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V14 N21 Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008 The coming 7th CD Dem donnybrook Will unity, or chaos, emerge from the fractured Democrats on Saturday

By BRIAN A. HOWEY INDIANAPOLIS - Back in the late 1980s, Gov. Robert D. Orr appointed State Sen. Richard Shank to his administration, creating a vacancy. The powerful Elkhart County Republican Chairman Roy Rogers made a surprising decision. He said he was going to fill Shank’s Senate seat himself, vowing to serve out the term and not seek one of his own. Thus, we had State Sen. Roy Rog- ers. In 1988, Elkhart Commissioner Marvin Riegsecker won a five-way contested but orderly primary and still serves in the Sen- Indianapolis Councilman Andre Carson is shown here as his ate to this day. grandmother - the late U.S. Rep. - was brought to the I tell this story because beginning this Saturday Indiana Statehouse to lie in repose. Carson is one of nine Demo- and extending through May 6, and possibly through No- crats who will vie in a 10 a.m.. caucus at Shortridge Middle School vember, the 7th Congressional District has all the poten- Saturday for the 7th CD and his ability to find unity presents a huge tial of exposing the fissures in the Democratic Party that challenge early in his career. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey) See Page 3

Obama-Hamilton?

By LOU JACOBSON Special to the Howey Political Report WASHINGTON - With Sen. (D-Ill.) looking like a strong contender for the Democratic presi- dential nomination, it’s only a matter “The proposed amendment to of time before political junkies start playing the vice presidential name SJR-8 is interesting and intriguing. game. And there may be a Hoosier who could fit the bill. It honestly addresses the true cost Actually, a number of Hoosiers of the repeal of homestead taxes.” would be potentially appealing for an Obama ticket. There’s Sen. - Senate President Pro Tempore (D), though his problem is that his David Long Senate seat would be filled by Gov. HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 2 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008 Mitch Daniels (R), potentially tipping unlike many long-serving Members of Howey Politics a closely divided Senate. There’s also Congress, Hamilton managed to leave former Rep. (D), though the rough-and-tumble world of parti- Indiana Roemer is mostly a blank slate nation- san combat with broad respect intact, is a nonpartisan news- ally. a nice affirmation of Obama’s themes Arguably, the most intriguing of reconciliation. letter based in Indianapolis pick for Obama – in Indiana or any- • Hamilton would enable the and published by NewsLink where else — could be former Rep. Democrats to counter the Republicans’ Lee Hamilton (D-Ind.). “ownership” of 9/11. Hamilton’s ser- Inc. It was founded in At first blush,Hamilton vice co-chairing the 9/11 Commission 1994 in Fort Wayne. seems an odd choice. He’ll be 77 on and the Iraq Study Group would offer Election Day. He’s never run a national the ticket a strong, common-sense foil race. He doesn’t lock in a swing state to the Bush administration’s record Brian A. Howey, publisher for the general election. And he has - and by extension, the record of most Mark Schoeff Jr. and Mark all the sex appeal of Congressional Republicans Curry, Washington the think tank scholar - on both the aftermath Writers he currently is, at the of 9/11 and the Iraq War. Woodrow Wilson Center These two high-profile Jack E. Howey, Editor for Scholars in Washing- commission assignments Beverly Phillips, Associate ton. make Hamilton as well- Editor But Hamilton suited as anyone to give Therese Waechter, IT offers a number of at- Democrats credibility on tributes that could play those issues. He also the yang to Obama’s provides a shot at forging Subscriptions: yin. Here are some of a national consensus from $350 annually HPI via e-mail; them. the shards of national • Hamilton is security divisiveness. $550 annually HPI & HPI Daily a political moderate. • Hamilton is battle- Wire. While Obama has so far tested. He repeatedly won Call 317-254-0535. found success selling a reelection in a red-tinged Howey Politics Indiana post-partisan, post-red/ district, which should give blue vision, it’s only a matter of time him an idea of how to compete in the PO Box 40265 before Republicans start poring over swing territory Obama needs to win in Indianapolis, IN 46240-0265. his Senate and state legislative record November. Moreover, his work on the and unearthing a few too many liberal two commissions has given Hamilton Contact Us votes for some swing voters to swal- recent experience with the Russert- www.howeypolitics.com low. Adding a self-styled moderate as Matthews-Stephanopolous television his No. 2 would allow Obama to prac- grinder. It also has made him better [email protected] tice what he preaches in expanding his known nationally than at any time in Main Office: 317-202-0210. ticket’s ideological reach. his Congressional career. Howey’s Mobile: 317-506-0883. • Hamilton has decades of ex- • Hamilton has been out of Indianapolis Fax: 317-254-0535. perience in Washington, especially on Congress long enough that it would foreign policy. If the Republican nomi- be hard to attack his voting record. Washington: 202-256-5822. nee is Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) - or There shouldn’t be any worry of get- Office: 317-254-0535. even one of the other contenders save ting tripped up by a John Kerry-style “I ©2008, Howey Politics former Gov. Mike - voted for it before I voted against it” Indiana. All rights reserved. you can be sure that Obama’s thin re- attack. Hamilton’s last votes were cast Photocopying, Internet forwarding, sume, especially on , will three years before 9/11, making them be a major part of the case against ancient history. faxing or reproducing in any form, him this fall. Hamilton would neutral- • Hamilton doesn’t have to in whole or part, is a violation of ize that. Hamilton served in Congress worry about being branded a lobbyist. federal law without permission from from 1965 to 1999, including a stint as Other potentially interesting Demo- the publisher. chairman and ranking member of the cratic elder statesmen, such as former International Relations Committee. Yet Sens. George Mitchell (Maine) or Tom HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 3 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008 Daschle (SD), have become lobbyists, thus providing op- Clark or even New Mexico Gov. , have ties position researchers with a gold mine of potential dirt. Not to the Clintons that could prove awkward after a heated so with Hamilton. primary. • Hamilton wouldn’t pose a threat to the primacy • Hamilton wouldn’t necessarily bring Indiana into of Obama. No worries about upstaging the candidate, as the Democrats’ column, but his presence on the ticket Kerry supposedly wondered about his ticket-mate, former could force the GOP to spend scarce money to keep it Re- Sen. (NC), in 2004. Hamilton would be too publican next fall. old to run for president himself, a la Vice President Dick And last: Cheney, yet he would be fully prepared to step into the • Hamilton is available at a moment’s notice. All presidency if needed. he’d have to do is leave his think tank and not worry about • Hamilton isn’t considered too close to the Clin- who might gain the seat in Congress he’s giving up. v tons. By picking Hamilton, Obama could continue building his own network outside the sway of Bill and Hillary Rod- Jacobson is the editor of CongressNow, a contribut- ham Clinton, his primary opponent. Other potentially strong ing writer for Roll Call newspaper and the Out There Democratic candidates for VP, such as retired Gen. Wesley columnist for stateline.org.

