V17, N36 Tuesday, May 22, 2012 Ellspermann, Simpson set for tickets integrity, business background and Gubernatorial tickets experience in state government that will make her a great lieutan- diversify over the past ant governor,” said Pence. “She will two election cycles be a tremendous asset as we work to bring more jobs to .” By BRIAN A. HOWEY At a joint presser in India- - Republican napolis, Pence added, “I chose Sue gubernatorial nominee of- Ellspermann plainly and simply ficially named State Rep. Sue Ellsper- because she is the best person for mann to the ticket Monday morning. the job. She is uniquely qualified Hours later, WISH-TV reported that to serve as lieutenant governor of John Gregg would tap Senate Minority Indiana. She has the values, the Leader Vi Simpson to his ticket, with experience and the character to the official announcement set for 2 meet the demands of that office, p.m. today on the south steps of the and should the need arise, to lead Statehouse. Indiana as our governor.” The selections continue a “It has been my pleasure trend where the top of gubernato- to work closely with Sue Ellsper- rial tickets have been diversified by mann for two years now, both as gender. The move came after House a candidate and as a legislator, Speaker Brian Bosma and Lt. Gov. and I can say without reservation had urged the GOP that she is an excellent choice for nominee to consider a woman. lieutenant governor,” Bosma said. Simpson ran a brief guber- “As part of the Mike Pence team, natorial campaign in 2003, pulling Sue will offer her tireless and out after the death of Gov. Frank Republican ticket and Mike positive campaign efforts through O’Bannon and then Gov. ’s Pence (top) on the campaign trail prior to her se- the November election, and more reentry into the race (See page 5). lection. In lower photo, Sen. Simpson and Gregg “Sue Ellspermann has the with former First Lady Judy O’Bannon. Continued on page 3 ‘Smart, motivated, ambitious’

By RUSS STILWELL BOONVILLE - Of all the Republican possibilities in our clearly Republican leaning state I was mildly surprised that Congressman Mike Pence chose Sue Ellspermann, the freshman legislator from Ferdinand to ‘‘First, they ought to talk to Mitt be his running mate. It’s not that she Romney because he basically laid out is not a bright, hard-working issue- so many of the premises in it. If they driven ambitious officeholder – she is – but because I’m not sure what she want an argument, they ought to start brings to the ticket. with him.” Upon learning of the announce- ment, I called a long time political op- - U.S. Rep. , on defending his erative who knows Ellspermann fairly vote for Obamacare well. His comments were succinct: HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 2 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, May 22, 2012

“It really speaks to the character of continuing reading, the numbers re- Pence that he would consider some- flected a different scenario. one who is a complete novice and has Voters were prepared to “not zero qualifications for the job. Does vote for Russ Stilwell.” And they did. anyone in the state of Indiana think She won by 800 some votes out of www.HoweyPolitics.com that she is prepared to be governor of 20,000 plus votes cast. My message our state?” to those who say Ellspermann is not Has there ever been a fresh- ready for the job: Do not underesti- Howey Politics man legislator on the gubernatorial mate Sue Ellspermann when it comes Indiana ballot in the Hoosier state? to a mammoth political challenge. is a non-partisan newsletter I know Sue Ellspermann She’s focused, motivated, self-confi- based in Indianapolis. It was well enough to know that you should dent and more. founded in 1994 in Fort Wayne. not ever underestimate her and her But there are and will be ambitions. She defeated me in my challenges for the Pence campaign SW Indiana legislative seat fair and with Ellspermann on the ticket. The Brian A. Howey, Publisher square in the 2010 elections. And she first thing that comes to mind is how Mark Schoeff Jr., Washington did so without the standard negative voters (Tea Party voters?) will react Jack E. Howey, editor campaign mode of operation that most when they realize that she voted in Beverly K. Phillips, associate challengers rely on to win. Actually, we the Democrat Primary Election in both signed a “no negative campaign 2008. One can only assume that she editor pledge” and to the best of my knowl- voted for Obama or Hillary. That would edge we both held true to our pledge. give even main street Republicans Subscriptions But make no mistake about it, pause, let alone the Tea Party types $350 annually HPI Weekly the race for governor and lieutenant who seem to dominate the Republican governor is not just another interest- party. Her Republican ideological purity $550 annually HPI Weekly and ing legislative contest. The gloves will might be questioned. HPI Daily Wire. come off and the race for ideological Other challenges that 'Call 317.627.6746 purity will begin. the Ellspermann nod will bring is When folks ask me about the absolute disgust that organized Ellspermann, I often use different labor has for her outspoken views on Contact HPI adjectives to describe her. Words like right-to-work. Now I’m not suggesting Howey Politics Indiana hard working, motivated, smart, ambi- that these voters were going to vote 6255 Evanston Ave. tious and good on her feet. She can for Pence, but many of these union Indianapolis, IN 46220 speak and work a room standing up, members believe Sue Ellspermann is www.howeypolitics.com sitting down, using a podium, sitting the right-to-work lightning rod. They in a chair or just walking through the follow her with protests at many of [email protected] audience. her campaign and other public appear- 'Howey Cabin: 812.988.6520 When campaigning for the ances. This is a blip that a campaign 'Howey’s cell: 317.506.0883 2010 primary (more about that later), does not want to have. 'Washington: 703.248.0909 Ellspermann actually knocked on my Ellspermann does bring ideo- 'Business Office: 317.627.6746 front door looking for votes. My wife logical purity and single-messaging was cordial but said “no thanks” when that would be consistent with Pence. offered her campaign flyer. My point She is an attractive female candi- © 2012, Howey Politics Indiana. is that she and her campaign team date who never sees a challenge she All rights reserved. Photocopy- ran a most efficient campaign that doesn’t think she can overcome with ing, Internet forwarding, fax- had scores of volunteers and moti- her educational pedigree. She balanc- ing or reproducing in any form, vated supporters. When my latest poll es the gender portion of the ticket and in early October 2010 showed that I is an ideological twin of Pence when it whole or part, is a violation of had a 66% job approval rating and a come to supporting business interests federal law without permission 66% positive name recognition (with and unwavering disapproval of anyone from the publisher. v low negatives) I almost quit reading who believes in a balanced view of the poll since these kind of numbers women’s reproductive health issues. normally mean reelection. But after I would suggest that Ellsper- HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 3 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, May 22, 2012

