V 15, N29 Thursday, April 8, 2010 Time running out to catch Coats 4 rival GOP Senate candidates have less than a month to build ID and drive an issue

By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS – For a statewide candidate to drive up name identification in order to credibly deliver a message that could help win an election, even a primary, the price tag is somewhere in the $1 million range to purchase 3,000 to 4,000 gross rating points, sans the Chicago broadcast TV market. For that reason, with less than a month to go before the Republican U.S. Senate primary, the window is quickly closing on candi- dates not named . will “do statewide radio over the last two weeks” along with To date, none of the five candidates are running phone banking during that time span. any media or sending direct mail. None has demonstrated Asked how much support he would need to wrest any robust early FEC numbers or leaked head-to-head the nomination away from Coats, Hostettler drew on his polls showing that Coats is vulnerable. Coats is expected to 1994 primary victory in the 8th CD. “I’ll need anywhere begin his TV campaign next week. His perceived top chal- lenger, former Congressman , told HPI he Continued on Page 4 Marlin our Scott Brown? By CHRIS SAUTTER WASHINGTON - He’s never posed nude for Cos- mopolitan and his children are too young to appear on American Idol. But State Senator Marlin Stutzman believes he is positioning himself to be the Scott Brown in “There won’t be any balance left this year’s race to succeed Indiana’s retiring U.S. Senator . in Indiana if we don’t keep the Last week, Stutzman’s campaign sent out a national e-mail solicita- House.” tion for funds portraying him as the - House Speaker B. Patrick next Scott Brown-type candidate who will capitalize on the “quiet revolu- Bauer at Dyngus Day in South tion of ideas and action that is taking place among grassroots voters.” The Bend on Monday Page 2 Thursday, April 8, 2010

Howey Politics Indiana is a nonpartisan, by subscription Inter- net publication based in Indianapolis and published by NewsLink, Inc. It was founded in 1994 in Fort Wayne.

Columnists articles are independent opinions and do not represent the views of the publisher.

Brian A. Howey, Publisher Mark Schoeff Jr., Washington Jack E. Howey, Editor fundraising pitch follows a recent Assembly that makes him acceptable Beverly Phillips, Washington Examiner Opinion Edito- to both mainstream Republicans and Associate Editor/Business Operations rial by former Reader’s Digest editor Tea Party supporters. Ken Tomlinson entitled “Can a Hoosier Stutzman was motivated Subscriptions: farmer produce another Massachusetts to get involved in politics by the 9/11 $350 annually HPI Weekly miracle for Republicans?” terrorist attacks. He told me in a tele- $550 annually HPI Weekly & Tomlinson sees Stutzman, like phone interview that it was a visit to HPI Daily Wire Massachusetts’s Brown and Florida Elkhart last year by President Obama U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio, as that prompted his decision to chal- Contact Us: the kind of younger and fresher face lenge Evan Bayh for the U.S. Senate. Howey Politics Indiana the Republican Party needs to change Stutzman said that in conversations 6255 North Evanston Avenue its public image. Republicans are with local business leaders after the Indianapolis, IN 46220 struggling to overcome damage to the event, he was told that Bayh never 317.627.6746 party brand caused by its dismal 2008 meets with them and that calls to the presidential campaign and national Senator’s office are routinely left unan - www.howeypolitics.com Chairman Michael Steele’s leadership, swered. He concluded that Bayh had including the furor over the party grown out of touch and didn’t listen. [email protected] holding a fundraising event at a North He says Bayh’s problem is one shared Howey’s Mobile: 317.506.0883 Hollywood lesbian bondage strip club. by most politicians in Washington and Washington: 202.256.5822 Some in the party fear they will blow that the widespread disconnect is fuel- Business Office: 317.627.6746 their chance at regaining control of ing the populist rage against govern- Congress if they put up the same old ment. ©2010, Howey Politics Indiana. faces in this year’s midterm elections. Stutzman touts his back- HPI is a subscription-based publica- Stutzman fits the definition ground as a farmer and business- tion. All rights reserved. Photocopying, of fresh as well as anyone in the party. man. He says he knows how to make Internet forwarding, faxing or repro- Like Scott Brown, the 33-year old state government responsive and takes ducing in any form, in whole or part, Senator from rural Northeast Indiana his share of credit for helping Gov. is a violation of federal law without is good looking, energetic, and comes tackle Indiana’s fiscal permission from the publisher. across as genuine. He also has solid and economic challenges. Stutzman conservative credentials based on a is promoting an agenda of “common voting record in the Indiana General sense ideas” for America. He wants a Page 3 Thursday, April 8, 2010

moratorium on the capital gains tax to spur economic de- Stutzman likes the contrast Bennett has set up. velopment. He also supports banning earmarks and prohib- “The choice is between a new and fresh vision for the iting new spending on entitlements and bailouts. future and candidates who have been in Washington and Stutzman’s message is resonating with Hoosier bear some responsibility for our problems,” he told me. rank-and-file activists. He is racking up Republican straw “I’m not Washington, but I’m not inexperienced. I am the poll victories and endorsements from colleagues in the In- only candidate who can deliver practical common sense diana General Assembly. Stutzman’s campaign seems to be change.” If Republican primary voters hear that case, Mar- the only one so far to generate any real excitement at the lin Stutzman likely would be the next Scott Brown. grassroots level. Aside from Stutzman’s lack of cash, his problem To be sure, former Senator Dan Coats is the clear is that Indiana’s Republican primary is not simply a choice frontrunner in the May 4 Republican primary. Coats holds between Stutzman, the likeable Hoosier conservative with all the advantages money and establishment support state experience, and Coats, the establishment candidate provide. Every time State Party Chairman Murray Clark who has been in Washington too long. If Stutzman picks up speaks he makes it clear the organization steam, the ultimate beneficiary could be for - is backing Coats. But Coats is also car- mer 8th District Congressman John Hostet- rying establishment baggage in a year tler. Public polling that has measured the in which anti-establishment sentiment is relative strength of Republican candidates boiling over. against Democrat suggests To say Hoosiers greeted the that Hostettler is currently running even or Coats candidacy unenthusiastically is possibly ahead of Coats. an understatement. Interviews by the While Stutzman’s criticisms of Indianapolis Star and Evansville Cou- Coats have been soft and subtle, Hostet- rier-Press with ordinary voters reveal tler’s have been hard and direct. In a 2- great reluctance to fall in line behind minute video ad entitled “What Happened Coats’ Washington-generated candidacy. To Dan Coats” released on April 5, Hostet- Coats’ years away from the state and tler hits Coats for voting to confirm Ruth work as a Washington lobbyist draw into Bader Ginsberg, an “extreme supporter of question his commitment to the kind abortion,” to the U.S. Supreme Court and of change that is needed, according to State Sen. Marlin Stutzman is mak- voting for the Brady Bill. The spot appears some. ing a national fundraising appeal on conservative blogs, where some char- Those feelings have been exas- while picking up the Indiana Right to acterize Coats as a “Neo-Con anti-gun bail- perated by a video which surfaced show- Life endorsement. (HPI Photo) out lobbyist.” These are Republicans, mind ing Coats talking about retiring in North you. Carolina because it is “a better place” to Hostettler is a notoriously poor fundraiser live than Indiana. Democrats have been and is also likely to have limited television highlighting controversial clients for whom his firm has lob - advertising. Nonetheless, Hostettler is expected to hold on bied, including an oil company that partnered with Venezu- to support in his geographic base of Southwestern Indiana elan strongman Hugo Chavez. as well as his libertarian-leaning supporters throughout the But Coats still enjoys solid support among many if state who tend to be very loyal to him. not most Republicans who regularly turn out for primary Although his campaign has been sluggish, Coats elections. His money advantage translates into substan- can probably buy his way into the general election. The Re- tially more television advertising than Stutzman will be able publican establishment will do everything possible to avoid to afford. Stutzman concedes his name identification is low. a Hostettler nomination, which is why Coats was recruited He told me he raised about $120,000 so far this year, no- in the first place. where nearly enough to overcome Coats’ advantages even If Coats survives the Republican primary, he faces assuming Stutzman has a superior organization. in the general election another good looking, energetic, But Coats hasn’t run a campaign since 1992, but well-funded former sheriff named Brad Ellsworth. Dan and the rust is showing. He brought former Education Sec- Coats may wonder how many Scott Brown look-a-likes he retary William Bennett to Indianapolis for a fundraiser, and has to beat to win back his old Senate seat. v Bennett’s appearance seemed only to resurrect criticism that Coats was a Washington insider being foisted upon Chris Sautter is a Washington-based Democratic Hoosiers by Washington insiders. Bennett stressed Coats’ media consultant and frequent Howey Politics con- federal government experience as a reason to support him. tributor. Page 4 Thursday, April 8, 2010

