V13 N31 Thursday, March 29, 2007 Governor’s funk in NIMBYland Despite Illiana/Connector retreat, tion to the vigorous public discussion around my proposal to explore new privately funded bypass roads in Northwest Ivy Tech, session has opportunities and Central ,” Daniels wrote to legislative lead- ers on Saturday. “After legislative action to date, some By BRIAN A. HOWEY forty public meetings, and lots of other open debate, it is - It was inevitable. Every Indiana clear to me that we are far from the degree of consensus governor is going to have one of those weeks when noth- that is necessary before embarking on major public works ing seems to go right. Gov. Evan Bayh had vetoed budgets, projects of high local impact. Accordingly, I withdraw the overrides and special ses- suggestion that any action sions. Gov. Frank O’Bannon be taken on an Indiana could never get his No. 1 Commerce Connector, or an priority - full-day kinder- Illiana Expressway east of garten - passed even when I-65. Either of these ideas Democrats controlled the might benefit from further House. research, and I would This past week was welcome some form of that one of those weeks for Gov. if your committees are so . He pulled the inclined. But the people plug on the Indiana Com- of the affected areas have merce Connector and a spoken clearly enough to good portion of the Illiana persuade me that these Expressway after thousands ideas are, at best, prema- of people from Shelbyville ture.” to Valparaiso turned out to He was unable to get the rally against the projects in IVY Tech board of trustees, their backyards. “Like you, I have

been paying close atten- Gov. Mitch Daniels may be rethinking the notion of consensus. See page 3 System of ‘vast inertia’

By MORTON J. MARCUS INDIANAPOLIS - It is not sufficient to be bright and right. You must have the love and trust of the people... and Hoosiers don’t love or trust any- one enough to support change. The system has vast inertia, so “If you don’t like it, you can vote great that no administration can do much but move it slightly up or me off the council.” down, left or right. That is the discouraging - Howard County Councilman Stan truth. Since no governor runs as Ortman after voting for a special income the leader of a ticket with a plat- tax, saying he wanted to see the county as form, no governor commands the progressive on reducing property taxes respect (obedience) of his party’s (Kokomo Tribune) Page 2 Thursday, March 29, 2007

members. Since the spoils are distrib- The Howey Political Report is The Howey Political Report uted by the legislature more than by PO Box 40265 published by NewsLink Inc. It Indianapolis, IN 46240-0265. the governor, the latter has little candy was founded in 1994. to pass around. www.howeypolitics.com A visionary does not aban- Brian A. Howey, Publisher [email protected] don an idea to the short-sighted. He Mark Schoeff Jr., Washington Indianapolis Office: 317-506-0883. pushes the vision, knowing that it will Writer not progress far today, but that it will Indianapolis Fax: 317-254-0535. Mark Curry, Washington Writer Washington, DC Office: 202-256-5822. have a better chance in the future if Beverly Phillips, associate editor Business Office: 317-254-0535. the path is cleared today. Jack E. Howey, Editor The governor has shown ©2007, The Howey Political Report. little ability to get people behind his Subscriptions: All rights reserved. Photocopying, Internet ideas in advance of announcing them. $350 annually HPR via e-mail; forwarding, faxing or reproducing in any When he put forward the Commerce $550 annually HPR & HPR Daily Wire. form, in whole or part, is a violation of Corridor who was on the platform with Call 317-254-0535. federal law. him? Governing requires superior PR. If ideas are bold, their presentation about the Death Star. This was based on belief that he was must be differentiated from the ordi- What I do think the Governor going to push for what he wanted, no nary. In brief, Daniels needs a team needs to do is remind people what life matter how many Hoosiers he alienat- of realists who understand the legisla- was like before he got here. If some ed, because he had no desire to serve ture and the public to put through the lawmaker didn’t vote for the express- more than four years anyway. programs of his bright abstractionists. way, fine. Then maybe the roads in Even some of his fellow Re- v that lawmaker’s district don’t get fixed publicans in the legislature grumbled right away. If someone has a problem that Daniels didn’t seem to care how with school funding, then maybe their much he plummeted in the polls or the When your back district will get a little less next year danger that he would pull GOP candi- or a slow payment or two is in order. dates down in the 2006 elections. He is against the wall, This may sound cruel, but sometimes wasn’t on the ballot in ‘06. And if he you have to show people who’s boss wasn’t going to run again in ‘08, may- knock down the wall around here. Good behavior is re- be Mitch didn’t care. He cares. Now, it warded; people who don’t get with the is widely expected that By ABDUL HAKIM-SHABAZZ program are punished. Daniels will be on the INDIANAPOLIS - I have to Now such power should be ballot for re-election in give Gov. Mitch Daniels credit. He is used judiciously and never used in an ‘08. While it’s far too extremely gracious when dealing with irresponsible manner. But sometimes, early for an official an- people when your back is against the wall, nouncement, Daniels who don’t instead of trying to climb over it, just has made clear that he get it. knock it down. v expects to run. Public And why opposi- would he raise $2.6 tion to the Two theories on million in campaign Commerce funds, with an effort Connec- Our Man Mitch launched to get as much as 10 times tor and that amount for a race, if he wasn’t portions of By JACK COLWELL going to run? the Illiana South Bend Tribune The second theory with wide- Expressway Two theories about Our Man spread belief back when Mitch was in killed both ideas. Lottery Privatiza- Mitch, each one with widespread the ditch in the polls was that he was tion is on its last leg. And who knows belief, now appear to be as outdated a one-term governor even if he sought what will happen with the budget. as the theory that the sun revolves re-election. Since then, Daniels has Mitch has shown a lot of deference to around the earth. One theory believed bounced back some, especially in his his opponents. I would take a totally by many back when Gov. Mitch Dan- base in the Indianapolis area, and is different approach. First, I would iels was arm-twisting for daylight time regarded now as likely to be a formi- build a Death Star and deploy Impe- and peddling the Toll Road was that dable candidate for re-election. rial Stormtroopers. Well, I’m kidding he wasn’t interested in a second term. A factor in this is that the Page 3 Thursday, March 29, 2007

