V20, N4 Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014

The closed caucus compromise Keeping legislative caucuses private was Open Door compromise in 1977 and 1979 By BRIAN A. HOWEY WEST BADEN, Ind. – That clunk- ing sound heard within a mile radius of the Indiana Statehouse mid-day Friday was all the jaws dropping when Speaker ban- ished State Rep. Eric Turner from House GOP leadership. As a result of the Turner case and Bosma’s reaction to it, there is a growing conversation about the concept of “conflict of interest” in Indiana’s parttime “citizen legis- Speaker Brian Bosma and State Rep. Eric Turner as part of a past leadership team. lature” and the secrecy surrounding the four Bosma banished Turner from leadership last Friday. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey) legislative caucuses. elected policymakers. In a parttime legislature we each After complaints emanating from the House carry with us our own personal conflicts and influences Republican caucus, to a tortured House Ethics Committee and we must continually be on guard to set them aside, or review that absolved Turner in bipartisan fashion, Bosma recuse ourselves entirely from influencing that matter. Our sent out a press release last Friday that began, “There is no more important precept in a free democratic sys- tem than the expectation of impartial decision making by Continued on page 3 Conflicts and interest By DAVE KITCHELL LOGANSPORT – It drew praise last week from both sides of the aisle in Indianapolis. “It” was a decision to strip State Rep. Eric Turner of his Indiana House leadership position because of a conflict of interest. Turner had “We need clarity and strength. worked behind the scenes on a nursing home issue before the We need to be clear that ISIS is a state, which could potentially force of evil.” affect his own family’s nursing home business. - U.S. Rep. Luke Messer, Turner, who at one time represented a portion of south- commenting to HPI on ern Miami County, has been in ` the beheadings of Ameri- the legislature long enough to know that his job there is not to can journalists James serve as a lobbyist for the nurs- Foley & Steven Sotloff ing home industry. That’s what Page 2

his family’s nursing home should have of law school with no political affilia- done. Recusing himself from discus- tion? The answer has to be yes. sion and potentially any vote on the 2. If Bosma or a member of issue probably would have been the his legislative staff or a member of right thing to do. his law firm’s staff contacts the State But just exactly how do legis- Board of Accounts to advise them lators from either party know what is to give favorable audits to the city the right thing to do? despite concerns over consulting fees The Turner case brings to for the project, is that a problem? The the surface an issue that begs more answer has to be yes. is a non-partisan newslet- consideration: How to prevent con- 3. If Bosma contacts any ter based in Indianapolis and flicts of interest from happening in the state financing or bonding authority Nashville, Ind. It was founded first place and identifying red-flag situ- to arrange financing issues for Lo- in 1994 in Fort Wayne. ations that should not have involved gansport’s project, is that a conflict those with pecuniary or vested inter- because his clout as speaker may It is published by ests in the outcome of a bill, a vote, sway the decision of decision-makers WWWHowey Media, LLC a caucus or a floor fight. How many to approve the project? The answer 405 Massachusetts Ave., other Eric Turners are there out there has to be yes. Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN in the legislature? 4. If Bosma influences any 46204 Unfortunately, this issue was decisions by the Indiana Department resolved after the fact, and there is of Local Government Finance to ap- merit to considering other potential prove expenditures for the project or Brian A. Howey, Publisher conflicts of interest. This could po- other Logansport budget items, is it a Mark Schoeff Jr., Washington tentially include cases such as those conflict? The answer has to be yes. Jack E. Howey, Editor involving the very man who punished 5. If Bosma or his law firm Mary Lou Howey, Editor Turner, House Speaker Brian Bosma. aides or legislative staff places any For those who may have calls, sends any e-mails or has any Maureen Hayden, Statehouse missed it, including the Indianapolis private conversations with Attorney Matthew Butler, Daily Wire media, Bosma is employed by the city General Greg Zoeller’s staff urging of Logansport as a special counsel. them to look the other way in pursu- Subscriptions Bosma, who has a background as an ing any investigation of appropriations HPI, HPI Daily Wire $599 engineer and an attorney, is working by the city council or mayor, is it a with city officials on a proposal for conflict of interest? The answer has to HPI Weekly, $350 the city to engage in a development be yes. Ray Volpe, Account Manager agreement for a new power plant. 6. If Bosma in any way blocks 317.602.3620 Keep in mind, we don’t know where potential legislation to allow his client, email: [email protected] the plant will be built or who will the city of Logansport, to build and finance it, and city officials are mov- operate the plant, is it a conflict of ing swiftly ahead with an arrangement interest? The answer has to be yes. Contact HPI that is equivalent to a no-bid contract 7. If Bosma is a party, di- www.howeypolitics.com for an $800 million construction job rectly or indirectly, to a review by the [email protected] that will tie the city to its success for Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission Howey’s Cabin: 812.988.6520 the next 25 years. to encourage it to not be involved or Howey’s cell: 317.506.0883 Where the potential ethics raise fiscal or environmental concerns concerns come in to play with Bosma for the state involving this project, is it Washington: 202.256.5822 or any other legislator in this situation a conflict of interest? The answer has Business Office: 317.602.3620 are maybe not as apparent with other to be yes. consultants who aren’t members of 8. If Bosma or his law firm or © 2014, Howey Politics Indiana. the legislature. For instance: legislative staffs contact the Indiana All rights reserved. Photocopy- 1. If Bosma has any con- public access counselor to influence tact with the Indiana Department of public access information and deci- ing, Internet forwarding, fax- Environmental Management to seek sions that either have been made or ing or reproducing in any form, approval for a permit to burn refuse- will be made regarding this project, whole or part, is a violation of derived fuel or trash, would the par- is it a conflict of interest? The answer federal law without permission ticipation carry any more weight with has to be yes. from the publisher. IDEM than say an attorney fresh out 9. If Bosma works with Page 3

Logansport lobbyists on this project, is it a paid conflict of this: If we’re going to have a citizen legislature where interest? The answer should be yes, because those lobby- lawmakers are parttime but have fulltime jobs, shouldn’t ists may have other clients that want favorable legislation we have tougher ethics laws that prevent them from even Bosma can influence, write or sponsor. working on projects that involve state government. Perhaps the overriding question for Logansport The answer, if we want a state that isn’t constantly residents and Logansport Municipal Utilities ratepayers dogged by ethics complaints and the appearance that who are paying Bosma now is this: If Bosma isn’t doing political influence is for sale, has to be yes. v any of these things on the list from one to nine, why is it we’re paying an Indianapolis attorney to do them? Aren’t Kitchell is an award-winning column based in Lo- there local law firms who don’t employ legislators that are gansport. up to this task? Perhaps the overriding question for Hoosiers is

caucus members privately and then in off-the-record mode Caucus, from page 1 complaining about the conflict. That prompted Bosma to open an ethics probe. It also put him in the crosshairs of greatest concern must be the confidence of the public in the debate over conducting the people’s business behind their elected officials.” closed doors. Thus, after Turner lobbied inside the GOP caucus The issue came up last February when State Sen. on behalf of nursing home legislation, then saw his family Mike Delph violated what Senate President David Long sell his family nursing home business for $2.3 billion (along called “our golden rule,” which was, essentially, what with a personal $1 million profit), it was too much for the happens in caucus, stays in caucus. After Delph tweeted speaker who had made transparency a career hallmark. out a caucus vote, Long gave the press corps what HPI “Calls for resignation or removal described in the Feb. 20 edition as “perhaps, a once-in- at this point mean little, as the a-generation lesson on General Assembly is officially Senate protocol.” adjourned until after the No- “We have three vember election,” Bosma said. basic rules in our cau- “The public can rest assured cus,” Long began. “Our that I made the decision many conversations are re- weeks ago that Rep. Turner spectful so we can have will not be part of our leader- free open-line discus- ship team come November. My sions of the issues from greatest concern is restoring all sides, on all perspec- the confidence of the public in tives. We’ll take a vote their elected officials.” on how our caucus will It prompted Democratic handle that bill and we state auditor candidate Mike honor that vote ... And Claytor to open the conflict-of- that we never, ever talk interest issue. “I think third- about what happens graders understand what a in caucus, which pro- conflict of interest is,” Claytor tects everyone to speak said on the steps of the State- freely; so the water isn’t house. “And if we could get poisoned in our caucus some third-graders in to edu- for fear of someone say- cate some of the state officials, State Sen. Mike Delph got sideways with Senate leadership after ing something. It allows it might help a lot. Maybe that Tweeting about a majority caucus action last February. (HPI Photo by for them to freely speak ought to be the next proposal, Matthew Butler) their minds and it allows that we take this to the third- them to talk about their grade level.” constituents and things they would otherwise not speak But perhaps even more profound are the seeds publicly about. It is our golden rule.” for the conflict of interest scenario that happened in the In the wake of the Turner probe and Bosma lead- House Republican caucus, where Turner lobbied for nurs- ership action, former Elkhart mayor Jim Perron was one ing home legislation. Various media reports had Republican of several voices contacting HPI about the caucus secrecy. Page 4

