criteria for map-drawers can mean dividing site and will award cash prizes to the citizens who draw towns, cities, and neighborhoods to manufacture competi- congressional and state legislative districts that our group tion. Neither of these outcomes is in the public interest. believes will best fulfill the priorities outlined in this report. The advice of redistricting policy experts suggests the Our mapping website can found at Indiana | Districtr. best way to achieve an increase in competitive districts is to ensure that redistricting prioritizes and respects the Indiana Citizens Redistricting Commission needs of voters and communities. To do this, the legisla- members are: ture must ask the public for input specifically on their n Republicans: Clara Glaspie of Indianapolis. communities of interest (COI). Allowing the public to iden- Ms. Glaspie worked for many years for the State of Indiana tify and having map-drawers acknowledge communities and has served on a number of public and private boards, of interest is an essential factor and pledging to respect including serving as board chair of the Indianapolis Hous- these groups and not divide them is paramount. We ing Agency. She was the first Black woman to participate in believe that drawing district maps around communities of the Richard G. Lugar Women’s Leadership series. interest will help produce districts that encourage organic n Leigh Morris of LaPorte. Mr. Morris is a former political competition. mayor of LaPorte and retired as the CEO of the community To facilitate the identification of communities of hospital in that community. He is active in a number of interest for legislative map-drawers we offer the public civic and community groups. mapping website the All IN for Democracy coalition has n Marilyn Moran Townsend of Fort Wayne. Ms. developed, Indiana Districtr. The website can be used to Moran-Townsend is the CEO of CVC Communications and both draw districts and map communities of interest. is a co-founder of AVOW: Advancing Voices of Women, an Maps drawn by the public to identify their communities organization that supports and empowers women as civic of interest can be uploaded and used by legislative map leaders. drawers to inform their decision making and facilitate the n Democrats: Xavier Ramirez of Carmel. Mr. drawing of districts that protect communities and encour- Ramirez just finished his freshman year at Indiana age natural political competition. University Bloomington where he works with the Civic Finally, districts should be drawn with a goal of Leader Learning Center as a student advisory board mem- splitting political subdivisions such as counties, cities, and ber. towns into as few districts as possible. To facilitate this n Ranjan Rohatgi of South Bend. Mr. Rohatgi is the General Assembly should adopt different population assistant professor of mathematics and computer science deviation targets for Congressional and state legislative at Saint Mary’s College where he developed a class called districts. While congressional districts are required to “Mathematics of Voting.” have as equal population as practicable, more variation n Missie Summers Kempf of Portage. Ms. Sum- is allowed at the state legislative level. If the goal is to mers-Kempf is active in a number of groups organized prevent dividing a political subdivision, larger population around racial justice and environmental issues in Northwest differences should be allowed. Indiana. n Independents: Christopher Harris of Ham- Background mond. Mr. Harris is a project manager for a commercial The Indiana Citizens Redistricting Commission Page 10 construction general contractor and participates in the tive since new maps were drawn in 2011. People in South Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation. Bend felt that their influence as the fourth largest city in n Sonia Leerkamp of Nineveh. Ms. Leerkamp Indiana is diminished because they are an urban center is the former Hamilton County prosecuting attorney who in a largely rural congressional district. People expressed serves on the board of the Brown County League of frustration that they invite their congressperson to par- Women Voters. She is also the chairperson of the ICRC; ticipate in public forums and other community events and their rules require that the chair be one of the Neither their invitations are declined or ignored. They attribute Republican Democrat members. this lack of response to uncompetitive districts and note n Charles Taylor of Muncie. Mr. Taylor is a pro- that previous incumbents from both parties were quite ac- fessor of political science at Ball State University who has cessible when the district was competitive. moderated numerous political forums and is committed to civic education. Congressional District 3 Concerns expressed about HD50, which includes Specific recommendations from the public all of Huntington County and a portion of Fort Wayne. The regarding communities of interest and criteria Fort Wayne portion of the district has a large Latinx popu- lation, and they feel underrepresented. Concerns about Congressional District 1 Fort Wayne being divided into too many state legislative The Lake Michigan shoreline is a community of districts, and the combination of urban neighborhoods interest. Keep those counties that border Lake Michigan in with rural areas. Most of the legislators who represent sig- the same district whenever possible. The Calumet Region nificant portions of Fort Wayne do not live in Fort Wayne. is a distinct community of interest. We are “one region” Advocates for the public school district in Fort Wayne feel even though we are very diverse. People in NW Indiana it is difficult to get adequate representation because the often feel ignored by the state legislature; want districts city is divided into too many state legislative districts. drawn that allow their community to be heard. Growing Concerns about gerrymandering contributing to an unbal- Latinx population in northern anced political landscape, which Lake County, particularly is causing young professionals around Whiting. Perhaps to leave Indiana for a place create a majority Latinx they feel is more compatible district(s) around these with their political views. communities. Concerns expressed about how the Congressional District 4 shifting population in Lake Concerns about prison County will impact