V 15, N25 Thursday March 4, 2010 Brad Ellsworth’s interesting week Timing, succession U.S. Rep. Brad positioned him for Ellsworth watching a Senate nomination magnet making at By BRIAN A. HOWEY Thomas and MARK SCHOEFF JR. & Skinner INDIANAPOLIS - With the in India- aroma of hot metal in the air and napolis on the workers at Thomas & Skinner Monday. Inc. retreating back to their work (HPI Photo stations, U.S. Rep. Brad Ellsworth by Brian A. met the press. Howey) “So, you had an interest- ing week?” Ellsworth removed the clear plastic goggles from his plant tour and recounted the pre- vious days when he went from a reelection campaign in the 8th CD to the prized plum of the Hoosier Democratic universe: the probable Democratic U.S. Senate nominee. sources.” “Sen. Bayh shocked us all,” Ellsworth recalled. The Ellsworth Congressional office quickly put out “I was in the middle of my 18-county listening tour. The a statement acknowledging Bayh’s retirment at 2:18 p.m. thing I had to worry about was what my constituents were Feb. 15 just as Bayh was speaking to the press in India- saying and what their mood was. Obviously the phone napolis. Some thought the response was so good that he calls started coming in - ‘Are you interested?’ - from many Continued on Page 3 Big brain, White House By BRIAN A. HOWEY FRANKLIN, Ind. - It’s been fun watching the na- tional press cover Our Governor. Our Man Mitch. They make observations that many of us locals take for granted. Or if we made them, “I don’t know how this plays Jane Jankowski would bar us at the door. For instance, in the recent Polit- politically, but I know it’s right. ico article “Mitch the Knife,” long-time GOP operative and Crown Point native And so I ask Congress to finish Mary Matalin noted that our governor has a “giant brain.” its work and I look forward to This was meant as a compliment. She also said that Daniels has “un- signing this reform into law.” paralleled policy depth combined with - President Obama HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 2 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday March 4, 2010

razor sharp political skills.” When I Hubble. heard this description, I kept thinking Politico quoted one of the back to the day when our governor GOP’s “most influential officials” (who called Speaker B. Patrick Bauer a “car could this be? Sen. Scott Brown? Sen. bomber” (still one of my favorite mo- McCain? Arnold?) as saying, “He’s a ments during this governorship). And budget deficit hawk, but he’s also the Matalin said our governor has “steely interesting reformer.” Most reformers courage.” are interesting. Former Gov. Sarah Hoosier GOP operative Palin comes to mind. I can’t name a Anne Hathaway asks, “Do we want a “boring” reformer. Howey Politics president that’s pretty, or do we want “He’s a very plain-spoken poli- Indiana one who can get the job is a nonpartisan, by subscription Inter- done?” I would never call net publication based in Indianapolis our governor “pretty.” and published by NewsLink, Inc. It In fact, I’ve pretty much was founded in 1994 in Fort Wayne. avoided talking about any physical attributes of Columnists articles are independent our governor, or Speaker opinions and do not represent the Bauer (save for an HPI views of the publisher. headline on tax caps that read: To pay or not to Brian A. Howey, Publisher pay) or Jackie Walorski Mark Schoeff Jr., Washington or Charlie Brown or Scott Jack E. Howey, Editor Pelath. Beverly Phillips, As for get- Associate Editor/Business Operations ting the job done, well, there’s just so much Subscriptions: more for this reformer $350 annually HPI Weekly to do in his remaining two legislative cymaker who, often to his own detri- $550 annually HPI Weekly & sessions. He’s been a good, steady ment, will not mince words and I think HPI Daily Wire governor. Greatness still awaits the people are thirsty for that,” said our final two years. own John Hammond III in the Politico Contact Us: The Washington Post’s George article. Agreed. The governor doesn’t Howey Politics Indiana Will has already consigned our gov- mince words. We also learned that 6255 North Evanston Avenue ernor to the title of “President Dan- Hammond and Bob Grand are avail- Indianapolis, IN 46220 iels” in 2013. Will has a mixed track able to put a presidential campaign 317.627.6746 record. He was right on target when together if history beckons. he consigned Michigan Congressman Ross Douthat, the New York www.howeypolitics.com David Stockman as President Reagan’s Times columnist, wrote this past week White House budget director back in that, ”If Romney looks like central [email protected] 1979-80, but I think he missed out casting’s idea of a chief executive, Howey’s Mobile: 317.506.0883 on a couple of others (Dan Lungren Daniels resembles the character actor Washington: 202.256.5822 was supposed to be a future California who plays the director of the Office of Business Office: 317.627.6746 governor while missing the obvious Management and Budget.” If I were Governator). to cast someone to play President ©2010, Howey Politics Indiana. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Daniels in a movie, it would be Ron HPI is a subscription-based publica- Bush calls Daniels “one of the best Howard. tion. All rights reserved. Photocopying, policy-oriented governors in the U.S.” Douthat says something that Internet forwarding, faxing or repro- I might amend that and say the entire no Indiana reporter would ever write: ducing in any form, in whole or part, planet or universe if a giant brained If Daniels were to become president, is a violation of federal law without photo of Daniels was beamed out “he’d be the baldest president since permission from the publisher. across the heavens and somehow, Dwight D. Eisenhower.” First, our gov- somewhere a twin governor from the ernor is not bald. And I don’t believe plant Mazorp was picked up on the we’ve ever had a bald governor. I HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 3 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday March 4, 2010

believe it best to just move on here. And wouldn’t Matalin “There’s still nothing to this Blade for president thing, know more about bald men with giant brains? right?” The response: “Well ...” Our governor told Douthat, “I’ve never seen a So all the talk is fueled by a legitimate power president of the United States when I look in the mirror.” source as well as a giant brain wrapped in a wreath of fine Of course he doesn’t, he sees an aging Opie Taylor. This hair. reminds me of a story about Daniels going to Evansville Here’s my take on this: Our governor does what- and meeting Vanderburgh Sheriff Brad Ellsworth in 2004 or ever it takes to get a Republican Indiana House elected this 2005 and Ellsworth tells him, “I’m the Andy Taylor around November. Then, if that comes to pass, January through here” and Daniels responds “Nice meeting you, Andy.” April 2010 we watch the most extraordinary long session Douthat makes another observation, writing that in modern Indiana General Assembly history. It will be like our governor hasn’t just been a “Dr. No on policy.” Now the Unigov joins Major Moves joins A Plus joins Kernan-Shepard original “Dr. Julius No” was played by Joseph Wiseman. Co- joins Education Revolution 2.0. incidence? And who might play the Sean Connery character If those stars align, and we see the national to the Wiseman character? Eric Holcomb? No, make that GOP on track for a Sarah Palin or a Ron Paul nomination, I Ben Ledo. think our governor antes up. He’d use the reform session When Douthat asked Daniels about the recent to sling him into the national orbit. Our governor has the CPAC convention that was not attended by either Dr. Julius intellectual capacity to build the kind of campaign that the No or Joseph Wiseman or any giant-brained governors, our Obama-Axelrod-Plouffe team did in 2006. governor responded, “I think a lot of Republicans are over- I’ve said this a number of times, but Daniels has reading all of this. They’re a little ahead of themselves, a the ability to play on par with Obama. There are so many little too giddy.” The Republicans, he said, need answers to similarities to the way they govern, the way they campaign, the “what” question, and I don’t think Glenn Beck’s talk on write their own speeches, TV ads, etc. It would be an ex- the terrible progressives plays into Danielesque themes. traordinary show. The Mitch for President phenomenon has more I think the better bet is that a Jeb Bush, Mitt Rom- cred now than, say, the Mellencamp for Senate thing flit - ney or Newt Gingrich emerges as a frontrunner and our ting about the Internet. Since our governor’s reelection, he governor is on the top rung of every veep list out there. and his staff always did the “aw shucks” thing, saying they That’s a three-month campaign as opposed to a two-year were honored to be mentioned. A couple of months ago, I slog that would certainly violate the Cheri Daniels term asked an extremely informed and reliable Daniels’ source, limits. v