“Would not a long-term solution be to revisit the Sunshine commissioners or audit by State Board of Accounts; 4. Any laws and apply them to state legislative caucuses?” Perron, building corporation ... issuing bonds; and 5. Any advi- a five-term Democrat, asked. “Throughout the ordeal, I sory commission to advise the governing body of a public continually read of legislators on both sides of the aisle agency, except medical staffs or committees of such staff. saying ‘what happens in caucus stays in caucus’ and refer- Conspicuous in its absence were the four legisla- ences to the caucuses as private meetings. Why? These tive caucuses. If the four legislative caucuses had been are elected officials discussing public business. Open the included, there almost certainly would have been no Sun- caucus to public scrutiny and the problems represented in shine or Open Meeting laws in Indiana. the Turner matter would be resolved.” Dilts observed in his 1980 analysis: “In the original Indiana went through two episodes of opening version of the bill, caucuses were included as meetings government to the scrutiny of the press and the people. and were listed among those which could be closed. The The first came in 1953 when the “Hughes Anti-Secrecy” House action in making a caucus a ‘non-meeting’ rather legislation was first passed, as well as California’s Brown than an executive session took the political strategy ses- Act. sion completely out of the reach of the statute.” A generation later, after the Watergate scandal “As an executive session, the caucus would have rocked Washington, alerting Americans and Hoosiers of been subject to requirement that public notice and identity the potential for abuse of power, new Sunshine Law legislation was intro- duced in 1976, amended and passed in 1977 and amended again in 1979, with these laws rewritten and greatly expanded. Simultaneously, Speaker Bosma asked for a public meeting with then House Minority Leader B. Patrick Bauer during the 2012 show- local citizens down over Right to Work. and newspapers were growing more concerned about closed meetings and of the subject matter be posted and provided to the news pre-meeting discussions, especially among school boards. media,” Dilts wrote. “Moreover, the act forbids a body Jon Dilts, a former Peru Daily Tribune city editor, from ordinarily conducting an executive session during attorney and future Indiana University journalism instruc- the meeting, but if a caucus is not a meeting at all, there tor, wrote a 1980 analysis for the Valparaiso University is nothing to prevent a political faction or coalition of a Law Review that traced the movement back to President board from meeting privately as a caucus without notice, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, when he called for a “gov- at any time, even if that caucus constitutes a majority ernment by the people.” of the members on a board or commission. The caucus “The tone, the spirit and the cadence of Lincoln’s exemption is a major potential weakness in the act, and Gettysburg speech, however, are echoes of the Consti- is virtually impossible to police. Planning political strategy tution, not of the dusty doctrines of common law. His and preparing members to take official action, where ‘of- government by the people is a constitutional government,” ficial action’ includes voting, provides handy camouflage Dilts explained. “Advocates of open meetings have often for action which the statue specifically intends to prevent.” and hotly argued that the public’s right to attend meetings In both today’s 37-13 Republican Indiana Senate, is implicit in the first two articles of the Constitution as well and 69-31 Republican Indiana House, body quorums exist as the First Amendment.” in both majority caucuses. Emerging from this de- “It is curious to note that there have been few bate were five sweeping areas to be subjected to Sunshine problems with the caucus at the local level and few com- Laws: 1. Any board, commission, department, agency or plaints by the press,” Dilts wrote. “This may be, of course, authority exercising a portion of executive, administrative either because the caucus is not being abused or because or legislative power of the state; 2. Any county, town- it is being used discreetly enough to avoid criticism. What- ship, school corporation, city, town, political subdivision ever the reason, the legislature has provided that political exercising power delegated to local government; 3. Any groups may caucus privately, the effect of which is kind of entity subject to budget review by the state board of tax escape valve from the pressure of open discussion. It is Page 5 a recognition that if the law is to work to keep formal processes open to the public, there must inevitably be allowance for informal interaction.” In essence, in 1976 and 1977, it was the caucus issue that threat- ened the entire Sunshine process. “The caucus is- sue was, in fact, the most volatile issue threatening defeat of the open meet- ings act,” Dilts observed. “The state legislature in Indiana is included in the coverage of the act and the legislature uses the caucus traditionally and frequently. The caucus privilege is jealously guarded by the members Speaker Brian Bosma and Senate President David Long will jealously guard the option to have closed of the General Assem- caucus sessions during Indiana General Assembly sessions. Caucuses were exempted from Open Door bly and practical politics laws as part of a compromise. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey) makes it unlikely that any bill eliminating the private, political discussions could get substantially less meaningful by the continued protec- enough support to pass. tion of the private political caucuses with its attendance “The practical political lesson was that the concept potential for abuse. While the caucus may have been a le- of caucus remains an untouchable and highly sensitive is- gitimate tradeoff to assure passage of the act and to pre- sue for the legislature.” serve a longstanding tradition in the state legislature, it is The compromise taking the legislative caucuses certainly of less value at the local level where it proves a out of the equation angered newspaper editors and their handy means for making decisions about public business lobbyist, Dick Cardwell. under the cover of partisan political activity.” Thus, the private caucuses are still “jealously” Those pondering a move in an attempt to guarded to this very day, as Sen. Long made clear last open the caucus process are facing a political Mount Ever- February. est to scale. Long and Bosma can hardly be described as Having said that, a scandal of such proportions political moles, pushing legislation underground. Under has the potential for lighting that prairie firestorm. their leadership, legislative sessions and most committees The Indiana of the second decade in the 21st are webcast, actually increasing transparency once the Century has been the scene of mostly scandal-free state gavel brings sessions and hearings into order. We are the government – to our knowledge – as well as a withering first generation where a Hoosier in Angola, East Chicago, of the local press and the Statehouse press corps. Wheatfield or Daylight can sit at home and watch the leg- But such prairie firestorms have occurred within islature work, if they can get an Internet connection. the past century. After the Ku Klux Klan won by election The two areas that remain out of sight are the over half the Indiana General Assembly, the secretary of four caucuses and the end-of-session conference commit- state and governor’s office with Ed Jackson’s election in tees. 1924, newspapers across the state sprang into action with Dilts drew these conclusions: “The state legislature the goal of outing Klan members in government. The KKK chose to tailor a statute that is at once a remarkably liberal was rendered politically moot within a handful of election departure from the informal past patterns of Hoosier cycles and one nationally followed murder conviction of government and a remarkably conservative preservation of Grand Dragon D.C. Stephenson. Hoosier politics as usual.” Modern Indiana has yet to witness a scandal and “The great advantage of the law is that it keeps response of that proportion, but legislators should keep in the formal processes of government open and provides mind it’s far less expensive to start a website blog than it a means whereby citizens can challenge evasion quickly,” was to print a newspaper nine decades ago. v Dilts continued. “However, the right of access is rendered Page 6