sioner Woodrow Myers has sent a letter saying he would 7th CD, from page 1 skip the caucus and run in the primary. “I believe it is best to follow the normal schedule for the February convention occurred with the death of U.S. Rep. Julia Carson and the and the May primary election,” Myers said. “In my view defeat of Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson. Congresswoman Carson’s unexpired term that will be filled One Democrat we talked with this week called in the March 11th special election, belongs to a candidate Saturday’s caucus a potential “cluster f---.” And this ques- who will follow through on the projects she had already tion was posed: Do you think the Democratic field will unite initiated, and do their best to complete them before that behind the winner? term concludes later this year. It is my The answer to that is likely intent to compete for the new term in to be “no.” Unless State Rep. David Congress that would begin in January Orentlicher wins the caucus on Saturday 2009. That means in the near future (and he might), he is already signal- you’ll be hearing much more about ling he will run in the May primary. my vision for a better Indianapolis.” Others in the field: Councilman Andre Andre Carson enters this fray with Carson (generally seen as the caucus the emotional edge, thanks to the frontrunner), State Rep. Carolene Mays, machine that his grandmother Councilwoman Joanne Sanders, IceMI- forged. Even before she died, the ller attorney Randle Pollard and Marion Carson machine began fomenting County Treasurer Michael Rodman have the election of “The Seed.” After key entered the caucus. All are keeping their allies hid her terminal condition for options open for the May primary. Other months, former congressman Andy fringe candidates include Stephanie Jacobs Jr. endorsed Councilman Car- McCabe, Francie Nelson Williams and son. At her funeral on Dec. 22, Rev. Jeffrey White. Louis Farrakhan and two members Former Indiana Democrat Cha- Randle Pollard of the Congressional Black Caucus man Robin Winston decided against endorsed Andre Carson, something entering the caucus and said of the that “surprised” Orentlicher. primary, “I’ll wait and see what happens on Jan. 12.” Numerous Democratic Party sources say that while The only person who said they wouldn’t run many in the party see Andre Carson as a “good guy,” they against the slate at Monday’s Indiana Equality forum was are increasingly turned off by the heavy-handed tactics of State Rep. Greg Porter, and then he didn’t file for the cau- the dynasty. A number of Democrats we’ve talked to see cus. Carson as a potential congressman, but say he hasn’t paid One potential candidate told HPI, “Why even enter his dues like Orentlicher, Mays, Porter and Rodman have. when you know people aren’t going to help you compete” There has been great pressure coming from Lacy Johnson, on March 11? Jacobs and Center Township Trustee Carl Drummer on Former Indiana and health commis- caucus for Carson. HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 4 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008

Whether it ends up perpetrating the Carson ma- chine or backfires will be one of the key early story lines. If Andre Carson can’t secure 50 percent in the first or second ballots, the potential is great for chaos that could linger well into the election cycle. In 1998, when State Sen. Lonnie Randolph re- signed to accept a judgship, there was a five-ballot caucus to determine his replacement. It became an East Chicago vs. Gary showdown. Sources say it wasn’t resolved until East Chicago Mayor Robert Pastrick and then-Lake County Commissioner Rudy Clay (now mayor of Gary) huddled in a corner and cut a deal that gave the seat to Sam Smith. With Carson’s death and Peterson’s defeat, there doesn’t appear to be a commanding figure capable of unit- ing the factions. State Rep. David Orentlicher at his campaign kickoff Tuesday at On the Republican side, it appears to be a the Martin Luther King Center. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey) two-way battle between State Rep. Jon Elrod and former Jerusalem Post publisher Tom Rose. We see Elrod as the favorite as the Republicans caucus on Sunday. frontrunners and that I’ll probably be in the top two and Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi sent out a we’re working to improve on that. press release this morning saying he would not be a candi- HPI: Who do you see as your greatest rival? date in either the special or primary election. “When I ran Orentlicher: I think there’s a lot of of emotional for re-election, I pledged to the citizens of this county that support for the congresswoman’s grandson. We’re look- I would wake up every day working to make their families ing at this election as finishing out her term. I think some safe from crime,” Brizzi said. “I am committed to serving people think it might make sense. my term as prosecutor and making our streets as safe as HPI: When you heard Rev Farrakhan and the Con- they can be.” v gressional Black Caucus members endorse Andre Carson at the funeral, what went through your mind? Orentlicher: I was surprised to see that at a Orentlicher prepares for an funeral. You know you did hear a number of comments coming from family members. ‘aggressive’ election sequence HPI: How much money to you think you’re going to have to raise? INDIANAPOLIS - State Rep. David Orentlicher Orentlicher: We have an expensive media mar- kicked off his campaign Tuesday at the Martin Luther King ket. By the end, this is going to be more than a million Center and HPI Publisher Brian A. Howey conducted this dollars on each side. By the time of the primary, maybe interview with him shortly after he finished speaking: around a half million. HPI: What have you been doing to prepare for this HPI: You mentioned health care and Iraq. Are since Congresswoman Carson’s funeral? those the key issues on the minds of precinct committee Orentlicher: We’ve been doing people? two things. We’ve been meeting with sup- Orentlicher: Those are important issues. I want porters to raise funds.This is going to be to make sure we talk about job creation and the economy. a very expensive race, so we want to be At a certain time, reassuring people their jobs will be there well financed. We’ve been recruiting vol- and reassuring people. unteers. I’ve been talking to the precinct HPI: You’ve got a full plate with the tax crisis, the committee people. calling them, meeting Indiana General Assembly and now a caucus, two and pos- with them, and trying to get their support. sibly three elections. You must be very organized. HPI: All 520? Orentlicher: I’ve always been a hard-working Orentlicher: Oh no, we’re not there yet. By the candidate and representative. I think people know they see end of the week we’ll get to all of them. me everywhere, I knock on doors, I do what it takes. We’ll HPI: What kind of response are you getting from find the time and I’ve got a great foundation of supporters. them? Do you have a realistic shot in the caucus? We expect to have a first-class organization.v Orentlicher: Yeah, I’m getting a very strong response. I think the people’s view is that I’m one of the HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 5 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008

