V17, N39 Thursday, June 21, 2012 Democrats take aim at ‘extreme’ GOP On June 1, U.S. Sen. Dan GOP officeholders Coats compared himself to Mourdock saying, “Cause repeat mantra that Richard and I come from the Mourdock is same place,” said Coats. The notion of Mourdock ‘mainstream’ as a radical Republican stemmed not only from his By BRIAN A. HOWEY own rhetoric before Tea Party FORT WAYNE - Once groups - much of it caught again, Republican U.S. Senate on video by Democratic nominee Richard Mourdock ap- trackers - but from the Lugar peared with a fellow Republican campaign and allies during who vouched for the candidate as a bitterly fought primary. being from the “mainstream” of Lugar said in a statement on the Republican Party. Election Night that while he A week ago, it was U.S. hoped his Senate seat would Rep. Marlin Stutzman. “He remain in GOP hands, he has never been an extremist,” called on Mourdock to “revise Stutzman said. “He is a main- his stated goal of bringing stream conservative Republican. more partisanship to Wash- He was a conservative Republican ington. He and I share many before the Tea Party was even positions, but his embrace around, and he was Tea Party of an unrelenting partisan before it was even cool.” mindset is irreconcilable with The day after Mourdock’s stunning 61-39% win my philosophy of governance and my experience of what over U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar, he appeared with Gov. Mitch brings results for Hoosiers in the Senate.” Daniels, Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman and the rest of GOP State- But what is becoming increasingly clear - particu- house officials. Daniels described Mourdock as coming “right from the heart of the party.” Continued on page 3 President Daniels By BRIAN A. HOWEY NASHVILLE, Ind. - Gov. was voted in as president of Purdue University this morning by a unani- mous vote from a board of trustees mostly of his own pick- ing. “No institution of any kind means ‘‘Mitch Daniels will be here until our more to Indiana today or tomorrow as last day in office.” Purdue University,” Daniels said. Daniels also vowed to fill out his - Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman full term as governor and will take the helm of Purdue in January 2013 after he leaves office. It isn’t the presidency many Hoo- siers had hoped the sitting governor would win. Many Republicans had HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 2 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, June 21, 2012

dreams of Daniels residing at 1600 it should take four years to attain a Pennsylvania Ave. bachelor’s degree. But last winter, HPI heard and On the infrastructure front, speculated on rumors that Daniels had Daniels’ Major Moves legislation in interest in the Purdue presidency, and 2006 ignited what he called a “fully www.HoweyPolitics.com vice versa. It was pretty much hush- funded” 10-year highway program that hush. has seen major strides in the U.S. 31 We get a lot of rumors cir- freeway, I-69 to Evansville, Hoosier Howey Politics culated around the North American Heartland Corridor, and scores of other Indiana headquarters of Howey Politics Indi- improvements across the state. is a non-partisan newsletter ana. But this one made some sense. So for the first time in mem- based in Indianapolis. It was And now that it’s about to happen, it ory, instead of watching a governor founded in 1994 in Fort Wayne. brings some fascinating synergies that with eight years of knowing tens of made the initial rumor credible. thousands of nooks and crannies and In modern Indiana history, researchers around the state and then Brian A. Howey, Publisher we’ve seen other leaving with the Mark Schoeff Jr., Washington governors move on knowledge, we Jack E. Howey, editor to a broader world will have one who Beverly K. Phillips, associate view. Gov. Edgar will preside over Whitcomb literally Purdue University, editor circumnativigated which is an inte- the planet in a gral component Subscriptions sailboat. Gov. Doc of infrastructure $350 annually HPI Weekly Bowen became (Purdue Road U.S. Health and School), agricul- $550 annually HPI Weekly and Human Services ture, engineering, HPI Daily Wire. secretary. Gov. logistics, research 'Call 317.627.6746 Robert D. Orr was and education. named ambassa- Daniels will be dor to Singapore. in a prime position Contact HPI And Gov. Evan to actually follow Howey Politics Indiana Bayh became a up on his corner- 6255 Evanston Ave. U.S. senator. In stone legacies Indianapolis, IN 46220 a way, each left as governor, and www.howeypolitics.com Indiana in the rear continue to impact view mirror. them as president [email protected] Gov. of Purdue. 'Howey’s Cabin: 812.988.6520 Daniels is a transformational governor, It is ... well ... a brilliant move. 'Howey’s cell: 317.506.0883 particularly when it comes to educa- All Hoosiers will benefit from 'Washington: 703.248.0909 tion and transportation. He initiated his expertise, his vast reservoir of 'Business Office: 317.627.6746 and achieved sprawling reforms in knowledge. education ranging from the funding of I mentioned to Daniels during full-day kindergarten, to changes in an interview once that he probably has © 2012, Howey Politics Indiana. the licensing of principals and teach- seen more corners of the state, met All rights reserved. Photocopy- ers, how they are paid, how they are with more key players and researchers ing, Internet forwarding, fax- reviewed and what kind of resources than anyone. Notinh that the industrial ing or reproducing in any form, they have. He has seen high school revolution began at the advent of the graduation rates increase to record 19th century, flight and ground trans- whole or part, is a violation of high 85 percent. Daniels kicked off portation revolutions in the 20th, and federal law without permission the initiative of allowing high school Google and the iPhone at the begin- from the publisher. v students to graduate early, earn col- ning of the 21st, I asked him what the lege credits while in prep schools, and “next big thing” would be? Would we questioned the historic notion of why even be traveling by cars with rubber HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 3 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, June 21, 2012

tires on the Indiana Toll Road by the time the lease was things ranging from nanotechnology, to genetics and hybrid up? crops, to infrastructure and logistics is an exciting one. “Good question,” Daniels said, but he declined to It will also be fun to watch him press the House speculate on whether we were on the brink of any scientific Ways & Means Committee for funding in future budget breakthroughs. But the notion that he will be at the helm years. of one of the great public research universities that helped President Daniels. It wasn’t what we expected, but project the American space program, has been a leader in this is a great move for all Hoosiers (and Boilermakers). v

save the American auto industry. “We didn’t know if the ‘Extreme’ GOP, from page 1 auto plants would survive,” Donnelly told delegates. “We went from almost 5,000 workers to almost nothing.” He larly after the Indiana Republican Convention on June 9 - is said he remembered calling Kokomo constituents to tell that the Indiana Republican party “mainstream” is on a them that Chrysler would survive. “I told them, ‘we won.’ rightward path of its own. But it wasn’t a political decision. It wasn’t about scoring Within the rightward shifting ranks of the Indi- a victory. It was about you know you have a job tomor- ana GOP, the prevalent view for now is to “end the fed” row. Today, 5,000 workers to to work every day in Kokomo as Republican convention delegates chanted as the party building some of the platform was amended greatest transmis- to call for an audit of sions in the world.” the Federal Reserve; to Don- reject bipartisanship and nelly said the “tie compromise as Mour- in” to the Senate dock has repeatedly race comes down said; to reject raising to “extreme par- the federal debt ceiling, tisan politics” and putting the U.S. gov- “Hoosier common ernment in default as sense. Of Richard Mourdock advocated in Mourdock, Donnelly August 2011; to declare said, “He said he’d President Obama as a do it all over again. “socialist”; to question If by now you don’t the 17th Amendment for know that it is a the direct election of U.S. mistake, what kind senators; and to call for of judgment will an end to the U.S. De- you bring to the partments of Commerce, U.S. Rep. smiles as Indiana Democratic delegates cheered him at U.S. Senate?” Education and the EPA. the state convention on Saturday in Fort Wayne. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey) Donnelly described At the Indiana a phone conversa- Democratic Convention tion with former on Saturday, Democrats hammered away at the “extreme” President Bill Clinton. “Joe, I watched Richard Mourdock and “radical” Indiana GOP. “Congressman Pence is allowed on election day. His comments sent chills down my spine. to have his extreme positions, but I wonder why he has If everyone insisted on my way or the highway, we would gotten so quiet about them all of a sudden,” Gregg said. never have gotten anywhere,” Donnelly quoted Clinton. “Now that he is running for governor, he is trying to rein- Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, hosting the first vent himself on the run. I’ll tell you why. It’s because even modern Democratic convention held outside of Indianapo- Congressman Pence knows that his brand of extremism is lis, described a scene from “Alice in Wonderland” where out of touch with Hoosier families.” Alice comes to a fork in the road and finds the Cheshire Gregg told delegates that Pence had the “audacity” Cat. “What road should I take?” she asked. “It depends to drive a Chevrolet Silverado pickup into the Republican on where you’re going,” the cat says. “I don’t know where convention last week. Gregg said that Pence voted against I’m going,” Alice responded, with the cat saying, “Both the auto rescue. “Imagine Kokomo without Chrysler,” the roads will take you there. Our opponents don’t know where nominee said. they’re going.” Senate nominee Joe Donnelly cited his work to HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 4 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, June 21, 2012

