Thursday, Aug. 21, 2003 Volume 10, Number 3 Page 1 of 8 he A wild weekend set T for French Lick Howey Andrew’s mo a sprint, or a marathon? By BRIAN A. HOWEY in Indianapolis Say what you want about the Democratic gubernatori- al race between Joe Andrew and Vi Simpson. No one has the Political full picture. It’s all smoke and mirrors, mirages, propaganda, paranoia, fear and loathing, hyperbole and core faith. I’d be an idiot if I attempted to tell you who is the true Report frontrunner: who will win the sprint, as opposed to the marathon. Conventional wisdom rests on its ear, or at least The Howey Political Report is published by NewsLink the one that didn’t attract Vincent’s attention. Inc. Founded in 1994, The Howey Political Report is There are too many pieces floating around with too an independent, non-partisan newsletter analyzing the political process in Indiana. little context ... Joe Andrew ... Vi Simpson ... Larry Bird ... Bren Simon ... George Hamilton ... Terry Thurman ... Brian A. Howey, publisher The cards have been dealt, and to be first revealed at Mark Schoeff Jr., Washington writer the French Lick Springs Resort this coming weekend. How Jack E. Howey, editor the Simpson and Andrew camps play their hands will deter- mine what is becoming the great modern Hoosier political The Howey Political Report Office: 317-254-1533 PO Box 40265 Fax: 317-968-0487 saga. Whether the gathering of the Indiana Democratic Indianapolis, IN 46240-0265 Mobile: 317-506-0883 Editorial Association at French Lick and Chairman Joe [email protected] Hogsett’s controversial straw poll will shed any light, or cre- www.howeypolitics.com ate the wildest weekend since the Crash of ‘29 quaked the West Baden Hotel remains to be seen. Washington office: 202-775-3242; Business Office: 317-254-0535. Straws in the wind Subscriptions: $250 annually via e-mail or The week after Joe Andrew selected Bren Simon as fax; $450 annually including the HPR Daily his running mate wound down to whether Simpson would be Wire. Call 317-254-1533 or 254-0535. sending a “trojan horse” into Saturday’s straw poll. © 2003, The Howey Political Report. All rights At first, Simpson declined to participate, leading some reserved. Photocopying, Internet forwarding, faxing or observers to question whether she was in the game and play- reproducing in any form, in whole or in part, is a viola- tion of federal law and is strictly prohibited without ing by the same rules. Her request to speak prior to the straw consent of the publisher. poll, reasoning that it would be her only chance to address
“I plead with you to stop this nonsense now!” Ticker: Zogby has Bush at 52% p. 2 - State Rep. Chet Dobis, in a letter to the Simon Reaction: Two editorials p. 3 Merrillville Town Council over its plan to issue a Horse Race ‘04: Simpson LGs p. 4 Daniels campaign rolling ahead p. 5 bond that he says will raise local taxes. Horse Race 04: Mayoral roundups p. 6 Columnists: Stedman, McDaniel p. 8 Thursday, Aug. 21, 2003 Page 2 of 8
the entire convention, left the two feuding and vote for Andrew, Hogsett was faced campaigns firing off potshots Wednesday with conducting an illegal enterprise. and Thursday. Hogsett decided to pull the fee to, as he “I welcome Sen. Simpson's deci- told the Indianapolis Star, “avoid any sion to participate in this weekend's straw appearance of impropriety.” poll,” Andrew said late Wednesday. “With Andrew’s campaign originally said ZOGBY POLL HAS BUSH more than 800 rank and file Democrats they expected “several hundred” support- APPROVAL AT 52 PER- expected at French Lick, it will be the ers to show up, but many observers CENT: A Zogby largest gathering of Democrats in one believe it could approach 1,000. His International poll of 1,011 “sandbagging” comments came in the likely voters, conducted place prior to next year's primary. It's a over August 16-19 (+/- great opportunity for candidates to make context of Simpson’s Senate district being 3.2%), shows: 52% approve their case directly to the people who will so close that it would be easy to motivate of the way George Bush is be the key to a Democratic victory in her supporters to pop over for the after- handling his job as 2004. More importantly, it's a great noon vote. President; 48% disapprove. opportunity for party activists to see the “Everyone is going to be looking at 45% say Bush deserves to candidates who want their support up the size of the victory now," Joe Andrew be re-elected; 48% say close and personal. said (Niki Kelly, Fort Wayne Journal someone new. “Now, thanks to Sen. Simpson's Gazette). “Winning is important because it change of heart, Democratic activists will shows you are willing to play, that you are