campaigns because fundraising and strategy are directly Classic Clinton win wired to public opinion. And, just as importantly, polls drive most media coverage. It’s no surprise that Clinton’s upset in New Hampshire has unhinged the political establishment. Surely this elec- tion will intrigue historians for years to come. Part of the By MARK CURRY answer may be rooted in ’s experience in the Washington, D.C. - ’s victory in 1992 Granite State primary, when the Arkansas governor Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary effectively ended any finished behind the late Sen. Paul Tsongas of Massachu- speculation of an early resolution to the Democratic presi- setts. dential nomination process. Dante J. Scala, an assistant professor of politics Polls conducted as late as Sunday indicated the at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., authored the New York senator lagged behind Barack Obama by several book, Stormy Weather: The New Hampshire Primary points, sometimes in the double digits. Even Clinton’s own and Presidential Politics. Scala wrote that Clinton won private surveys predicted a decisive defeat. One cam- by assuring his national strategy would not end with a paign operative told a reporter on Monday that the Clinton New Hampshire disaster. Even in defeat, the author as- campaign intended serted, the future president displayed a broad base to spin anything of support, drawing from working-class city wards less than a 10-point and from suburban elites, which is where his wife victory by Obama. found many of her votes 15 years later. Influential Instead, she won by State Sen. Lou D’Allesandro told the author that Bill just less than 8,000 Clinton was a flesh-and-blood politician who excelled votes - or about 2.7 at connecting with people, that he was “a people percent of the state’s hugger and a people grabber.” Newspapers have carried Democratic elector- similar descriptions of the “new” Hillary over the past few ate. days. Much has been written about the value of Bill’s sup- Talk of port of Hillary’s campaign, but again, Scala’s research into change took center the 1992 contest offers an insight concerning the 2008 stage in the last days race. of the campaign, Stories abound of how Bill kept in close contact but in the end it was with Granite State Democrats well beyond the primary, classic Clinton, and the professor wrote, noting that he hosted a New Hamp- downright traditional shire Day in the White House, inviting several hundred Democratic politics, A question from Marianne Pernold local Democratic elites to discuss politics. Bill established that won the day. Young in a Portsmouth cafe and Hillary several long-term relationships during this time, and it’s not Last week’s loss Clinton’s answer may have saved her too much of a stretch to imagine Hillary continues to ben- in , plus the campaign. The irony is that Young voted efit. Scala cited Portsmouth activist Anita Freedman, who increasingly unset- for Obama said, “When I hear anybody bad-mouth Bill Clinton, they tling trends in New don’t get away with it if I’m sitting there.” Hampshire polls and It’s also not too much of a stretch to suppose elsewhere, caused Hillary to upend her game plan just 36 Indiana Democratic Sen. Evan Bayh can rightly take some hours or so before the vote. Monday morning dawned an small pride in his contribution to Hillary’s most recent vic- all-new candidate. The vigorous, tough and shrewd perso- tory. As reported by Howey Politics Indiana Daily na that stormed Iowa and early New Hampshire morphed Wire on Tuesday, the one-time presidential hopeful was into a gentler, vulnerable and more sensitive woman. making telephone calls and knocking on doors as part of a Molly Parkington, a 32-year-old mother in Concord, star-studded, all-out effort to win voters to Hillary’s cause. told USA Today that she was vacillating between a vote for Bayh, who has been visiting New Hampshire since his Obama or Clinton when she was moved by news reports of father’s run at the nomination in 1976, established a firm Hillary being near tears Monday when describing her feel- ground game late in 2006 as he weighed entering the cur- ings about the election. rent fray. Just days before Evan elected to drop out of the “She seemed a lot more real at that moment,” race, HPI cited the vice chair of the New Hampshire Demo- Parkington said. “It just made me decide to vote for her. cratic Party, who said Bayh “has a lot of friends here....” They’re pretty close on the issues.” “He’s been coming up here helping out candidates Political analysts continue to scratch their heads at and local parties for a number of years,” Ray Buckley the Clinton victory two days later. Polls are vital to these said during a telephone interview with HPI conducted in HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 6 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008

December 2006. “He has a lot of strong relationships with and I was moved to tears, not once, but twice," Young told people that go back to the days 30 years ago when his dad CNN. He has this enormous electricity and I was just taken ran for president. He also was very involved in assisting us aback." in this year’s election. He was very engaged, very involved Young asked Clinton on Monday, "My in assisting the election of the question is, how do you do it? house majority and the senate How do you keep so upbeat?" majority, but he also provided Clinton's response is widely support for county candidates credited with reviving her flag- and for the governor and for the ging campaign as it led off most state party as well. Of all the Monday evening newscasts and candidates, he really was the played heavily on Tuesday. "You most engaged in really assisting know I have so many opportu- candidates directly.” nities for this country," Clinton Tuesday’s victory dem- responded as tears welled up in onstrated Hillary’s ability to mar- her eyes and her voice wa- shal the campaign’s resources vered. "I just don't want to see and strategies. By preventing Evan Bayh in Feburary, 2005, during an exploratory trip to us fall backwards." an Obama victory, she ensured Manchester, N.H., with State Senators Lou D’Allesandro, As the crowd the Democratic race will extend Joe Foster, Manchester Welfare Commissioner Paul Mar- applauded this spontaneous at least into , Feb. tineau and Alderman-at-Large Mike Lopez. (Flickr Photo) moment, Clinton added, "This 5, when more than 20 states will is very personal for me; it's not host elections. Whereas early just political. It's not just pub- state contests are personal affairs waged during hundreds lic. I see what's happening. We have to reverse it." Young of appearances by the candidates, subsequent elections explained, "I'm in shock my simple, honest genuine ques- rely almost solely on organization and strategy. Resources tion created such an uproar. I was asking it as a friend, will be spread across a vast and varied machinery, with woman-to-woman. I did not expect that response. I did not even the best-funded and well-known candidates struggling expect the tears. I was touched and totally in awe that she to be heard above the din. If New Hampshire is any indica- would open up to all of us there in such a delicate man- tion, Hillary is well poised for what looks to be a memory- ner." In Iowa, Clinton lost out to Obama among women making battle with Obama. 35 percent to 30 percent. In New Hampshire, Clinton won female voters 46-34 percent. Obama won male voters, 40- Questioner voted for Obama 29 percent. But female voters outvoted male voters, 57-43 Many commentators - including Howey Politics percent. Her victory went counter to almost all pre-primary Indiana - credit tears in the eyes of U.S. Sen. Hillary polls and even ' exit polls which predicted a 5 Clinton in Portsmouth on Monday as fueling her stunning percent Obama victory early Tuesday evening. comeback Tuesday night in the New Hampshire primary. But the woman who asked the question, Marianne Pernold Kerry to endorse Obama today Young of Portsmouth, voted for U.S. Sen. Barack Obama. U.S. Sen. John Kerry is expected to endorse Obama "The Friday before Monday, I went to a Barack Obama rally this afternoon in South Carolina. v