Democrat with the best chance of beating him, popular The job picture has not been bright, especially with Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson, decided on another woes of the automotive industry, but Daniels is seeking term as mayor. Peterson would have neutralized Daniels’ to play up a new Honda plant near Indianapolis for which strength in the Indianapolis area and taken advantage of ground was broken last week. anti-Daniels hostility that smolders still in the northern and There will be other ceremonies in which he can southern parts of the state. participate for highway projects that will be funded at least Many factors will be involved in the ‘08 race for in part by Toll Road lease money. But the start of higher governor. The state of the economy always is a factor in a Toll Road tolls no doubt will be portrayed by Democrats as race for governor, even if governors really don’t have a lot “the governor’s tax increase.” of control over the economy in their states. Health of the No, the sun doesn’t revolve around the earth. And, nation’s economy and which economic sectors are in boom no, you can’t count out Mitch. v or bust will determine which way Indiana employment is headed.

which included nine of his own Some observers believe that this appointees, to slow down the might be a scripted plan of the process that saw the appoint- governor, a predictable evolution, ment of Thomas Snyder - a man to prove that waiting for consen- lacking a Ph.D - as president sus is a recipe for disaster. Some over Carol D’Amico. Five Daniels expect him to revert to the “strong appointees sided with five hold leadership” he employed in 2005 overs to appoint Snyder. and 2006. Former Indianapolis Some Statehouse lobby- Star columnist Ruth Holladay ists see a “bunker mentality” taking wrote on her blog, “Insiders hold in the governor’s office. “He say the process was corrupt feels mistreated by the media, so from the beginning, with Ivy he is less available,” said one ally Tech prez Gerald Lamkin doing of the governor. An example of this everything in his power to keep was Gov. Daniels’ January State of the post from going to respect- the State address was not televised ed educator Carol D’Amico. So in the South Bend media market. twisted, in fact, was the behind- There is the Indianapolis Star’s the-scenes maneuvering, that Gov. Mitch Daniels particpating in a groundbreaking at obsession with where he lives. references D’Amico listed were BioTown in Reynolds with Agriculture Secretary Mike Those close to the gov- never even contacted. The fix Johanns. (Gov. Daniels Photo) ernor said he assumed that the was in. Why? Because D’Amico, media would give him points for hired by Lamkin and suppos- being available on a weekly basis, edly groomed to take his place, rocked the good-old-boys’ but the opposite occurred, so “darker is better.” boat too much. She was insistent on cleaning house in an With the Illiana and the Commerce Connector, the educational system that has become far too political and governor’s staff is indicating that “he’s done taking the is a shelter for incompetence. When key legislators are on slings and arrows” and at least for the time being, it is the the payroll as public relations speakers, etc., education is legislature that will have to provide the leadership. hardly the first priority. D’Amico would have made major Legislative Democrats were talking up the concept changes, and Lamkin and Co. did not want that.” of mass transit as opposed to private companies building This came after his cigarette tax was snuffed out tollways with no tax dollars. earlier this month. The problem is that virtually all American mass Through the legislative session - the first with a transit systems lose money and must be taxpayer subsi- Democratic majority in the House - the Daniels administra- dized. tion has appeared to have explored different footings. Gov. Democrats control portions of the state where Daniels has been much more consensus oriented since the mass transit - i.e. the South Shore line, IndyGo - lose mon- 2006 elections; some allies will say too much. Not car- ey and require significant tax subsidies. Democrats have ing about it made the lack of it hard to see in 2005-06; resisted any kind of general tax increase, be it on cigarettes now shining the light on it makes the absence of it appear or income. While they have scored political points in deal- greater. ing Gov. Daniels legislative defeats, there is little to be said Page 4 Thursday, March 29, 2007