sovereignty to states, fiscal sanity to Washington and bal- Pence goes to Dallas ance budget.” Pence entered the conference with a splash article by that suggested that the Hoosier governor could and becomes the have the financial support of the affluent and powerful Koch Brothers, suggesting that support could jump-start ‘happy warrior’ a Pence presidential bid. It quoted Pence as saying, “I’ve met David Koch on several occasions. I’m grateful to have By BRIAN A. HOWEY enjoyed his support and the support of many of the people WEST BADEN, Ind. – In the most conspicuous that support Americans for Prosperity across Indiana and forum where some of the earliest comparisons of the 2016 across this country.” presidential field emerged, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as- Pence acknowledged the AFP’s six-figure TV ad sumed the role of the “happy warrior” who vowed to “out campaign during his first legislative session when he work ‘em” in the months ahead. pushed for a 10% income tax cut, calling the group’s Pence was on the bill for the Americans for Pros- intervention a “critical moment.” Pence acknowledged that perity’s “Defending American Republican legislative leaders balked and were peeved by Freedom Conference” in Dallas the AFP ad campaign. “We went to the legislature and it along with Texas Gov. Rick got very interesting,” Pence said. “The legislature had a Perry and U.S. Sens. different idea. We worked our way through it.” and . Cruz seemed to At the time, legislative leaders like House Speaker depart with the most momen- Brian Bosma, cognizant of Pence’s potential presidential tum, as delegates chanted on aspirations, pushed for what became a phased-in, 5% tax Saturday, “Run, Ted, run” and cut, coupling it with the other tax breaks Pence men- others expressed doubts about Paul’s willingness to use tioned. It became the proverbial “win-win” for the gover- U.S. military force abroad. nor and legislative leaders. “We need a president who will stand up and use “We put together the largest tax-cut package every tool at our disposal,” Cruz said to applause and in state history,” Pence said, noting that it lowered the repeated standing ovations, according to the Los Ange- income tax rate, cut the corporate tax rate and ended the les Times. But momentum for a presidential prospect 18 death tax. At this news, the delegates cheered. months before the first caucus and primary votes are cast Pence bragged of the Hoosier workforce, noting is as good as flotsam in the dustbin of history. that the jobs were not created by “our administration but Pence articulated a state-based rationale for by hard-working people. We have one of the fastest labor the next president. He received a standing ovation after forces in the state. We’re the state that works.” saying, “There are some people who say that we need a It all melded into a governor as president and consistent Pence theme: I’m sympathetic to that.” Being a conservative who’s Pence appeared “in a good mood about it.” on a panel called “Tighten- But he delineated himself ing the Belt on Govern- from an earlier generation ment Spending.” Pence of Washington conserva- boasted of Indiana’s $2 tives. He noted one of billion surplus, the largest the first bills he became school voucher program involved with was No Child in the nation, the second Left Behind, followed by lowest corporate tax rate the Medicare Prescription in the U.S., the creation of Drug Part D legislation. He 80,000 jobs, and an un- parted with the administra- employment rate of 5.9%, tion of President George W. down from over 8% when Bush on both. “We need he took office. “A state new leadership,” Pence government budget should said, saying today’s GOP not grow more quickly needs to “permanently than the family budget,” reduce the size and scope” Pence said, adding at one of the federal government. point, “Just 66 days until He told delegates not to the Democrats lose Sen- “confuse the national gov- ate. Then we must restore ernment with the nation. Page 7

The American people are strong, resilient and capable. We well as the coming U.S. Department of Health and Human can bring the nation back.” Services decision on whether to accept the Health Indiana “Be confident, be optimistic, be happy warriors,” Plan 2.0. Even if the feds go along, HIP will undergo sub- Pence said. stantial changes. Pence got good news last weekend with If Sen. Paul got pushback on his limited inter- the U.S. Department of Education extended for 10 months national outlook and Gov. Perry’s ability to win a general the No Child Left Behind waiver that had been in jeopardy. election, Pence was the target of the anti-Common Core Both the NCLB and HIP interactions with the forces. While he was in Dallas, Pence was peppered with federal government also underscore a potential national a witter campaign. Stanford University Prof. James Mil- presidential race about the relationship between states gram “floored listeners” according to a Breitbart account, and the nation. “with information about the Common Core standards, how Pence is also dealing with an out-migration from they will affect the nation’s students and, ultimately, the his administration, with many holdovers from the Daniels country itself, and what parents and citizens can do to try administration departing, as well as his first chief of staff, to stop them.” and commissioners and secretaries from BV, Workforce Dr. Milgram, a mathematician and former Development, FSSA, and Department of Health, the latter member of the Common Core Validation Committee, be- three critical areas when it comes to health policy and gan his talk by addressing why he was on the call: To let jobs. Governors in the second years almost always see Pence know that his “rebrand” of the Common Core was a some turnover. If this trend continues, it could be a for- “betrayal of Indiana’s citizens.” bearing to administration instability. “The state actually paid me to evaluate new Pence left his calling cards in Dallas, on the home standards,” Milgram said about his involvement in the turf of Perry, Cruz and the Paul family patriarch, that he’s a review process. According to the Breitbart article, Milgram governor (and in a good mood about it). v said he was “incredibly disappointed that the drafts I was reading (of Indiana’s new standards) looked so much like the Common Core,” but was nevertheless “happy” to see that advanced math classes like pre-calculus, calculus, and trigonometry were left in the replacement standards. Sabato’s Crystal Ball “These were very well done and absolutely impos- sible to teach if all these kids had were Core standards,” Milgram explained. “It was a complete disaster because sees Pence ‘wild card’ even the things that they added that were of high quality By BRIAN A. HOWEY were added to standards that couldn’t support them.” INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is now Anti-Common Core websites urged followers to listed in Sabato’s Crystal Ball as a “wild card” 2016 presi- sent Tweets at Pence. Dozens followed like these: @ dential aspirant. The list reveals a vacuum, as no candi- GovPenceIN private schools in your state #DeserveBetter date is listed in the Republican “top tier.” than to have poor rebranded standards tied to vouchers. Also included in the “wild card” section are 2012 #Dream14 #StopCommonCore” while another read: @ nominee , former Ar- GovPenceIN I didn’t think it was possible but Indiana now Gov. Mike Huckabee, and has worse math standards than Common Core. Hoosiers neurosurgeon Ben Carson. #DeserveBetter #Dream14.” Of Pence, the Crystal Ball The Dallas event was milepost test for Pence to sees his key primary advantages gauge reaction from this conservative wing and potentially as “extensive governing experi- build on the confidence he has with the billionaire Kochs. ence; vetted; excites conserva- He attended a Thursday dinner with David Koch, Politico tives, particularly social conservatives; if GOP doesn’t go reported, while pointing out that several former Pence South, they could go Midwest.” As for disadvantages, it staffers are now with either the AFP or Koch Enterprises. shows “low name ID nationally; would have to give up This week, University of Virginia Prof. Larry Sa- governorship to run; no detectable campaign.” bato was preparing to elevate Pence into his “Crystal Ball” In the Crystal Ball’s first tier, that category is “ab- 2016 presidential race formula. Following this scenario out, solutely empty. Yes, it’s chaotic so far.” Pence can be expected to be included in upcoming nation- On the second tier, listed are former Florida Gov. al presidential polls. In 1975 and again in 1991, obscure Jeb Bush, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul and U.S. Rep. . governors like Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton emerged, The third tier includes U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio, Rob Port- polling in single digits. Both filled a vacuum left when Ken- man and Ted Cruz, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, New Jer- nedys, Cuomos, Bradleys and Rockefellers passed on the sey Gov. Chris Christie, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Louisiana race. Gov. Bobby Jindahl, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, and former U.S. Pence has a critical eight months coming up. He Sen. Rick Santorum. has his second biennial budget to deal with next winter, as Page 8

