V15 N2 Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009 Sodrel ponders 5th race vs. Hill Hayhurst, McGoff bring familiar names, medical backgrounds to rematches

By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS - We’ve reached the rematch phase of the Congressional battlefield shaping up for 2010. Former Fort Wayne Councilman Tom Hayhurst filed paperwork with the FEC to challenge U.S. Rep. Mark Soud- er in the 3rd CD. Former 9th CD congressman told HPI that he is weighing a fifth run against U.S. Rep. . In the crowded 5th CD field, 2008 nominee John McGoff is one of four Former congressman Mike Sodrel will decide whether he will square off against U.S. challengers to U.S. Rep. . Rep. Baron Hill for a fifth time after he finishes writing a book in the next month or Sodrel told Howey Politics Indiana so. Continued on Page 3

Health reforms give cover for Democrats By MARK SCHOEFF JR. WASHINGTON - In the brutal heat and humidity of August, it looks as if health care reform is melting Demo- “I always say, it just shows how crats. Raucous town hall meetings fueled slim the pickings are.” by opposition to existing congressional - Gov. Mitch Daniels proposals threaten to slow or halt reform , asked efforts. Somehow, despite having huge about a potential 2012 presidential run House and Senate majorities and occupy- ing the White House, Democrats have lost in South Bend on Wednesday control of the debate. Everyone from President to individual Democratic members HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 2 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009

of Congress Howey Politics are responding Indiana to Republican criticisms rather is a nonpartisan news- than promot- ing their own letter based in Indianapolis narrative to and published by NewsLink frame health care reform. Inc. It was founded in On the Sunday 1994 in Fort Wayne. talk shows, the administra- tion seemed to Brian A. Howey, publisher pull back from the public op- Mark Schoeff Jr.,Washington tion before the U.S. Rep. during his Kokomo town hall last week. (HPI Jack E. Howey, editor president and Photo by Brian A. Howey) Beverly Phillips, associate Health & Human Services Secre- merce bill is far from the final word editor tary Kathleen Sebelius reiterated their on health care reform in the House, support on Monday. let alone in Congress as a whole. In the thicket of negotiations to come - Subscriptions: But when cool fall breezes replace wilting summer temperatures, within the House and Senate, between $350 annually HPI via e-mail; Democrats may avoid a health care the House and Senate - there will be $550 annually HPI & HPI Daily debacle because the final piece of plenty of opportunities for tweaking in the bowels of a bill that could total Wire. legislation, assuming they pass a bill on their own, is likely to be massive more than 1,000 pages. Interpreta - Call 317-627-6746. and complex. Every Democrat will be tions of the outcome will vary. Howey Politics Indiana able to claim some kind of victory. Hill is not committing to The first thing to watch is vote against a final health care mea - 6255 N. Evanston Ave. how the three House bills will be sure if it doesn’t contain the Blue Dog Indianapolis, IN 46220 melded into one. The Blue Dog Coali- provisions inserted into the Energy tion of conservative Democrats made and Commerce version. Contact Us waves by forcing into the House “I’m not going to get into Energy and Commerce Committee hypotheticals,” Hill told HPI’s Brian www.howeypolitics.com version several amendments that Howey last week at an Indianapolis [email protected] they said would make the measure Rotary Club meeting. more affordable and more friendly to Competing Democratic views Main Office: 317-506-0883. small business and rural hospitals. on the public option will have to be Howey’s Mobile: 317-506-0883. One of the leading Blue sorted out. The proposal to let the Indianapolis Fax: 317-254-0535. Dogs, Rep. Baron Hill, D-9th CD, vot- public plan negotiate reimbursement rates is anathema to House progres- Washington: 202-256-5822. ed for the Energy and Commerce edi- tion of health care reform. A member sives, formerly known as liberals. They Business Office: 317-627-6746. of the panel, he was persuaded to say that only government rates, such ©2009, Howey Politics get behind the bill because the Blue as those used for Medicare, will fulfill the promise of making the public op- Indiana . All rights reserved. Dogs secured protections for small business, brought the total cost tion a true competitor to the private Photocopying, Internet forwarding, below $1 trillion and ensured that a sector. faxing or reproducing in any form, government-run insurance program, The Congressional Progres- sive Caucus is adamantly protesting in whole or part, is a violation of known as the public option, would have to negotiate rates with private what seems to be Obama’s waning federal law without permission from insurers rather than use the existing enthusiasm for including a public op- the publisher. federal reimbursement structure. tion in a health care reform bill. The But the Energy and Com- caucus has more members than the HOWEY Politics Indiana

