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Home , Secret Service code name, Sue Ellspermann, Susan Brooks, Tim Kaine

V21, 45 Thursday, July 28, 2016

Holcomb faces time, money gauntlet over U.S. Reps. GOP nominee must staff Susan Brooks up, unbind the Pence and on the first funds and form a ticket ballot, reported that a By BRIAN A. HOWEY main stanchion – If there was an for the Holcomb understatement enunciated on Tuesday nomination, when ’s sensational political cycle having access reached another apex on a cascading to Gov. Mike range, it was newly minted Republican Pence’s $7.4 gubernatorial nominee million cam- saying, “This year, as many of you know, paign fund, has taken many wasn’t com- twists and turns pletely correct. and I am ready And as Hol- to take this next comb, Brooks call and lead us and Rokita to victory.” He made their preceded that cases before observation by saying, “We’ve got work the committee, Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb reacts to his nomination Tuesday as U.S. Rep. to do and a short time to get there.” this dilemma Susan Brooks looks on. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey) Just minutes after Holcomb won didn’t come up, a second-ballot nomination by the Indi- ana Republican Central Committee, after leading 11-9-2 Continued on page 3 Pence’s unique history By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS – Republican vice presidential nominee will occupy a unique perch in the pantheon of modern Indiana governors. Since the Indiana Constitution was changed to allow governors to serve two consecutive terms, Pence will “, if you’re listening, be the elected “one-termer” in a group of seven to have served I hope you’re able to find the in the era. He could be only the 30,000 emails that are missing. second governor to move up the political food chain and into the If Russia, or any other federal executive branch, join- ing Doc Bowen who served as country has those emails, I mean secretary of Health and Human to be honest with you, I’d love to Services, but that is a verdict to be determined in November. see them.” Other governors in this - era advanced in other arenas, Page 2 with Mitch Daniels taking the presi- often seen as a key argument for a dency at , Robert Orr presidential bid. becoming ambassador to Singapore, So why was the Pence reelect and joining the U.S. Sen- under such duress? Gene Ulm, the ate for two terms. Should there be a Public Opinion Strategies pollster for Vice President Pence, it would come WTHR/Howey Politics Indiana, said of 100 years after Gov. Thomas Marshall Pence’s 49-45% lead over Gregg in served in that office, 131 years after April (with a 44/40% approve/disap- Gov. Thomas A. Hendricks was elected prove), “Indiana should be a slam to the office, and 28 years after the dunk for Republicans. But you have Howey Politics Indiana last Hoosier, , ascended. an incumbent governor polling at 49 WWHowey Media, LLC 405 The difference between Pence, Hen- percent for all the reasons you know, Massachusetts Ave., Suite dricks and Marshall is 300 Indianapolis, IN 46204 that the two Democrats weren’t forced by law to www.howeypolitics.com give up their gubernato- rial nominations to seek Brian A. Howey, Publisher the vice presidency. Mark Schoeff Jr., Washington He could have Jack E. Howey, Editor been the second sitting governor to lose a race, Mary Lou Howey, Editor joining Gov. , Maureen Hayden, Statehouse but that is a situation Mark Curry, Randy Gentry that will go unresolved in photography history. Pence led Demo- Gov. Mike Pence listens to Donald Trump’s acceptance Subscriptions crat John Gregg in every speech last Thursday in Cleveland. (HPI Photo by Randy independent poll taken Gentry) HPI, HPI Daily Wire $599 during the 2016 cycle, but HPI Weekly, $350 he was ominously lodged in the lower against a Democratic nominee un- Ray Volpe, Account Manager 40th percentile in most head-to-heads known to half the voters. This is an up 317.602.3620 with Gregg, and his reelect stood at or down vote on Pence. That’s what’s 36%. driving it.” email: [email protected] Pence framed his reelection The reasons “we all know” Contact HPI bid around economic development, is that after conspicuously avoiding [email protected] citing the 147,000 private sector job virtually any discussion of divisive so- Howey’s cell: 317.506.0883 additions since 2013, and a jobless cial issues during his 2012 campaign rate that fell by more than 3% under with Gregg, Pence’s evangelical allies Washington: 202.256.5822 his watch. He would often proclaim led him into the HJR-3 constitutional Business Office: 317.602.3620 the most employed Hoosiers in the marriage debate in 2014, the Religious state’s 200-year history. In 2015, he Freedom Restoration Act in 2015, © 2016, Howey Politics observed that more than $3 billion and the HEA1337 law this Indiana. All rights reserved. had been invested by Indiana busi- year. Pence didn’t initiate any of these nesses during that year alone, with controversies as governor, but he ac- Photocopying, Internet forward- the total figure during his term cer- quiesced on RFRA and HEA1337 with ing, faxing or reproducing in tainly north of $5 billion. bad staff work and disastrous optics any form, whole or part, is a Pence would cite his “larg- and criticism. The RFRA episode, and violation of federal law without est tax cut in Indiana history.” The his dodgy defense of the law on ABC’s permission from the publisher. state’s corporate income tax rate has “This Week” in late March 2015, for all been steadily decreasing, standing at intensive purposes ended any notion 6.25% and destined to 4.9% by 2021, of his own presidential bid in 2016. the year he would have exited had he He also persistently locked won reelection in November. Pence horns with Democratic Supt. Glenda expanded school choice, creating the Ritz, angering the sprawling educa- nation’s most robust voucher program, tion networks that fueled her upset and invested $800 million in and of Supt. Tony Bennett in 2012. That bridges. He ended Common Core, the network was poised for reactivation “first governor” to do so, and that was this November. Page 3

Essentially, Pence became the most polarizing gov- 30,000 emails. He then said this: “Honestly, I wish I had ernor in modern Indiana history, which was ironic given his that power. I’d love to have that power.” That’s a state- sunny, upbeat personality. All of his television age prede- ment that would make a Watergate burglar blush. cessors had emerged from the mainstream and centrist or Pence found himself rebuking his , business wings of their parties. There wasn’t an ideologue saying, “The FBI will get to the bottom of who is behind or radical until Pence came along. the hacking. If it is Russia and they are interfering in our Donald Trump threw Pence a political lifeline. elections, I can assure you both parties and the United Even though his RFRA “fix” signing created problems on States government will ensure there are serious conse- his political right, Pence’s squeaky clean background and quences.” his general good standing with national social conserva- Chilling. tives, as well as the Capitol Hill relationships he has with Part of Pence’s success has been his discipline heavyweights like House Speaker , made him as a stay-on-message politician. Google “Mike Pence” and an attractive vice presidential contender. His RNC speech “crazy quotes” and all you find are talking points, a much last week was a resounding success, stroking all of those different proposition than doing so with Trump, constituencies. Pence’s reelection tribulations were mere or . It made Pence predictable. Most mem- footnotes in the national media and hardly disqualifying. bers of the Indiana Statehouse press corps can easily But Pence is now at a tipping point in his recite his points. A conversation with Pence came inside career. His relationship with Trump has been erratic from a form, with topic restrictions and time allotments much the start, with the presidential nominee vacillating on the like the last presidentially ambitious governor (Evan Bayh). Pence selection in the hours after Mike and Governors without such ambition lead to much more inter- boarded the flight to Teterboro. Long seen as a principled esting conversations on a wide range of topics. conservative, unlike Trump who has been all over the map As one Indiana Republican Central Committee on an array of issues, Pence is now changing his positions. member observed, the Pence vice presidential nomination Trump’s Muslim ban, which Pence originally termed “offen- is like “a baseball trade that was good for both teams.” sive” and “unconstitutional” now has his imprimatur. After So at this writing, it could be either Vice President Trump’s Wednesday night air kiss, after Pence’s ringing Pence, or he could be poised for the dustbin of failed vice acceptance speech, the presidential nominee followed up presidential nominees (i.e. William Miller, Geraldine Fer- a night later by calling for LGBT rights. As governor, Pence raro, , Dan Quayle, ) who never blocked such civil rights expansions. He has remained resonated as presidential candidates. Pence could get a mute on the issue thus far, but it almost certainly will come Fox News show. He could challenge U.S. Sen. up in his Oct. 4 debate with Democrat . in 2018. Or he could plot a 2020 presidential try, run- And then there was Trump’s Wednesday remarks ning at the risk of another celebrity candidate or perhaps where he called on the Russians to find ’s . v

