V23, N33 Thursday, April 19, 2018

Rokita teeters as Messer makes Indy push Rokita isn’t alone Rebuked by Trump, on the bad news front. Rokita’s late TV campaign The IndyStar reports to- day that had lags; Messer DUIs surface two DUIs prior to replac- ing State Rep. Roland By BRIAN A. HOWEY Stine, who was killed by a – It was a tough drunk driver. week for the perceived Republican U.S. Sen- And in the first in- ate race “frontrunner” . He has dependent polling in this been rebuked by the reelection campaign of race, Gravis Marketing President Trump for suggesting an endorse- (using what it described ment on yard signs. He reversed himself on as an “online panel”) finds participating in the April 30 Debate is leading with Commission event. 26%, followed by Rokita He is getting out- at 16%, and Luke Messer gunned in the final at 13%. The likely voter two weeks of the TV sample for the Republican air war by big mar- primary was conducted gins with an obvious April 6-11 and has a 5.9% money problem. margin of error. Gravis is credible enough that it is included And while he was more than competent on the the Real Clear Politics polling composites. In head to heads WISH-TV debate on Sunday night, the Associated Press with Sen. , Messer trails 46-36% and Rokita story of his getting sideways with Trump undercuts the 50-36%. There was no head to head with Braun. main footer of his campaign with the Trumpian “defeat the elite” sloganeering. Continued on page 3 Who won INSen debate? By FORT WAYNE – On Sunday evening, all three GOP Senate hopefuls accomplished the first goal of a success- ful candidate: Don’t say something stupid that makes the debate relevant. Debates are something the media likes, “ was a fabulous not the candidates. WISH-TV has a long first lady and a woman unlike and distinguished news his- tory in this state. WANE-TV in any other, who brought levity, Fort Wayne has been a junior love and literacy to millions. To partner with WISH since it became WANE in the early us she was so much more. Mom 1950s, and has remained so, kept us on our toes and kept us even as Nexstar and Sinclair take over the television world. laughing until the end.” There are some big differences between WANE and WISH - President George W. Bush however, starting with the fact Page 2

Howey Politics Indiana WWHowey Media, LLC 405 Massachusetts Ave., Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.howeypolitics.com

Brian A. Howey, Publisher that WANE is a CBS affiliate. WANE is up in my region of the state, remains Mark Schoeff Jr., Washington and has been the dominant station in stronger than in most of the country; Cameron Carter, Editor our market. but if it fails to adjust to the times and Joel Weyrauch, Editor The chosen time for the just continues down the path of jam- Mary Lou Howey, Editor debate didn’t matter much to WISH, ming uniform liberal-leaning upper- but it preempted “60 Minutes” in Fort class views at odds with the majority Mark Curry, Daily Wire, photo Wayne (not that I care but obviously of people of this state, it will contract Jack E. Howey, Editor some people do). What did astound at an even faster rate than it already Emeritus me, given that decision, was the is. In my opinion, especially consider- choice of moderators. WANE-TV has ing Trump’s dominating victories in at least six people who would have Indiana, this trend is more important Subscriptions been superior panelists to those se- than who wins the Republican nomi- HPI, HPI Daily Wire $599 lected. Heather Herron, Brett Thomas, nation for Senate. The clear loser in HPI Weekly, $350 Terra Brantley, Alyssa Ivanson, Rod the debate was the media, specifically HPI Mobile, $5.95 monthly Hissong, and Pat Hoffman each do WISH-TV. Ray Volpe, Account Manager great work, and yet not one was As for the candidates, Luke utilized. Messer may have won on traditional 317.602.3620 Who made such a deci- debate points. He was more active email: [email protected] sion? It merely reinforces to those in and focused than in the past. He Northern Indiana the fundamental didn’t just talk in generalities as he bias of Indianapolis news people who tends to do. He defended tough votes Contact HPI can’t seem to see anything but lake well, including to Braun (who seemed [email protected] cottages and Canada north of Ham- clueless at times). However, Messer’s Howey’s cell: 317.506.0883 ilton County. The questions were bi- claim that he is the only truth-teller is Washington: 202.256.5822 ased, mostly irrelevant gotcha journal- mostly just a cover to say, since he’s Business Office: 317.602.3620 ism. Most of the hour was spent on running a weak third, he is now the topics not interesting, challenging or biggest attack dog in the race. relevant to a Republican primary that Debates, especially ones © 2018, Howey Politics seems to be closely contested. with questions easily deflected into Indiana. All rights reserved. Republicans are not inter- the candidate’s chosen path, will then Photocopying, Internet forward- ested in hearing whether the candi- spin on optics because the media ing, faxing or reproducing in dates are for gun control. Democrats failed to highlight what primary vot- are interested in gun control. Pick an ers wanted to know. Messer lost any any form, whole or part, is a issue – taxes, marijuana, the border policy edge he had with a goofy grin. violation of federal law without (e.g. what type of fence/wall do the Rokita wore more a grimace than a permission from the publisher. candidates favor, not whether to build smile. Braun’s demeanor was more one) – and the point is the same. We impatient, an exaggerated form of the want to know their passion, who will look of restrained toler- fight for such positions, and some of ance; Daniels treats words as though the nuances on our side of the issues. God has a word budget. Ultimately Indiana media, especially Messer’s goofy smile was such an Page 3 overreaction (“please like me, I’m a nice guy”) that it was yers. He developed the foundation while the others were off-putting. asleep, then attacked with humor. When they counterat- The tree-farming tax break for Braun is one de- tacked, he responded with a nice family ad making them bate point that could loom large as this campaign closes. look negative (Braun is controlling the rhythm of this race). I don’t fully understand the gas user tax backlash, but I He ignored the facts that he was a long-time Democrat do understand this principle: If you vote to raise taxes on and officeholder. He has spent lots of money. Lots and lots most people, but vote for special tax break for yourself, it of money. is a problem. In the debate, Braun used a classic political 2.) Rokita’s approach has been less disciplined trick when asked if he sought an ethics waiver by basically (ironic for a long-time control freak), but the net result still saying that it didn’t apply. But the congressmen quickly is consistent. Be Trump Jr., appeal to conservatives, run pointed out that he had failed to answer the question. around the state like there is a scorecard somewhere of Braun admitted that, in fact, he just asked himself and hands shaken and counties covered. Take a weakness — didn’t seek an ethics opinion on the vote. This is likely to established Republican leaders dislike him intensely — and come up again over the next few weeks because Braun is turn it into a strength. Bait them, in fact. Raise enough closing in on possible upset of Rokita. money to be in the race, then punch and keep punching If you think negative attacks and ads back- because some will land. It has worked well for both him fire, don’t pretend to be a journalist. and and Trump in Indiana. Make America Great Again. Bernie Sanders “fire up” people because they identify their 3.) Messer had a strategy most effective to be- enemies clearly. There are no shades of gray. Too much come a state chairman, Republican conference chairman, nastiness in ads can backfire, especially if done humorless- maybe win a convention, and something that could, for ly, but they are used because they work. Voters don’t trust example, get you picked as the Fishers city attorney while the media and they feel candidates are less than honest. living in Washington. And be a good congressman, which They understand attack ads are a lot smoke but assume tends to get lost in politics today. To be completely fair, there’s a fire somewhere in there. he’s a responsible leader in a world that doesn’t value that As we enter the last weeks of this campaign, much right now. In other words, he’s a weak third if there here are the campaign strategies that have increasingly is much of a vote. v become apparent: 1.) Braun had a clear media strategy and he has Souder is a former Republican Indiana congress- implemented it almost flawlessly. Outsider, businessman, man. cardboard cutout opponents who are non-practicing law-