PETERSON, JORDAN SPAR not going to back down from a chal- OVER COLTS: The city's have a chance to compare our experience two mayoral candidates directly and that's good news for our party lenge.” offered dramatically differ- and, in the long term, for all of Indiana,” ent approaches Wednesday Andrew said. Battle over labor support to dealing with the Simpson’s spokesman, Jason While Andrew can expect a vocal Indianapolis Colts, making Kinney, and newly appointed Simpson number of UAW members to show up, clear that this year's elec- campaign manager Mike Draper both Simpson has been making some labor tions could go a long way downplayed what Andrew described earli- inroads of her own this week, trying to toward determining the er in the week as an attempt to “sandbag” future of the NFL franchise challenge the perception that Andrew had (Indianapolis Star). In the the straw poll. “It's the only opportunity to the momentum after his Bren Simon first mayoral debate of this speak to the whole Democratic congrega- announcement. election season, Mayor Bart tion and she is not going to pass that up. Simpson picked up a Fort Wayne Peterson reiterated that he She is going to speak and in her speech I area Teamsters Local 414 and the is committed to keeping the expect her to re-emphasize the fact that AFSCME Local 832 (Indiana University Colts in Indianapolis. she doesn't want the Democrats to vote for employees) endorsements today, and from Republican challenger Greg her this weekend. She wants them to vote the Laborer’s International Union of Jordan, on the other hand, for her in May.” North America Local 741 in Monroe said he would close the Draper said that Simpson is putting County on Tuesday. “That’s three labor city's checkbook when it comes to the team. "We her energies into raising money for may- endorsements in three days, if you’re can't subsidize the Colts ors, “which will be vital for the party keeping score at home,” Jason Kinney anymore," said Jordan. "It's heading into 2004, and honoring Frank said. just out of the question." McCloskey.” “Andrew got the early endorse- Peterson countered: "I think The straw poll, first suggested by ments before Vi had an opportunity to the Colts are an essential HPR last winter, became even more con- address anyone,” Draper explained. “One asset." The issue of increas- troversial when Hogsett rescinded the $20 by one, she’s getting a very good response ing public funding for the registration fee that was supposed to raise when she gets in front of labor folks. team has been a hot one for money for mayoral races. When Cindy She’s got a very strong labor record.” the past year, as officials Miller, president of the UAW local in Andrew countered by picking up estimate it could cost $10 million to $15 million annu- Anderson, sent out a letter offering to the 1st and 2nd CD organization endorse- reimburse the registration cost for the ments over the past couple of weeks. Continued on page 3 hundreds of workers expected to show up While Andrew is angling for a big straw Page 3 of 8 Thursday, Aug. 21, 2003
Editorials on the Bren Simon LG selection Here are a couple of editorials on the Bren Simon selection as Joe Andrew’s lieu- tenant governor candidate: BLOOMINGTON HERALD-TIMES: Bren Simon bright, personable, but hardly ready to be lieutenant governor. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Andrew may have turned his campaign into a farce before it ever really got rolling. It certainly ally to keep the franchise. would seem to be a monumental, perhaps lethal, error to declare nine months before the Peterson's pledge to help May 2004 primary that your choice for running mate and future lieutenant governor is the Colts financially has Bren Simon. For those of you not familiar with Indianapolis high society and big brought him both cheers money, Bren Simon is the wife of mall magnate and Indiana Pacers owner Mel Simon. and boos. It didn't bring him either on Wednesday, but Her selection is akin to Arnold Swarzenegger announcing that his choice for lieutenant Jordan's statement brought governor in California would be Arianna Huffington, the socialite conservative-turned- some of the loudest populist pundit. To be sure, Bren Simon is not some fluffy lightweight. She is a talent- applause of the evening. ed, tough, articulate person who has been integrally involved in a lot of the Simons' community projects. But her selection nonetheless casts Joe Andrew's decision-making REPUBLICANS OFFER abilities into grave doubt. Instead of looking bold, as he no doubt hoped he would, he PROPERTY TAX PLAN: looks bonkers. And we thought the Democrats had two serious candidates for governor. Indiana House Republicans FT. WAYNE