told HPI, “It’s all going to get worked out. It’s not a prob- Holcomb, from page 1 lem and it’s not going to be a problem. Eric Holcomb is go- informed and reliable sources tell HPI. ing to have plenty of money to run this race. A fair amount In Pence’s two-week mad dash to the vice presi- of it will come from the Mike Pence campaign. The other dential nomination, the critical decision that wasn’t made piece is there’s a lot of money being raised and people are was moving those funds to either really energized about the race.” the Republican Governors As- Holcomb said Wednesday sociation, the Indiana Republican at his first joint appearance Party or a specific candidate. with John Gregg, “I’ll let When Pence accepted the nomi- Gov. Pence speak for every nation on July 20, the money fell penny he decides to spend. I under new FEC guidelines. “Since am concerned about rais- Day One of his governorship to ing the money I need. I am yesterday, this has all been about confident I can do that. We’ll Mike Pence,” one influential Re- raise the millions it will take publican told HPI. “There was not to get the message out over adequate time to research all the the next 100 days.” issues.” Holcomb ended up with the support of the financial On Wednesday morning, Lt. Gov. Holcomb visits with former Republican chairman tandem of Grand and Dan Republican kingmaker Bob Grand Mike McDaniel in Cleveland last week. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Dumezich. As Brooks gained Page 4 momentum late last week – something Grand says didn’t Daniels prism, where Holcomb was a deputy chief of staff, happen – sources say that Grand helped orchestrate a se- an enforcer, who then managed Daniels’ 2008 reelect that ries of endorsements that included Pence, Sen. churned through the phenomenon to forge and National Committeewoman Marsha Coats, National a 58% landslide win. Holcomb would then take the helm Committeeman John Hammond III, former chairman Jim of the Indiana GOP. Kittle and others who positioned Holcomb for the nomi- “I am ready to take Indiana to that next level,” nation. The Holcomb camp consistently claimed enough Holcomb said in the kind of parlance that Daniels used support for a first-ballot win, but ultimately couldn’t get back in his “comeback” days. “We have accomplished so over the top during the first round. On the second ballot, much in the last decade. I’ve had a front row seat and sources believe that Dumezich switched his vote from Rok- learned a lot. I’ve been at the table helping Gov. Mitch ita to Holcomb, giving him additional mojo in the emerging Daniels and Gov. Mike Pence. We cannot, cannot, and Holcomb universe. Not forgotten was Brooks’ primary vic- the reason I ran, is we cannot afford to allow the state to tory in 2012 over Dumezich ally David McIntosh, who now slip and go backwards into debt and delayed payments to heads . schools.” The Pence money dilemma can be solved, one “The only way we can continue Indiana’s progress source told HPI, with a chunk of the RGA money returned is by joining together which we have done this morn- to that organization, which can ing and this afternoon,” Holcomb then be reallocated to Holcomb, or said as he was flanked by Brooks, simply spent by the RGA. For an Rokita and Chairman Jeff Cardwell, individual who donated $5,000, for who had promised a “level play- instance, $2,700 can be spent by ing field.” While a united front was the campaign under FEC rules now presented, it was a bruising process that Pence is a federal candidate, that played out in a scant 12 days and $3,300 could be returned to in Cleveland and Indianapolis. the donor, who could then donate When the dust settled, Holcomb it back to the Holcomb campaign. had $20,000 in his own campaign But in a 100-sprint that the account and, according to John campaign against John Gregg has Gregg campaign sources, has become, having to jump through Lt. Gov. Holcomb nominated Gov. Mike Pence for statewide name ID in the 15% such hoops to gain access to fund- vice president at the Republican National Conven- range. He faces the Democrat who ing has the potential to bog the tion in Cleveland. has raised more than $10 million, machine down. And it comes as including close to $1 million in the U.S. Senate nominee is facing a similar mad three weeks plus since the mid-year reporting deadline. dash-for-cash dilemma, having found himself going from The Democratic Governors Association just put $500,000 a significant money edge over to trailing Evan cash into the Gregg campaign, and there is another $2 Bayh by a nearly 10-to-1 margin. Bayh is currently redefin- million to $3 million in that pipeline, according to knowl- ing himself with heavy statewide TV buy and it is only a edgeable Gregg campaign sources. matter of time before he begins his assault against Young. Since Gregg began his TV ad campaign on May 5, Sources tell HPI that the GOP donor class, now under he not only has defined himself, but his statewide name ID heavy duress, believes that out-of-state super PAC money is now 61% and growing. Gregg campaign spokesman Jeff will stabilize Young’s finances, as a current $1 million super Harris said that the RGA ads aimed at Gregg “have had no PAC ad buy demonstrates. But in a race that could decide impact on our polling. It was so over the top in tone.” control the U.S. Senate, Bayh also stands to bring in such funds. Young campaign manager Trevor Foughty believes Party unity and LGBT a lot of money for both Holcomb and Young will flow in Rokita and Brooks appeared unified, but tired, at nationally. “These races will turn on a lot of factors, but the end of Tuesday’s historic caucus. Both will rally around not money. There will be plenty of help,” he said. Holcomb. But there was a dissonance in some quarters. “Let me just reiterate, I am going to support him,” Holcomb steps into a maelstrom Rokita said. Brooks added, “I want to congratulate Lt. Gov. Holcomb won the 22-person committee vote with Holcomb on his selection by the state committee to be the a combination of a “next man up” sentiment, longtime re- Republican nominee for governor of Indiana and thank the lationships with many of the committee members, and the committee for their time and consideration. He is a strong Pence endorsement. Had Holcomb lost, it would have been representative of our party and is committed to continuing an embarrassment for Pence in Trump world, where power the past 12 years of fiscal discipline, low taxes and conser- is everything and weakness is akin to a four-letter word. vative leadership of our state that has boosted our econo- While Holcomb was elevated by Pence to LG, my and brought good jobs for Hoosiers. Over the next 105 many committee members view him through the Mitch days, I will work hard to support Lt. Gov. Holcomb and to Page 5 ensure that we beat John Gregg in the fall.” Holcomb began his U.S. Senate campaign on But not everyone was on board. Former Angie’s March 26, 2015, just hours before Gov. Pence signed the List CEO Bill Oesterle tweeted following the caucus: disastrous Religious Freedom Restoration Act. In his cam- “Between the abortion bill, the (Sue) Ellspermann axing, paign kickoff, Holcomb said, “This campaign will be about and the Brooks passover, 2016 has been debilitating for what we are for, not simply about what we are against. GOP women. Makes me sick.” He also pointed to the Lugar This campaign will seek to attract people of diverse back- Series, which claims, “We are increasing the number of grounds and perspectives and experiences. We will wel- Republican women in elected and appointed government come and engage them.” political positions at local, state and federal levels.” It was Holcomb is straddling a line here, much like Pence. something that Brooks spent significant time advocating at He can’t alienate the party’s evangelical wing, where his the Republican National Convention. roots are. Holcomb came into the Daniels universe via U.S. “I can’t speak for Congresswoman Brooks. But Rep. . For Daniels, Holcomb was an early if I were her, I would declare this a total farce,” Oesterle emissary to the evangelical and social conservative wing tweeted. of the party. But Holcomb knows he needs independents Many Republicans view Oesterle as estranged and moderates to defeat Gregg. In an interview with HPI in from the GOP, though his credentials as Gov. Daniels’ first Cleveland, Holcomb reiterated his support for Pence during campaign manager, his $150,000 donation to Mike Pence the civil rights debate, but acknowledged that he joined in the 2012 campaign and his push for LGBT civil rights the Pence administration without a litmus test, and said he expansion, resonate in the moderate, business wing of the had expanded perspectives in the tight Pence inner circle. party. That Pence polled only 59% among Republicans in the doughnut counties in the April WTHR/Howey Politics Selecting an LG Indiana Poll was a glaring problem for Pence’s reelect. Holcomb now faces a critical lieutenant governor The LGBT civil rights expansion surfaced within selection and he will certainly be looking at gender. Asked minutes of Holcomb’s selection. Asked where he stood on about forming a ticket, Holcomb said, “We have much work LGBT rights, he said, “We’ll play it as it comes to my desk. to do today. I’ve told the state committee I want to get We have a balance of protecting our religious liberties their advice and counsel and we’ll start doing that now.” while not discriminating. That’s how we’ll approach the is- Friday is the filing deadline for candidacy and the sue. We’ll continue to move this Central Committee will reconvene state forward.” next Monday to formally select a The issue resurfaced running mate, though Holcomb will after Republican presidential have significant input in that pro- nominee Donald Trump made a cess. Holcomb said Wenesday, “I sharp departure from the party have received over the last 24 hours on the issue, with running mate a lot of interest from folks inside Pence by his side. “As president, the typical box to outside the box. I will do everything in my power I don’t want to rule anything out at to protect LGBTQ citizens from the moment. We’ll know a lot more the violence and oppression by the week’s end. I do want some- of a hateful foreign ideology,” one who is willing to work every day Trump said during his Republi- to make this state better.” can National Convention accep- Treasurer , Auditor and That list will almost certainly tance speech, which was greeted Secretary of State Connie Lawson could be on Hol- include Secretary of State Con- with applause. Then he went off comb’s LG list. nie Lawson (who, sources tell HPI, script: “And, I have to say, as a was invited to be vetted for the Ellspermann opening last Republican, it is so nice to hear you cheering for what I winter), Treasurer Kelly Mitchell, Auditor Suzanne Crouch, just said.” State Sen. Erin Houchin, as well as LaPorte Mayor Blair Asked whether he would seek a “truce on social Milo, an early Holcomb backer who nominated him at the issues” with the Indiana General Assembly, that his boss, Indiana Republican Convention in June. Another source former Gov. Mitch Daniels had called for in 2010, Hol- said that Holcomb has his eyes on retired Maj. Gen. Erika comb said, “The General Assembly will focus on what the Stuterman of Lafayette and Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers. General Assembly wants to focus on. I’m going to focus on Curt Smith of the Indiana Family Institute is known economic development, community development and to to be pushing U.S. Rep. , who finished make sure the state provides excellent service.” second to Todd Young in the U.S. Senate race. Others likely Holcomb was asked about the impact of Trump to make an original list would include former Indianapolis on the Indiana gubernatorial race and he called Trump Mayor Greg Ballard, who would help the ticket in India- “a strong asset. I consider a strong Trump/Pence ticket a napolis and the more moderate doughnut counties, and At- strong asset.” torney General Greg Zoeller. Portage Mayor James Snyder Page 6 is openly seeking the job, lobbying pace in filling in the gaps. for it at the RNC in Cleveland. In Gregg, he faces a much more disciplined and funded candidate Epilogue than the Democrat was in 2012. Holcomb found a midsum- The Gregg 2.0 campaign com- mer way station on one of the most prises Hoosier operatives, instead stunning rises in Hoosier political of the DGA-placed team of outsid- history, winning a 12-day guberna- ers in 2012. Longtime O’Bannonite torial nomination sprint after Gov. Tom New has set the proper tone Pence ascended to the vice presi- and oversight for this enterprise. dential nomination. In the span of Gregg’s media via SKD Knicker- five months, Holcomb had evolved bocker looks, sounds and resonates from a third-place U.S. Senate can- better than his folksy 2012 TV ads. didate to the party’s gubernatorial And Gregg is working in tandem standard bearer in the most unpre- with Supt. Glenda Ritz, whereas dictable election cycle during the four years ago there wasn’t such Lt. Gov. Holcomb greets Democrat John Gregg state’s bicentennial year. synchronicity. That year, Ritz ben- at their first joint appearance in Indianapolis on He is known as a happy efitted greatly from the sprawling Wednesday. (WRTV Photo) warrior, with vivid relationships in and disaffected education network all 92 counties. He is in a groove when it comes to his that is poised to reactive this fall. rhetorical skills, his talking points, his reasoned criticism of Key telltales will be how the RGA responds next Gregg, and making a case for his candidacy. Holcomb said week, who Holcomb’s LG pick is, who takes command staff on Wednesday that he will “lean into it” with his eyes “on positions, and whether the Pence war chest can be un- the windshield and not on the rear view mirror.” locked and put into use in a timely fashion. But given the Holcomb faces a time and money crunch. He will sensational twists and turns, HPI is moving this race. HPI inherit the remaining parts of the Pence campaign team Horse Race Status: Leans Gregg. v who didn’t depart for Trump Inc., and he faces a furious Page 7