the de- gerrymandering in Putnam mographics of the districts. County. It is a small, rural Declining population in the county so including prisoners northern part of Lake County from correctional facility in Put- means that CD1 will expand namville in redistricting num- geographically, either to the bers skews their population. south or to the east. Consid- Same concerns from Plainfield er time zone, metropolitan regarding prison gerryman- statistical areas, other ways dering. Same concerns from that NW Indiana is grouped Miami County regarding prison with other parts of the state. gerrymandering. Greencastle is divided into two state Senate Congressional District 2 districts; they would prefer that There are several the whole town be in one. Vot- universities and colleges in ers in Howard County believe CD2; they are communities that it should not be divided of interest and if they are in into two congressional districts. close geographic proximity, they should be in the same Congressional District 5 district. Numerous people Large Latinx population expressed frustration that in Clinton County is an impor- CD 2 went from being one tant community of interest and of the most competitive in should be kept intact. Multiple the state from 2001 – 2011 people in the 5th CD com- but has been uncompeti- plained about the lines moving Page 11 in 2011 to shift them from an urban-focused district (7th) Congressional District 8 to the 5th CD. They did not move but their representation Several people from Evansville said their city in Congress changed considerably. Multiple people from should not be divided into two state Senate districts. Like the urban parts of CD 5 complained about their voices be- in other urban centers, Evansville voters complained that ing drowned out by rural voters in the northern part of the their voices are silenced because they are in districts with district. Concerns expressed about the multiple communi- rural voters from adjoining counties. Multi-member dis- ties of interest in the 5th District (urban, suburban, and tricts suggested to encourage more diversity and competi- rural) and how many feel unheard. Proportional represen- tion. Concerns expressed about college students leaving tation was suggested as a way to make redistricting more the state upon graduation because they want to live in a accurately reflect the will of the voters. place more compatible with their political views. A voter complained about HD78, which is mostly in Vanderburgh Congressional District 6 County but contains a small section of Warrick County. Multiple people in the southern part of the district Warrick County voters feel disconnected. Discussion about said it is inappropriate to have a congressional district that the decline of competitiveness in the congressional district extends from the Ohio River to Muncie. Voters in southern with the removal of Bloomington. As in CD6, discussion Indiana usually access media from Louisville or Cincin- about the Ohio River as a community of interest and how nati, so they do not know much about candidates from the the southern and northern parts of CD8 are very different northern part of the district. Several people said that the and voters would be better served if they were not com- counties bordering the Ohio River are a community of in- bined in the same district. terest. Delaware County and the city of Muncie are divided into too many legislative districts given the population. Congressional District 9 Common economic interests should be considered when Several people from Bloomington complained that drawing district lines. Senate District 42 contains all or Monroe County is divided into five state House districts. parts of seven counties. More effort should be made to not Lake Monroe is a community of interest but currently it is split counties. divided into three state House districts. People from Clark and Floyd counties testified that the Ohio River is a distinct Congressional District 7 community of interest and they do not feel well-served by Suggestion that the doughnut counties surround- a congressional district that extends north to the ing Marion County be joined in a congressional district southern Indianapolis suburbs. Others felt that the north- since they are mostly suburban areas and share common ern part of CD 9 is economically and culturally different interests. Several people living in the Indianapolis portion from the southern part and they should be in different of SD28 commented that voters in their community are congressional districts. One person commented that Black not well-served by being grouped in a district with largely and Brown communities in Johnson County are cracked. rural counties. Concerns expressed about several state One person suggested that Columbus, Mooresville, Nash- legislative districts that combine Marion County with ville, and Martinsville share commonalities and should be surrounding counties. Residents of Marion County feel joined in a district. v their voice is not heard. Several people commented that more competitive districts are essential to holding elected officials accountable and to improving voter turnout. Page 12 Connell said on the Senate floor following Donald Trump’s impeachment trial acquittal on Feb. 13: “January 6th was a The 1/6 Commission disgrace. American citizens attacked their own government. They used terrorism to try to stop a specific piece of demo- capitulation underway cratic business they did not like. Fellow Americans beat and By BRIAN A. HOWEY bloodied our own police. They stormed the Senate floor. INDIANAPOLIS – There’s a reason U.S. Sen. Todd They tried to hunt down the Speaker of the House. They Young has been fanning out across Indiana, meeting with built a gallows and chanted about murdering the vice presi- policemen and sheriff deputies in recent weeks. He’s up dent.” for reelection next year, but he McConnell continued: “There is no question that will likely be confronted with some President Trump is practically and morally responsible for hard truths about the Jan. 6 insur- provoking the events of that day. The people who stormed rection at the U.S. Capitol. this building believed they were acting on the wishes and According to multiple media instructions of their president.” reports, about 140 U.S. Capitol Trump unleashed the MAGA mob in an at- and Washington Metropolitan PD