people interested in my record. I don’t expect to get 50 GOP Senate, from page 1 percent of that vote.” Hostettler said he will also use Right to Life, 9/12 from 35 to 40 percent to win the primary,” Hostettler said and 2nd Amendment circles, even though those groups while driving from Posey County to a town hall in Zions- don’t intend to make an endorsement in the primary. “The ville Wednesday night. “It will be dispersed similar to the people who have helped us in the past are very active,” ‘94 campaign. I received 35 percent; next person got 23 Hostettler said. “They are helping in the personal capac- percent.” ity. I do rely on the help of a lot of those folks with phone In a statewide primary scenario, Hostettler esti- banks and get out the vote.” mated he would need to attract 150,000 to 200,000 votes. Hostettler has opted for a series of town halls like And time simply is running out as the field heads the one last night in Zionsville because, he says, the de- into a critical debate sequence that begins this afternoon at bates limit responses to one or two minutes while the town the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis, followed by the halls allow for a more thorough discourse. “The issues are April 19 Franklin College and April 20 Indianapolis WFYI-TV just too complex for debates,” Hostettler said. encounters. There have been some interesting shifts among The candidates challenging Coats are also seeking Coats’ four opponents. Hostettler and State Sen. Marlin the Tea Party vote, which Hostettler estimated to range Stutzman are now talking about their own experience as in the 10,000 to 20,000 range. He calls them highly moti- opposed to restating their earlier anti-incumbency lines. vated and different than Hostettler also the 1994 activists who issued an attack on Coats were upset by what they via YouTube that was perceived to be anti-gun distributed by e-mail link votes forged by President to supporters. It charged Clinton. “The outside that Coats voted for the groups were single issue nomination of Supreme oriented,” Hostettler said Court Justice Ruth Bader of the 1994 campaign Ginsburg, and quoted where he won a crowded National Right to Life primary and then upset that calls the jurist an U.S. Rep. Frank McClos- “extreme” supporter key. The Tea Party move- of abortion. “He voted ment and other groups for the Clinton gun ban are not as single issue and the Brady bill,” the oriented. They cover a lot video states. The video of different issues. That describes Hostettler as a reliable “pro-life, pro-gun” makes it a different. I Former congressman John Hostettler at a recent town hall. think they will turn out in candidate. the primary. They want to The Coats cam- make sure the right candidate goes into the fall. And they paign responded by noting are going to be very involved in the fall.” that Coats has a 90 percent American Conservative Union Hostettler said they are motivated by a government mark, compared to 89.35 for Hostettler. As for a vote cited they see as too big and intrusive. “The health care bill is by Hostettler as being a pro-abortion vote, the campaign the latest and greatest example of government intruding noted that Coats supported a bill that prohibited the Peace into every aspect of our lives,” Hostettler said.”They are Corps from using development assistance funds for abor- very motivated by this health care. All are asking if I am tions or involuntary sterilizations. Thirty-six of the 44 Sen- willing to repeal. That’s the significant question on the cam - ate Republicans at the time voted for the measure. paign trail that is consistently coming up.” On the Ginsburg vote, Coats has said that “elec- The problem for Hostettler and the other chal- tions have consequences.” There was a centuries-old lengers to Coats is that they are all seeking to divide that tradition of respecting national electoral results by granting Tea Party pie. State Sen. Marlin Stutzman won a Tea Party the President latitude in selecting nominees for the bench. straw poll in Warsaw. “I don’t know if I can be the domi- Case in point: 42 of 44 Republicans voted for Ginsburg. nant recipient of their vote,” Hostettler said. “But I think Coats can also point to his assistance in helping Justice I will receive a sizeable portion of it. There are a lot of Samuel Alito through a successful confirmation process Page 5 Thursday, April 8 2010

in 2005-06. Alito has joined the conservative side of the The Coats plan pledges to: Supreme Court. • Increase competition in the marketplace to drive Hostettler said he used the video to try and dif- down costs ferentiate himself from the former two-term senator. “What • Access programs so those with pre-existing con- happened there is everywhere I go, be it a Tea Party in ditions receive affordable care Crown Point or Evansville or Columbus, there is always • Reform insurance and medical liability one question: what differentiates me from Dan Coats? I’m • Strengthen transparency and accountability always asked. This is the response I give.” • Keep our promises to our military personnel, veterans, and their eligible family members Coats releases health care reform plan Specifically, the Coats plan calls for insurance com - Coinciding with the upcoming debate sequences, panies to be able to sell across statelines, encourage inno- Coats is expected to be active in a number of areas. The vation in the states (he cites Gov. Daniels’s Healthy Indiana campaign is indicating that it will post credible FEC num- Plan), expansion of the SCHIP program, reform liability bers. Internal polling has indicated very good name ID, laws, allow for the immediate creation of an Association favorable/unfavorable and Health Plans for Small Businesses

head-to-heads with the instead of making small busi- nesses wait until 2014, expand primary field. The campaign has been reluctant to release health savings accounts, create

such data in fear of reshaping incentives for healthy lifestyles, and advance electronic medical expectations heading into an expected fall campaign. records. The campaign also expects to be targeted dur- Stutzman receives ing the upcoming debate Right to Life nod sequence by the other candi- State Sen. Marlin Stutzman dates. If that occurs, they see received the Indiana Right to it as another vivid indicator Life endorsement on Wednes- that the field is attacking the day. “I am very grateful for the clear frontrunner. endorsement of Indiana Right to Coats will release the The Dan Coats Hoosier Health Care Plan Life,” Stutzman said. “My Senate campaign’s first white paper campaign is a continuation of my on what health reforms he A Plan Of, By and For the People work on this supremely impor- would back if congressional tant issue, and I am honored Republicans can repeal the to add the Indiana Right to Life law President Obama signed endorsement to my previous in March. endorsement by the Allen County “The take-a-number- Right to Life PAC. Simply put, I and-wait government run am Pro-Life. The Declaration of Obama-Pelosi-Ellsworth health Independence states that our care plan is not the right inalienable rights are life, liberty,

plan for Hoosiers, it’s not the and the pursuit of happiness. Life right plan for Americans.” The PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED BY DAN COATS FOR INDIANA is listed first in that famous line Coats plan reads: “We need to DAN COATS FOR INDIANA - P.O. BOX 301141 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46230 - (317) 251-2200 in the Declaration of Indepen- repeal it immediately!” dence and it’s first with me as “Then we need to well. Protecting innocent life, both start over on health care reform, from scratch, from the born and pre-born, is of utmost importance to me. It is the beginning. Republicans and conservative Democrats need foundation of our Judeo-Christian culture. Voters who sup- to work together incrementally, piece-by-piece, do what port the protection of life want a candidate who has put his we can afford and when we can afford it. We must under- convictions to work and who has a proven record of taking stand what the real issues are that need to be addressed a strong stand for life.” and make the necessary changes without running America Stutzman noted that he has a 100 percent rating deeper into debt.” from Indiana RTL. v