mann’s geographical location does not bring very much to election booth in 2008 to support Obama or Clinton. the political table except for her home county. Like most Time will tell if she passes the others that will state legislators, her name ID is mostly not well known surely come as the campaign grinds it way to November. and most folks will not know much about her. That is a The gubernatorial race has always been between dilemma. The Pence campaign can identify her and intro- the candidates running for governor, not the LG candidate. duce her as a leading economic development proponent The Ellspermann pick for Republican LG in 2012 will not who brings experience and gender balance or the Gregg change this time-honored fact. campaign can introduce her as an inexperienced freshman A freshman legislator from a southern Indiana rural legislator that brings more of the same from a clearly right community will not advance the Pence campaign nor will it of center ideological campaign team. hinder the campaign. It will only add gender balance with a At the end of the day it will be Hoosier voters candidate who is smart, motivated and ambitious. v who will make the choice. And like most every gubernato- rial campaign in modern history, the LG candidate is mostly Stilwell is the former Indiana House Democratic ma- along for the ride. The first test of any pick for LG is that jority leader. they do no harm. Ellspermann passes this first test, provid- ed she is forgiven for wandering into the Democrat primary

man, ignited that issue against Planned Parenthood and it Pence/Ellspermann, from page 1 was then taken up in the , then the House and Gov. Daniels signed it into law. That issue has brought importantly, she will bring her extensive private and public criticism from Democratic nominee John Gregg. sector experience in economic development, education and She coauthored a law that requires the Indiana agriculture issues to the table as our next lieutenant gover- Department of Child Services be notified if abortions are nor. Sue Ellspermann is the right choice for Indiana.” performed on girls younger than 14. The two appeared in Ellspermann’s hometown of As a freshman member of the Ferdinand Monday morning. Indiana legislature, Ellspermann has As HPI first reported compiled a 100% pro-life voting record in last Thursday’s edition, including support for the historic pro-life Ellspermann’s background gains in the 2011 legislature. In 2011, in academics and business Ellspermann was spotlighted by World dovetailed nicely into Pence’s magazine as an example of the new requirements for a capable wave of pro-life women entering the poli- “heartbeat away” replacement, cy arena. “Sue Ellspermann is a solid pro- with legislative and business life voice who is already established as a experience. leader on life issues at the Statehouse,” Ellspermann has had a stated Indiana Right to Life President and successful career in engineer- CEO Mike Fichter. “Her energetic and en- ing and management. thusiastic support for advancing pro-life “Mike Pence’s top policies in Indiana is appreciated, and we priority is job creation,” said look forward to the perspective she will bring to communi- Ellspermann. “As an engineer, I understand the importance ties across Indiana during this important election cycle.” of technical skills development in our workforce to attract The Gregg campaign reacted with a statement high wage, high tech jobs to Indiana.” from campaign manager Rebecca Pearcey, who said, But Ellspermann appears to be quite compatible “Congressman Pence and his pick for lieutenant governor, with Pence on key social issues, such as abortion. In her State Rep. Sue Ellspermann, represent the Tea Party ticket. first two sessions, she was author of three bills related Instead of fighting for jobs and opportunity for Indiana, to the subject. This past winter, a bill she unsuccessfully they have both spent their political careers fighting for an wrote required doctors to examine a pregnant woman in extreme social agenda which would have denied thousands person and document the gestational age. In 2011, she of Hoosiers access to critical health care services. Indiana was co-author of a controversial bill that banned Medicaid needs an administration with a jobs agenda, not a social payments to Planned Parenthood. Pence, as a congress- agenda.” HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 4 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Part of the Republican wave ment to be our next governor by selecting Sue Ellspermann She was first elected to the Indiana House in 2010, as his running mate,” said Indiana Republican Chairman upsetting Democratic Majority Leader Russ Stilwell. She . “Her integrity and work ethnic serve as ex- was part of a GOP wave that established a 60-seat majority amples of what public service is all about. Whether in the and allowed Gov. to forge education, labor, private sector or as a state representative, Sue has always anti-abortion and government reform. She emerged as a been a problem solver who puts her constituents first.” key advocate for the controversial Right to Work legisla- tion that prompted a five-week Democratic walkout in 2011 Gregg-Simpson ticket before it passed in February and Daniels signed it into law. Going into the 2012 election cycle, Simpson and She advocated for the law on WJTS-TV last December, Gregg were part of a Democratic establishment working saying, “It brings jobs. Many large companies use Right to group that wanted to keep the party from another divisive Work as a first filter with their site selectors.” primary. Gregg emerged as the gubernatorial nominee and After HPI broke the Ellspermann angle, the Pence U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly as the Senate nominee. Simpson campaign received a number of recommendations on her had kept in frequent communication addition to the ticket. with Gregg, but had not officially Sources say that Pence endorsed his candidacy. Simpson discussed having Skillman stay on had expressed concerns to HPI into his administration, but she de- about Gregg’s conservative lean- clined, saying it was time to move ings. on. While Pence also eyed House After a year in the field, Speaker Brian Bosma and others Gregg has encountered fund- like Marion Mayor Wayne Seybold, raising problems, posting only Indiana’s political parties appear to $584,000 at the end of the first be settling into a trend of gen- quarter. There have also been con- der balance, similar to the way cerns in Democratic quarters that county and district party chairs are Gregg had ticked off labor with handled. comments he made about Right “Sue Ellspermann is a to Work shortly after the short logical choice for a partner to Mike legislative session. Pence,” said Lt. Gov. Skillman. “She With the Republican Gov- brings many strengths that are a Senate Minority Leader Vi Simpson campaigns at the ernors Association pumping $1 great fit for the duties of lieutenant Working Man’s Friend Pub in Indianapolis during her million into the Pence campaign governor. I especially appreciate 2003 gubernatorial campaign. (HPI Photo by Brian A. earlier this month, on top of the her passion for helping our small Howey) $5 million the congressman had cities, towns and rural counties already raised, time is running out thrive and grow.” for the Democrats to get into the game. Throughout the weekend, Pence’s original list of 12 Simpson brings gender to the ticket, and Repub- finalists gradually winnowed down. Bosma acknowledged licans will attempt to cast her as a “Bloomington liberal” that he wasn’t interested, as did Valparaiso Mayor Jon Cos- (she represents Bloomington and