Messer sees Pence reelect of seniors, the middle class and the economy. Joe Bock is U.S. Rep. Luke Messer believes that Gov. Pence running toward the fire.” Bock then concludes, “Washing- will seek reelection. “I have every confidence he will run ton isn’t getting the job done. You deserve a member of for governor in 2016,” said Messer, who succeeded Pence Congress who will.” Horse Race Status: Leans Walorski. in the 6th CD. “All indications are Mike is running for re- election. We need him to run.” Mitchell ‘shocked’ at Mourdock resignation As for Pence’s potential vice presidential nomina- Republican State Treasurer candidate Kelly Mitchell tion, Messer, who is the former executive director of the issued the following statement regarding the resignation of Indiana Republican Party, said that Pence will draw atten- Treasurer Richard Mourdock. “I was shocked and surprised tion, “but if history is any indication, anyone on the ballot by the news of Treasurer Mourdock’s resignation Friday. elsewhere doesn’t end up on the ticket.” Since I learned of this, people have approached me ask- As for the potential of former Democratic Gov. ing if I would be interested in being appointed by Gover- Evan Bayh running for his old job, Messer said, “If he an- nor Pence to finish the current term. I gave this serious nounces anything this month, that means he’s not going thought. Because I care deeply about the office and state, to run. He’s got time. He’s got $10 million. He could wait the prospect of joining the office immediately and helping until next year if he wanted to.” Hoosiers in that new role is exciting. “However, for nearly Messer recalled the time period of late 2002 and a year, I have been making my case to voters that I have early 2003 when Republicans were urging Mitch Daniels the experience and vision required to be voted the next to run for governor. Messer said that Daniels preferred state treasurer. I’m confident I can earn their trust, so I to wait. “If I announce, I become a target,” Daniels told have called Governor Pence and asked not to be consid- Messer. ered to be appointed at this time. “Given that the next 60 days are the most intense New Walorski ad blasts Bock on taxes days on the campaign trail, my focus right now is to be U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, a Republican, unveiled a sure that the voters of Indiana get to know me and my new television ad last week attacking her Democratic chal- values, and that I work hard to earn their vote on Elec- lenger, Joe Bock, tion Day. I look forward to con- for a pair of votes tinuing to share my vision for during his time as the office and earning your trust a member of the between now and Nov, 4. I would Missouri House of be humbled to be elected your Representatives in next Indiana state treasurer and the late 1980s and to begin my service to our great early 1990s (Van- state then.” Mitchell faces Demo- denack, Elkhart crat Mike Boland. Horse Race Truth). her new Status: Likely Mitchell ad, Walorski at- tacks Bock for what Marriage issue her ad says were in statewides votes in 1989 and Indiana voters who’d hoped to de- 1990 to increase cide whether to place the state’s the pay and retire- gay marriage ban in the constitu- ment benefits of tion won’t find the issue on the Missouri lawmak- November ballot. But same-sex ers. Bock served marriage is still playing a role in three terms in the Missouri House and moved to South many political races, giving Democrats hopes of gaining a Bend in 2007. “Bock had a proven record there, of, well, critical foothold in the heavily Republican state (Evansville looking out for himself,” the ad narrator says. The narrator Courier & Press). goes on: “Higher taxes for you, more benefits for himself. From Marion County Clerk Beth White, who’s run- That’s the real Joe Bock.” “The incumbent wants to define ning for secretary of state, to two challengers for legis- the challenger in a negative way,” said Savage. It’s not lative seats, Democratic candidates are using the issue enough to keep a cheery tone and ignore a challenger, no to raise money and support in their fight to unseat GOP matter the perceived edge in a contest. Bock is running incumbents. “It has been a boost for fundraising,” said his second TV ad beginning on Wednesday. “Joe Bock White, who performed more than 300 same-sex weddings has always run toward the fire, to save lives, organize the over a handful of days in May after a federal judge found chaos and manage the crises all over the world. Now ca- the state’s ban unconstitutional. “There have been a num- reer politicians in Washington have created a homegrown ber of people, people I know in particular, who have said crisis, a broken system, rigged for insiders at the expense Page 9

‘I saw you on the TV and I saw you doing that important with the Indiana Election Division. Particularly bother- thing and we want people like you in our government.’” some to Kolbe were web links in the county page, since Gay marriage supporters are bullish on the issue for the removed, to the C-Tech website, www.ctech.bz, where first time in Indiana, saying they’ve been able to make an information on Nisly’s candidacy is featured. Nisly, as web aggressive push on the issue following a surprising vic- designer, ”could delve into all sorts of voter data,“ Kolbe, tory during the Indiana General Assembly’s 2014 session from Warsaw, further charged in a letter to the editor that kept the constitutional amendment off the November Wednesday, Aug. 27, meant for area publications. ”It just ballot. Workers and volunteers with the umbrella group looks terribly bad and alarms us.“ that fought the ban, Freedom Indiana, went to work on Nisly, from Jackson Township south of Goshen, other campaigns and, in one case, even entered a state declined comment, pending review of Kolbe’s complaint House race. It’s a stark shift from the May primary, when by Indiana election officials. Pam Galloway, a volunteer social conservatives successfully ousted a pair of House campaign staffer, echoed that, but also said, ”We’re not Republicans who voted against letting voters decide on worried.” “We’re just going to wait and see what the In- the ban. They also supported the author of the marriage diana Election Commission says before we give any more ban, House Speaker Pro Tem Eric Turner, who faced a details,” Nisly said. County Clerk Wendy Hudson, who surprisingly strong challenge after ethics questions sur- oversees Elkhart County elections and serves on the three- rounding his family’s nursing home business were raised. person election board, deflected some of Kolbe’s concern. Republicans aren’t trumpeting the gay marriage issue In an email response Wednesday, Aug. 27, to a series of as loudly as in past elections, but conservative activists Elkhart Truth queries, she said Kolbe, as a candidate, has say it’s a powerful tool for them at the ballot box. Connie access to the same sort of voter information that Nisly Mackey, president of the Family Research Council’s political does, not via the election board website, though, but the arm, said conservative voters will stay home if they don’t Elkhart County Voter Registration Office. feel like Republicans align with them on social issues. She “This information is NOT available through our pointed to a congressional primary in New York where website, but is rather information obtained from voter incumbent U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna faced a tougher-than- registration,” Hudson wrote. “Said information is pulled usual primary challenge because he backed gay marriage. from the statewide voter registration system, which is not “I think it was a lesson that changing marriage is not an accessible from our website.” She didn’t address questions issue that really is going to help Republicans,” Mackey related to Kolbe’s concerns about the propriety of a candi- said. date designing an election body’s website. But she noted that C-Tech was tabbed to do the website work before HD22: Kolbe files complaint Nisly, who launched his Indiana House bid last January, Even if Curt Nisly’s role in developing the Elkhart became a candidate. “C-Tech met with us in September County Election Board website is legit, it leaves a bad taste 2013 to discuss our current website and to get an idea of in the mouth of David Kolbe (Vandenack, Elkhart Truth). what we were wanting from the new website,” Hudson Nisly is vying as a Republican for the District 22 Indiana said. “We hired them in October of 2013, and paid them House seat, which covers in December, after receiving a part of southern Elkhart mockup of the new website.” County, Kolbe is running The cost to Elkhart County was as a Democrat and the $7,550, which came from the website features gen- election board budget. Leading eral information about to selection of C-Tech, Hudson’s their race, along with all office had reached out, look- other contests in Elkhart ing for web design companies County.”It just seems to interested in revamping the me a candidate should election board site, but only not have a government two responded, including a contract with an elec- Michigan firm that recommend- tion board,“ said Kolbe, ed working with a local firm. a lawyer from Warsaw. C-Tech Solutions designed U.S. Senate battle the county website, ‘at knife’s edge’ www.elkhartcountyclerk. Some $400 million has com, and Nisly’s role as already been spent in the battle president and owner of for the Senate. Yet the record- the Elkhart-based firm shattering early money has prompted Kolbe to lodge hardly budged the half-dozen a complaint last week Page 10 races that will decide the fate of the upper chamber, and ing prowess throughout the campaign, raising more than two months out from Election Day, top officials from both $670,000 through mid-July. parties say the election truly could go either way. Politico interviewed two dozen party operatives and campaign Short drops out of Indy mayoral race aides about their outlook for November. Most said the GOP Washington Township Trustee Frank Short an- has a slight edge because the playing field tilts conserva- nounced Wednesday that he’s dropped out of the running tive. But the overwhelming sentiment was uncertainty (Fox59). Short spent time on the City-County Council and about what will happen. “There are probably five states as Washington Township trustee. He was the first Demo- where there’s a statistical tie right now,” said Rob Port- crat to announce plans to run for the nomination. Since man, vice chairman of the National Republican Senatorial then, State Rep. Ed DeLaney has announced his candi- Committee. “Many of them are right on the knife’s edge.” dacy and former U.S. attorney Joe Hogsett has formed an Ty Matsdorf, the campaigns and communications director exploratory committee and is expected to officially enter at Senate Majority PAC, the biggest outside Democratic the race soon. Short said he endorses Hogsett as the group, said, “You have six races that you could conceiv- party’s candidate. Hogsett reacted by saying, “I would like ably call a coin flip.” Republicans believe President Barack to join others around our city in thanking my good friend Obama’s unpopularity will ultimately sink some of the most Frank Short for all he has done over the last six months to endangered Senate Democrats, but it hasn’t happened yet. spark important discussions about the future of Indianap- The deep homestate roots of Democratic incumbents like olis. I am also honored that he has announced his support Sens. Mark Pryor of Arkansas, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana for me to make a concerted mayoral effort.” and Mark Begich of Arkansas have helped insulate them from the president so far. “Given his unpopularity today, Hogsett opens Indy mayoral office we can win. If Obama becomes more unpopular, then we In the next few weeks former U.S. attorney Joe can’t win,” a top Democratic strategist said. “That’s what Hogsett will do everything a candidate for mayor would we think about.” Sources say Republicans assume that an do – except formally declare he is a candidate (Tuohy, ambitious Democratic turnout initiative will give the party Indianapolis Star). One step in that direction came Tues- a potentially significant 1- or 2-percentage-point boost in day night as Hogsett opened a downtown campaign office some key states. Both parties’ turnout operations could be and thanked supporters who came to volunteer for his critical because the avalanche of TV ads is fueling concern likely campaign. “I need you if you believe this city can that voters will simply tune them out. do better,” Hogsett said in a small 3rd floor office at 445 N. Pennsylvania St. “But it will take everyone in this room Kentucky: McConnell lead increases and thousands more like us.” Step two will come in the Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell has put next couple of weeks when Hogsett meets people and a little more distance between him and his Democratic groups with a stake in law enforcement, schools, neigh- opponent, Alison Lundergan Grimes, but the race re- borhoods and the workplace, said Hogsett spokesman mains within the margin of error, according to the latest Thomas Cook. Bluegrass Poll. The poll, conducted by SurveyUSA for The Courier-Journal and three other news outlets, found that Ballard radio ad for crime plan McConnell holds a 46- to 42% lead among likely voters Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard is launching over Grimes. Libertarian David Patterson gets 5 percent of a radio ad on Thursday to support his comprehensive the vote, and 8% remain undecided. McConnell 50% to anti-crime plan. The Indianapolis City-County Council is 46%, a new CNN/ORC poll released today shows. considering the plan, which must be approved by Sept. 22. Ballard’s proposal was unveiled in a speech on July 30 Kansas: Dem pulls out of Senate race and contains components aimed at prevention, protection A Democratic candidate for the Senate seat in and punishment. The plan includes increased funding to Kansas has withdrawn from the race, paving the way for a hire 280 new police officers, urging the state legislature serious third-party contender against longtime Republican to enact a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence for Sen. — and jolting Republicans’ calculus for criminals who use a gun in the commission of a crime, retaking the Senate (Politico). , a little-known and a significant expansion of pre-K opportunities for low- and underfunded candidate who won the Democratic income children. “Hiring more police officers and adding nomination last month, told the Kansas secretary of state’s tougher penalties are part of the solution, but we must office Wednesday afternoon that he is withdrawing from address the root causes of crime, poverty and lack of edu- the race, a spokeswoman for the office said. That move cation,” said Ballard. The mayor proposed a $50 million could present Roberts with a strong reelection challenge public-private investment to make quality pre-K available from businessman Greg Orman, an independent candidate to thousands of children in low-income families.v who, according to one recent poll, led Roberts in a head- to-head matchup. Orman, 45, has shown some fundrais- Page 11