over the final two weeks; $76,535 and $10,934 in India- Rokita, from page 1 napolis; $27,133 and $3,883 in South Bend/Elkhart; and The perception of the final $15,043 and $2,149 in Terre Haute. Braun is three weeks is that this is a race to be spending $15,073 and $2,153 in the Chicago had by those with big checkbooks or cable market. a competent ground game. All three Messer is making a final big push, campaigns insist they have ground spending $151,520 and $155,005 in the In- game strategies. Both Messer and dianapolis broadcast market over the final two Rokita have long ties with the GOP, weeks; $36,220 in each of the final two weeks with Messer serving as executive in Louisville broadcast; $26,045 and $39,725 director of the Indiana Republican in the Fort Wayne market; and $20,680 and Party and Rokita winning two terms $35,035 in South Bend/Elkhart. Curiously, as secretary of state, though he has Messer has not advertised in the Evansville alienated himself with much of the market. party establishment. A group allied with Messer, Hoosiers for Braun had been seen as an emerging front run- Conservative Values, is spending $306,000 on ner, particularly with his big TV advertising lead ($3 million negative ads against Braun in Fort Wayne, South Bend, to $2 million for Rokita and Messer) we revealed last week. Evansville and Terre Haute. The ad calls Braun “Tax Hike But his latest “Swamp Brothers” ad that accuses Rokita as Mike,” saying he raised taxes 45 times, voted for the “big- a “fraud” and Messer as a “liberal” will strain his credibility gest tax hike in history” and voted Democratic 16 years. and could be a classic overreach. Rokita is making a $14,036 buy next week in the The latest competitive TV ad report shows Braun Indianapolis broadcast market, and $5,943 in Fort Wayne. preparing modest buys in Evansville, $22,142 and $3,084 Clearly, Rokita is getting out-gunned in the air war. “Rokita is running out of money (best illustrated Page 4 by this week’s ads), so is holding “anonymous sources all associated with it right now if he even has some the Messer campaign” for seeding the declining cash,” said Mark Sou- story with the Associated Press. drer a former congressman and Messer called the Rokita campaign current HPI columnist. “Braun “mostly false” and said Rokita tried to may think he has a lead, plus hide his votes against Trump by putting has to be exceeding is spend- a “MAGA hat on.” ing estimates, or the combina- Most problematic for Rokita was tion. Messer was sitting on his the rebuke by the Trump reelection, cash – like he had it won and run by John Pence, nephew of Vice was waiting for the general. He is spending too late, and President . Rokita had been endorsed by Rex with minimally effective ads. However, he has more big Early and Tony Samuel, who headed the Trump Indiana donors who suddenly could pump in some soft money. If campaign in 2016. They renewed that endorsement last Rokita can’t pump it up when there are 10 days left and week. But the Associated Press reported that the Trump compete, it could become a three-way race or a romp for campaign demanded the removal of those yard signs. That Braun.” is not only a financial blow to the meagerly funded Rokita “Messer seems to have his strategy anchored on campaign, but he might now be on the receiving end of the Indy market – once again, that is why the Delph poll President Trump’s infamous ire. is so interesting,” Souder added, making reference to a “We do not comment on yard sign strategy,” said poll in State Sen. Mike Delph’s Senate district that showed Nathan Brand, spokesman for Todd Rokita’s U.S. Senate Rokita with a lead. Souder added, “The intensity against campaign. Rokita is rather amazing. But that has been true ever since Samuel told the AP that the Trump campaign he got into politics. Rokita could be the last grassroots guy texted him Monday night to voice displeasure over the sig- with a chance to win statewide. nage. Trump’s reelection campaign is concerned the signs And at this writing, only Messer has released his imply an endorsement that has not been made, a cam- FEC first quarter, reporting $389,000 with $1.86 million paign official told the AP. The campaign also asked that cash on hand. Some of that can’t be spent until the fall. Rokita’s campaign certify in writing once the signs have The perception on that front is that Rokita and Messer been taken down, the other person with direct knowledge continue to languish on the money front and Braun is sim- of the matter said. ply awaiting their hauls in order to make a corresponding That wasn’t the only Rokita campaign blunder. final media purchase. After refusing travel requests from Indiana media, the candidate did a Northern Indiana campaign swing with Sunday’s debate Roll Call reporter Simone Pathé. But instead of focusing on As for Sunday’s debate, there were few surprises. issues like tariffs and tax reform, she reported and posted All three said they believe the Robert Mueller investiga- video of Rokita’s infamous staff traveling memo. tion of President Trump should end and all back the Trump There was this gem: From the front seat of the tariffs even as Hoosier farmers squirm over the impacts. Tahoe last week, Rokita turned around and pointed to the “I do believe it should end,” Messer said, saying back, where two he didn’t believe Russians impacted the 2016 election. And rubber containers Mike Braun called it “a distraction.” Asked if Mueller should sat side by side in be fired, Messer said, “The president has the authority.” the trunk. “One’s Rokita added, “The probe should end. It has found noth- what I would need ing.” And Braun said that the probe had produced “no for the campaign smoking gun. It’s time to end it.” trail; one’s what The Mueller probe has actually resulted in 19 in- I would need for dictments that include Trump’s former campaign manager, the official office,” national security advisor and others affiliated with the he said. Above Trump presidential campaign. There have been five convic- the containers hung a metal bar for hangers and spare tions. clothes. “At least I’m changing clothes,” Rokita laughed. Messer and Rokita tried to portray Braun as a “life- And there was his debate reversal, something he long Democrat” for voting in that party’s primaries when seemed to leave open in a WIBC interview with Tony Katz Democrats dominated DuBois County politics. Braun, a in March. In a statement, Rokita’s press secretary said the Jasper businessman responded, “I never voted for Obama. following, “Todd continues to believe the liberal debate I never voted for Hillary.” commission should not be hosting Republican primary Rokita was asked about a potential ethics viola- debates, nor should the debate be moderated by someone tion for using the Republican Party’s Salesforce voter ID closely aligned with one of the other campaigns, especially program. “This is a perfect example of fake news” citing someone who has gone to great lengths to smear Todd Page 5 with lies and distortions in coordination with the other for these mistakes which occurred more than 23 years campaigns. Todd will also win this debate against Luke ago,” said Messer campaign manager Chasen Bullock. Messer, Mike Braun, and Messer’s moderator because one Republican Primary Horse Race Status: Tossup. thing remains clear: Todd is a conservative fighter who won’t back down, and that’s why he’s the ally President Donnelly ad features his RV Trump needs in the U.S. Senate.” Gov. Mitch Daniels, arguably the best political strat- With the race fluid and money seemingly scarce, egist, tactician and speechwriter in modern Indiana history, the Rokita reversal suggests he is scrambling to stay in the used RV1 as the symbol of his 2004 and 2008 gubernato- game. His social conservative support shows little erosion. rial campaigns. He told HPI in 2008 he was puzzled by the Many marginal primary voters are truly undecided and are fact that no politician since had picked up on his RV idea. switching around. So polling, always time sensitive, could And now we have U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly, who represented rapidly switch. A key element to all of this is whether Indiana’s RV belt in the 2nd CD before he was elected to Braun’s “Swamp Brothers” ad is so discredited that it back- the Senate in 2012, who fires. gets it. He showed up to his campaign kickoff in Ander- IndyStar: Messer had 2 DUIs son in his campaign RV and In Messer’s first successful run for public office, now his TV ad “Navigate” he had to persuade a caucus of local party insiders that shows Donnelly proclaiming he was the right man to replace state Rep. Roland Stine, himself “hired help” while a beloved schoolteacher who was killed by a drunken he drives the RV, checks its driver less than a month earlier (Lange & Cook, IndyStar). oil, squeegees its windows and talks about standing up to That position would launch his political career and eventu- special interests. While most national publications list Don- ally land him a spot as a top Republican in Congress. But nelly as one of the most endangered Senate incumbents, Messer had a secret: He himself had two drunken driving what they don’t understand is that Donnelly has grasped convictions. As he sought the state legislative seat in 2003, the Hoosier condition as much as Daniels and President Messer decided against sharing that history with local Trump did. The “Navigate” ad will be Exhibit A if he is Republican precinct leaders charged with selecting Stine’s reelected in November. replacement. Nor did he disclose it to county or district party leaders. In fact, many of those officials didn’t know Third party candidate enters about Messer’s DUIs until contacted this week by IndyStar. A third-party candidate with a business background “Wow, I had no idea whatsoever,” said Roger Laird, the has jumped into Indiana’s U.S. Senate race (Erdody, IBJ). party’s Sixth Congressional District vice chairman at the Carmel native and entrepreneur Nathan Altman filed pa- time. “That’s something you need to tell somebody.” Both perwork with the Federal Election Commission declaring his drunken driving incidents occurred when Messer, now 49, candidacy as an independent for U.S. Senate. v was in his 20s. “Luke has acknowledged and apologized