2008 State Presidential Polls (R) McCain Romney Huckabee Giuliani Paul Rossman Group Jan. 6-7 18 22 23 8 3

South Carolina (D) Obama Clinton Edwards Rasmussen Jan. 9 42 30 15 Insider Advan Jan. 7 40 33 15

Nevada (D) AGR Dec. 1-6 18 45 14 HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 7 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008

discipline.” Hoosier House Republicans But Pence strongly opposes McCain’s signature have yet to embrace campaign finance bill, which Pence says limits free speech, looks askance at McCain’s vote against President Bush’s tax presidential candidates cuts in 2001, and questions his approach to global warm- ing. By MARK SCHOEFF JR. Although Pence believes that Romney is sincere WASHINGTON - Hoosier Republicans’ thinking about the conservative positions he’s embraced on social is- about their party’s presidential nomination reflects why the sues, he hesitates over Romney’s “fairly recent conversion” race is in flux: Not only is no candidate captivating, each from more liberal policies he pursued as Massachusetts of them seems to have significant chief executive. flaws. Sodrel, who founded his own Rep. (R-6th CD) bus and trucking company in New has not yet endorsed any of the Albany, cites Romney’s business top Republican hopefuls--Sen. John background as a strength. “He un- McCain, former Massachusetts Gov. derstands a balance sheet and has , former Arkansas Gov. read a profit and loss statement,” and former New he said. York City Mayor . He also salutes Huckabee’s propos- “I’ve not got to a place al to replace the income tax with a where I’ve found a candidate that Pence and McCain after their Sorga Market tour in consumption tax because it eases embodies all the reasons I became Baghdad on April 1, 2007. cost pressures on manufacturers. a Republican,” Pence said in an HPI “I view that as much a jobs bill as interview. a tax bill,” Sodrel said. “It makes Pence said a candidate our products more competitive in the world market.” must support a strong military, and the Sodrel is lukewarm about McCain and rules out Gi- sanctity of life and marriage to earn his imprimatur. No one uliani. “Giuliani would not be helpful in this district,” Sodrel stands out so far. “Each of them has strengths in particu- said, referring to the former mayor’s liberal social views. lar areas and weaknesses in particular areas,” he said. Whoever emerges as the nominee will have a face He stressed he will support the eventual nominee in the a daunting challenge in the general election. Republican general election. fundraising and enthusiasm lag far behind that surrounding Former Rep. Mike Sodrel, who is challenging the leading Democratic candidates, Sens. Hillary Rodham Democratic Rep. for the 9th CD seat he lost in Clinton and Barack Obama. 2006, holds a similar view. “Every candidate has a strong In New Hampshire, both would have trounced suit,” Sodrel said in an HPI interview. “But (voters are) not McCain, the GOP winner, if it were a general election. finding everything they want in one candidate.” Clinton garnered 90,796 votes and Obama 84,519. McCain Like Pence, Sodrel has not made an endorsement. received 70,138. “Republican voters are demoralized and “I’m still doing a lot of soul searching,” he said. frustrated,” Pence said. “Conversely, Democratic voters are McCain, Romney, Huckabee or former Sen. Fred highly motivated.“ Thompson of could yet get Pence’s backing in The recent GOP majority in Congress let down its the primary. He rules out Giuliani because of the mayor’s supporter with its profligate spending and scandals, Pence support for “abortion on demand and gay marriage.” said. But he expects Republican voters will be energized for But the other candidates also have drawbacks, the general election this fall, when the GOP candidate faces according to Pence. For instance, he likes Huckabee’s a Democrat who, in Pence’s view, would withdraw from stance on social issues like abortion. But he’s skeptical Iraq, promote a bigger government and embrace a liberal about Huckabee on economic and education policy because social agenda. “That is anathema to Indiana voters,” he of what he says is Huckabee’s history of raising taxes and said. “This is going to be the most bright-line election since spending while limiting school choice. 1980.” “I just spent the last seven years battling the presi- Sodrel anticipates a challenge for both parties dent of my own party who was a strong social conservative given the mood of the electorate. but had a penchant for big government,” Pence said. “It’s pretty volatile,” he said. “People are unhappy Pence, who has traveled to Iraq with McCain, ad- about a lot of things.” He mentions immigration, the loss mires the senator’s unwavering support for the war. He also of jobs due to international competition and rising taxes. “I calls McCain “a real champion of limited government, fiscal don’t think they’re happy with either party,” he said. v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 8 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008

ogy in polls conducted in Indiana for under-sampling the Why did the polls get it African American vote. For example, Julia Carson handily defeated Ann DeLaney in the 1996 Democratic primary for wrong in New Hampshire? Congress after an Indianapolis Star poll showed DeLaney the likely winner. By CHRIS SAUTTER But there are differences between what hap- WASHINGTON - Tuesday night, after watching pened in the New Hampshire primary and those of other the Hoosiers dismantle Michigan on TV, I walked over to campaigns which argue that Hillary won for reasons other my local Chinese restaurant on Connecticut than race. For one, Obama is a different kind of black can- Avenue in Washington to pick up some car- didate who rarely mentions race. If anything, he has ben- ryout and watch the election returns from efited so far by his race because most Democrats view him New Hampshire. Upon leaving The Uptown as a unique candidate who can take the country beyond Cathay as Hillary Clinton was holding onto the racial divisions of the past. a 3-point lead over Barack Obama, I ran Secondly, New Hampshire is not a state where into my friend David Fishlow. Fishlow had there is a history of racial divisions, primarily because the been former New York Mayor David Din- state like Iowa is mostly white. There is no history of politi- kins’ campaign press secretary. I asked him cians playing the race card New Hampshire. what he thought of Hillary’s comeback. He This is not to say that race could not have played said, “Dinkins always did better in the polls than he did on a minor role in Hillary’s victory. But there are other more Election Day. People feel a moral compulsion to consider a compelling reasons which explain the outcome. As some- black candidate. But when push comes to shove, some just one who has worked there on presidential campaigns, I won’t vote for him.” In 1989, Dinkins had held a double- can attest to the fact that New Hampshire voters are very digit lead over challenger Rudy Giuliani in polls conducted independent—even those who have a party preference. I just days before the election, but won by only two points. do not believe they took kindly to being told by the me- Indeed, there has been a “racial effect” identi- dia for five days leading up to Tuesday who was going to fied in several high profile races over the past 25 years. It win. Hillary Clinton became a sympathetic figure because was first commented upon when Los Angeles Mayor Tom the media, especially the ubiquitous Chris Matthews, were Bradley lost his 1982 bid for The bashing her unrelentlessly, as did John Edwards. Demo- polls consistently showed Bradley with a lead over Re- cratic women took the attacks personally. publican . Some media outlets even There were other factors. Some independent declared Bradley the winner based on exit polls. Similar voters concluded that their vote would count more in the voting behavior was cited in a race in which I was involved, Republican primary and voted for McCain. Also, the per- ’s narrow victory over Marshall Coleman in centage of young voters who helped propel Obama in Iowa Virginia. A Washington Post poll taken less than a week dropped off in New Hampshire. As a result, Obama lost before the election showed Wilder with an 11-point lead. strength among women voters which was exaggerated in I represented Wilder in the recount that followed in what Iowa because of the huge turnout among younger voters. was the closest gubernatorial race in Virginia history. The Finally, Clinton’s ground game was much superior in New same racial effect has been cited in Harvey Gant’s 1990 Hampshire than it was in Iowa, while Obama’s was not losing race against Senator in nearly as good. Hillary was able to deliver a record number and ’s narrow win for of women voters and they voted for her. in 1983, among others. Respected pollster Peter Hart says the polls missed Tuesday night, some in the media like Chris Mat- Hillary’s surge because they stopped polling before the thews of Hardball seized on the “Bradley effect” to explain surge began. Almost 40% of voters decided on primary why virtually every poll and pundit had predicted Obama election day. New Hampshire was highly fluid, first with would bury Clinton in the New Hampshire snow. Most Obama getting a bounce from Iowa and then Clinton get- sounded as if they were grasping for reasons to justify why ting one the ground. Her surge was triggered by events they were so wrong. in Saturday night’s debate when Obama and Edwards It would be naïve to think that race no longer plays appeared to be ganging up on her. It improved as the a role in American politics. The “Bradley effect” is real, I networks played her “tearful moment” endlessly, And, her saw it at work first-hand in Virginia, and I have witnessed election was sealed with a first-rate ground game. racial politics in countless campaigns since then. Polling in It all came together for Hillary Clinton in the snows races involving black candidates or a substantial number of New Hampshire. But she faces tough sledding in the of black voters is unquestionably tricky. Indianapolis radio weeks ahead in Nevada, South Carolina, and on Super personality Amos Brown has frequently criticized methodol- Tuesday. v HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 9 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008