in the history of the nation has ever known less or been Obama passes baton less prepared to deal with our national security.” Biden went on to endorse Hillary fully saying “Ev- erybody knows she is smart. Everyone knows she is tough. before united party But I know what she is passionate about. I know Hillary. By THOMAS CURRY Hillary understands. Hillary gets it. The 21st century is and MARK CURRY going to be the American century. Because we lead not PHILADELPHIA – President Obama spoke of only by the example of our power, but by the power of our optimism and how he is ready to “pass the baton”onto example. That is the history of the journey of Americans. nominee Hillary Clinton when he spoke to a “crazy united” And God willing, Hillary Clinton will write the next chapter Democratic National Convention. “We don’t fear the future; in that journey.” we shape it, embrace it, as one people, In contrast, VP nominee Tim Kaine didn’t illicit than we are on our own. That’s what Hillary Clinton under- the same response and energy from the crowd that the stands – this fighter, this stateswoman, this mother and current VP did. However, it was still an effective speech by grandmother, this public servant, this patriot – that’s the Kanie who gave a similar message to the introduction of America she’s fighting for.” himself he gave in Florida last week. The Senator Obama also took the op- talked about his life story and how he entered into public portunity to thank Bernie Sander’s service, with his union worker father being an important supporters, essentially extending role model to him and the impact of spending a year as a an olive branch to the Sanders Jesuit in . supporters who have not come He also attempted to sell himself to the Sander’s around to Hillary yet. “We all need supporters who were unsatisfied with him being the VP to be as vocal and as organized pick. “We all should feel the Bern” Kaine proclaimed as the and as persistent as ’ supporters have Wells Fargo Center broke out into Bernie! chants. It was been. We all need to get out and vote for Democrats up when Kaine mocked Donald Trump’s signature “believe and down the ticket” me” slogan that the VP nominee show how he would fare It came on the third night of the Democratic in the traditional attack dog role given to VP’s on the cam- National Convention, Democrats rolled out their most star- paign trail. Mocking Trump’s voice, Kaine jestered with the studded speaking line up yet, creating a stark contrast to crowd on Trump not releasing his tax returns saying “Hey, the Republican National Convention that saw many high ranking Repub- licans sit out; including the staple Bush family. The first two nights saw moving speeches from runner up Sen. Bernie Sanders, First Lady Mi- chelle Obama and former President in an attempt to both unify the party and humanize Hillary Clinton after her ratings plummeted to 38% in the wake of the email scandal. Wednesday night saw more political big leaguers address the convention with a speakers list including President Barrack Obama, Vice President , former mayor Bloomberg, and Senate Minority Donald, what are you hiding? And yet, Donald still says, leader . believe me. Believe me. Believe me? Believe me? I mean, Biden excited the crowd and delivered a passion- here’s the thing, most people when they run for president, ate speech that perhaps had delegates wandering if Biden they don’t just say, believe me, they respect you enough was the right man for the Presidential job he chose not to to tell you how they will get things done.” He went on fur- run for earlier in the year. Joining in on one of the major ther to ask “So here’s the question, here’s the question, do themes of the convention of attacking Republican nominee you really believe him?” and the audience responded with Donald Trump, Biden called out Trump’s lack of foreign a resounding no. policy experience and questioned his knowledge on gov- Many in the Indiana Delegation saw Wednesday erning. “He has no clue about what makes America great. nights line up as great speakers who moved to unite the Actually, he has no clue period.....no major party nominee party. South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg told HPI that Page 8

“Obama made a compelling “Bernie Sanders gave an incred- case for Hillary” and that ibly profound and gracious speech “America is called to our on Monday,” explained Bernie highest values...those values delegate Elizabeth Hyde of India- make us unite as Democrats napolis. “We were touched by his and the more we see of those words, and Bernie has done his values the less we will see of part to mend fences. Party unity is Donald Trump.” an interesting concept. By defini- A significant portion tion, a party is a group of many of Bernie Sanders’s Indiana people, with many strong opin- delegation did not attend the ions on many issues. Those in the convention Wednesday night, movement begun by Bernie Sand- however Elizabeth Hyde, ers are a remarkable group of bold a Sanders delegate who new leaders, and like any group of was involved in his Indiana leaders, we are not easily led.” campaign, thought that the State Rep. Linda Lawson, (D-Hammond), House Democratic Many of the Vermont senator’s night’s speakers would go a Floor Leader, joins in conversation with South Bend Mayor supporters were unhappy when long way to satisfy Berners. Pete Buttigieg while awaiting the start of Day 3 of the 2016 Hillary selected Kaine, a sena- Hyde particularly appreciated Democratic National Convention. (HPI Photos by Mark Curry) tor from Virginia who is not well Kaine’s “shout-out” to Bernie known by most Democrats. Both calling it a “very smart decision.” Spicer and Hyde anticipated Kaine’s convention speech It appears that while it may be slowly coming could make or break party unity. around during the week, party unity is achievable for the “To be more enthusiastic about Kaine I first need Democrats in Philadelphia after a rough week of party a better sense of who he is,” Hyde said hours before the divide. The stage is set for Hillary Clinton to speak tonight Virginia senator spoke. “Demographically, a middle-aged to delegates in what is leading up to be a critical speech in white man isn’t very new or exciting - I had hoped a boosting Hillary’s chances come this fall. person of color would be the choice for vice president. Last night’s all-star lineup at the Democratic Na- Representation is important... Our energy and passion is tional Convention may have succeeded in pulling the party a powerful force and I hope he’ll acknowledge that and together if the comments of Hoosier delegates are any reach out to us.” indication. Or, as a Bernie delegate said at the end of the Acknowledge and inspire he did. Several min- night, the Democratic Party “looks crazy united to me.” utes into his speech, Kaine, himself the former mayor of Richmond, Va., elicited cheers of “Bernie!” when he said, “I Indiana delegates react to speeches work on the Budget Committee with our great Democratic “I supported Sen. Sanders because of his honesty leader of that committee, a spectacular senator who used and his devotion to work for the good of all people,” said to be a mayor, Vermont’s Bernie Sanders. And, everybody, Tricia Gaustad, a Bernie delegate from Lawrenceville. “I we all should feel the Bern and we all should not want to knew after the California primary that Bernie would not get burned by the other guy.” win the nomination. So I was intellectually prepared for Geof Benson, a Hillary delegate who also serves Clinton to win. But last night, after seeing Larry Sanders on the Town Council of Beverly Shores, texted HPI during choke up and knowing how hard Bernie had worked for all Kaine’s speech. “He is winning over the crowd,” Benson of us, I just broke down. So many hearts like mine were said. “His depth of service and interest for doing for all is broken. But the next day, we got up, got dressed and are impressive.” prepared to move forward with his vision and the most Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) lauded Progressive Platform ever.” Kaine’s speech and is looking forward to a debate between Sue Spicer of Indianapolis, firmly in the Sanders Kaine and the Republican vice presidential candidate, column, told Howey Politics Indiana before the night’s Indiana’s native son Mike Pence. “We could not afford for proceedings that she believed national party leadership [Pence] and Trump to make the mistakes at the federal bungled an opportunity to move forward with reconcili- level that [Pence] has made at the state level.” ation earlier in the convention. In part, she said, Bernie Sharon Krieg, a Bernie delegate from Columbus, supporters were disappointed to find themselves outside said after the Kaine speech that she stands “95 percent” in the process after investing months of time and talent in agreement with the candidate. She predicted the majority a campaign they were convinced could win in November. of Sanders supporters will stand with Clinton, but added Much of the division within the party might have been “there will be always be a few hardcore Berners... The avoided if the convention schedule had provided time and best thing is I feel hopeful,” Krieg said. “I feel proud. I feel incentive for Sanders’ supporters to buy into the Clinton excited. So much better than the scare tactics last week.” nomination and negotiate a perceived gap in values. v Page 9

