DOCSLIB.ORG

Big GOP Gains Shift to City Halls Majority

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

V17, N13 Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011 Big GOP gains shift to city halls majority. Some GOP strat- ‘Political Porn’ egists believe the party has a shot at a 67-seat backfires on Fry, super majority there in Kennedy; new era 2012. Republicans now for Gary, South Bend hold a majority of mayor- al offices in Indiana with By BRIAN A. HOWEY a 61 to 54 edge (with INDIANAPOLIS - Hoosier two Independents). Two Republicans continued to make races, Connersville and advances by picking up 13 mayoral Rising Sun remained to seats (and leading in two others) be called, but Republicans while Mayor Greg Ballard won a led both, Democrats had convincing reelection and the party a 68 to 48 to 3 advantage held onto Terre Haute and picked after the 2007 cycle. up heavily Democratic Evansville, “This is a great Jeffersonville, LaPorte, Portage and night for Hoosier taxpay- Anderson. ers across the state,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Indiana Republican Chair- Henry and State Rep. Dennis Tyler man Eric Holcomb. “Our kept the state’s second largest city goal was to preserve and in Democratic hands and won in expand the number of Muncie. good government Repub- But after ending 16 years licans and we surpassed of Democratic gubernatorial rule in that goal, even winning in 2004, Republicans have picked up places unimaginable just two U.S. House seats, a U.S. Sen- a few months ago, like ate seat, four seats in the Indiana Senate and now rule the Indiana House with a 60-seat Continued on page 3 Analyzing Fort Wayne By MARK SOUDER FORT WAYNE - Indiana’s second largest city again served as a bellwether for politics, with incumbent Demo- crat Mayor Tom Henry getting reelected in a mild upset. Here are some lessons learned. “The only way we can recover 1.) 2011 was not 2010: the and surpass what our old pros- words “Reelected, incumbent and Democrat” were rarely used together perity was is with new energy, in 2010. Yet another so-called historic election proved not to have sea legs. In new options and new alliances. Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, New Jersey and We must take new risks and Mississippi liberal Democrats proved to be less extinct than the mastodon. They create new opportunities.” may be still on the endangered list, but - South Bend’s Peter Buttigieg HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 2 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011 good behavior could repopulate them. Now we are working rapidly toward Turnout was poor in Fort Wayne, lower the New York City model of pointing than in 2007, even with thousands of out that our opponent is a cross-dress- newly annexed voters. In other words, ing, whoring, tax cheat who would instead of just the Democrats being hate his mom if he knew who she www.HoweyPolitics.com deflated, apparently both parties have was. And that’s just the warm-up. lost air. Here is the Fort Wayne munici- 5.) Negative ads appear pal election voter turnout percentages to be used as a tactic to deflate Howey Politics for the last twenty years: 1991 – 42.0, turnout: Somewhere along the line a Indiana 1995 – 36.9, 1999 – 34.8, 2003 – candidate will again try the novel ap- is a non-partisan newsletter 38.4, 2007 – 32.4 and 2011 – 26.2. proach of trying to inspire voters with based in Indianapolis. It was It appears that 2011 was the all-time a vision other than “did you hear this founded in 1994 in Fort Wayne. lowest turnout. about my opponent?” The goal seems 2.) If only Mayor Henry to be that if you can’t convince people had tried to pass national health to vote for you, depress them and Brian A. Howey, Publisher care: While many issues came togeth- cause doubts about the opposition so Mark Schoeff Jr., Washington er to build the Tea Party movement, they will stay home. Jack E. Howey, editor I and others always suspected that na- 6.) The cities are becoming Beverly K. Phillips, associate tional health care was the big motiva- more Democrat as the surround- tor as opposed to truly balancing the ing areas become more Republi- editor budget with the then required changes can: in Medicare and Social Security. The Indianapolis remains a rare excep- Subscriptions more thoughtful folks in the leader- tion (remnants of Unigov remain with $350 annually HPI Weekly ship of the Tea Party movement saw Republicans hanging on until more it as a battle over the Constitution as Republicans can sell their homes and $550 annually HPI Weekly and President Obama seemed determined move to the collar counties). Fort HPI Daily Wire. to challenge every section but not the Wayne and South Bend remain Demo- 'Call 317.627.6746 masses. crat, with Democrat mayors in Elkhart 3.) Hope and change are and Goshen, engulfed by an ocean out: Some experience was preferred of Republicans in north central and Contact HPI this time, and we’ve had quite enough northeastern Indiana. To reshape my Howey Politics Indiana of this change stuff. Incumbents favorite Hoosier expression: You can 6255 N. Evanston Ave. actually fared pretty well, from both count the number of Democrat small Indianapolis, IN 46220 parties. Apparently voters believe that city mayors on one hand and have www.howeypolitics.com it is okay to gamble on inexperience enough fingers left to bowl. Tonya in foreign policy and our economy, Hoeffel won in Garrett, and is the [email protected] but not with picking up leaves, snow first Republican elected since 1979. 