Geography: South Bend, Michigan City, Mishawaka, 2008 Indiana Governor Elkhart, Kokomo, Plymouth, Logansport; LaPorte, St. Governor 2008: Republican: Gov. Mitch Daniels, Joseph, Starke, Marshall, Pulaski, Fulton, Cass, Carroll La Ron Keith. Democrat: Jim Schellinger, Jill Long Thomp- and parts of Howard, Porter, Elkhart and White coun- son. 1996 Results: O’Bannon (D) ties. Media Market: South Bend-Elkhart, Indianapolis, 1,075,342, Goldsmith (R) 997,505, Lafayette, Chicago. People: Urban/rural 73/27%; median Dillon (L) 35,261. 2000 Results: income $40,381; Poverty 9.5%; Race 84% white, 8% O’Bannon (D) 1,230,345, McIn- black; 5 Hispanic; Blue/white collar: 34/50%. 2002 tosh (R) 906,492, Horning (L) Result: Chocola 95,081 (50%), Long Thompson 86,253 38,686. 2004 Results: Daniels (R) (46%); 2004 Result: Chocola 140,496 (54%) Donnelly 1,302,912, Kernan (D) 1,113,900, (D) 115,513 (45%) 2006 Result: Donnelly 103,561, Gividen (L) 31,644. 2008 Fore- Chocola 88,300. 2008 Forecast: Puckett is signalling to cast: As we’ve been reporting over the last couple of supporters that he will run, but we haven’t heard from him weeks, the Schellinger campaign is a mess, even though yet. Status: LIKELY DONNELLY it reported $2.4 million. Indianapolis Star columnist Matt Tully called it “uninspired,” “lackluster” no policy proposals Congressional District 5: Republican: (despite a property tax crisis). The candidate dodges inter- U.S. Rep. , Dr. John McGoff. Geography: Media views. From our perspective, Tully nailed it. The Schellinger Market: Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend. People: campaign has been one of the absolute worst we’ve ever Urban/rural 73/27%; median income $40,381; Poverty seen at the gubernatorial level ... perhaps the worst since 9.5%; Race 84% white, 8% black; 5 Hispanic; Blue/ Linley Pearson’s 1992 debacle. A candidate has to stand white collar: 34/50%. 2006 Republican Primary Result: for something. What does Jim Schellinger stand for other Burton 61,150, Alfred 6,869, Wakley 4,822. 2006 General than “listening?” We have no clue. When we spent a couple Result: Burton (R) 133,118, Carr (D) 64,362, Sharlow (L) of hours with Schellinger last February as be kicked off 7,431, Miller (I) 18. 2008 Forecast: McGoff has sent his campaign, he promised to communicate. HPI had a an e-mail to supporters that says he’s raised $250,000. five-minute interview last April, another sometime in May, “That $250,000 is nearly three times what all of Burton’s and then any time we tried to talk with him, we got Mike opponents combined raised over the past three election Edmondson. The policy proposals were always a couple of days, then a couple of weeks away. By mid-summer, we cycles,” McGoff said. “It will go a long way toward victory, just stopped trying to figure him out. A travel date for the but we still need to raise more in order to ensure we can writer with the candidate? No interest. get our message spread.” Primary Status: Leans Burton Whether you like Gov. Daniels or not; whether you agree with him or not, you at least know where he stands on the issues. You know where he is going to take 2008 Legislative the state. He is promising to make 2008 a referendum on future direction. But with this Democratic field, there are House District 89: Republican: Holly Da- virtually no clues. Zero policy. They’ve completely ducked vis, Christopher Swatts. Democrat: John F. Barnes. 2004 the most critical policy debate in a decade. These are can- Results: Buell 15,391. 2006 Results: Buell 7,809, Barnes didates who represent the Indiana Democratic Party, and 7,297. 2008 Forecast: Warren Township resident Chris yet beyond Speaker Bauer’s ridiculous tax rebate, what do Swatts announced his candidacy. Swatts will be participat- they stand for? Virtually nothing. ing in the upcoming Marion County Republican Slating We’re expecting Thompson to show at least Convention on Feb. 16. “My candidacy will be about the $700,000, but she has yet to release any kind of detailed citizens of the Eastside and the important everyday issues financial data. that we face in the district such as property taxes, jobs, We’re moving the status of the general race this crime and education. I will effectively represent the citi- week. Democratic Primary Status: TOSSUP. General zens by listening and learning their concerns as I continue Status: LEANS DANIELS to meet with them in the community,” Swatts said, citing his work in the state auditor office, the Indianapolis Cham- 2008 Congressional ber and currently with SallieMae, Inc. Status: Leans D. v