Indiana University, but tas. Sources told HPI that Elkhart County Prosecutor Curtis resides in Ellettsville). Hill was called by the campaign and told he wouldn’t be Simpson, however, has a strong labor voting re- joining the ticket. cord, though during the Right to Work legislative process, The last two lieutenant governors - Democrat her tiny Senate caucus was little more than a speed bump and Republican Skillman - were the first two on the road to passage. females hold the post in Indiana’s 196 year history. Sen- Where Simpson brings strength to the ticket is ate President Pro Tempore David Long reacted by saying, on women’s issues. She was a vociferous opponent to the “During her tenure in the state legislature, she has shown legislation that stopped Medicaid payments to organizations a strong acumen for economic development and fiscal mat- like Planned Parenthood. Simpson will attempt to invigorate ters, as well as the ability to take a number of courageous those wings of the Democratic Party. votes during the most challenging of circumstances. She Finally, this becomes the “Southern Indiana” will prove to be an excellent partner for Mike Pence, and election, with both major party tickets stocked deep with Senate leadership looks forward to working with her.” candidates from from South. v “Today, Mike Pence proved why he has the judg- HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 5 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Fifty-fifty would have been divisive. I’ve often said this It took a long time for campaign is a journey, and today makes it clear that it is a journey that Bren Simon and I won’t be making alone.” UAW Chief Terry Thurman added the coda to the Hoosier women to ugly event: “Today we became engaged in the campaign, a brass-knuckled brawl. And there’s no one better at a brawl access the ticket than labor.” He accused Simpson of “sleazy, dirty politics,” and added, “If you were getting your butt kicked, wouldn’t By BRIAN A. HOWEY you say it was meaningless, too?” NASHVILLE, Ind. - It was, utterly, Simpson was only one of the most painful political episodes the second woman to run I have ever had to watch as a political for governor in Indiana writer. history at that point, follow- State Sen. Vi Simpson was seek- ing Democrat Virginia Dill ing the Democratic gubernatorial nomi- McCarty’s unsuccessful run nation in 2003. A straw poll had been in 1984, losing the nomina- set up for the annual Indiana Democratic tion to State Sen. Wayne Editorial Association shindig at French Townsend, who then Lick on Aug. 23. Simpson’s opponent, nominated Ann DeLaney as former Indiana and Democratic National the first ticket female. That Chairman Joe Andrew, fresh off nam- ticket lost its challenge to ing millionaire Bren Simon as his run- Gov. Robert D. Orr. ning mate a month earlier, paid more I remember than $50,000 to bring 1,100 United Auto watching a beleaguered Workers into the rally. Simpson with her son, When Andrew and Simpson pre- Jason Kinney, absorbing sented their case, she was treated with the punishment – from epic rudeness, despite her long record in fellow Democrats, no less. the Senate as a faithful labor advocate. It had been an utter roller She pulled out of the straw poll, saying, coaster, with an appear- “I ask for your support, not today, but in ance by Simpson ally and May, when it counts.” State Sen. Vi Simpson was grim after leaving a 2003 former U.S. Rep. Frank Andrew won the straw poll, 595 straw poll at French Lick. At top, Joe Andrew is McCloskey, bald from to 27, and he would say, “We carried 94 cheered on by UAW members and Bren Simon at cancer chemo-therapy, just percent of the vote. That’s not divisive. French Lick. (HPI Photos by Brian A. Howey) hours before the straw poll. HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 6 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Simpson hugged him with man to his ticket in May great emotion and McCloskey 2004. “Becky Skillman would soon move beyond us is the best possible all. That night, Gov. Frank choice for the constitu- O’Bannon gave the dinner tional post of lieutenant keynote, describing architect governor,” Daniels said Harrison Albright standing when he introduced her. atop the West Baden Hotel “She brings experience dome as the supports were in the General Assembly, removed. Many speculated whose cooperation we the dome would collapse. will need to effect real In his last public words, change. She brings a O’Bannon described a Demo- wealth of knowledge cratic party in “ascent” and about local government closed by saying, “I feel like and its pivotal role. I’m on that dome tonight.” She knows the small Seventeen days later cities and towns that Gov. Frank O’Bannon suf- have been ignored by fered a fatal stroke, setting this administration, and in motion the kind of gender which must no longer change in Hoosier politics be forgotten but must that no one could have fore- Gov. Kernan and House members applaud the first female LG, Kathy be included fully in Indi- seen, particularly after the Davis in October 2003 (top photo). The Davis appointment dramati- ana’s comeback.” Simpson campaign episode. cally changed Indiana gubernatorial politics, as seen in May 2004 when Six months after In early October Mitch Daniels brought Becky Skillman (lower right) onto the ticket, and that, the Daniels-Skill- 2003, Gov. Kernan chose she became the first elected LG. (HPI Photos by Brian A. Howey) man ticket would defeat former Indianapolis control- the Kernan-Davis coun- ler Kathy Davis as the first terpart, making Skillman female lieutenant governor candidate. Kernan said she was the first elected LG. chosen as the most qualified person on the list “who hap- It took only four years for Jill Long Thompson to pens to be a woman.” take it to the top rung, defeating Jim Schellinger for the A week later, Joe Andrew learned that his “running Democratic gubernatorial nomination by an eyelash in mate” – Bren Simon – had bolted and would support the 2008, then diversifying her ticket by nominating State Rep. now looming re-candidacy of Gov. Kernan, who himself had Dennie Oxley. Despite Barack Obama’s 50 visits to the pulled out of the race in November 2002. O’Bannon’s death state in which he was awarded Indiana’s 11 Electoral Col- had catapulted him back into the fight. lege votes, Long Thompson had trouble consolidating the Simpson would step aside as Kernan signaled he Democratic factions after a bitter primary, particularly in was in, saying, “The next time a woman wants to run for some labor quarters, and lost to Gov. Daniels by 18%. Long higher office, I hope the three words she hears are ‘come Thompson was unable to gain traction on the money front, on in’ and not ‘you can’t win.’” and was unable to sustain any sort of TV ad campaign Mitch Daniels would bring State Sen. Becky Skill- throughout the fall of 2008. HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 7 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, May 22, 2012