On Friday, Donnelly began a $271,000 TV ad cam- from his liberal record. The truth is, Congressman Donnelly paign designed to “inform” Hoosier voters on the main- is the one who voted to cut $500 billion from stream ideas Mourdock wants to “inflict” on them. The ad when he voted for Obamacare. Donnelly is also placing So- quotes Mourdock as saying, “To me, the highlight of poli- cial Security at risk by refusing to reform it in order to save tics, frankly, is to inflict my opinion on someone else.” The it from insolvency.” ad then said, “Here’s what Mourdock wants to ‘inflict’ on Over the weekend, Democrats hammered Mour- us. He thinks that Social Security is unconstitutional. Wants dock over his statement that employers should not have to cut Medicare by $200 billion. And would give more tax to cover cancer in their insurance plans if they don’t want breaks to Wall Street.” to (Huffington Post). Moudock, told the New Albany News The Donnelly ad, paid for with Democratic Senato- & Tribune last week that not only should employers not rial Campaign Committee funds transferred to the Indiana have to cover health care services that they oppose -- such Democratic Congressional Victory Committee, follows a as contraception -- but also they should be exempt from $620,000 Cross- paying for anything roads GPS ad that they did not want ran statewide for to include, based on two weeks. Cross- costs. roads is headed by “Does that em- Karl Rove. That ad ployer have the attempted to align right to do it?” Donnelly with his Mourdock asked the vote for Obamacare News and Tribune. and increasing U.S. “I would say yes debt. they do if they want Donnelly to keep their health campaign manager care costs down but Paul Tencher told it also means it’s HPI in Fort Wayne less likely you’re go- that DSCC actually ing to want to work put in $271,000 for here. If that em- Jill Donnelly watches as her husband, U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly, speaks to delegates at the Donnelly ad, ployer wants to get the Indiana Democratic Convention in Fort Wayne on Saturday. (HPI Photo by Brian A. but because candi- the best employees Howey) date campaigns get coming in the door better advertising he’s going to offer rates from TV stations than the Super PACs, “We actually the best insurance possible.” matched their statewide gross rating points except for the Mourdock’s campaign did not respond to a request Terre Haute TV market.” to elaborate on his position. “Richard Mourdock wants to inflict his Tea Party According to the National Cancer Institute, more ideas on Hoosier voters,” said Tencher. “This is an opportu- than 30,000 Hoosiers are diagnosed with cancer annually. nity to let the people of Indiana know what exactly Mour- The National Institutes of Health report that cancer cost dock stands for. While he wants to inflict his radical ideas over $100 billion in treatment costs and another $123 bil- like questioning the constitutionality of Social Security and lion in lost economic productivity nationwide, and in 2009, Medicare on Hoosiers, Joe Donnelly will continue to travel medical bills were the cause of 60% of all U.S. bankrupt- the state talking about his bipartisan message of lowering cies. “More than 30,000 Hoosiers are diagnosed with the debt and creating jobs.” cancer every year. Almost 13,000 die. Every one of us has “While attempting to scare seniors by lying about been touched by someone who that has had to suffer an an opponent’s position on Social Security and Medicare is illness that not only threatens lives, but wipes families out right out of the liberal playbook, this ad takes the falsehood financially,” said Chair Dan Parker. to new heights by misusing speech footage to distort Rich- “Richard Mourdock wants to gamble not just Hoosiers’ ard Mourdock’s record,” said Mourdock spokesman Chris health but our financial security in the name of his Tea Conner. “Richard Mourdock clearly points out in the same Party agenda.” U.S. Senate Horse Race Status: Tossup speech that he is not against these programs. v “By making these false claims against Richard Mourdock, Joe Donnelly is attempting to distract voters HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 5 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, June 21, 2012

treme positions, but I wonder why he has gotten so quiet Gregg makes his case about them all of a sudden,” Gregg said. “Now that he is running for governor, he is trying to reinvent himself on the run. I’ll tell you why. It’s because even Congressman Pence against ‘radical’ Pence knows that his brand of extremism is out of touch with By BRIAN A. HOWEY Hoosier families.” FORT WAYNE - Describing himself as a “work Citing Gov. Mitch Daniels, who said several years horse,” Indiana Democratic gubernatorial nominee John ago he would not pursue Right to Work, Gregg said, “We Gregg tried to shine the light on his opponent’s record at were told one thing. What we got was another. Now Con- the Indiana Democratic State Convention Saturday while gressman Pence is saying one thing, while his record says calling for an emphasis on jobs and education. another. Where I come from, your actions speak louder “I am truly blessed by the opportunities Indiana than words and Indiana simply can’t afford ’s has given me,” Gregg told more than 700 delegates at the actions.” Grand Wayne Center. “I am running for governor to secure Gregg said that “Hoosiers have a better choice” those same opportunities for all of us, and more important- and touted his record as speaker of the Indiana House. ly, our children. The choice “When I was in this election is clear. speaker, the Voters will choose between House was a candidature whose life divided 50/50 be- is grounded in Indiana tween Democrats and one whose life is out and Republicans. of touch with Indiana and That meant that its Hoosier values. On one every single bill hand, you have a 12-year that we passed congressman who cares required true more about playing politics bipartisan coop- and scoring political points eration. It meant than doing what is right for we had to work Hoosiers; a congressman together to make who puts partisan ideology Indiana stronger. above all else and a con- And let me tell gressman who in 12 years you my friends, in Washington DC has there is no stron- Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry watches Democratic gubernatorial nominee John ger word in the passed exactly zero pieces Gregg give his acceptance speech Saturday. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey) of legislation.” English language “Mike Pence may than ‘we.’” be running for governor, but the one thing he can’t run Gregg from is his record,” said Gregg, who along with running called for focus to be centered on jobs and strengthen- mate Vi Simpson has spent the past two weeks describing ing the economy. “That means further investing in energy, what they call an “extreme” social agenda. “We won’t let life sciences, transportation, advanced manufacturing and him. Let me be clear. If you want to know what Congress- agriculture for both today and tomorrow.” man Pence will try to do as governor, all you have to do is Gregg called for the promotion of “safe, clean coal look at his record. He’s trying another Washington DC trick in Southwest Indiana.” He also cited gas production in because his rhetoric and his record simply do not match. Northwest Indiana, and wind turbines in the Lafayette area. Now, he tries to talk about jobs, but he has never intro- He said he will partner with state universities to develop duced a jobs bill during his 12 years in Congress. Now he life sciences. And he called for the promotion of stem cell tries to talk about education, but he has failed to make col- research that will help those suffering from chronic disease. lege more affordable for Hoosiers. Now, when the economy “Take it from an old farmboy, on agriculture, we need to should be the top priority for every Democrat, Republican partner with Purdue to strengthen the ag industry that and independent, he threatens to shut our government feeds the world.” down just so he can keep our neighbors from getting a The Sandborn Democrat called for investing in cancer screening at Planned Parenthood.” early childhood education, making college affordable for all “Congressman Pence is allowed to have his ex- Hoosiers, “and it means treating teachers like the profes- HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 6 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, June 21, 2012