when the inevitable “now what?” leaves the lips of that 2008 Indiana Governor Democratic voter sitting in chronic traffic jams on the Bor- Governor 2008: Republican: Gov. Mitch Dan- man Expressway. iels. Democrat: Senate Minority Leader Richard Young, During the Major Moves debate, key Democrats like Jim Schellinger. 1996 Results: O’Bannon (D) 1,075,342, Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson, former Gov. Goldsmith (R) 997,505, Dillon (L) 35,261. 2000 Results: (who now lives close to the Indiana Toll Road in South O’Bannon (D) 1,230,345, McIntosh (R) 906,492, Horn- Bend), and former Lt. Gov. Kathy Davis, were all silent on ing (L) 38,686. 2004 Results: Daniels (R) 1,302,912, the subject. Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel tacitly Kernan (D) 1,113,900, Gividen (L) 31,644. 2008 Fore- supported the plan because it would extend I-69 to his city. cast: The move of Indiana Democratic Party Executive One reason Mayor Peterson may have decided Director Mike Edmondson against a challenge to Gov. Daniels in 2008 is that his own to the Schellinger campaign administration has been at philosophical odds with the anti- as a fundraiser and com- privatization sentiments of Indiana House Democrats. municator lends credence With the Illiana and Commerce Connector either to the notion that the IDP dead or headed for a study committee, there are still plenty was hardly “neutral” in the of opportunities for success that could be shared by Bauer’s early stages of this race. At Democrats and the Daniels administration. the least, all the key play- As one lobbyist told HPR, “Throughout this ses- ers understand this now and sion, the governor has kept his head low and they were not this move is beneficial to both the Schellinger campaign exposing their hand. Now they are starting to show what’s and the party. Edmondson has a much better track record really important to them. They are starting to narrow down raising money than communicating, though his unsuccess- their scope.” ful 2003 race for the Indianapolis Council was some of the Some form of full-day kindergarten is a good best, positive direct mail we’ve seen. Fred Yang of Garin bet for passage. A balanced budget is a certainty and there Hart Yang, which has polled extensively for the IDP and has been little talk about the likelihood for a special ses- Govs. O’Bannon and Kernan has signed on. JLT appears to sion to do so. Democrats have slated the privatization of be undaunted in getting into the field. Close associates tell part of the Hoosier Lottery for the dustbin and it’s hard to HPR that she has scheduled a number of Jefferson-Jack- believe that son dinner appearances and other events in the state in Bauer will the coming weeks. Fort Wayne Journal Gazette edito- let that be rial writer Tracy Warner wrote this week that the race was revived, but “wide open” and that other Democrats could be expected a number of to jump in. The blog Blue Indiana observed: “First of Democrats all, I think that Jim Schellinger will prove himself to be want to see very adept at fundraising, not the least of which because a slots bill of the high profile supporters he has had sign on to his pass and campaign already. Furthermore, I think that Mr. Warner is those will a little off in his assertion that the race is “wide open” at possibly be the moment. I am willing to concede that if a high-profile linked in the candidate were to jump in at this point, especially someone final days. with statewide name recognition, there would certainly The governor’s top priority is the health care plan be some room for campaigning. As it stands though, the and the revival of that after the House failed to pass a ciga- Schellinger train appears to have left the station while the rette tax increase began on Wednesday. House Republicans rest of the field waits patiently for a sign to move. Richard promised enough votes to pass a 40 cent hike, with House Young has a campaign website that doesn’t imply he is Minority Leader saying, “It’s time to end this taking his run seriously, (so why should we?), and Jill Long standoff. We’re here to call your bluff. We’re prepared to Thompson seems convinced that the best way to compete move forward with a responsible program.” with Schellinger is to give him a few months head start Senate President Pro Tem David Long said he wanted before starting her campaign. I don’t know about you, but the House to pass the plan first. House Public Health Chair- right now the Schellinger camp should be thrilled because man Charlie Brown said he was “committed to something while they are taking their institutional support to the bank, happening this year” (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette). “If no one seems all that interested in challenging them.” (the Senate) passes a cigarette tax, we’ll meet them in con- HPR pretty much agrees with this assessment. Primary ference committee and try to work out a plan,” said Bauer. v Status: LEANS SCHELLINGER. General Status: LEANS DANIELS. v Page 5 Thursday, March 29, 2007

employees makes it more difficult for Cummins to compete. Politics of marriage This amendment would do just that by sending a message that Indiana is not tolerant of diversity.” reaches critical mass The political calculus is dicey. The Lilly letter was released to the media by By BRIAN A. HOWEY Bauer’s press office, suggesting that the Democrat might INDIANAPOLIS - "The most powerful man in be setting the stage for killing the amendment. Indiana politics” - Eric Miller (sorry Gov. Daniels, Speaker There were Statehouse whispers that Republican Bauer, Pro Tem Long, Lt. Gov. Skillman) - sure can muster backers of the amendment were threatening to kill legisla- a crowd at the Statehouse. More than 1,000 showed up to tion Wellpoint was seeking, which sets up a clash between press the to pass the constitu- economic and social conservatives. tional marriage amendment and to end property taxes. Despite the show of force at the Miller called it a “right versus Statehouse, polls both in Indiana and wrong” situation. nationally show majority support for It was an impressive show of marriage amendments, though the num- force and it came as all eyes shifted to bers fall off dramatically when it comes two House Democrats: House Speaker B. to whether gay couples should be able Patrick Bauer, who had a South Bend to have property, benefit and deathbed Tribune ad aimed at him, and House Rules rights. Chairman . The political template has also Pelath had yet to schedule a com- shifted significantly since this latest mittee vote on the matter. His concern phase began in 2004 as part of the wasn’t over the “one man/one woman” Karl Rove White House strategy to turn aspect of the amendment, but the second out the evangelical right. It helped win section that reads: "This constitution or any President Bush a second term, but by other Indiana law may not be construed 2006 there were conspicuous defeats to require that marital status or the legal nationally (Ralph Reed in Georgia; the incidents of marriage be conferred upon anti-evolution majority on the Kansas unmarried couples or groups." Board of Education) that suggested that If the amendment comes out of the Rules and the political pendulum had swung about as far right as it Legislative Procedures Committee it will get a vote, Bauer could and was heading back to the center. A further piece said, "not because of this ad, because of the process" of evidence is Rudolph Giuliani’s double digit lead in virtu- (South Bend Tribune). Bauer said the ad "is meant to be ally every GOP presidential poll. In Indianapolis earlier a poisonous dart at whoever they perceive as their enemy." this month, on the topic of gay marriage and intolerance, The legislator said his office received few phone calls after Giuliani said, “I believe the way to deal with it is to have the ad was published. domestic partnerships. America is better than that. And the The biggest push against SJR 7 beyond the gay Christian religion is better than that.” and lesbian community is corporate Indiana with heavy- The issue did little to stave off the House weights like Lilly, Cummins and Wellpoint actively lobbying Democratic Majority in Indiana in 2006. You can bet that against the resolution. key Bauer Democratic constituencies are pressuring him to Tony Murphy, Lilly’s senior vice president for kill the measure, though he runs the risk of some attempt human resources, sent a letter to Bauer. “As a result of this for retribution in 2008. uncertainty some employees may choose to leave Indiana Yet the issue is hardly monolithic, partywise. It to work in a state where these benefits are perceived not passed the by a comfortable margin. Demo- to be threatened,” Murphy wrote. “Given the great lengths crat Sen. Jim Lewis and Rep. Dave Cheatham signaled their Lilly takes to attract and retain top talent from around the support this week. "Marriage is sacred," said Cheatham, world, we oppose any legislation that might impair our who defeated Rep. Billy Bright last year. Bright had been a ability to offer competitive employee benefits or negatively big proponent of the resolution. "For thousands of years, impact our recruitment and retention.” marriage has been the center of the family” (Madison Murphy added that the resolution “sends an un- Courier). Cheatham, however, countered with another welcoming signal to current and future employees making school of thought, telling the audience that he wasn't trying Indiana appear intolerant.” to prevent people from losing benefits, but trying to define Cummins recruiting director Mark Osowich said, marriage. "Let's not attach marriage to these rights," “Anything that makes Indiana less inclusive and less Cheatham said. v welcoming for our current employees and for our future Page 6 Thursday, March 29, 2007