tempt to stop Vice President Mike Pence and members of officers were injured by the mob Congress from counting 50 sets of state-certified Electoral inspired by President Trump. They College votes that would confirm the election of Democrat suffered injuries ranging from a Joe Biden as president. lost eye, cracked ribs, smashed Fast-forward to this week when House Democrats spinal disks, heart attacks after and Republicans reached a deal for a congressional com- being repeatedly tased by their own weapons, to dozens mission to investigate the first attack in the U.S. Capitol of concussions. Some 38 Capitol Police employees have since Puerto Rican terrorists breached security and shot up tested positive for COVID-19 since the attack, almost all of the House chambers in 1954, and the first invasion since them had responded to the riot. the War of 1812. The problem was that these two “minority “I have officers who were not issued helmets prior leaders” have gotten cold feet. to the attack who have sustained head injuries,” said the A back bench Republican, U.S. Rep. , Capitol Police officer’s union chairman, Gus Papathanasiou said of the mob: “If you didn’t know the TV footage was a to the Police1 website. “One officer has two cracked ribs video from January the 6th, you would actually think it was and two smashed spinal discs and another was stabbed a normal tourist visit.” Subsequent tweeted photos show a with a metal fence stake, to name some of the injuries. terrified Clyde barring the House doors. The officers are angry, and I don’t blame On Tuesday, Trump put out this statement: “Re- them. The entire executive team failed us, publicans in the House and Senate and they must be held accountable. Their should not approve the Democrat inaction cost one officer his life, and we trap of the . have almost 140 responding officers injured. It is just more partisan unfairness They have a lot to atone for.” and unless the murders, riots, and Capitol PD officer Michael Fanone fire bombings in Portland, Minneap- told CNN that he suffered a heart attack and olis, Seattle, , and New York a concussion during the insurrection and is are also going to be studied, this now dealing with a traumatic brain injury discussion should be ended imme- and post-traumatic stress disorder. “I expe- diately. Hopefully, Mitch McConnell rienced the most brutal, savage hand-to- and Kevin McCarthy are listening!” hand combat of my entire life, let alone my policing career, And they were! which spans almost two decades,” Fanone said this past “After careful consideration, I’ve made the decision week. “It was nothing that I had ever thought would be a to oppose the House Democrat’s slanted and unbalanced part of my law enforcement career, nor was I prepared to proposal for another commission to study the events of experience.” January the 6th,” McConnell said Wednesday on the Senate In the days and weeks that followed, here’s floor of the proposed bipartisan commission would have an what House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said, urging equal number of Republicans and Democrats, five on each a congressional censure of Trump: “The president bears side. It would have subpoena power. A final report would responsibility for Wednesday’s attack on Congress by mob be produced by Dec. 31. rioters. He should have immediately denounced the mob The day before, McCarthy pulled his support. “Giv- when he saw what was unfolding. Some say the riots were en the political misdirections that have marred this process, caused by . There is absolutely no evidence of that. given the now duplicative and potentially counterproductive And conservatives should be the first to say so.” nature of this effort, and given the speaker’s shortsighted Here’s what Senate Minority Leader Mitch Mc- scope that does not examine interrelated forms of political violence in America, I cannot support this legislation,” Mc- Page 13 Carthy said. What he ended the call was saying The House voted 252-175 – telling me, he’ll put something out vote Wednesday to create the com- to make sure to stop this. And that’s mission, with 35 Republicans joining what he did, he put a video out later.” all Democrats in support, including This has everything to do U.S. Rep. . with politics. McConnell and McCar- What McCarthy fears is his thy dream of become majority leader phone call to President Trump during the insurrection and and speaker after the 2022 elections. A bipartisan Jan. 6 a commission subpoena. Or as McCarthy put it to Chris commission report that mirrors their initial reaction of the Wallace on Fox News Sunday, “I was the first person to mob-induced savagery has the potential of spilling into the contact him when the riot was going on. He didn’t see it. mid-term elections, unnerving the suburban voters they need to complete their quest. v

means that more folks out there will hear of the theories and believe them. That can bring serious consequences. The ‘recount’ Think of the QAnon tale about Hillary Clinton and others By JACK COLWELL in the “deep state” pedophile cabal holding kids captive in SOUTH BEND – Arizona’s long-running recount the basement of a Washington pizzeria. A believer drove of ballots, searching for bamboo, special watermarks and from North Caroline to save the kids, storming the pizzeria, other signs that fantasies of conspiracy are real, brings firing a military-style assault rifle. No laughing matter. understandable laughter. Really, though, it’s no laughing Republicans controlling the Arizona Senate matter. ordered this very unusual and very late audit of 2.1 million Jokes abound about the failed search of ballots for votes cast in Maricopa County, home of Phoenix and where traces of bamboo. Why the bamboo probe? If you don’t two thirds of the state’s presidential votes were cast in Joe know, you’re not up on conspiracy Biden’s win over Donald Trump by 10,457 votes in Arizona. theories of how the election was This recount, too late to change any results, came after stolen from Donald Trump. One totals had been checked and rechecked by state election theory of why he lost Arizona is officials and certified as accurate. about a plane from South Korea So, why are they still recounting? It’s to appease delivering thousands of fraudulent Trump and avid Trump supporters of the type that stormed ballots marked for Joe Biden. If the Capitol to “stop