Page 3 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009

Blue Dogs--81 to 52--and more sympathizers from outside as a “free market person” who wants to see a “strong, the group. vibrant” national insurance exchange. A prominent House liberal, Rep. George Miller, But the private market alone may not be able to D-California and chairman of the Education and Labor Com- produce such a system, according to Donnelly. He noted mittee, confidently predicted on July 17 that the Democrat - that in Indiana, Anthem controls most of the insurance ic caucus would coalesce around a final health care bill. As market. one of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s top lieutenants, Miller “That has affected our ability to compete,” Donnelly likely will try to ensure that it includes a public option that said. satisfies progressives. But for now, Donnelly is remaining agnostic on “Our (Democratic) members are in full force to health care. He said he wants the final version to be deficit come to the floor and work with this legislation and they neutral, increase access and affordability, eliminate insur- will all report for duty at the time that that vote is taken,” ance prohibitions against pre-existing conditions and allow Miller said. people to keep health care coverage they like. You can bet that many of the Democrats lining up In whatever measure emerges from the congres- to support the final bill will be Blue Dogs, who tend not sional sausage making, Democratic supporters will probably to vote as a bloc. Indiana’s Blue Dogs - Hill and Reps. Joe be able to argue that their criteria for health care reform Donnelly, D-2nd CD, and , D-8th CD - have was satisfied. v come down on different sides of massive energy and bud- ELLSWORTH PHONE TOWNHALL: Rep. Brad get bills this year. Although he hasn’t taken a stance on the Ellsworth will host a telephone town hall to discuss health health care measures that are winding their way through care reform. The call will take place at 10:30 a.m. Satur - the House, Donnelly looks as if he’s laying the ground work day. In order to comply with Indiana’s automatic dial laws, to vote for a public option. constituents who wish to participate must sign up at the In an HPI interview last week, he described himself 8th District Online Office: www.ellsworth.house.gov.

with degrees from Purdue and Case Western Reserve Law CD rematches, from page 1 School, told the Hoosier Access blog last winter that he was looking at challenging Donnelly, but has been quiet on Tuesday that he will decide on whether to challenge Hill since. after he finishes a book he is writing. That will come some - Several other prominent 2nd CD Republicans - State time this fall. Rep. and Mishawaka Mayor Jeff Rea among But a couple of other rematches will not happen. them - have decided not to challenge Donnelly, Indiana In the 8th CD, 2008 nominee Greg Goode moved to the Republican Party spokesman Trevor Foughty told HPI. If Pacific Northwest and former Congressman Rosebush were to challenge Donnelly, he would be the third doesn’t appear to be interested in reclaiming the seat he candidate with a medical background to run, joining Drs. held between 1994 and 2006. Hayhurst and McGoff. In the 2nd CD, Republican sources say that former A Chocola comeback would instantly put the 2nd Congressman is content in heading up the CD in play, even though Donnelly gets good marks from conservative Club for Growth and will not seek a rematch both Democrats and many Republicans in the district. against U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly, who defeated him in 2006 Donnelly’s votes have reflected his by 15,000 votes. Blue Dog nature, opposing the Wax- HPI believes that U.S. Reps. in the man-Markey cap-and-trade bill while 1st CD (who might face Republican lightweight Mark Leyva pressing President Obama on health again), in the 4th, in the 6th and care legislation that he believes must Andre Carson in the 7th are all in the “safe” category for be “revenue neutral” while addressing re-election. systemic problems such as pre-exist- Here’s a rundown on where the competitive Indi- ing conditions. ana CDs stand. When Chocola was elected president of the Club for Growth last April, he explained, “In 2007, I 2nd CD: Donnelly’s rose garden became a member of its Leadership This should be Indiana’s most competitive district, Council because I believe in the club’s but for now Donnelly is without a credible challenger. Dr. ROSEBUSH mission to promote limited govern- Lee Rosebush, a registered pharmacist and patent attorney HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 4 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009

ment and economic freedom. As president, I have every didate than Montagano, but he resurfaces in an election intention of maintaining that commitment to the fullest de- cycle that could prove deeply problematic for Democratic gree. The club’s continuing role in affecting policy over the challengers, particularly in the 3rd CD that is one of most coming months and years will be crucial. We have already Republican congressional districts in the nation. begun to see a dangerous growth in government over The first mid-term for a sitting president is always the past two and a half months, and we are committed to tough on his party, as Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, Rea - fighting for our nation’s economic freedom.” Horse Race gan and Clinton learned in 1966, 1982 and 1994. President Status: Likely Donnelly Obama has projected an activist agenda that has provoked many conservative Republicans. Unusual success could 3rd CD: Hayhurst comeback blunt a GOP comeback and thus help Hayhurst, but the more likely scenario is much of Obama’s agenda will be a Dr. Hayhurst ran in 2006 advocating health care work in progress (as Reagan’s was in 1982) and Souder will reform while trying to pick up on the anti-Iraq War senti- probably find a swift tailwind. Horse Race Status: Likely ment, losing to Souder by 15,000 votes, his narrowest Souder re-election victory since his defeat of U.S. Rep. Jill Long in 1994. “There are a lot of things going on that are very worrisome,” Hayhurst told the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette’s 5th CD: Burton challengers face Sylvia Smith on Saturday about his 2010 rematch. “I don’t tough environment see much headway being made with regard to tackling U.S. Rep. Dan Burton faces four challengers - Dr. some of these major problems.” He listed the economy, McGoff, Brose McVey, State Rep. Mike Murphy and former health care and energy as State Rep. - in the May 2010 the problems. “Jobs and Republican primary. the economy are prob- Among the challengers, Messer ably the biggest for me,” has raised the most money - a little more Hayhurst said, pointing to than $200,000 in the first six months of this the high unemployment year - but Congressional Quarterly notes rate in northeast Indiana. that fund-raising hasn’t been easy, given the “Even if things get quite number of candidates and the state of the a bit better in a year, economy. McVey calls it a “brutal environ- there’s still a long way to ment.” go. What bothers me the Murphy said, “I can tell you that I most is what’s happened have not yet been turned down by anyone in the last 15 years. I when I’ve sat down, one on one, and know he’s just one voice, asked for contributions. But people would but he’s been part of say, ‘I would have given you X amount and government” since 1995. now I’ll give you Z.’” Many Democrats Dr. Tom Hayhurst, a former Fort Wayne Council- While Messer appears to have mo- had hoped that Hayhurst man, will take aim at U.S. Rep. again mentum with his second quarter FEC report, would seek a rematch in 2010. (Hayhurst campaign photo) Murphy has received the top endorsement in 2008, but he passed of the third quarter thus far when former Lt. and Michael Montagano Gov. John Mutz announced his support. won the Democratic nomination. Montagano pulled close Burton will raise his profile in the coming weeks, to Souder in October before a series of news stories about hosting a town hall at Peru High School at 2 p.m. Aug. 27 homes and cars provided by his father derailed the upset and another one at 2 p.m. Sept. 18 at IUK’s Kresge Au - bid. Democrat sources told HPI that some of Montagano’s ditorium. “Certainly he wants to see some reforms take social stances put off a sizable segment of the Democratic place, but he thinks the program the administration has put vote. Souder ended up drubbing Montagano 155,693 to forward would lead to a government-run program that will 112,309. change the competitive market among private insurers,” With President Obama becoming the first Demo - Burton spokesman Matthew Prine told the Kokomo Tribune. crat to carry the state since 1964 and Souder finishing with Burton will remain in command of his political such an emphatic plurality, many observers (including HPI) future unless the challenger field narrows between now were quick to conclude that Souder would probably be a and the February filing deadline. Mutz told CQ a narrowed lock in his current district. field “is likely, once we start getting some opinion polls that Hayhurst is seen as a much more credible can- HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 5 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009