tion which, in its original form, was decidedly anti-Trump. Hoosier Republicans They now own what is emerging strongman rheto- ric, appeal and potentially the actions that follow if Trump can steer through a narrow path and defeat Hillary Clinton. embrace a strongman The consequences of such buy in are impossible to gauge By BRIAN A. HOWEY in the first drafts of history. NASHVILLE, Ind. – In a conversation last autumn, An American president can do little all by him- Indiana Republican National Committeeman John Ham- self. There’s that pesky body called “Congress.” There are mond III took measure of the growing Donald Trump laws. There’s the Supreme Court, which has the capacity phenomenon and produced this theory: Some Americans to render such declarations moot. Like many convention want a “strongman.” A Yankee version of Vladimir Putin, speeches, they are broad on themes and short on specif- who makes decisive decisions and takes dramatic action. ics. Usually there has been or quickly supplied white paper As the Ukraine overthrew its Russian backed leaders, Putin outlining goals. It’s not always doable. In 1980, Ronald initiated an insurgency and simply took the Crimea. No Reagan promised to cut taxes, rebuild the military and bal- one could stop him. ance the budget. He accomplished two out of three. But On Thursday night in Cleveland, Trump confirmed the policy underpinnings were there for all to inspect. With Hammond’s observation. In 76 Trump, Republicans have a leap of faith sentiment. Specif- rambling minutes, Trump fulfilled ics? “We trust our leader knows. We trust our leader will the desire by a shrinking white furnish the details on Jan. 20, 2017.” minority defined by a growing list Conservative Washington Post columnist of grievances, much of it situated Michael Gerson, a former aide to U.S. Sen. Dan Coats and in the Republican Party. Trump U.S. Rep. , reacted, saying, “Our constitutional sees it as a Nixonian “silent ma- system was designed to make personal rule both impos- jority,” which in 1968 it was. But sible and unnecessary. The idea that political salvation demographically, this voting bloc will soon be an American might be found simply by replacing one leader at the top minority. of government would have been regarded as perverse by “The forgotten men and women of our country — the Founders. The has benefited from skilled people who work hard but no longer have a voice: I am leaders — a Lincoln or an FDR — at moments of genuine your voice,” Trump declared, his face reddening as glisten- national crisis. But this is not such a time. And this is not ing with sweat as he continued. “I will restore law and such a leader.” order.” So when Trump says, “Nobody knows the system “I have a message better than me,” adding, for all of you: The crime “which is why I alone and violence that today can fix it,” this is populist afflicts our nation will soon authoritarianism in the come to an end. Begin- making. The irony, with ning on January 20, 2017, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence safety will be restored,” firmly in the Trump wings, Trump said, setting up the is that it is godless. most chilling line of the The Atlantic’s Yoni night. Appelbaum observed, “He “I alone can fix it.” broke with two centu- Was Trump setting ries of American political the stage for martial law? tradition, in which can- It sounded like it. Repub- didates for office — and licans on the convention above all, for the nation’s floor embraced the notion, shouting “USA, USA” and “Build highest office — acknowledge their fallibility and limita- that wall!” tions, asking for the help of their fellow Americans, and of For Hammond, the growing Trump power was God, to accomplish what they cannot do on their own.” a dilemma, prompting him not long after we talked to By Wednesday of this week, Trump stunned the declare Trump “unfit for the presidency.” But like many political establishment, urging Russians to permeate an American and Hoosier Republicans, coming from a state American presidential election. “Russia, if you’re listen- where 53% would vote for Trump in the Indiana primary ing, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are which clinched the nomination, a final determination after missing,” Trump said in reference to Hillary Clinton emails, much consternation and, finally, his own friend and gov- which, in fact, are not missing. “I think you will prob- ernor elevated to the ticket, Hammond came around. He ably be rewarded mightily by our press. They probably would support Trump, as did most of the Indiana delega- have them. I’d like to have them released. It gives me Page 10 no pause, if they have them, they have them. If Russia tion, which is music to Putin’s ears. The same Putin who or China or any other country has those emails, I mean, murders journalists, sows civil war and annexes terroritory. to be honest with you, I’d love to see them.” He added, Trump’s dire assessments and grievances bring Trump said, “Honestly, I wish I had that power. I’d love to a sharp contrast to that other actor turned revolutionary have that power.” populist, , who yearned for that “shining Spoken like a strongman! city on a hill, ” brought us “morning in America” and tried These remarks come after Trump told the New to eradicate nuclear weapons. Trump on Thursday night York Times he wouldn’t come to the rescue of a NATO gave us a dark foreboding moment before the clock strikes nation if it was behind in its payments to the organiza- midnight and all hell breaks loose. v

been the theme, the focus of the convention: “It’s change Questions after RNC versus status quo.” Q. What was the convention focus? By JACK COLWELL A. Hatred of Hillary. Knowing that Trump was SOUTH BEND – The Republican National Conven- regarded in a negative way by nearly two-thirds of Ameri- tion is over. Questions remain. cans – three percent viewing him unfavorably in a recent Q. Was the convention a success for Donald Gallup poll – Republican convention speakers focused on Trump? increasing the also-high negative view of Clinton. Speaker A. There were ups and downs for Trump. No after speaker didn’t try to promote Trump but rather to matter what the TV pundits say, the verdict that counts is sell that “she’s worse.” Some attacks were so negative that being delivered this weekend in they brought loud chants of “Lock her up!” the polls of Americans showing Q. Should they have skipped the negative? whether Trump got a conven- A. No. They could have stressed substance over tion bounce in support and, if snarky in drawing contrasts. But negative works. Just so, whether he has caught up in ask . His strategists instructed speakers at the the presidential race. 2004 Democratic National Convention to avoid attacking Q. The most important President George W. Bush and Republicans and to stick to event was Trump’s acceptance a positive theme. Kerry got no bounce in the polls from speech. Did he hit a home run the convention. He actually dropped in the Gallup poll. or strike out in seeking to con- And then speakers at the Republican National Convention vince voters that he is presi- ripped into Kerry, who sank to defeat. dential, not a buffoon; a steady Q. Why did Sen. Ted Cruz refuse to endorse leader, not a loose cannon? Trump after Cruz was given time for a major speech? A. No home run. His A. In addition to the fact that Cruz despises Trump speech lacked the cadence of stirring oratory and dragged for attacks on his wife and father and on himself in the on at times, no doubt losing viewers in many homes “Lyin’ Ted” mantra, Cruz chose to bet his political future on around the nation as he spoke for over an hour and a the belief that Trump will lose big in the presidential elec- quarter. But he didn’t strike out. Trump touched all the tion. If Trump is trounced, Cruz will be there in an I-told- areas of fear and anger that won decisive support in the you-so position to seek to unify conservatives behind him primaries. He didn’t let down those primary supporters. as the 2020 Republican presidential nominee. If Trump Nor did he go off script with some controversial insult. wins or comes darn close, Cruz loses his bet. Let’s say he hit a double, getting halfway there. Now he Q. Why did the Trump strategists let Cruz speak needs to move to third base and home in the debates and when knowing he wasn’t going to endorse? campaigning in order to score the winning run. A. They knew he would get a hostile response Q. How did Indiana Gov. Mike Pence do in his and helped to orchestrate the loud booing. The response speech accepting the nomination for vice president? helped to unite delegates behind Trump. Even some Cruz A. Great. Pence spoke clearly and confidently supporters in the Texas delegation were angry that Cruz about conservative principles. Unlike many other speak- didn’t endorse the nominee. ers, including Trump at times, he wasn’t shouting a Q. What could Trump have done to be better? message to noisy delegates in the hall but instead speak- A. Maybe take speech lessons from daughter ing plainly and directly to millions of Americans watching Ivanka. v on TV in their homes. He called Clinton “the secretary of status quo,” more appropriate than vile insults of numer- Jack Colwell is a South Bend Tribune columnist. ous other speakers. Pence sounded what should have Write to him at [email protected]. Page 11