the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York is Pence returning to investigating payments to porn star Stormy Daniels and another Playmate from his attorney and fixer Michael Co- hen, whose office was recently raided by the FBI. Investi- Indiana as Trump gators have recovered a trove of recorded conversations that seem to involve the President’s closest friends and turbulence grows advisers, prompting Trump to insist that “client/attorney privilege is dead.” And on top of all that drama, Trump is By BRIAN A. HOWEY also poised to meet with North Korean despot Kim Jong INDIANAPOLIS – Vice President Un in a summit with truly scary nuclear ramifications. Mike Pence returns to Indianapolis Folks, this is epic stuff. on April 26 to tout President Trump An additional subplot arose over the week- and the Republican tax reforms. But end; for the first time in their fascinating relationship, this visit comes as his boss heads into Pence found himself sideways with his boss (described by what will likely be one of the most former FBI director James Comey as a “mafia don”), who turbulent periods of his life. has a penchant for firing subordinates via Twitter. Pence President Trump appears to be attempted to hire Jon Lerner as his national security ad- heading into the homestretch of Rob- viser. Lerner had planned to split his portfolio with United ert Mueller’s Russian collusion probe, Page 6

Nations Ambassador Nikki of fact and fallacy. Haley, and the arrangement, The Trump/Pence according to Axios, left Trump union has been called “hopping mad.” West Wing the modern political operators called the situation “Odd Couple.” Some a “damn mess.” close to Pence back Trump can’t fire in 2016 fretted that Pence, but the Vice President this was a virtual is unique in that regard. In “deal with the devil,” contrast, Haley too found her- matching the profane, self sideways with President vulgar billionaire (as Trump after he changed his once described by mind on the latest sanctions Rep. Rokita) with the against Russian oligarchs and devoutly religious, Putinites. Trump advisor Larry distinctly middle-class Kudlow suggested she was Pence. We all know “confused,” with Haley retort- that Pence’s reelec- ing, “With all due respect, I tion bid was on thin don’t get confused.” ice here in Indiana Up to this point, and the Trump lifeline Pence had been so deferential was perhaps his best to Trump that descriptions of chance to get, in a their relationship have included twisted and torment- terms ranging from “loyal” to ed way, to the 1600 “sycophant” to “bootlicker.” Ave. ad- On Wednesday, the dress he covets more Trump/Pence relationship was than anything else. described in a new way by If Karen Pence Axios: “What was most surpris- was offended by the ing about President Trump’s emergence of the irritation with Vice President 2005 “Access Holly- Mike Pence’s pick for national wood” tape in October security adviser is how rarely 2016, one can only the two men betray any fric- imagine what the tion. In fact, no one inside the Second Couple talks White House has navigated about at the end of a Trump and the watch-your-back internal dynamic more long day, with porn stars and Playmates in the news cycle. adeptly than Pence, administration officials tell us. Pence’s And the whole administration could find itself in a unifying role has positioned him perfectly for all scenarios blender once Robert Mueller issues what will likely be the — solid in his standing as VP, and ready to lead if Trump report of the 21st century. were to be impeached or decide one term is enough.” So Pence returns to Indiana to preach tax cuts to And Axios’s Jonathan Swan describes the the faithful next week. He will receive a warm welcome, Pence modus operandi as thus: “He rarely offends or chal- if not hero’s. President Trump’s standing among Hoosier lenges Trump — and never in public or in front of others. Republicans is extremely strong. An early demise of his In TV interviews, he treats the boss with deference that presidency would be an anathema to Trump Republicans makes many cringe, but delights the Big Man. He has across Red-State America. But the consolation for Hoosier assembled his own team, loyal to him, and mostly savvy Republicans is an early Trump exit would allow Pence to enough to keep their heads down and mouths shut. Pence join the Indiana presidential pantheon of Lincoln and the is the happy, on-message Christian warrior. Since the Harrisons. campaign, Pence has played on his ‘aw shucks’ second- Pence has steered through the Trumpian figure fiddle role, even joking about how much poorer he is than eight demolition derby with the political attributes we here Trump. He told members at a Republican retreat that he know so well: Tight talking points, loyalty to the max, and comes from ‘the Joseph A. Bank wing of the West Wing.’ an ability (with RFRA as a notable exception) to execute Trump loves that.” policy and game plans with utter efficiency. Axios notes that Team Pence disavows key points President Trump faces the gauntlet. In this spec- to the analysis. But Team Pence doesn’t communicate with ter, Pence is riding a rocket into history . . . one way or the press, so it’s almost impossible to determine the nexus another. v Page 7