NEWS-SENTINEL: Neither Andrew nor Simon has held office want Gov. Frank O'Bannon before. They are near-neighbors in Hamilton County (they have the same ZIP code), to issue an executive order one of the suburban fringes of Indianapolis. But let's end the mystery as to why she got to ease some people's prop- erty tax burden, they the nod so early: She's very rich. Her husband, Mel Simon, has a net worth estimated at announced Wednesday $850 million. She's the president of a property-management company with 90 employ- (Jennifer Whitson, ees. Their home is larger than Bill Gates', and it includes its own golf course. And Evansville Courier & Press). they've given millions to Democrats in the last few years. Andrew dismisses sugges- But, they said, they don't tions that this choice is a grab for funding; he's quick to tout early obstacles Simon know how much the most overcame in life. He says she'll bring a fresh perspective to the race. We'll see. But for aggressive measure in their now, her selection seems to confirm a widely held suspicion: People can buy as much five-point plan would cost political clout as they want, given enough money. the state and local govern- ment. "Extraordinary times call for extraordinary leader- poll victory this weekend that he believes But as HPR observed last week, ship," said House will be sending hundreds of supporters out there are few tell-tales available that Republican Leader Brian across the state with the perception that he would determine who the frontrunner is. Bosma. The proposal would will be unstoppable for the nomination, Neither campaign is releasing money fig- allow people with a 10 per- Simpson is viewing her candidacy in ures. There are only the dueling lists of cent or more increase to go on a payment plan and get marathon, not sprint terms. endorsements that provide little context. their late-payment penalty The race for the moment is hostage to the If she can withstand the Andrew waived. It would also extend assault this weekend, the next four months propaganda wars. the deadline for filing will be critical for her to show she can appeals, limit how much steadily build up her own momentum, Big Mo local government can set prior to the return of the Indiana General Some believe Andrew adding Bren aside to pay for appeals and Assembly and some potential huge obsta- Simon and her seemingly unlimited allow people to retroactively apply for the homestead cles it faces in January. checkbook to his ticket gives him big credit.O'Bannon's spokes- Andrew has to be hoping that by momentum. woman, Mary Dieter, said January, he will have independent polls There are two schools of thought on his office has already been showing he is leading, and a big money that selection. One is that Andrew may considering these options, edge. By January, the events of this week- have capped out at around $350,000 on but won't be taking any end in French Lick may seem like the dis- the amount of money he could raise from action until more counties tant past. labor unions and was finding it hard to continued on page 4 Thursday, Aug. 21, 2003 Page 4 of 8
raise additional money. Some now believe As for whether Simpson had con- that with Simon in the Andrew camp, he sidered putting a ticket together, Draper might find it harder to raise money explained, “We’re going to keep our because people are reluctant to donate to options open. There are a lot of qualified rich candidates. people. These folks are normally selected There were other dangers with the at the state convention and they like to get done with reassess- ment. "We don't know that Simon choice (see Columnists, page 8). have a say.” there is a statewide problem One was the idea of Andrew not consult- While a handful of columnists did and until we know that ing as many Democrats as might have weigh in on the Simon selection, many there's a statewide problem, occurred had he had to make the choice Democrats we talked with were withhold- we're not going to take after a primary victory. ing any judgment, taking a wait-and-see steps to have a statewide One prominent Democrat recalled approach. solution," Dieter said. "It's that after Frank O’Bannon chose Joe The Andrew campaign seems to time to stop protecting gov- ernment and start protect- Kernan in 1996, one labor leader wouldn’t understand the magnitude of the choice. A ing homeowners," said Rep. talk to the future governor for months. “It senior adviser told HPR, “It will be seen Jeff Espich, the ranking wasn’t that he disagreed with the Kernan as either a stroke of genius or a major Republican on the House selection. He just didn’t feel like he was mistake.” Ways and Means consulted.” Committee. BLOOMINGTON TAXES TO 2004 Racing Form RISE: There's bad news and good news for most Monroe Governor 2004: Republican: Mitch Daniels, David McIntosh, Eric Miller, County home property tax- Petersburg Mayor Randy Harris, Bob Parker. Democrat: Joe Andrew, State Sen. Vi Simpson, payers. The bad news is Roy Graham. 