illness - and the couple’s decision to keep the campaign The ‘Elizabeth Effect’ going - is having a profound effect on how is perceived. Witness a speech Edwards gave this morning to By BRIAN A. HOWEY the Communication Workers of America in Washington.” INDIANAPOLIS - Democratic presidential candidate “I have to tell you a story about something that John Edwards will be here for a fundraiser at noon Friday. Elizabeth said yesterday,” Edwards began. “She was in His appearance comes after a week of intense scrutiny that Cleveland, Ohio, yesterday, speaking to a group. And she centers of the health of his wife, said at the beginning of her talk, she Elizabeth, who announced a week said, ‘You know, I turn on the televi- ago that her breast cancer had sion now and there I am. I pick up metastisized into her bones. the front page of the newspaper, and John and Elizabeth Edwards there I am. I turn on my radio, and appeared on CBS’ Sixty Minutes there’s my voice.’ And then she said, last Sunday, igniting a debate on ‘You know, I don’t know about you, whether he should give up his but I’m sick of me.’” campaign for president. She told Edwards then said, “It’s exactly Katie Couric that if the couple gave the kind of woman that I’m blessed to up the campaign, she would “stop John and Elizabeth Edwards at Chapel Hill, N.C. be married to. And both of us believe living” and “start dying.” so deeply in this cause, what Larry re- “There’s not a single per- last week. They announced that her cancer has returned. (Edwards Campaign Photo) ferred to as a crusade, which is exactly son in America that should vote for what it is. It is a cause and a crusade me because Elizabeth has cancer,” to end the two Americas that we still Edwards said. “Not a one. If you’re live in in the United States of America, considering doing it, don’t do it. Do not vote for us because to create and strengthen a growing, vibrant middle class.” you feel some sympathy or compassion for us.” Thus far, the huge amount of media trained on the Washington Post blogger Chris Cillizza notes that couple has not translated to a bump in the polls. The latest the Edwards campaign is on a different trajectory now. Gallup poll has Edwards at 14 percent, just about where he “Just five days removed from the public acknowledgment was before this phase of the campaign began. v that Elizabeth Edwards’ cancer was back, it’s clear that her

2008 Presidential Polls

Republican Date Giuliani McCain Thompson Romney Spread Zogby 03/22 - 03/26 27% 13% 9% 9% Giuliani +14% USA Today/Gallup 03/23 - 03/25 31% 22% 12% 3% Giuliani +9% Rasmussen 03/19 - 03/22 35% 15% - --% 8% Giuliani +20% Time 03/09 - 03/12 40% 20% --% 7% Giuliani +20% CNN 003/09 -03/11 34% 18% --% 9% Giuliani +16%

Democrat Clinton Obama Edwards Gore Spread Zogby 03/22 - 03/26 32% 22% 13% Clinton +10% USA Today/Gallup 03/23 - 03/25 35% 22% 14% 17% Clinton +13% Rasmussen 03/19 - 03/22 37% 25% 17% -- Clinton +12% Time 03/09 - 03/12 34% 26% 10% 13% Clinton +8% CNN 03/09 - 03/11 37% 22% 12% 14% Clinton +15%

Indiana Notes: Former Sen. John Edwards will appear at a noon Friday fundraiser at Ruth’s Chris in downtown Indianapo- lis. Republican Mitt Romney will host a fundraiser at the Columbia Club on April 5.

Hoosier Support: Giuliani: Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi. McCain: Gov. Mitch Daniels. Romney: Attorney General Steve Carter; Secretary of State Todd Rokita, James Bopp, Dan Dumezich, Bob Grand. Edwards: Former Chairman Robin Win- ston, 9th CD Chair Mike Jones, Ann and Ed DeLaney, Bruce Kehoe, James Voyles. Page 7 Thursday, March 29, 2007