ground, told HPI, “I’m not sure he knows.” This Democrat Bayh’s 2016 decision makes the case that Bayh’s doubts about his effectiveness in the face of daunting Republican majorities doesn’t take into account the former governor’s own track record of ig- could have big impact niting what he called the “white hot heat of public opinion” By BRIAN A. HOWEY when seeking policy initiatives often opposed by a hostile INDIANAPOLIS – Sometime between Labor Day Senate Republican majority during his eight years in office. and Sept. 10 when he appears at a Northwest Indiana One “He has had the ability to go to the public and get support Region event, Evan Bayh could make a decision that will in places like Rochester,” this Democrat said. “He consis- have emphatic political ramifications for Indiana over the tently talked about the need for consensus. He has the next decade. unique ability to build that consensus with moderates and The decision is whether he will seek a third term independents.” as governor. It will be as important as the 2002 decision With Bayh on the ticket, his long coattails Mitch Daniels made to enter pulled in between three and five new House seats when the 2004 gubernatorial race, he ran. At that pace, Indiana Democrats wouldn’t seize or Bayh’s 1987 decision to run a House majority in four election cycles. But Indiana for the first time. Both those Republicans have presided with monolithic power in an decisions ushered in more than era where the Hoosier middle class has been hammered, a decade of political dominance, with per capita income declining 13% at a time when with Bayh igniting a 16-year the GOP majorities have achieved a series of tax cuts for Democratic gubernatorial dynas- corporations, financial institutions, and wealthy farmers ty that included terms by Frank and ranchers. The Indiana middle class endured almost O’Bannon and Joe Kernan, and five years of a jobless rate over 8%, and saw their home Daniels’ decision that cued up a values drop precipitously after generations of watching 12-year run for the GOP. them consistently rise. Adult children are living with their The current conventional parents, while Baby Boomers take care of their elderly par- wisdom that dominated the ents, student debt now exceeds that of credit card holders, Indiana Democratic Editorial Association convention last and Indiana’s health metrics are consistently in the last weekend in French Lick was that Bayh won’t run. In a national quintile. July interview with CNHI’s Maureen Hayden, Bayh called a While the jobless rate under Gov. Mike Pence has run “unlikely,” and repeated that assertion on WFYI’s “No descended below 6%, the job gains have been mostly Limits” program last week. The calculus running through at much lower wages than the bleeding of higher paying Bayh’s mind is the two super majority legislative chambers manufacturing jobs over the past six years. While the GOP where Republicans hold a 69-31 House advantage and controls 69 House seats, there is a sizable economic con- 37-13 in the Senate that would make governing tough. He servative faction in the lower chamber that would be open cited “polarization” in questioning whether he could effec- to the kind of consensus Bayh was able to achieve in the tively govern. It is a far cry from the 50/50 House chamber 1990s when he forged a record excise tax cut, reformed that greeted his first year in office in 1989 and the slim the safety net, and made education funding and attain- Democratic majorities thereafter. ment a top priority. Those fissures became evident during Reacting to a potential bid have been Republicans the constitutional marriage amendment debate last winter, who assert with dogged determination that Bayh won’t with 23 House Republicans breaking against the contro- run, essentially asking, “Why would he want to do that?” versial second sentence in that amendment. With the The profound wishing in GOP camps that Bayh won’t run is courts likely to decide that issue once and for all, the most pronounced whistling past the graveyard. If Bayh were to divisive social issue in a generation will not likely be on the run, the GOP’s 12-year hold on the governor’s office would table in the next gubernatorial term. be in real jeopardy. Bayh is the one Democrat who could With congressional approval at an anemic clear the field, raise mega bucks, and make a credible ap- 14% and the Republican brand, according to a July CBS peal to moderates and independents who decide Indiana News poll, sagging to a historic low 28% (compared to elections. 41% for Democrats), a case can be made that 2016 will However, other influentialDemocratic sources offer Indiana Democrats a chance to make inroads into the tell HPI they are not sure Bayh has made a decision. emphatic GOP power that exists now. “I would hope that is the case,” said Hammond Mayor Democrats like John Gregg say Bayh is really Thomas McDermott Jr., who along with John Gregg is angling for a cabinet post in a presidency, planning 2016 run, but have seen money hard to raise as believing that Bayh will expend his efforts to help get his long as Bayh is potentially in the equation. “Otherwise why longtime friend and ally elected. But another side of that is wouldn’t he have announced he wasn’t running by now?” a Bayh gubernatorial candidacy has the potential of pulling Another influential Democrat, speaking on back- Indiana’s 12 Electoral College votes into her column. Page 12

Then there is the scenario of a Pence presidential cratic Party a generation ago, he left it beached and dying (or vice presidential) nomination in 2016, creating an open in 2010, preceding a gutting of the party’s power stanchions seat. While Bayh is under considerable pressure to make of education and labor. a decision in early September, Pence is actually under a In his two terms as governor, the perception was more arduous deadline if he is serious about a run for the that most policy initiatives came through the prism of a national ticket in 2016. future presidential bid. Hoosier voters are watching Gov. Will Bayh run? The conventional wisdom is “no.” Pence govern in similar style. Now that Bayh is back on But Bayh has shocked us before, the last time in 2010, his meds, the most intriguing question that may never be abruptly abandoning his U.S. Senate reelection bid at the answered is how Evan Bayh would rule outside that realm if 11th hour that only slickened Indiana Democrats two-cycle he did, indeed, decide to come back home again. v descension into super minority status. In the minds of many Hoosier Democrats, while Bayh revived the Demo-