'Howey’s cell: 317.506.0883 removal, and sewers. Or perhaps they Columbia City went Republican. The 'Washington: 703.248.0909 learned something in 2008 ... that Democrats did not even field candi- 'Business Office: 317.627.6746 change isn’t always good and hope is dates in New Haven and Kendallville, elusive at best. formerly Democrat leaning cities of 4.) Negative ads get nas- over 10,000. © 2011, Howey Politics Indiana. tier, but at least there are more 7.) Coat-tails were a bit All rights reserved. Photocopy- of them: For the first time in the Fort shaky: Mayor Tom Henry accused ing, Internet forwarding, fax- Wayne area, the candidate who aired Paula Hughes of being a tax cheat ing or reproducing in any form, the sleaziest ads won. Politics in In- based upon late taxes paid by a corpo- whole or part, is a violation of diana has always been a blood sport, ration of which she and her husband but normally you just accuse the other had a 10% ownership stake, and in federal law without permission person of lying about taxes, spending spite of the fact, that when told the from the publisher. v every dime we will earn for the next owner had failed to pay, the Hughes decade, being incompetent to govern, paid 100% of the taxes. Instead of and, if absolutely desperate, smearing getting a Taxpayer’s Friend Award, their integrity by calling them a liberal. Paula was blasted as an untrustworthy HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 3 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011 tax avoider while wanting you to pay more taxes. Hughes an accident that the independent’s vote was 1,781 and the aired what seemed to be a pretty impressive ad featuring a margin of victory was 1,634. prominent local businessman, the executive director of the 9.) Republicans increasingly choose to let the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Sen. Dan Coats, perfect be the enemy of the good: Urban Republicans Congressman Mike Pence, and Allen County Sheriff Ken like those in Fort Wayne are more moderate than those Fries saying “I trust Paula.” Governor Mitch Daniels aired surrounding the city. Kendallville, Goshen and Warsaw Re- similar ads. In spite of all these officials, plus Congressman publicans are more moderate than those surrounding them Marlin Stutzman, weighing in for Paula and even the Demo- (which isn’t exactly saying that the Republicans in those crat Fort Wayne newspaper basically calling the Henry ad a cities are moderates). In Fort Wayne, there have been lie, the people chose not to trust Paula and instead be- repeated divisive primaries and enough of the losers pout lieved the lie. Gives one pause. to let the Democrats win (one candidate who was convicted 8.) Will debates ever feature the main candi- of felony charges, but other than that). It is already clear dates again or are we doomed to include nuts too? that it happened again, with the Republicans gaining a City It seems to me that a basic rule to participate in a general Council seat to go up 6 to 3, outpolling Democrats in the election debate should be that someone had to actually individual districts by thousands, and for the citywide seats nominate you beyond just yourself. Failing that, a literacy by thousands yet losing the Mayor’s race. Will this in-fight- test should be required. A third party guy, who the Mayor ing stop, or we will see it again in 2012? Senator Lugar and was so gushingly effusive over during the debate, you Mitt Romney wait with baited breath. v would have thought he was a city contractor who gave the mayor the necessary big contribution. I’m sure it was just Souder is a former Republican congressman. “A lot of people came to us and said, ‘That’s not Mayors, from page 1 right,’” Wood said of the IDP fliers. The Democrats’ 7-2 majority on the city council loosened to 5-4. The South LaPorte and Portage.” Bend Tribune reported that Fry spoke to Democratic council Republicans forged a number of victories in such candidates and said to those who lost, “If I contributed to Democratic strongholds as Indianapolis – where the City- this, I’ll forever feel bad.” County Council now claims a Democratic majority – in Terre Indianapolis Democrats used a debate quote by Haute and Evansville, where Vanderburgh Commissioner Ballard, who talked about a “difficult population” in an ad Lloyd Winnecke became only the fourth Republican mayor running on African-American radio.
Recommended publications
  • In the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico

    In the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico

    Case 1:20-cv-01289-MV-JHR Document 12 Filed 12/22/20 Page 1 of 17 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW MEXICO DONALD J. TRUMP FOR PRESIDENT, INC., Plaintiff, Case No. 1:20-cv-01289-MV v. MAGGIE TOULOUSE OLIVER, in her official capacity as Secretary of State of New Mexico, the ELECTORS of NEW MEXICO and the STATE CANVASSING BOARD OF NEW MEXICO, Defendants. THE DNC’S MOTION TO INTERVENE AS DEFENDANTS AND MEMORANDUM OF LAW IN SUPPORT Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 24, the DNC Services Corporation/Democratic National Committee (the “DNC”) files this Motion to Intervene in this action as a matter of right or, alternatively, to permissively intervene. The DNC has conferred with counsel for Defendants, who have no objection to this Motion. The DNC has also conferred with counsel for Plaintiff, and Plaintiff has not yet taken a position on this Motion. In support of its Motion to Intervene, the DNC respectfully submits the following: Case 1:20-cv-01289-MV-JHR Document 12 Filed 12/22/20 Page 2 of 17 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1 II. BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................ 2 III. ARGUMENT ...................................................................................................................... 4 A. The DNC is entitled to intervene as of right. .........................................................
  • 2009 CAFR Production

    2009 CAFR Production

    City of Fort Wayne, Indiana 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report For the year ended December 31,2009 Thomas C. Henry Patricia A. Roller CPA Mayor Controller COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT City of Fort Wayne, Indiana Year Ended December 31, 2009 Patricia A. Roller, CPA Director of Finance and Administration City Controller Valerie A. Ahr Deputy Controller Mark Knepper Deputy Director of Financial Operations INTRODUCTION Table of Contents I. INTRODUCTION Page(s) Table of Contents.......................................................................................................................................1-3 Mayor’s Letter of Transmittal ........................................................................................................................5 Chief Financial Officer’s Letter of Transmittal..........................................................................................6-13 Locator Maps .........................................................................................................................................14-16 Organization Chart.................................................................................................................................17-18 List of Principal Officials.........................................................................................................................19-20 Department Details ................................................................................................................................21-33 Fort Wayne at a
  • National Convention

    National Convention

    How to Become a State & National Delegate Presented by Adi Ben-Yehoshua Indiana Democratic Party Data Director What this training will cover State Convention National Convention Representation and Next Steps What happens at State Who makes up our delegation Diversity Goals What you should be doing now What our delegation will strive Convention and how to become and how to become a National to prepare to run to be a to look like a State Delegate Delegate delegate Helpful Information National Convention 2020 Page indems.org -> Events -> National Convention 2020 State Convention 2020 Page indems.org -> Events -> State Convention Adi Ben-Yehoshua [email protected] State Convention 2020 Indiana Democratic State Convention June 13, 2020 Indiana Convention Center What Happens at State Convention Congressional District Constituency Caucus Convention General Session Meetings Meetings Committee Meetings Voting, speeches by Contact IDP to have Credentials Adoption of candidates, official caucus meeting Rules Platform and district business scheduled Resolutions Resolutions Where voting on Nomination of district-level Lieutenant National Delegates Governor and takes place Attorney General Other Things at State Convention Hoosier Hospitality Dinner IYD After Party Speeches Vendors Current Night before Right after HH Will have area for officeholders, convention, highly Dinner, highly vendors for candidates for recommend recommend campaigns office, special guests Becoming a State Convention Delegate What does a State Delegate do? Vote on Vote on Vote on
  • Precinct Committeeperson and Activist Handbook & Resource Guide