Page 6 Thursday, April 8, 2010

GOP becoming the U.S. Rep. is lead- ing the charge party of ‘So’ to repeal the health By DAVE KITCHELL reforms. (HPI LOGANSPORT - Sometimes it’s best to just say, Photo by “Nice job and congratulations,” and move on to the next Steve Dicker- issue. son) For the Republicans, particularly those who serve as attorneys general in several states, that realization has not hit home yet. There are actually attorneys general, maybe including Indiana’s Greg Zoeller, who are willing to spend whatever taxpayer money they can to wage a politi- cal war aimed at overturning health care reform passed last month in Congress. their own, At the root of these chal- when they finally are treated, their bad debts are eventu - lenges is a key question that ally absorbed by taxpayers as well. Unfortunately, that debt could wind up in the Supreme is often accrued through emergency room charges and Court: Can the federal govern- major surgery expenses. Americans without health insur- ment really require you to pur- ance may file for bankruptcy, but that won’t do anything for chase a product or service from a struggling hospital other than add to bad debt write-offs a private company? in accounting books. Good question. The legacy. Republicans were able to run and win There are those who on the concept of prescription drug coverage for senior citi- would say that if state govern- zens, damn the cost of the torpedoes and full speed ahead. ments can require licensed But to flip-flop on that philosophy and oppose health care drivers to have car insurance, that stimulates the same kind of private sector competi- the federal government ought tion contradicts what helped Republicans build credibility to be able to require anyone in health care in the 21st Century. Republicans attempting who would potentially consume to repeal health care reform now would be akin to those health insurance to have it. in the 1930s opposing the New Deal and Social Security, Then there are the critics who argue another point: or those in the 1960s who supported the civil rights move- Not everyone chooses to drive, but everyone potentially ment. should have a choice in paying for insurance or going with- The time for health care reform has come and out it. gone. The party’s symbol is the elephant – an animal that The elephant in the room issue that Republicans supposedly never forgets. Yet, the party’s leaders have for- are avoiding is the image makeover Republicans are willing gotten what the party stands for and what made it strong. to have if nearly a dozen attorneys general satisfy their Until the health care vote, Republicans were known as “The litigious egos. Party of No” for opposing reform efforts, failing to lend Members of the party of Lincoln have to think about these even a single vote to passage. Yet 200 Republican amend- questions: ments were included in the reforms that eventually passed. Personal responsibility. Republicans have es-

tablished a brand in large part based on the idea of every Now that health care reform has become law, a American taking responsibility for their own problems. few Republicans and tea partiers are trying to turn The Government in any measure is administered whenever the Party of No into The Party of So, as if reform - that is the public can’t do something for themselves that government way of life in virtually every industrialized nation except can. Even if the attorneys general won, would they want America - isn’t a big deal. to be in the unenviable position of telling millions of people Sometimes, even the biggest elephants do forget. who pay their salaries and paid for their suits to be litigated v that they can’t have medical insurance? Financial fallout. With increasing numbers of Kitchell is an award-winning columnist based in Americans failing to qualify for insurance or to pay for it on Logansport. Page 7 Thursday, April 8, 2010

Rokita continues to press redistricting reform

By BRYAN AULT FRANKLIN - As the fourth congressional district primary heats up, Indiana Secretary of State , R-Indianapolis, on Wednesday talked about redistricting reform in an exclusive interview with HPI. Rokita said he has used the “pulpit of secretary of state” to get people involved. He said his website - Re- thinkingRedistricting.com - has generated more than 1,300 letters from Hoosiers. “It’s overwhelmingly favored by the people,” Rokita said. “I would say that 95 percent of the people are in favor of it.” The data agrees with the angry electorate, too. they’re in favor of reform. We need a candidate or party According to Rokita’s web- that figures out how to be on the side of the people. site, nearly 40 percent of “Gov. Daniels is looking forward to signing some- all Statehouse races have thing with my name in it. What’s great about that is, he lacked majority party op- won’t sign anything else.” position. 60 percent of the The 2011 Indiana General Assembly will be chal- Indiana senators running in lenged to redraw maps when it convenes in January. Once 2004 ran unopposed. all data is collected from the 2010 Census, it must be sent In 2008, 26 Indiana House members ran unop- to the Statehouse by April 1, 2011. posed. In that same span, only 11 races had winners get- “The census is critical,” Rokita said. “They will have ting less than 55% of the vote. a month to come up with a solution.” The 2010 Indiana General Assembly failed to pass Meanwhile, Rokita said his race in the 4th District reform during its short legislative session. Its attempts, in has been “great.” the Senate Bills 80 and 136, were sent to the Rules Com- “We have great support,” he said. “We’re running a mittee by House Speaker B. Patrick Bauer, D-South Bend. great mail campaign. We have one commercial on TV and They died there. Senate Bill 80 would have kept cultural we have more commercials coming.” and traditional communities together. It also would have Rokita is promoting Rethinking Redistricting made an attempt to end gerrymandering by respecting through the mail, as well as brochures and cards. county lines. Senate Bill 136 would have established a two- “This isn’t a sound-byte issue,” Rokita said. “We’re year, independent study commission to redraw maps. The not giving speeches. We are proving that it can be done.” five-member committee would consist of one representa - tive from each of the four caucuses and the chief justice of Rokita announces ballot initiative the would appoint the fifth person Secretary of State Rokita announced today the as chairman of the commission. launch of a new online service developed by his office to “Senate Bill 80 did half (of what we want to do). provide Hoosier voters with a complete list of candidates It wasn’t a bad start,” Rokita said. “That was a good thing, who will appear on their upcoming primary and general but we knew where the bills were going - to Rules. My election ballots. “Who’s On Your Ballot?” will be available to focus is how the maps are drawn. The independent com- all Hoosiers online at www.indianavoters.com. “Voters want mission should be held to the same standard.” to know what to expect when they receive their ballot on Rokita calls Indiana the “Wild West” in redistricting Election Day or before voting absentee,” Secretary Rokita reform, and said Indiana needs the best candidates with said. “Previously, Hoosiers could not find a comprehensive the best ideas. To do that, the state needs maps which candidate list for federal, state and local offices until they serve its citizens. received their ballot. ‘Who’s On Your Ballot?’ allows Hoo- “What we have here are people who are fed up,” siers to find this information online ahead of going to the Rokita said. “I’ve been going to Tea Party rallies, and polls.” v Page 8 Thursday, April 8, 2010

65 percent. “Voters’ anti-incumbent mood is like nothing Calm before the Gallup has seen in the past four midterm election cycles,” Gallup’s Lydia Saad wrote in her analysis of the survey. An April 1 Burton Town Hall in Peru drew only 5th CD storm nine people, including Burton staffers. The Peru Tribune quoted former Miami County Republican Chairman Jeanette By BRIAN A. HOWEY Meadows as wondering whether people were drawn by the INDIANAPOLIS - As the 5th CD Republican primary good weather to do yard work instead. A town hall at North race enters the homestretch, sat in the Ath- Central HS in Indianapolis drew 30 people, GOP sources enaeum beer garden Tuesday afternoon and talked about told HPI. In contrast, former congressman John Hostettler his path to victory. drew 300 people at a recent town hall event in Evansville. Forget conventional wisdom that insists that four Another factor that points to Burton’s erosion of credible challengers to U.S. Rep. will dilute the support is the fact that only two of the county Republican vote, assuring another term for the embattled Republican. chairs - Grant County’s Jerry Shull and Howard’s Craig In his mind, Messer has built a Dunn - are backing Burton. In his 2008 primary against Dr. war chest that will allow him to John McGoff, Burton had virtually all of the chair endorse- stay on broadcast TV through the ments. This time, Huntington, Tipton and Wabash Lincoln May 4 primary. He has a grass- Day dinners were keynoted by challengers instead of the roots campaign that has made sitting congressman. Burton did not show up at the Tipton more than 40,000 phone calls Lincoln Day dinner. and staged 100 events around Messer is on television with a 350-point buy that the district. Messer insists he has will go stronger in the following weeks. It appears Burton more money and more endorsements than the other chal- has a similar buy, but it is compressed into a three-week lengers combined. time span. And there’s what he calls the “anti-incumbency fac- Messer began with a bio ad and he wouldn’t reveal tor.” Messer said that it has the “uniqueness of 1974” when what themes would follow. Murphy launched an attack the post-Watergate election became a Republican debacle. TV ad saying Burton’s 28 years in Congress were enough. “This is a clear, anti-incumbent environment,” The Messer campaign believes it will benefit from the Messer said. He noted that the February push poll Burton other challenger campaign attacks on Burton. Messer also released five weeks later had five push questions. “And af - believes that he is in the best position to consolidate the ter that all he could come up with was 42 percent support,” anti-incumbency vote behind his campaign with TV and a Messer said. That, combined with a poll released by State get-out-the-vote program. Rep. Mike Murphy that put Burton’s re-elect at 29 percent, Murphy supplied other anecdotal evidence that paint a clear picture of a hostile environment for Burton. Burton might be in trouble. He said he made 100 calls to Fewer than half of Americans would reelect their voters this week himself. “Not one of them said they were member of Congress, according to a new Gallup Poll (Po- for Burton,” Murphy said. “I’ve knocked on 5,000 doors litico). Forty-nine percent of the 968 registered voters sur- in Hamilton County and I’ve had only five people tell me veyed would vote to reelect the they’re supporting Burton.” incumbent from their district. The campaign of Dr. John McGoff Forty percent said their member told HPI that it has made 15,000 calls does not deserve reelection. to supporters and plans include com- Asked if most members deserve mercials for two weeks at the end of reelection, only 28 percent the campaign. “We are going to have a said yes. Sixty-five percent did TV presence,” said Lou Quinto, McGoff’s not believe most members of campaign manager. “We’ve got the ads Congress deserve to return to in the can.” Washington. The poll, released There are also two pieces of direct late Wednesday, shows a strong mail in the works that will go out next anti-incumbent swing just in the week. past year, with the percentage McGoff came within 7 percent of of those who said most mem- Burton in the 2008 primary. Quinto indi- bers do not deserve reelection U.S. Rep. Dan Burton (center) has not been draw- cated that McGoff will report under what spiking from the low 50s up to ing big crowds at his town halls. (HPI Photo by he did in 2008. With two pieces of direct Brian A. Howey) Page 9 Thursday, April 8, 2010