1996 Results: O’Bannon (D) 1,075,342, Goldsmith (R) 997,505, Dillon (L) that fixing the recent $370 35,261. 2000 Results: O’Bannon (D) 1,230,345, McIntosh (R) 906,492, Horning (L) 38,686. million error in the recent 2004 Forecast: Who might make a good running mate for Vi Simpson? For diversity, how county property reassess- about Grant County Sheriff Oatess Archy, Lake ment is raising their proper- County Sheriff Roy Dominguez or Marion ty tax rates by up to 10 per- County Sheriff Frank Anderson? Key legisla- cent (Bloomington Herald- tors might include State Rep. Brian Hasler of Times). The good news is Evansville, Bob Kuzman of Crown Point, Scott that fixing the state of Reske of Anderson, or Sen. Tim Lanane of Anderson. Other names would be Fort Wayne Mayor Indiana's own goof in calcu- Graham Richard (if he’s re-elected), South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke, and former agriculture lating the property tax official Melina Fox (who ran against U.S. Rep. Mike Pence) of Greensburg. On the Republican homestead credit at the side, despite Eric Miller’s vow to distribute thousands of bumper stickers this summer, we’ve same time will reduce the yet to see a single one during our travels across the state recently. Conspicuously absent from impact on November prop- Daniels’ State Senate endorsements is President Pro Tempore Bob Garton. Our sources say his erty tax bills by around 3 blood pressure is up over Sen. Murray Clark’s position as chair of the campaign. Clark chal- percent. The primary impact lenged Garton for his leadership role in 2002. In his “Mitch Writes Home” e-mail, Daniels of fixing the reassessment wrote glowingly about his trip to the new Gary baseball stadium. “I’d be kidding if I didn’t error will fall on admit that the highlight of the trip was a night at the Steelyard, Gary’s new baseball stadium, Bloomington residents, where we watched the hometown Rail Cats drop a tough one to St. Paul,” Daniels said. “It was whose rates will go up by exciting to see a crowd of 4,000 or so people from all over Northwest Indiana in downtown about 10 percent before the Gary on a beautiful summer night.” No mention was made by The Blade that the $45 million homestead credit correction stadium came in $20 million over budget. Daniels commented on a report in HPR on how local is factored in to lower it communities face funding hurdles with the elimination of President Clinton’s COPS program. some. “The money was always scheduled to end at 100,000 and it didn’t,” Daniels told HPR. “Every community agreed to take over the costs. Like all federal programs, it takes on perpetual life HAMILTON LAUDS HILL: once communities get addicted to the money. Then they want to renege.” Daniels added that When John Hamilton studies have shown that communities that used COPS funding to hire police officers “showed no learned U.S. Rep. Baron Hill reduction in crime.” Democratic Primary Status: TOSSUP. Republican Primary Status: was going to discuss health LEANS DANIELS. continued on page 5 Page 5 of 8 Thursday, Aug. 21, 2003
Daniels campaign looks like a runaway train By BRIAN A. HOWEY Republicans rallying under a brain drain Mitch Daniels’ gubernatorial cam- banner that said, “We want to stay.” paign is showing all the signs of a run- On the policy front, Daniels away freight training heading down that released his first major initiative last insurance for Hoosier chil- steep grade at Madison. Just as he begins Saturday in Fort Wayne, calling on the dren with a crowd of child weighing in on substantive policy issues, governor to take over economic develop- advocates at Bloomington's Daniels announced the endorsements of ment duties which are now handled by the Banneker Center 45 Republican county chairs, 24 state rep- lieutenant governor. “If I am hired as gov- Wednesday afternoon, he decided to crash the party resentatives, 14 state senators, and 24 of ernor by the citizens of Indiana, jobs will (Bloomington Herald- the 54 GOP mayors. be Job One - and Two, and Three - for Times). "I had to come here Endorsements are not always a pre- me, and for every employee of state gov- to tell you people what cursor to success, as Rex Early had more ernment,” Daniels said, adding he would Congressman Hill has done than 60 county chair endorsements in propose legislation for that purpose. “It on behalf of Hoosier kids," 1996 before losing the primary to Stephen may