Democratic Primary Horse Race Status: Leans Hall. Forget the pink and 3rd CD: Banks has big money lead blue waves; the ‘green’ We include the 3rd in this report because Demo- crat Courtney Tritch has raised far more money than any Democrat since these maps were drawn in 2011. But Rep. wave is upon us Banks has a big cash advantage. We look at the 3rd as an By BRIAN A. HOWEY absolute outlier in case the Trump/GOP brand descends INDIANAPOLIS – There’s been much talk about into chaos in a wave election. the “pink wave” in the congressional elections, both n Rep. (R): $159,952 quarter, nationally and here in Indiana. But there is also a “green $642,457 cycle, $430,098 cash on hand. wave,” represented by rich candidates who are mostly self- n Courtney Tritch (D): $315,182, cycle, cash funding their campaigns. $213,806. Democrats Mel Hall and Yatish Joshi in the 2nd CD, Republicans Steve Braun and State Rep. in 4th CD: Big loans from Braun and Baird the 4th CD, Jonathan Lamb in the 6th CD, and, of course, Republicans Steve Braun and Jim Baird are self- U.S. Rep. in funding, with Braun holding a distinct advantage. He has the 9th CD all have campaigns also spent more than $600,000 on this primary. Diego Mo- that have received six-figure loans rales is in the game, raising more than half a million. His from the candidate or family. best scenario is that the legislators Braun and Rep. Baird “Money is driving every- split the vote and Morales finds a path between them. He thing,” said former congressman has the funds to make a big splash. Braun picked up the Mark Souder. “If (Mike) Braun endorsement of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. He wins, following up on (Rep. Trey) Hollingsworth’s win, also was on the receiving end of attack internet ads affili- wealthy candidates are likely to become even more domi- ated with a PAC related to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. As for nant in Indiana. Also true if Pence gets upset.” Democrats, all either have anemic or no reports: We’re concentrating on the contested primaries n Steve Braun (R): $618,886 cycle, $16,208, and relevant candidates who have raised in the six-figure $250,000 loans/debts owed. range in the first quarter Federal Election Commission n Diego Morales (R): $554,110 cycle, $236,677 reports that began posting this past week. cash. Primary battles with well-funded candidates mak- n Jim Baird (R): $212,410 cycle; $165,670 cash, ing big loans to their committees are taking shape in the $200,000 loans/debt owed. 2nd, 4th and 6th CDs. n Tobi Beck (D): $36,165 cycle, $7,628. Here is our rundown: n Joseph Mackey (D): $8,368 cycle, $1,409. n Roger Day (D): no report. 2nd CD: Hall, Joshi self-funding n Roland Ellis (D): no report. Three Democrats are seeking to challenge U.S. n Darin Griesey (D): no report. Rep. and two of them are self-funders. n Veronikka Ziol (D): no report. Whoever wins the primary will likely have to ante up more We give Braun an edge here with the amount he’s as Walorski’s war chest for the cycle is at $1.6 million. spent thus far. He’s done far more broadcast TV than Mo- While the 2nd CD is +11 Republican on the Cook Partisan rales and Baird. He could also benefit from the U.S. Senate Index, it is historically competitive and could come into campaign of his brother, Mike. Republican Primary play if a Democratic wave rises. Horse Race Status: Leans Braun. Democratic Horse Here are current cycle and cash totals: Race Status: Leans Beck. n Mel Hall (D): $738,465, cash on hand $444,995. Loans $250,000. 6th CD: Lamb self funds; n Pat Hackett (D): $69,821, cash $25,044. Pence a money machine n Yatish Joshi (D): $410,050, cash $88,327. Jonathan Lamb is the self-funder, investing more Loans $416,131 than $800,000. was perceived as a self-funder, n Rep. Jackie Walorski (R): $1,627,273 cycle, but he has been a fundraising machine, raising close to $1 $1,063,228. million. It makes one wonder what would have happened Hall appears to be the establishment choice, if he hadn’t run and had stayed on as U.S. Senate candi- picking up endorsements from former congresswoman Jill date Luke Messer’s money man. It is a daunting challenge Long Thompson and former Goshen Mayor Alan Kauffman for Lamb to cut into the Pence brand in the 6th CD. Pence this past week, but Joshi has the support of former Gov. was endorsed by the Indiana Chamber this week. Joe Kernan and will be able to make a final TV ad push. n Greg Pence (R): $989,521 cycle, $227,817 Page 8 cash. was unwilling to defend the GOP’s tax scam. Liz is a fear- n Jonathan Lamb (R): $842,047 cycle, $468,002 less fighter for Indiana, and she has what it takes to flip cash, $800,000 loan. this seat. Let’s show her the full support of the EMILY’s List Republican primary Horse Race Status: Safe community so we can take back the House in 2018.” Pence. n Daniel Canon (D): $423,039 cash $82,588. n Liz Watson (D): $571,241 cycle, cash 8th CD: Bucshon overcomes nasty $371,906. This has been, by far, the nastiest primary of this n Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R): $898,756 cycle cycle, with Dr. Richard Moss and Rep. trad- $410,417, $571,378 debts and loans owed by committee. ing potshots over arrests and family. We see Bucshon as a Democratic Primary Horse Race Status: prohibitive favorite. Leans Watson. n Rep. Larry Bucshon (R), $557,506 cycle, $519,065 cash. Congress n Richard Moss (R), $33,617 cycle, $6,648 cash. n William Tanoos (D): $115,105 cycle, $41,916 Blue wave shrinking? cash. A Washington Post/ABC poll puts the congres- sional generic at 47-43% favoring Democrats, while NBC/ 9th: Watson gets EMILY’s List nod Wall Street Journal puts it at 47-40. Both margins show a Both Liz Watson and Dan Canon have found decline in the Democratic edge, with most saying it needs considerable money traction as the seek to challenge the to be in the double digits to position the Dems for majori- ultimate self-funder in Rep. Trey Hollingsworth. Watson ties. But the NBC/WSJ poll still shows a double-digit lead in picked up a big endorsement this week from EMILY’S List, “intensity” favoring Democrats. The pros will tell you that which could open the money spigots further. List President the generic tends to jump around throughout the year, and Stephanie Schriock said, “Liz’s strong, grassroots campaign most don’t take those numbers seriously until late summer. has Congressman Trey Hollingsworth running scared; he The intensity numbers have more relevance at this stage. literally skipped a town hall with constituents because he Page 9

General Assembly Likely Merritt

SD29: Delph faces first primary challenge State: Ryan to address Democrat dinner Carmel’s former redevelopment director is chal- U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio will address the Indi- lenging State Sen. Mike Delph in the May Republican ana Democratic Party’s annual Hoosier Hospitality Dinner primary, the first time the polarizing conservative has on Friday, June 15. faced an opponent from within his party (Sikich, IndyStar). Delph endured a close race in the 2014 general elec- Governor: Hill challenge a fool’s errand tion, leading some of his critics to think he is vulnerable. A couple of rival publications have suggested At- In what amounts to a stunning rebuke to an entrenched torney General Curtis Hill is pondering a 2020 challenge to Republican, the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, and Gov. . If this is a trial balloon, it is destined to the mayors from Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, and Zions- go limp in the corner with the post-party dirt devils, if not ville all have endorsed Corrie Meyer, who is eschewing a sheer bust by pinprick. Holcomb’s favorables have con- social issues to focus on the economy. Delph has drawn sistently been in the 60th percentile. He is widely admired, criticism and praise, depending on your point of view, for even by Democrats. There hasn’t been a hint of scandal. his stumping for socially conservative policies on marriage, His policy has been focused, determined and successful. immigration and abortion. He’s also earned the trust of Usually at this point in the cycle there is a conspicuous fiscal conservatives, and the ire of progressives, for his Democrat beginning to make the rounds (though John opposition to expanding mass transit and raising gas taxes Gregg has been traveling the state lately, mostly recently to pay for road work. Republican Primary Horse Race Richmond on Wednesday). There is no such person thus Stateus: Likely Delph. far in 2018. The notion that a Republican could beat a popular governor in a primary is ... lunacy. SD31: Life groups rally against Merritt Indiana life and family groups are lining up against National State Sen. with endorsements for Republi- can primary challenger Crystal LaMotte. “Hoosier voters LGBT group takes aim at Pence would be wise to pick Crystal LaMotte over Sen. Merritt,” A leading progressive group is launching a cam- said Ryan McCann, IFA PAC executive director. “She is paign-style effort to paint Vice President Mike Pence as an the true pro-family, pro-religious liberty, fiscal conserva- extremist who wields unprecedented power in the White tive candidate in this race,” McCann added. “Hoosiers for House – an early sign that as the vice president takes a Life is thankful for those who are running for office while lead role in midterm campaigning, he also risks making containing a strong determination to end abortion. Crystal himself a target. The Human Rights Campaign, a leading LaMotte displayed this in completing her Hoosiers for Life LGBT rights organization, is launching a sustained attack survey and going on record that she has no exceptions against Pence, with a website, videos and a lengthy report for abortion and will support the Protection at Concep- to be released on Thursday. The materials were shown tion Bill. I look forward to working with Crystal after she to POLITICO early. The attack from a key player in the wins the seat for Senate District 31,” said Amy Schlichter, Democratic base comes as Pence is campaigning heav- president of Hoosiers for Life. Micah Clark of the American ily for Republicans ahead of the 2018 midterms. And as Family Association of Indiana PAC, added, “If there was Trump’s legal troubles expand, from the special counsel one message America could take from the 2016 election it probe to a federal investigation of his personal attorney, was that voters are sick of politics as usual. Donald Trump some Democrats are beginning to train their fire on Pence easily won the primary then carried Indiana in a landslide in case the president doesn’t run for re-election in 2020 or statewide election. That message could be continued gets removed from office. “Mike Pence has made a career on May 8 with the election of Crystal LaMotte for state out of attacking the rights and equal dignity of LGBTQ senate. Your support of Crystal over her 28-year incum- people, women and other marginalized communities,” bent opponent would send a message that Hoosiers want Chad Griffin, the president of HRC, said in a statement. v political change. Career politicians, serving three decades, in a part-time legislature is surely not what our founders had in mind. Crystal LaMotte is a fresh conservative voice for Hoosier families. She is pro-life, pro-family and pro- freedom. I would encourage you to support her candidacy in Senate District 31.” And finally, Monica Boyer of the Indiana Liberty Coalition added, “I am excited that Crystal is running as a staunch pro-family advocate who will stand and protect our religious freedom and parental rights no matter the cost. This is so critically needed in our state right now.” Republican Primary Horse Race Status: Page 10