did that of the U.S. (-9.8 percent for the Hoosier state Fluffing the plummage compared to -4.3 percent for the nation). In the recovery, (mid-2009 to the end of 2013), Indiana advanced by 15 percent and the entire country by 10 percent. for voters with data So how did we do over the entire business cycle By MORTON MARCUS (the recession plus the recovery)? Those results are not INDIANAPOLIS - Now that Labor Day is past, the pleasing to our state political leadership. We won’t hear season of hunting for voters is fully open. In these weeks too much about our 3.7 percent rise compared to the na- before the 2014 election, while a few candidates discuss tion’s overall 5.3 percent gain. serious and important matters, like low voter participation Likewise, we won’t hear that our state’s share of in elections, most seeking office the nation’s economic output fell from 1.92 percent to 1.89 will fluff their plumage over their percent over the course of this latest business cycle. After supposed contributions to Indi- all, we’ll be told, if anyone does bring that up, the differ- ana’s economic well-being. ence is too small to bother about. Nonetheless, it does The prime evidence the equal $87 million. As a good friend used to say, “That ain’t happy partisans will put forward chopped liver.” is Indiana’s high ranking in the Yes, fellow Hoosiers, we may expect to hear about latest data release from the U.S. all the good news and very little of that same news in Bureau of Economic Analysis perspective as we move through the election season that (BEA). Indiana ranked eighth in lies before us. All that good news should cheer up those the nation in percent growth of 191,000 Hoosiers who are out looking for work. v the state’s real gross domestic product (GDP) for the last quarter Mr. Marcus is an economist, writer, and speaker of 2013. who may be reached at mortonjmarcus@yahoo. Remember, these are preliminary data for a new com. series of numbers BEA just cranked out. They are subject to revision and updating. Perhaps it would be better to widen our horizon and consider the full year of 2013. Then Indiana’s rate of progress in the output of goods and services falls to 19th among the 50 states. This is still a respectable position, but without that single digit WOW so appealing to the chest-thumpers of the statehouse. For a longer time, one too long to be relevant for those who live by the two-year election cycles of the Indi- ana General Assembly, Indiana’s economic performance is like a yo-yo or a rollercoaster. Our ups and our downs are more spectacular than those of the nation as a whole. When the nation was in recession from the end of 2007 to mid-2009, Indiana’s GDP fell twice as fast as Page 13

a problem in messaging,” he said. “I think it’s more than Messer discusses ACA, just messaging; we have got to come up with real-world answers to the problems folks face every day.” The perennial topic of health care, namely the import/export, and , is one area where Messer sees much room for improvement. In Greenfield today Messer has education issues organized the Committee on Education and Workforce to host a field hearing on how the ACA is affecting school By MATTHEW BUTLER corporations and small businesses. Reps. Susan Brooks, INDIANAPOLIS — Talking the nuances and “in the Larry Bucshon, and Todd Rokita are scheduled to attend. weeds” details of public policy comes naturally to U.S. Rep. Messer said Indiana schools struggle with the Luke Messer. During our latest in-depth sit down with a ACA’s 30-hour rule especially. School support staffs such as member of Indiana’s congressional delegation Wednesday, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and teachers’ aides are usu- Messer regularly referred to policy theorists and reformers ally not fulltime employees. “The President’s health care by name, like Jack Kemp, “one of my inspirations,” as he law is not popular in Indiana’s 6th Congressional District,” put it. he told HPI. “I’ve heard complaints from local schools. His policy mind is fixated, Folks are being laid off; hours are being cut back.” on expanding and easing oppor- If part-time employees did not receive health tunity, citing his being raised by benefits through their primary employer, such as a school, a single mother who worked in would the system still not incur their health care costs a factory in small town Indiana. anyway? “It’s not my preference to tax schools and small “These are the issues that drive businesses to pay for the President’s health care law,” me to the process,” he said with answered Messer. “Essentially what you’re doing is tax- conviction. “I grew up in a community where I never had ing schools, universities, and small businesses to provide a doubt in my life that if I worked hard I had a chance in health care for a whole subset of folks who haven’t been America. I want a country and a state where that contin- provided health care before. In a time where school sys- ues to be true.” tems are already strapped for cash, this is a large expense His enthusiasm for and experience with policy has and one I see as unnecessary. Many of these folks are him planning to seek the chairmanship of the Republican married. Ultimately, they can get insurance through their Study Committee. He will make a final decision in the com- spouse or pay privately. ing weeks but is confident of There is no free lunch.” his chances. Messer makes Recently Messer the case that the makeup of has drawn attention Congress is changing—after to Hoosiers suffering this election cycle over half sticker shock as the of the members will have state has experienced been in office less than five an increase in insur- years—but the leadership ance premiums via remains largely unchanged. the Health Insurance “We need to make sure Marketplace. Price- those newer members have Waterhouse Cooper a voice,” he said. “I have recently found the seen a model that works in average monthly rate Indiana. Indiana has proven for the state is $457, over the last decade that amounting to a median we can take conservative increase of 13.2%, principles and come up with which is among the real-world solutions.” highest of the 29 states In Washington, they profiled. “We’re falling short of that,” Messer said he acknowledged. much of it could be A special emphasis traced to what indi- on policy formulation over vidual states mandated rebranding is paramount from health insurance in Messer’s opinion. “Some policies before the ACA. in our party believe the Indiana’s pre-ACA problem is not product but health insurance rules Page 14 were not as stringent as states with more comprehen- the right issue but with the wrong solutions.” sive plan requirements, such as California and New York. “The problem with the President’s approach,” “States like Indiana with fewer [policy] mandates now Messer elaborated, “is that it took a rickety system, where have an increase in mandates in the health care law. Indi- the actuarial foundation wasn’t working, and we expanded ana has historically been a state where you’re free to craft it.” an insurance policy with your provider that best meets As for specific reforms to the new health care your needs. I believe in a free-market approach where landscape, “one big idea” Messer supports is allowing you have an ability to put yourself in a pool with folks who everyone to pay for their health insurance with pre-tax meet your needs.” Critics would argue that Indiana’s pre- income. This aims to level the playing field between those ACA policy requirements were bare bones. receiving health benefits through their employer (tax free) Messer echoes others in the Republican congres- and those buying policies individually (after tax). He also sional delegation in touting consumer-driven reforms as supports malpractice reform across the country along the essential to improving access and cutting costs. He ap- lines Indiana already has as well as encouraging health plauds, for example, Gov. Mike savings accounts and medi- Pence’s Medicaid expansion cal graduates beginning their alternative, HIP 2.0, because it careers in underserved areas. expands access while trying to “Ultimately, we need a policy control costs through consumer- that mom and dad at the din- driven elements, like copays and ner table can understand,” he savings accounts. said. Since many Hoosiers Though by no means have only a handful of major as high profile as the ACA, hospital systems and physicians another issue that has be- groups to choose from, especially come, as Messer phrased it, in rural areas, the ability to shop “a bit of political hot potato” around is difficult. “That’s one of is reauthorizing the charter the complaints about the Presi- of the Export-Import Bank, dent’s health care law out in my which will likely be decided in district,” Messer said. “There was the next few weeks. “Frankly, a point this year where people in I haven’t decided how I’m Wayne County had to go to New- going vote yet,” he explained. castle and people from Newcastle He acknowledged there is a had to go Rushville because they strong case to be made in couldn’t get health care.” eliminating the bank as “cor- Asked about the political feasibility and desir- porate welfare” as well as sustaining the bank to promote ability of fully repealing the ACA, Messer emphasized it is American exports and protect American jobs in a highly impossible to return everything to the previous status quo. competitive world economy. Though he supports reautho- “The health insurance market, the health care markets rization in the short term, he would support a long-term have been forever changed by the events of the last 18 model in which the bank supports exports in special cases, months,” he explained. “I would certainly still like to see such as to the developing world, and that loan applications repeal, but we cannot just simply repeal and do nothing demonstrate private funding was unattainable. “I have not else. We’re going to have to look at health care solutions heard a large outpouring from Indiana businesses about based on conservative principles and the very real problem how this is important to their future,” he does admit. of increasing health care costs.” Speaking to competitive pressures of an ever- Should the very popular pre-existing condition globalizing economy, Messer said during his recent travels rule should remain? Messer replied, “I think that’s right, around the Indian and Pacific Ocean rims he found entre- but we need to have an answer for it. Something like Eric preneurs, firms, governments, and students more than Cantor’s plan where you create a government pool where ready to compete with America. “Our leadership needs to folks can buy into with some guarantee of a premium rate step up to that challenge,” he said, highlighting the impor- that’s no more than one or three times the average rate is tance of workforce development and human capital. something we need to look at.” “One of the most successful federal government “I certainly read your stuff every day,” Messer add- programs in history,” Messer asserted, “is our student ed, “and Republicans bear some responsibility for where loan-student aid program.” However, with the increasing we are. Over the course of the last decade the health costs of tuition and shifting demands in skills and qualifica- insurance costs have continued to spike and unfortunately tions, the paradigm has shifted from assisting access to we didn’t come forward with solutions that are consistent improving educational outcomes. “Now we need to focus with our principles. The President was out campaigning on on results,” he explained, “on degrees and training and Page 15 skills that add value in the marketplace. in those innovations over the last de- Frankly, I think Ivy Tech has an oppor- cade,” Messer remarked. “I authored the tunity to become a national model.” In school voucher legislation way before it many cases, he has found, employers was cool in 2004. I think its one more are seeking specialized training rather example of how we provide opportunity. than traditional four-year degrees. Over- I believe it’s the civil rights issue of our all, he is confident America can maintain generation and we cannot rest until its world-class universities and develop every child has access to a high-quality a world-class community college and education.” technical training system. As for the recent spate of Indiana One education reform that is charter schools being closed over cheat- drawing national accolades was a prior- ing scandals and poor results, Messer ity of Messer during his days as a state said, “It’s an example of the system representative: School vouchers. working. When a school fails it should A major advocacy group recently be closed. Frankly, we’re far tougher on ranked Indiana’s school voucher program failing charter schools than failing public best in the country. “I was very excited schools.” v in the leadership role I was able to play