begin to show some distance between the candidates.” 9th CD. Hill, one of the leaders of the Blue Dog Democrats, Horse Race Status: Leans Burton has found himself in the vortex of pieces of Obama legisla- tion such as health care reform and cap-and-trade. He was the lone Hoosier Blue Dog to vote for cap-and-trade. 8th CD: No credible GOP challenger Thus far, only Paoli attorney Thus far political novice Dan Stockton is the only and Travis Hankins of Columbus have announced candidate weighing a entered the race. But several GOP challenge to U.S. Rep. Brad Ells- sources tell HPI that Young is not a worth, D-Evansville. He reported good fit for the district. There are raising $350 in the second quarter still wounds from last March when FEC report and had under $50 cash 9th CD Republican Chairwoman Erin on hand. He is not seen as a credible Houchin upset former Chair Larry challenger so far. Shickles, who was endorsed by So- Former Congressman Hostet- drel. tler doesn’t appear to be weighing Other potential candidates a comeback. “I would never count weighing a run include Floyd County John out of anything, but I haven’t Prosecutor Keith Henderson and Re- heard of any inclination,” said Van- publican National Committeewoman derburgh County Republican Chair- DeeDee Benkie of Versailles. Benkie man Nicholas Hermann. U.S. Rep. Baron Hill on Capitol Hill with Sen. told HPI, “Nothing can even be con- Hermann said upper tier can- , U.S. Rep. Brad Ellsworth, and sidered really until Mike Sodrel decides didates like sheriffs, prosecutors and U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly. At this point, Hill what he is going to do. If he runs in the county commissioners appear to be faces the potentially toughest race in 2010 primary, he will be the nominee.” awaiting new district lines. “You have if former congressman Mike Sodrel chal- Sodrel said that he follows people waiting for after redistricting,” lenges him for a fifth time. (HPI Photo by Ronald Reagan’s 11th Commandment Hermann said. “We’ve gone through Mark Schoeff Jr.) and will not comment on the current big Democratic swing years. People Republican primary field. want to see that swing back. That’s Asked about Rep. Hill’s conspicu- what I think people are waiting for. They think it will swing ous role in the health care debate, Sodrel chuckled. “It’s back Republican.” Horse Race Status: Safe Ellsworth amazing - his refusal to hold town hall meetings,” Sodrel said, calling it a “duck and dodge.” 9th CD: Sodrel will finish book first “One of my first town halls was Monroe County After losing to Rep. Hill in 2002, claiming the 9th in Bloomington. For a conservative, that’s an interesting CD in the presidential year of 2004, then losing to Hill again place,” Sodrel said. “I find that people, if you are respectful in 2006 by 110,454 to 100,469 (Libertarian Eric Schansberg of them, are respectful of you, if you set the tone.” polled 9,893), the Democrat was able to hang on to the As for his stance on health care, Sodrel explained, seat in 2009 with a 61,000 vote plurality. Many believed “I think national health care or socialized medicine is an that Sodrel was headed to the dustbin of Hoosier congres- exceptionally bad idea. There are a lot of things we should sional politics. have done to make access to health care insurance easier Not so fast, the trucking executive told HPI. “What and bring down the cost.” I’ve told everybody was that I wasn’t prepared to tell them He mentioned allowing small businesses to band I wouldn’t seek the nomination, but I’m not prepared to tell together across state lines where they would enjoy the them I will,” Sodrel said on Tuesday. same buying power of “big business and big labor.” He also Sodrel is writing a book entitled “Citizen Sheep: said that small businesses should be allowed to buy insur- Government Shepherds” where the New Albany Repub- ance with “pre-tax dollars instead of after-tax dollars.” lican will define for the common man what it means to “We can level the playing field, but I think we need be a capitalist, socialist, or communist. “People just don’t to look at this thoughtfully and do it a piece at a time,” So- understand the various terms,” Sodrel said. “It’s tough. I’m drel said. “They are trying to eat that elephant all at once.” used to writing 750 word op-ed pieces. I don’t want this Sodrel’s time frame for his next political move will to be long. I want it to be simple: short sentences; short come after the book is finished, “This is something I’ve paragraphs. It will be something for regular people.” got to get done first. Sometime in the fall,” he said. Horse Sodrel hopes to have his part of the project done in Race Status: Tossup v the next 30 days. Then he will take the temperature of the HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 6 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009