sionals that they are, and giving them the tools they need class is at risk.” She called Mike Pence part of “the most to help prepare our children for the challenges at head.” polarizing leadership team” in Congress. “He voted to allow And Gregg called for Democrats to reach out and the U.S. auto industry to collapse, risking thousands and talk to independents and “Dick Lugar Republicans.” thousands of jobs right here in Indiana.” “Tell them that we have room for them because we Pence said that ignored Gov. Daniels’ call for a are the party of inclusion, the party of the big tent,” Gregg “truce” for social issues. “The last thing we need in Indi- said. “Indiana deserves leadership that will bring us togeth- ana to hand over state government to someone who only er, not tear us apart.” knows how to drive on the extreme right side of the road. State Sen. Vi Simpson, in accepting the lieuten- Indiana needs John Gregg because he will be the leader for ant governor nomination, told delegates, “We put progress all of us. Restore our politics to the mainstream. We don’t above partisanship. Those are real Hoosier values.” need to be like Washington DC. We need to be like Indiana “At a time when Hoosiers are calling for an urgent used to be.” request for jobs, those in charge, that one party rule, are Horse Race Status: Likely Pence demeaning us with the politics of distraction,” she said tar- geting “even the Girl Scouts of America. The entire middle

had just run a 5th CD campaign where he finished fourth. Leaked Gregg/Simpson But that campaign was really a test run for the ticket. Sey- bold started late in the process and ran a positive campaign while Susan Brooks, John McGoff and David McIntosh meeting helped forge fought it out in a more traditional campaign. Costas had been a darling in the eyes of the Dan- both party tickets iels administration, with the governor openly backing him for attorney general in 2008 before he lost the nomination By BRIAN A. HOWEY to Greg Zoeller. Both Seybold and Costas offered Pence the FORT WAYNE - If there was a truly emotional mo- northern Indiana geography component. Both had lengthy ment at the Indiana Democratic Convention Saturday, it interactions with the Indiana General Assembly as mayors. was the nomination of State Sen.Vi Simpson as lieutenant Seybold had been president of the Indiana Association of governor. It capped a 10- year odyssey that began with Simpson’s guber- natorial run that was buffeted by Joe Andrew, the UAW, the death of Gov. Frank O’Bannon and the reemergence of Gov. Joe Kernan as a candidate for reelection. The Simpson story was featured in the May 22 edition of Howey Politics Indiana after she and Republican State Rep. Sue Ellspermann were Cities and Towns. offered LG nominations by John Gregg and Mike Pence. But heading into that fateful weekend, word leaked But, according to multiple sources in both parties, out that Gregg was talking to Simpson about joining the it almost didn’t happen. Democratic ticket. Informed and reliable Republican sources tell HPI Throughout that week, the buzz in Democratic cir- that heading into the May 18-19 weekend, the leading GOP cles centered on Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry as Gregg’s contenders for lieutenant governor were Marion Mayor probable running mate. Again, geography was seen as a Wayne Seybold and Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas. Seybold HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 7 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, June 21, 2012

key. There was also talk that Henry would be able to put a dent in Pence’s strength in northeastern Indiana. Demo- Incredibly, Democrats cratic sources tell HPI that while potential candidates like Henry were being vetted by the campaign, Gregg abruptly invited in a Socialist indicated that Simpson would join the ticket, surprising key allies and campaign staffers. By BRIAN A. HOWEY Once the Pence team learned of a possible FORT WAYNE - For months, Indiana Tea Party Gregg-Simpson ticket, the dynamic shifted toward Ellsper- activists and Republicans have been branding President mann, GOP sources tell HPI. The reason was obvious: Obama and anyone even close to his coattails a “socialist.” Democrats were preparing an offensive against Pence that Republican National Committeeman Jim Bopp Jr. proposed was centered on the phrase “.” It came in an RNC resolution calling on the Democrats to officially call response to Pence’s initiative against Planned Parenthood, themselves the “Democratic Socialist Party.” an organization he views as the biggest provider of abor- So it was stunning when it was revealed on the eve tion services in Indiana. His Capitol Hill offensive against of the Indiana Democratic Convention that U.S. Sen. Bernie Planned Parenthood made the leap to Indiana, where Sanders, a Vermont Socialist and the only one in Congress, Senate social conservatives offered up defunding legislation would address the AFL-CIO luncheon. against Planned Parenthood. The bill was passed in both Republican Senate nominee chambers by wide margins and signed into law in May 2011 Richard Mourdock couldn’t believe his by Gov. Mitch Daniels, who at the time appeared poised to luck. “If that isn’t the perfect symbol seek the presidency. for the Democrat spokesman at the Without Simpson, there probably wouldn’t have Democrat state convention,” Mourdock been Ellspermann on the Republican ticket. Instead of said. “If they think that would sell in three straight female lieutenant governors, that streak Southern Indiana, they’re wrong. I might have stopped with Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman. suspect maybe that’s why they moved Simpson accepted her nomination after long-time (the convention) up here. To have supporters demonstrated on her behalf at the Grand Wayne Bernie Sanders on their program, that Center. would not be playing well with south- “For many years you and I have fought side by ern Indiana Democrats.” side, up and down this state on issues that define us as Indiana Republican Party spokesman Pete Seat Democrats,” a vibrant Simpson told cheering Democrats. said in an email: “First it was an evening with Nancy Pelosi “Affordable higher education. It’s about a full day’s pay for and now a weekend with self-described Socialist Bernie a full day’s work for men and for women. And the right to Sanders. Are these really the folks Indiana Democrats want organize and collective bargain for safety and respect in front-and-center?” our workplace.” But you didn’t see any photos of John Gregg with Simpson called for an “economic pie for all of Sanders, just as there weren’t any images of the nominee us, not just a few. And let me add, fairness and equal- with Pelosi during the Democrat spring dinner. Democratic ity for all Hoosiers, regardless of your gender, or how you sources tell HPI there was much chagrin in the Gregg camp look, or where you live or who you love. Together, we have about the Pelosi apperance, to the point where then staffer achieved extraordinary things, but friends, the fight is far Tim Jeffers pleaded with bloggers not to post images of from over. And that’s why we’re here today.” Gregg and Pelosi. “I’m taking this leap - and it is a leap - because of In an HPI analysis earlier this year, it noted John Gregg,” Simpson added. “Because I share his vision of that past governors always controlled the party. Or as the future of this state. I know that John Gregg will put In- HPI columnist Shaw Friedman wrote earlier this year, the diana first, ahead of ideology and outside special interests.” party should be at the “beck and call” of the gubernato- “To me, Indiana isn’t just a place on the map, it’s a rial nominee. Gregg has no such control after the Indiana place in my heart,” Simpson said, calling herself a “Hoosier Democratic Central Committee refused to install Jeffers as by choice.” chairman last December and opted to retain Dan Parker. “It’s a crossroads of community, family, friendship Sanders told 350 Democrats, “Our job is to tell and faith. It’s a hometown, where you are when you’re working people that we have got to stand together against born, and they care about you when you die. It’s a united the onslaught of big money or there is not going to be a front, when one neighbor falls, everybody rallies around. middle class in this country.” He said workers must “fight Those are true values, my friends.” v back in a way that has been true of the labor movement since its inception. That is, we educate and we organize.” v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 8 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, June 21, 2012