of having to pay five poll workers as well as the cost of A victory for Lake equipment in unneeded precincts. Democrats also argued that merging precincts also could lead to long lines at the polls and discourage voters. County Democrats That was the case in Lake County in 2008 when a heavy By RICH JAMES turnout, both in the primary and general elections, caused MERRILLVILLE – Lake County Democrats have a long lines. That Democratic primary featured Barack long and proud tradition of beating Republicans on the lo- Obama and Hillary Clinton. cal and county levels. And the Democratic vote often is so Buncich is correct in contending that fewer great that statewide Republican precincts will make it more difficult to turn out the vote in candidates fear the impact of heavily Democratic areas. Voter turnout has been some- the Lake County vote. thing Lake County Democrats take pride in. For example, The Lake Democrats won Democrats check poll books at 3 or 4 in the afternoon and again this week, not only beat- then drive to the homes of those who haven’t voted. That ing statewide Republicans but a job would be more difficult with larger precincts. local GOP elected official as well. Democratic Party lawyer Clay Patton argued that Lake Circuit Judge George the new law could lead to the elimination of 80 precincts, Paras declared Senate Bill 385 and that Lake County was being unfairly singled out be- unconstitutional, which was a cause 89 of the state’s 92 counties have precincts of fewer blow to the Republican-con- than 500 voters. Only Lake County, however, is targeted in trolled General Assembly. Paras the new law. ruled the law unconstitutional Lake County is used to being singled out by the because it was special legis- state. County officials pointed that out when the legislature lation. Paras’ ruling also left state Rep. , R- and Gov. Mitch Daniels froze the levies of local government Schererville, the bill’s author, with egg on his face. The bill units because the county refused to adopt an income tax. would have required Lake County to eliminate the majority And county officials also contend that the county of its precincts that have fewer than 500 registered voters. was being mistreated because the state has refused to Lake Democratic Chairman John Buncich, who replace the Cline Avenue bridge and maintain it as a free- also is county sheriff, led the fight against the new law, way. The existing plan is to convert it to a toll road. v arguing that it was designed to suppress the Democratic vote by eliminating precinct committeemen in urban black Rich James has been writing about state and local and Hispanic neighborhoods. government and politics for more than 30 years. He Slager and fellow Republicans argued at the time is a columnist for The Times of Northwest Indiana. of the bill’s adoption that it was a money-saving proposal. The argument was that the bill would reduce the cost Page 16

to worrying about his grip? Have you ever tried hitting a Golf and the President golf ball off a tee while being appalled about a beheading? While thousands of protesters rioted and looted By CRAIG DUNN in Ferguson, Mo., over the police-action shooting death of KOKOMO – Last Thursday I played golf. I played Michael Brown, President Obama gleefully continued to hooky from work and played golf. I played terribly but I play golf. Now I’m not saying that the President could have had fun playing with friends at a charity golf tournament. done anything to help matters in Ferguson, but the image It was my fifth round of golf this year. I took a couple of of outraged poor black people marching down the street, phone calls while playing and sent a few text messages trying to have their voices heard by the nation was in that were work-related. I am a financial advisor and I am sharp contrast to a fist-bumping Obama strolling down the reasonably sure that no crisis will arise while I am golfing fairway calling “Is that my ball in the trap?” that can’t wait until the next day. Major generals just don’t get killed every day. Recently, President played his They have risen to their rank because of exemplary service eighth round of golf in 11 days. It takes a lot of balls to to their country. When they do get killed, their country play as much golf as President Obama has played. He has justifiably honors them. Unless you have a round of golf now played nearly 200 rounds since becoming President. scheduled. President Obama paid his respects, not by I don’t begrudge him slipping away occasionally to play attending the solemn funeral services off Maj. Gen. Harold a few holes. If approached Greene on the green hills of Arlington Cemetery, but on reasonably, golf can be quite the rolling greens of Farm Neck Country Club on Martha’s relaxing. However, in life, timing Vineyard. This is not the kind of respect for the military is everything and the volume of that makes the average soldier want to storm the enemy the President’s golfing, coupled lines at risk to life and limb. with his tone-deaf timing, is A compare and contrast exercise might be ben- just an abomination. eficial at this point. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of Let’s look at some of the the ISIS terrorist group does not play golf. Perhaps it is reasons that the visuals of a because Iraq is one big sand trap or maybe it is because golfing Barack Obama merrily Baghdadi has devoted his life, 24/7/365 to killing Ameri- playing golf nearly every day cans. He is what I would call a focused leader! He is just might not be the image determined to establish an Islamic caliphate in the Middle that he wants to portray: East and, by gee and by golly, he’s not going to let a round First, virtually 90 percent of golf delay his ultimate goal by a measly five hours. of all women who have golfing husbands believe that golf Contrast this with President Obama making a hasty ap- is a terrible waste of time. “I’d rather be doing yoga or pearance at a press conference long enough to say he something productive” they proudly proclaim. “How can was appalled and that he had unsuccessfully tried to you spend so much time chasing a little white ball?” This is rescue James Foley. “Excuse me, I am so appalled that I not the image that President wants to portray to a critical must deal with my pain and anguish on the golf course.” demographic that represents over 50 percent of the Ameri- Is it any wonder why so few countries and world leaders can public. respect the United States? Be honest here. Could you see Golf is an expensive game. The equipment, cloth- behaving like this? ing, shoes, greens fees and cart rentals cost a bundle It is beginning to appear as though President and the average Joe just can’t afford to play. The type of Obama has decided to get a jump start on being a lame courses that open their arms to President Obama charge duck. He has no current legislative agenda and it seems greens fees that exceed what many of the President’s that his sole presidential efforts may be done with execu- supporters make in a week of work. I’m just guessing that tive orders from here on out. He’s got nearly two and a Joe Sixpack gets a little miffed when his $15-an-hour wage half years to soak in as much of the fun presidential trap- doesn’t allow him to pay greens fees of $350 for a round pings as he can before he gets to replace Jimmy Carter as of golf. the worst United States president. Let’s face it. It’s very difficult to act solemn and By the time he completes his term of office, at his presidential at 12:57 p.m. when you have a tee time of current rate of play, Barack Obama will have golfed his 1:05 p.m. Unless Alonzo Mourning is giving you unlimited way to nearly 350 rounds. At five hours per round, that is mulligans on the first tee, you need to hit a few balls on nearly 218 days of his presidency spent golfing. Only Nero the range. No one, not even Phil Mickelson, can talk about spent more time fiddling around than our temporary oc- a reporter who has had their head sawed off on national cupant of the White House. Fore! v television and then tee it up and hit it straight 10 minutes later. Heck, Phil Mickelson sometimes withdraws from big Dunn is chairman of the Howard County Republi- money tournaments because of mental fatigue. Just how cans. can the President casually flow from a beheaded journalist Page 17