made no changes regarding freeing delegates to vote their Notes from Cleveland conscience, to allow delegates to dump Trump. First in the Rules Committee and then later beating back a peti- By CRAIG DUNN tion effort, proponents of “Dump Trump” were decidedly CLEVELAND – I confess that I wasn’t really looking thumped by a big plurality in the committee and then by forward to attending the Republican National Convention some apparent good old-fashioned arm twisting. in Cleveland. It had the potential to range all the way from The majority of delegates in nine states signed a nauseating to dangerous, based on the hype leading up petition to force a roll call vote on the issue. However, mi- to the event. Advance news reporting by the major media raculously, delegates in three states changed their minds outlets predicted deep divisions in the convention between and the strategy fell two states shy of success. Score a big Trump supporters and anti-Trump forces, deadly terror- win for the Trump Team. The effort to allow a conscience ist attacks, paralyzing traffic vote smelled an awful lot like the handiwork of the Ted jams caused by civil disobedi- Cruz forces. ence and a list of speakers that Amazingly, Trump and RNC Chairman Re- excited no one. ince Priebus allowed Cruz to address the convention Once again, the big media on Wednesday. Cruz spoke for about 15 minutes to a got it wrong, totally wrong. The respectful audience. As it became obvious that he was Republican National Convention wrapping up his speech, it dawned on the delegates that was an outstanding success. It Cruz had no intention of endorsing Donald Trump. As the was full of drama, full of excite- delegates grew restless, a murmur and then a low booing ment and a good showing for began from both ends of the convention hall. The booing Team Trump. As to the location, rose, with Cruz making a snide comment to the New York I don’t want to hear another delegation. Then the convention burst out in yelling, more person refer to Cleveland as the booing and taunting of Cruz. He was literally booed off the “Mistake on the Lake.” Cleve- stage. I’d like to thank Ted Cruz for doing what Donald land rocked, literally and figuratively. Cleveland is a great Trump could never do, uniting the Republican Party. city with big city attractions and some of the friendliest What about Ted Cruz’s future in presidential people in the nation. politics? I may be wrong, but he came across as a spoiled, Of course, the big worry going into the RNC was petulant little crybaby who is a colossal sore loser. But hey, the question of public safety. We were told there would that’s just my opinion. Unfortunately for Sen. Cruz, I heard be thousands of protesters wreaking havoc on Cleveland a lot of former Cruz delegates express their disgust for his and the convention. The reality was that Cleveland was actions. possibly the safest city in the United States last week, as What about the bizarre world of Ohio Gov. John thousands of imported law enforcement officers and a Kasich? This one hurts me personally because I endorsed shortage of serious protesters made Kasich, donated money to his cam- for a great environment. A delegate paign, and took a bunch of arrows for almost had to go out looking for pro- expressing my support. Kasich to- testers to see any. Score a big win tally sat out the RNC in Cleveland in a for public safety. demonstration of bad form and worse The RNC kicked off its hospitality. After all, even the Demo- festivities on Sunday evening with a cratic mayor of Cleveland welcomed the gigantic rock-n-roll and food festi- convention. Gov. Kasich worked hard to val on the Cleveland lakefront. Fifty entice the Republicans to Cleveland and food vendors, multiple beer gardens then didn’t show up to his own party. and three live entertainment stages Making matters worse, he kept delegates stuffed, hydrated and staged a big party at the Rock and Roll rocking the night away. The evening Hall of Fame, making invitees feel that concluded with a gigantic fireworks it was going to be a somewhat intimate display that left everyone oohing affair and then leaving hundreds of and ahhing. I’ve been to a lot of big supporters sweltering outside waiting events in cities trying to put their to be allowed in by the Cleveland fire best foot forward. Cleveland ranks marshal. I hope enjoys near the top in staging one heck of a being governor. He won’t be going any party. further. Monday, Donald Trump and Sullivan County Chairman Bill Springer with A rising star in the Republican the Republican Party dodged a big the Indiana stanchion, which will end up in the Party emerged from the convention. ole bullet when the Rules Committee Smithsonian Institution. Delegates were extremely impressed Page 12 with Arkansas Sen. . He gave a dynamic founder of PayPal to address the convention. Thiel stated speech and positioned himself well for a future presidential that with all of the problems facing our country we should run. be focusing on what is important and not on who uses Speaking of rising stars! Either as reality television which bathroom. The delegates jumped to their feet and stars or future political powers, Ivanka, Eric and Donald exploded with applause. Later, Trump promised to protect Trump Jr. established themselves as extremely impressive the LGBTQ community from acts of violence. Perhaps, the progeny with bright futures. With well-known names and a words of Thiel and Trump and their popular reception can billion dollars, you have to think there will be a Gov. Trump put this divisive issue behind the Republican Party perma- or Sen. Trump in the not-so-distant future. nently. I sure hope so. Two speakers at the convention surprised the Mike Pence, Indiana governor and Trump vice- delegates with their renewed energy and effective speech- presidential candidate, faced a staggering task in closing es. Rudy Giuliani showed personality and potent punch the proceedings on Wednesday evening. The prospect of in his speech that left delegates wondering where was that Rudy in 2012. In the same category, Wis- consin Gov. Scott Walker delivered a popular message that belied his disappointing 2016 campaign. The delegates also appreciated Walker’s willingness to bury the hatchet and rally to the Trump cause. Some of my most enjoy- able moments came in taxi rides to the Quicken Arena. Hani, a Turkish American Lyft driver, told me that his sister and brother had been fired from their jobs as teachers as a result of the Turkish attempted coup. His brother has even been detained. Their offense? They are secular Turks; Islamic, but not Is- Gov. Mike Pence and First Lady Karen Pence await Republican presidential nominee Donald lamic enough for President Erdogan. Trump Thursday in Cleveland. (HPI Photo by Randy Gentry) Hani fears for the safety of his family and the future of his homeland. He blames President Obama for a weak response to Erdogan’s a relentless Thursday media spin being about a terribly excesses. He plans to vote for Donald Trump. divided Republican Party was destroyed by a Reaganesque My other enlightening taxi ride came with Uber speech that enlightened, informed, excited and motivated driver David, a native Clevelander who has seen his the assembled delegates. An evening that began with the income drop significantly as the business environment in question of “Mike Pence, who dat?” ended with the Re- Cleveland deteriorated over the last 20 years. He blames publican Party thinking that Donald Trump had pretty good the loss of the manufacturing industry in Cleveland on judgment when he tapped Pence for the job. NAFTA and Bill Clinton. He believes that Donald Trump The Indiana delegation aggressively chanted will bring jobs back to the United States. He’s voting for “Mike, Mike, Mike” at the beginning of his speech. By the Trump. end of governor Pence’s speech, the cheers of the Indiana On Wednesday afternoon, I spoke to the For- delegation were drowned out by chants of “We like Mike. eign Press Corps as a guest of the United States Depart- We like Mike,” emanating from all corners of the conven- ment of State. My job was to explain the role of a delegate tion hall. Pence’s speech further served to unite the party to the national convention and field questions. Of course, by bringing the skeptical evangelicals together with skepti- when they heard that I was from Indiana, all they wanted cal Trump supporters who hungered for red meat. The to talk about was Mike Pence and Donald Trump. I found governor delivered for both. To Gov. Pence I say, “Job well one question in particular to be of interest. I was asked if done.” And on this point I must agree with the Demo- I thought Donald Trump would be transformative for the crats, “Pence Must Go” – only “to the !” Republican Party. I answered no. I said that I believed that Despite the faux drama beaten to death by the he was a one-off candidate and would not dramatically media, it was a pretty good week for Donald J. Trump. I alter our party. never thought I would say this, but I think I could get I now think that I may have been wrong. used to seeing him in the Oval Office.v Donald Trump asked Peter Thiel, the openly gay Page 13