once have made sense to delegate said Hamilton, the secretary Goldsmith. But 38 Republican legislators this task to someone else, but no more. A of the Indiana Family and and 24 mayors are signals of deeper, chief executive, in an emergency, takes Social Service Administration who is grassroots support from local political personal responsibility for tackling it.” resigning Oct. 1. "Sens. organizations that could be expected to House endorsements: Alderman, Bayh and Lugar were impor- help turn out a primary vote for the for- Borror, Bosma, Brown, Buell, Cherry, tant in this fight, but no one mer White House budget director. Duncan, Espich, Frizzell, Friend, Gut- fought harder than Baron Madison Mayor Al Huntington’s wein, Hinkle, Hoffman, Koch, Lehe, Hill." Hamilton was referring endorsement was typical of Daniels’ back- Leonard, Lutz, Messer, Murphy, Neese, to the State Children's ing. “Mitch Daniels brings to the office of Ripley, Scholer, Thomas, Torr, Turner, Health Insurance Program, a Indiana governor the total package -- Ulmer, Yount. federal program created in 1997 for children from work- integrity, education, unparalleled business Senate : Alting, Borst, Bray, Clark, ing poor families. When and government experience, commitment Gard, Hershman, Jackman, Kenley, Indiana got a higher-than- to family, and a passion for the great state Lawson, Long, Lubbers, Miller, Nugent, average number of children of Indiana and its people.” Paul, Server, Skillman,Wyss. enrolled in the insurance Daniels aboard his signature-laden County Chairs: Adams, Allen, program, the federal gov- RV1 has not only cruised through 49 of Bartholomew, Benton, Brown, Cass, ernment showed its appreci- 92 counties, but he’s hanging out, show- Crawford, Daviess, Dearborn, Decatur, ation by giving the Hoosier ing up in mom and pop cafes, truck stops, DeKalb, Dubois, Fayette, Fountain, state a $105 million bonus. doughnut shops, pharmacies and softball Franklin, Fulton, Grant, Greene, Hancock, "Then the federal govern- ment changed its mind and Harrison, Howard, Jackson, Jasper, Jeff- diamonds. In Kentland, Daniels became took the money back," an honorary conductor of the Newton- erson, Knox, LaGrange, LaPorte, Law- Hamilton said. "We cried Jasper Community Band. These all get rence, Marion, Miami, Monroe, Mont- foul." Enter Hill, determined reported in “Mitch Writes Home” e-mails gomery, Owen, Parke, Posey, Putnam, to do something about it. In to supporters. It’s a contrast to the normal Ripley, Scott, Shelby, Steuben, Sullivan, describing Hill's tenacity in gubernatorial campaigns that have relied Union, Vanderburgh,Warren, Wells, taking on the feds, Hamilton in the past on fly-arounds to big city air- Whitley. referred to his days as a ports, newspaper editorial board meetings, Mayors: Attica, Batesville sprinter at Seymour High School, where Hill set the and Lincoln Day dinners. Cannelton, Carmel, Columbia City, state record for the 100-yard Daniels has met with 15 groups of Covington, Elwood, Greensburg, dash -- 9.5 seconds -- that teachers, and last week in Muncie, with Greenwood, Hammond, Huntington, still stands today. "He may 20 county sheriffs, all of whom have Kokomo, Lafayette, Ligonier, Logansport, have been a sprinter in high extensive political contacts in their coun- Madison, Noblesville, Rensselaer, school," Hamilton said. "But ties. Last Saturday, he was featured at a Rushville, Scottsburg, Southport, Tipton, Columbia City hog roast thrown by Young Vincennes, Warsaw. continued on page 6 Thursday, Aug. 21, 2003 Page 6 of 8 2003 Racing Form Trendline: Mortgage payments are beginning to shoot up in high property tax counties due to recalibration of escrow accounts. We know that voters are angry, but we still don’t know how they are going to direct their anger. If they can make the distinc- he's a marathoner now. He tion that legislators are more to blame than mayors and councilors, their vengeance fought long and hard on might be delayed until 2004. If they feel like this one." The federal gov- lashing out, all bets are off in 2003. One ernment finally relented, indication of that was State Rep. Chet returning the $105 million to Dobis’s admonition to the Merrillville Indiana. Council for attempting to pass a bond issue. “We both know that a bond issue is just another way of saying tax increase!” wrote AGUILERA TAKES LEAVE Dobis. “It is not the State of Indiana that raises property taxes, it is the local units of OF ABSENCE FROM JOB: government like yours. I plead with you to stop this nonsense now!” That’s paranoia. State Rep. John Aguilera is taking a one-year leave from his management job at Inland Steel (Post-Tribune). 