side companies and special interests in Washington, D.C., Bayh will ‘evaluate’ are driving this effort to try to scare Hoosiers.” The EFA responded, “The Economic Freedom Alliance is comprised of business organizations across the Midwest, including modified card check in Indiana. The campaign to educate Hoosiers about the job-killing effects of EFCA (S.560) is funded primarily by as EFA presses Hoosiers.” According to an Internal Revenue Service 8872 re - By BRIAN A. HOWEY port from January to June 2009, most of the contributions INDIANAPOLIS - The pro-business Economic Free- came from Illinois and Missouri. Bulkmatic Transport Co. of dom Alliance is pressing U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh for his stance Griffith contributed $1,000 and Anne Hathaway of India - on the Employee Free Choice Act. napolis contributed $15,000. Karl Rove, President George And the senator’s response? The current legisla- W. Bush’s chief political strategist, contributed $100,000. tion is being modified and The EFA alleged that a Bayh response to WNDU-TV “Sen. Bayh will evaluate it in South Bend, reported on Aug. 13 that Sen. Bayh said he when there is something did not co-sponsor EFCA in 2007 and did not have anything to analyze,” said Brian to do with it. Sen. Bayh was one of 46 co-sponsors of EFCA Weiss, Bayh’s spokesman. (S.1041) in 2007. EFCA passed the House in 2007, but In a press release failed by a slim margin in the Senate (Bayh voted in favor). issued Wednesday, the National reporters who saw this story contacted Sen. group explained, “Last Bayh’s office to ask for clarification, with no response, the week, Sen. Arlen Specter EFA alleged. The Bayh spokesman added, “What Sen. Bayh of Pennsylvania announced said was he didn’t co-sponsor the current bill.” that he will switch his vote and support the advancement Weiss told HPI that, “We have no record of EFA of the Employee Free Choice Act (S.560) in the Senate. As having ever requested a meeting with our office or asking the important 60th vote, Specter’s announcement makes to talk directly to Sen. Bayh or staff about EFCA.” it even more critical that Sen. Evan Bayh forcefully and Bayh’s office provided this statement: “This group publicly withdraw his support of this dangerous measure.” is clearly not interested in a constructive dialogue. If they The EFA added, “Since the DoNotLetEvanBayhKill- were, they wouldn’t be running inaccurate, negative attack Jobs.com billboards and radio commercials appeared, responses from Sen. Bayh have been vague and mis- leading. Sen. Bayh owes Hoosiers an honest and clear answer.” The group cited several examples of Bayh responses on the issue since the Aug. 3 launch of the billboard campaign. It disputed what it said was a Bayh response that S.560 was dead. “All provisions of S.560 are currently alive,” the EFA said. Bayh’s staff respond- ed, “Strangely, they provide documentation that contra- dicts their assertion that all provisions of the bill are currently alive,” noting a July 17 New York Times story. In that New York Times story by Steven Greenhouse, it was reported, “The so-called card- check provision — which senators decided to scrap to help secure a filibuster-proof 60 votes — would have required employers to recognize a union as soon as a majority of workers signed cards saying they wanted a union. Currently, employers can insist on a secret-bal- lot election, a higher hurdle for unions. The abandon- ment of card check was another example of the power U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh is being pressed for a stance on card check by of moderate Democrats to constrain their party’s more both pro-labor and pro-business groups. A spokesman told HPI he will liberal legislative efforts.” evaluate a compromise on the bill. Bayh is shown here at Allison Trans - The EFA said that Bayh has stated that “out- mission at Speedway. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey) HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 7 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009