used to gear up Tea Party support. Since the election, he Obama’s immigration has appeared with a number of Indiana Republican of- ficeholders who have proclaimed him to be a “mainstream” Republican. order was a shrewd Various Indiana Tea Party cells, however, have ardently opposed the DREAM Act. State Sen. , political move, polls show R-Carmel, who has authored key immigration legislation in recent years, called the move a “step towards tyranny” By BRIAN A. HOWEY on his blog. Delph explained, “Public officials at all levels ANGOLA, Ind. - President ’s order to of government take an oath of office that binds them to halt the deportation of certain young illegal immigrants has the rule of law. This one is unique to the President of the drawn the support of most Americans, according to two . We are either a nation of law or we are new polls. And a Howey/DePauw Indiana Battleground Poll not. For the leader of our country that is dutifully bound taken among primary Republican voters on April 30/May 1 to enforce the law to stand up and say that he refuses to indicates wide support in Indiana. do so, regardless of the subject matter, should send a chill On Friday, President Obama issued an executive through every American. It’s an abuse of power and a step order - essentially bypassing Congress - that would allow towards tyranny.” illegal immigrants under age 30 who were brought to the Indiana has the 21st largest Hispanic population in U.S. before the age of 16 to stay in the U.S. A Bloomberg the nation, according to the Pew Hispanic Center, 2010), News Poll shows that 64% of likely voters approve the new but the state’s Latino population grew by 82% between policy and 30% disagree. But 86% of Democrats and 56% 2000 and 2010 to 389,707, or 6% of the population. of Republicans support the order. Among independent vot- Latinos accounted for 43% of ers, 66% favor the order. the state’s population growth. In the Howey/DePauw There are 116,000 eligible Poll, Republican respondents Latino voters in Indiana, or were asked: “Do you support 2% of the total. or oppose allowing the chil- The announcement on dren of illegal immigrants who June 15 appears to have graduate from high school and clearly erased Obama’s have no criminal record and enthusiasm deficit among serve in the U.S. military or Latinos, according to a Latino attend college a path of full Decisions Poll conducted U.S. citizenship.” The survey with America’s Voice. Asked conducted by Republican how they felt about Obama’s pollster Christine Matthews action, 49% of Latino voters of Bellwether Research and said it would make them more Democrat Fred Yang of Garin- enthusiastic about Obama, Hart-Yang Research Group compared to 14% who were found 22% said they “strongly less enthusiastic, a net enthusi- supported” that; 32% said “somewhat support” while just asm advantage of +35 points. 13% said they “somewhat oppose” and 19% “strongly op- Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney posed.” The aggregate on that question was 54% support- framed the order as a political move. “I thought we were ing and 32% opposing. about to see some proposals brought forward by Senator A new Quinnipiac Poll taken after the order in Flor- Marco Rubio and by Democrat senators, but the president ida shows Obama up 4 points, 46-42%. That’s a 10-point jumped in and said I’m going to take this action,” Romney swing in just a month’s time. said. But when pressed on the CBS show “Face the Nation,” The order could have a bearing on the U.S. Sen- on Sunday, Romney said he would press for a long-term ate race where Republican nominee Richard Mourdock has solution, but would not say whether he would repeal this ardently opposed the DREAM Act, but has been mum on order in the interim. In a interview, Romney the issue since the Obama order was released. Mourdock is dodged the question of whether he would reverse Obama’s drawing back on his Tea Party affiliation. On Election Night deportation policy, just as he did in an interview that aired the campaign asked a Tea Party supporter in Revolutionary Sunday on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” “What I can tell you is War garb to change into a Mourdock T-shirt. The campaign that those people who come here by virtue of their parents website has taken down many positions that Mourdock HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 9 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, June 21, 2012

bringing them here, who nounced Friday will affect came in illegally, that’s as many as 800,000 im- something I don’t want migrants who have lived to football with as a in fear of deportation. The political matter,” Romney policy was announced Friday told Fox. morning by Homeland Secu- Roll Call report- rity Secretary Janet Napoli- ed on Wednesday that tano. “Effective immediately, Congressional Republi- young people who were cans are flummoxed by brought to the US through the move and waiting for no fault of their own as chil- Romney, who for months dren and who meet certain has tried to dispell no- criteria will be eligible to tions of being a flip- receive deferred action for flopper and a political a period of 2 years and that opportunist with no core period will be subject to values. But Romney had renewal,” she said. used his opposition of Speaking in the Rose the DREAM Act to drub Garden on Friday, Obama Texas Gov. Rick Perry said, “Over the next few out of the race last year. months, eligible individu- Now, he faces a more moderate voter poll and risks what als who do not present a risk to national security or public would be a glaring flip-flop. safety will be able to request temporary relief from depor- Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell told Roll tation proceedings and apply for work authorization. Now, Call that he is waiting for presumptive GOP presidential let’s be clear -- this is not amnesty, this is not immunity. nominee Mitt Romney to figure out his own position first. “I This is not a path to citizenship. It’s not a permanent fix. think we’re going to wait until we hear what Gov. Romney This is a temporary stopgap measure that lets us focus our has to say on this issue. My view is he is the leader of our resources wisely while giving a degree of relief and hope to party from now until November and, we hope, beyond, and talented, driven, patriotic young people.” we’re going to wait and see what he has to say about it It was obviously a shrewd political move that helps and be happy to respond to that at that point,” the Ken- shore up another key constituency - Latino voters - who tucky Republican said Tuesday. had been unenthusiastic about Obama’s reelection. v The Obama administration said the policy change an- HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 10 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, June 21, 2012

Indiana Republican Party spokesman Pete Seat downplayed Pence begins his 3rd the importance of the change in the state platform, which was approved during the party convention June 9. “A lot of issues are covered; a lot weren’t,” Seat said. “This platform TV advertisement reflects the broader priorities of the Indiana Republican By BRIAN A. HOWEY Party.” INDIANAPOLIS - Republican nominee for governor In the past, Indiana Democratic leaders have tried Mike Pence is now running his third TV ad since the pri- to distance themselves from their national party on issues mary. such as allowing gay marriage (Indianapolis Star). But Indi- The ad, narrated by Pence, talks about the re- ana Democratic Party Chairman Dan Parker said: “Opinion markable spirit of Hoosiers and the strength they showed on this has dramatically changed since the Republican Party amidst tragedy in the June in Indiana started pushing for an amendment in 2004. We 2008 Columbus flood. The are taking a stand for the first time saying that the party spot includes footage of the is in opposition to amending the Indiana constitution. We devastation the flood caused, do not think that it’s necessary.” Aaron Schaler, leader of including damage to the home the Indiana Stonewall Democrats, an organization for gay Pence grew up in. Pence Democrats, said he considered the platform change a vic- joined Mayor Fred Armstrong tory. “We’re ecstatic that we’re getting a stance against the for a tour of the flooded city. amendment,” he said. “We’ve never had that before.” Among the places they visited was the Pence home. It was the first time he had been back since he was 12 years old. U.S. Senate: Social Security war Pence later wrote about the tour and his friends Indiana Democrats marked the 77th anniversary and neighbors in the hometown Columbus Republic. “... the of Social Security passing the Senate by echoing a primary flood waters rose, the wind blew and beat against these campaign attack Senator leveled at Tea houses but they did not fall because 2744 31st Street, like Party candidate Richard Mourdock, who has challenged the all of Columbus, like all of Indiana, is built on a foundation constitutionality of Social Security, backs deep cuts to the of faith and compassion and generosity that no storm can program. Lugar, in the last stages of his primary campaign ever defeat,” Pence wrote. against the Tea Party-powered Mourdock, released a web The 30-second spot will be airing on broadcast TV video highlighting a $2500 annual benefit cut Mourdock and cable stations statewide. It is also available at www. proposed inflicting on the more than 1 million Hoosiers cur- mikepence.com. rently receiving Social Security. The Indiana Republican Party’s new platform “Seventy-seven years ago today the Senate passed makes no mention of same-sex marriage, even though Social Security in an overwhelming fashion, with 16 Repub- Pence has sought a national ban in Congress and legisla- licans joining Democrats to pass a program that still serves tors have pushed to put a ban in the state constitution. more than 1 million Hoosiers,” said Indiana Democratic Indiana Democrats, meanwhile, voted last weekend on a Party Chairman Dan Parker. “Richard Mourdock has chal- platform that includes taking a stance against the state lenged the constitutionality of Social Security and has come constitutional amendment after being silent on the matter under fire from members of his own party for the extreme for the last several years, The Indianapolis Star reported cuts he wants to ‘inflict’ on Indiana’s seniors. Indiana Thursday. Micah Clark, executive director of the conserva- deserves leaders like Senator Lugar and Joe Donnelly who tive American Family Association of Indiana, which wants will put partisanship aside and stand up for our seniors, not Indiana to have some type of ban in the constitution, said Richard Mourdock’s ‘my way or the highway’ partisanship.” he was disappointed by Republicans’ silence this year. The “On the 77th anniversary of Social Security passing GOP platform has in recent years emphasized that mar- the Senate with bipartisan support, I repeat my strong sup- riage should be only between a man and a woman “That port for this program that has assisted so many seniors and kind of caught me off-guard,” Clark said. As a congress- should continue to support retirees in the future,” said Don- man, Pence voted to add a gay marriage ban into the U.S. nelly. “We need to ensure that seniors continue to receive Constitution. Democratic nominee John Gregg also opposes the benefits they were promised while also strengthening same-sex marriage and voted for a state ban when he was Social Security so it will provide benefits for our children Indiana House speaker. “It’s unusual for a party to contra- and grandchildren. While Richard Mourdock chooses to dict their candidates at the top of the ticket,” Clark said. question the constitutionality of Social Security, I choose to HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 11 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, June 21, 2012