And now, Republican gubernatorial nominee Mike Pence has brought State Rep. Sue Ellspermann to his Democrats as GOP-lite ticket. So this establishes an important trend line in Indiana politics, with government following a long-standing rule is a plan of lousy politics in both parties that if a chair is a man, the vice chair is a woman, and vice versa. By SHAW R. FRIEDMAN With 51% of the popula- LAPORTE - Any Democrat looking at statewide of- tion female, and with 31 of the fice or the state legislature needs to think twice before em- 150 bracing Republican calls for yet more budget-busting cuts seats occupied by women (10 in in corporate taxes as a way to spur job growth. Not only the Senate, 21 in the House, or is such a plan lousy politics, the evidence is overwhelming about a fifth of the membership that there are far better ways to make Indiana attractive in each chamber), the ranks of for economic development and job creation. females are increasing. They are First the politics: Hoosiers, when polled, know climbing the political ladder. there is a better, smarter way to grow new jobs than simply Pence’s pick of Ellsper- cutting Indiana’s corporate tax rates, which only reduces mann appeared to have placed much-needed tax revenues that some pressure on Democrat pay for education. Indiana’s John Gregg to follow suit. Un- business tax climate is already til the Simpson announcement among the 10 most favorable was leaked, the buzz in Demo- in the nation, according to the cratic circles centered around Fort Tax Foundation. A recent survey 2008 Democratic guber- Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, Lafay- taken by the Kauffman Founda- natorial nominee Jill Long ette Mayor Tony Roswarski and tion ranks Indiana the fifth least Thompson. She diversi- former congressman Baron Hill. costly state in the country for fied her ticket by adding Gregg apparently respond- hiring a new employee. If taxes State Rep. Dennie Oxley. ed with Simpson. alone made the difference, we (HPI Photo by A. Walker The longer term ques- would be swimming in new Shaw) tion is at what point is where a jobs and prosperity, rather than woman follows the path of Mc- awash in unemployment. Carty, Simpson and Long Thompson and makes a credible We’ve got the benefit of a recent statewide poll run for the top job all the way through a November cam- conducted by the Benenson Strategy Group of 600 likely paign? Neither Davis nor Skillman took that path. For Davis, November 2012 voters which was run March 6-8. Hoosiers the appointment to LG and subsequent loss did not give simply aren’t falling for Republican trickle-down theory her the tools to compile the political IOU lists that previous and neither should authentic Democrats who want to give lieutenant governors Robert Orr and Frank O’Bannon had in the voters a choice. Fifty-seven percent of Hoosier voters achieving the ultimate prize. polled said their view of the best way to create new jobs Skillman was placed in a box by Daniels, who did was “we should improve our schools and produce more not give her the politically valuable Commerce portfolio, skilled workers and engineers so companies will be able to and while she was popular with rank and file Republicans, hire the workers they need here.” Compare that with just was considerably weaker politically than Orr or O’Bannon. 37% of Hoosiers polled who believe “we should lower taxes She briefly entered the 2012 race, then stepped aside for and loosen government regulations that cut into business the Pence juggernaut. profits” as the way to increase jobs. When we observe the fresh face, the considerable That’s right – by a margin of 20% – Hoosier retail political skills, an impressive business resume, and voters know that investing in education rather than slash- her adroit involvement of explosive policy issues related to ing revenues needed to support schools is the way to go. labor and abortion, Sue Ellspermann may be the individual Democrats need to give Hoosier voters credit and tailor our who can bring it all together. It’s an intriguing thought, arguments and our campaigns accordingly. considering that many Hoosier Republicans will urge Pence The politics of pushing for more corporate tax cuts toward a White House run in 2016 should President Obama are lousy because the public understands that trickle-down defeat Mitt Romney this fall. doesn’t work. Democrats need to be ready to make the We’ve come a long, way .… v case on why there is a better way to accomplish economic development and job creation than corporate tax cuts. HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 8 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Tim Bartik, senior economist with the Upjohn In- points only accomplishes three things – it helps turn right- stitute for Employment Research, says that “corporate tax wing GOP ideas into right-wing GOP realities, it legitimizes cuts don’t have a large enough impact on increasing wages bad ideas and it elects Republicans. for families.” Instead Bartik points out that other revenues Advocating Republican-Lite policies not only have to increase to make up for the lost revenue from cor- disenchants our core voters, it won’t win us independents porate tax cuts or other stimulative spending in the budget either. Hoosiers want and deserve a real contrast and we has to be cut to balance a state’s budget. Democrats have to be bold enough and smart enough to Indiana University economist Dr. Morton Mar- articulate a real, defined choice for voters. The polling cus has been writing on these pages for years that the best shows Hoosiers want a different vision for job creation than investment for Indiana’s economic development is to invest simply more corporate tax cuts. Let’s give voters a genuine in our high school age young men and women. alternative in November. v As Marcus puts the case, public high schools, their students and their programs “can set the tone for life Shaw Friedman served as legal counsel for the in many communities.” We can’t continue undervaluing Indiana Democratic Party from 1999-2004 and is a education and we need to “prepare young people for adult regular HPI contributor. responsibilities.” The former Kelley School professor says “this is the Indiana to which we hope to attract Illinois residents and businesses. Our workers struggle to receive justified com- Obama, Romney in dead heat pensation for injuries on the job. Our unemployed must make do with less generous payments than similar people WASHINGTON - After months of aggressive cam- in most states. Our schools are inadequate by most mea- paigning on jobs and the economy, President Obama and sures. Our local streets and roads are in poor to dismal Mitt Romney, his likely Republican challenger, are locked in repair. Our highway program is more than a generation a dead heat over who could fix the problem foremost on behind. Ancient sewerage systems all over the state are voters’ minds, according to a new Washington Post-ABC in need of modernization. Public transit is on life support News poll. where it still exists.” The parity on economic issues foreshadows what The literature is there for any Democrat ready to probably will continue to be a tough and negative cam- articulate an alternative vision. Dr. Amlan Mitra, professor paign. Overall, voters would be split 49 percent for Obama of economics at Purdue Calumet, says his research shows and 46 percent for Romney if the November election were that “tax cuts and incentives are unlikely to attract busi- held now. On handling the economy, they are tied at 47 nesses, stimulate economic activity and create jobs in a percent. Despite flare-ups over issues including contracep- cost effective way.” As he told the Post-Tribune on April tion and same-sex marriage, more than half of all Ameri- 3, 2011, “there is little proof that state and local taxes are cans cite the economy as the one concern that will decide major factors in business location decisions.” As Professor their vote in the fall, relegating others — such as health Mitra makes clear, it’s