Congressional District 2: Republican: Luke Puckett. Democrat: U.S. Rep. . HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 10 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008

from other repeal proposals which have never addressed Some palpable paranoia the true cost of replacing property tax revenue. It also deals with the fundamental driving force behind the state’s on taxes and reform property tax revolt, which is homeowner’s taxes.” That had to provoke a little indigestion on the sec- By BRIAN A. HOWEY ond floor as Gov. Daniels appears resolute to steer things INDIANAPOLIS – There was a palpable paranoia away from a repeal. in the halls of the Indiana Statehouse as the General As- Long said that he expects the committee to recon- sembly returned on Tuesday. Legislators know they must vene in the coming days, but wants to “make certain the do something - maybe anything - to stem the perceptions plan is workable and acceptable before asking colleagues of the property tax crisis. Gov. Mitch Daniels’ 1-2-3 cap ‘n to vote on the proposal.” cut plan was getting mixed reviews and So the door is hardly closed on the repeal and took a bit of a body blow on Tuesday propoents predict if it hits the floor, it will pass. State Sen. when Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Chair- Beverly Gard told the Muncie Star Press, “I am open to man Luke Kenley told the Fort Wayne anything. If we can make the numbers work, that is great.” Journal Gazette, “The circuit breaker is There were also indicators that Kenley’s stature pivotal, and I’m not quite sure if we have with the conservatives has diminished. Many blame him for the right answer.” caving in to Bauer and House Ways & Means Chairman Wil- Hmmmmmmmm. liam Crawford on the tax rebate scheme last April, believing That had to send a shudder through House Speak- it set off the property tax crisis that hit in June. “There’s er B. Patrick Bauer and House Democrats. From the day been a lack of contrition on Kenley’s part,” said one Senate Daniels unveiled his plan last October, Bauer has signalled conservative. “We expected a Jimmy Swaggert moment … a willingness to play because both he and the governor ‘I have sinned against you.’ When that didn’t happen, it left need it. But that cooperation is contingent on the Daniels a lot of us shaking our heads.” administration keeping the House Republicans were Senate GOP in line. Kenley’s lining up solidly behind Gov. quote was a little fissure in Daniels today. They released their that facade. tax priorities, which included, Behind that facade is a immediate property tax cut by Hoover Dam of unrest as Sen- May 2008; strong state and lo- ate conservatives ponder and cal spending caps; permanent push SJR-8, the constitutional 1 percent of assessed valuation amendment that would repeal homestead cap; remove schools property taxes. “I’d like to get and welfare from property tax; rid of all property taxes, but make caps and levy removals I don’t know if that’s possible permanent; referenda for local or if we have the fortitude,” construction and budget increas- said Sen. Mike Young, R-India- es; school construction projects napolis. “We can accomplish built on local option income tax; the elimination of homestead fund all cuts with sales tax alone; single assessment official in each property tax in the state of Tax protesters made their presence known a week ago at county; and permanent elimina- Indiana for our citizens.” the Indiana Statehouse. About 100 people turned out for tion of homestead property tax. Sens. Young and Brent Tuesday’s Senate hearing. Waltz were pushing the idea of Gov. Daniels reacted taxing services to replace some quickly, putting out a coordinated of the revenue. Senate President David Long wouldn’t com- statement today that said, “On behalf of taxpayers, I ap- mit to a floor vote, though it appears he has departed from plaud the supportive stance taken by the House Republican his predecessor in allowing some bills to escape the Senate caucus on our tax cut proposals. It’s another step toward Rules Committee, once a grave yard for legislation. the biggest tax cut in the history of our state. Coupled with Long explained to the Terre Haute Tribune-Star, the bipartisan progress the Senate has taken this week to “The proposed amendment to SJR-8 is interesting and reform the assessment process and control local borrow- intriguing for several reasons, First, it honestly addresses ing, it shows there is momentum in both houses and both the true cost of the repeal of homestead taxes. This differs parties toward the consensus we need to pass historic tax relief, both immediate and permanent.” HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 11 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008

The other fascinating bringing forth, as Governor aspect of this is the lack of Daniels calls it the ‘road map movement from Gov. Daniels to reducing the cost of govern- on the Kernan-Shepard Com- ment.’ It’s now the legisla- mission recommendations. ture’s responsibility to continue While legislation passed out this discussion and bring about of committee to move assess- change.” ing functions from the 1,008 The Senate Local Govern- townships to the counties ment and Elections Committee as well as referendums on voted 5-4 on SB16 that would school projects, the adminis- shift the assessing duties. tration is not pushing much of What is interesting here is the rest of the package. the bipartisan nature of the Sen. Mike Delph, vote, with Democrat Sen. John one of the Senate conserva- Broden joining Republicans tives, has filed SB333 that Delph, Gary Dillon, Connie would create the single Lawson and Phil Boots. Voting county executive, eliminate no were Republicans Mike township government and Sen. Kenley is facing some challenges within the Senate Major- Young and Sue Landske and require all school board ity Caucus over the tax repeal issue. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Democrats Tim Lanane and members to be elected during Robert Dieg. general elections. Shadowing the three- “We have a respon- ring circus were taxpayers, sibility to taxpayers to examine Indiana’s outdated and with 100 showing up for the repeal hearing Tuesday. Leon expensive system of government and collectively reduce Dixon of Muncie stated the reason for the aforementioned the cost for Hoosiers,” Delph said. “I would like to com- paranoia: “”If (lawmakers) don’t understand what trans- mend the Kernan-Shepard Blue Ribbon Commission for pired here today, they need to be replaced.” v

groups including the state Democratic Party, had not come Supreme Court may up with evidence that anyone has been denied a vote based on the law, which the state legislature passed in break on party lines over 2005 when Republicans were in the majority. Democrats as- Indiana voter ID law sert that the law dis- criminates against the By MARK SCHOEFF JR. poor, minorities and WASHINGTON - Conservative members of the U.S. the elderly, among Supreme Court seemed to be more sympathetic toward others who may have an Indiana voter identification law than their more liberal trouble affording or colleagues during an oral argument about the controversial getting access to measure on Wednesday. identification such as a Later this year it will rule on the constitutionality driver’s license. of Indiana’s requirement that election participants show a They brought government-issued photo ID at the polls in order to cast a the case forward ballot. If its internal deliberations reflect the public reaction before specific victims of justices, the high court may breakdown along political Secretary of State have been found in lines. believes the U.S. Supreme Court will order to prevent any- Chief Justice John Roberts, who grew up in Indi- uphold the Indiana voter ID law and one from having their ana, may lead the way in defending his home state’s law as insisted that no one had been disen- fundamental right to a way to prevent election fraud, based on his questions and franchised. (Richmond Palladium-Item vote curtailed, accord- statements at the court hearing. Photo) ing to Paul Smith, an Roberts noted that the plaintiffs, a melange of HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 12 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday Jan. 10, 2008