“A soldier came up to me with his BlackBerry and said, Ellsworth, from page 1 ‘Congressman, I think you may be interested in this.’ I was had prior knowledge. totally stunned.” “I heard about the news during my annual Open So as the Ellsworths were reaching the conclusion Door Listening Tour this morning, and I appreciate the to run, Hill was just wrapping his jet-lagged mind around support of those Hoosiers who have already encouraged it as the noon Feb. 19 filing deadline quickly approached. me to run for Senator Bayh’s seat,” Ellsworth said in the What followed was one of the most interesting fits of politi - statement. “The next step will be taking a few days to talk cal logistics in modern Hoosier politics. to my wife and to folks in Indiana about where I can best Ellsworth approached State Rep. Trent Van Haaf- serve our state.” ten to file for his congressional seat as he was coming to Ellsworth said he finally returned to his Evansville his own conclusions, and this happened less than an hour home Wednesday evening and started talking with his wife, before the filing deadline. State Sen. Bog Dieg filed for the Beth. “I came to the conclusion Thursday night, I felt like I Van Haaften seat, and Patty Avery, wife of retiring State could do this,” he explained, “I felt like I should do this. But Rep. Dennis Avery, lined up for the Dieg District 49 Senate did I want to do this? seat along with Evansville Council President B.J. Watts, who “Like most decisions I make in my life, I say when later withdrew. the calm comes over me.” With that accomplished on Friday, Ellsworth began As the Ellsworths deliberated, U.S. Rep. Baron Hill plotting a statewide campaign, then withdrew from the returned from Afghanistan where he described the “shock” 8th CD on Monday, Feb. 22. And this became the critical he had also felt with Bayh’s bombshell on Monday. He component: succession. Hill had no such logistics lined found out about Bayh’s retirement as he was flying over up to defend his 9th CD seat. Certainly, there were many Afghanistan on a military plane at midnight local time. Democrats both on the Democratic Central Committee and HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 4 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday March 4, 2010

around the state who listening tour.” were intrigued with By late a second Hill Senate Friday morning candidacy. He had run - Feb. 19 - Ells- a credible campaign worth signaled he in 1990 against U.S. was in. Sen. Dan Coats as a Eight days state representative, later - late Satur- walking from the Ohio day morning - the River until a final dive “political” wing of (literally) into Lake the Democratic Michigan. Hill was Party cleared the out-raised $3 million field. Hill said in to $1 million, but lost a statement, “I 54-46 percent. Many believe my friend Democrats like Hill’s and colleague, feisty demeanor, his Congressman oratorical skills and his Brad Ellsworth, is history of winning close challenges. the right man to fulfill the task of ensuring a Democrat is But there weren’t many in the 9th who could run elected to succeed Senator Bayh.” McDermott told Howey and hold the district. State Rep. Steve Stemler was one, Politics Indiana just minutes later that he had just sent an but there was nothing approaching the logistics that Ells- “e-mail to Chairman Parker, my attorney and my wife” stat- worth and Van Haaften and company had worked out. ing he would not run. “Congressman Ellsworth will be the This created the temporary spectacle of 2 1/2 nominee,” McDermott said. The mayor said it was “unfortu- months of a contested Senate nomination, with Indiana nate” that only 32 Democrats on the state Central Com- Democratic Chairman Dan Parker unsure of exactly when mittee would be charged with making the nomination, but the nomination would be official. By Thursday, Feb. 25, it quickly said, “That’s not Brad’s fault.” still seemed to be game on for Hill. It was the Democratic version of “McIntosh luck” “I’ve not made a decision yet,” Hill said. “I’m hop- (when David McIntosh ended up with the 2nd CD nomi- ing I’ll arrive at some kind of conclusion by the weekend. nation in 1994 after Ann DeVore forgot to file, and was I’m encouraged by the support I’m getting. That keeps me then swept into office by the GOP tsunami). In Indiana going. I can honestly say I’m not leaning one way or the Democratic pecking order in normal times, U.S. Rep. Pete other.” Visclosky might have been first (though he was still under The next day, however, Parker told Howey Politics a House Ethics Committee probe), then Hill, who was in Af- that Ellsworth was consolidating his nomination. Hammond ghanistan for the week when he normally would have been Mayor Thomas McDermott was telling the Region press that in a position to orchestrate a candidacy and succession. his Senate candidacy was “symbolic” and Parker predicted U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly never expressed much interest. there would be an endorsement within a week. Hill’s con- There stood Ellsworth, voted the “most beautiful” man in cerns leading into the end of last week were not so much Washington, a politician who hasn’t had an opponent come with a Senate run, but more on how high a priority the 9th within 30,000 votes of him, ready to ascend to the coveted CD would be with former Republican Congressman Mike Senate seat of Birch and Evan Bayh. Sodrel looming for a fifth rematch. The aftermath of the Bayh retirement was that now the Senate race along with What about Mellencamp? the 8th and 9th were all in the “tossup” zone. So now he stood in a gritty magnet factory in the Ellsworth said that he and Beth had “kept in urban core of Indianapolis, talking to a different set of the constant contact with Congressman Hill and I vowed to press corps, who asked if he had a “clear path.” continue, even if we both sought the seat. And Mayor “No,” Ellsworth smiled. “I hear John Mellencamp is McDermott, we knew each other before; we were friends still there. Mr. Mellencamp’s name was very popular in this.” before. Certainly we both might be seeking the seat. The The Anderson Herald-Bulletin reported that 6,885 three of us decided we were going to remain friends, fans of its Facebook page as of Monday evening, were urg- remain colleagues and work this out. That part has worked ing the “Our Country” singer to serve his country, but as of itself out. On Friday morning, Beth and I decided we could, Monday Mellencamp had not responded to the call to serve. we should and we both wanted to. I wanted to finish my CNN was poking around for an angle. It wasn’t a totally left HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 5 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday March 4, 2010

field thought. Mellencamp’s wife, on the Armed Services Commit- Elaine, had served on the Demo- tee, so what you do here is ex- cratic National Committee. The tremely important to me. What rock star had performed at both you’re doing for the war fighters, Obama and Clinton rallies in 2008, our young men and women, though he didn’t take sides. There especially the unmanned weap- was no definitive statement from onry systems, are going to be Mellencamp’s publicist, but Parker extremely important. We can told HPI of details of a call Mellen- compete; we just have to create camp had placed to Sen. Bayh on the atmosphere of making things Feb. 16 as the senator was talking here in the United States. What to a Politico reporter. you’re doing here goes straight “Mellencamp told Bayh he to our national defense.” was amused by all the speculation,” Despite the shrill opposi- Parker said, discounting any Little tion to President Obama’s health Pink House populism. Bloomington reforms - and these workers restaurateur John Bailey, who owns pressed him on an upcoming the Malibu Grill across from the vote - Ellsworth appeared to Monroe County Courthouse, was hold his ground. He voted for amused at the prospect of “Sen. the reforms last December after John Mellencamp” in the staid up- helping to hammer out a com- per chamber. “He would be totally promise on abortion. With U.S. stifled,” Bailey said. “He wouldn’t Rep. Bart Stupak threatening a have any fun there.” rebellion that would include 12 House Democrats if the “What I hear about the process is that it goes until Senate plan goes up for a vote in the House on ABC’s Good the primary,” Ellsworth said. “Anybody could get into this. Morning American today, the Ellsworth campaign did not But I’m very encouraged. I know it’s not the most ideal return comment this morning. Ellsworth had joined Stupak situation, but we’ll work hard for those 30 votes and we’ll in crafting that language in the House bill. work hard for their constituents.” “There’s talk that we’ve got 80 percent agreement and we can find some common areas to support,” Ellsworth Candidate Ellsworth emerges upstate said as employees of Thomas & Skinner and the press Last Monday, we saw “candidate” Ellsworth emerge gathered around him. “If that’s incrementally, then let’s do from the 8th CD, noting that instead of seeking to serve it; we can fix this working together. If partisan politics get 600,000 Hoosiers, it will now be six million. in the way, we still have a problem. And if 10 years down He took questions from the Thomas & Skinner the road we’re looking back and saying, ‘Why didn’t they workers, who were worried about jobs, Washington grid- do something when people with insurance couldn’t afford lock and crime. it because their premiums went through the roof,’ it’s going “I was a sheriff for 25 years,” Ellsworth told them. to be a sad day.” “Now I’ve got a new vision, which is to go to DC and try HPI asked Ellsworth if the reform legislation should and straighten that place out. So if anybody has a sugges- be broken up and passed in pieces. “That’s fine with me,” tion, I’ll ask you in a couple of minutes.” Ellsworth responded, “If that’s what it takes to move some He described the “most fun part of the job” was of these things forward and show Republicans and Demo- seeing what Hoosiers made. Thomas & Skinner is a 175- crats can work together and show compromise,” person plant owned by the employees. That’s why it didn’t There were echoes of Evan Bayh in the answer, but follow firms like Magnaquench (a prop in the 2008 Hillary also the resoluteness of the former sheriff, who now finds Clinton vs. Barack Obama presidential primary) to China. himself on a new stage. The Daily Kos Research 2000 poll The plant makes magnetic parts for the Predator drones released Monday showed Ellsworth trailing Dan Coats 37- now seeking and destroying al Qaeda and the Taliban in 36 percent, and his 2006 Republican nemesis John Hostet- Afghanistan and Pakistan. tler 40-34 percent. “I came here today because I wanted to find out,” For the first time since the early 1990s, Indiana Ellsworth said as dozens of employees - many wearing finds itself in a “tossup” U.S. Senate race, by both HPI and gritty Colts hats - looked on. “So I came to see what makes the Rothenberg Political Report. v it tick. What do you want me to lose sleep over? I also sit erson) HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 6 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday March 4, 2010