the steal.” The Arizona senators, they came from Asia, maybe in a knowing the results are valid and can’t be changed, still Chinese plot to oust Trump, traces want to find some irregularities to show need for tighter of bamboo fibers would be found. voting laws and to keep the Trump base angry and active. Alas, no bamboo fibers were For the recount, they hired a Florida firm with found. no experience in elections and a chief executive who Maybe they should have had spread conspiracy theories about a stolen election in checked for traces of Russian vodka. No! No way. This re- Arizona. No transparency. Real reporters were blocked. count seeks only conspiracies against Trump, not whether Only the pro-Trump cable channel One America News was Putin could have done anything to help him. allowed total access, livestreaming what it chose. What’s with watermarks? Inspection of some The sheriff and the U.S. Justice Department are ballots under ultraviolet light was to check on a conspiracy concerned about law violations and mishandling of ballots. theory from QAnon, the cult believing the nation is con- But the Arizona Senate president still predicts that “we’ll trolled by pedophiles who cannibalize kids. The Q claim is find irregularities.” Of course. They won’t pay that firm if it that Trump, guarding against Democratic pedophiles out to doesn’t find some irregularities, real or manufactured. steal the election, secretly affixed special watermarks on Perpetuation of the lie that the election was stolen legitimate ballots. Counters finding no watermark would convinces many Americans, too many, that there is no real know the ballot was fraudulent. Alas, no watermarks democracy and election totals don’t have to be accepted were found. Does that mean all the Arizona ballots, for or if results aren’t what they want. As Liz Cheney warned against Trump, are fraudulent? before she was dumped from leadership for disputing This late and ludicrous Arizona recount is moving Trump’s denial of losing: “Remaining silent and ignoring so slowly that it could drag on through most of summer. the lie emboldens the liar.” One of the Republican state senators who launched it con- It’s no laughing matter. v cedes now that they “look like idiots.” There will be more jokes. Really, though, it’s no laughing matter. Colwell has covered Indiana politics over five de- Unravelling ridiculous conspiracy theories actually cades for the South Bend Tribune. Page 14

Of course, there’s a lot of variation in pay. Health- care occupations tend to start out with relatively high College graduates and salaries, but have less career growth. Also, some degrees are particularly good preparation for graduate school. The today’s job market fact that philosophy graduates land in the top 10 high- By MICHAEL HICKS wage occupations is probably because the degree is such MUNCIE – This month, nearly 2 million Ameri- a fantastic preparation for graduate school. cans will graduate from college with a bachelor’s degree. For students graduating this month, it is a bit late Roughly 800,000 will receive a master’s degree, and just to be thinking about undergraduate major selection, but over 200,000 will receive law, medi- it is not too late to think about graduate school. If you’ve cal or doctoral degrees. Addition- had strong undergraduate training, there are many gradu- ally, just over 1 million students will ate degrees that will boost your pay. The top 10 master’s receive an associate’s degree. Some programs in terms of salary boost are in healthcare, engi- of these graduates will continue neering, economics and business. their education immediately; most Most young people who go to college aren’t of the rest will directly enter the la- likely thinking primarily about salary. Wages are important, bor force. This is an interesting time but most of the young people I know are thinking about to think about what those labor other matters. Students majoring in religion and education markets hold for them. didn’t complete four years of college thinking primarily The unemployment rates about their salary prospects. Neither did criminal justice, for college graduates is unusually music, or forestry majors. I don’t think most economists, high right now, at 3.5%. This is somewhat expected, given financiers or engineers did, either. we are near the tail end of a very difficult economic down- Most students graduating today chose their ma- turn. However, the unemployment rate for high school jors based on many interests and passions. Most will work graduates is almost double that, at 6.9%. for 50 years, spending about half their awake time, five The unemployment rate isn’t the whole story. The days a week, at work. This generation will spend more labor force participation rate of college grads is 72.2%, time working than any before it, so it is a happy occur- while the rate for high school graduates only is 55.3%. rence that they may derive satisfaction from it. We should That means that fewer than half of adults with only a high be thankful to live at a time when most young adults can school diploma are currently working, while more than pursue a college degree and career in field they find inter- two-thirds with a college degree are working. There are esting. many reasons for these differences, chief among them be- Of course, the simple act of work, of making ing employment opportunities. money, producing value and sustaining a business is noble Employment levels for college graduates are and important. Earning an honest dollar and providing for back to the levels seen nationally in the last quarter of a family are good things in and of themselves. They need 2019. But, for those with only a high school diploma and no embellishment by this columnist. no college, employment levels are 2.7 million below the Many students graduate with debt. The life- pre-recession levels. The total number of high school-only time earnings premium of a college degree are about $1.5 graduates now working is back to 1983 levels. So, for col- million dollars, making the average cost of college one of lege graduates the current labor market picture is relative- the best investments an individual can make. It is also a ly rosy. Of course, this depends in part what major you’ve good investment for states. A 5% increase in the share of chosen. college graduates is correlated with a $6,500 increase in