important for elected officials to part- care, taxes and the federal deficit — to single-digit status. ner with education, “which is a major driver of economic More than eight in 10 Americans still rate the national development.” economy negatively, but there are strains of optimism as it Let’s continue looking at the data rather than continues to recover from the collapse of 2008. A majority right-wing GOP political dogma. Definitive studies cited by of Americans — 54 percent — say they are more hopeful academics like Dr. Mitra, such as Bartik in 2003 and 1991, than anxious about the situation over the next few years, and Fisher in 1997 state conclusively that “state and local while 58 percent are bullish about their financial prospects. investments in public services stimulate economic growth But it is a rearview-mirror assessment that could and create jobs.” In sharp contrast, Republican orthodoxy hurt Obama’s chances for a second term. One key indica- on job creation relies almost exclusively on tax cuts. Says tor has hardly budged this year: Asked where they stand Dr. Mitra, “a skilled workforce, accessibility to raw materi- financially compared with when Obama took office in Janu- als, proximity to customers and quality public services such ary 2009, 30 percent say they are worse off, and only 16 as schools, roads and highways, sewer systems, recre- percent say they are better off. There is not a widespread ational facilities, higher education and health services are sense that things would be better had Romney been presi- far more critical determinants.” dent for the past three-plus years, but for the incumbent it The bottom line is that no real Hoosier Democrat is a critical measure. On this question, Obama’s numbers ought to buy into GOP claims that what is needed is simply continue to resemble those of George H.W. Bush, who lost more tax cuts for business. Repeating right-wing talking his bid for reelection in 1992 amid a flagging economy. v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 9 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, May 22, 2012

month. A relatively small allocation of funds from a small Take care, the bus county income tax could keep Hammond, East Chicago and Gary services running. (The latter two are separately doors are closing endangered.) Or a diversion of funds from either the food and By MORTON J. MARCUS beverage tax or the hotel/motel occupancy tax could solve INDIANAPOLIS - What do you care if the Hammond the problem. But Hoosier lawmakers at the state and local buses stop running? Hammond is up there in the northwest levels are not to be moved by reason nor are they likely to corner of the most northwest county succumb to appeals on behalf of the poor and disadvan- in the state. In fact, what do you taged. care if all the public bus routes in In Indiana it is considered imaginative to the state were closed down? propose an end to the corporate income tax, covering Will it hurt you if Indianapo- the resulting shortfall of revenues with added taxes from lis, Bloomington, or Evansville called consumers. That those added tax revenues, derived from a halt to bus service by the end of Internet sales, would be dedicated to public transit does June? Does your employment de- not fly. pend on the buses running in South More money for public transit does require more Bend, Fort Wayne, or Lafayette? If accountability by transit operators. It’s time to look hard at your answer to either question is feather-bedding and costly work rules. In addition, state NO, then why would you want to regulations need to be examined to see how they impede see the buses in those cities contin- efficiency. ue to run along with those in Terre But first comes the money and there is little time to Haute and Gary? deliver before the last bus closes its doors in Hammond. v Hammond is likely to see its buses stop on June 30 because there is neither the political will nor the politi- Mr. Marcus is an independent economist, writer and cal courage in Lake County to keep them running. The speaker formerly with the IU Kelley School of Busi- Hammond buses are operated by the RBA (Regional Bus ness. Authority) which runs out of money in just a few weeks. Hammond doesn’t want to support its own buses. The Lake County Council sees no reason to raise taxes or fees to support public transit. The standard argument of public transit opponents is “the fare box ought to cover the costs of services.” That’s a great proposition which happens to work for only limited services over high density routes for middle- and upper- income riders. Routes that serve the standard community and meet the needs of lower income riders require subsidies. It does not matter if we help people get to work or to school, to shop- ping or medical appointments, public transit is expensive. But it is a bargain. Do we have a more prosperous society if the poor cannot get to their jobs? Do we have a healthier society if the sick cannot keep their appointments? Is our future brighter if students are closed out from attending classes because the buses do not provide service? The RBA has 30,000 riders per HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 10 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Rittenmeyer not only has the time to pursue what’s Rittenmeyer may be the best for the region, he is a fighter. Besides being a college president, Rittenmeyer may best be remembered as the man who championed a regional bus system. For more ‘mayor of NW Indiana’ than a decade, Rittenmeyer shepherded the push for a By RICH JAMES regional bus system in the face of politically and racially MERRILLVILLE - No one yet is addressing Dennis driven opposition. Rittenmeyer as mayor. But for Northwest Indiana – a maze In the end, Rittenmeyer accomplished what he of municipalities in search of an identity – Rittenmeyer set out to do – write the blueprint for and win approval for is about as close as anyone has been to being mayor of a single, regional bus system. Unfortunately, NWI legisla- Northwest Indiana. Rittenmeyer has been named executive tors and the Lake County Council failed to come up with a director of the newly formed One Region, One Vision for permanent funding source. Because local politicians care Northwest Indiana’s Quality of Life. more about their futures than those who rely on buses, That’s a mouthful that needs some explanation. Rittenmeyer’s quest for a regional bus system, which is on One Region, One Vision is life-support with temporary funding, is slated to go out of an initiative launched five years business at the end of June. I’m sure Rittenmeyer is think- ago by the Times of Northwest ing of that as he begins the new job to improve the quality Indiana. It is a wonderful goal, of life in NWI without the benefit of bus service. although it has lacked the sub- According to the Times, Rittenmeyer will coordinate stance to get anything of note the new agency’s “action initiatives,” which range from a accomplished. regional health care council to the mayors’ roundtable and The NWI Quality of Life a chamber of commerce coalition. He also will facilitate Council, on the other hand, was quarterly “community conversations” designed to air issues started 20 years ago by the of importance to the region. chancellors and presidents of the If you slice through all of that bureaucratic blab- area colleges and universities. ber, it should become apparent that Rittenmeyer’s job is to The Quality of Life Council, with a bring the movers and shakers in both the public and