need for “smartly investing on the front end of things that Sen. Young reaches lead to conflict” in order to avoid involvement in conflict. Young was “completely at odds” with the Trump administration over policy in Yemen. He opposed some across the aisle arms sales to Saudi Arabia, sought by the administra- By JACK COLWELL tion, because of the Saudis blocking shipments, including INDIANAPOLIS – is the other senator medicine and food, for impoverished Yemen. Lack of aid from Indiana. there, he warned, could lead more people, desperate, to NOT the one featured in all those TV ads with join terrorist causes. contradictory portrayal of either awful or wonderful. Nor is He talked directly with President Trump about this he cited nationally as facing the toughest Senate race in and put a block on an administration appointee to stress the nation – costly, close and critical. the point. He says the president was always willing to take Sen. Joe Donnelly, the Democratic incumbent his calls, and a more humanitarian approach did come in seeking reelection, gets all that attention. Yemen, with the Saudi blockade of key ports ended. Sen. Todd Young, the Re- Wait. publican who defeated Evan Bayh If you’re a progressive Democrat, don’t get the for the Senate in 2016, has four idea that Young shares your political philosophy. He more years before he again faces doesn’t. the hot lights of election focus. If you’re a conservative Republican, fear not But that doesn’t mean that Young that Young has become one of those RINOs (Republican in isn’t making a mark in the Senate. Name Only) that you dislike. He hasn’t. He is. Quietly. Working on legisla- A FiveThirtyEight blog analysis shows that Young tion. Working also on bipartisan- voted with the president 94.1 percent of the time. ship rather than attention-getting He has 100 percent ratings with most conservative partisan bluster to win time on evaluators, an A+ with the National Rifle Association and a cable news shows. zero from . “I’m an independent-minded, center-right conser- However, Young seems to follow the senatorial vative Republican,” Young says. “But I went to Washington path of Sen. Dick Lugar, the long-time Republican sena- to get things done. Typically, that requires developing tor from Indiana. Lugar had a conservative voting record, strong relationships with your Democratic colleagues.” but willingness to reach across the aisle and the daring to He is co-sponsoring a bill with Sen. Elizabeth War- speak truth to power, telling Republican as well as Demo- ren. cratic presidents where they were wrong in foreign affairs. Elizabeth Warren! No coincidence, Young says. After graduation from “Let’s face it, she’s sort of emblematic of the the Naval Academy and service in the Marines, Young was left,” Young acknowledges. “I candidly wanted to send a a legislative assistant with Lugar. message. I can work with anyone, anyone who wants to How does Young get along with Donnelly, the advance a good government agenda.” senator from the other party, the one now under attack? He and Warren seek to do just that. Their bill “Great.” says Young, citing measures they have would require federal agencies to report in their budget co-sponsored successfully for the state. requests whether they acted on recommendations of “Joe and I have a very positive working relation- federal auditors and inspectors for cost cuts and program ship,” Young says. “And I’ve told Joe it’s not my intention improvements. If ignored rec- to ever say anything negative ommendations were followed, about Joe publicly, or privately Young says, it could save tax- for that matter.” payers nearly $90 billion. More partisanship would Young joined recently bring appearances for squab- with Sen. Dick Durbin, the ble discussions on cable TV. Democratic whip, in circulating Young says he prefers the a letter opposing deep, indis- calmer round-table discussions criminate cuts in some foreign he conducts in Indiana on aid. It drew bipartisan support, Hoosier problems. v though more from the Demo- cratic side, and quickly had 43 Colwell has covered Indi- signers. ana politics over five de- As a member of the cades for the South Bend prestigious Senate Foreign Rela- Tribune. tions Committee, Young finds Page 11

develop collegiality. The social amenities become very Resolving conflict important. You don’t want to label people too quickly. You want to get to know them as individuals if for no other reason than that it’s hard to get mad at somebody you requires facts know well. By LEE HAMILTON And if you’re serious about resolving conflicts, BLOOMINGTON – Resolving the conflicts dividing you’ll be spending a lot of time with the people you’re our country will require a devotion to facts, dialogue and dealing with, because good communication is crucial. This compromise. does not just involve talking. It means listening, asking In a world riven by tension, there’s one skill that questions, weighing arguments and options, and probing stands above all others: The ability to resolve conflict. It is together whether disagreements can be resolved. the paramount challenge of our time. There are so many This is not easy. I remember when I was in divisions that fracture our communities, states and nations Congress driving home at 2 or 3 in the morning thinking, that the ability to create common “We’ll never agree.” But coming back the next day, and the ground — to bring people together next, and talking issues over, I almost always saw move- rather than drive them apart — has ment. become an indispensable political Compromise is a dirty word for many people, need. but it’s very hard to resolve conflicts without it. Deals are I’ve seen first-hand its often necessary. Trying to understand other participants’ importance in Congress as part of a problems — and then trying to let everybody leave hav- legislative process that, at least at ing gained something — can make the difference between the time, was mostly focused on re- success and failure. It’s tough to give adversaries credit for solving differences; and as co-chair anything, but it can lead the way to agreement. of two key national committees Finally, it’s important to make sure to include all that were constituted along parti- the parties to a conflict and to address all the core issues, san lines, the 9/11 Commission and the Iraq Study Group. and when in doubt it’s better to include than exclude. Here’s what I’ve learned. People sometimes think they can solve a problem by refus- First, to resolve conflict you have to be committed ing to talk to some person or group or to ignore a key to doing just that. When the 9/11 Commission met — at issue. That’s a formula for failure. a time when many people just wanted to assign blame for Reaching agreement is not the end, but the begin- the attacks on our country — we were often encouraged ning. I’ve experienced this: There’s the handshake, the to take a confrontational approach by issuing hundreds smiling photo op… and then the whole thing falls apart. of subpoenas that would force officials to testify and to For a resolution to be sustainable, the key players have to turn over documents. We rejected that approach in favor be brought into the process and the core issues consid- of cooperation and dialogue. This enabled us over time to ered. get the access we needed to the people and documents All of this takes skill, patience and under- we wanted, and, I’m convinced, made our findings more standing. And these attributes are not as common as acceptable to everyone involved. they should be. But developing them is worth the effort. In other words, in order to resolve the conflicts Because if you look around, the need for them does not dividing the country, we had to take a non-judgmental appear to be going away. v posture, search for common ground, and try to develop trust based on how we pursued our work. We succeeded. Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana There’s an old saying, “If you want to go fast, you go University Center on Representative Government. alone. If you want to go far, you go together.” That was He was a member of the U.S. House of Representa- our experience. tives for 34 years. There’s another key to resolving conflict: You start with facts. “Facts are stubborn things,” John Adams said, and that’s what makes them so important. They force us to set aside opinions, delay judgment, and start with a mind that is, if not open, at least willing to be persuaded. Focusing on them helps the various parties, which are sometimes very far apart ideologically, find some common ground and develop a relationship that permits them to go forward. Building on that start, it’s crucial to Page 12