attorney for the state Democratic Party who argued the tential problem. “That’s not hypothetical,” she said. “That’s case before the Supreme Court. real. It is real that there will be many people whose vote Advocates say the measure will strengthen the will not count.” She said that the poor are most likely to integrity of the election process by preventing fraud. Indi- suffer. “That burden is put on every person who does not ana is one of seven states that requires voters to produce have a photo ID,” she said. photo identification. A federal law passed in 2002, in the In one of his lines of questioning, Roberts asserted wake of the disputed presidential election results in Florida that the state will assist those who lack identification. in 2000, requires anyone who registers to vote by mail to “They say, if you don’t have one, we’ll help you get one,” show a photo ID or another official document indicating he said. name and address if he or she hasn’t previously voted in a Smith maintained that the process is difficult. federal election. He said that Lafayette Urban Ministries ran into problems Under Indiana’s law, people who vote in person helping people obtain birth certificates and driver’s licenses. without proper identification can cast a provisional ballot. “They were in this bureaucratic maze and couldn’t get Within 10 days, they must pro- out,” he said. He also said that validating a duce appropriate identification provisional ballot requires voters to make to have their ballot counted. In their way to a local courthouse. November’s municipal election Roberts was unmoved by that ar- in Indianapolis, 34 people voted gument. “County seats aren’t very far for provisionally, according to the people in Indiana,” he said. Marion County Election Board. While Democrats concentrate on Two went through the process to the voters who may be hurt by the ID law, qualify their vote. About 165,000 Republicans stress how it combats poten- people voted in the capital’s may- tial election fraud. oral race. Roberts and Justice , Echoing the arguments of another court conservative, devoted que- the defendants, which include the ries to this area. Roberts highlighted that Marion County board and GOP 41 percent of the names on Indiana voter Secretary of State Todd Rokita, rolls are duplicate entries or are people Roberts said that a small percent- who have died. age of people in Indiana don’t “Don’t you think … that presents a have a photo ID. significant potential for fraud?” he asked Indiana Solicitor Gen- Smith. eral Thomas Fisher told the court Smith downplayed such concerns. that an “infinitesimal number” of “To call it scant is to overstate it,” he said. voters could be affected by the Chief Justice John Roberts asked several But Alito pressed the point. “There would law, perhaps 25,000 or so. “The questions about the potential for fraud and be no need for a photo ID requirement if vast majority of voters are already Indiana’s willingness to assist voters who there were no problem whatsoever,” he in compliance with this law,” he lacked identification. (Lugar Senate Photo) said. When Ginsburg and Breyer suggested said. The Bush administration ways to make it easier for people to obtain supports the state position. a photo ID, such as providing a process for Smith put the figure at 400,000, saying that half of obtaining one at voter registration offices or polling places, them are registered to vote and most are low income. He Fisher defended requiring a formal document like a driver’s emphasized that that is the population that is most likely license. to be disenfranchised by an ID law promoted by a partisan “We would want to have an ID that has some in- executive and legislative branch of government. Poor and tegrity to it,” he said. “The General Assembly is legitimately minority voters tend to lean Democratic. concerned about voter confidence.” “This is an area where judicial review is most After weighing all the arguments, the Supreme important,” Smith said. But quantifying the problem is one Court is likely to hand down a decision this summer, just struggle the justices face in addressing alleged problems before a pivotal election in November. caused by the ID law. “How are we supposed to do it?” For Ginsburg, the priority is to make sure that poor asked Justice Stephen Breyer. people aren’t denied their chance to vote. “They do have a Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a stalwart of the burden it seems to me the state could easily eliminate,” she liberal side of the court, said that the 34 people forced to said. v used a provisional ballot demonstrate that there is a po- HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 13 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008

Matt Tully, Indianapolis Star - One thing sound. (Actually, Huckabee likes angling for bass, too, but is clear: Jim Schellinger, once the perceived sure thing for let’s stay on topic today.) When the former Arkansas gover- the Democratic nomination, a man with all the party and nor won the Republican on Jan. 3, surprised fundraising connections, has run one of the more unin- politicos speculated on the reasons Huckabee beat bet- spired campaigns in recent memory. Ten months after the ter-funded big names like Mitt Romney, John McCain and Indianapolis businessman entered the race, it’s a good bet Rudy Giuliani. The experts insist Huckabee, once a Baptist most Hoosiers haven’t heard of him. Good luck minister, appealed to Iowa’s -belt through finding a Schellinger policy proposal. Other than his conservative stances on cultural issues and his fundraising success and the fact that polls tough-on-Wall-Street economic populism. Maybe. suggest any Democrat would be competitive But what about Huckabee’s ability to reach out against Daniels, Schellinger’s campaign has been to a neglected group of voters — America’s bass a lackluster one. The problems are now being ex- players? He is one of them. posed by a campaign shakeup. In recent weeks, Schellinger has tossed or lost his campaign man- Jack Colwell, South Bend Tribune - ager, field director, finance director and at least two policy Michigan now matters. Neither party’s national committee consultants. “The campaign continues to grow every day,” wanted Michigan to be in this place, but it is. Iowa caucus Schellinger spokeswoman Candace Martin said via e-mail results make it unlikely that any candidate in either party about the departures, “and we are preparing for the more will be able to claim unstoppable momentum for nomina- engaged phase of the campaign.” Is the room spinning? tion after the first two traditional vote tests of the presi- There is, of course, nothing wrong with making staff chang- dential quest. First test: Iowa. Republican winner: Mike es. Many candidates have lost elections because they re- Huckabee, defeating Mitt Romney, thus depriving Romney fused to make needed changes. But the pace of departures of what once seemed to be a realistic chance to win the at the Schellinger campaign has alarmed many Democrats. first two tests and gain that unstoppable momentum for After all, you rarely see heavy turnover at healthy cam- the GOP nomination. Democratic winner: Barack Obama, paigns. And you rarely see a candidate without a campaign defeating Hillary Clinton, who has had a commanding lead manager four months before a primary. Schellinger dodged among Democrats in polls taken nationwide and seemed my requests for an interview. But Democratic operatives poised to establish unstoppable momentum for her party’s close to his campaign say it has been a disorganized one. A nomination. Second test: New Hampshire. The primary small advisory team assembled by Schellinger has met only there is Tuesday. Huckabee hasn’t been doing well there, once. Staffers who were selected to play key roles are out. although he will receive some boost from his Iowa win. Former campaign manager Mike Edmondson had a falling Either Romney or a surging John McCain is likely to win out with the candidate, party and campaign insiders said, the Republican primary. On the Democratic side, Clinton in part because of Indiana Democratic Party Chairman Dan has had a strong lead there and is in good position to Parker’s involvement, and because Schellinger never made keep Obama from a second victory. Even another Obama clear who was in charge. That left the campaign without a win wouldn’t end the Clinton effort nationally. Third test? clear direction. Meanwhile, former Rep. Thompson has run Michigan. There hasn’t been much attention paid to what a more spirited campaign than Schellinger’s team expected. comes right after Iowa and New Hampshire. But it’s the She recently snagged several key union endorsements on-again, off-again, now on-again Michigan presidential and has polled well. Her aides dismiss Schellinger as “the primary on Jan. 15, exactly one week after the New Hamp- insider candidate.” Monday, Schellinger announced he’d shire vote. In pushing its primary up to that date, Michigan raised $2.4 million in 2007. His team has long argued he defied the national committees of both parties. As a result, would crush Thompson financially and boost his name ID there has been limited presidential candidate campaign- with heavy pre-primary advertising. Many supporters, even ing in Michigan, especially on the Democratic side. Some disillusioned ones, continue to believe that strategy will key Democrats took their names off the primary ballot. carry Schellinger to the nomination. Perhaps they’re right. And penalties could include loss of all delegates to the Schellinger has indeed proved he can raise cash. But as a Democratic National Convention and half the delegates candidate, he hasn’t proved much else. v to the Republican National Convention. But there will be