private paid executive director, has iden- sectors to the table. It’s not really been tried before on this tified problems in the area and sought workable solutions. grand a scale. Yet the Quality of Life Council has had difficulty bringing And who knows, one of the first efforts might be together the diverse political and municipal factions that to get the area legislators and local officials to agree on often look upon regionalism as a “four-letter word.” and pass a permanent funding source for bus service. That The newly formed One Region, One Vision for certainly would improve the quality of life for a region that v Northwest Indiana’s Quality of Life could be the answer for talks about but lacks one vision. an area that lacks focus for the common good. As a result, countless turf wars to benefit those holding office override Rich James is the former editorial page editor and efforts to unite Northwest Indiana. columnist for the Post-Tribune in Merrillville. Because the region can’t put a united foot forward, it suffers, particularly when seeking help from the General Assembly, which looks upon Northwest Indiana with a wary eye. Downstate legislative leaders don’t know who to talk to in Northwest Indiana, largely because too many people wrongly profess to be the region’s voice, while in fact there isn’t one. This could be changing. While the One Region, One Voice for Northwest In- diana’s Quality of Life provides the leadership for a stronger region, Rittenmeyer could well be the best choice to make it happen. Consider that Rittenmeyer retired last year after 24 years as president of Calumet College of St. Joseph. He turned a struggling, urban operation into a viable part of higher education in the region. HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 11 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, May 22, 2012

He wants neighborhood watch volunteers who wouldn’t carry guns or try to enforce the law themselves or Digger Phelps dives into even summon police for arrests in most cases. “The police are not looking to arrest everybody,” South Bend violence Phelps says. While watch volunteers would call in police in cases of violence and drug operations, Phelps wants them By JACK COLWELL to get to know what’s going on and talk with kids who are SOUTH BEND - Digger Phelps doesn’t have to do heading for trouble. this. But he will. He is adamant that watch volunteers reflect the The former Notre Dame basketball coach and makeup of the neighborhood, especially with black volun- present ESPN analyst wasn’t deterred by some city council teers in black neighborhoods. members seemingly more interested in political bicker- He learned the importance of this in heading Op- ing and protocol than in supporting eration Weed and Seed in the administration of President his efforts to curb South Bend’s youth George H.W. Bush. The goal was to weed out crime with violence. concentrated federal and local efforts in some of the most “I’m not interested in protocol and troubled neighborhoods in the nation and then seed pro- politics,” Phelps says. “If I didn’t follow grams to bring economic recovery and prevent regression. protocol, then give me a technical. But One project in Hispanic neighborhoods wasn’t working well, we need to move together when we and Phelps found one reason was that there were no His- have kids killing each other.” panic community police officers, nobody who looked like, Phelps, who has remained a South talked like or understood the folks there. Bend resident, began his efforts after Why? returning home from basketball’s Final Phelps was told that Hispanics couldn’t pass the Four and being shocked by a Tribune police tests. article headlined: “City sees youth violence spike.” “Then change the tests,” he demanded. If none of While statistics from early in the year show most the many intelligent, capable Hispanics could make it, there crime down a bit, the many shootings in April and May was something unfair about the tests. signal escalating youth violence _ kids shooting kids in turf Phelps doesn’t have to do this. battles and retaliation. Perpetrators may have dropped out He’s already is involved in many projects else- of high school, but they’re still around, unable to get jobs where. but able to get guns, join gangs and deal drugs. In New Orleans, his efforts to turn troubled Mc- Phelps long has promoted mentoring in South Bend Donough High School into a school with culinary train- schools. ing for jobs in that city’s great restaurants brought such And more mentoring is part of his efforts now _ success that the state recently announced $35 million in only a part. He acknowledges that mentoring, though it can funding for the facility. be so important in young lives, is a long-range help, not In Memphis, Phelps will be commencement some magic wand to stop violence today. speaker next week at the Soulsville Stax Music Academy In addition to seeking 500 additional mentors to Charter School, also in a troubled area, that he has helped reach kids still in school, Phelps is seeking to promote to promote. All students in this first graduating class have after-school programs and community policing that features been accepted for college. cooperation of neighborhood watch teams and police. Phelps doesn’t have to do this in South Bend. His call for each Common Council member to But one compelling reason is the advice of former recruit three neighborhood watch teams brought an angry Notre Dame President Theodore M. Hesburgh, who urged outburst from one member complaining that proper proto- him after coaching days to do more than just work on TV col was for the request to come from the mayor or through and mentoring projects. Phelps says that Father Hesburgh, a measure sponsored by a council member. champion of civil rights, would want him to work now for a Actually, the call went out to the members from very important right for youths amid violence - the right to Council President Derek Dieter, a police officer who backs live. v Phelps’ efforts. So does Mayor Pete Buttigieg. Phelps isn’t talking about the type of “watch” in Colwell has covered politics over five decades for that fatal Florida shooting. the South Bend Tribune. “This is not Florida. That was not community polic- ing,” Phelps says. HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 12 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Eric Bradner, Evansville Courier & Press: In- The dirty little secret of campaigns is that there are usu- diana’s nearly all-male slate of statewide elected officials ally just two messages. Either: Stay the Course or It’s Time and its congressional delegation appears likely to see some for a Change. When Barack Obama won 53 percent of female faces added. Those seats are dominated at pres- the popular vote and carried 28 states, just 14 percent of ent by Republicans, and it’s three Republican women and Americans thought we were moving in the right direction. one female Democrat who could hold major offices after So it was obviously a Time for a Change election. When the November election. If the gubernatorial candidate, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton coasted to easy reelections, U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, selects state Rep. Sue Ellspermann, the country’s mood was undeniably Stay the Course. The R-Ferdinand, as his running mate, she’d be campaigning to election coming up in November is stuck in between. Amer- replace outgoing Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman as the only