2003 Indiana Mayoral Races But he isn’t saying what Bloomington Mayoral: Republican: Fred Prall. Democrat: Mark Kruzan. 1999 he’ll be doing for the next Results: Fernandez (D) Fernandez (D) 6,589, Lewis (FUSSA) 258, Clemens (I) 2,746 Maidi (I) year that will require that 306. 2003 Outlook: Despite the high property tax increases in pockets of downtown, Kruzan’s leave. Aguilera declined to support for the 2002 tax restructuring plan while a member of the Indiana House doesn’t appear comment when asked about to be dragging him toward defeat ... at this point. . General Status: Likely Kruzan. the leave, which is outlined Columbus Mayoral: Republican: David Mann. Democrat: Mayor Fred Armstrong. in an e-mail circulating at 1999 Results: Armstrong (D) 6,278, Paris (R) 2,599. 2003 Outlook: Armstrong took some heat Inland Steel. The e-mail indi- this week over the tax incremental financing issue, but we think he’s in decent shape to win re- cates Aguilera requested election. General Status: Leans Armstrong. and was granted a one-year Republican: Mayor Russell Lloyd Jr.. Democrat: State Rep. leave of absence, which Evansville Mayoral: begins Aug. 31. Inland Steel Jonathon Weinzapfel. 1995 Results: McDonald (D) 19,162, Frary (R) 9,565. 1999 Results: spokesman David C. Allen Lloyd (R) 15,980, Borries (D) 15,461. 2003 Forecast: This is an excellent chance for confirmed the e-mail’s exis- Democrats to pick up one of the big cities. Our sense is that Lloyd is running scared as tence. Aguilera is the super- Democrats coalesce around Weinzapfel. General Status: Leans Weinzapfel. visor of building and office Fort Wayne Mayoral: Republican: Linda Buskirk. Democrat: Mayor Graham services. Aguilera, a two- Richard. 1995 Results: Helmke 21,909, Essex (D) 11,033, Kempf (L) 1,029. 1999 Results: term legislator up for re- Richard (D) 21,607, Buskirk (R) 21,531. 2003 Forecast: Richard unveiled the city’s first com- election next year, had been prehensive housing strategy. "We want to foster a more pro-active development environment," a longtime vocal adversary Richard said Wednesday (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette). Buskirk blasted the Richard administra- of East Chicago Mayor tion for the city’s plan to take over Southtown Mall. She was rebuked by Councilman Tim Pape, Robert Pastrick. This year, so said, “I think Miss Buskirk has a breathtaking ignorance to what is going on at Southtown” he has become a Pastrick (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette). Richard has his work cut out for him in this race. He is facing supporter, leading to specu- simmering discontent, a demographic shift due to past annexation favoring Republicans, and a lation of the reason for their poor economy. General Status: Leans Buskirk. new alliance. In a conversa- Indianapolis Mayoral: Republican: Treasurer Greg Jordan. Democrat: Mayor Bart tion with a Post-Tribune Peterson. 1995 Results: Goldsmith (R) 64,209, Jimison (D) 39,539, Dillon (L) 7,175. 1999 reporter last week, Pastrick, Results: Peterson (D) 102,870, Gilroy (R) 83,044, Horning (L) 7,772, Gibson (OP) 2,145. 2003 75, denied a published Forecast: In a Wednesday debate that turned to subsidizing the Colts, Jordan drew the greatest report that he is considering applause by saying, "We can't subsidize the Colts anymore. It's just out of the question." adding a deputy mayor’s Peterson countered: "I think the Colts are an essential asset." Indianapolis Eye columnist Brian position to his administra- Howey to suggest the city look to slots as a way of meeting the $30 million a year team owner tion. He also denied he was Jim Irsay says he has to stay in the middle of the NFL revenue. “Particularly when you consider considering Aguilera for that the city is facing some daunting challenges with Wishard Hospital’s insolvency, police and such a spot. fire pensions (a brick wall in the not-so-distant future), the jail and our creaking criminal justice Page 7 of 8 Thursday, Aug. 21, 2003 system, and the combined sewer overflows,” Howey wrote. Peterson is running a heavy rota- tion of “It’s Your Money” TV ads, along with those saying he’s accomplished 90 percent of the Peterson Plan in a “report to the people.” Peterson issued an executive order creating the Indianapolis Fiscal Policy Council that will be a “central clearinghouse” for the 47 entities that can raise taxes. Jordan’s forces say the mayor is stealing part of their plan. Republicans called the plan “toothless.” Meanwhile, Indianapolis Recorder columnist Amos Brown called Jordan’s “a patently unconstitutional power grab plan.” This race is fascinating because Peterson does not look like he’s in great danger despite the $114 million tax grab by local units DEAN TAKES 7 POINT LEAD of government. We believe taxpayers have yet to define and direct their anger. State and local IN NEW HAMPSHIRE POLL: Republicans don’t look like they are steering resources and talent into this race. But stay tuned. Democratic presidential can- General Status: Likely Peterson. didate Howard Dean has Lafayette Mayoral: Republican: Clerk Lisa Decker. Democrat: Councilman Tony taken a lead over rival John Roswarski. 