mail ready to drop beginning next week and two weeks of China’s currency manipulation. Donnelly said the Chinese planned TV at the end of the campaign, McGoff will be a government has undervalued its currency by as much as later comer to the broadcast assault on Burton. 40 percent to lure manufacturing operations. “It has been Brose McVey told HPI on Wednesday that while used as an economic tool by China to take our jobs,” he Messer and Murphy have television presence now, he said. “All I’m asking is that the field be fair.” doesn’t believe their buys have created the “buzz.” “At some point Congressman Donnelly must be McVey explained, “I’m not hearing people talk held accountable for his track record on jobs,” said Repub- about their ads. I’m getting the sense that we’re still in that lican candidate . “Last year he voted for an calm before the storm, but only the calm is going to extend $862 billion stimulus bill that has had little immediate im- further than many of us expected.” pact for small businesses and working families. Two weeks McVey also noted that despite many columns and ago, he voted for a $1 trillion dollar government takeover editorials complaining about Burton in the Indianapolis Star, of our health care system paid for by taxes and fees on that newspaper has not covered the race much to date. those small businesses making them all the more reluc- The lack of continued press coverage is partly to blame tant to hire new workers. On issue after issue, time after for a lack of interest, McVey said, and will probably help time, Rep. Donnelly has voted against keeping government Burton. spending in check, against unshackling small businesses McVey said he hopes to “scrape together” some from government intrusion, and against getting Hoosiers broadcast TV by the end of the campaign. back to work,” said Walorski. “It’s time Hoosiers hold Rep. McVey also suggested that Messer’s campaign may Donnelly and Nancy Pelosi accountable for their abysmal have violated FEC laws by sending letters to McGoff and record on jobs.” McVey campaign supporters. McVey said several of his sup- porters were contemplating filing a complaint. 7th CD: May endorsed by councilors Where does this race stand? All Republican City County councillors this week Despite the dramatic erosion of Burton establish- endorsed Carlos May to be the Republican party’s nominee ment support, we don’t believe any of the challengers for the 7th District congressional seat. May is already the have consolidated enough support and momentum to deny slated candidate of Marion County Republicans, but this Burton a 15th term. That’s not to say it won’t happen, with endorsement carries extra significance as there are two Messer and Murphy (in that order) being the most likely to candidates challenging May despite the party’s decision to build that kind of scenario. Horse Race Status: Leans endorse him. Burton “Carlos May brings new leadership, new enthusi- asm, and a new vision for the office of Congress and will be 2ND CD: Donnelly kicks off jobs tour the type of representative that citizens of the Indianapolis U.S. Rep. is pushing legislation area deserve,” said Ryan Vaughn, president of the City- intended to help businesses hire more workers, compete County Council. Vaughn said May has proven his dedication fairly with Chinese operations and make sure illegal immi- as a public servant to the city. “He is the best and most grants don’t fill jobs that should be for legal U.S. residents qualified nominee and will make an excellent U.S congress - (Allen, South Bend Tribune). One piece of the package man.” aims to stimulate hiring by offering tax refunds to employ- ers in counties where the unemployment rate is at least 8th CD: Bucshon starts TV ad campaign 8.5 percent. Under the Targeted Job Creation and Business Dr. , seekng the 8th CD GOP nomi- Investment Act, which Donnelly introduced March 25, busi- nation, began his TV ad campaign on Tuesday. In the nesses that hire more workers this year would receive a tax ad, Bucshon faces the camera and says, “In the military refund equal to 15 percent of new wage costs. Next year we listen as if our life depends on it. As a heart surgeon, the refund would be 10 percent. The bill also would renew listening is critical to my patients. But Washington is not tax credits for research and development costs and make listening. I’ll fight to reduce wasteful government spending, permanent two deductions for equipment expenses. Don- balance the federal budget and reduce the national debt. I nelly called the bill’s elements “basic nuts-and-bolts ideas will always fight for you.” that lead to jobs” during a news conference Wednesday at trailer maker Wells Cargo in Elkhart. “These are not aca- 9th CD: Young goes up on TV demic concepts,” he said. “These are concepts coming from Indiana Right to Life has endorsed . the manufacturers in our district.” Donnelly is co-sponsor- Republican told HPI that he has a TV ing two other jobs-related bills in Congress. The Currency cable buy and will have more than $300,000 to use on his Reform for Fair Trade Act attempts to neutralize effects of primary race against former Congressman Mike Sodrel. Page 10 Thursday, April 8, 2010