support protecting and defending Social Security for future generations.” The Danville caucus is the first of three made necessary Congress by political developments. Gubernatorial candidates Mike Pence and John Gregg both chose state legislators as their 5TH CD: Reske changes marriage stance running mates, with Pence tapping Ferdinand Represen- State Rep. and 5th District Congressional candidate tative Sue Ellspermann and Gregg turning to Simpson of Scott Reske surprised some folks by changing his position Bloomington. Those picks forced Ellspermann and Simpson and pledging support for marriage equality (IndyPolitics). to give up their reelection campaigns. Democrats in Monroe Reske was one of 11 Indiana Democratic state representa- County will fill Simpson’s ballot spot next Thursday. tives that voted for House Joint Resolution 6 that would write discrimination into the Indiana Constitution. Reske SD16: Long primed for reelection faces Republican Susan Brooks in November. Horse Race Indiana Senate President Pro Tem David Long will Status: Safe Brooks formally kick-off his campaign for reelection tomorrow with a reception at his campaign headquarters (Howey Politics Indiana General Assembly Indiana). “We are very fortunate to have David Long rep- resenting Fort Wayne as President Pro Tem of the Indiana SD40: Caucus to replace Simpson State Senate,” campaign manager Chris Creighton said. “A The Indiana Democratic Party has called a caucus true leader, his distinguished record of balanced budgets, to replace State Sen. Vi Simpson, who was formally nomi- fiscal responsibility and common-sense Hoosier values is nated on Saturday to be the party’s candidate for lieuten- crucial if we are to keep Indiana moving forward.” Long has ant governor. The caucus for Indiana State Senate District led the Senate as President Pro Tempore since 2006. 40 will take place on June 28 at 7 p.m. in the Bloomington City Council Chambers. xecutive Director of Monroe County HD74: No date set for Ellspermann replacement Solid Waste Larry Barker has announced his candidacy for Republicans haven’t set a date yet for the caucus the senate seat to be vacated by Simpson. Barker is a re- to replace Ellspermann on the ballot. The winner will face tired Army Lieutenant Colonel. He says his 28-year military retired teacher Mike Schriefer in November. career has provided him with the leadership skills he needs for the position (Indiana Public Media). Simpson is leaving HD39: Socialist to challenge Rep. Torr her senate seat after accepting the Democratic nomination There’s a socialist running for a seat in the Indiana for lieutenant governor. Two other candidates have officially General Assembly and his name will be on the ballot in announced their campaigns. Monroe County Commissioner Hamilton County (WISH-TV). John Strinka is a warehouse Mark Stoops and Monroe County Assessor Judy Sharp are worker who collected more than 450 petition signatures, competing for the spot. The Monroe County Democrats will enough to get his name on the November ballot. As he decide on Simpson’s replacement in a caucus. That candi- delivered them to the state election division wearing his So- date will run against Republican Reid Dallas in the Novem- cialist Party t-shirt, co-director Brad King said he’s the first ber election. socialist candidate to qualify for the ballot in Indiana since the early ‘80’s. “I think it’s a victory for American democra- SD24: Miller replaces Lawson cy,” says Strinka. Strinka hopes to unseat Republican state Indiana precinct leaders elected Avon Republican Representative Jerry Torr, an unlikely goal, but he has oth- Pete Miller over Adam Love by a 29-26 vote for the No- ers, too. “And I want people to see what Socialists stand vember nomination Wednesday night. Miller had already for and primarily, the simplest way I can put it to you,” he won a nine-way caucus to finish Connie Lawson’s term in said. Torr said he is confident that voters in Carmel are go- the Senate after she was named secretary of state. Miller ing to choose capitalism over socialism,” says Torr, who is faced two new opponents: Tea Party activist Brett Pitt- unconcerned but also not surprised. “You can do nothing man of Brownsburg and social studies teacher Adam Love. in the Statehouse and stay popular and win elections,” says Democrats have nominated consultant Charles Bender. “It Torr. “If you’re gonna do bold things you’re always gonna was a close race,” said Hendricks County Republican Chair- tick somebody off.” Horse Race Status: Safe Torr v man Mike O’Brien. “Adam is a relative newcomer, though his mother, Karen Love, is a well-respected Superior Court Judge in the count. But he worked overtime campaigning over past several weeks and really got traction late. Pete pulled it out.” HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 12 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, June 21, 2012

opponents even unhappier. Whether that will translate into Daniels not fit for less public giving to Purdue remains to be seen, but politi- cal affiliations tend to have a polarizing effect in academe. The same issue was raised when former Sen. Evan this presidency either Bayh retired and his name was instantly associated with By DAVE KITCHELL the Purdue vacancy. WEST LAFAYETTE – When news spread across the What exactly the choice accomplishes for Daniels Purdue campus Tuesday that the next campus president other than being a resume builder is anyone’s guess. might be Indiana’s governor, there was no sit-in at the After being a White House budget director and Union where protests were common during the Vietnam a governor, why bother with a college presidency? And if Wa r. Cordova was not a choice worthy of a new contract even But there weren’t any chants of “We Want Mitch” though she qualifies for one beyond the usual retirement either. age of 65 and previous presidents have been afforded that A worker in the next booth from me at McDonald’s opportunity, what exactly will the expectations be that praised the possibility because the governor “balanced the measure his success? budget”, not knowing that the Was this the best that Purdue could come up with governor has nothing to do with after a search that took more than a year, or were the the state budget other than sign- trustees just biding time until Daniels was clearly out of the ing after the legislature passes running not only for the presidency, but the No. 2 slot on it. One student in a class I’m the Republican ticket? taking there questioned if Daniels The answer we may not know for some time, but would begin privatizing residence we know now that his decision to head to his next job with halls. Even if Dick Cheney doesn’t still half a year remaining at his current one is the worst persuade Halliburton to bid on it, kept secret in West Lafayette. v don’t rule it out. The “why” of how Daniels Kitchell is an award-winning columnist who lives in will become the successor to Logansport. France Cordova is easy. When you pick the people who can pick most of the people who can pick you for the job and you Panel votes on Holder contempt want it, it’s only a matter of a few calls. Trustees can be WASHINGTON - A congressional committee voted reminded of IOUs for the job that isn’t IU and if Mike Pence Wednesday to recommend that Attorney General Eric H. or John Gregg is elected, the likelihood they won’t be reap- Holder Jr. be held in contempt after the Obama administra- pointed if they don’t pick Daniels. Trustees, who face the tion, citing executive privilege for the first time, refused to reality that – unlike their IU counterparts -- they raise more turn over documents pertaining to a botched gun-traffick- research funding from private funds than public dollars, ing operation (Washington Post). The party-line vote at a might be playing on Daniels’ name recognition to secure marathon session of the House Oversight and Government more federal funding and Washington influence. Reform Committee intensified a feud between the Obama Like Cordova, Daniels will have a D.C. residence at administration and Republican lawmakers and dealt an em- his disposal if he wants to lobby Congress, the administra- barrassing blow to the nation’s highest-ranking law enforce- tion or whatever officials he so pleases. ment official. Of course, trustees might be thinking Daniels House leaders said they will schedule a vote of the is the closest thing they have to a lever to help them pry entire chamber on the matter next week unless the at- more state funding away from the Indiana General Assem- torney general turns over certain documents on Operation bly. But don’t bet on it. Fast and Furious. If the full House votes to find Holder in This was a clear shift away from the tradition of contempt, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia — Purdue’s presidential traditions. Daniels has no connections who is employed by the Justice Department — will have to to any expertise involving a specific college unless politics decide whether to criminally prosecute him. In a statement, counts as animal science. He is a Purdue parent, but not a Holder called the vote “an extraordinary, unprecedented Purdue grad, and he has far weaker an academic resume and entirely unnecessary action, intended to provoke an than the woman he is replacing. avoidable conflict between Congress and the Executive He isn’t a minority as she is, and he assures Purdue Branch.” of not only making Daniels’ supporters happy, but Daniels’ HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 13 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, June 21, 2012