Not surprisingly, the highest paid undergradu- per capita income. ate degrees are among the least common ones. Leading No one can write about the Class of 2021 without the pack for median salaries are degrees in chemical, mentioning COVID-19. The rushed departure from school computer, electrical and aerospace engineering. Fifth, I am last spring, the shift to virtual classes, and a long summer very pleased to report, is economics, followed by physics, of uncertainty ushered in this school year. For many stu- computer science, industrial and mechanical engineer- dents, the fall semester was profoundly challenging. Two ing. Starting salaries for all these workers is over $50,000, of my oldest children spent the year at military colleges in based on 2018-19 data. Virginia and Colorado. There they endured lengthy quar- For those students wanting the higher salaried antine lockdowns and social isolation. I had few words jobs, it’s worth noting that the 90th percentile salaries to comfort them, other than explaining that a year filled are highest for economics majors, followed by finance, with anxiety, isolation, and an uncertain end was much chemical engineering, math and physics. There are many like a military deployment. Minus of course, being shot at. pathways to affluence, but it appears some skill at math- This was the experience of several million students across ematics is a common one. America, no matter where they went to school. The experience of COVID-19 was tough on many Page 15 Americans, but few will have been as disrupted as college Michael J. Hicks, PhD, is the director of the Cen- students. Colleges and universities did what we could to ter for Business and Economic Research and the soften the experience. George and Frances Ball distinguished professor of Quite frankly, I am proud of my colleagues at economics in the Miller College of Business at Ball Ball State University, along with faculty and staff around State University. the nation who worked to make this year a success for our students. But, in the end, that so many young people graduate this spring is testament to their resilience. v

accommodate upgrading facilities and compensating work- ers at contemporary standards. These businesses have The minimum great cumulative political power. In addition, legislators have to trust people to wage quagmire provide for themselves both in the present and the future. By MORTON J. MARCUS Neither Democrats nor Republicans have such trust. Lib- INDIANAPOLIS – The minimum wage discussion is ertarians, those irrepressible idealists, believe people will remarkably complex. The Biden administration has pro- make mature decisions. posed a gradual increase from the current federal mini- When wages are low, workers live from pay- mum of $7.25 to $15 an hour. The word gradual has been check to paycheck. Yet, we could raise hourly wages for ignored by critics who would have us believe that a radical, the lowest 10% of private sector workers by $2.31/hr sudden move is being made to $15. (23% immediately with one simple change. How? A few facts: Nationally, there were only 392,000 Employers pay for employee benefits (pension persons in 2019 earning the $7.25 minimum. That was a plans and health insurance, for example). Slowly we are tiny 0.47% of the 82.3 million wage seeing this practice from WWII disappear. Companies can- and salary workers. not be allowed to stop paying the money managers and The minimum wage is the insurance companies without putting equal amounts in the lowest rung on the wage ladder. workers’ paychecks. That money must increase workers’ The lowest 10% of private sector pay so they can allocate those funds as they choose. It’s workers earned $10.06/hr or less not an adequate solution, but a step in the right direction. in 2019. The median private sec- Workers might prepare for tomorrow if they were tor worker earned $17.64/hr and paid adequately today. Tomorrow, however, is still a luxury, the top 10% were up at $46.64 or even at $15 per hour. v more. The minimum wage is Mr. Marcus is an economist. Reach him at mortonj- $7.25 in 21 of our 50 states. Indi- [email protected]. Follow his views and those of ana and Kentucky are included, but John Guy on “Who Gets What?” wherever podcasts not neighboring Ohio ($8.80), Michigan ($9.65) nor Illinois are available or at mortonjohn.libsyn.com. Reach ($11.00). Washington State ($13.69) has the top minimum him at [email protected]. Follow his wage. In all, 29 states exceed the federal minimum. views and those of John Guy on “Who Gets What?” These four facts indicate we already have a flex- ible system, adjusting the minimum wage to individual state circumstances. Then why do we have to raise the federal minimum wage? The answer is imbedded in another question: What is the purpose of the minimum wage? That purpose is twofold: To provide all workers with a wage sufficient to support him/herself at a basic level of health, safety, and comfort, and to end various supplemental benefit pro- grams for the working poor. The current $7.25/hr minimum does neither. An increase in the federal minimum is necessary to ovcome the reluctance of 21 laggard state legislatures to recognize changes in economic and cultural expectations. Typically, legislators are ensnared by small businesses which pay low wages because their market size does not Page 16 the remainder of 1861. In 1862, the 30th Indiana fought its first major engagement at the Battle of Shiloh. The Remembering Hoosier regiment suffered major casualties including the loss of its colonel, and Lt. Lawton distinguished himself for his cal- hero Henry Lawton lous disregard of the flying shells and whizzing bullets. By CRAIG DUNN At the age of 19, Lawton was promoted to the CARMEL – Someone taking in a fine spring day at rank of captain as the Union Army advanced on Corinth, Indianapolis’ Garfield Park might stumble upon a strange . statue dedicated to a Hoosier hero who has faded from Throughout 1862 and 1863, Lawton engaged in memory over the last century. Attired in khaki field dress, almost non-stop combat, as he was involved in over 22 topped with a tropical pith major engagements, including Stones River, Chickam- helmet, the impressive statue auga and the bloody campaign to capture Atlanta. On the implies to the observer that its outskirts of Atlanta, Lawton led his company in a fierce subject was once