“We’ll use every penny,” Young said. horseracing activities on the Statement of Economic Inter- The Young campaign points to a March poll re- ests form that legislators have to complete each year. leased by Mike Sodrel’s campaign that showed him trailing Herrell claims that he has consulted with legal U.S. Rep. 43-42 percent. It was contrasted by counsel and he hasn’t done anything wrong by not disclos- a SurveyUSA poll in January that showed Sodrel defeat- ing the information on that form. The Statement of Eco- ing Hill 49-41 percent. “If you believe those polls, Sodrel nomic Interests is a list of 10 questions asked of legisla- is actually losing support,” said Ryan Burchfield, Young’s tors to provide transparency about who legislators receive campaign manager. money from. Sodrel, Young and Travis Hankins - who is execut- There are several questions on that form that could ing a yard sign campaign - will debate at 7 p.m. Saturday apply to Herrell’s situation, including: “List the name of ev- night at the Jennings County Fairgrounds. ery sole proprietorship or professional practice operated by Young is running TV ads and is dropping a couple you or your spouse and the nature of the business; List the of pieces of direct mail. name of every partnership and limited liability company of U.S. Rep. Baron Hill was at Community Action of which you or your spouse are a member and the nature of Southern Indiana on Monday to see how more than $1.4 the business.” Herrell responded “N/A” to both questions. million in stimulus funding is helping the public (Lammers, After reading an Aug. 6, 2009, article by Neil News & Tribune). CASI is set to launch its Early Head Milbert in the Chicago Tribune, Dunn is calling for Herrell Start Project beginning May 3 that will provide aid to 12 to answer differently. That article explained how Herrell pregnant women and 60 children for a two-year period. acquired his most recent horse, Hoosier Kingdom, and how Assistance will come in the form of educational programs, he met the horse’s two other co-owners. socialization opportunities, nutritional health and prenatal The article said: “Doctors from our area came to programs and monitoring of children from birth to 3 years lobby about different things I had found out; (one doctor’s) old and their parents for two years. wife is a psychiatrist who uses horses sometimes in her The program’s funds - through the American Re- therapy. We were talking about insurance reimbursement covery and Reinvestment Act - are specifically designated for doctors and stuff like that. After awhile I said, ‘Doctor, to be spent in a certain manner. Start-up funding for the enough of this. Let’s talk about horses.’ He asked if I had program totaled $235,086. Operating funds were $216,000 horses and I told him I had a racehorse.’” and training totaled $32,400 for the first year of the pro - According to the Tribune article, a few days later, gram. In its second year, the grant will pay $648,000 in Herrell got a call from the two, asking Herrell if he wanted operating expenses and $16,000 for training. But beyond to be a “trainer and partner.” two-years, funding has not been guaranteed. “It’s a non-issue. I asked legal counsel, and they “We are really hoping this will last more than two said I don’t have to list it,” Herrell told the Kokomo Per- years,” said Joy Shanks, director of CASI’s Early Head Start spective. “It’s not a registered business or LLC or anything Program. “We just feel like there is a real need in our com- else. My son and I own a tractor together. Do I have to list munity for early head-start.” that? The reason I checked into it was I wanted to make While touring Afghanistan in February, Rep. Hill sure. There is no place to list it. Two former representatives was convinced the war on terror must continue (Suddeath, - Bob Alderman and Bob Kuzman - used to have standard News & Tribune). When visiting VFW Post 3281 Internet bred horses together. I asked them. They never had to list Cafe in New Albany on Monday, Hill was persuaded that it.” the computer lab also holds a tangible purpose. “I know Herrell’s response did not sit well with Dunn. “He exactly how the soldiers in Afghanistan can take advantage was quoted as calling them lobbyists,” said Dunn. “I looked of this,” Hill said. The cafe was funded through donations, at the disclosure reports. The disclosure reports I believe including a $5,000 contribution from the city, $2,500 from are written in as close to English as you can possibly get. It the Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County and $500 from doesn’t say with lobbyist; it just wants to know every busi- a Louisville attorney. “I don’t get impressed by things very ness you are involved with. He has a business. He said that often, but I’m impressed by this,” Hill said. Primary Horse he made thousands of dollars after their first horse.” Race: Leans Sodrel Dunn said it can’t be any clearer than it is. “When you read the Chicago Tribune article, it is clear they were HD30: Herrell’s horse called into question down in Indianapolis lobbying the legislature and when The Kokomo Perspective has raised questions they finished that, they started talking horses. I have no about a horse, Hoosier Kingdom, owned by State Rep. Ron idea if that is nefarious, but nobody will if that is not fully Herrell. Howard County Republican Party Chairman Craig disclosed.” v Dunn thinks that Herrell should disclose to the public his Page 11 Thursday, April 8, 2010

lard chose one person to introduce him as the next mayor: Brizzi, Ballard end up Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi,” Kennedy said. “The rule of law is the basis of our system. If we lose confi - in the crosshairs dence in the very person who is supposed to prosecute our laws, then our community’s respect for the rule of law By BRIAN A. HOWEY is deeply compromised. We are at a dangerous moment in INDIANAPOLIS - The power centers of Indianapolis the history of our city and we must take public corruption Republican politics went through an unforgettable 24-hour seriously.” period this week with Mayor Greg Ballard being accused of Kennedy, who is seeking to challenge Ballard in “blatant racism” while a potential GOP successor to Marion 2011, added, “Mayor Ballard is uniquely positioned to influ - County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi called for the incumbent to ence Brizzi given the close relationship described above. resign. Indeed, as Marion County’s top Republican, and Indianapo- Republican prosecutor candidate Mark Massa lis’ top elected official, Ballard has both the ability and the Wednesday called on prosecutor Brizzi to resign. “I believe duty to personally ask Brizzi to resign.” the prosecuting attorney should inspire public confidence,” Marion County Republican Chairman Tom John and Massa said, “and not cynicism. I’m very concerned about an Indianapolis Star editorial also called for Brizzi to step what reports like this do to public confidence. Very simply, down. you cannot have a prosecutor taking a 50-percent interest Brizzi told the Star he will not resign. “It’s with no money down on a $1 million office building (in a ridiculous,” he said, adding, “We’re going to continue to deal with) a defense attorney.” relentlessly pursue the bad guys, and I’m not going to be Massa was referring to reports in the Indianapolis persuaded by a political stunt.” Business Journal that Brizzi had purchased an Elkhart office Twenty-four hours earlier, Marion County Demo- building with no money down, then pushed for a plea deal cratic Chairman Ed Treacy accused Mayor Ballard of “bla- for a client of his business partner, defense attorney Paul tant racism” for moving Butler-Tarkington precincts to Page, over the objections of his own Hinkle Fieldhouse. “The move, clearly de- deputy prosecutors and law enforce- signed to disenfranchise thousands of African- ment. American voters came just one day after the “This is not simply an academic 42nd anniversary of the assassination of Dr. question,” Massa said. “We’re starting to Martin Luther King Jr., and in an unfortunate see the consequences of this in court.” twist of fate, four of the 12 precincts relo- IBJ reported that Brizzi has cated previously voted at the Martin Luther resisted calls from former supporters to King Multi-Service Center,” Treacy said. “Let’s resign, and he has a personal interest call this what it is, a blatantly racist attempt in sticking around: Brizzi will be eligible to disenfranchise thousands of African- for a public pension if he finishes his Americans. In 2010, with an African-American current term, which ends in December. Prosecutor Carl Brizzi on election president, the day after the anniversary of IBJ speculated last weekend that Massa night 2007 before introducing the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, might lead the call for Bizzi’s resignation Mayor-elect Ballard. (HPI Photo by I would hope that the mayor of Indianapolis - particularly before Democrats Terry Brian A. Howey) would be above racially motivated political Curry or Greg Bowes do. decisions, but it appears Mayor Ballard is not.” There has been no love lost The irony of that charge is that Ballard between Massa and Brizzi. It was Massa who had long participated in the 42nd annual Kennedy-King memorial coveted the prosecutor’s office, but was asked by the GOP service on Easter Sunday at Dr. MLK. Jr. Park. hierarchy to manage Sue Anne Gilroy’s unsuccessful 1999 Ballard quickly retreated, rescinding the order. mayoral campaign. With that defeat, some felt that Massa Chris Cotterill, Ballard’s chief of staff and a Butler- was unfairly burdened with the blame. He then watched as Tarkington resident took responsibility, telling the Star he Brizzi received the mantle of the prosecutor’s office three thought the change would make the process more efficient years later when Scott Newman declined a third term. and provide a familiar place for voters to cast their ballots. By late Wednesday afternoon, the most unlikely “This great idea I had wasn’t that great. The in- bookend came from Melina Kennedy, the Democrat Brizzi tense reaction was, ‘That’s not more convenient,’” Cotterill defeated in 2006. Kennedy called on Mayor Ballard to join said. “It makes me feel bad that anyone would attribute a Massa. “On election night in 2007, as television stations racism element to it.” v and thousands of viewers at home looked on, Greg Bal- Page 12 Thursday, April 8, 2010