2007 Legislative Caucus 2007 Mayoral Senate District 8: Democrat: , Republican: Mayor Kevin Smith. Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Rob Neary, Robin Oshin- Anderson: Democrat: Kris Ockomon. 2003 General Results: Smith ski, Lynne Kaser, Debra Birkholtz, (R) 8,947, Rock (D) 7,821. 2007 Forecast: Mayoral can- Michigan City School Board Presi- didates must live in the city in order to run for office, and dent Jeff Jones. 2007 Caucus that has been the catalyst for both Democratic challengers Forecast: It took three ballots to relocate. Anderson Police Officer Kris Ockomon said his on Sunday afternoon, but former residency status has been questioned by local Republicans two-term LaPorte County Sheriff (Anderson Herald-Bulletin). “It’s a ploy by them to re- Jim Arnold will occupy the seat of move me from contention in the race,” Ockomon said. “My the late State Sen. Anita Bowser, work is in law enforcement, and I would never go against who died on March 4 (Brian A. Howey, HPR). Arnold won that.” Ockomon, a former Anderson City Council member, 35-34 on a third ballot over former NIPSCO union president relocated to Chesterfield several years ago to allow his Debra Birkholtz, a figure several party officials thought was daughter to attend a sign-language program not offered the person to beat going into the caucus. Arnold edged through Anderson Community Schools. When his daughter Birkholz 29 to 27 during the first round of voting at the left for college, he decided to run for mayor and that meant LaPorte County Complex (South Bend Tribune). Purdue coming back to the city.. Primary Status: TOSSUP. North Central Assisant Vice-Chancellor Jeff Jones, who's Fort Wayne: Republican: Allen County Com- also president of the Michigan City School Board, was third missioner Nelson Peters, Matthew Kelty, Ivan Hood, Wilbert with eight votes. Arnold had trailed Birkholz by five votes “Duke” Brown. Democrat: Tom Henry, Fred Steinke, Tom on the second ballot. When the results of the third bal- Cook. 2003 Results: Richard (D) 27,251, Buskirk (R) lot were announced, 19,701. 2007 Forecast: vs. pragmatism. Arnold's wife, Lauren, Values vs. efficiency. MySpace.com vs. my elected sup- let out a loud yell and porters (Lanka, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette). This exclaimed, "Oh my year’s key primary race for the mayor God." Arnold said he of Fort Wayne pits two men who have would run "without worked together professionally and hesitation" for the seat claim to be friends. Their campaigns in the 2008 election. up to this point, however, show two Second CD Chairman contrasting styles and plans for win- Butch Morgan told HPR ning that election. Kelty and Peters that an Arnold-Birkholtz are the two main players in this year’s primary race in 2008 is Republican mayoral primary. While a possibility. Birkholz, three other candidates are on the bal- 55, was president of lot, Kelty and Peters have almost all the United Steelwork- of the name recognition and financial ers Union Local 13796 support heading into the May 8 prima- out of Chesterton for 13 ry. In the broadest sense, according years before retiring in State Sen. Jim Arnold is congratu- to Andy Downs, director of the Mike 2005. She was obvi- KELTY lated by his wife after winning the Downs Center for Indiana Politics at ously disappointed yet SD8 caucus last Sunday. He replaces Indiana University-Purdue University gracious in accepting the late Sen. Anita Bowser, who died Fort Wayne, Kelty is making an idealistic appeal for the defeat. "It's unfortu- on March 4. (Michigan City News-Dis- job, while Peters is focusing more on the duties of a mayor. nate. You do the best patch Photo) Many – Kelty included – have dubbed the architect the un- that you can and you derdog in the race. Peters has the support of almost every reach out and talk to current elected official and gets plenty of free publicity from as many people as you can. I wish him the best," Birkholz his current position as county commissioner, according to said. Arnold, 62, said he will go to Indianapolis with an Kelty’s press secretary. The underdog role is one Kelty and open mind to listen to what his constituents have to say his campaign seem happy to play. Kelty supporters wear (Post-Tribune). "I'll do what I think is right for the voters jackets reading “Kelty for Mayor,” he was the first to appear in Senate district 8," said Arnold, who intended to seek the on television – last Christmas – and was the first to an- seat in 2008. Caucus Status: ARNOLD WINS. nounce his candidacy. “At this point, the biggest difference (in the campaigns) is Matt (Kelty) is going all out,” said Page 8 Thursday, March 29, 2007

Kevin Knuth, local Democratic Party chairman. “I’m a little board ruled violated the city's ethics ordinance (Louisville surprised (Peters) hasn’t kicked it up by now.” Primary Courier-Journal). The board also said the campaign of Status: LIKELY PETERS; SAFE HENRY. former Mayor Tom Galligan, Waiz's opponent in the May 8 Gary: Democrats: Mayor Rudy Clay, Karen Free- Democratic primary, violated the ordinance by accepting man-Wilson, Chuck Hughes, Darren Washington, John $200 from a law firm that includes the City Council's lawyer, Henry Hall, Larry Anderson, Ulysses (Lish) Burnett, Larry Greg Fifer. The ethics ordinance sets the limit on a contri- Evans, Norman L. Roby, Pierre Strickland, Theresa Moses bution from a firm doing work for city government at $100 Sturdivant. Republican: Jayson Reeves, Charles R. Smith Jr. for a primary. Fifer could not be reached for comment, 2003 Results: King (D) 10,028, Smith (R) 1,201. 2007 but Galligan said he misunderstood the ordinance and will Forecast: Clay, who is fighting to ease Gary's $60 mil- refund $100. Waiz, who has 30 days to comply with the lion budget deficit, has a campaign war chest flooded with board's decision or explain why he doesn't believe he has steep donations, a to, last night denied that his campaign violated the eth- Times computer- ics ordinance and questioned the objectivity of the board. assisted analysis Waiz also said that he was pleased that the ethics board of 2006 campaign found that questions about the purchase of Internet do- finance reports main names to keep them out of the hands of his opponent shows. About 44.3 did not violate the ordinance. Primary Status: LEANS percent of Clay's WAIZ. itemized contribu- Kokomo: Democrat: Councilman Greg Good- tors gave $1,000 night, Councilman Bob Hayes, Andy Castner. Republican: or more. "I'm no Mayor Matt McKillip, Councilman Rick Hamilton, Tom Ham- stranger to the ilton. 2003 Primary Results: Republican: McKillips 1,565, political arena," Donoghue 972, Bolinger 327, McKay 243, T. Hamilton 38. Clay said. "The Democrat: Castner 1,360, Lushin 1,358, Alexander 969, El- people who support Hughes has asked Secretary of State lis 34. 2003 General Results: McKillip (R) 5,229, Castner me know I'll do a Todd Rokita to monitor the Gary Demo- (D) 4101, Dunlap (I) 832. 2007 Forecast: McKillip called good job for people cratic primary for fraud. for stricter regulations on local sexually oriented business- in the commu- es, and said the city needs to grow its tax base during his nity." Clay raked in annual State of the City address before city council Monday $163,270.48 in itemized contributions, which are donations (Smith, Kokomo Tribune). During the 40-minute address, of $100 or more. The 71-year-old raised another $54,666 punctuated numerous times by applause from the mayor’s in donations of less than $100. His biggest contributor was supporters, McKillip made several references to “conserva- city contractor Baker & Daniels LLP, which donated $4,000. tive government,” saying he believes “more can be done to That company’s lobbying contract was chopped by 80 per- cut taxes.” In particular, McKillip criticized efforts by Howard cent last December, Clay said. Clay won the endorsement, County government officials to institute a local income tax Captain James Reed said, with 15 votes. Karen Freeman- increase aimed at shifting criminal justice costs away from Wilson received five, Darren Washington, four, and Chuck property taxes. “Like Ronald Reagan said, ‘Government Hughes, one. Hughes is asking the Indiana Secretary of always finds a need for whatever money it gets.’ Therefore State to expand its election inspection on May 8 into Gary a new income tax being proposed by the County to be (Post-Tribune). Todd Rokita and Indiana Attorney General stacked on top of our current taxes is bad for Kokomo,’” Steve Carter announced a toll-free phone number last week McKillip said. Primary Status: LEANS McKILLIP; LIKELY for people to call if they suspect ballot tampering or voter GOODNIGHT. fraud. In a letter to Rokita, Hughes said, "There is rampant Michigan City: Democrat: Mayor Chuck Ober- fear in the city of Gary that organized efforts by people in lie, Joie Winski, Jim LaRocco. 2003 Results: Oberlie (D) powerful positions here will resort to any unethical tactics, 3,316. 2007 Forecast: Oberlie met with state legislators illegal or otherwise, to influence the outcome of our elec- at the Statehouse on Wednesday to explain the need to tions." Status: LIKELY CLAY restructure the state's property tax system or allow local Jeffersonville: Mayor Rob Waiz. Tom Galligan. government an alternative means of financing property Republican: 2003 Democratic Primary: Waiz 2,187, taxes (Michigan City News-Dispatch). Oberlie told leg- Galligan 1,708, Muncy 252, Ogden 166. 2003 General islators that even though the city had removed all general Results: Waiz (D) 3,711, Raymond (R) 2,354, Fisher (L) obligation bonds from the city's levy, reducing property tax 118. 2007 Forecast: The Jeffersonville Board of Ethics collections by 13 percent, tax bills still went up. “Many of criticized the re-election campaign of Mayor Waiz, order- the increases have been caused by recent state budgets,” ing it to return more than $3,000 in contributions that the said Oberlie. Primary Status: LEANS OBERLIE. v Page 9 Thursday, March 29, 2007