The obvious response had nothing to do with the economy. Coats, Hostettler mix it It had to do with intelligence. It had to do with the ‘intel- ligence failure in Iraq’ regarding ‘weapons of mass destruc - up over Iraq intelligence tion.’ I could not agree more.” We all know this story: Months after the top- By BRIAN A. HOWEY pling of Saddam’s statue the U.S. discovered on the eve of INDIANAPOLIS - The first flash point in the Re - the war that there were no mobile labs brewing WMD that publican U.S. Senate race came not over lobbying or Tea Secretary of State Colin Powell pointed out in photos before Parties. It came over the Iraq War. the United Nations. The five Republican contenders met and debated Hostettler described himself in the Huffington Post in New Castle last Saturday, and most of the coverage was article as a “contrarian,” writing, “Agreeing with George W. in the “Hey, how ya doing? Here’s who I am” category with Bush on major policy initiatives was not my strong suit. State Sen. Marlin Stutzman, Don Bates Jr., and Richard As a conservative Republican member of the House of Behney along for the ride. And then came Iraq. Representatives, I opposed his proposal to downsize the The sparks flew between former Congressman military during a time of war, his initiative to expand federal John Hostettler and former Senator Dan Coats. The India- intrusion into the states’ public education mission, and his napolis Star reported: Hostettler stressed the lack of intel- desire to grow the number of entitlement programs. From ligence to justify that weapons of mass these issues to those of federalizing destruction existed under Sadaam Hus- marriage law in the Constitution and sein and reminded those in the room wiretapping of citizens without the use he voted against the Iraq war, but of warrants, the President and I es- backed efforts in Afghanistan because sentially agreed to disagree. However, of the direct link to the Taliban and Al- none of these disagreements compare Qaeda. with the most controversial parting-of- Coats responded by saying, “I ways that I had with the leader of my started as ambassador (to Germany) party.” two days after 9/11 ... John, you and I As for being one of six Republi- need to have a good debate about Iraq cans to oppose the October 2002 Iraq and about weapons of mass destruc- War Resolution, Hostettler explained, tion, because I fundamentally disagree “Given the overwhelming support for the authorization in the Republican- with you in terms of why we went in Former Sen. Dan Coats during the vetting controlled House and the Democrat- there.” process of Supreme Court Justice Sam controlled Senate, my opposition drew Coats told Hostettler, “I started Alito. (Life Photo) every day in Germany with a collection little concern. At home, however, of intelligence from the U.S., German, contempt for my difference with the French, British and even countries that didn’t support us. commander in chief’s approach to the ‘global war on terror’ That was the evidence that was before us.” was significant. Therefore, you may think this latter day Hostettler countered that it wasn’t and cited Bush’s agreement between the outgoing President and me could statement that if he could have one “do-over” of his presi- be a sign of a belated reconciliation. But it happens that dency, it’s that he would have “changed the intelligence” he not long after this agreement, I must continue my role as had about Iraq. the contrarian.” I t echoed a Dec. 9, 2008, column Hostet- Hostettler explained, “While I concur with President tler wrote for the Huffington Post titled “Truly Regretful.” Bush that his failure to properly assess the intelligence Hostettler noted President George W. Bush’s farewell inter- available to his administration was regretful, I do not wish view with ABC’s Charlie Gibson, who asked if he had any the intelligence had been different. After my colleagues “do-overs.” Bush responded, “The biggest regret of all the in the House and I were briefed on multiple occasions by presidency has to have been the intelligence failure in Iraq. numerous experts from the various intelligence agencies, I I wish the intelligence had been different, I guess.” concluded that the evidence did not support the claim that Hostettler, who wrote the book “Nothing for the an ongoing program of weapons of mass destruction was Nation” on the subject, observed, “The president, in an being directed by Saddam Hussein.” unguarded response to this question concerning his most So, in essence Hostettler has re-established the prominent blunder and posed in the waning days of his last Iraq issue in this Senate race. With Coats goading him on, term, reverted to what seemed to him to be the obvious. both he and Coats are offering their views on the intelli- HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 7 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday March 4, 2010