female icans don’t know whether to forge ahead or swing back. statewide officeholder. Meanwhile, two women who won Quick readers’ guide to the 2012 polls: until the final two congressional primaries earlier this month — former state weeks, ignore the head-to-head horserace. It’s an artificial Rep. Jackie Walorski in northcentral Indiana’s 2nd District question: “If the election were held today, would you vote and former U.S. Attorney Susan Brooks in the suburban for Mitt Romney or Barack Obama?” You can almost hear Indianapolis 5th District — will also appear on November’s the poor person on the other end of the phone saying, “It’s ballots. Since they are the Republican nominees in strongly only May. We don’t know Romney’s running mate or his Republican districts, both are likely to win those seats and platform. We haven’t had debates or even a campaign.” In- head to Washington in January. The candida- stead of obsessing about who’s up and who’s down, look at cies of these three women — Walorski, Brooks how folks view the direction of the country. When and, possibly, Ellspermann — could be especially the “right direction” number creeps up close to 50 important in a year in which gender politics could percent, the incumbent is going to win. But when play a major role in several key races’ outcomes. it plunges, get ready to back the moving van up Typically, around 60 percent of men vote for Re- to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. At this writing, that publicans, and around 60 percent of women vote all-important indicator is a middling 31 percent— for Democrats. In Indiana, a redder-than-average almost precisely equidistant from both an outright state, those numbers probably favor Republicans just a bit rejection of Obama and an incumbent’s safe reelection.. v more. For Democrats such as U.S. Senate candidate Joe Donnelly and gubernatorial candidate John Gregg, there Larry Riley, Muncie Star Press: Last week, I is no path to victory that does not count on winning the looked at Delaware County Republican primary election support of women who are independent or even moder- results for possible answers to why more of that party’s ate Republicans. Pence has been a champion of withhold- voters turned out than Democratic Party voters for the ing government funds from organizations such as Planned first time in a long time. With a deeper look at elections Parenthood — a stance that is in line with anti-abortion past, I think I found the last time GOP voters outnumbered advocates, but that Democrats call a strike against wom- Democrats in a primary here: 1976. That year, blue collar en’s health and see it as a winner. Democrats hope to win Democrats crossed over to vote for The Great Communi- on issues important to women. v cator, Republican Ronald Reagan. An estimated 200,000 Hoosier voters were believed to have crossed party lines Paul Begala, Daily Beast: It stinks to be an incum- that year to vote for Reagan. That’s not the story of 2012. bent officeholder these days. British Prime Minister David Can Democratic primary results tell us anything? For start- Cameron’s Conservative Party lost nearly 300 seats in local ers, while Republicans were finding more voters than ever, elections. Nicolas Sarkozy of France is now properly ad- not only did fewer Democrats than Republicans turn out, dressed as Monsieur le ex-President. His partner in auster- the fewest Democrats turned out than in at least 35 years, ity, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, saw her Christian more than a generation. Some of the answer has to be Democratic Union suffer what she called a “bitter, painful the national picture. Of course, nobody expected anything defeat” in the May 13 election. In Greece, the two major remotely close to the 2008 primary mega-turnout exceed- parties that have been running the country for decades ing 27,000 Democrats, of which President Obama got 47 were rejected by the voters. About the only elected world percent, or 12,972 votes. But incumbent Obama at the top leaders who have been able to extend their hold on power of the ticket this month got merely 7,698 votes. That’s only are Russia’s Vladimir Putin—whose party’s recent victory 60 percent of his 2008 figure and only 28 percent of that was widely seen as fraudulent—and Israel’s Benjamin year’s Democratic total. Could vast numbers of voters have Netanyahu—who cannily cut a deal to expand his govern- concluded that putting a charismatic visionary and gifted ing coalition without an election. So unless you can rig an orator in the land’s highest office turned out to be a bad election or cancel it, you’re in trouble as an incumbent. decision, given he had no experience running anything? v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 13 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, May 22, 2012

put Afghan forces in the lead of the were received at Dover Air Force Base Judge orders combat mission by the middle of next in Delaware on Saturday. handwriting sample year. Even in a backup role, though, the U.S. forces and all the rest will SOUTH BEND - A former still face combat and attacks until the Pence defends on northern Indiana county Democratic war’s end. In essence, the partners, chairman and three others have led by Obama, are staying the course, residency issue been ordered to provide handwriting sticking with a timeline long estab- INDIANAPOLIS - After resi- samples to a special prosecutor inves- lished and underscoring that there will dency questions sank the ambitions of tigating allegations of forged signa- be no second-guessing the decision three of Indiana’s top Republicans, it tures being used on petitions to place to leave. Since 2010, they have been seems natural that Democrats would Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton on planning to finish the war at the end look for a fourth score with the issue the state’s 2008 presidential primary of 2014, even as moves by nations (Associated Press). U.S. Sen. Richard ballot. The South Bend Tribune reports such as France to pull combat troops Lugar and former U.S. Rep. David Mc- St. Joseph Superior Court Judge John out early has tested the strength of Intosh both lost primary battles earlier Marnocha granted the request Monday the coalition. Leaders presented it as this month on questions of where they by special prosecutor Stanley Levco. a significant turning point in the war. lived and whether they were properly Marnoca ordered Butch Morgan and It will be “the moment when through- registered to vote in Indiana. Former three former workers in the county out Afghanistan people can look out Secretary of State Charlie White was voter registra- and see their own troops and police kicked out of office and sentenced to tion office to stepping up to the challenge,” said the one year of home detention after he provide hand- NATO chief, Secretary General Anders was found guilty of illegally voting in writing samples Fogh Rasmussen. the 2010 Republican primary election. as well as The fourth target of the residency samples of writ- question is now Republican gubernato- ing not prepared Auburn soldier rial candidate Mike Pence. But just as for litigation trying to stretch a double into a triple purposes. Morgan has denied any killed in Aghanistan is usually asking for an out, stretch- wrongdoing. He resigned in October AUBURN - Sgt. JaBraun S. ing the rare triple into an inside-the- following 16 years as county chair- Knox, a DeKalb High School graduate park home run is almost unheard man after the