nee for the Senate. “He speaks well of me, and I appre- Lugar statement came in ciate that,” Lugar said. Donnelly calls Lugar and former Democratic Sen. Evan Bayh role models for how he would neither haste or anger seek bipartisan cooperation in the Senate. Lugar said he also had “a good relationship” By JACK COLWELL with former Republican Congressman Chris Chocola, when WASHINGTON - Sen. Dick Lugar says his election Chocola represented the 2nd District. Chocola, now presi- night advice to Richard Mourdock, the man who beat him, dent of the , an organization seeking ideo- was written neither in haste nor anger. logical purity of Republican candidates, was instrumental in Lugar thought then - still thinks - it was good ad- Lugar’s defeat The Club spent heavily for TV ads criticizing vice when he said Mourdock should “revise his stated goal the senator. of bringing more partisanship to Washington” and loosen Chocola said it was “nothing personal.” Lugar “his embrace of his unrelenting parti- agreed. He viewed it as business for Chocola, with the Club sanship.” president needing to show “some results for your stock- In an interview here, Lugar also holders or the millionaires who are putting in the money.” said he has no regrets about seeking Looking back at the primary campaign, Lugar said a seventh term, even though targeted he perhaps should have listened to the advice of National by the Club for Growth as an example Republican Senatorial Committee strategists. The commit- for what happens to a Republican who tee supported Lugar as an incumbent regarded as sure won’t swear 100 percent conserva- to win the seat in the quest for a Senate majority. Back tive “purity.” He said the alternative of when Mourdock was little known and having trouble rais- giving up and accepting accolades and ing money, committee strategists urged Lugar to “destroy testimonials in voluntary retirement was him” with a massive TV attack. “It may have been my own not his style. naiveté,” Lugar said. “But it never had an appeal to me.” Nor is he giving up on Senate causes. Thus, Mourdock, with help from super PACs, began Lugar will travel to Russia and trouble-plagued defining Lugar before Lugar defined Mourdock. Ukraine in August, still seeking destruction of more weap- Lugar envisions no future governmental office. He ons of mass destruction through the Nunn-Lugar program still could advocate continuation of the Nunn-Lugar pro- as he concludes final months of his final Senate term. gram, instituted in a bipartisan effort with former Demo- Of his election night statement, criticized by some cratic Sen. Sam Nunn. It has eliminated myriad weapons Hoosier Republican officials as not appropriate, Lugar said of mass destruction in the old Soviet Union. Many of the it was no spur-of-the-moment reaction. He said he drafted weapons were on over 900 now-destroyed intercontinental the statement “several days before the election,” when ballistic missiles once pointed at the United States and its it was clear to him that he would lose in the Republican allies. primary. The purpose, he said, was not to hurt Mourdock Lugar said new threats loom, especially with but to warn of the divisive Washington partisanship that deadly biological and chemical substances that should be threatens now, without compromise on the approaching destroyed or secured through Nunn-Lugar to keep them year-end tax and spending crisis, to send the nation “over from terrorists. the fiscal cliff.” On his August trip, working with the Defense De- Lugar said, as he did on election night, that partment, Lugar will inspect compliance and encourage fur- he hopes Mourdock wins in November to help provide a ther reductions. These trips were a factor in some county Senate majority for Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican chairmen turning against Lugar. They wanted personal as well as political friend. him to come to more of their political events rather than But Lugar also repeated his disagreement with go off to seek elimination of ballistic missiles. v Mourdock’s political approaches, including Mourdock’s efforts as state treasurer to halt government rescue of Colwell has covered Indiana politics over five de- Chrysler and his pledges of partisanship. cades for the South Bend Tribune. Lugar said he has no present plans to campaign for Mourdock. He didn’t say “never.” Right now, however, it seems unlikely that Murdock will embrace Lugar’s advice or Lugar will compromise on his views on partisanship. Lugar said he had “a good relationship” with 2nd District Congressman Joe Donnelly, the Democratic nomi- HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 14 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, June 21, 2012

it is hard to do. Employers don’t want to spend their time Jobs, jobs, and money nursing the unskilled into higher level jobs.” “If an employer cannot find a job for a person who unneeded jobs has been working for him,” I said, “then he should take some of the money gained from higher productivity and By MORTON J. MARCUS use that to train the worker. There are plenty of public and INDIANAPOLIS - “More than 100 people lost their private organizations waiting to do training. jobs when the Indiana Toll Road automated its toll collec- “Our basic error,” I continued, “is assuming the cur- tion system,” Dwight Duwright shouted in my ear as we rent level of skill demonstrated on the job is the highest stood at a social gathering. level that worker can attain. Many years ago, my secre- “Wonderful,” I replied at equal volume. “No human tary date-stamped each publication coming into our office should be condemned to a day or night stuck in a metal and recorded its receipt in a large loose-leaf notebook. booth, sticking his/her left arm out to collect and distribute It seemed like a practice left over from the 19th century, change.” unneeded in the 1970s. When we stopped doing that, my “That’s appalling,” he said. “Some people don’t have secretary could take over various tasks I was doing, such greater levels of skill. What are they going to do?” as arranging meetings and travel. She had all the neces- “Look,” I said, drifting toward a less noisy side of sary skills, it was mainly a matter of recognizing the fact the room, “do we make jobs for people according to their and getting her some experience.” skills or do we help people develop “A very nice story,” he said, ”but do you really be- the skills for contemporary jobs?” lieve it is widely applicable to the American workforce?” “It’s not that simple,” Dwight “Yes,” I said emphatically. “The bigger challenge is said. to upgrade the skills of those who, regardless of degrees “I agree,” I said. “It is not and certification, didn’t learn how to learn.” Then I drifted simple, but that is the choice before away to refill my drink.v our society. For more than 200 years we have seen improved tech- Mr. Marcus is an independent economist, writer and nology displace workers. Remem- speaker formerly with the IU Kelley School of Busi- ber elevator operators? They were ness. discharged from hotels and office buildings when self-service eleva- tors were introduced. Would you relegate people to sitting or standing in an elevator all day so they could have a repetitive job that can be done by a machine?” “But what about the people,” he said. “Once upon a time, a manager was consid- ered successful when she increased her span of control, the number of people over whom she had direct authority. Today a manager is celebrated if she can reduce her workforce and maintain or increase output. That means we have thousands of managers whose job it is to cut out people, make them redundant, replace them with machines or more efficient systems.” “Right,” I said gleefully. “But the key for management is to find or develop the skills of workers to achieve better results while giving more dignity and responsibility to the job and the person performing it.” “That sounds noble,” Dwight said, “but HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 15 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, June 21, 2012