that they never came to or even called about a single press Horning leaves the city for conference or event related to my ‘04 campaign? Not one. Freedom; won’t run in 8th CD Is that amazing or what? And in their endorsement of Julia Carson they claimed that I wouldn’t answer their questions. By BEVERLY PHILLIPS Judge for yourself whether it’s likely that I’m the kind of FREEDOM, Ind. - Former Libertarian candidate for guy who doesn’t answer questions. mayor of Indianapolis, Indiana governor, and the U.S. Con- HPR: Now that a few years have passed since gress, Andy Horning officially retired officially changing parties, do you still consider yourself a from politics in 2004 after challenging Republican? Congresswoman Julia Carson for a Horning: Am I a Republican? I suppose that second time. He now lives in Freedom, depends upon what that means, and I’m afraid that I am Indiana, and works as a consultant on not able to tell you that. I consider myself a Christian, medical imaging technology projects. husband, father and mortal, error- and sin-prone human. On April 3 (11:30 a.m.), Horn- I’m an American in the sense that I share the dream of our ing will hold a press conference at wiser forefathers and am dedicated to the rule of law under the Statehouse rotunda on the topic the Constitution of the United States as written and in- of fair taxation. HPR heard a rumor tended by those who wrote it. As far as club membership that Horning is mulling a run against goes, I enjoy the company of lots of people. I don’t know 8th CD U.S. Rep. Brad Ellsworth, so that anybody knows what it means to be a Republican; it we went straight to the source for this never was the conservative party that most people think. HPR Interview. Actually, the Democrats have a longer and more consistent HPR: Where is Freedom, and tradition of supporting the ideology of freedom. But these how do you come to live there? days Democrats don’t support freedom any more or less Horning: Freedom is in the than Republicans do. In ‘04 I felt like I was fighting middle of Owen County. It was a post- Republicans more than Democrats, and I don’t believe that War Between the States freed-man much has changed with the party since their shellacking in community before the KKK changed ‘06. Let’s quit the pretense. The parties are election ve- the demographics. But I love both the history and name hicles and nothing more. All of us really know that. We’re of this place. We looked for farmland in Liberty, Freetown fools to have given them so much power and trust, and and Freedom, but it’s hilly, cheap and pretty here. We’ve we’ll be ruined if we don’t take it back soon. Both major owned the place for a while, but at the end of the 2004 parties contain wonderful people, but vipers lead them. race we decided that since we home-school our kids, and HPR: We have heard rumors that you may run I work from home as a consultant, that we’d leave the city against Congressman Ellsworth in ‘08. Care to comment? hubbub and live in quiet, lush and natural Freedom (figura- Horning: Run for office? Oy vey. Ellsworth is tively... to a degree, and literally). I’m building a barn, and tall, good looking, and sounds like a decent man. That’s I often get on my 1962 Allis Chalmers tractor in order to enough for most people, since ideology has become a bad act like a farmer. thing. If the GOP doesn’t have an epiphany and find some HPR: What exactly is the organization you formed character and faith, then Ellsworth will have the office as called “The Freedom Farm?” long as he wants it. It’s really only a few people who’ve Horning: www.thefreedomfarm.com was to be a been encouraging me to run. Personally, my finances rule of law-focused 427 org, but after some initial interest, aren’t great at the moment. I’ve still not recovered from I had to sort of ignore it. The premise, if you look at the the tens of thousands I’ve thrown at my past attempts. It’s website, is too scary/bold for most people, and as a result a little late to jump in, since I’ve not really done the politi- I’ve done no fundraising or promotion at all in a couple of cal rounds in the 8th. I’ve been kicking back trying to act years. I’ve had to admit that we’re not ready for rule of like our government doesn’t bother me. I do confess that law or freedom, at least not just yet. I’d love to run. But I’m also sure that nobody hates politics HPR: I recall you once burned a copy of the India- as much as I do. I despise and loathe the stupid, deadly napolis Star in protest, do you currently subscribe or read it game we’ve made of political power. We care more about online? sports than we know about the force of oppression, slavery, Horning: No, I do not, and would not subscribe genocide and war, and we’re always trying to make govern- to the Indianapolis Star. I do occasionally find something ment out to be a benevolent friend when there is no history useful online by other reference (Google or something), of this in all of humanity’s generations. It’s interesting that but after years of experience with the New Pravda, I know y’all knew the rumor before I did, but I guess that’s all part not to trust what they print. I’ve caught them in fabrica- of the game too. Sheesh. Oy vey. v tion and/or intentional omission too many times. You know Page 10 Thursday, March 29, 2007