even though they don’t eat, shop, go to church or know The Indiana much about the people they desire to “represent.” What is the point of our system if the legislators don’t even have to begin as someone who lives among us? Democrat retreads Even with my personal humiliation of resign- By MARK SOUDER ing, we chose to live in Fort Wayne. It was and is not easy FORT WAYNE – The Democrats have given us deja living among friends and people supported you, after you vu all over again, to quote Yogi Berra in this time warp. let them down. But this is our home. I fought for them in Clinton. Bayh. Gregg. Even the Russians are back. Congress because I was, and am, one of them. What in This year Indiana and national Democrat Party the world has happened to this old-fashioned concept? have chosen to offer voters a full slate of retread tires. Hill- We might as well just pick out a couple of Wash- ary Clinton, defeated by Barack ington, D.C., residents we like best, and hire them as our Obama eight years ago, has re- senators and congressmen. Actually that is precisely what emerged. She was impatiently Evan Bayh is asking us to do. tapping the table, chair and floor And then there’s Forrest Gregg. I realize that his waiting for the Obama interlude name is John, but every time I hear his name I think of to end so we could bring back Forrest Gregg, the Hall-of-Fame lineman for the legend- the glorious days of the Clinton ary Green Bay Packers. Forrest Gregg always looked old Era. even when he was young. He was surrounded by glamor- At least Hillary offers ous Paul Hornung, fan favorites like Bart Starr, Jim Taylor, the historic chance for America Boyd Dowler, Ray Nitschke, Herb Adderley, Jim Ringo, to establish that failure is not Willie Davis and many more. Not to mention coach Vince because you are a woman or a Lombardi. And then there was old reliable Forrest Gregg, man. Failure in governing is not not inspiring anybody, but always there as a solid depend- because one is white, black or able blocker doing his duty so flashier stars could become brown. She has already proven that women can use unfair famous. methods to get nominated. Now Hillary wants the opportu- Sorry about the reminiscing. There’s just some- nity that liberal ideas are the problem, not gender or race. thing about our Gregg, and all the Democrats running for But this is an undeniable fact. No one should that matter, that brings back the 1960s. underestimate the inspiration she is far beyond just grown As for my party, retreads would not be the word women. The fact is that little girls across this nation feel to describe our candidates.The new Republican nominee differently about their potentials this week. That isn’t just for governor, Eric Holcomb, is nearly the polar opposite of Democrat hyperbole. Evan Bayh’s weaknesses. While Bayh has lived most of his In Indiana, the Democrat retreads offer no such breakthroughs. They are just old tires. Bayh has launched his campaign with an on Todd Young’s supposed desire to destroy Social Security. The ad copy is virtually identical to what Jill Long ran against me in 1994, which was over two decades ago. In 2010 Bayh wrote in about why he quit and decided to store his money: “In a time of national peril, with our problems compounding, we must remember that more united us as Americans than divides us.” My personal relations with Sen. Bayh were not frequent, but when they occurred, they were always pleas- ant. This new axe-wielding Bayh, hauling out some of the nastiest divisive ads from the retread closet are purposely designed to falsely scare senior citizens. They sound like a more desperate, angry man. Like Bayh’s earlier complaints life in Washington, Eric seems to have eaten at nearly ev- about the influence of money in politics, while his wife was ery diner in the state, shot basketball hoops in most small earning big bucks working for companies that lobbied, the towns, and circulates around the state like he’s in running Bayh image does necessarily match his actions. for head of the tourism department. There is also an increasingly distressing trend in No one has accused Holcomb of stockpiling money both political parties (and not only in Indiana) for people or being too focused on raking in the big bucks. He has of great wealth like Bayh to live in other places, then ask worked the details inside the governor’s office, and worked residents of an area to choose them as a representative, the state for Sen. Dan Coats. He is, as Coats stated, Page 14 among best-prepared candidates in Indiana history to be for lieutenant governor can seal the extraordinary contrast an actual governor. What he doesn’t bring is experience as to the tired path chosen by the Indiana Democrats. v a candidate or premier fundraising skills. If the Republicans don’t select a female to be Souder is a former Republican congressman from the lieutenant gubernatorial candidate, one would have Indiana. to consider whether or not they are serious about win- ning this race. There are numerous very qualified female options who could add needed credibility as opposed to adding a retread male to the ticket. Congressman Todd Young offers the perfect stark contrast to Evan Bayh. He is anchored in Indiana. A gradu- ate of Indiana public schools and the Naval Academy, he has an MBA from the University of Chicago and a law degree from . He is a seriously quali- fied candidate. There is a reason he was a leader in naval operations. While the Democrats are offering retreads, the Re- publicans are offering experience in the next generation of top talent, including Curtis Hill for attorney general. They also are people who live here, fight for Hoosiers, and aren’t just treating us as people whose votes are for sale. Whatever the problems are with Trump, our Indiana slate is one to be proud of. Selecting a forward-looking female Page 15

gested that a generic Republican may have been favored Trump gets a post to win this election, but that Trump wasn’t a generic Republican. But maybe we’re wrong about that, and that the same factors that would boost a generic Republican, convention poll bounce like a desire for change after eight years of Democratic By KYLE KONDIK and GEOFFREY SKELLEY rule, are enough to get Trump over the finish line, too. PHILADELPHIA – After Donald Trump picked Mike Sean Trende, friend of the Crystal Ball and astute Real- Pence to be his running mate two weeks ago – that feels ClearPolitics analyst, has been urging caution over regard- like two months ago, right? – we suggested that Trump ing Clinton as a big favorite, and his latest column is well could end up taking at least a temporary lead because of worth reading in that regard. the convention bounce that presidential candidates typi- Trump, in spite of everything, is hanging cally get after their conventions. tough, and it seems like the vast majority of Republicans It appears that Trump has in fact gotten a bounce, have embraced him as their own. at least in some polls. The most If the millions upon millions of dramatic change so far came in largely unanswered campaign dol- the CNN/ORC poll, which shifted all lars that the Clinton campaign and the way from a seven-point Hill- its allies are pouring into the swing ary Clinton lead to a three-point states are having an effect, it’s hard Trump edge. On the other hand, to say there is an obvious one. Per- the NBC News/SurveyMonkey poll haps the Trump strategy of holding didn’t change at all (it showed a his more limited resources back for 46%-45% Clinton lead both before later in the campaign is a wise one. and after the convention), and In fact, there is scant evidence that there were some other contradic- early ad spending makes a lasting tory signs. Nonetheless, Trump’s impression, although the Obama numbers generally improved, as is and Romney 2012 campaigns would common after a convention. Based disagree; those professionals be- on the median of five polls sur- lieve Obama’s early ad blitz against veyed in the period after the GOP Romney helped negatively define convention that have been released the Republican. But it may be that so far, Trump has experienced a the early Clinton campaign ads are three-point bounce relative to his not making much of a difference. median the week before Republi- Meanwhile, there are two cans gathered in Cleveland. That’s days left to go at the Democratic clearly a small sample, but put it National Convention. On Tuesday all together and Trump has taken evening, Clinton became the first a small, one-point lead in the RealClearPolitics average, woman to be officially nominated by a major party for while Clinton has an equally small one-point lead in the president. The stand-out event of the roll call vote was HuffPost Pollster average (that average is less sensitive to surely Bernie Sanders asking the convention to nominate short-term changes). Our advice would be to wait before Clinton by acclamation following the vote counting for drawing conclusions: Clinton still has an opportunity to every delegation. Sanders’ move was obviously a well- get a bounce from her convention, and we also may have choreographed attempt to improve party unity, a key goal some more polls later in the week to further measure the of the convention. But will it work? Thus far, polling has size of Trump’s bounce. been a bit mixed on where Sanders voters lie. Pew found For the time being, we’re sticking with our that 90% of “consistent” Sanders backers plan to back current Electoral College ratings, which show Clinton with Clinton, which suggests there will be relative unity among 347 electoral votes safe, likely, and leaning to her, with Democratic and Democratic-leaning identifiers. But as for 191 safe/likely/leaning Trump. We agree that if the elec- Sanders voters overall, the jury is still out to some degree, tion were held today, it would almost certainly be closer and there were some limited protests inside and outside than that -- and that Trump could very well win. But the the convention on Tuesday night. election isn’t being held today -- it’s actually still about 100 Just like at the Republican confab, there are days away. Our ratings are a forecast for November, not a clearly some delegates and attendees here who have little reflection of the day-to-day state of play, and we still see use for Clinton, who is now the nominee. One Sanders Clinton with an edge. die-hard told us she prefers four years of Trump to eight If the dust settles from the conventions the next years of Clinton (as if either outcome would be guaranteed few weeks and the numbers are still what they are today, in 2020). But we also think the number of true #Never- then we very well may have to reassess. We’ve long sug- Hillary Democrats is small, just like the number of true Page 16