a giant among assault on Confederate defensive works. Lawton’s men men. The name “Lawton” adorns drove the rebels out of their position and then, under his the statue, but no clue is given leadership, held on against repeated attempts by the Con- to the amazing life of the man. federates to recapture the critical position. For his bravery As a young man, Henry and leadership, Henry W. Lawton was awarded the Medal W. Lawton aspired to become a of Honor. By the end of the Civil War, in recognition of his humble Methodist Episcopalian continued outstanding leadership, Lawton was promoted minister. Yet, before his amazing to brevet colonel. life ended, this man of modest With the Civil War finally at an end, Lawton origins and Hoosier upbring- pursued a captain’s commission in the Regular Army. ing would obtain a Harvard law When the appointment was not forthcoming, even with degree and serve his country for nearly 40 years, rising the considerable support of both William Tecumseh to the highest levels of responsibility in the United States Sherman and Philip Sheridan, Lawton decided to study Army. at Harvard Law School, graduating in 1866. Despite his Lawton was born near Akron, Ohio, in 1843, and prestigious law degree, Lawton still longed for the military moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, later that same year when life and with Philip Sheridan’s encouragement accepted a his father found work in a mill. His mother died when he second lieutenant’s commission in the 41st Infantry Regi- was 11 and he bounced around northeastern Indiana and ment, under the command of the famous Indian fighter, northwestern Ohio following his father’s ever-changing em- Col. Ranald Mackenzie. Lawton served for 20 years with ployment. Mackenzie in most of the major Indian campaigns in the In 1858, Henry Lawton enrolled at the Methodist southwest, fighting Cheyenne, Comanche and Apache Episcopal College in Fort Wayne. Lawton excelled in his warriors. studies there but was called away from the school by the In 1886, as captain of B Troop, 4th Cavalry, Nel- steady beat of the war drums announcing the commence- son Miles selected Lawton for the difficult task of captur- ment of the Civil War. ing the Apache chief Geronimo. Lawton Lawton enlisted in Com- was given questionable orders to head pany E of the 9th Indiana Volunteers south of the United States and Mexico and was mustered into service on border and return with Geronimo April 24, 1861, as company ser- dead or alive. After months of stalking geant. His regiment was one of Geronimo through brutal mountains the units formed under the fanciful and deserts, Lawton’s troopers finally term of service of 90 days or until compelled the Apaches to surrender. the end of the war, whichever came Lawton’s official report of this campaign first. During his service with the 9th gave credit to several his troopers for Indiana, he fought in engagements subduing the Apache chief but took at Philippi, Laurel Hill and Corrick’s no credit for himself. Geronimo, for his Ford, in what is now West Virginia. part, gave credit to Lawton’s relentless When his term of service pursuit for wearing the Apaches down expired, he returned to Fort Wayne and forcing his capitulation. Regardless, and enlisted in a newly formed regi- it was Lawton who brought Geronimo ment, the 30th Indiana Volunteer before Gen. Nelson Miles for his official Infantry. He quickly was promoted surrender on Sept. 4, 1886. from first sergeant to first lieutenant After his two decades as Indian and served in Kentucky throughout fighter, Lawton was promoted to major Page 17 and spent the next decade fighting bu- reaucratic battles as inspector general of the Army. In this capacity he brought many improvements to the organization and armaments of the Army. His work was instrumental in preparing the Army for the coming war with Spain. In May 1898, Lawton was ap- pointed brigadier general of volunteers and assumed command of the 2nd Division which was being sent to Cuba as the spearhead for the American invasion. Lawton led 6,000 men ashore at Daiquiri, 18 miles east of Santiago. Lawton’s forces advanced inland against retreating Spanish forces and drove them back to the fortress city of El Caney. There, without adequate artillery or cavalry, Lawton’s division suffered heavy casualties, but even- Lawton attacked so many times at night that he never tually took the city and linked up with the remainder of knew when he was coming. the United States forces on San Juan Hill for the siege of Henry Lawton knew only one way to command Santiago. After Santiago fell, Henry Lawton was appointed troops and that was from the front. He could always be military governor of Cuba. seen on the front line leading his soldiers into combat. Dur- Lawton’s task as military governor was daunting. ing the Battle of Paye, Lawton, as usual, was in the thick- The Cuban population was starving and in need of a wide est of the fight when he was shot in the chest and killed variety of medical attention. Public sanitation was virtually immediately. His death represented the highest ranked nonexistent and the resulting health problems were stag- officer killed in either the Spanish American or Philippine gering. Lawton’s fight to improve the health of the Cuban American wars. In fact, the day that he was killed, Presi- people was fought under sweltering conditions under dent McKinley signed the papers promoting Lawton to the ever-present scourge of malaria. His work won the brigadier general of the United States Army. Lawton’s body admiration of the Cuban people and they named the main lay in state in Indianapolis before it was taken to Arlington square in Santiago after him. Cemetery to be buried with many of his comrades. For a brief time, Lawton returned to the United Nine years after his death in the Philippines, States to battle and recover from his own severe case of a statue was commissioned by Indianapolis city leaders malaria. With the war with Spain ended, he would soon and erected in front of the Marion County Courthouse. As find new challenges to meet his rising star in the United an indication of his reputation and stature in the Ameri- States Army. can Army, the dedication ceremony was attended by both The United States had fought Spain in both President Theodore Roosevelt and Vice President Charles Cuba and in the Philippines. There