throughout St. Joseph County and in neighboring counties Donnelly, Ellsworth as well. Its roots go back to the mass christenings when Christianity came to Poland more than a thousand years see Hoosiers split ago, in the year 966. Traditions carried from the old country included dousing with water, with young maidens the target of that over health reforms and also of the switching of their legs with pussy willow branches, a method of flirting. By JACK COLWELL No young ladies were doused with water or SOUTH BEND - Congressmen Joe Donnelly and hit with pussy willow branches Monday, but local tradition Brad Ellsworth had to be as pleased as a Polish sausage continued with mounds of kielbasa served along with liquid fancier munching the perfect kiel- refreshments at Dyngusing events and with polka music basa sandwich this Dyngus Day. featured in the evening. They were loudly applaud- The South Bend observance, always coming shortly ed and praised repeatedly for their before Indiana’s May primary election, has had a distinctly votes for health care reform at the Democratic flavor, largely because Polish-American neigh - West Side Democratic & Civic Club’s borhoods have voted heavily Democratic. Historically, the 80th annual Dyngus Day celebration wildest Dyngus Day was when Bobby Kennedy took the Monday on South Bend’s West Side. event by storm amid the presidential primary campaign in No sign of a backlash. 1968. His triumph here and in the statewide primary was While the party faithful just a month before his assassination. were energized in support of Don- But Republicans don’t just sit back and let Demo- nelly, 2nd District Democrat from crats have the day. Granger who seeks re-election, and State Rep. Jackie Walorski, who appears certain Ellsworth, 8th District Democrat from to be Donnelly’s Republican opponent in the congressional Evansville who seeks to replace Evan Bayh in the Senate, race, zipped through the crowd at the West Side Democrat- both congressmen acknowledged that, overall, Hoosiers ic & Civic Club just before the introduction of candidates. remain sharply split on health care reform. Asked if she hoped to be introduced, Walorski “Most people are thanking me for the vote,” Ells- acknowledged the Democratic Club tradition of only intro- worth said. But others are expressing disappointment, ducing Democrats and said that she had come only “to say, he said, with questions still asked about rumors of “death ‘Hi.’” panels” and even “death camps” and claims that doctors Walorski, mounting a major challenge to Donnelly, will quit in droves. is calling for repeal of the health care reform legislation. Ellsworth said the health care reform, while not She was greeted in what is called “the friendly spirit of perfect, is “a step in the right direction.” He said informa- Dyngus,” even though she was not welcomed to the stage tion about what actually is in the legislation will dispel wild for an introduction. rumors and that the endorsement of the American Medical Republicans also sought attention at other Association should alleviate fears of widespread opposition events, including a breakfast fundraiser and a Dyngus lunch of doctors. at an Irish restaurant, Fiddler’s Hearth. Attendance at the Donnelly estimated that Hoosiers remain split lunch was less than brisk. But the GOP made clear it was “about half and half” over health care. But he said opposi- not surrendering the day. tion drops among skeptics when he explains to them what The only candidate to rival the loud and long ap- actually is in the legislation. He said rumors he seeks to plause for Donnelly and Ellsworth at the packed West Side dispel include tales that it would diminish health care for Democratic & Civic Club was a South Bend candidate, Pete veterans or unleash myriad IRS agents on the public. Buttigieg (pronounced “Boota-judge”) who announced he House Speaker B. Patrick Bauer, D-South will seek the party’s nomination for state treasurer. The Bend, said passage of health care reform has rejuvenated Harvard graduate and Rhodes Scholar appears already Hoosier Democrats and will help in efforts to retain Demo- to have solid statewide support for the nomination, to be cratic control of the Indiana House. Bauer called Gov. Mitch determined at the Democratic State Convention. v Daniels “petulant” for making cuts that Bauer termed un- necessary and designed politically by Daniels to blame the Colwell has covered Indiana politics over five de - health care legislation. cades for the South Bend Tribune. His column ap- Dyngus Day, the Monday after Easter, is celebrat- pears regularly in Howey Politics Indiana. ed here not only in Polish-American neighborhoods but Page 13 Thursday, April 8, 2010

unquestioned, but they move and change only when sub- jected to earth-shaking events or the forces of persistent Serial entrepreneuership erosion. The steady business owner may disregard opportu- vs. business ownership nities and take too few risks. This behavior may deny soci- ety important gains. When the business owner shies away By MORTON J. MARCUS from expanding or diversifying, s/he may be under-utilizing INDIANAPOLIS - Many years ago Winslow Spoon the resources, skills and knowledge already resident in the decided he did not want to work for a big company. He did firm. This “prudence” may open the opportunities that SBIs not like taking orders from people who knew less or had seize. less vision than he did about the business. He felt he could Serial business innovators, by contrast, may do a better job, earn more for his family, and have less take too many risks and squander resources. But their hassle in his life if he went out on failures may provide important information about oppor- his own. tunities and lessons for others to follow. If my attempts Thus, Winslow started his own to sell stock tips as messages in fortune cookies fail, you business with his own money and might recognize that such an enterprise can easily crumble. some borrowed from his parents Failure is not necessarily without value. and an aunt. He worked many Our economy needs both content business own- hours to build the business where ers (Winslow) and aggressive entrepreneurs. Should we, he now has more than 20 employ- however, subsidize one or the other, or both? Because the ees. The business has survived the mythology of small business is strong in this country, we recent economic crisis and looks to have massive programs that aid and favor existing small be OK for the foreseeable future. and start-up businesses. But do we have enough factual in- The Spoons live well, but not formation to justify this favoritism? Or do we suffer from a extravagantly in southeastern Indiana. They see the Reds Disney-syndrome where everything small is considered cute and the Bengals in Cincinnati from time-to-time and get to and worthy of both our sympathies and protection? v Indianapolis once or twice a year for shopping and enter- tainment. Mr. Marcus is an independent economist, Winslow thinks of himself as an entrepreneur, the speaker, and writer formerly with IU’s Kelley School rock upon which America is built. He fits the classical defini - of Business. tion of an entrepreneur: a person who organizes, operates, and takes the risks associated with an enterprise. Nonethe- less, some say Winslow stopped being an entrepreneur many years ago. Today, they say, he is a just a business- owner and no longer an entrepreneur. Winslow’s critics believe that an entrepreneur is one who actively undertakes new efforts, a person who might be called a serial business innovator (SBI). The SBI often thrives on getting a business going, making it a suc- cess and then selling it off by taking the firm public, selling it to private investors or to another firm. Often the SBI turns around and starts another business enjoying the chal- lenges of a start-up activity. The SBI seeks to expand, to diversify, and to accept new risks. The business owner, by contrast, often remains in the same place, doing the same thing year-af- ter-year. While the SBI seeks new seas and new ports, the business owner lies at anchor, subject to the tides. Winslow should not be thought of as an inferior person because he doesn’t venture into new businesses. He and other steady business owners are truly the rocks of our economy. We depend on them for our daily services. They provide the distinctiveness for our communities. But rocks are fundamentally stable entities. Their importance is Page 14 Thursday, April 8, 2010