gence, and coming to different conclusions. In a speech on war, akin to the summer of 2003 (when the United States the House floor before the 2002 vote, Hostettler described realized that it faced an insurgency) and 2006 (when that the intelligence as “tenuous at best.” insurgency morphed into a small but vicious civil war and In the 2008 column, he explained, “The simple American policy came to a dead end),” Ricks wrote. “For fact of the matter is the tenuous nature of the intelligence good or ill, this is likely the year we will begin to see the led me to the correct conclusion. The work of the intel- broad outlines of post-occupation Iraq. The early signs are ligence community made my job relatively easy. Unable to not good, with the latest being the decision over the week- deliver substantial evidence to the contrary, they effectively end of the leading Sunni party, the National Dialogue Front, informed me that a full-scale military conflict with Iraq was to withdraw from the elections.” unnecessary. The intelligence did not fail me. This was one Ricks continued: “The political situation is far time when my contrarian nature gave way to a much more less certain, and I think less stable, than most Americans profound precept. If we are not sure that a foreign nation believe. A retired Marine colonel I know, Gary Anderson, poses an imminent threat to our way of life, we must not just returned from Iraq and predicts a civil war or mili - send our fellow citizens’ sons and daughters into harm’s tary coup by September. Another friend, the journalist Nir way for what might be.” Rosen, avers that Iraq is on a long-term peaceful course. When Coats had his introductory press interviews Both men know Iraq well, having spent years working during this Senate campaign a month ago, HPI asked him there. I have not seen such a wide discrepancy in expert whether he supported the Iraq invasion. “Yes I views since late 2005.” did,” said Coats, who came very close to be- Ricks comes to a startling conclusion: “I ing Bush’s secretary of defense before Vice think leaders in both countries may come to President Cheney shifted his support to Donald recognize that the best way to deter a return Rumsfeld. Coats added, “Based on the intelli- to civil war is to find a way to keep 30,000 to gence we had.” 50,000 United States service members in Iraq Was he critical of Phase 4 in Iraq, after for many years to come. As a longtime critic the initial invasion had ended? “Yes I was. I was of the American invasion of Iraq, I am not a strong advocate of the Powell Doctrine, long happy about advocating a continued military before all of this came up. I articulated this on John Hostettler and Brad presence there. Yet, to echo counterinsurgen- the Armed Services Committee. Just going back Ellsworth during a 2006 cy expert David Kilcullen, just because you to the selection, I was more aligned with Colin debate. invade a country stupidly doesn’t mean you Powell. The whole Powell Doctrine is that you do should leave it stupidly.” not go into war if there’s any other option. When you go in, In today’s New York Times, the lead story reports: you go in with full force. And you have an exit plan already The deadly suicide bombings in Iraq on Wednesday high - agreed on and fleshed out. What we did was we spring- light the central quandary facing President Obama as he boarded off Afghanistan and we thought the same thing tries to fulfill his campaign pledge to end the war there: would be applied to Iraq. There was that additional eupho - Will parliamentary elections, scheduled for Sunday, throw ria when they pulled down that statue (of Saddam) and we the country back into the sectarian strife that flared in 2004 did not have an exit plan in place, and so we went through and delay the planned American withdrawal? Senior Obama four tragic years.” administration officials maintained in interviews this week The timing of the Coats-Hostettler exchange is that Mr. Obama’s plan to withdraw all American combat interesting because before their May 4 Republican primary, troops by Sept. 1 would remain on track regardless of who there will be parliamentary elections in Iraq this Sunday. cobbles together a governing coalition after the election. And while President Obama has talked optimistically about “Politics has broken out in Iraq,” Vice President Biden said. pulling out all of the U.S. combat troops by the end of this How ironic that the first crossed swords for the summer, the Iraq War could be a renewed flashpoint in GOP Senate nomination comes over the Iraq War, a chapter 2010, when many expected that might be the case in 2008. that many Republicans would just as soon forget. And here Thomas E. Ricks, the former Washington Post we find the black sheep congressman Hostettler dueling military reporter who wrote “Fiasco” and “The Gamble,” with the former ambassador to Germany, over the interpre- explained in a New York Times op-ed piece on Feb. 21 that tation of intelligence that led to this brutal war, as well as the defining moments for the American experience in Iraq the rise of the Democrats in 2006 and 2008. are just around the bend. The intriguing thing is that between March 7 and “Whether or not the elections bring the long-await- May 4, this road may come to some fascinating twists and ed political breakthrough that genuinely ends the fight - forks and the perceived front-running Coats may find him - ing there, 2010 is likely to be a turning-point year in the self in a political minefield. v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 8 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday March 4, 2010

Meanwhile, the first candidate debate—held last Democrats can hold weekend - demonstrates the dilemma Hoosier Republicans face in the primary. Their chances of winning next Novem- Senate seat with Ellsworth ber would be enhanced if they were to nominate a fresh face, someone untainted by Washington. Yet their top two By CHRIS SAUTTER contenders - Dan Coats and John Hostettler - are congres- WASHINGTON - Rank and file Hoosier Democrats sional retreads. Coats and Hostettler were able to dominate have reason to be upset with the process that produced debate press coverage and even clashed over President Congressman Brad Ellsworth as their party’s presumptive Bush’s handling of the War in Iraq. Unless they begin to nominee. The Indiana Democratic Party is choosing their draw sharp contrast with Coats and Hostettler, none of candidate for an open U.S. Senate seat—an opportunity three new faces in the race are likely to gain traction in the that has come along only twice in modern times, in 1958 Republican primary. and 1998--by a vote of 32 Central Committee members Multi-candidate primaries can be unpredictable. But rather than by open primary. Republicans in Washington went out on a limb for Coats, But Democrats have way more rea- and they are now likely to make sure he has however much son to be happy with the outcome of the money they think is necessary for him to win. Coats may process. Democrats are nominating in need everything Washington can offer. Because of the Ellsworth a candidate who stands a very rocky rollout of Coats, Hostettler is now stronger than first good chance of holding the seat from believed. And, he is much more likely to garner votes from which Senator Evan Bayh is retiring after Tea Party sympathizers than Coats. But there are prob- 12 years. And, unlike Republicans, Demo- ably too many candidates dividing up the anti-Coats vote to crats are avoiding a primary battle like overcome Coats’ name and money advantages. the one that kept them divided through- If Coats does win the primary, the fall match-up out the 2008 gubernatorial contest. will provide both a striking visual and message contrast. There is no way of knowing what might have Coats appears to have aged more than the 12 years he happened had Bayh announced his retirement in time for has been gone from Indiana and his looks are a constant potential candidates to obtain the necessary signatures to reminder he is from a time past. Meanwhile, Ellsworth with secure a place on the primary ballot. But in all probability his telegenic looks comes across much more the candidate it would have produced a similar result on the Democratic of the future. Further, Ellsworth’s background as sheriff and side—either Ellsworth or Congressman Baron Hill would his reputation as a hardworking congressman will inure to have been the nominee. It seems unlikely that both would his benefit when compared to Coats’ years as a Washington have given up their House seats to run in a competitive lobbyist. Any chance Republicans had to paint Ellsworth primary, although there would have been other candidates as the product of a flawed nomination process is lost with on the Democratic ballot. Coats, handpicked and financed by Washington insiders. There is greater likelihood that a stronger candi- Republicans are banking on health care to win date like Congressman Mike Pence or even Mitch Daniels campaigns like Indiana’s U.S. Senate election, and House would have entered the race on the Republican side had races like Indiana’s 8th district race. If health care reform Bayh’s announcement come earlier. Instead, the top candi- passes, Republicans will be in the position of having to dates in the Republicans field include a former U.S. Senator call for its repeal. But many perhaps most of the reform whose popular standing has dipped so low he is being out- package’s individual components are popular with the pub- polled by a former Congressman who was easily defeated lic. Will Republican candidates call for the repeal of those just four years ago by Ellsworth. popular provisions? Passage of health care reform puts the This does not mean Ellsworth is the favorite in debate over health care in a very different posture, one the Senate race — far from it. Indiana is a Republican-lean- much more difficult for Republicans to prosecute. ing state and 2010 is shaping up to be a Republican year. Speaking of the 8th CD race, one has to be But the race starts out essentially a toss-up and that’s impressed with the 8th CD organizations that seamlessly better than anyone might have predicted two weeks ago replaced Ellsworth with a quality candidate in State Rep. when Bayh pulled out. The Democratic Senatorial Cam- Trent Van Haaften, who is a former prosecutor, highly paign Committee has indicated Indiana is a top priority for respected and well known in his base. As is the case with them, which means Ellsworth will have sufficient funding the Senate race, 8th CD Republicans, who thought they to compete. And, Ellsworth has a united Democratic party, were up against the heavily favored Ellsworth, would likely something that is not a certainty for the eventual Republi- have recruited a stronger candidate had they known better. can nominee. Democrats couldn’t have asked for a better Democrats should be feeling good about their chances of kick-off to a tough contest. holding the 8th CD seat. v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 9 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday March 4, 2010