    Precinct Committeeperson and Activist Handbook & Resource Guide

    Precinct Committeeperson and Activist Handbook & Resource Guide Precinct Committeeperson /Volunteer: County and Precinct: 110 W Washington St. Suite 1110 East Indianapolis, IN 46204 Ph: (317) 231-7100 Fax: (317) 231-7129 www.indems.org [email protected] Paid for by the Indiana Democratic Party, www.indems.org, John Zody, Chair. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. Table of Contents Chapters 1. This Handbook & Resource Guide: General Overview of the Handbook 2. What It Means To Be A Democrat: Party Values and Space for Candidate Materials 3. The Basics: The Precinct, Party Organization, Job Description, Essential Functions, Election Year Responsibilities, Qualifications, Becoming a Precinct Committeeperson, Term of Office and Privileges 4. Getting Started: Know Your Precinct, Know Your Precinct Demographics, Know Your Neighbors, Know Your Local Election Laws, Know the Issues and Know the Party Organization 5. Effective Canvassing: Canvassing, The Importance of Canvassing, Recruiting Volunteers, Neighborhood / Block Captains, Providing Service, Canvassing Tools and Tips, Canvassing Techniques: Walking, Calling and House Parties and Reading the Voters 6. Registering Voters: Voter Registration Tips, Frequently Asked Questions: Voter Registration, Increasing Democratic Registration and Voting Information 7. Candidate Support: Supporting Candidates, Qualifying, Campaigning: Walking, Calling, Emailing, House Parties, Fundraising, Publicity, Other Ways You Can Help, Ballot Issues and Non-Partisan Races 8. Winning Elections: Field Efforts and Teamwork, Absentee Voting, Get Out The Vote and Frequently Asked Questions: Voting 9. Recruiting Volunteers: The Importance of Volunteers, Phone Other Democrats, Approaching Volunteers, Handling Volunteers and Recruiting Tips 10. Other Opportunities for Involvement: List of Other Opportunities, Overall Precinct Committeeperson Duties 11. Important Contact Information: State Party Headquarters, Your County Party, Your District Party, State Elected Officials, District, County, City Elected Officials 12.
  • 2021 Rules of the Indiana Democratic Party

    2021 Rules of the Indiana Democratic Party

    February 2021 Rules of the Indiana Democratic Party PLEASE NOTE: In December 2020, the State Central Committee passed two supplemental rules regarding reorganization that can be found in the accompanying 2021 Reorganization Guide on the IDP website where these rules are found. Those should be viewed in conjunction with these rules when planning for 2021 Reorganization meetings. These supplemental rules relate (generally) to timing of county reorganization meetings and proxies at county reorganization meetings. 1 February 2021 Table of Contents Page Rules 3 I. Party Structure 3 Rule 1. Party Composition 3 II. Party Governance 3 Rule 2. Applicability of Rules 3 Rule 3. State Committee Authority Over Rules 3 Rule 4. Adoption of Supplemental Rules 3 Rule 5. Rule Conflicts Between Committees 3 Rule 6. Rules of Order 3 Rule 7. Acceptance of Rules 4 III. Membership & Party office 4 Rule 8. Eligibility for Membership & Party offices 4 IV. Statements of Principle 4 Rule 9. Gender Equality 4 Rule 10. Party Access 5 V. Party Committees 5 Rule 11. Precinct Committees 7 Rule 12. Town or city committees 8 Rule 13. County Committees 13 Rule 14. District Committees 15 Rule 15. State Committee 19 Rule 16. National Committee 20 VI. The State Convention 20 Rule 17. State Convention 23 VII. Vacancies 23 Rule 18. Candidate and Elected Officeholder Vacancies 30 VIII. Removal 30 Rule 19. Removal of Party Officers 34 IX. Controversies 34 Rule 20. Controversies 35 X. Miscellaneous Provisions 35 Rule 21. Proxies 36 Rule 22. Quorum and Voting 36 Rule 23. Secret Ballots 36 Rule 24. Changes of office Provided in writing 36 Rule 25.
  • Cardwell's Vision