n 1968: Growing opposition to the Vietnam Trump reelect is War took Lyndon Johnson’s approval (Gallup) from 79% in early 1964 to 41% four years later. Sen. Eugene McCarthy (D-MN) challenged him for the Democratic presidential in deep trouble nomination, nearly upsetting the president in the New By PAUL BRANDUS Hampshire primary. Johnson’s arch-enemy Robert F. Ken- Sabato’s Crystal Ball nedy then declared his candidacy. LBJ, seeing the writing CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – President Donald Trump on the wall, announced that he would neither seek nor talks of winning reelection in 2020, and he filed papers to accept the Democratic nomination. run again back on Inauguration Day. But history suggests n 1976: Gerald Ford was a weak incumbent for the person taking the oath of office 33 months from now two reasons: his pardon of Richard Nixon and a terrible will be someone else. recession. Former Gov. Ronald Reagan (R-CA) took him on If the past is any guide – it often is, of course – in the Republican presidential nomination contest. After it means not just trouble for Trump in 2020, but double a tooth-and-nail fight that went all the way to the GOP trouble. It suggests the president, one of the weakest national convention, Ford won his party’s nomination. But incumbents in decades, will attract a challenger from his Ford was badly weakened, and he lost to Jimmy Carter own party. It also suggests that even if he holds off that that fall. challenger and wins the nomination, he will go down to n 1980: Thanks to a recession and a hostage defeat in November. crisis with Iran, it was Carter’s turn to earn an intraparty This is the part where Trumpsters scoff and point challenge, this time by Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA). Carter out that the president thrashed all vowed to “whip his ass,” and did 16 of his rivals in 2016 and that no -- only to be crushed by Reagan in one would dare take him on again. a November landslide. But it’s different now. n 1992: After winning Trump swept into office a year the Gulf War in a rout, George and a half ago on a smoke-and- H.W. Bush’s approval soared to mirrors campaign powered by 89%. A shoo-in for reelection, blarney and billions in free TV right? But Bush, backing away from time. But in 2020 he’ll be an a major 1988 campaign pledge, incumbent with a record -- and supported a tax hike to lower the a display of recklessness and deficit. That, along with a mild instability that has turned off, if recession, caused his approval to not frightened, tens of millions of collapse. Conservative commenta- Americans. tor Pat Buchanan challenged him According to the Real- for the GOP presidential nomina- ClearPolitics average of all polls, tion and won nearly a quarter of all Trump’s overall approval peaked primary votes. A weakened Bush in January 2017 at 46% and has survived to make the general elec- gradually slipped since, hover- tion, but lost in a three-way race ing in a 37% to 44% band for that November to . the past year. As of Wednesday, If that’s not ominous his average approval was 41.9%. enough for Trump, consider this: Fake news? I don’t think so. He’s at or below the approval of all What does this suggest four of those unsuccessful incum- about Trump’s reelection pros- bents at this stage (Trump is at pects? In the last half-century, 39% approval in Gallup right now). there have been four times when Gallup approval 15 months in: a weak presidential incumbent n Johnson (Feb. 1965): 68% invited a primary challenger from n Ford (Nov. 1975): 44% within his own party. None of n Carter (April 1978): 40% these weak incumbents – Lyn- n Bush (April 1990): 67% don Johnson (1968), Gerald Ford History is also against Trump in (1976), Jimmy Carter (1980), or another big way: he’s the fifth George H.W. Bush (1992) – was president to lose the popular vote re-elected (or in Ford’s case, elected, given that he be- but win the Electoral College. So what happened to the came president when Richard Nixon resigned). Let’s take a other four when they sought re-election? Only one was closer look: successful. Page 13

n John Quincy Adams (1828): crushed by An- And while Trump’s antics, Twitter rants, and drew Jackson. unprecedented behavior in office win cheers among his n Rutherford Hayes (1880): declined to run base, it has largely turned off millions of potential converts again. elsewhere. His constant bending of the truth (also known n Benjamin Harrison (1892): lost to Grover as lying) and gratuitous insults of voters -- like those in Cleveland. New Hampshire, a state he trashed as a “drug-infested n George W. Bush (2004): won reelection. den” don’t help, either. Trump lost the Granite State’s four And Bush’s 2004 win wasn’t exactly a landslide. electoral votes in 2016; if he keeps shooting his mouth off, He got 50.7% of the popular vote and 286 electoral votes good luck there in 2020. against Sen. John Kerry (D-MA). Had the United States not Speaking of New Hampshire, a very early been in two wars in 2004 -- Afghanistan and Iraq -- voters Republican primary poll just out from American Research might have been more willing to change horses in mid- Group found Trump at 48% and Gov. John Kasich (R-OH) stream. at 42% in the Granite State. To recap: Trump faces a double historical wham- Guess what? That’s almost exactly what happened my: He’s a weak incumbent and a popular vote loser to there 50 years ago: LBJ won 50% and McCarthy won boot. Predecessors in similar situations have largely failed 42%. It’s still early, but history could repeat itself and po- to overcome such hurdles. tentially teach President Trump an embarrassing lesson.v

17,000 Hoosier jobs in 2017. Looking for OK, Indiana didn’t match the national average rate of job growth in 2017, but we kept hearing what a good year 2017 was. And it was a good year, if you com- the good stuff pare it to a longer period of time. By MORTON MARCUS Over the past 10 years, 2007 to 2017, a decade INDIANAPOLIS – Several readers contend this col- that includes a major recession and a long period of umn expresses negativism about Indiana. They tell me to growth, Indiana added 118,000 jobs, an average annual find something good to say about growth rate of 0.5%. That’s why 2017, with a job growth the state. That’s easy: Indiana’s rate of 1.2%, looked so good. Or did it? borders have been Sanforized; In 2017, Indiana’s rate of job growth and that they show no signs of shrinking. of the U.S. was the lowest since 2010 as we came out A different group of of the recession. Got it? 2017 was a strong year for job complaining readers chide me for growth, if your comparison includes the recession. But using too many numbers. Some- 2017 was a weak year, if you look at only the recovery how these readers never learned period starting in 2010. numbers represent people and Every interpretation of a number describing human their activities, real people. activity depends on the comparison of that number with TV news (and too many another. This simple reality drives some readers wild. It’s newspaper articles) feature story- all too much. The complexity of life overwhelms these book people whose lives are sup- folks. They seek unambiguous declarations of good or posed to make it possible for us bad, better or worse. to understand complex problems. This approach assumes In elementary school, I was the tallest student we can’t grasp the human context without individuals as in my class. In junior high, I was second tallest. In high stand-ins for vast numbers of diverse people. school, I could see over the heads of almost everyone Governments do a fine job spinning the news us- standing in a New York subway car. ing carefully selected facts. One would believe Indiana is Then I moved to Chicago. I didn’t shrink, but now carpeted with blue and yellow spring flowers, fortuitously there were many subway riders taller than I. By moving, I the state colors. Lately, however, the state has been cov- became a person of average height. Your status depends ered with potholes. on who’s standing next to you. v Let’s talk about jobs. According to the U.S. Bu- reau of Labor Statistics, Indiana added nearly 31,000 jobs Mr. Marcus is an economist. His views can be fol- in 2017, a 1.2% increase. That fact alone seems impres- lowed on a weekly podcast or reached at Who- sive. But nationally the growth rate was 1.8%. Seems like [email protected] a small difference, 1.2 vs 1.8%. Yet, if Indiana added jobs at the national rate, it would have meant an additional Page 14