ads funded by non-Hoosiers. They are mistaken if they Murphy unveils ag plank think these tactics will intimidate or influence Sen. Bayh. Joining hundreds of farmers on Farmer’s Day at They are also ill-informed. Anyone who has been follow- Indiana’s State Fair, State Rep. Mike Murphy released his ing the EFCA issue even casually knows that compromise federal agriculture policy plan Wednesday, the first part of discussions are under way and that the original proposal the “Murphy Plan” — a policy road map based on his lead- will be modified. Sen. Bayh will evaluate it when there is ership, experience, and results in the Indiana legislature. something to analyze. He did not co-sponsor EFCA this “Because agriculture has and will continue to be year because, although he supports meaningful labor law integral to the success of Indiana’s economy, I found it reform, he felt changes needed to be made.” only fitting that I lead with it as the first part of the Murphy Plan,” Murphy said. “Protecting and improving something Stutzman presses Bayh during tour as important as Indiana’s agriculture industry requires the State Sen. called on Sen. Bayh knowledge, experience, and vision to drive policy in Wash- to take stances on key issues. “Since Sen. Bayh is usually ington. I believe that I am uniquely positioned to offer the considered a ‘swing vote’ it should mean that he has some necessary leadership to help stand up for Hoosier farms leadership and influence on the decisions made in Wash - and small businesses.” ington,” Stutsman, R-Howe, Murphy has served on said in a statement today. the Agriculture Committee However, Stutzman does in the House and as a vot- not believe that Sen. Bayh ing member of the Indiana is utilizing his influence to Farm Bureau. Major legisla- serve the best interest of tive achievements on agri- Hoosiers. “It’s not an act of culture issues include writing leadership to avoid listening a law that eliminated estate or holding town hall meet- taxes in Indiana for estates ings with your constituents, of $100,000 or less. Murphy while making trips in and also voted to expand the out of Indiana on Airforce sales tax allowance on E85 1 with the President,” gas sales in order to encour- Stutzman added. “He needs age station owners to offer to listen to the people who E85 and grow the market for elected him. That’s what we Indiana corn. In addition, are doing in our campaign.” State Sen. Marlin Stutzman is calling on Sen. Bayh to take a stance Murphy introduced legislation Undaunted by on key issues. According to the Hoosiers for Stutzman campaign, to free farm equipment from the $12 million dollars in the Republican U.S. Senate campaign has logged 6,230 miles this Indiana’s personal property Bayh’s bank account, Sen. summer trying to build support for his campaign. Stutzman is tax. Stutzman pointed out that shown during an interview with WFRN-FM. (Stutzman campaign “Like any business, all of more than two-thirds of photo) agribusiness requires a stable Bayh’s money comes from and predictable regulatory special interest lobbying groups and out of state sources; environment through which to operate,” Murphy said. “As not invested Hoosier voters. As Stutzman says in his meet- a legislator, I have fought against stifling regulation to ings all over the state, “This is a voter-funded, people-led encourage investment and help create jobs. I have also campaign. It is dedicated to Hoosier values and the com- used my leadership to alleviate the tax burden for farm- mon ideals we all hold dear - fiscal responsibility, political ers and their families. My Murphy Plan takes the first step accountability, and individual freedom.” to explain to voters how I will leverage my experience on these issues in Washington to get real results.” For a free copy of the Murphy Plan, email info@ Voorhies to challenge Rep. Hinkle mikemurphycongress.com. Brett Voorhies will kick off his HD92 campaign Saturday at Leonard Park on 15th Street in Speedway. The seat is currently held by State Rep. Phil Hinkle. Voorhies is Young town hall tonight a long-time community, political and labor activist. Ninth CD Republican candidate Todd Young hosts Hinkle defeated Democrat Stephanie DeKemper the first in a series of town hall forums at 6:30 p.m. tonight 15,907 to 12,957 in 2008. In 2006, Hinkle topped Demo - at the Jasper Inn, 951 Wernsing Road, in Jasper. v crat Robin Olds 9,836 to 6,890. HOWEY Politics Indiana

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We can go back to the research of the Weekly The unborn Obama World News to find more. This publication isn’t at all like the New York Times, the Washington Post or the Chicago By JACK COLWELL Tribune. So, it can be believed. SOUTH BEND - You will not read this in the New The Weekly World News, once found in leading York Times, the Washington Post or the Chicago Tribune. supermarkets, still is on-line and continuing to present rev- Nor will you hear the proof for it on NBC, CBS or ABC. The elations about aliens from other planets infiltrating govern - mainstream media won’t touch it. ment and doing evil. But talk radio and blog presentations by the This widely read publication reported in 1994 birthers - folks claiming that Obama isn’t a natural-born that a dozen U.S. senators were aliens from other planets. U.S. citizen and thus isn’t eligible to be president - provide Some admit- arguments leading to a startling conclusion: Barack Obama ted it. Sure, was not born. the main- First, the birthers provided their proof that Obama stream media was not born in Hawaii. claimed the Too many questions, they say, and senators were no original birth certificate in the responding form they demand has been provid- only tongue- ed to them. Sure, there’s a copy of in-cheek, just an official certificate. Sure, Hawaiian joking. But, authorities repeatedly attest to its remember, this authenticity. But birthers know you was the claim can’t trust officials. of the main- Could some of these senators be aliens from Sure, there are newspaper ac- stream media. another planet? Weekly World News thinks so. counts from hospital records at the Could time telling of Obama’s birth there. Obama have But birthers know you can’t trust joined the Alien newspapers. Those papers could Caucus in the Senate? have been involved in a conspiracy Scoff if you will at radio talkers like G. Gordon even then to perpetuate a fraud on the American people Liddy, at the birthers and at the Weekly World News. They and propel Obama to an illegitimate presidency. Maybe all, however, report things you never hear about in the they picked him when cries as a baby showed he could cover-it-up media. become a loud campaign orator. The Weekly World News recently reported that Second, since the birthers are sure that Obama Megan Fox is a man, born Mitchell Reed Fox. See, it pays was born in Kenya, they recently displayed proof of that on to get the real birth certificate. Weren’t you suspicious that web sites. Megan was a man? There it was! A Kenyan birth certificate for Barack And it has reported that Abraham Lincoln was a Hussein Obama. And not like the Hawaiian certificate in woman. Weren’t you always suspicious about Honest Abe? terms of questionability. A birther researcher named Orly Who can forget the Weekly World News exclusives Taitz, involved in a federal court challenge to Obama’s citi- about Elvis faking his death? There were photos to prove zenship and occupancy of the White House, filed a copy of that he lived on. As did John F. Kennedy. Now there’s a the Kenyan proof in court. question about whether Michael Jackson, just like Elvis, Alas, it proved to be a fake. Apparently it was faked death. created by doctoring a certificate for an Australian named Then there was the story of the woman in a fur David Bomford. Some other Kenyan certificates also were coat. The animals came alive again and ate her. found to be fake. So, since all the Kenyan searches have Terrible. turned up no proof, we can conclude also that Obama Anything’s possible. So, could it be that the birthers wasn’t born in Kenya. are only half right? Right that Obama wasn’t born in Ha- If he wasn’t born in Hawaii and wasn’t born in waii? But wrong, since their proof was fake, about Kenya? Kenya, where was he born? If so, there is a conclusion so logical that it could become With both of the cited sites for birth being dis- a hot topic on some of those blogs and talk shows: Barack proved, the answer is the inescapable: Obama was not born. Barack Obama was not born. Remember, if this becomes part of the court suit, Not on this planet. you read it here first. v HOWEY Politics Indiana