campaigning in Michigan now. Romney, whose father was Mark Bennett Terre Haute Tribune-Star a Michigan governor, already has been on Michigan TV. He - Whether he knows it or not, presidential candidate Mike will go all out now to win in Michigan, either to add to a Huckabee has an untapped bass of support at his fingertips. New Hampshire victory and capture the front- runner role Did I misspell that? No. I meant bass — not the short- that escaped him in Iowa or to salvage his campaign after A fish, but the long-A musical instrument with four thick two losses. v strings, a long neck and a rumbling “thump-de-dum-dum” HOWEY Politics Indiana Page 14 Weekly Briefing on Indiana Politics Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008 Ashcroft/Zimmer deal the Securities and Exchange Commis- between St. Joseph County Sheriff sion, Zimmer said it had agreed to Frank Canarecci and other county of- drawing scrutiny pay the Ashcroft firm a monthly fee ficials over the sheriff’s pay may now WASHINGTON - When the of $750,000, and to reimburse it for have a second front. Canarecci filed a top federal prosecutor in New Jersey expenses that were expected to total lawsuit last week naming the county needed to find an outside lawyer $150,000 to $250,000 a month. auditor, commissioners and council as to moni- defendants and alleging the council tor a large Work at Getrag plant violated state law by cutting his salary corporation because he has been keeping money willing to suspended indefinitely from property tax warrants he collects settle crimi- TIPTON - Construction of a (South Bend Tribune). He is seeking nal charges $530 million transmission plant in Tip- reinstatement of the roughly $70,000 out of court ton County has been suspended indef- cut from his salary for this year and last fall, initely (Kokomo Tribune). “Until the $14,000 in back pay. Now a bill co- he turned parties can reach an agreement, we’re sponsored by a local legislator in the to former at a standstill right now,” said Randy Indiana House of Representatives Attorney General , his Cyman, personnel director for Getrag, would set a minimum salary for county onetime boss (New York Times). handling the Tipton development. sheriffs but require those sheriffs to With no public notice and no bidding, “We’re in discussions with Chrysler deposit money they earn from collect- the company awarded Mr. Ashcroft an right now. ... I’m confident the parties ing tax warrants into their county’s 18-month contract worth $28 mil- will come to the right decisions.” Dave general fund. Canarecci’s situation lion to $52 million. That contract, Elhsoff, a spokesman for Chrysler, makes the issue timely, says co-spon- which Justice Department officials said company officials are aware the sor David Niezgodski, D-South Bend, in Washington learned about only construction work is on hold. “We’re but the issue had already been under several weeks ago, has prompted an hopeful construction can resume after consideration before this situation internal inquiry into the department’s the meetings this week between both arose. procedures for selecting outside moni- companies,” Elhsoff said. “We expect tors to police settlements with large construction can resume without any companies. The contract between significant impact to the project’s Muncie Council chaos Mr. Ashcroft’s consulting firm, the timeline.” Sources indicated there are now a YouTube hit Ashcroft Group, and Zimmer Hold- several items the two parties want to MUNCIE - Cary Malchow ings, a medical supply company in address, including the price of each joined the ranks of Star Wars Kid and Indiana, has also drawn the attention transmission and how many would be Numa Numa Dancer on Wednesday of Congressional investigators. The produced for Chrysler. morning (Muncie Star Press). He New Jersey prosecutor, United States became an Internet phenomenon, Attorney Christopher J. Christie, Great Lakes compact albeit on a much more local scale. directed similar monitoring contracts Malchow made local headlines when last year to two other former Jus- approved by committee he asked Muncie City Council on Mon- tice Department colleagues from the INDIANAPOLIS - A Great day to investigate a Democratic coun- Bush administration, as well as to Lakes water agreement won’t seem cil member, Monte Murphy, accused a former Republican state attorney like such a big deal to Northwest Indi- by Republicans of illegally collecting general in New Jersey. Officials said ana residents swimming and boating absentee ballots from voters in his dis- that while there had been no accusa- in Lake Michigan, and that’s the point trict. The request was received poorly tions of wrongdoing on the part of (Post-Tribune). “People won’t see by the largely Democratic council. Mr. Christie or Mr. Ashcroft, aides to much difference in their day-to-day Decorum deteriorated, chaos ensued Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey lives,” state Sen. Karen Tallian said and council President Sam Marshall were concerned about the appear- Wednesday after the Senate Energy ended the meeting while Malchow ance of favoritism. Mr. Ashcroft was and Environmental Affairs Committee was in mid-sentence. On Wednesday awarded the contract last fall at the approved the Great Lakes Compact. morning, audience member Dana direction of Mr. Christie as part of his Reif posted the Malchow speech to office’s settlement of criminal accusa- Bill would set YouTube.com, a popular Web site for tions against Zimmer Holdings and user-generated videos. “A picture is four smaller firms accused of paying sheriff pay worth a thousand words,” Reif said. kickbacks to doctors. In its filing with TERRE HAUTE - A battle “But a video is worth 10,000 words.”