tor turned DNA business- man and CEO of Strand Analytical Laboratories, has added the title of nonprofit founder of a boxing gym. Scott Newman discovered the therapeutic benefits of the sport in the manage- ment of his own Parkinson’s Sabato’s veep rant & Bayh disease. The physical work- out and standard training for By BEVERLY PHILLIPS the ring inspired Newman to Dr. Larry Sabato, who keynoted the HPR Fo- form Rock Steady Boxing. rum in 2004, went on a rant All classes for peo- this week about the 2008 ple with Parkinson’s disease Samantha Wolfe (left) and Jor- veepstakes. “If there is one are free and underwritten dan Kiffmeyer at Rock Steady thing that we at the Crystal Ball by corporate donations. Boxing class for mothers and cannot countenance, it is early Other classes for the gen- daughters. The gym also offers conjecture about possible vice eral public, for a fee, include Executive Boxing and Women’s presidential running-mates for Executive Boxing, Women’s Only training to support free the 2008 major-party tickets,” Only, and a recently classes for people with Parkin- said Sabato, who teaches at the started Mommy/Daughter son’s disease. University of Virginia. “The wild Class. All classes are taught rumor-mongering about VP nom- by former professional and inees makes the situation worse, amateur boxers and are non-contact. Foundation Executive Director Kristy Rose Follmar is a former Indiana Golden not better, turning the voters off Dr. Larry Sabato speaking Gloves women’s champ and NABC featherweight and super to politics even faster than might at the HPR Forum, 2004. featherweight champion. The boxing gym is located on the have occurred otherwise.” (HPR Photo) Sabato said he decided campus of Premiere Credit on the city’s eastside. Pre- to “do something about this de- miere’s President and COO Todd Wolfe donates the space grading process. In this article we will attempt to exhaust and provided seed money for start-up costs, including a the gossip, guesswork, and hearsay about Veeps, rendering full size boxing ring. To donate or sign up for classes, visit further tittle-tattle unnecessary, and short-circuiting this www.rocksteadyboxing.org. destructive pastime for months to come.” Then Sabato laid out the criteria. The Veep should Weiser assumes new ED post be disciplined, relatively scandal-free, and cause no major Jenny Hill Weiser, the daughter of U.S. Rep. problems at selection time and through- Baron Hill, has replaced Mike out the campaign. • The Veep ought to Edmondson as executive director be able to carry his or her home state. of the Indiana Democratic Party. • The prior office experiences. • The She previously worked in fundrais- Veep could help to reunite the party by ing for the state party. being from another faction than the pres- idential candidate. Sabato then supplied Goeglein returns a list, with U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh getting Tim Goeglein, Fort this treatment: “Centrist Democrat who Wayne native and Special Assis- could put IN and OH in play simultane- tant to President Bush, will give ously, good family and media image, the keynote address at the Whit- broad executive and legislative experi- ley County Lincoln Day Dinner on ence. Cannot guarantee IN, not a strong May 17 at Columbia City. RSVP: public speaker, low-wattage personality.” 260-248.8406 or Indianapolis Star columnist Matt Tully and [email protected] v Rock Steady gives HPR’s Brian A. Howey discussed the 2008 pres- Parkinson’s a punch idential race with the IU College Republicans at Got a tip for the Boar’s Nest? Former Marion County Prosecu- Ballantine Hall in Bloomington on Wednesday. Send it to: phillipscgroup@ (Indiana Daily Student Photo) comcast.net Page 11 Thursday, March 29, 2007

Rich James, Post-Tribune - The exorcism, to dismiss this as another example of politicians’ outsized which has been in the works for several years, was com- estimation of their own importance. But between them, pleted Wednesday with the federal indictment of political Lugar and Solheim have already accomplished things that operative Bobby Cantrell. Many thought Cantrell was too seemed impossible. It’s not an exaggeration to say that bright to get indicted. He’s sharp, all right -- both have made the world a safer place. Lugar an evil genius if you will. Cantrell’s two loves was the co-founder of a program that set as are money and power. The former did him in its goal the destruction of left-over (and in this week. Even if he beats the rap, he’s done many cases abandoned or insecurely stored) politically. You may have heard a collective Cold War-era nuclear weapons in the former sigh of relief when the indictment was un- Soviet Union. Who would have thought that veiled. Scores of Democrats -- and Republi- two U.S. senators could have brainstormed cans, too -- were thrilled to have Cantrell cut that idea into reality? But in the past 16 years, out of politics. Many in more than 7,000 nuclear warheads have been politics loathed him, deactivated, peaceful but were too intimi- jobs for 58,000 weap- dated to say anything ons scientists have been publicly, fearing found, and the program retribution. Cantrell has been expanded to was a guy with few include chemical and true friends, largely biological weapons. For because of his mav- Solheim’s part, he is erick political nature. credited with negotiat- He always said he ing a truce in Sri Lanka’s was needed where civil war. It’s mind-bog- there was a fight. gling that a government But a man without a official from Norway conscience doesn’t could help resolve an- fight fair. He thought other country’s conflict nothing of jamming a that lasted two bloody ballot or coercing an decades. So when Lugar illegal vote. As has and Solheim say they’re been the case with going to put some effort most of recent federal into trying to ratchet indictments of public down the hostilities officials -- this was a stroke for good government. A cancer caused by the growing need for energy in developing coun- upon the Lake County system has been removed. v tries that don’t have it, well – it’s just possible that they might succeed. v