Page 9 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009

“Never mind,” I said. “Let’s consider how you would Remedy for reality? deal with a widely used economic indicator. Every month we get unemployment data for each county in the nation. Have some happy news! How would you handle it for HNN?” Miss Wonderley spent a long time in thought. By MORTON J. MARCUS “I’d want to know about people who kept their jobs in INDIANAPOLIS - The elderly woman sat before me the worst places. I’d emphasize how many counties were nervously straightening the seams of her dark grey stock- experiencing little change in their unemployment rates. I’d ings. “Miss Wonderley,” I said, “we’ve met before.” report every local and state press release on the potential “No,” she said in a voice I had to strain to hear. possibility of more jobs in the next five years.” “I’m just out of the joint; been “Good, go on,” I said. there for more than sixty years.” “I’d interview corporate and government “I know you,” I said. executives,” she said. “They would describe how they save “No one knows me,” she jobs and continue to provide products and services, while responded. “After all, I’m only the slashing budgets. We’d call that segment ‘Magic by Man- alias of a fictional murderess.” agement’ and play ‘How Great Thou Art’ as musical back- I didn’t know what to say, ground. It should ensure us continuing corporate support.” so I waited. Soon she said, “I need “Very imaginative,” I said, “but that is already being a job. Back when I went up the done on public and commercial TV all across the nation. river all I could do was lure suscep- HNN would need more… more joy, more triumph, more tible men to help me find the Mal - giddiness.” tese Falcon. From reading today’s Miss Wonderley looked at her knarled hands. “It papers, that won’t cut it in the job market. Then too, my might be embarrassing,’ she said in her dour voice, “but age makes it tough to get a job. I’ve held my figure on jail- we could focus on people who haven’t been hurt by the house food, but all that bleach in the laundry doesn’t leave current economic trauma, people who didn’t need to pull a girl with an Ivory-smooth back on spending, who don’t un- complexion.” derstand that others are in peril “You’re in luck,” I because of health care costs, said. “The Happy News Net- who don’t acknowledge that work (HNN) just called and pensions have been cut sharply they want a mature, female and dreams destroyed by the anchor for their prime time irresponsible behaviors of many revitalization of “All Good who should have known better. News, All Day, Every Day.” “There are, I imagine,” “An anchor?” she she said, “many such people out asked. “You think I should be there.” a dead weight?” The administration of President once tried to “Precisely,” I said, “Not at all,” I said. shut out bad news in favor of happy news. “trash the trauma, repress the “The TV anchor is the person recession, hype the happy.” on a news broadcast whose “Wouldn’t that be contrary presence gives personality and continuity to the program. A to standard journalistic sensa- pleasant smile, a willingness to laugh at anything said by a tionalism?” she asked. member of your team, and a lightning fast ability to switch “Not the concern of HNN,” I replied. “They want from tragic to trivial are the essentials for employment.” ratings, not analysis. I’ll call them and see if we can get “I could do that with a little practice,” she said you an audition.” brightening. “Thank you,” she said. “There is redemption for “Oh, no practice required,” I said. “The less you repentant sinners.” v understand what’s going in the world, the better you are suited to the job. Experience, legitimate knowledge, and Mr. Marcus is an independent economist, speaker, true compassion are detriments as proven by numerous and writer formerly with IU’s Kelley School of Busi- communication consultants. Why today, no one would hire ness. Walter Cronkite.” “Walter who?” she asked. HOWEY Politics Indiana