#NeverTrump Republicans is night probably hurt Cruz also small. Conventions are more than it hurt Trump. supposed to be a positive And it does not seem like public relations show for the Clinton will have to suffer party that spur party unity, through a Cruz-esque and the pageant isn’t just speech tonight or Thurs- for the TV viewers, it’s also day. There’s the potential for the delegates in the hall, for further dissent at the a kind of shock therapy that DNC but day two was wears down the resistance of better for the party on the holdouts. that front than day one. Despite some Clinton’s own rocky moments, the GOP speech looms large over convention probably helped the remainder of the the Republicans achieve a proceedings. She clearly greater level of unity. The has a lot of work to do to same is probably true of the improve her very weak Democratic convention. Just favorability ratings. A think about it, on the first little contrition for her day of both the RNC and email antics might be DNC, there was some very public dissent on both conven- wise. Whenever the Trump campaign does go on the air, tion floors. But by the time of the nominating votes them- they will have some potent ads to cut on the issue, and selves, there were few major waves at either convention. whatever Clinton has done to try to defuse it has so far Even Ted Cruz’s non-endorsement of Trump on the third been clearly inadequate. v Page 17

to the National Rifle Association, he took on the nation’s Progressives can easily gun lobby, pushing for common sense restrictions on gun purchases such as signing an after the tragedy at that would keep guns out of the embrace Sen. Kaine hands of the mentally ill. In the U.S. Senate, he’s sup- By SHAW FRIEDMAN ported increased background checks. LaPORTE – Sorry, Fox News. That dog won’t hunt. Though personally pro-life by virtue of his In the hours after Hillary Clinton announced her choice of Catholicism, he’s been a forceful and articulate advocate Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) as her vice-presidential pick, for the rights of women to make that difficult choice in certain voices on the right clucked that there might be tandem with their physicians and he wins plaudits from resistance from factions within the Democratic Party to . Also, unlike our governor, who for the supposedly “safe” choice of Tim Kaine vs. what some much of his career has parroted the absurd line pushed by viewed as more “inspiring” picks like Sen. the tobacco industry that cigarettes do not kill, Tim Kaine (D-Mass.) or Sen. had the difficult task in the heart of a tobacco-growing (D-Ohio). state to sign a statewide in restaurants. And Fact is, once again, the while we are at it comparing Tim Kaine to Mike Pence, talking heads at Fox have not unlike our governor who inexplicably turned down an $80 done their homework. As former million federal grant that would have provided universal head of the Indiana Progressives pre-K to young Hoosiers, Tim Kaine brought universal pre- PAC, I’m in a pretty good posi- K to the Old Dominion State. tion to spot a “progressive” when When I was called by one of my strongly progres- I see one, and I have to say, as sive friends in Indianapolis after Hillary made her choice one who has followed Tim Kaine’s and who seemed disappointed with the choice of Tim career, this is a guy whose pro- Kaine, I quickly reassured my friend that this progressive gressive values were formed early is very comfortable with the notion of Kaine. Sure, he’s and mainly through his religious not anti-TPP as most Democratic progressives are, but I’m upbringing as a Catholic in the Jesuit social justice tradi- willing to cut him a break on an issue or two when I see a tion. worldview and a civil, decent and compassionate approach Look at the decision he made while at Harvard to politics that someone like Tim Kaine has practiced dur- Law School to eschew the traditional resume-building track ing his entire time in elective office. I frankly think it was of a high profile judicial clerkship or an internship at one an inspired choice and am most comforted by the fact of the white shoe law firms on Wall Street. Instead, Tim that Tim Kaine as a practicing Jesuit has notions of social Kaine made the decision to “step away from the treadmill” justice that are deeply imbedded in him. to “decide on my path in life” and he actually took a year Having had the opportunity to attend Notre off to join Jesuit in , an experience Dame Law School as I did in the early 1980’s, I came to that clearly had a lasting impact on him. There, he worked understand and appreciate the commitment that Jesuits with young men facing grinding poverty as he helped run have to making a huge difference in the lives of people a technical school set up by the Jesuits. At the school, he they encounter. I suspect that year spent in the poor- trained young Hondurans in various crafts who were hun- est neighborhoods of Honduras had a deep and abiding gry for hope and opportunity, and he had a chance while impact on the man who could be our next vice president. there to make a difference. It’s clear from his choices made while in law school and af- This is a guy whose “progressive” values were terward when he went into law practice that Tim Kaine felt formed early and his decision to move to Richmond, Vir- a need to put his religious values to work in his profession. ginia, and settle in an integrated neighborhood and take Having picked this Spanish-speaking Christian mis- up housing discrimination law were also very formitive and sionary was not only the politically savvy thing for Hillary influential on his world view. Again, rather than seek out a Clinton to have done, but it’s also the right thing to have position at one of the old-line Virginia law firms that were done. We progressives ought to be tickled pink with this swooping up Ivy League law school graduates at the time, choice. v he represented not only death row inmates, but he took on representation of victims of housing discrimination. Shaw Friedman is former legal counsel for the In- The team he worked with actually won a $100 million jury diana Democratic Party and a longtime HPI colum- verdict in a red-lining case against Nationwide Insurance. nist. While the verdict was overturned on appeal, his team was able to negotiate a $17.5 million settlement, bringing much needed relief to victims of housing discrimination. Not only does Tim Kaine talk the talk, he’s walked the walk. As governor of a state that is practically home Page 18

Rich James has been writing about state and local Controversy follows government and politics for more than 30 years. Palmateer to Philly By RICH JAMES MERRILLVILLE – There doesn’t seem to be an end to the saga of Randy Palmateer and a March drunken-driv- Who benefits from ing arrest. So widespread is the story that it extends this week to the Democratic National Convention in Philadel- Regional Cities? phia. By MORTON MARCUS Palmateer is the business manager of the INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana loves fat. No, don’t put 25,000-member Northwestern Indiana Building and Con- down that pork tenderloin, but we do love fat documents. struction Trades Council. The Here’s the evidence: Three regions were awarded March arrest was the second $126 million in matching funds for economic development in five years. And, as was the projects. Seven regions submitted applications. Central case with the first one, this one Indiana’s plan was a skinny 26 pages; no money. The was reduced to reckless driving, West-Central plan was beefed up to 88 pages; no money. as are many drunken driving East Central bulked up to 134 pages; no money. Northwest charges in Lake County. Indiana offered a hefty 178 pages; It wasn’t terribly sur- still no money. prising that Palmeteer had his The winners of $82 million March drunken-driving arrest each: Northeast waddled in with 194 reduced to reckless driving even pages, Southwest presented a portly though it was his second in five 224 pages, but the North Central years. The Building and Con- region topped them all with a sumo- struction Trades Council can be style 371 pages. a powerful force in statewide and local elections. To anger Now remember these the organization’s leader isn’t a wise political move. grants are to be matched by other The Palmateer case prompted The Times of North- money well in excess of the state west Indiana to investigate how drunken-driving cases portion. Hence, we may never see are handled in Lake County. When it was learned that the any of the proposed projects funded. Plus each project majority of drunken-driving charges were reduced to reck- must have the approval of regional boards and the Indi- less driving, The Times turned the issue into a crusade. As ana Economic Development Council, which may have new a result, Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter has told priorities under a new governor. There are many different his deputies that future drunken-driving charges no longer ideas about regions. Currently, America and Indiana are will be reduced to reckless driving. focused on major cities surrounded by dependent urban The case also has played a major role in shap- nodes with the intervening areas filled in by ing the Indiana delegation to the DNC. Palmateer ran for and agriculture. national delegate at the state convention in June. John Some futurists insist low cost communications, Buncich, Lake County sheriff and county chairman, wasn’t the connectivity of the internet, will shape how we live and named an automatic delegate as has been the case with work in the coming decades. Elkhart and Ethiopia, Princ- party leaders in the past. Because of Palmateer’s arrest re- eton and the Philippines, Crothersville and China could be cord, Buncich declined to run against him. Palmateer ran, paired in production – if all have high-speed, highly reli- but lost. able internet service. But Palmateer was on the convention floor Tues- Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau in- day with the rest of the Indiana delegation. It seems one dicate 84% of 2.5 million Hoosier households have com- of the delegates didn’t show and the Indiana delegates puters, which sounds good, but ranks 38th among the 50 picked Palmateer. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. states. In addition, one of every seven Indiana households said the Indiana delegation did so because it wanted more with a computer does not have internet access. In sum, labor representation. “I think it is a shame and disgrace to over 700,000 Indiana households are not connected to the our delegation there,” Buncich said on learning of Palma- world. teer’s appointment. What does the regional cities program do for the Palmateer suffered a good bit of embarrassment, connectivity of our students, our workers, our businesses? but in the end he came out a winner, as he had his drunk- Communications alone are necessary, but not sufficient to en-driving charge reduced and he became a delegate to move Indiana forward. v the DNC. v Page 19