South Bend Tribune and serving in the Army, was killed Friday of. One day after the primary earlier the Howey Politics Indiana newsletter when his unit came under fire in east- this month, Democratic gubernatorial reported they had found hundreds of ern Afghanistan, the Department of candidate John Gregg did just that, questionable signatures. Defense said Monday. Knox, 23, and criticizing Pence for raising his family Sgt. Michael J. Knapp, 28, of Overland in Virginia since his election to Con- Park, Kan., died from wounds received gress in 2001. When asked about the Obama tells NATO during the attack near the Pakistani importance of maintaining a residence border, the department said. They in Indiana during a recent meeting Afghan war will end were assigned to the 1st Battalion (Air with newspaper editors in Indianapo- Assault), 377th Field Artillery Regi- lis, Pence paused before answering CHICAGO - President Barack ment, 17th Fires Brigade from Joint the question. “Well, I’m a lifelong Obama and leaders around the globe Base Lewis-McChord in Washington Hoosier. I was born and raised in the locked down an exit path from the state. Afghan officials said the two state and everyone in my family is a war in Afghanistan, affirming Monday sergeants were killed by enemy rocket Hoosier, except our son: he’s a Boil- that they will close the largely stale- fire that also killed three civilians. ermaker,” Pence said with a pinch of mated conflict at the end of 2014, Four others were wounded when the snark, referencing his son’s attendance a strategy that means their troops rocket struck the base in Nari district at . Then he laid will still be fighting and dying for of Kunar province. The area is a haven down a clean, reasonable response: another two-plus years (Associated for insurgents fighting along the poorly He owns two homes, one in Indiana Press). Gathered in Obama’s home- marked border between Pakistan and and one in Virginia. He says he chose town, the sprawling coalition of 50 Afghanistan. Knox’s family was notified to raise his family in Virginia so they NATO members and allies declared of his death on Friday. His remains could stick together. an “irreversible transition” that will HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 14 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Tuesday, May 22, 2012

progress for six years. State super- values conflict with our religious teach- Lugar praises intendent Tony Bennett quotes U.S. ings.” Other religious colleges and Ellspermann Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, institutions have already filed federal saying consistently poor performance suit over the mandate, but observ- WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Dick requires dramatic action. But Bennett ers had been closely watching for Lugar praised the selection of State says the state needs to focus its most Notre Dame’s next step. The univer- Rep. Sue Ellspermann on the Mike intensive effort on the schools which sity, among the best-known Catholic Pence ticket, citing her as a gradu- are at neither the top nor the bottom. schools in the country, has indicated ate of the Lugar Series. “Cong. Pence of the performance rankings. He says past willingness to work with Obama, has made an outstanding choice in the state’s goal is to give schools the despite their differences with him on State Rep. Sue Ellspermann,” Lugar help they need before the acrimony abortion and other issues. Notre Dame said. “Her background in economic of a takeover. The Indiana Depart- came under unprecedented criticism and workforce development is exactly ment of Education has accused IPS of from U.S. bishops and others in 2009 what Indiana needs right now. Hoo- moving or swapping out equipment. for inviting Obama, who supports siers are going to be very impressed from the four takeover schools and abortion rights, as commencement as they get to know her,” Lugar said. creating bureaucratic obstacles for speaker and presenting him with an “When the Lugar Excellence in Public the operators and for teachers who honorary law degree. Service Series began, we envisioned choose to remain at those schools. assisting highly skilled professional women like Sue Ellspermann making Skillman heads the transition from their careers to Notre Dame sues politics. Sue Ellspermann wasted no delegation to China time in doing just that. She graduated Obama over ACA INDIANAPOLIS - Lt. Gov. from the Lugar series in May 2009 and NOTRE DAME - Roman Catho- Becky Skillman will lead a delegation announced in September she was run- lic dioceses, schools and other groups of mayors, business and agricultural ning for the Indiana House. I had the sued the Obama administration Mon- leaders on an economic development privilege of hosting a kick-off event for day in eight states and the District of mission to China next month. This is her in Evansville on October 10, 2009. Columbia over a federal mandate that Lt. Governor Skillman’s second trade She went on to victory and has been most employers provide workers free mission to China as lieutenant gover- an impressive legislator in her first birth control as part of their health nor. During the trip, Lt. Governor Skill- term.” insurance (Associated Press). The man will recognize Indiana’s 25-year federal lawsuits represent the largest relationship with Zhejiang province. push against the mandate since Presi- Indiana and Zhejiang began a sister- Legislators hear dent Barack Obama announced the state relationship in 1987 under the of IPS takeover policy in January. Among those suing leadership of Governor Robert Orr. are the University of Notre Dame, the “Governor Orr had incredible foresight INDIANAPOLIS - The quar- Archdioceses of Washington and New to recognize the potential for growth reling over the state takeover of four York, the Michigan Catholic Confer- Indiana stood to gain,” Lt. Governor Indianapolis Public Schools has gone ence and the Catholic University of Skillman said. “Years later our partner- before a legislative study committee America. Notre Dame’s president, the ship with China is strong, and there (WIBC). IPS Superintendent Eugene Rev. John Jenkins, said in a statement are opportunities for additional job White told legislators he has no inter- that the school decided to sue “after growth and investment if the effort to est in obstructing the transition to much deliberation, discussion and maintain the relationship continues.” outside school operators next fall. But efforts to find a solution acceptable The delegation will leave June 11 and he says IPS will exercise its right to to the various parties.” The university return June 17. In Zhejiang, meet- compete for students. And he again argued that the mandate violates ings will take place in Indianapolis’ complained the state seized the four religious freedom by requiring many sister city of Hangzhou and Anderson’s schools despite improving scores and religiously affiliated hospitals, schools sister city of Yuhang. The delegation other extenuating circumstances. He and charities to comply. “We do not will also spend one day in Beijing. says IPS ranks as the state’s poorest seek to impose our religious beliefs on Delegates from Bedford, Decatur, Fort school district economically. State law others,” Jenkins said. “We simply ask Wayne, Muncie and White County will gives the state the option of seizing that the government not impose its meet with representatives from their control of schools which don’t show values on the university when those sister-cities.