throughout the county. Judge Arredondo runs Most political pundits see Arredondo as a heavy favorite to win the primary. for Lake County clerk He was, after all, the Circuit Court judge for more than two decades, and just came away from a statewide By RICH JAMES campaign that kept his name in the forefront. But, don’t MERRILLVILLE – While the race for Lake County tell Andy Sylwestrowicz that Arredondo is a lock to win the sheriff is dominating the Democratic primary, it isn’t the primary. only campaign of interest. Also drawing attention is the Sylwestrowicz, too, has operated in political contest for county clerk, where circles for decades, although he hasn’t been as successful two veteran and aging politicians as the former judge. Sylwestrowicz is a former Merrillville are at odds. town councilman. Actually, he has been on the council and Incumbent Clerk Mike then off and then back on again. And then off again. Brown can’t run again because It has been a long time since his council service, of term limitations. He is running but he has stayed active in politics. for sheriff and has the support Since his council days Sylwestrowicz has run for of Gary Mayor Karen Freeman- county office without success. But never has Sylwestrowicz Wilson. Without an incumbent, been involved in a two-man race for county office. And he former Lake Circuit Court Judge is running a campaign as active as Arredondo’s, with yard Lorenzo Arredondo has filed for signs and his photo on billboards. clerk. He retired from the bench in The way Sylwestrowicz sees it, anything can hap- 2010. pen in a two-way race, especially against someone who Yes, this is the same Lorenzo Arredondo who just lost a campaign.v was the Democratic candidate for state attorney general in 2016. Rich James has been writing about state and local Arredondo is waging an aggressive campaign in government and politics for more than 30 years. He his bid to take over the second largest office in Lake Coun- is retired from the Post-Tribune. ty government. He is visible on yard signs and billboards Page 15

Doug Ross, NWI Times: When it comes to the Donald Trump alone possessed the kind of political viril- 2018 election, the elephant in the room is President ity needed to vanquish Hillary Clinton and make America Donald Trump. Trump is sucking all the oxygen out of the great again. Only belatedly have they figured out that the room, as political analyst Brian Howey said Friday virility comes with a case of syphilis. “There’s a lot at a political affairs forum I moderated on behalf of weariness and a lot of exhaustion, frankly,” Char- of the Lake County Advancement Committee. So lie Dent, one of the retiring Republicans, told CNN what effect is Trump having on the U.S. Senate this week. “The litmus test for being a Republican race in Indiana that the whole nation is watch- these days is not about any given set of ideals or ing? Are his coattails incendiary or a red carpet? principles; it’s about loyalty to the man, and I think That remains to be seen as far as the November result, that’s challenging.” Live by Trump; die by him. Liberals but his impact on the Republican primary is strong. You may despise Ryan for the tax bill or other policies they op- might not see the candidates’ ads in Northwest Indiana, pose on ideological grounds. But from a conservative point where downstate candidates don’t seem to have figured of view, that was not a failure. Instead, it was the Faus- out how to reach voters outside the Indianapolis orbit. But tian bargain he struck with the president, normalizing the the three panelists Friday have seen them. They agree the abnormal and forgiving the unforgivable for the sake of a three GOP Senate candidates are trying to portray them- single mediocre policy win. The world will little note nor selves as strong Trump supporters. How close to Trump long remember that in 2017 Republicans cut the top mar- can a candidate get without being burned? Align yourself ginal rate to 37 percent from 39.6 percent and otherwise too closely to the controversial president in the May pri- tried but failed to kill Obamacare. It will remember the mary, and it might be difficult to attract moderate indepen- alacrity and ease with which the supposedly likable face of dents in the November election. “How close can you get to pro-growth, family-friendly conservatism opportunistically Trump and then be able to run away from him in Novem- played the sycophant to the congenitally mendacious and ber to attract independent and moderate voters?” said previously priapic nativist bigot who, through a bad fluke, Andrew Downs, director of the Mike Downs Center for In- captured the White House. A conservative rejoinder to this diana Politics at Purdue University Fort critique is that the speaker had no choice; that Trump was Wayne. Congressmen Todd Rokita and Luke Messer, along the lemon with which he had to make lemonade. Non- with Jasper businessman-turned-politician Mike Braun are sense. Congress and the White House are coequals, and all trying to pitch themselves as Trump Jr., Downs said. Ryan and other Republicans who saw Trump for what he “The differences are in style. A Rokita ad is very bellicose is never owed him obeisance. They owed the country an and taking on everybody in a way you would have seen alternative political vision, untainted by Trumpism, which Trump do last year and now,” Downs said. Messer is tak- could emerge from the debacle of this presidency with ing the high road, promoting a feel-good theme based on clean hands. Ryan’s failure to deliver one will be remem- positives. Braun is airing an ad that shows him carrying bered as the central fact of his once-bright career. v around two cardboard cutouts, one of Rokita and one of Messer. Trump’s 2016 campaign promised to “drain the Pat Buchanan, Townhall: “Ten days ago, Presi- swamp,” getting supporters to chant, “Drain the swamp! dent Trump was saying ‘the United States should withdraw Drain the swamp!” at Trump’s campaign rallies. Rokita and from Syria.’ We convinced him it was necessary to stay.” Messer have been in public office, and in Congress in par- Thus boasted French President Emmanuel Macron Satur- ticular, long enough to make voters wonder if they should day, adding, “We convinced him it was necessary to stay be considered a political version of Swamp Thing. v for the long term.” Is the U.S. indeed in the Syrian civil war “for the long term”? If so, who made that fateful decision for this republic? U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley confirmed Bret Stevens, New York Times: To adapt the old Sunday there would be no drawdown of the 2,000 U.S. phrase to today’s G.O.P.: The ships are leaving the sinking troops in Syria, until three objectives were reached. We rat. That’s the moral of ’s unexpected but not must fully defeat ISIS, ensure chemical weapons would surprising announcement this week that he will give up the not again be used by Bashar Assad and maintain the speakership — the second Republican speaker to do so in ability to watch Iran. Translation: Whatever Trump says, just three years — and retire after 20 years in the House. America is not coming out of Syria. We are going deeper The Wisconsin congressman pleaded a desire to spend in. Trump’s commitment to extricate us from these bank- more time raising his children. This, presumably, after he’d rupting and blood-soaked Middle East wars and to seek a abandoned hope of raising the child in the White House. new rapprochement with Russia is “inoperative.” The War Ryan’s departure comes atop the three dozen and count- Party that Trump routed in the primaries is capturing and ing House Republicans who’ve decided they have better crafting his foreign policy. v things to do in life than either lose their seats in November or spend the next few years in the likely minority, carping about and trying to stop the president’s im- peachment. Many of these Republicans once believed that Page 16