Matt Tully, IndyStar: Eric Holcomb has worked being named Trump’s running mate, he backed down closely over the past dozen years with Indiana’s two most on that. When Trump bashed U.S. District Judge Gon- recent governors. Now, as he seeks to follow those men zalo Curiel, who was presiding over class-action lawsuits into the state’s highest office, one question looms arguably against Trump University, calling him a “hater” and saying above all others. Is Eric Holcomb more Mitch Daniels, or he is biased because “he’s a Mexican,” Pence came to the more Mike Pence? The answer to that ques- Indiana-born judge’s defense. “I don’t think it’s tion could help determine the outcome of the ever appropriate to question the partiality of the November election for governor. And while judge based on their ethnic background.” He’s not Holcomb will surely never answer it — it’s far saying that now. As you can tell, I haven’t agreed too politically charged — he would be wise to with all of Pence’s stances. But I gave him credit send clear signals that his leadership style, for standing up for his beliefs. Now, unfortunately, political focus and policy heart are more in line he appears en route to becoming Chris Christie with his former boss Mitch Daniels than his current boss redux, a once-strong leader kowtowing to a more forceful Mike Pence. Much of Indiana doesn’t know Holcomb, a politician, no doubt destined for some sort of humiliation. longtime Republican staffer and operative who has served Pence has lost his focus as a Christian, a conservative and as lieutenant governor for only a few months, and who a Republican, in that order. v has no legislative voting record to scrutinize. But they do know his two most prominent bosses. One, Mitch Daniels, Stephen Hayes, Weekly Standard: Yes, Donald is remembered as a big-ideas conservative leader who Trump is crazy. And, yes, the Republican party owns his kept his focus on the issues most important to Indiana and insanity. Fewer than 12 hours after Republicans rallied in who made transformational changes to the operation of support of his nomination for the presidency, Trump once state government. The other, Mike Pence, has offered four again implied that Rafael Cruz, Ted Cruz’s father, was in- years of lightweight policies and weak leadership while volved in the JFK assassination. At a press availability dur- being distracted by damaging and divisive social-issue ing an event to thank campaign volunteers Friday morn- crusades. Mitch or Mike — which one has more influenced ing, Trump revived suggestions that the elder Cruz was an Eric Holcomb? The answer is critical, for the state and for associate of Lee Harvey Oswald, Kennedy’s assassin, and the Republican Party. Both Indiana and the GOP could use that they two were together months before the assas- a protégé of Daniels. Neither needs another four years of sination. Both Cruz and his father have vehemently—and Pence. Holcomb has an opportunity to define himself. Two repeatedly—denied any suggestion that the man in the Republicans who have worked closely with Holcomb in- photograph is the elder Cruz or that he was an associate sisted to me that he is more like Daniels than Pence, more of Oswald, contrary to Trump’s claim. That hasn’t stopped pragmatic than ideological, and more focused on issues Trump’s innuendo. This isn’t the behavior of a rational, such as the state’s fiscal and economic situation than on stable individual. It should embarrass those who have social debates. We will see if that is true. v endorsed him and disgrace those who have attempted to normalize him. v Tim Etheridge, Evansville Courier & Press: Say what you will about Mike Pence, but Indiana’s governor Timothy Lee, Vox: Everyone is talking about always has seemed a man of principle. When he abet- Donald Trump’s call for the Russian government to re- ted and encouraged the Religious Freedom Restoration lease emails it may have stolen from Hillary Clinton’s Act, a bad idea that harmed our state and its reputation, private email server. But that wasn’t the most chilling thing he stood behind his beliefs that Christians could be fac- Trump said in his rambling answer to a question about ing discrimination. When he signed into law one of the who hacked the email server of the Democratic National most restrictive abortion bills in America, one that was Committee. “Honestly, I wish I had that power,” Trump opposed by Republican women legislators, he said that it responded. “I’d love to have that power.” The thing is, would “ensure the dignified final treatment of the unborn if Trump gets elected president, he probably will have and prohibits that are based only on the unborn the power to hack into the private communications of child’s sex, race, color, national origin, ancestry or dis- his political opponents. And that’s terrifying. Thanks to ability, including Down syndrome.” So Pence appears to whistleblower Ed Snowden, we know that the National Se- be what he consistently professes to be, “A Christian, a curity Agency has one of the most sophisticated offensive conservative and a Republican, in that order.” Then Donald hacking programs in the world. The NSA has a team of J. Trump came calling, and Pence has, more and more, researchers who look for security vulnerabilities in popular appeared to be first a politician. When Trump first said technology products, and it also sometimes buys informa- that America’s borders should be closed to all Muslims, tion about security vulnerabilities from outside hackers. Pence correctly tweeted that “Calls to ban Muslims from That means the NSA is often able to break into computer entering the U.S. are offensive and unconstitutional. The systems that would repel less sophisticated hackers. v U.S. cannot discriminate on the basis of religion.” After Page 20

inee said will directly cause Russia to Lake Michigan and a short walk from Pollster Conway conduct more cyber-espionage against the university where Obama taught the U.S. than it already is doing. But constitutional law on Chicago’s South predicts hidden several described Trump’s statements Side, a personal familiar with the as dangerous for America’s global selection process told The Associ- standing. Some echoed the Clinton ated Press on Wednesday. The Barack Trump voters campaign in calling the comments a Obama Foundation decided to build By MAUREEN HAYDEN threat to national security. “It’s just the library at Jackson Park near the CNHI Statehouse Breau one more example of the reckless University of Chicago, according to a INDIANAPOLIS — A Don- and dangerous comments that Don- person briefed on the selection. ald Trump adviser predicts a record ald Trump makes that compromises turnout for the celebrity real estate American foreign policy objectives,” Secret Service developer, saying he has said Sen. of Mary- tapped deep pools of re- land, the ranking Democrat on code for Pence the Senate Foreign Relations sentment and angst, and WASHINGTON — Accord- some of his supporters Committee. Leon Panetta, a former CIA director, told ing to multiple sources, Mike Pence’s are too embarrassed to is “Hoo- admit it. “There are a lot CNN’s Christiane Amanpour that Trump’s comments were sier.” Which, factually accurate, if not of hidden Trump voters - overly creative. His running mate’s people who find it’s not socially desir- “beyond the pale” because he was “in fact asking the Russians to engage in code name, appropriately enough, is able to admit to be voting for Donald “Mogul.” Trump,” , a pollster, American politics.” An aide to House told a meeting of the American Leg- Speaker Paul Ryan, the Wisconsin HIV crisis could islative Exchange Council on Wednes- Republican who has endorsed Trump, day. Conway was joined at the gath- added, meanwhile, that “Russia is a have been avoided ering of conservative state lawmakers global menace led by a devious thug” by another Trump surrogate, econom- and that it should stay out of the U.S. MUNCIE — Not only was the ic adviser Steve Moore, who said his election. “The United States should nationally publicized HIV crisis in rural supporters are more likely to watch not tolerate Russian meddling in No- Indiana last year preventable, but professional wresting than Fox News. vember’s election,” said House Foreign other U.S. communities are at high “I don’t love Donald Trump, but I love Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce risk for nearly identical outbreaks, his voters,” said Moore. The group ex- (R-Calif.). “Period.” according to a recently released study pected to hear from Trump’s running from the prestigious New England mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, but Carson addresses Journal of Medicine (Slabaugh, Muncei he backed out of a scheduled key- Star Press). The study also reveals note speech to stay on the campaign DNC on Pence contradictions between what Indiana trail. Pence is now slated to speak to PHILADELPHIA — U.S. Rep. public health officials think is best for the group Friday. Conway, who also Andre Carson took the stage at the the state and the policies currently in has polled for Pence, is credited with Democratic National Convention on place. In conclusion, the study found helping coax Trump into picking the Wednesday to say the country can- that Scott County’s public health crisis Indiana governor as a vice president, not let the “terrible judgment” of -- which left 181 people in South- calling him a “window to party unity” Donald Trump and his running mate, eastern Indiana HIV positive -- was after a fractious GOP primary fight. Gov. Mike Pence, affect civil rights caused by a “close network” of resi- (Schneider, IndyStar). “I’m from dents injecting opioid Opana and shar- Trump Russian Indiana,” said Carson, an Indianapolis ing needles. It suggests that Indiana remarks draw ire Democrat. “I have seen Mike Pence’s and other largely rural states should terrible judgment up close. Pence has focus on prevention measures such as fought against same-sex couples hav- more HIV testing, identifying networks WASHINGTON — Donald ing equal rights.” of intravenous drug users, increas- Trump’s call on Russia to hack Hillary ing access to treatment, consider- Clinton’s emails has shocked, flabber- Obama library ing syringe-exchange programs and gasted and appalled lawmakers and education. “A lot of things could have national security experts across the site chosen been done differently with our re- political spectrum, with one saying it sources and capacity,” Carrie Lawrence was “tantamount to treason” (Politi- CHICAGO — President Barack with the Indiana University School of co). Few would argue Wednesday that Obama’s presidential library will be Public Health Rural Center for HIV/ what the Republican presidential nom- built in a park along the shores of STD Prevention said Wednesday.