Then came Reggie Miller’s Pacers up through The Soul of Hoosier Brawl, which ultimately degraded the pro game here. Just about every available metric suggests that when the IHSAA ended the single class tournament in hoops shifts to Butler 1999, the prep game has been in atrophy. When you don’t have even a sectional game at the Wigwam, something’s (This column was written prior to the Final Four) wrong. I couldn’t tell you who won the Class AA title three years ago, but I remember Cloverdale in 1966, the Argos By BRIAN A. HOWEY teams with the O’Dell boys in the late ‘70s and Bill Patrick’s INDIANAPOLIS - I suggested to a friend on Mon- Whitko Wildcats who made the Final Four. I remember the day night as we headed into Broad Ripple for a beer, “Let’s Plymouth, Warsaw, Bedford-North Lawrence, Vincennes see what’s happening at Plump’s Last Shot. It may be the and Connersville teams claiming winner-take-all titles from calm before the storm.” small towns. Sure enough, the first thing I saw was Bobby Within a short walk of Plump’s Last Plump hunched over a table with Shot, there were two finalists this New York Times reporter Pete year in Park Tudor and North Cen- Thamel, who in that day’s edition tral. I asked Plump if he saw either characterized the Butler vs. Michi- play. Nope. Neither did I. gan State Final Four game as the Now we have the Butler Way with “junior varsity” matchup. Geez, the three Sweet 16 appearances and national guys just can’t wrap their now a Final Four within the past minds beyond anything outside the decade. The Bulldogs remind me of power conferences. Knight’s earlier teams: suffocating I am a Butler basketball defense, deadly three-point shoot- refugee with an IU degree. After ing, free throws and smart players I took my two young sons to their who graduate. They come from first Big 10 game up at Evanston small Hoosier towns like Conners- and they watched Bobby Knight ville, Ellettsville, Yorktown, Kokomo, get in a shouting match with the Brownsburg and there’s always a Northwestern band and a post-game shoving match with hot shooting guard from New Castle. The ‘Dogs have a Coach Kevin O’Neill, we turned to Butler playing at what we prodigy coach in Brad Stevens and a regular pipeline of call the “Cathedral” and others call Hinkle Fieldhouse. NCAA Academic All-Americans. The players that come to A century into the Hoosier love affair with basket- the Cathedral stay for four years and leave with a degree. ball, the soul of the game has returned to Hinkle and the The Bulldogs are the antithesis of cheatin’ John Calipari’s Butler way. This occurred on Nov. 20, 2004 a day after Kentucky colossus that was sidelined hours after Butler the infamous Indiana Pacer-Detroit Piston brawl. Up to advanced last weekend. that point, the Pacers were favorites to win the NBA title In essence, everything that’s right about basket- that year, a continuation of a decade of prominence that ball comes together at the Cathedral. There is no place coursed from Reggie Miller’s icy veins and epic battles with I would rather watch a game than at Hinkle, where my Spike Lee and the New York Knicks - to that 1998 show- beloved City Elston Red Devils won it all in ‘66. down with Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. Game six in that Everyone is asking Bobby Plump about this new series was probably the greatest basketball game ever “Milan of America.” But he insists - and I agree - that Butler played on Hoosier soil. should not be the underdog this weekend, just as myth has The soul of the game shifts over the tides of it that the Milan Indians of ‘54 were in the same role. They time. It was dominated by the high school game and the had actually been to the 1953 Finals. But the story line of single class tournament from 1910 through the early ‘70s, David slaying Goliath was too sensational to dismiss from with occasional spikes coming from the Fort Wayne Pis- Sports Illustrated to Hollywood. tons, Branch McCracken’s early IU champions, Purdue’s “I think they’ll win it all,” said Plump, who also Rick Mount, those riveting Notre Dame-UCLA histronics, starred for Butler. “They’ve got a great system, they’re just Ruth Riley’s Notre Dame/Purdue women’s title era, and getting better players these days.” Larry Bird’s Indiana State showdown with Magic Johnson. Yes, the heart and soul of the Hoosier game at the It shifted to Knight’s Hoosiers from 1973 through 1992 with century mark beats loudly, proudly and with great integrity the three NCAA titles and five Final Fours. at Hinkle. v Page 15 Thursday, April 8, 2010

Rich James, Post-Tribune: Does Indiana Gov. driving rainstorms on the court behind his high school, the Mitch Daniels want to be president? Yep. Is Daniels overtly story of Oscar Robertson in Indianapolis learning the game seeking the 2012 Republican nomination for president? by shooting worn and flat tennis balls at a basket in the No. Is he working behind the scenes to let the party know projects where he lived, the story of a young John Wooden he is ready to be courted? I highly suspect he is. Besides, making free throw after free throw in Martinsville. There why do you think he rides a Harley in parades other than are just magical sports places. You think about just some to broaden his political appeal. Would most Hoosiers like to of the baseball players from Alabama: Hank Aaron, Wil- see Daniels become president? I’d have to say that is a yes lie Mays, Ozzie Smith, Billy Williams, Willie McCovey, Don as well. Although if you posed that question just in this part Sutton and Early Wynn, among others. Or think about the of the state, the answer likely would be a resounding no. quarterbacks from Pennsylvania -- how could one state And one of those who would work hardest give us Joe Montana, John Unitas, Dan Marino, against Daniels would be Lake County Com- Joe Namath, Jim Kelly, Johnny Lujack, Babe missioner Gerry Scheub, who said, “Daniels Parilli, George Blanda and, hey, Matt Ryan and uses us as his poster child for getting ahead Matt Schaub? Indiana is just one of many places politically.” Scheub is referring to a couple that takes pride in its hoops -- North Carolina, of things: 1. Daniels’ insistence that Lake Kentucky, Kansas, New York City. But, yeah, I do County adopt a local option income tax, and, believe there is something a little bit different 2. Daniels’ comments a year ago about gov- about Indiana. Lisa was a reporter at a newspa- ernment in Lake County. The governor, dur- per where I once worked, and she would play ing an appearance in Griffith, said: “You are basketball with us sometimes. She was pretty entitled to all the lousy, crummy graft-ridden government good -- but what really stood out about her game was that you want and are willing to pay for. “I guess after five years she had the perfect jump shot form. Textbook perfect. Left of trying to speak always to the positive and encourage foot forward. Elbow straight and close to the body. Hand people to move in a positive direction, that I’m trying to ex- under the ball. Wrist flick at the end. She wasn’t especially press candidly my thought that I’m a little tired of waiting.” quick or tall. But if she was open, she did not miss. “Where Mitch was upset because Lake County’s legislators refused did you learn to shoot like that?” we would ask her. “I’m to consider any of the government reform recommenda- from Indiana,” was her simple response. v tions in the Kernan/Shepard report. Ever since essentially calling us all crooks in Lake County, Mitch has pretty much John Kass, Chicago Tribune: What’s happening to been a stranger. Maybe it’s simply that he has been so busy President Barack Obama, America’s No. 1 White Sox fan, working on that presidential thing. I actually think Mitch’s is just absolutely terrible. OK, sure, the poor guy commit- campaign for president started a few years ago when he ted a grievous baseball sin. But now he’s taking a beating, started balancing the state budget on the backs of the the kind Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano would give his own taxpayers. But be forewarned. The door has been left open catcher, or maybe his manager. It almost reminds me of for more irrational behavior during his last two-plus years the time CBS’ Katie Couric sweetly asked Sarah Palin what as governor. He’s taken care of the guns. Are God and gays she liked to read. Palin drew a blank and reporters never v next? let her live it down. But I say, let’s leave the poor president alone. After all, he’s a White Sox fan, isn’t he? Obama’s Joe Posnanski, Sports Illustrated: What I think troubles started Monday after he threw out the ceremonial makes Indianapolis the perfect Final Four locale is ... well, first pitch at the Washington Nationals home opener. He it’s Indiana. And yes, I buy into all the Indiana basketball threw lefty and missed the plate, which wasn’t surpris- stuff -- the Hoosiers poster of the sneakers outside with ing. What was surprising is what happened after he joined Indiana farmland in the background is enough to get me to announcer Rob Dibble in the booth for some happy talk. tear up a little bit. This Final Four -- with little Butler play- Dibble commented on Obama’s hat — a nicely faded black ing in its hometown in some sort of Hoosiers remake while Sox cap — which the president proudly wore on the mound Bob Huggins leads his impossibly tough West Virginia team reminding all of us once again of the heroic team from against irrepressible Duke -- is something close to per- Chicago that has actually won a World Series in the past fect. It should only happen here. Yes, I do buy in. Not so 100 years. Dibble asked the fateful question, one so easy long ago, I went on a basketball tour of the great state of that Hawk Harrelson would have called it a “can of corn.” Indiana. The main reason was Lisa. Well, there were other Dibble: “Who was one of your favorite White Sox players reasons too, of course -- like the story of Milan High (and growing up?” Obama: “You know … uh … I thought that … the not entirely dissimilar movie “Hoosiers” that it sparked), you know … the truth is, that a lot of the Cubs I liked too.” the story of Larry Bird in French Lick shooting baskets in Ouch. v Page 16 Thursday, April 8, 2010