were those in the Phil- W. Fairbanks, a fellow Hoosier. The Indiana poet James ippines who were determined to fight Whitcomb Riley composed a poem to for their own independence. They had commemorate the event. In 1917 the no intention of substituting the hege- monument was moved to its perma- mony of the United States for that of nent resting place in Garfield Park and Spain’s. A significant insurgency devel- rededicated to his memory. oped into a wide-open insurrection and Henry W. Lawton was one of Henry Lawton was called to command those ordinary Hoosiers who lived once more. an extraordinary life. He was known Lawton arrived in the Philip- for personal bravery, leadership and pines and immediately took aggres- compassion for those he encountered sive command of all United States along the way. As we approach Memo- forces. Lawton eschewed the comfort rial Day, his life of service is one to and predictability of daylight battle for remember. v the surprise and uncertainty of night attacks. He soon was nicknamed “the Dunn is the former chairman of General of the Night” by the insurgent the Howard County Republican commander Aguinaldo, who said that Party. Page 18 Janet Williams and Bill Theobald, demand. Industry sources say the current shortage will Indiana Citizen: Last month, after nearly four months in not be resolved until sometime in 2022. Meanwhile, farm session, the Indiana General Assembly passed a new state equipment manufacturers have halted shipments to deal- budget and headed for the exits. But the lawmakers left ers because they don’t have the chips to put in the equip- the Statehouse with the knowledge that they will need to ment. Reynolds Farm Equipment, one of Indiana’s largest return in 2021 to take on another big job‚ redistricting— John Deere dealers, says they are unsure about when and with their plan for that still in question. For thy will receive the new equipment that is on order. They example, what criteria will be used to ensure indicated that not only have combine, planter, till- fairness in the redrawing of the state’s congres- age, and tractor sales been impacted, but even ATV sional and legislative districts? Will outside con- supplies are limited. Parts, even non-electric parts, sultants be involved, and who will they be? And are also in short supply because the manufacturers given several more months than usual due to of those parts use the chips in the manufacturing delays in the release of census data, how will the process process. In the U.S., we love our quick-fix solutions be conducted to provide openness and public involvement? which usually involve federal government bailouts. This In a post-session interview with The Indiana Citizen, the time, however, that solution will not work to solve the ’s top Republican, Rodric Bray, shared a few shortage. Most of the world’s chip production does not specifics of how legislative leaders will guide the redraw- take place in the U.S. The share of chips manufactured ing of the state’s congressional and legislative districts. in the U.S. has fallen from 37% in 1990 to 12% today, The process, based on population counts from the 2020 according to the Semiconductor Industry Association. The census, will help to determine who controls the state’s make it in America rhetoric espoused by many conserva- political agenda for the next decade. To those seeking tives gets criticized as being protectionist. While free more transparency and public involvement in redistricting, and fair world trade is important, there is value in having Senate President Pro Tempore Bray said exact details of adequate domestic production of vital things like com- the process have yet to be worked out, but the public will puter chips, energy, vaccines, and, of course, food. This is have a chance to see the map-drawing as it progresses as something our leaders need to be thinking about before well as to testify about what is important to their commu- the next shortage reaches crisis proportions. v nities. The plan, he added, is for lawmakers to begin hold- ing public hearings across the state as soon as July. Even Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post: House Mi- though the U.S. Census Bureau won’t release finalized nority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), in making spuri- counts to the states until as late as Sept. 30 due to delays ous objections to an agreement negotiated by his own blamed on the coronavirus pandemic, Bray said lawmakers member, Rep. (R-N.Y.), to set up an indepen- can begin sooner by using “legacy data,” which is deliv- dent commission on the Jan. 6 insurrection, revealed he ered in an older format and is expected to be available, remains a toady for the disgraced former president who according to the census bureau, by mid- to late August. instigated the violent assault on the Capitol. That’s pre- During the redistricting process a decade ago, three or cisely what Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) has alleged, and her four terminals were placed on some college campuses to diagnosis proves again to be spot on. McCarthy’s cowardly give the public a chance to draw their own maps. “We’re position betrays his own members, shows he will continue going to do that in an expanded nature,’’ Bray said, “but I to put MAGA obedience above truth and democracy, and can’t quite tell you how many we’ll have just yet.’’ Sen. Jon reminds the country why it would be dangerous to make Ford, chairman of the Senate Elections Committee, said in him speaker. Part of his motivation is likely attributable to an interview that there hasn’t been much discussion about his own role as a witness. Unless he perjures himself or how to proceed, blaming the delay in the census data. refuses to testify (risking a contempt finding), he will have “If we really don’t get the data until Sept. 30, we’re kind to testify about a phone call on Jan. 6 in which he failed to of pressed to get it done,” Ford said. “I don’t know that persuade the outgoing president to rescue the Capitol. The there’s all that much we can do ‘til we get the data other phone call indicts both people in that conversation — the than having public hearings.” v president for refusing to perform his duties and McCarthy in covering up that salient point. McCarthy may also be Gary Truitt, Hoosier Ag Today: The biggest factor nervous that the commission will