Leslie Weidenbener, Louisville Courier- Mourdock did the opposite. Rather than doing what’s right Journal: State Treasurer Richard Mourdock twice asked — finishing a job voters elected him to do — Mourdock voters to send him to the capitol to watch over the state’s made a selfish decision for his own economic future. v investment portfolio. In the end, though, Mourdock was more interested in his own. The Republican resigned his Dave Bangert, Lafayette Journal & Courier: office on Friday, four months before his second term was Maybe it’s just as well that Richard Mourdock took an early to expire. He left on the last day he could be in office exit, opting for the cash over commitment. His position as and still annuitize a portion of his retirement savings at a state treasurer is — or, more accurately in his case, was higher rate. It’s not clear how much that will save him. But — one most Hoosiers would be hard-pressed to describe for the average government worker, retiring now, rather in much detail. It’s an administrative job that, for than next month, will mean about $1,000 more reasons that date to the 19th century, requires an in earnings per year. That’s because for years election rather than an appointment — as if quali- now, the state has been paying out a higher fication for dealing with ledger sheets is best left rate to workers than the money actually earns. to the R and the D at a ballot box. One day, that Recently, the board that controls the Indiana might change. But for now, state treasurer is a Public Retirement System decided that couldn’t stepping stone to bigger things. Or in Mourdock’s go on. The huge group of Baby Boomers now case, to lesser moments. That was the case even in the retiring could bankrupt the system. And so the rate is now way he stepped aside last week, four months before his scheduled to drop — from 7.5 percent for retirees before term was up. For one, he knew he’d run out of whatever the end of August to 5.75 percent for those who retire political capital he had left to squeeze from the position. starting in September. The rate will continue then to drop He also knew he had one last shot to game the system, until it reaches the market rate. Mourdock told the Evans- knowing new state rules mean his retirement benefits ville Courier & Press that he learned what that change wouldn’t be as good by the end of his second four-year would mean to him when he went to a counseling session term as they were if he got out by Sept. 1. Mourdock on retirement changes recently and “it caused me to think didn’t give much in the way of explanation in his press about it differently.” And so within days, Mourdock de- release sign-off. (A press release? That’s it? For real?) v cided to give up the job that voters had elected him to do and to let Gov. Mike Pence choose his replacement. That Post-Tribune: Pull up a chair. I’m shouldn’t be OK. Mourdock didn’t leave because he was David Rutter, afraid I have bad news. In between burgers on the grill ill or because he had issues to attend to with his family. and fireworks this Labor Day weekend, try to remember Instead, he wanted to save some money. Of course, Mour- when you aspired to a middle-class life. Are you there yet? dock’s political career was all but over. An ill-timed remark Probably not. If you are like a million other Hoosiers, it’s he made about rape and pregnancy back in 2012 ruined been a Lost Decade. You might have missed the event, his chance of becoming a U.S. senator. And with that went and state politicians won’t ’fess up to their complicity. Indi- an otherwise fairly promising political career. ana’s commonly shared delusion suggests that we are one, So when Mourdock left the treasurer’s office at giant middle class. We get what we earn honestly, and our the end of this year, he probably wasn’t coming back. toil produces safety and prosperity for our families. Indi- So maybe he wasn’t that concerned about what voters ana is the American Dream. We’re drinking that Prosperity thought. But that’s too bad, because Mourdock has made Kool-Aid. If you divide Indiana income-earners into three a career out of lecturing voters about the importance of components, the top 20 percent stood still during the being a good citizen. He’s used history and public policy decade, which means the Great Recession mostly did not and fiery rhetoric to tell Hoosiers why they should vote, touch them. The middle 40 percent lost nearly 5 percent in why they should be concerned about the state and the na- income. And the bottom 40 percent of households, mostly tion’s spending and debt, and why they should hold their working folks? They lost 23.5 percent of their income. political leaders accountable. And along the way he’s made Gone. Poof. After 2 1/2 terms of fiscal management from controversial decisions in the name of doing what’s right governors Mitch Daniels and Mike Pence, how are you for Indiana. doing? Sorry to break the news. You’re probably doing Most notably, he sued to stop the Obama admin- lousy, that’s how. Indiana’s average worker pay ranks 42nd istration from bailing out Chrysler, a move he said cheated in the nation at $776 per week. That does not sound like the state, which had invested in the company. He took the much because it isn’t much. Indiana’s spokesmodels have case to the U.S. Supreme Court — where he lost — even a different, pithy marketing campaign every month to as his critics complained that the state had to spend mil- prove how lousy it would be if you worked in Illinois. But lions on the suit and that winning could have cost Indiana the average worker there earns $971 a week, just short of even more, thousands of jobs if Chrysler had gone under. $10,000 more a year than his Indiana counterpart. There Mourdock maintained throughout the situation that he are 2.2 million residents who are officially “low income,” was simply trying to do what was right, and doing so was earning less than 200 percent of federal poverty level. v more important than doing what was popular. This week, Page 18

agreed to pay about $16,000 in at- was opposite of that. He’ll be sorely New teacher torney fees and court costs to settle a missed.” lawsuit over whether it violated open door law via private email communi- permit passed cation (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette). Pence appoints FORT WAYNE - The Indiana “Given the length of time since the Board of Education on Wednesday actions in question occurred and the Huston to IURC passed a controversial new teach- costs involved in continuing to pursue INDIANAPOLIS - Gov. Mike ing permit and tweaked its board the lawsuit, the plaintiffs agreed to Pence has appointed the Indiana State procedures (Kelly, Fort Wayne Jour- abandon further legal action,” a news Department of Health’s chief of staff nal Gazette). The board release said. “Although the to the five-member commission that met in Fort Wayne and board made no admission of oversees Indiana’s utilities. Pence a final vote was taken improper conduct, the plain- cited James Huston’s unmatched on the third iteration of tiffs believe that the board’s “lifetime of public service” in naming the Rules for Education agreement to pay attorney him Wednesday as a member of the Preparation and Account- fees and court costs speaks Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. ability, or REPA III. The for itself.” Four Hoosiers, Huston fills a vacancy on the IURC rules include a new “career special- including a Fort Wayne Community created in May when James Atterholt, ist permit” that would allow college Schools board member, filed suit last who had been the panel’s chairman, graduates with a B average in any year over an alleged Open Door viola- stepped down to become Pence’s chief subject to teach high school students tion by the board. of staff. Pence later appointed Carol after passing one content exam. In Stephan the IURC’s new chair. Huston addition, these teacher hopefuls need will serve the remainder of Atterholt’s professional experience in the sub- Evansville’s Rick term, which expires on March 31, ject they will teach and must begin a 2017. teacher-training program. It passed Davis dies 7-3.Supporters say it allows profes- EVANSVILLE - Rick Davis — sionals a new, less-cumbersome a former journalist who later in his U.S. Labor sues avenue to become a teacher. Board young life became a leading political member Andrea Neal said the permit figure in Evansville — died Wednesday Indiana CEO is not intended to draw large numbers evening of complications following of people into teaching, but instead is recent surgery for Crohn’s disease. INDIANAPOLIS - The U.S. for unique situations where a profes- Vanderburgh County Coroner Annie Department of Labor has sued one sional can bring their experience to Groves said Davis died at 6:15 p.m of Central Indiana’s charitable big- the classroom. Phyllis Bush, of North- (Evansville Courier & Press). Davis’s givers, Michael Evans, accusing him of east Indiana Friends of Public Educa- family had been preparing for his improperly coming into a major source tion, said it is “a solution in search of passing after his his condition turned of his wealth (Indianapolis Star). The a problem,” and noted there are other grave after the recent surgery and labor department lawsuit accuses ways for professionals to transition he was admitted Monday to Deacon- the founder and former owner of AIT into teaching. And John O’Neal, of the ess Hospital. The 45-year-old Davis Laboratories of selling the Indianapolis Indiana State Teachers’ Association, wished to be an organ donor, and a company to employees in 2009 at a said removing pedagogy requirements statement issued by his family earlier price that he knew was vastly inflated. is wrong. Pedagogy is the method or Wednesday indicated matches for his Evans should return millions of dollars practice of teaching. “Content mastery organs were being sought. He was to in “unjust” gains from the sale be- alone is not enough to ensure quality remain on life support until matches cause it violated federal laws govern- instruction in the classroom,” he said, were found. The 2011 Democratic ing employee stock ownership plans, calling the rule “reckless experimenta- nominee for Evansville mayor and a according to the lawsuit. A former tion.” former Vanderburgh County treasurer Indiana University School of Medicine was remembered fondly by friends professor, Evans is the major donor to and former political foes on Wednes- Marian University’s new Indianapolis SBOE settles day. “He loved Evansville,” City Council medical school, with a pledge of $52 President John Friend said. “This million. He’s also donated $10 million open meeting suit was his home, and I think everything to his alma mater, St. Joseph’s College INDIANAPOLIS - The State he did was for the good of us all. I in Rensselaer. Evans, 70, intends to Board of Education on Wednesday never believed he had an agenda that fight the government’s charges.