    Cardwell's Vision

    V20, N26 Thursday, March 19, 2015 Cardwell’s vision for ‘big tent’ GOP Incoming chairman has Gov. Pence’s ear, and seeks humanitarian imprint on party By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS – Incoming Indiana Republican chairman Jeff Cardwell represents a different type of figure for that job. He has had a long political, professional and personal relation- ship with Gov. Mike Pence, who in a conference call with the 18-member Indiana Republican Cen- tral Committee last week nominated him to replace Chairman Tim Berry. Cardwell, an In- dianapolis businessman, former city councilman, head of the governor’s Faith-Based Office, and humanitarian with a long history with groups like Habitat For Humanity and been an internal policy and political sounding board for the People Helping People, met Pence during his first congres- governor, but he will have a seat at the table in the next sional campaigns almost three decades ago, and has been six to eight weeks as Pence faces perhaps his toughest involved in the governor’s career ever since. As Pence decision to date, which is whether to seek reelection or finishes his third legislative session, Cardwell has not only Continued on page 3 30 political ‘don’ts’ By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS – With the saga of Rep. Justin Moed finding at least temporary equilibrium after his sexting-capade, we’ve been urged by several of our read- ers to update our “Mistakes Politicians Should Avoid” list. Here goes: “We have no higher priority than 1. Avoid Sydney Leathers. Do not follow, text, Instagram, the safety of our children and Facebook, Tweet, bleat or meet families and will do what is best anything with the Evansville social media sexpot.
  • Civil Rights and the Primary Election of 1964 in Indiana: the Wallace Challenge* Matthew E

    Civil Rights and the Primary Election of 1964 in Indiana: the Wallace Challenge* Matthew E

    Civil Rights and the Primary Election of 1964 in Indiana: The Wallace Challenge* Matthew E. Welsh** In the spring of 1964 Democratic Governor George Corley Wallace of Alabama announced that he was going to campaign for the presidency of the United States, opposing President Lyndon B. Johnson, also a Democrat. Wallace had become a national figure by defying the United States Supreme Court in refusing admission of Negro students to the University of Ala- bama, and his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomi- nation had obvious overtones of racial intolerance which I found most disturbing. Indiana had come a long way since the adoption of its Constitution of 1851, Article XI11 of which barred Negroes and mulattoes from entering the state. At that time blacks already living in the state, many of whom had been born here, were not regarded as citizens. They could neither vote nor hold public office. They could not serve on juries or in the militia, and they were barred from public schools.' Article XI11 was voided by the Indiana Supreme Court in 1866. The General Assembly authorized school integration in 1877, prohibited discrimination in enjoyment of public accommodations in 1885, and in 1963 created the Indiana Civil Rights Commission with broad pow- ers and an adequate budget.2 The record also disclosed, how- ever, that the statewide referendum in 1936 approving amend- ment of the Constitution to permit Negroes to be members of * This article is an account of the 1964 primary election in Indiana as experienced and remembered by one of the major participants in the campaign.
  • Horse Race: Gauging Mayoral Races Political Minority Mayors, Big City Incumbents Appear to Be in Good Shape by BRIAN A

    Horse Race: Gauging Mayoral Races Political Minority Mayors, Big City Incumbents Appear to Be in Good Shape by BRIAN A