Battles said the issue with the study committee is Republicans vow to balance. The tie-breaking vote on the commission would come from the Indiana chief justice. Because Randall T. bring redistricting Shepard is the chief Justice, Republicans would hold power over the committee. “It has to show balance,” Battles said. “I’m not reforms back in 2011 impugning anyone’s character at all, but when you have the tie-breaking number, that tie-breaking number brings By BRYAN AULT baggage. That doesn’t make them evil. That doesn’t make INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana House Democrats chose them bad. That doesn’t impugn their integrity, but at that to forego redistricting reform, giving Senate Bills 80 and point, there was always that extra party who could put his 136 committee hearings, then ignored them altogether last finger on the scales, tip it and it could be Republican or week. Democrat alike. Senate Bill 80 would have kept cul- “We’re probably never going to get away from tural and traditional communities togeth- Democrats and Republicans. That’s how life is, and that’s er. It also would have made an attempt to not necessarily bad. They have to come to some kind of end gerrymandering by respecting county bipartisan agreement without that extra party tipping the lines. scale. We never found a perfect way to solve that, but to “Quite honestly, we have sold me, that’s a way to get at it.” consolidation as avoiding gerrymandering, House Speaker B. Patrick Bauer, D-South Bend, but the truth is, you can gerrymander a sent both bills to the Rules Committee. State Sen. Sue district by consolidating,” said House Elec- Landske, D-Cedar Lake, the co-author of 136, says redis- tions Committee Chairman Kreg Battles, D-Vincennes. tricting reform will be kept alive before and during the 2011 Senate Bill 136 would have established a two-year, legislative session. independent study commission to re-draw maps. The five- “We’re still going to do it,” Landske said. ”I’ve got- member committee would consist of one representative ten a lot of comments from people who re- for each of the four caucuses. The Chief ally want to know more about the process Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court in Indiana. We’re going to continue this would appoint the final fifth person, the summer to educate constituents, hopefully chairman of the commission. around the state, and educate not only “It doesn’t necessarily take ourselves, but the general public.” politics out of it entirely from who the Bosma also said that he will look appointees are, but it certainly would be at methods from other states. “I’m open balanced,” House Minority Leader Brian to other compositions,” he said. “This one Bosma, R-Indianapolis, told HPI. ”The seemed to be the most balanced, but maps that were drawn in 2001 by the there may be another composition that Democrats were drawn to give the Demo- the panel, or study commission, might crats a very strong political advantage, find to be better and more reflective of and they like that. They want the oppor- Hoosiers.” tunity to do that again.” Bosma, who co-authored a similar Bosma made reference to the measure in 2006, said he hopes to restore 2002 and 2004 elections as where the House Elections Committee Chair- man Kreg Battles says there will confidence in Hoosiers that elected of - absence of reform hurt Indiana Repub- always be a tipping point between ficials can act responsibly through redis - licans. Bosma said, “In 2002, Republi- the parties. (HPI Photo by Steve tricting reform. cans running for the House had roughly Dickerson) “It’s not just a one-time deal for 220,000 more votes per state representa- me,” he said. “I’ve been committed to tive, but only 49 percent of the represen- this for more than a decade. It’s my hope and my goal to, tatives because the way the maps were drawn. In 2004, in the 2011 redistricting process, to really allow Hoosier when Republicans took the majority, we won three seats by voices to be heard, and to accurately reflect their voice in a total of 338 votes, but actually won 343,000 more votes. the composition of the General Assembly. The simplest and “The maps drawn in 2001 in the House pre-deter- most fundamental form of democracy is that representa- mined a decade of leadership in the Indiana House. Despite tives of government represent the people, and the current winning the elections, Republicans governed for only two maps don’t." v years.” HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 10 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday March 4, 2010

Wyatt, the man who officially challenged Sue’s candidacy, is Focus on Tony Long a union associate of Sue’s eventual Democratic opponent, Russ Stilwell.” in Ellspermann case Long and Mike Gentry of HRCC did not return HPI’s phone calls seeking comments. By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana Democrats appear to be 4th CD: Hershman colleagues slam Rokita trying to pick off one of the Republican House challengers Secretary of State Todd Rokita’s attempt to amend recruited by HRCC and Gov. Mitch Daniels. ethics legislation in the Senate last week found Republicans Republican Susan Ellspermann, who is challenging rallying around State Sen. Brandt Hershman. According to House Majority Leader Russ Stil- Ken Kusmer of the Associated Press, the Senate voted 50-0 well in HD74, apparently had in a highly unusual roll call vote to reject a bid by Rokita’s voted in the 2008 Democratic office to rewrite a banking bill to remove language that primary during the Hillary Clin- bars a state officeholder from using the fund to buy adver - ton-Barack Obama campaign. tising that identifies the official. Some lawmakers perceive But she checked a box on her Rokita has used funds the SOS office controls to build his candidate filing that indicated name recognition. Treasurer Richard Mourdock has also ap- otherwise. peared in recent TV ads on college investment, paid for by According to the Hoosier his office. Advocate blog, a challenge to Rokita is seeking the Republican nomination in the Ellspermann’s candidacy was brought by Charles R. Wyatt, 4th District congressional race against 12 other candidates, a long-time Democrat donor and a “union associate of Russ including state Sens. Brandt Hershman of Lafayette and Stilwell.” Mike Young of Indianapolis. The blog writes: “Now Hershman and Young joined the fresh evidence indicates involve- parade of senators from both ment by at least one party boss is parties to speak against the enough to warrant serious ethi- amendment that author Sen. cal questions. Anthony Long, 8th Richard Bray, R-Martinsville, District chairman of the Indiana said was sought by a lobbyist Democratic Party and vice-chair of for Rokita’s office. “We should the Indiana Election Commission, not use the public’s dime to let is an entrenched Democratic Party people advertise on TV, whether operative in the very same district running for public office or where Sue is running for office. not,” Young said. Lt. Gov. Becky When Sue goes before the Election Skillman, the Senate president, Commission on Friday to plead her granted a request for the roll call case, it is Anthony Long who will vote, which ended 50-0 against sit as both judge and jury.” the amendment — and Rokita. Hoosier Advocate notes Even Bray voted against his own that Ellspermann’s primary op- amendment. “The motion to ponent is Angela Sowers, who amend is defeated in a big way,” the blog describes as having “no Skillman deadpanned. history voting in primaries” and But the admonishment of whose family members are legal Rokita didn’t end there. State clients of Long, “the same Demo- Sen. Beverly Gard released an cratic Party operative who will now op-ed piece to state newspa- be hearing Sue’s case before the pers, saying, “After months of Election Commission. Democrats lecturing lawmakers and citizens recruited Sowers to run (she filed about transparent, open, above- on the last day of the deadline) board government, Indiana Sec- with the full intention of contest- Susan Ellspermann will try to stay on the ballot when retary of State Todd Rokita got ing Sue’s Declaration of Candidacy she appears before the State Election Board on Friday. caught pulling another fast one. (Form 46439). Moreover Charles (HPI Photo) It seems the self-appointed Mr. HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 11 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday March 4, 2010

Clean didn’t appreciate a provision in this year’s sweeping debate that has been reignited. “On Tuesday, the Senate ethics reform package and decided to find a way to exclude passed a $10 billion, 30-day stopgap measure to maintain himself from a prohibition against using state dollars to unemployment benefits for the long-term jobless, provide promote himself in print and on radio and TV. “ funding for highway programs and delay a 21% pay cut And there is a trend here. Senate Republicans are to physicians for services to all Medicare patients,” McGoff not only teaming up against Rokita (on behalf of Hershman said. “Over the weekend Medicare contractors had been and to some extent Mike Young), but 23 of them endorsed instructed to hold all claims for services to patients with State Sen. Marlin Stutzman in the U.S. Senate race. Medicare for 10 days, while the Senate worked on passing Hershman announced his intent to open a congres- Tuesday’s ‘extender’ bill. This would have accounted for al- sional district office in Hendricks, Tippecanoe, and Law - most $13 billion in delayed payments to providers.” McGoff rence counties if elected to serve as the congressman for noted that since 2002, “this has become an annual travesty the 4th District of Indiana. “When elected, I want to ensure which our government forces doctors to endure and in the that the people of the 4th district are given every oppor- near future could create a severe shortage of medical pro- tunity to voice their concerns to my staff and me without viders to whom Medicare patients can turn for their care.” driving long distances,” said Hershman. “This is why I am Messer is expected to raise big bucks at a March 23 pledging to open a congressional district office in these fundraiser at the home of former Indiana Republican Chair- counties.” man Jim Kittle Jr. Rokita had a fundraiser last week that raised $100,000. HD31: Oliver’s death leaves Senate ballot vacancy The death of labor activist Lettie Oliver will create 5th CD: Burton releases a Rembrandt a vacancy in SD31, where she had filed as a Democrat. It was beautiful. It was poignant. And it was old. Oliver, 58, was the president of the Central Indiana La- U.S. Rep. Dan Burton released a Public Opinion Strategies bor Council and the associate director of AFSME Indiana Poll last Sunday from Jan. 20-21. The five-week-old poll Council 62 union for government workers in Indiana and showed Burton led in the head-to-head with 43 percent, Kentucky. The seat is held by State Sen. James Merritt Jr. compared to 9 percent for Luke Messer, 8 percent for both v Brose McVey and Dr. John McGoff and 4 percent for State Rep. Mike Murphy. McVey suggested that Burton probably held on to the poll until all of the challengers had filed for the race. McVey called Burton’s 43 percent “weak.” Murphy picked up the endorsements this past week of Peru Mayor Jim Walker and Miami County Sheriff Ken Roland. “After considering every candidate in this race, I have endorsed Mike Murphy because he is a man of integrity who does what he says he’s going to do. Mike has served Hoosiers effectively in the Statehouse and he is the most qualified candidate in the race to rep - resent us. I will support him any way I can,” Roland said. Murphy was insistent that the 5th CD race won’t just come down to money. He spent 13 hours at the annual Miami County 4-H Fair pancake breakfast, and greeted 3,000 people. “That population is so geographi- cally diverse,” Murphy said. “You can’t buy one-on-one access to them like we did at that breakfast.” Murphy also was encouraged by Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s thrashing of U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in Tuesday’s GOP primary. “People are tired of 30-year congressmen who ride the gravy train and don’t produce a single job,” Murphy said. “The same sentiment was tapped into by Gov. Perry. I see something similar hap- pening in Florida.” Dr. John McGoff weighed in on the health care HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 12 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday March 4, 2010