Sylvia Smith, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette - Picture this: A conservative Republican who Lesley Stedman Weidenbener, backed the invasion of Iraq and is an avowed capitalist Louisville Courier-Journal - Under Sen. ’s sitting shoulder to shoulder with a Socialist whose party plan, the state would take over the full cost of those juve- says America is the biggest threat to world peace … and nile offenders and at least some of the costs of services for be delighted to be together … and say nice things about the abused children. That makes a lot of sense. So if the each other … and do so in front of journalists with their General Assembly passes Kenley’s proposal -- and that’s TV cameras and tape recorders. Sen. Richard Lugar (the a mighty big if -- taxpayers could go back to the days of conservative capitalist, of course) and Erik Solheim (the voting for local officials in part based on those tax bills. And Socialist Left Party member who is the minister of Interna- when they thought their schools weren’t getting enough tional Development in the Norwegian government) are, on cash, they’d know it was the state -- not some combination most issues, an Oscar Madison-Felix Unger pairing. Yet to- of state and local leaders -- responsible for that decision. gether they hope to reduce the conflict over scarce energy It would be even better if lawmakers took steps to simplify resources, persuade countries to use their energy income tax bills so that property owners understood more about wisely and with more transparency and urge broader use which local government was responsible for what and why. of alternative fuels so oil-rich nations don’t hold such a big But that’s probably wishful thinking for this year’s session. club over countries without natural resources. It’s tempting v Page 12 Thursday, March 29, 2007

Long seeks cherry sponsored retirement assets were in- lican on the budget-writing Ways master crackdown vested in IPALCO stock at the time the and Means Committee, said his plan IPALCO board decided to accept the would provide relief to homeowners INDIANAPOLIS - Senate AES stock swap. “Without the benefit on this year’s property-tax bills and President Pro Tem David Long said of hindsight, the AES transaction and remove the burden of school-con- Wednesday that he plans to expand investments in AES stock appeared struction costs from property taxes. his proposal to crack down on illegal reasonable,” Hamilton wrote. “There is The plan also would give counties a gambling, suggesting that the state no evidence at all that the individual yearly option of using local income should add a defendants had any negative inside in- taxes in lieu of property taxes to cover special pros- formation about AES or the prospects the rising costs of services. Espich ecutor just of its stock.” said his ideas may be ignored since to handle Democrats control the House, but said those cases. he felt compelled to put a proposal Long, R-Fort Mayors press for on the table as lawmakers get closer Wayne, said taxing options to their April 29 adjournment. “The too many FORT WAYNE - Fort Wayne concern I guess I have is that if I had county Mayor Graham Richard, Bluffton Mayor to characterize one issue as more prosecutors Ted Ellis and Warsaw Mayor Ernie important than any other issue before view illegal gambling -- particularly by Wiggins participated in a statewide the legislature, other than a balanced bars, clubs and other retailers using effort Wednesday to pressure the budget, it would have to be some form video machines with names such as General Assembly to provide more of property-tax control, relief, cuts Cherry Master -- as not worth pursu- taxing options for cities (Fort Wayne -- whatever you want to call it,” Espich ing. A state prosecutor based at the Journal Gazette). Richard said cities, told reporters. Indiana Gaming Commission could towns and all local units of govern- solve that problem, he said (Louis- ment should be given the opportunity ville Couier-Journal). “The number to choose other methods of financ- Senate eyes tying of these machines in the state has ing government than property taxes. exploded,” Long said. “I think we need minimum wage to fed rate Those include sales taxes on services INDIANAPOLIS - A Senate to do something about it. We need to or broader uses for a food and bever- draw a line in the sand.” The Senate committee might consider tying Indi- age tax. “We want more flexibility at ana’s minimum wage to the federal Rules Committee, which Long chairs, the local level to have non-property- already is considering his proposal rate, an effort some lawmakers hope tax ways of funding local government,” will beef up support for the proposal to provide nearly $2 million to fund Richard said. Mayors across the state 25 excise police officers dedicated (Associated Press). The bill, in its expressed similar sentiments as part current form, would raise the state to investigating illegal gambling and of a push by the Indiana Association increase the criminal penalties for minimum wage to $7.50 per hour by of Cities and Towns. Ellis said some 2008. That could be higher than the people charged a second time with taxes are available but must be ad- promoting professional gambling. federal minimum wage, which Con- opted countywide, including income gress is expected to raise to $7.25 per taxes. He said if counties don’t feel the hour over two years. Judge Hamilton need for those taxes, cities and other drops IPALCO case governments should have the option of using them. Illiana group morphs INDIANAPOLIS - In a long- VALPARAISO - A group op- awaited ruling following a 2006 trial, Espich unveils posing the proposed Illiana Express- U.S. District Judge David F. Hamilton way is has agreed to team up with found IPALCO had given members of property tax plan the Interfaith Federation and Save the 401(k) plan access to solid invest- INDIANAPOLIS - A top House the Dunes Council to support what ment advice through Merrill Lynch. Republican proposed a property-tax they are calling smart growth across That firm had described company restructuring plan yesterday, while the Region (Times). Citizens Against stock as the highest-risk investment several mayors urged lawmakers to Privatized Illiana Toll Road also is among nine options from which em- give local governments new options to distancing itself from a claim that it ployees could choose (Indianapolois raise revenue and reduce their reli- supports a 1 percent food and bever- Star). Despite warnings to employees ance on real estate revenue (Smith, age tax to support regional busing. to diversify their investments, about Associated Press). Rep. Jeff Espich 64 percent of the workers’ company- of Uniondale, the ranking Repub- v