1999 Results: Heath (R) 6,237, Weiss (D) 5,496. 2003 Forecast: Roswarski said Kerry in New Hampshire, the city government should strengthen ties to local schools, from non-traditional programs to state holding the first presi- Purdue University. He called education a cornerstone in economic development during a press dential primary in 2004, a conference on Wednesday outside Lafayette Jefferson High School. "I plan to reach out to suc- poll found (Associated cessful programs like Junior Achievement to offer support," said Roswarski (Lafayette Journal Press). Dean had 28% to 21% & Courier). Decker responded by saying city government is already doing that. This race has for Kerry...according to the all the hallmarks of going down to the wire. Property taxes are expected to go up at least 10 poll by the American percent, and that might hurt Decker. General Status: Tossup. Research Group of New Albany Mayoral: Republican: Mayor Regina Overton. Democrat: Manchester. Reporting from Councilman James E. Garner. 1995 Results: England 6,845, Real (R) 5,886. 1999 Results: Indianapolis, the Washington Overton (R) 5,512, England (D) 4,205. 2003 Forecast: This race looks like it could go down Post’s David Broder reported the wire. It’s a Democratic city with a Republican incumbent whose had a rocky first term. that while Dean has powered General Status: Tossup. his way to the top tier of the Democratic presidential race Republican: Mayor Duane Dedelow. Democrat: Tom Hammond Mayoral: by energizing the party's McDermott Jr.. 1995 Results: Dedelow (R) 11,099, Philpot (D) 10,578. 1999 Results: rank and file, he has had Dedelow (R) 10,192, Philpot (D) 8,527, Robinson (L) 278. 2003 Outlook: This week’s news- “tougher luck wooing one of paper report of rampant misuse of cell phones by council members and the Dedelow adminis- his natural consistencies: tration, the mayor’s frequent battles with the council and that simmering voter discontent (pre- his fellow governors." The sent before the devastating Lake County property tax bills go out) put Mayor Dedelow in a Post continues, "Dean's lack precarious position. General Status: Tossup. of success in attracting Kokomo Mayoral: Republican: Matthew McKillip. Democrat: Councilman endorsements from Andrew Castner. Independent: Cindy Dunlap. 1999 Results: Trobaugh (R) 5,606, Kennedy Democratic chief executives (D) 3,581. 2003 Forecast: The Kokomo Tribune is reporting that McKillip has a money edge stands in sharp contrast and Howard County was spared property tax increases. That’s good news for Kokomo President Bush's success Republicans, who are hoping that Dunlap and Castner will split the Democratic vote. We give four years ago among McKillip a slight advantage. General Status: LEANS McKILLIP. Republican governors." The Muncie Mayoral: Republican: Mayor Dan Canan. Democrat: Dennis Tyler. 1995 Post added, "On the basis of Results: Canan (R) 9,718, Carey (D) 6,521. 1999 Results: Canan (R) 7,973, Smith (D) 5,611. interviews with many of the 2003 Forecast: This is still Canan’s to lose. He doesn’t look as if he’s been hurt too badly by Democrats who are attend- the Martin Luther King street renaming controversy, in part because council Democrats helped ing the National Governors defeat the measure. General status: Likely Canan. Association (NGA) meeting Terre Haute Mayoral: Republican: Duke Bennett. Democrat: Kevin Burke. 1999 ... it appears unlikely that Dean can expect to see sig- Results: Anderson (D) 6,791, Hooper (R) 2,608, Cronk (I) 1,178 Brour (I) 174. 2003 nificant gubernatorial sup- Forecast: As things stand now, this will be a slam dunk for the Democrats. Burke’s biggest port anytime soon. 'It's not worry for political survival will come in the 2007 primary. General Status: SAFE BURKE. going to happen,' said Iowa Republican: Jon Costas. Democrat: Mayor David Valparaiso Mayoral: Gov. Tom Vilsack. Butterfield. 1999 Results: Butterfield (D) 3,532, Costas (R) 3,336. 2003 Forecast: Hard financial times in Porter County, a controversy over unkept city square property owned by the DEAN RAISES $25,000 IN mayor, his health problems, a Costas fundraising lead, general voter dissatisfaction and the MICHIGAN CITY: Democratic closeness of the last election make this city ripe for a GOP pickup. General status: LEANS Presidential candidate COSTAS. continued on page 8 Thursday, Aug. 21, 2003 Page 8 of 8