Brandt Hershman. Hershman is one of the forerunners Primary colors: Why simply because he worked for Buyer since he first ran for the House in 1992, yet the greatest hurdle he may face is Indiana will be once not from Rokita. Hershman’s first wife, a Roman Catholic, came forward with the revelation that she and her former husband aborted a child. That came in the 11th hour of

again interesting a race against Democrat Kathy Altman for the 7th District seat Hershman now holds. Hershman held off Altman in a By DAVE KITCHELL close race, but in a Republican primary when voters tend LOGANSPORT - In 2008, it should have been a sign to be more conservative, that part of his history could be for Republicans when there was a question about Republi - haunting. Rokita on the other hand has something Hersh- cans carrying the state in a presidential election. man does not have. He’s proven he can win in every county As it turned out, Indiana was a bellwether for the in the district, and he’s media savvy in the largest media Obama popularity, though it didn’t really have the impact of market in the district, Indianapolis. Hershman has spent one because the race was so close and the election wasn’t plenty of time in Indianapolis, but does not have the name in doubt by the time Indiana recognition with voters that Rokita does as a statewide finally went in the Obama col - officeholder. Look for Rokita with a plurality in a race that umn. is very winnable for both candidates. Buyer’s support may This year, Indiana could mean something, but it didn’t mean much when his sister, again be a bellwether state for Karen, ran for state representative in his former district. three reasons. In no particular She lost. His support also did carry the day with Chris order, they are the 4th District Chocola, who represented the 2nd District for two terms congressional race, the 5th Dis- before losing in 2006. trict congressional race and the The Senate successor. This could be a low-key open seat race for retiring Sen. race, but don’t count on it. If former Sen. Dan Coats is the Evan Bayh’s seat. nominee, he will have to rally momentum he clearly does It’s entirely possible that not have at this point. Coats association with Dan Quayle all three races could produce is not a positive at this point for either him or the party, some unusual results, and here’s and as a lobbyist, he represents a peculiar choice. Former why: Rep. John Hostetler, who came in with the Republican Dan Burton. Of all the incumbent Republican Revolution of 1994, looks to be a likely choice because he’s House members of Congress from Indiana, he is easily the below the radar, the place where he runs well and surprises least secure, yet he has been there the longest. Polling opponents. Hostettler has been in Congress more recently shows him in a tight race, yet what the Republicans have and is younger. As for the Democrats, winning southern failed to learn from previous GOP primaries in his district is Indiana will be key. That makes Baron Hill a really interest- that there is no strength in numbers. There is only weak- ing choice because he hails from Seymour (this column was ness. The field is so splintered that Burton emerges. If one written before Hill bowed out). The party nominee ought to of Burton’s challengers coalesces enough support this time be able to carry Indianapolis, the Region and some urban and does it in a way that’s more public than in past elec- areas, but don’t count on southern Indiana unless the tions, Burton will be gone. He is not campaigning aggres- national party is willing to dump plenty of television money sively, and no one editorializes against him more than the in the Louisville, Cincinnati and Indianapolis markets. In the Indianapolis Star. Burton is close to retirement, but appears case of Brad Ellsworth, being a Blue Dog and a Congress- to be one of the members who won’t retire unless some- man with a brief resume cannot be a bad thing. He may be body retires him, as in votes him out of office. If Burton the most telegenic candidate in the country next to Sen. somehow survives another term and wants to run again, Scott Brown, R-Mass. This race doesn’t exactly have star don’t be surprised if a Republican majority in the Indiana power written all over it, but it does look more like a Sen- Senate moves to put him in the same district with incum- ate race in the rest of the country than those Hoosiers have bent Rep. Mike Pence of the 6th. watched in the past. v The 4th. Steve Buyer is bowing out, and there are 11 – count ‘em 11 – candidates in the race to succeed him. Republicans may want to note the comments from No. 1 in this column, but it’s safe to say the race boils down to incumbent Secretary of State Todd Rokita and State Sen. HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 13 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday March 4, 2010

useless during his final year in the Senate? Pondering Bayh’s A. No. Two lame-duck Republican senators, free now of future political concerns, joined to block the threat- stunning decision ened filibuster of a jobs bill with tax breaks for small busi - nesses, deciding that they would rather do something for By JACK COLWELL jobs rather than continuing to do a job on the president. SOUTH BEND - Let’s ponder questions still asked Bayh, ever so cautious, could get out front now on some about Evan Bayh’s stunning decision to bail out of the Sen- courageous votes he might have hesitated to cast if still ate race. seeking reelection. Q. Would Bayh have won if he ran? Q. Will Bayh come to be regarded as a quitter? A. Yes. Though some thought he bailed out be- A. “Quit” is in the eye of the beholder. Some cause he feared losing, I doubt that. He people like their legislators to quit. It’s called term limits. had the lead, the money, long-time Others think that legislators, after gaining expertise in popularity, proven vote-getting ability, complicated issues and intricacies of government, should a moderate image pleasing to many continue as long as voters want them to serve. No matter Hoosier Republicans and independents the view on that, anyone who has admired Bayh’s service and a likely Republican opponent, as governor and as senator certainly has no reason to former Sen. Dan Coats, with an image conclude that he has dishonored that service because of battered unmercifully upon announce- deciding, for whatever reason, to step away now from the ment of candidacy. Senate. Q. Does Bayh leaving mean that a Q. Did Bayh delay his announcement until it was Republican is likely to win the Senate too late for others to get in the race? seat? A. Yes. Only he knows when he decided for sure. A. Yes. No Democrat selected now by the party’s Apparently he had been thinking about the possibility of state committee to fill the void will have Bayh’s advantages. not running. My guess is that he did not decide for sure un- Advantage now goes to the GOP, ready to do its own un- til close to the filing deadline. But in waiting until the very merciful battering in defining a new Democratic contender day before petitions for candidacy had to be certified, he and with money sure to cascade in calculated that no additional for the Republican in a state still candidate could get on the leaning Republican. ballot. Some more formida- Q. So why did Bayh ble Republican possibilities, decide not to run? such as Congressman Mike A. As he said, he does Pence, decided earlier not to not love Congress. In fact, he run for the Senate, figuring hates the partisan poison in the at the time that Bayh would Senate that leaves a middle-of- be seeking re-election. And the-roader seeking construc- Democrats now have the tive compromise in a thankless mixed blessing of picking a position. Left-wing Democrats nominee to fill the vacancy. criticize him for being too much Q. Why is it a like a “heartless” Republican. mixed blessing for Demo- Right-wing Republicans criticize crats? him for being too much allied A. They can avoid a May with “socialist” Democrats. primary contest. And they can pick a strong candidate. Q. But are cynics right in contending Bayh’s real But the nominee picked by the Democratic state commit- reason is to position himself to run for governor again in tee, now certain to be Congressman Brad Ellsworth, will be 2012 in order to pursue an obsession with some day being assailed by Republicans as the hand-picked choice of party president? bosses. Meanwhile, the Republican nominee, likely but by A. That’s a question for which we eventually will no means certain to be Coats, will triumph in a statewide have an answer. Kind of like the way we will eventually primary, emerging with enhanced name recognition, with have an answer to the question of whether Mitch Daniels themes and an organization tested and with the news me- really is or isn’t positioning himself to run for president. dia having focused on primary contenders all bashing the Q. Since Bayh is now a lame duck, is he sure to be Democratic choice. v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 14 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday March 4, 2010