confirm that multiple impacting the ability of U.S. farmers to produce the food members of the House may have played a more serious we need has nothing to do with the weather, the markets, role in provoking the assault than previously known. We trade, regulations, or disease. The worldwide shortage of know Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) participated in the rally pro- computer chips will impact all aspects of agriculture for the voking the crowd. Allegations have also swirled that other next two years and beyond. Almost every piece of farm Republican members gave tours of the Capitol to insur- equipment, like most everything else in our lives, needs rectionists ahead of the attack. And, of course, a majority a computer chips to operate. Due in part to the Covid of House Republicans plus a batch of Senate Republicans 19 Pandemic, there is a massive worldwide shortage of sought to overthrow the electoral college results — even chips; and the industry is unable to meet the skyrocketing after the insurrection. v Page 19

coming back later that day,” he said. cess will be delayed because the U.S. DCCC assails He said keeping it “out there” means Census Bureau won’t release data for his colleagues are trying to capitalize congressional and legislative redistrict- Spartz on 1/6 vote on it in a political way. “Committees ing until perhaps September due to WASHINGTON — The DCCC here have been working and looking the COVID-19 pandemic. Common assailed U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz for at how you increase the security both Cause Indiana policy director Julia her vote against creating a bipartisan physically and in terms of the Capitol Vaughn said the Legislature should Jan. 6 commission. “The January 6th Police,” he said. “Most of feel that use the coming months to hold hear- insurrection was an incredibly dark we’ve got the information we need to ings around the state for public com- day for American democracy, but Rep. make the right decisions, in terms of ment. “Once you have proposals avail- Spartz would rather whitewash the what to do.” able, slow the process down,” Vaughn deadly events than pursue the truth,” said. “Give people at least 30 days said DCCC spokes- Indy to lift mask to understand and give feedback on person Elena Kuhn. mandate June 7 what the Legislature has proposed.” “Tonight’s vote is the Rokita lines up v. latest sign that Rep. INDIANAPOLIS – Marion Spartz doesn’t be- County will wait until June 7 to critical race theory lieve her constituents ease its current pandemic-related deserve to know the truth about what restrictions, Indianapolis Mayor Joe INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana At- happened on January 6th and only Hogsett announced Wednesday, and torney General Todd Rokita is leading cares about toeing the line for Kevin could fully reopen in July if enough a multistate coalition of 20 attorneys McCarthy and Donald Trump.” Sa- people get vaccinated. On June 7, he general in urging the Biden adminis- bato’s Crystal Ball today rates the cur- said, the Marion County Public Health tration to reconsider proposals that rent CD5 “likely Republican.” Another Department is expected to recom- would put critical race theory and vote against the commission was U.S. mend to the City-County Council that similar curriculum into American class- Rep. , brother of former the county’s mask mandate be lifted in rooms (AP). Critical race theory (CRT) Vice President Mike Pence, who was most cases for residents who are fully essentially teaches students how threatened by the mob that overtook vaccinated. Hogsett said the county racism has shaped American policy, the U.S. Capitol. U.S. Rep. Trey Hol- also plans to recommend loosening with the main idea being that racism lingsworth was the only Hoosier Re- capacity limits for large gatherings, is a social construct. Rokita called the publican to vote for the commission. including allowing 100% capacity for teachings “deeply flawed” and “radi- Republicans who co-sponsored a bill religious services, 50% for indoor cal.” He said CRT and similar curricu- calling for a commission that looked sporting events, and 75% for bars, lum is “woven” into a new proposed strikingly similar to the final product, restaurants and entertainment ven- rule by the U.S. Department of Edu- but who voted no anyway included ues. Capacity limits for outdoor sport- cation that establishes priorities for U.S. Reps. Jim Banks and Jackie Wal- ing events will remain at 50%. grants in American history and civic orski. education classes. “We don’t need a Vote advocates want new liberal indoctrination project that Braun calls 1/6 endorses factually-deficient instruction 30 day map review panel ‘political’ and racial division,” Rokita argued. INDIANAPOLIS — Voting Indy cop hired for WASHINGTON – The pro- rights activists on Wednesday urged posed commission to investigate the Indiana legislative leaders to give South Bend review Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol will the public at least a month to review not be able to uncover anything more proposed new congressional and state SOUTH BEND — South Bend than the FBI already has, said Sen. election district maps before they are City Clerk Dawn Jones has hired a Mike Braun (R-Ind.), in a conference finalized (Davies,AP ). Members of the police community review office direc- call with reporters Wednesday. Braun Indiana Citizens Redistricting Commis- tor, the first step toward creating a said he believes the creation of the sion organized by Common Cause and citizen review board that she thinks commission has been and continues to other groups released a report calling could be ready to start handling police be fueled by politics, rather than solely for greater public involvement in the misconduct allegations by late August the search for truth (Davis, WIBC). “I once-a-decade redrawing of election (Parrott, South Bend Tribune). Jones was here that day. Most of us under- maps based on population shifts. The said Joshua Reynolds, a former police stand exactly what happened. We saw Republican-dominated Legislature officer who runs an investigative firm it. We participated in it, in terms of plans a fall return to the Statehouse in Indianapolis, will start on June 7. having to evacuate the chambers and for votes on the new maps. The pro- He was one of 40 applicants.