tional” strategy. Many of these insiders Howard Dean drew a crowd Lesley Stedman, Louisville Courier- of 140 at the Potawattomie Journal - (Joe) Andrew picked his run- heard the news from me first, so I got the County County in Michigan ning mate before the primary, quite an unedited reaction before they had time to City on Sunday and raised unusual move. Typically, the parties pick craft their politically correct answers. The $25,000 (HPR). The event their gubernatorial candidate during the range of their immediate responses ran was hosted by Hoosiers primary and delegates at the state political from, “You’ve got to be kidding me?” to Democrats Shaw Friedman, convention pick the running mate, “Cha-Ching,” to “Isn’t that a little pre- Melina Fox, Butch Morgan although their pick often mirrors the sumptuous?” to outright laughter to “It is and Dr. Vidya Kora, among evil brilliance.” others. Dean said in his choice of the nominee. This is not a campaign and Sunday's process that Andrew is unfamiliar with. speech he concentrated He was, after all, the chairman of the Mary Beth Schneider, mostly on the country's Indiana Democratic Party before he Indianapolis Star - Friends of (Bren) need for more manufactur- moved on to become national chairman of Simon's say she is a person who puts pas- ing jobs (Michigan City the party. But Andrew is not concerning sion, determination and hard work into News-Dispatch). He said himself with tradition. If he were, he prob- every endeavor. She'll need to. Andrew more than 2 million manu- ably would not have chosen Bren Simon, pulled off a coup of sorts. His candidacy facturing jobs have been a wealthy Democratic activist who has got a burst of publicity, a woman as his lost since President George Bush took office. Dean said never run for or served in public office. running mate and enough money to be that has to be reversed. He Neither has Andrew. The mere fact that competitive all in one day. His chief oppo- also wants to bring health she's a woman balances the ticket, espe- nent -- veteran state Sen. Vi Simpson -- insurance to all Americans. cially because Andrew's primary opponent will need to tell voters she has the one Dean cited his program in is Simpson. But in many ways, Simon thing Andrew and Simon don't: experi- Vermont that furnishes doesn't provide balance. Andrew is closely ence. Talking to voters, though, is expen- health insurance to every- associated with former President Bill sive. And right now, it's Andrew and one younger than 18. In a Clinton, a relationship that may not be Simon who can buy the microphone. nation-wide plan, Dean popular with a majority of Hoosiers; would seek to have every- one with incomes under Simon is linked to the Clintons as well. Brian A. Howey, Indianapolis Eye - $25,000 per year be cov- Andrew and Simon both live in Hamilton It took about two weeks for Simon to ered. County, a wealthy suburb of Indianapolis. decide to accept the job. It’s one thing to Neither has ever run for public office. dance into a terpsichorean haze under an PABEY TO APPEAL FRAUD Both are identified more as political crea- opulent Carribbean moon, and quite RULING: Attorneys for tures than public servants. As Andrew another to muster the wherewithall to George Pabey plan to made his announcement last week, appeal his loss in the city's twist the arm of Rep. Woody Burton over Simpson was campaigning at The a Kinsey Institute funding amendment. Democratic mayoral primary to the Indiana Supreme Working Man's Friend. There are political dangers for Andrew Court (Jim Masters, Times and Simon over their union. Some of Northwest Indiana). Mike McDaniel, Indianapolis Eye - observers are speculating how Bren Simon Pabey, an East Chicago city Early last week, when the political rumor will relate to regular folks on the county councilman, is appealing mill was running overtime grinding out fair corndog circuit. And Simon is a blank the recent judgment by the news of the pending announcement of slate, politically. The Eye requested LaPorte County Judge the Andrew-Simon ticket for the Simon’s stances on basic issues -- abor- Steven King that invalidated 155 votes for Mayor Robert Democratic nominations for governor and tion, gun control and the Brady Bill, Pastrick in the May primary lieutenant governor, I talked with several euthanasia, death penalty, and home rule - but left Pastrick the winner political “insiders” including six well- - since she is largely unknown. As this by a 123-vote margin. known Democrat operatives about what article was posted, there was no Joe Andrew himself called his “unconven- response.