    V21, N5 Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015 Horse Race: Gauging mayoral races Political minority mayors, big city incumbents appear to be in good shape By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS – In sur- veying the mayoral general elec- tions less than two months away, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom the political minority mayors in big Henry (left) appears to cities appear to be a good shape have an advantage, while for reelec- Elkhart Mayor Dick tion. And Moore is in trouble. a throw- At this point in the-bums- the campaign they all out trend seem to be good bets doesn’t for reelection. And seem to be taking shape. there’s Republican Terre Haute incumbent Duke Bennett By “minority party mayor” we mean Fort Wayne who is a nominal favorite for reelection. Democratic incumbent Tom Henry who presides in a city On the upset watch list are Democratic Elkhart that is 57% Republican, or Republican Evansville incum- Mayor Dick Moore, who is facing an intense challenge from bent Lloyd Winnecke where the city council is controlled 8 former state representative Tim Neese; Republican Portage to 1 by Democrats, or Republican Kevin Smith in tradition- Continued on page 4 ally Democratic Anderson. An international twist By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS – For a generation, Indiana gave the United States and the world a legion of “international- ists”: Sens. Dick Lugar and Dan Coats, Gov. Robert Orr, Lt. Gov. John Mutz, and U.S. Reps. Lee Hamilton, Tim Roemer and Frank McCloskey. “We are falling behind here. We They forged historic non-proliferation efforts like the are struggling.
  • Shopsmall This Holiday Season Greater Evansville SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY IS NOVEMBER 30 November New

    Shopsmall This Holiday Season Greater Evansville SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY IS NOVEMBER 30 November New

    NOVEMBER 2019 PRESIDENT & CEO LETTER MEMBER MILESTONES NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS UPCOMING EVENTS SWIN NEWSMAKERS newsletter #TogetherWeThrive #shopsmall this Holiday Season greater evansville SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY IS NOVEMBER 30 November New Shoppers at Elements Design Studio on Small Business Saturday 2018 in downtown Evansville. Member Profile: greater evansville Photo: DOWNTOWN EVANSVILLE - Economic Improvement District. Evansville Protestant greater evansville Home THE President & CEO Letter New Member Profile LIFESTYLE HEALTH Thankful for CHAMBER our region The Southwest Indiana Chamber is pleased to introduce Lifestyle ASSOCIATION Health Plans as a unique health benefits program designed for Chamber members to address the underlying causes of the rise in healthcare s we close in on the Thanksgiving holiday, I take this opportunity to PROGRAM costs - employee health behaviors. This program is made available through a partnership with NFP. Areflect on the many reasons I’m grateful to be of this region. Greater Evansville WHAT MAKES LIFESTYLE HEALTH DIFFERENT? is a very special place to build a career, enjoy • Level-funded major medical plan designs a rich family and to truly “Live, Work and • Underwritten by “A” rated carriers Play.” Your Southwest Indiana Chamber • Member savings averaging 5-15% in most cases appreciates the opportunity to advance the Let's welcome Evansville Protestant • Integrated wellness incentives and cash-rewards region by representing your interests through Home as a new member to the • Up to a $500 deductible credit available to all wellness participants our public policy efforts, business growth Southwest Indiana Chamber. Evansville • Integrated concierge telemedicine, outpatient lab and diabetic services, talent and inclusion initiatives, and A message from Protestant Home is located at 3701 supply benefits regional leadership.
  • Politics Indiana

    Politics Indiana

    Politics Indiana V14 N44 Tuesday, June 24, 2008 JLT labors under the unity facade UAW, Schellinger don’t join Jill’s Convention confab By RYAN NEES INDIANAPOLIS - Jill Long Thompson has work still to do with the party faithful, who at the state convention Saturday appeared more swept by the candidacy of Barack Obama and even the muted appearances by the Hoosier Congressional delegation than of Indiana’s first female gubernato- rial nominee. And behind the scenes, the machinery of the Democratic establishment still appears to be exacting upon her nothing short of malicious ven- geance. The candidate was met with polite ap- plause as she toured district and interest group caucus meetings, but skepticism persisted especially amongst the roughly half of the party that supported her opponent in Indiana’s May primary. That unease was punctuated dramatically by the UAW’s refusal to endorse her candidacy the morning of the conven- tion, a move that appeared designed to rain on the nominee’s parade. Jill Long Thompson listens to her brother talk about her life and candidacy The UAW’s support provided vital to archi- just prior to taking the stage Saturday at the Indiana Democratic Conven- tect Jim Schellinger’s primary tion. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey) campaign, which received See Page 4 Back home again with Jill By BRIAN A. HOWEY NASHVILLE, Ind. - In the Hoosier brand of guber- natorial politics, home is where the heart is. We remember Frank O’Bannon talking about his “wired” barn down near Corydon. In January 2005, Mitch Daniels talked about an “These days many politicians Amish-style barn raising.
  • Tremblers in GOP's Tectonic Plates