Gallup sees strong month in Alabama when he made In a lavish chamber within the Czech headlines by complaining about Presi- capital’s presidential castle complex, anti-incumbent trend dent Barack Obama’s public criticism the two presidents put their names WASHINGTON - Fewer than of a court decision (McCleery, India- to history. The treaty must be now half of Americans would reelect their napolis Star). Still, Roberts managed be ratified by Russia’s parliament and member of Congress, according to a to bolster the same point he pressed by the U.S. Senate, where the White new Gallup Poll. Forty-nine percent earlier: that Americans should guard House lobbying effort is under way. of the 968 registered voters surveyed against encroachment by Congress “Today is an important milestone for would vote to reelect the incumbent and the White House upon the high nuclear security and nonproliferation, from their court’s functions. Roberts, who has In- and for U.S.-Russia relations,” Obama district. Forty diana roots, was the featured speaker said. Medvedev hailed the signing as a percent said at the James P. White Lecture on Legal historic event that would launch a new their member Education at the Indiana University chapter of cooperation between the does not de- School of Law-Indianapolis. This time, countries. serve reelec- he referred to history to make his tion. Asked if case about the proper relationship most mem- between the court and other branches Right to Life won’t bers deserve of government. In 1937, Roberts said, endorse Democrats reelection, President Franklin D. Roosevelt tried EVANSVILLE - The Indiana only 28 percent said yes. Sixty-five to force the retirement of justices Right to Life Political Action Committee percent did not believe most mem- who opposed some of his New Deal today announced that it has formally bers of Congress deserve to return to proposals on constitutional grounds. adopted a resolution denying endorse- Washington. The poll, released late “He didn’t like the idea the court was ments to all Democratic candidates as Wednesday, shows a strong anti-in- trying to block his efforts to lead the a direct result of recent passage of the cumbent swing just in the past year, country out of the Great Depression,” pro-abortion health care reform bill with the percentage of those who said Roberts said. A “free and independent with support from Indiana congress- most members do not deserve reelec- judiciary” is important to the nation, men Brad Ellsworth, Joe Donnelly, tion spiking from the low 50s up to he added. Judges, for their part, and Baron Hill. In addition, Indiana 65 percent. “Voters’ anti-incumbent should respect the roles of the ex- Right to Life is encouraging pro-life mood is like nothing Gallup has seen ecutive and legislative branches, and organizations around the nation to in the past four midterm election stick to their responsibility of acting follow its lead in sending a message to cycles,” Gallup’s Lydia Saad wrote in as neutral arbitrators of the law, he the Democratic Party and its leader- her analysis of the survey. “While added. “You have to ask yourself: Is ship that its support for abortion is that could have a negative impact on it something for the court to decide, unacceptable. In 2008, Indiana Right incumbents from both parties, the or is it something for one of the other to Life PAC adopted a similar but greater exposure of the Democrats by branches to decide?” non-universal policy when it opted virtue of their majority status means to withhold endorsements only from greater risk for their candidates,” she Democratic candidates for Congress wrote. “Additionally, both parties have Obama, Medvedev sign or the Indiana House of Representa- seen their majority control of Congress nuke reduction treaty tives. The new resolution extends wiped out in midterm elections with PRAGUE - Reaching anew for the no-endorsement policy to all less anti-incumbent fervor than is seen peace, President Barack Obama and Democratic candidates. “Our leader- today. Simply put, the party in power Russian President Dmitry Medvedev ship anguished over this decision,” seems to take the brunt of voters’ on Thursday signed a treaty to shrink notes IRTL-PAC chairman Mike Fichter. wrath in these situations.” their nations’ nuclear arsenals, the “Had Democrats like Brad Ellsworth biggest such pact between the former held firm in opposing federal funding Roberts calls for Cold War foes in a generation (As- for abortion in the health care bill, sociated Press). Tenaciously negoti- we likely would have rewarded such separation of powers ated by even the leaders themselves, action with a bipartisan endorsement INDIANAPOLIS - U.S. Su- the treaty commits their nations to policy. Ellsworth’s collapse under preme Court Chief Justice John Rob- slash the number of strategic nuclear pressure from the White House and erts avoided controversy in remarks warheads by one-third and more than Speaker Pelosi, as well as the collapse Wednesday to Indiana University law halve the number of missiles, sub- of his colleagues Joe Donnelly and students -- unlike an appearance last marines and bombers carrying them. Baron Hill, leaves us with no alterna- Page 17 Thursday, April 8, 2010

tive. Leadership matters, and the Indiana Patriots (Times of Northwest strained and aggressive driving. The reality is that Democratic leaders are Indiana). The decision was taken out Indiana Criminal Justice Institute says advancing an abortion agenda at an of the hands of the Portage Township about 12,000 citations were issued for alarming rate that will only be checked School Board on Wednesday when violations that included failure to use by a Republican majority.” Fichter the district received notification from seat belts, speeding, red-light run- adds that Democrats who wish to see the Marine Corps JROTC headquarters ning. More than 500 criminal arrests a return of a bipartisan endorsement in Washington that directed the high were made for various offenses such policy must work to change the party’s school group not to participate in the as illegal drug possession, outstanding platform on abortion and to change its April 14 event. The board canceled warrants, and felony DUI. There were party leadership. “The ball is the the its Wednesday afternoon meeting to 424 criminal misdemeanor arrests Democratic Party’s court,” says Fichter. debate the JROTC’s participation in the made. “As long as it continues to advance an event. Second Lt. Brian Villiard, train- abortion agenda, its candidates will ing and education command spokes- 2,000 to be hired for not receive our support.” man from the MC JROTC headquarters in Washington, said Wednesday the conservation corps Ellsworth has no regrets tea party appears, from its flier, to be INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana’s a political rally. The Department of Young Hoosiers Conservation Corps is over health vote Defense directive 1344.10 prohibits accepting applications for about 2,000 INDIANAPOLIS - Wednesday, the participation of any armed forces summer jobs with the Departments of as Ellsworth stopped in Indianapolis personnel, whether active duty or Transportation and Natural Resources as part of his “Indiana Works” tour, in JROTC, from participating in such an (Associated Press). The corps will hire which he talks to businesses around event, he said. “We want to avoid the people ages 18 to 24 for jobs paying the state, he acknowledged that the appearance of the military leaning to- $8.50 per hour and lasting about 16 vote could cost him support at the wards one side or another, whether it weeks. Some hired as supervisors will polls. “You have to assume that it is a conservative or liberal group,” said work 18 to 24 weeks and earn $9.50 would,” he said (Indianapolis Star). Villiard, adding that the military must per hour. All of the positions will begin But, he added, “it may also gain votes remain independent and unbiased no earlier than May 3 and end by Oc- from other areas.” And, he said, he when it comes to political activities. tober 2. The state is using about $12 has no regrets. “I’m glad we took it Faith Jones, founder of the Northwest million in federal stimulus funds for on,” he said of the issue. “It was a de- Indiana Patriots, said she “respect- the jobs, which are open to residents bate that needed to happen. Although fully” disagrees with the decision. of all but one of Indiana’s 92 coun- the bill’s not perfect, and it’s certainly “We are not a political party. We are ties. Marion County uses its portion of been controversial, to sit back and do about educating concerned citizens stimulus funds on a separate summer nothing was not an option.” on their constitutional rights. We are jobs program. nonpartisan,” said Jones, adding she Sen. Klobuchar to was disappointed the board meeting Indiana lags in Social was canceled because she wanted to keynote JJ Dinner address what she feels is incorrect Security disability claims INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana information disseminated about her BELLEVILLE, Ill. - Indiana Democratic Party announced that U.S. group. “They have taken away our ranks among the worse in the nation Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota ability to speak,” she said. in backlogs of Social Security Disabil- will headline the annual Jefferson- ity Insurance claims, according to a Jackson Day Dinner on May 14. The new report, exacerbating the financial party will also hold a $500-a-head 475 arrested in straits of thousands of Hoosiers in des- VIP reception honoring outgoing U.S. state DUI blityz perate need (Straub, Evansville Cou- Senator Evan Bayh prior to the dinner. INDIANAPOLIS - A statewide rier & Press). Allsup, a Belleville, Ill., police crackdown on unlawful driv- company that offers disability compen- Portage ROTC can’t ing in Indiana between March 5 and sation services, reports that individuals March 21 led to about 475 alcohol- seeking Social Security assistance in participate in Tea Party related arrests (Associated Press). Indiana wait an average of 537.4 days PORTAGE - Members of the Law enforcement officers logged more for their applications to be processed. Portage High School JROTC will not be than 9,000 hours of overtime during That compares with a national average participating in an upcoming tea party the effort aimed at impaired, unre- of 442 days. event sponsored by the Northwest