“Right now, depending on how you define it, the Rep. Rokita ‘poor’ in this country sometimes have one or two cars, have color televisions, have cable, have air conditioning,” Rokita said. “It doesn’t necessarily fit the definition of poor that and the poor I think many Hoosiers are thinking of when we say that By RICH JAMES word.” MERRILLVILLE - U.S. Rep. , R-India- So, according to Mr. Rokita, if you are ‘poor’, napolis, hasn’t been in Washington all that long, but he’s maybe you should own one car at the most, have only already out of touch with the American people. black and white television, be barred from purchasing cable Rokita, whose congressional district includes and live through the hot summer months without air condi- Newton and Jasper counties, hails from that Lake County tioning. bastion of Republicanism called Munster. Such compassion. He began his slide into radical conservatism when – What Rokita and GOP U.S. Senate candidate Rich- as secretary of state – he relished the attention he received ard Mourdock – talk about peas in a pod – want to do is when he carried the bill to require cap federal spending and give states total control over eligi- all voters to show a government- bility, coverage and spending decisions for – the issued photo ID at the polls. federal-state health insurance for the poor. Do it and watch Rokita attempted to justify his the ranks of the poor mushroom. proposal by saying he was out to That isn’t all. almost single-handedly stop voter Rokita and Mourdock also want to privatize Medi- fraud in Indiana. care, which is the federal health insurance program for I guess someone forgot to senior citizens. Seniors would receive government vouchers tell Rokita that 99 percent of the to cover some of the cost of private insurance premiums. vote fraud occurs through absen- In other words, a step back from what they have now – tee ballots that don’t require the from what they worked for all their lives. showing of a photo ID. So they have attacked the poor and now are going Having to show a photo after senior citizens. That’s my kind of guy. ID is punitive to those who don’t They say that competition among insurance com- own a car and thus don’t need a driver’s license. Those panies is the way to go. What they forget to say is that folks generally are the poor and minorities. essentially is what we have been doing in this country for But no one ever has accused Republicans, espe- decades – allowing the insurance companies to rape Ameri- cially those like Rokita, of being compassionate toward the cans, all while making record profits. poor. Wouldn’t it be nice to fix Medicare and Medic- Rokita showed his true colors again last week when aid from within rather than officials shirking their elected he had nothing better to do than attack the president’s duties by making some in the private sector wealthy at the health care bill. When Republicans run out of something to expense of the poor guy who can’t afford air conditioning say of importance, attacking health care is an easy out. and the senior citizen who has to choose between prescrip- The 2010 Affordable Care Act, which Republicans tion drugs and eating. call Obamacare, increases Medicaid eligibility beginning And guys like Rokita, Mourdock and other Repub- in 2014 to Americans earning 133 percent of the federal licans wonder why the poor and minorities largely vote poverty level, or $30,657 for a family of four. Democratic. Rokita said those people should be able to pur- Duh! chase their own health insurance. Really? I suspect Rokita never has priced private health Rich James is the former editorial page editor and insurance. As secretary of state and now a congressman, columnist for the Post-Tribune in Merrillville. he hasn’t had to buy health insurance for himself and his family. Clearly Rokita is correct in that a family of four making $30,000 a year can afford its own health insurance. They might have to give up eating on a daily basis, but yeah, they probably could buy a policy with an out-of-sight deductible. The kicker is what Rokita thinks about the poor. HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 16 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, June 21, 2012

Doug Ross, NWI Times: Republican gubernatorial smartphones but also with new tablets — including Apple’s candidate Mike Pence is understandably concerned about iPad — that have been best-sellers for the past year. As the need to prepare Hoosier students for 21st century these changes have occurred, the lead Democrats once careers. So are people in Northwest Indiana. I’ll add to this held in cyberspace has quickly diminished as research has list the need to prepare high school graduates for college found. The Pew Internet and American Life Project found and other post-secondary instruction as well. Often, there that in the midterm elections of 2010, political social media are wide gaps between high school graduates’ knowledge users skewed Republican (40 to 38 percent) and voted and what is expected of them in college. Pence’s solution for Republican congressional candidates over Democratic is to create regional “Indiana Works Councils” that bring candidates (45 to 41 percent). v employers and educators together so they can try to bridge the “skills gap” through a variety of programs. Pence’s Tim Etheridge, Evansville Courier & Press: Joe Democratic opponent, John Gregg, says the gap needs to Donnelly whisked through Evansville last week, spending be addressed, but he says a “Washington-style committee” time with former Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel and some is not the right answer. Allow me to invite both of them to local business leaders to bolster his presence in a run for Northwest Indiana, where Pence’s proposed solution has the U.S. Senate. After that breakfast meeting, the itiner- been in place for some time now. The Times has written ary for the northern Indiana congressman, a Democrat, reams about the local efforts between employers, colleges included an hourlong conversation with editors and report- and high schools to address these very issues. ers at The Courier & Press, where he stuck to his The Regional Education and Employer Alliance for talking points of jobs first, Hoosier values, and a Developing Youth (RE²ADY) program, under the willingness to collaborate. The last point, he said, One Region, One Vision umbrella, is led by Linda is what sets him apart from his November op- Woloshansky of the Center of Workforce Innova- ponent, Darmstadt Republican and Indiana state tions, Mark Maassel of the Northwest Indiana treasurer Richard Mourdock, who has been painted Forum and Hobart school Superintendent Peggy — somewhat with his own brush strokes — as Buffington. RE²ADY brings together educators, intractable. “You’re hired not to just be inflexible, employers, economic developers and local elected offi- you’re hired to do what’s right for the country,” Donnelly cials committed to transforming high schools so graduates said. But partisanship did not keep Mourdock from routing are ready for college and careers. For some, this means six-term Senator Richard Lugar in May. Just a few months offering dual credit programs so high school courses are before that primary, Mourdock was given no chance. He rigorous enough to earn college credits for a head start on triumphed by 140,000 votes, 61 percent to 39 percent. college careers. That guarantees the high school students According to polls by both sides and independent parties, are ready for college-level work. v Indiana’s U.S. Senate race is a dead heat. Barring a major malfunction, it will come down to who gets out the voters. Brandon Waite, Muncie Star Press: Savvy politi- To that end, Donnelly said he will spend every weekend cians and their advisers are often the first to take advan- away from Washington in Indiana, hitting all corners of the tage of new technologies to convert followers into voters. state. His stronghold is his home district near South Bend, In the 1930s and 1940s, it was radio. In the 1950s and and he understands he needs to raise name recognition 1960s, television took over. Now in 2012, we have social elsewhere. Mourdock, through the primary fight, is now media, smartphones and tablets. President Obama used so- known by voters on both sides of the aisle. Outside groups cial media in 2008 as a key method to develop a grassroots pumped almost $5 million into Indiana during the primary effort to attract young voters. Through Facebook, Twitter season, most backing either Lugar or Mourdock. Negative and other platforms, the Democratic Party candidate was ads pointed at Mourdock and Donnelly are on the air in able to bring his message to millions of young people who June. It’s not a trend, Donnelly said, that he supports. “It are the first to embrace new technologies. Earlier this year, would be better if we each had half-a-million to spend as a Ball State University study found that smartphone owner- we see fit, and that’s it.” Donnelly has seen both sides of ship by college students has increased to 69 percent, up political races. He lost to incumbent Chris Chocola in his from 27 percent in 2009. But young people aren’t the only first run for Indiana’s Second District Congressional seat by ones that politicians are focusing on for their new media ef- 25,000 votes in 2004. In 2006, with a light turnout, he beat forts. The number of people using social networking sites, Chocola by 15,000 votes. In 2008, he swamped a Republi- such as Facebook and Twitter, has nearly doubled since can challenger by 103,000 votes with a heavy turnout. And 2008. Likewise, the population of social network users has in 2010, he barely hung on, winning by 2,500 votes over gotten older, with more than half of them above the age of the Republican with a light turnout and a Libertarian Party 35. And Americans are accessing these sites not only with candidate named on nearly 10,000 ballots. v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 17 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, June 21, 2012