(IT) systems: “The first priority of the IRS should be serv- Donnelly to discuss ing taxpayers, but it can’t do that with decades-old tech- nology and a broken process. Repeated failures, delays, and cost overruns have opened up a trust gap between regulation rollback the IRS and the American people. This bipartisan legisla- Howey Politics Indiana tion is a big step toward bringing the IRS into the 21st INDIANAPOLIS – On Friday, U.S. Senator Joe century, restoring a culture of accountability, and putting Donnelly and representatives from the U.S. Chamber of taxpayers first.” Commerce, the Indy Chamber, the Indiana Bankers As- sociation, and the Indiana Credit Union League will hold Banks calls for end to TITLE X funds for PP a media availability in Indianapolis about the bipartisan U.S. Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) spoke on the House regulatory relief package. A floor in support of efforts to end Planned Parenthood’s news release stated Donnelly access to Title X family planning funds, his office an- negotiated, co-wrote, and nounced in a news release. “America’s largest abortion helped pass the legislation in provider, which ends over 321,000 lives each year, should the U.S. Senate last month. never receive a single dime of taxpayer dollars,” Banks The bill, the Economic said in part. “I strongly support efforts to turn off the Title Growth, Regulatory Relief, X funding stream for Planned Parenthood and urge the and Consumer Protection Department of Health and Human Services to issue new Act, would reduce regula- regulations for the Title X program that will stop funding tory burdens on community for programs that include abortion.” banks and credit unions — including the 103 community banks and 154 credit unions Banks urges Senate to confirm Pompeo in Indiana — and provide new protections to consumers U.S. Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN), a member of the in response to the Equifax cyber breach. Over the last de- House Armed Services Committee, released the following cade Indiana has lost 35 percent of its community banks, statement calling on the Senate to confirm CIA Direc- according to the press release, and Donnelly has heard tor Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State: “Given all that repeatedly from community banks and credit unions across is going on in North Korea, Syria and across the globe, Indiana about the need for relief. This package would pro- President Trump needs his pick for Secretary of State mote economic growth by making commonsense reforms confirmed right away. CIA Director Mike Pompeo is an to increase mortgage and small business lending, while outstanding choice and has the expertise needed to lead protecting consumers and maintaining the safety of our the State Department at this critical time. I urge my Sen- financial system. Event begins at 3:40 p.m. at the Indiana ate colleagues to swiftly confirm Pompeo.” Bankers Association, 8425 Woodfield Crossing Blvd., Suite 155E, Indianapolis, 46240. ACUF rates Rokita tops The American Conservative Union Foundation Visclosky supports FTAs grant program rated Rep. Todd Rokita, R-4th, as the most conservative A news release stated that U.S. Rep. Pete Vis- member of the 11-person Indiana congressional delega- closky (D-IN) testified before the House Transportation, tion during 2017B (Francisco, Fort Wayne Journal Ga- Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies zette). Rokita, who seeks the Republican nomination for Appropriations Subcommittee in support of the Federal a Senate seat from Indiana, received a 100-percent score Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grant program from the ACUF for his votes last year on 25 selected bills. (Howey Politics Indiana). “I believe that people today, The conservative advocacy group released its 47th annual when considering where they want to live, work, or raise ratings for Congress on Wednesday. Rep. Luke Messer, a family, are looking at public transportation options,” R-4th – one of Rokita’s two rivals for the Senate nomina- Visclosky said in part. “The investment to improve and tion – received a 96-percent score, parting from the ACUF expand the South Shore Rail Line in Northwest Indiana position on one vote. Messer was followed by Reps. Jim is but one example of the vast benefits that this program Banks, R-3rd, and Jackie Walorski, R-2nd, who scored 93 provides to communities throughout our nation.” percent each. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., scored 80 percent for 21 votes the organization tracked in the Senate. Other Walorski measure in IRS reform package Indiana scores included Rep. Trey Hollingsworth, R-9th, 88 U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) released the percent; Rep. , R-5th, 78 percent; Rep. Larry following statement after the House passed bipartisan Bucshon, R-8th, 74 percent; Rep. Andre Carson, D-7th, 8 legislation to overhaul the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), percent; and Rep. , D-1st, 4 percent. v including a measure Walorski introduced to strengthen IRS accountability for modernizing its information technology Page 17

be fruitful, we’re not going to go,” forecast based on Indiana’s stand- State to create new Mr. Trump said at a news conference ing in the 15 variables measured. broadband post at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Indiana has ranked in the top 10 standing alongside Prime Minister since 2014 and was ranked 24th INDIANAPOLIS – A new posi- Shinzo Abe of Japan. “If the meeting, in 2012. tion for supporting broadband cover- when I’m there, is not fruitful, I will age across the state is now accepting respectfully leave the meeting.” Sec. Azar back applications (Statehouse File). Lt. Gov. announced that inter- Mayor Copeland in hospital ested candidates are now able to apply for the post of director of Broadband cites progress INDIANAPOLIS – A Opportunities, which will focus on sup- spokeswoman says U.S. health EAST CHICAGO — When porting broadband coverage throughout secretary Alex Azar is back in Anthony Copeland took office as Indiana. “The lack of quality the hospital for additional treat- mayor in 2010, East Chicago and affordable broadband in ment and observation (Associated was $15 million in debt with rural Indiana is an issue that Press). He’s been diagnosed with crumbling infrastructure is regularly brought to my at- a painful bowel condition called and a high crime rate (NWI tention as I am visiting these diverticulitis. Health and Human Times). “Now we have a communities,” Crouch said in Services Department spokeswom- balanced budget with a a statement. “We want stu- an Caitlin Oakley said Wednesday $10 million surplus,” Cope- dents, businesses and healthcare provid- that Azar “remains fully engaged land pointed out during his State of ers to be able to have the same access with the responsibilities of his job” the City 2018 address Wednesday as more urban communities, wherever it and is in regular contact with his at Ameristar Casino. More than 300 is most convenient for them.” The direc- leadership team. He was first hos- business and political leaders joined tor of Broadband Opportunities will work pitalized in at St. Vincent Hospital the mayor and his department leaders with the federal government, telecom- in Indianapolis over the weekend. at the Lakeshore Chamber of Com- munications industry, universities, local Azar is a former senior executive merce event. “I am a fisherman. In communities, economic development of Eli Lilly and Co. some ways, it takes the same skill set organizations, agricultural and rural or- to be a mayor,” Copeland said, citing ganizations, state agencies and all other State to widen patience as one of the traits of a suc- related entities involved in broadband cessful fisherman. related topics and issues. Crouch said I-69 at Anderson designating a single point of contact in ALEC rates state ANDERSON – Good news state government to organize efforts will for commuters and others who help improve broadband access across business high drive to and from the Indianapolis the state. area (Slabaugh, Muncie Star- WASHINGTON – An annual Press). The Indiana Department Trump wavers report from the Virginia-based Ameri- of Transportation has awarded can Legislative Exchange Council a contract to continue the wid- on Kim summit Center for State Fiscal Reform ranks ening of Interstate 69 north of Indiana’s economic outlook among PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Indianapolis and to rehabilitate the best in the country (Brown, Inside Trump declared on Wednesday that he a section of the highway from Indiana Business). The Rich States, would scrap a planned summit meeting Daleville to Anderson riddled with Poor States index ranks states based with North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, potholes. Walsh Construction and on 15 variables, such as highest or even walk out of the session while it Rieth-Riley Construction received marginal personal income tax rate, was underway, if his diplomatic overture a $79 million contract to widen 8.4 property tax burden and worker’s was not heading toward success (New miles of I-69 between Pendleton compensation costs. The report York Times). Mr. Trump continued to ex- and Anderson and to rehabilitate focuses on the economic competitive- press optimism — verging on eagerness 6.5 miles of the highway between ness of states. Indiana ranks third on — about sitting down with the North’s Anderson and Daleville. INDOT’s the list, behind only and Idaho. reclusive leader. But as the momentum construction contractor will add Indiana House Speaker for a meeting grows in both Washington one lane to I-69 in each direction, (R-88) says the high placement in the and East Asia, the president acknowl- starting at mile marker 219 (Ind. report “is the result of years of strong edged that it was a perilous undertaking 38, Pendleton exit) and ending pro-growth policies and structurally that could still end in failure. “If I think at mile marker 227 (just north of balanced budgets.” The economic that it’s a meeting that is not going to Ind.9/Ind.109/Scatterfield Road at outlook ranking is a forward-looking Anderson).