    Tremblers in GOP's Tectonic Plates

    V19, N25 Thursday March 6, 2014 Tremblers in GOP’s tectonic plates Bosma, Kittle story, family groups lashing out shows a GOP on edge By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS – With the Indiana Republican Party at its power apex, the inevitable fissures are beginning to appear as economic and social conserva- tives are clashing. Nothing revealed this more than the constitutional mar- riage amendment where more than a dozen senators and repre- sentatives broke away, supporting the vote from this November to possibly the stripping out of the second 2016 when Gov. Mike Pence is expected sentence. On the Indiana Repub- to seek reelection, the last two weeks lican Central Committee, a clear have found social conservatives lashing majority said to be around 15 of out at the GOP legislative establishment. the 21 members opposed HJR-3. Former Republican Jim Kittle (left) and And in the fallout of the Continued on page 4 second sentence, which delayed Speaker Brian Bosma. Putin’s Russia, Crimea By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS – As day slipped into night during the cruel winter of 2014, millions of Americans watched the mesmerizing closing ceremony of the Sochi Olympics. This was a stunning facade of the Russian Fed- eration, particularly its tribute “He made an inexcusable to writers, with their portraits rising up from the floor - Leo mistake, he did. He went to a Tolstoy, Anton Chekov, Fyodor debate - if he’d just gotten a flat Dostoevsky, and, amazingly, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, the tire, he’d be a senator today.” author who revealed the epic - Club for Growth’s Chris cruelty of gulags of the Soviet Stalin era.
  • The Marriage Debate Heads for GOP Platform Fight, Treasurers Race to Headline Convention by BRIAN A

    The Marriage Debate Heads for GOP Platform Fight, Treasurers Race to Headline Convention by BRIAN A

    V19, N36 Tuesday, June 3, 2014 The marriage debate heads for GOP Platform fight, treasurers race to headline convention By BRIAN A. HOWEY NASHVILLE, Ind. – Sometime be- tween 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. this Saturday in Fort Wayne, the Indiana Republicans will chart a course that could impact their position as Indi- ana’s super majority party. The supposed 1,775 delegates (not all will show up) will make a determination on whether the party’s 2014 platform addresses the constitutional marriage amendment, and it will choose a state treasurer nominee who could expose the various fissures – Tea Party, establishment, money wings – of the party. Terre Haute attorney Jim Bopp Jr., who lost his Republican National Committee seat While the treasurer floor fight among in 2012 after proposing a party litmus test, is pushing the marriage platform plank. Marion Mayor Wayne Seybold, Don Bates Jr., and Kelly Mitchell has been the long-anticipated nor Democrats took a platform stance on the marriage is- event for the Indiana Republican Convention, it is the plat- sue. form, normally an obscure, rote exercise that rarely influ- The Republican platform committee did not take ences voters, that could define Hoosier Republicans for the next several years. In 2012, neither Indiana Republicans Continued on page 3 A doozy of a convention By CRAIG DUNN KOKOMO – The Indiana Republican State Conven- tion, June 6-7 in Fort Wayne, is shaping up to be quite an event, promising to change this sleepy little election year into a good old-fashioned Hoosier barnburner. In a phenomenon that “It seems the governor has been happens every 12 years, the election ticket will be headed by everywhere of late but Indiana.” the secretary of state race this - John Gregg, speaking year.