laudatory comments about the unani- in -based Fair Finance more than Daniels discusses mous vote making Daniels thenext $200 million (Schouten, Indianapolis Purdue job president. “For a school always aim- Business Journal). The jury found Jim ing higher, sending nearly two dozen Cochran, who co-owned Fair, guilty INDIANAPOLIS - Gov. Mitch of their own into space, naming Mitch on eight of 12 felony counts and Rick Daniels admits that experience in Daniels as the next president of Pur- Snow, the firm’s chief financial officer, academia “would obviously be helpful” due University makes perfect sense,” guilty on five of 12 counts. Judge Jane for a university president (Indianapolis Holcomb said. “Governor Daniels will Magnus-Stinson ordered all three held Star). But as he laid out the challenges bring a lifetime of experience in the at the Marion County Jail until a hear- facing higher education, Daniels also private and public sectors to West La- ing Monday morning, when she will argued that it just might take an fayette in order to tackle the important determine whether they should remain outsider to address them from a new work that lies ahead.” GOP gubernato- detained or be released on home perspective. Not that he was admitting rial nominee Mike Pence said, “Gov- detention until sentencing. Durham, Wednesday that leading Purdue is his ernor Mitch Daniels is an outstanding 49, Cochran, 56, and Snow, 48, were next job, saying it was “just not ap- choice to serve Purdue University as handcuffed and led out of the court- propriate” for him to discuss it. But in their next president. Mitch’s intellect, room by U.S. Marshals, who trans- every sentence, in every smile, as he energy and visionary leadership will ported them to jail. The defendants fielded questions from reporters, Dan- benefit not only Purdue’s students and did not exhibit an obvious reaction, iels never refuted what has become faculty, but also improve the quality though a few family members who the worst-kept of Indiana’s workforce and create new had gathered in the courtroom wept. secret in Indi- economic opportunities for all Hoo- The defendants each faced the same ana: He’s one siers.” And House Speaker Brian Bos- 12 counts: 10 counts of wire fraud, easy election ma observed, “As a Purdue engineer- one count of securities fraud, and one away from being ing graduate and a longtime advocate count of conspiracy to commit wire Purdue’s new for the university in the General As- fraud and securities fraud. After delib- president. “You sembly, I am thrilled with the selection erating for about eight hours, the jury can’t pick up a of Governor Mitch Daniels as Purdue’s found Durham guilty on all counts, newspaper or magazine these days next President. As a world recognized while splitting its decision on Cochran without reading an article challenging leader in engineering, science, tech- and Snow. The pair were found not higher ed as it is,” Daniels said as he nology, agriculture, pharmacy, educa- guilty on three charges involving spoke to reporters after an economic tion and dozens of other disciplines, if wire transfers of funds from Fair that development announcement at Roche leveraged properly, Purdue will be one wound up in Durham’s bank account. Diagnostics in Indianapolis. “For the of the principal drivers of Indiana’s For wire fraud charges involving first time, people are writing books future economic success. With his ex- recorded phone calls, the jury found and articles about ‘Is college worth perience and key role in transforming the two defendants on each particular it? Should so many people be going Indiana over the last eight years, Gov. call guilty. Durham was a participant to college?’?” Daniels said. “There are Daniels is uniquely qualified to capital- on every call that resulted in charges. more Americans today with college ize on Purdue’s tremendous faculty The jury found all three defendants debt than with college diplomas. So and international reputation. I look guilty of securities fraud, conspiracy to there are an awful lot of people saying forward to working with the Governor commit wire and securities fraud and that as important as it is, the way it is to take Purdue, and our state, to the two counts of wire fraud involving the may need some changes. ” next level.” dissemination of an offering circular for investors in Fair Finance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Winfield Ong urged the Most laud Daniels Durham convicted; defendants be taken into custody, tell- ing the judge they are flight risks. The choice for Purdue faces life in prison defense attorneys argued their clients INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana INDIANAPOLIS - A federal jury should be released back to home Republican Party State Chairman has found financier Tim Durham guilty detention pending sentencing. “Tens Eric Holcomb says Daniels as Purdue on all 12 felony counts stemming from of millions of dollars are missing,” Ong president “makes perfect sense.” It what prosecutors charged was a mas- told the judge. “All of them are facing was part of a stream of almost all sive Ponzi scheme that cost investors life sentences. All it takes is $2,000 to get across the border.” The judge HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 18 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, June 21, 2012

said she would make the decision after stretch between Evansville and Crane, hearing evidence on the question at Ethic complaint Ind., is looking less like dirt cleared for 10 a.m. Monday. filed against Fries something to come and more like the interstate highway that is set to open FORT WAYNE - A formal six months from now (Evansville Cou- Parker comments complaint alleges Allen County Sheriff rier & Press). Though motorists leav- Ken Fries and County Councilman Paul ing Evansville can’t go much past the on Durham verdict Moss violated the county’s ethics pol- Interstate 64 exchange, they can see icy after Moss was pulled over during INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana miles of paved highway adorned with a drunken-driving investigation that Democratic Party Chair Dan Parker Interstate 69 signs. When paving and led to no arrests or charges (Sade, issued the following statement in striping for that section is finished, the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette). Philip response to the news that disgraced first half of the 142-mile Evansville-to- Pease, a former county employee, filed Republican financier Tim Durham was Indianapolis project will be completed the complaint Monday with the Allen convicted today of defrauding roughly — just as the man who pushed to County Ethics Commission. Moss made 5,000 people of more than $200 mil- fund it, Gov. Mitch Daniels, packs up a phone call to Fries and was ulti- lion. “Tim Durham stole money from and exits the Statehouse doors. mately let go after refusing to take a innocent investors and laundered it seen for several miles by motorists. portable breath test. In his complaint, through to dozens of GOP candidates Highway workers’ vehicles move Pease said Fries “should have imme- and the state and local Republican continuously just south of SR356 east diately informed Moss that he could parties. Well, the culture of corruption of Petersburg, Ind., as they prepare not get involved in the situation and just came home to roost, and we can I-69 for concrete work Wednesday terminated any further communica- all be grateful that justice has been morning. As Daniels prepares to leave tion.” The complaint states that ethics served office in January, the “Major Moves” were breached when Fries “interacted deal — a $3.85 billion, 75-year lease with officers at the scene, which was of a northern Indiana toll road, the Rokita talks of unnecessary and unwarranted.” proceeds of which are funding the I-69 extension — is getting a new round of Holder case attention. It was the subject of a story VandyGov support published by Stateline, the daily news WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. service run by the Pew Center on the Todd Rokita today issued the following expect money edge States, this week, which said the deal statement after the House Committee EVANSVILLE - A potentially will define Daniels’ legacy. “Major on Oversight and Government Reform lopsided financial advantage may aid Moves will be the first thing, if not one voted to cite Attorney General Eric advocates of Evansville-Vanderburgh of the top things, that people think of Holder for contempt for his refusal to County government consolidation as when they think back to Mitch Daniels turn over documents related to the they seek to persuade voters in this as governor,” University of Evansville Justice Department’s handling of the year’s referendum campaign. A leading political science professor Robert Dion “Fast and Furious” operation. This planner for Citizens for Unification, the told Stateline. “The average person, morning, President Obama invoked political action committee leading the across the board, will put that at the executive privilege in withholding the charge, said the committee will hire top. That is his crowning achieve- documents sought by the committee. a full-time employee by month’s end ment.” “In less than a week, we’ve seen two for a campaign that could cost “easily brazen moves that indicate that the six figures.” By contrast, a leader of White House places its political agenda Citizens Opposed to Reorganization in Jay councilman above the rule of law. “Last week’s ex- Evansville said that group will be lucky ecutive order suspending enforcement killed in crash to raise $30,000. of immigration laws, and the ongoing refusal by Attorney General Holder to REDKEY - A Jay County Coun- comply with a legitimate request by a cilman Daniel G. Orr, 70, was killed congressional committee, both show a I-69 begins to Tuesday night when his motorcycle troubling pattern from this administra- take shape collided with a van on Ind. 67 (Muncie tion,” said Rokita. Star Press). PETERSBURG — The 65-mile