Page 10 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009

Sylvia Smith, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette : pay for school facilities, while the state pays for schools’ Sometimes you just want to shake your head and wonder operating costs. The state isn’t likely to simply raise taxes what’s in the water. That could be the intro to musings the way school districts have done in the past to pass along about lots of things, from parents who force their over- increased labor costs. That needs to be put in perspective. sexualized 5-year-old daughters into beauty contests to Bennett’s ultimate goal isn’t to break the back of teacher Gov. Mark Sanford. But today I’m thinking about those folks unions; it’s to improve the quality of education in Indi - who help their kids with the homework, make a casserole ana. He points, for example, to his insistence that school for the lonely old lady across the street, run their daily two districts start keeping students in school the full day if they miles, phone a parent in another state or a kid expect that day to count toward the minimum of 180 days in college, trim the grass that keeps growing students must attend school. In Europe, the onto the sidewalk, buy a just-because card for school year typically is 195 days. Add those their sweetie, think deeply about how to cut additional 15 days a year together over the household expenses … and still have time to 12-year school career, and Hoosier students scream at members of Congress for not mak- lose the equivalent of an entire year of educa- ing President Obama’s citizenship Priority One. tion compared to their European counterparts. For those of you who actually have a life (see In a global marketplace, this is a statistic above) and may not have heard the echoes worth remembering. Why should Hoosiers from the whack-a-doo chorus, here’s the short be handicapped even before they graduate version: A rumor from the 2008 campaign persists: Obama from high school? Bennett, like me, believes school boards was born in Kenya, not Hawaii, and therefore is ineligible aren’t effective enough in bringing about improved student to serve as president because the Constitution requires performance. “They don’t focus on student achievement,” presidents to be natural-born citizens. A copy of the Hawai- he said. “They should be focused on setting policy to focus ian birth certificate doesn’t convince the “birthers,” as they on student achievement” and not on which coaches to hire v have come to be known. Statements by the director of the and similar details. state’s health department that she has seen and verified the birth certificate don’t quiet them. Court cases to the Rich James, Post-Tribune : Have you ever won- contrary don’t resolve it for them. A unanimous vote in dered why: WhY every other commercial on television is for the House last week congratulating Hawaii on 50 years of a drug to help you live longer, breathe better, have fewer statehood and containing the sentence that Obama was aches and pains or give new meaning to sex? Have you born there is irrelevant to them. Birthers, aided by pun- wondered who pays for those commercials? Here’s a hint. dits such as Lou Dobbs, simply will not believe any docu- Pharmaceutical companies is the wrong answer. Some of ment, statement or fact. They are convinced that Obama the slugs protesting (let’s say yelling and being obnoxious is an African by birth and thus constitutionally barred from to be more accurate) at public forums rail against govern- the Oval Office. They are sure that any evidence to the ment involvement in health care and in the same breath contrary is concocted. Conspiracy theorists will always be threaten people with death or worse if someone messes with us, and sometimes there are reasonable assumptions with their Medicare? Those with health insurance don’t – even facts – that support the theory. But not in this case. seem to have any compassion for those who don’t have v it? Fox News is so irresponsible that it perpetuates Sarah Palin’s lie that President Obama’s health care bill constitutes Doug Ross, Times of Northwest Indiana: Tony a “death panel” for the elderly? Some people seemingly Bennett would be a good short-order cook in a diner. He don’t have a problem with an insurance company executive doesn’t mind breaking eggs to make his Denver omeletes. deciding what test or treatment they will pay for -- all in Bennett, Indiana’s superintendent of public instruction, is the name of their profit, not your health? Those who rant aggressively working to improve the quality of education and rave at the public forums refuse to debate? Could it be in the state. That’s clearly bucking state tradition, which is because they can’t think for themselves? Or because they earning him a backlash from special interest groups. But are pawns for right-wing radicals? Conservatives think it wait until you hear how far he’s willing to go to bring about would be bad for the insurance industry to compete against change for the sake of the students. The state might have a public option? Could it mean less money for members of to look at the collective bargaining structure for teachers in Congress because the insurance companies would have to order to provide quality education with limited state funds. cut their billion-dollar profit margins in order to compete? “That’s a sacred cow, but they do make the best hamburg- The medical care the government provides for our service v ers,” Bennett said with a twinkle in his eye. Here’s how veterans is not considered socialized medicine? that might come into play: In Indiana, local property taxes HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 11 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009

both. As an example, Daniels pointed from PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Health Biker governor eyes to Dometic LLC, an international Research Institute, 42 percent of Harley-Davidson plant manufacturer of RV accessories that employers surveyed said they would SOUTH BEND - As if on cue, announced earlier this month it would increase the share of the premium the severe thunderstorm that swept move certain operations from Sweden their workers pay in 2010. That’s up through the city Wednesday evening and Mexico to Elkhart and LaGrange, from 38 percent last year. arrived just creating an estimated 350 combined in time for jobs by 2012. He also mentioned Gov. Mitch meeting with a site-selection group Rokita pushes Daniels’ from Harley-Davidson earlier in the transit referendum address to day about possibly relocating a plant INDIANAPOLIS - Follow members of from Pennsylvania to Rushville, Ind. the law. That’s the simple message the Sum- He said the company is attracted to Indiana Secretary of State mit Club on the state because of its good invest- had Wednesday for Lake County of- the state’s ment climate. “Part of what we’re ficials battling over whether to hold efforts to doing to fight the recession,” Daniels and how to pay for a November transit weather the current economic crisis said, “is accenting the advantages of referendum (Times of Northwest (Blasko, South Bend Tribune). Dan- Indiana. If you’re having trouble, we Indiana). “This referendum is ordered iels appeared at the club, located know of places where you can suc- by state law to take place in these four at the top of Chase Tower, as part ceed.” counties. The date of the referendum of the club’s “Economic Overview is set by law, too. So, in the opinion Speaker Series.” In of the chief election pleated slacks and official, the only a button-down, blue task for the County oxford — and apolo- Board of Elections gies for violating the and registration to jacket-and-tie dress perform is to follow code — the two-term state law,” Rokita governor delivered a spokesman Jim speech titled “Fighting Gavin said. Rokita is the Recession to Win.” head of the state’s With many states election division. struggling with huge The Lake County debt, Daniels heralded Council has refused Indiana’s more than $1 to pay the estimat- billion budget surplus, ed $414,000 cost a sign of financial of the referendum stability, he said, for determining wheth- businesses looking to er a regional transit invest in the state. The authority is cre- surplus, he said, was ated in Northwest accumulated by cutting Indiana. Voters in per capita spending Porter, LaPorte and — without sacrificing St. Joseph coun - service — and without raising taxes. ties also are set to participate in the In fact, he said, Indiana is one of referendum. In Lake County, officials only a handful of states that has not Health insurance rates are preparing for an expected lawsuit either raised or proposed raising taxes expected to rise 42% from the state ordering the election to since the beginning of the recession. INDIANAPOLIS - American be held. But Gavin said Lake County Because of these and other business- workers and employers soon will officials might want to look closer to friendly policies, Daniels said, the find themselves faced with another home for the source of a potential state has continued to attract outside hefty increase in the price they pay lawsuit. “Any of the voters have the investment and create jobs at a time for health insurance (Lee, Indianapo- right to make the officials perform when other states are struggling with lis Star). According to a new report their duties by bringing an action in HOWEY Politics Indiana