tronic gaming devices - known to you and me as ‘slots’ - The gospel of gambling the people’s prayer machines. Table games, where, in a few select cases, judgment may play a part, accounted for the is heard in the state remaining seven percent. Slots paid out 93 percent in win- nings on our bets while table games paid out 81 percent of By MORTON J. MARCUS the money we put down. Doesn’t that show how it is better INDIANAPOLIS - Many Hoosier ministers are op- to be lucky than to have some judgment? posed to gambling, but Rev. Derek Dyce is an exception. “All this is goodness, with the greatest rewards Although I suspect the reverend got his ordination from an going to the lucky, those blessed by the Deity, confirmed advertisement on a pack of matches, he preaches regularly by their luck in gracious recognition by Providence. Luck, at the Church of Lucky Lords and Ladies. These were his my friends, not hard work or achievement. Luck, dearly be- words during this week’s sermon: loved, not service to humanity. Luck, not knowledge, skill, “The Indiana General As- or any form of self-improvement. Luck, indiscriminate luck, sembly continues to discriminate random good fortune, the ultimate abnegation of constrict- against our faith; they will not allow ing, outdated social values. two failed casinos in Gary to relo- “Why then does our state legislature keep gaming, cate in a prominent pasture where this divine source of income redistribution, from us? Why I-65 meets I-80/94. We are denied must we travel to Shelbyville, Evansville, Gary, or Law- convenient, legal places to practice renceburg to make our offerings? Casinos, like the lottery, our rites for the holy, voluntary should be available in every county. redistribution of money. “Have you seen the modern casino? These are “Hoosiers are blessed magnificent houses of worship where luck is glorified. They with two avenues for advancing the sparkle with light and laughter. They are clean and friendly gospel of luck: the lottery and the casinos. Last year alone, castles. Food and drink are abundant (even if smoking - Indiana’s faithful -- and visiting co-religionists -- donated and thereby freedom - has been curtailed). The sounds are more than $732 million to the Hoosier Lottery of which 62 wondrous anticipations of celestial auditory delights. percent, $453 million, was redistributed to those blessed “All this is endangered by the short-sightedness of with luck. Another seven percent, $50 million, went to the legislature and competition from neighboring states. nearly 4,000 good business folks, retailers who sell lottery “Would it not be just and proper for us to have tickets. We garnered $179 million casinos in Sullivan, Seymour and South Bend? Why should (25 percent) for good causes: the the lucky in Clark and Cass coun- Build Indiana Fund and retire- ties be prohibited from enjoying ment funds for teachers’, police neighborhood casinos? Isn’t it time officers’ and firefighters’ pensions. to stomp out the prejudice against The balance was another $50 mil- heaven-granted luck and allow each lion for salaries, wages, advertis- to find his or her own path to the ing, and other contributions to glory of wealth? the Indiana economy. “And the people all say, “However, this is the ‘Roll-em’.” small stuff. These few hundred It was a powerful message, deliv- millions hardly compare to the ered by Rev. Dyce in fewer than 666 v nearly $30 billion bet in 13 words. Indiana casinos. Now, fellow taxpayers, if I understand these Mr. Marcus is an independent numbers, 91 percent of these dol- economist, speaker, and writer lars were returned as winnings to formerly with IU’s Kelley School the devout men and women who of Business. frequent these palaces of hope. An additional $876 million (three percent) went to our state and local governments for our benefit. “Some 93 percent of those winnings came from elec- HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 15 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday March 4, 2010

Mark Kiesling, Times of Northwest Indiana: announcement provided advantages – and disadvantages Once again ceasing to amaze me, the U.S. House ethics – for the two parties and their candidates. By waiting until committee has concluded one of its own, our very own 24 hours before the first step in a two-part process for get - Rep. Pete Visclosky, did nothing wrong by steering govern- ting on the ballot, Bayh ensured there would be no Senate ment money toward companies who contributed heavily primary battle. Contested primaries have pluses, but they to his campaigns. I am sure the ethics panel is correct and drain resources, are sometimes so brutal that the winner that Visclosky, a Democrat from Merrillville, did absolutely emerges with unrecoverable damage and can fracture the nothing that would violate any of the House ethics rules. alliances that are essential to winning in November. Even But this begs a much larger question of who is guarding though Indiana law lays out how a ballot vacancy is to be the guards: Are the ethics rules written filled, and the Democratic Party is following so they can be loosely interpreted to al- that process, the GOP can – and has – col- low everything but the most egregious ored it as something secretive and possibly shenanigans? And which congressmen even unethical. It’s shaping up to be an anti- were responsible for writing the rules? It’s incumbent, anti-establishment election year, kind of like an indictment, which is to me and the GOP nominee has a ready-made ad: always a little more suspect than a directly “I was chosen by the people; Mr. Democrat filed criminal charge. In an indictment pro - was picked in a smoke-filled room by elitists cedure, a prosecutor presents evidence of who want to shove a candidate down the wrongdoing to a grand jury, and the “tar- throats of Hoosiers.” If the Republican nomi- get” of the probe has no right to put up a nee is Dan Coats, this kind of commercial defense, leading to the old saying among would be particularly useful as a way to dilute lawyers that the state or government can indict a ham his own establishment-favored, Republican National Com- sandwich if it so desires. Or not. Grand juries also are used mittee-supported status. While the media (mainstream and to “clear” certain people who have been accused of crimes social) are focused on the “who” of the Democratic nomi- but whom no one in power really wants to prosecute. The nee, the outlets are focusing on the “what” of the GOP can- prosecutor deliberately puts up a lame case, and a grand didates. This helps define the Republicans in a way more jury almost always returns without an indictment. And voters are interested in – on economic issues, for instance. because the proceedings are secret, no one sees the legal Because the Democrats can’t formally choose a candidate sausage being made. So while I am happy for Visclosky until after the May 4 primary, it’s tough for Brad Ellsworth that the House has exonerated him on the ethics violation (almost surely the choice) to be in full campaign mode. On charges, it’s still of concern that the U.S. Department of the one hand, he has to start now or lose valuable time; on Justice continues its probe of the congressman’s ties with the other, he will appear arrogant and pushy if he does. v the now-defunct PMA lobbying group. Visclosky was one of PMA’s biggest supporters, steering government contracts Stephanie Salter, Terre Haute Tribune-Star: and money toward the clients of the Virginia firm. In turn, While politicians and the news media focus on the fate of PMA was one of Visclosky’s biggest contributors, far sur- President Obama’s version of health care reform, a fas- passing any local donations. It’s my guess the Department cinating (and oh-so-revealing) historical element of the of Justice is going to be hard-pressed to find any smoking proposal begs for attention: A veiled and very expensive gun linking Visclosky and PMA in some sort of nefarious negotiation process led to some extraordinary agreements scheme. And call me cynical if you must, but I don’t think between the White House and the pharmaceutical industry last month’s death of veteran U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D- that were included in the final congressional versions of the Pa., hurt Visclosky’s chances of exoneration in any federal overhaul. The saga of how those agreements were reached forum. Next to Murtha, Visclosky looked like the altar boy is expertly laid out online by investigative reporter Paul v and seminary student he once was. Blumenthal of the Sunlight Foundation (sunlightfoundation. com). It ought to be mandatory reading for every American Sylvia Smith, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette: The over the age of 16 who wants to know how national poli- Democratic Senate candidate will be chosen by the Indi- tics really gets done, no matter which party is in charge. ana Democratic Party’s 32-member leadership, a fact that Blumenthal’s account of the cozy affair between the Obama has frothed up the Republican media machine (“backroom administration and Big Pharma already has caught the at- anointment” and “unfair gamesmanship”). But does it mat- tention of government transparency geeks – and it should ter to democracy? Are you, a constituent of whoever wins force the left and right fringes to abandon any notions that in November, harmed by the process? While you’re ponder- Obama is an enemy of capitalism. v ing that, let’s review the ways Sen. Evan Bayh’s last-minute HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 16 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday March 4, 2010

Obama renews push for health reforms WASHINGTON - The end game at hand, President Barack Obama took command Wednesday of one final attempt by Democrats to enact bitterly contested health care legislation, calling for an “up or down vote” within weeks under rules denying Republicans the ability to kill the bill with mere talk (Associ- ated Press). Appearing before a White House audience of invited guests, many of them wearing white medical coats, Obama firmly re - jected calls from Republicans to draft new legislation from scratch. “I don’t showdown in terms larger than health without doing our business,” Long see how another year of negotiations care, which is an enormously ambi- vowed. But House Speaker B. Patrick would help. Moreover, the insurance tious undertaking in its own right. “At Bauer, D-South Bend, who set today companies aren’t starting over,” the stake right now is not just our ability as the early deadline to finish the 2010 president said, referring to a recent to solve this problem, but our ability legislative session, questioned whether round of announced premium increas- to solve any problem,” he said. The a few days would accomplish what es affecting millions who purchase Senate GOP leader, Mitch McConnell two months of talk has not. “If we individual coverage. While Obama said of Kentucky, said a decision by Demo- haven’t done this in two months, what he wanted action within a few weeks, crats to invoke rules that bar filibusters hope is there we could do this beyond Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D- would be “met with outrage” by the tomorrow?” Bauer said. “It’s better to Nev., seemed to hint a final outcome public. “This is really not an argument go home. It’s better to say we did our could take far longer. “We remain between Democrats and Republicans. best, and God bless you.” He had one committed to this effort and we’ll It’s an argument between Democrats word of advice for the Senate: “Con- use every option available to deliver and the American people,” he said. cur.” House Democrats say they are meaningful reform this year,” he said. sympathetic to the plight of businesses The outcome will affect nearly every Bauer pushes GOP to – but want assistance for workers as American, mandating major changes well (Louisville Courier-Journal). Rep. in the ways they receive and pay for ‘concur’ on job fund David Neizgodski, D-South Bend, said health care or leaving in place current WASHINGTON - Lawmakers Wednesday that he’s holding out for systems that leave tens of millions played legislative chicken Wednesday, expanded eligibility for unemployment with no coverage and many others dis- with Democrats and Republicans wait- benefits and a crackdown on compa - satisfied with what they do get. With ing to see who will compromise on is- nies that avoid paying into the fund by Republicans united in opposition, there sues such as unemployment insurance labeling some employees as contrac- is no certainty about the final result in and job creation by today’s self-im- tors. Congress - or even that Democrats will posed deadline (Ruthhart, Indianapolis go along with changes Obama urged Star). Senate President Pro Tempore on Wednesday in what he described David Long, R-Fort Wayne, said the Daniels appoints Larkin as a bipartisan gesture. With polls Senate is willing to stay longer -- until as health commissioner showing voters unhappy and Demo- the March 14 cut-off date set in law INDIANAPOLIS - Gov. Mitch crats worried about this fall’s elections, -- if that’s what it takes to craft a deal. Daniels announced Wednesday he has Obama also sought to cast the coming “The Senate’s not going to leave town appointed Dr. Gregory N. Larkin, a for- HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 17 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday March 4, 2010

mer Greencastle family physician who country, accomplishing what govern- our nation’s fiscal house in order. That went on to a distinguished 22-year ments alone could not. is why I am proud to introduce the career at Eli Lilly and Company, as Spending Limit Amendment with Rep- the state’s new health commissioner. Brown seeks new bill resentatives Jeb Hensarling and John He will replace Dr. Judy Monroe, who Campbell. The Spending Limit Amend- is leaving her position March 8 to for smoking ban ment will give the American people a become deputy director of the Centers INDIANAPOLIS - State Rep. unique opportunity to define the size for Disease Control and Prevention Charlie Brown, D-Gary, plans to add and scope of the federal government (CDC) and director of the CDC’s newly exemptions and change the effective for future generations. I urge the formed Office of State, Tribal, Local date of his proposed statewide smok- American people, and every Member and Territorial Support. The governor ing ban in order to get it through the of Congress, to support the Spending has asked Dr. Larkin to continue the reluctant Indiana Senate (Carden, Limit Amendment to the Constitution state’s progress in immunizing chil- Times of Northwest Indiana). The of the United States.” dren, reporting and reducing medical Democratic-controlled Indiana House errors, and changing the health cul- last month approved a smoking ban Hill backs balanced ture of Indiana. Dr. Larkin has served that would prohibit smoking in all in- as the chief medical officer for the door locations except gaming facilities. budget amendment Indiana Health Information Exchange, A legislative committee on Tuesday WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. which promotes health information ruled the smoking ban was not ger- Baron Hill is an original cosponsor of technology for the advancement of mane to Senate Bill 175 and had to legislation introduced just yesterday quality patient and community care, come out. The bill makes changes to by Congressman Bobby Bright of since retiring from Lilly in 2007. He is state health reporting requirements. In Alabama that calls for a Constitutional a recognized expert on health informa- a House-Senate conference committee amendment to balance the federal tion and technology and will extend meeting this morning Brown proposed budget. A balanced budget amend- Indiana’s recognized leadership in that adding the smoking ban to House Bill ment is a key component of the Blue area. 1132. That measure includes several Dog Coalition’s recently-introduced health and health care-related propos- Blueprint for Fiscal Reform. “Balanc- als. Brown said he is also willing to ing the budget is something Hoosier New Goldsmith book include other smoking ban exemptions families do every day, but unfortu- on privatization previously recommended by state nately the federal government doesn’t INDIANAPOLIS - When then- representatives, including private clubs play by the same rules,” Hill said. “If Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith such as Veterans of Foreign War halls, Congress cannot police itself on this held office, he wrote the book on smoke shops and family-owned busi- issue, perhaps an amendment will privatizing essential city services to nesses with minimal public contact. force us to do so. Balanced budgets save millions of dollars (WTHR-TV). have been achieved in the past, and I Now a professor at Harvard University, Pence seeks Constitutional see no reason why we cannot strive to attain them in the near future.” Goldsmith has written his fourth book amendment on debt on government efficiency. The Power WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. of Social Intervention is something of Mike Pence issued the following state- Hoosier Marine’s death a survival guide for cities struggling to ment today after joining Representa- being investigated provide the social services residents tive Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) in intro- WASHINGTON - The U.S. mili- need to get educations, homes and ducing a Spending Limit Amendment tary is investigating whether private jobs. “Most cities in America includ- to the U.S. Constitution: “With our security guards hired to guard Ma- ing Indianapolis have spent a lot of nation facing a fiscal crisis, it is time to rines serving in Afghanistan may have money, not the city itself but United fundamentally change the way Wash- killed an Indiana Marine last month. Way and philanthropists and federal ington spends the taxpayers’ money. Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell agencies, without too many results. Unless we change course, the public confirmed Wednesday that an inves - So we are trying to find people who debt will consume the entire economy tigation is under way into the Feb. make a difference, providing opportu- in less than fifteen years. Runaway 19 death of 24-year-old Lance Cpl. nity to folks who are left behind,” he spending and record debt will make Joshua Birchfield of Westville. . WLS- said. Goldsmith’s book focuses on the future generations of Americans less TV in Chicago reported Wednesday success stories of 100 so-called social free, less prosperous and less secure. that Birchfield’s fellow Marines say the entrepreneurs in cities across the “We have a moral obligation to put guards were Afghans.