Page 12 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009

court to mandate that officials follow Clunkers program and could announce Teddy pushes state law,” Gavin said. “It doesn’t take by Friday when the incentives will no action by government for this to occur. longer be available (Associated Press). succession change It could take one voter.” HYANNISPORT - A cancer- stricken Sen. Edward M. Kennedy 300 jobs coming ABC/WP Poll shows has written a poignant letter to to Fleetwood at Decatur Massachusetts leaders asking that Afghan war erosion DECATUR - An unexpectedly they change state law to allow WASHINGTON - A majority of strong market and a smoother-than- a speedy replacement of him in Americans now see the war in Afghan- expected transition have Fleetwood RV Congress (Associated Press). The istan as not worth fighting and just a Inc. saying it likely will add 300 workers note to Gov. Deval Patrick and the quarter say more U.S. troops should to its Decatur operations in the next state’s Senate president and House be sent to the country, according to a three months (Fort Wayne Journal Ga - speaker acknowledges the state new Washington Post-ABC News poll. zette). The company also plans to invest changed its succession law in 2004 When it comes to the baseline ques- $7.4 million in its facilities, company and to require a special election to fill tion, 42 percent of Americans say the state officials announced Wednesday. any vacancy. At the time, legislative U.S. is winning in Afghanistan; about Democrats were concerned Repub- as many, 36 percent, say it is losing lican Gov. Mitt Romney would be the fight. The new poll comes amid 85 jobs coming to Peru able to fill any vacancy created as widespread speculation that the top PERU - A newly created Miami Sen. John Kerry ran for president. U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Gen. County manufacturing business hopes But Kennedy writes “it is vital for Stanley A. McChrystal, will request to create 85 jobs during the next two this commonwealth to have two more troops for his stepped-up ef- years (Kokomo Tribune). The Miami voices speaking for the needs of its fort to root the Taliban from Afghan County Council Tuesday passed through citizens and two votes in the Sen- towns and villages. That is a position the first reading an ordinance to pro - ate.” that gets the backing of 24 percent vide up to $150,000 in incentives over of those polled, while nearly twice as the next five years to support Riverside Prison chief takes many, 45 percent, want to decrease Travel Trailers. the number of military forces there. blame for breakout In January, before President Obama Indiana one of 3 states MICHIGAN CITY - The authorized sending an additional superintendent of the Indiana State 17,000 troops to the country, public seeking Harley plant Prison says he takes responsibility sentiment tilted more strongly toward NDIANAPOLIS - Indiana is try- for staff shortcomings that con- a troop increase. Overall, seven in 10 ing to edge out Kentucky and Tennes- tributed to three inmates’ escape Democrats say the war has not been see and land a Harley-Davidson motor- last month (Associated Press). worth its costs, and fewer than one cycle assembly plant that could employ Superintendent Mark Levenha- in five support an increase in troop at least 1,000 workers (Indianapolis gen told lawmakers from LaPorte levels. Among moderate and conser- Star). Economic development leaders and Michigan City Tuesday that vative Democrats, a slim majority say in Indiana have met with executives of the inmates escaped because a the is losing in Afghani- the motorcycle company and touted handful of staff failed to follow stan. Republicans (70 percent say it is the state’s pro-business tax climate, proper procedure. He says that’s his worth fighting) and conservatives (58 a state official confirmed Wednesday. responsibility. Three prison guards percent) remain the war’s strongest Harley-Davidson, based in Milwaukee, have been suspended for failing to backers, and the issue provides a rare has told Pennsylvania union officials that properly supervise inmates Lance point of GOP support for Obama’s poli- it has begun to study the future for its Battreal, Mark Booher and Charles cies. aged production complex at York, Pa. Smith. The men escaped through Harley-Davidson officials appear to be underground utility tunnels July 12 interested in Indiana sites that include but were later recaptured. Levenha- Obama prepares to property in Shelby County northwest of gen and Department of Correction end cash for clunkers Shelbyville along I-74, said an Indiana Commissioner Edwin Buss say the WASHINGTON - The Obama businessman familiar with the state’s prison will invest in technology to administration is developing plans economic development activities. help secure the tunnels. A report on to wind down the popular Cash for the escape is expected this month.