Loading ...Why Can’t We Be Friends?
I’m trying to figure out what’s up with Democratic candidate for Governor Jill Long Thompson and former candidate Jim Schellinger. Schellinger wrote an op-ed piece for the Ft. Wayne Journal Gazette reflecting on the primary.
He said while running a statewide campaign was challenging, he enjoyed meeting with Hoosiers from across Indiana. He also admitted to making some mistakes along the trail, but learning quite a bit at the same time. And he thanked the people he met along the way. (Your favorite pundit even got a “thank you” letter.)
One person he did not mention was Jill Long Thompson.
I thought it was odd that Schellinger would not acknowledge his rival, because he wished her luck in a June 2 letter to Democratic County Chairmen and other supporters. It stopped being odd when I realized there is still bad blood between the two camps.
From what I’ve been able to gather, JLT called Schellinger for an endorsement. He agreed but wanted to talk about it first. The two also agreed to have their two campaign managers with them. However, someone from the JLT camp decided the meeting would be a waste of time and cancelled.
I e-mailed the the JLT folks, but had no reposnse as of last night.
While a Schellinger endorsement wouldn’t make or break the campaign, I think it would go a long way to showing the type of party unity a candidate needs to be successful.
After all if Hillary and Barack can work out their differences, surely these two can also.
June 25th, 2008 at 7:43 am
Only thing worse in gov’t than a dysfunctional two-party system of skunks or weasels is to have only one of them in power. I think Daniels is a net gain as Gov, but want a unified opposition to keep his feet to the fire. I hope they settle their differences.
June 25th, 2008 at 7:47 am
…skunks AND weasels…
June 25th, 2008 at 8:32 am
I will tell you that ALL Schellinger supporters and campaign people, like myself, are 100% behind Jill. If Jim is not,so be it. The party people are working for Jill and we are very united thank you.
June 25th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Excellent news, Arnie. Glad to hear it.
I think some of this problem may be Jim’s inexperience. Those of us who have been through tough primaries, or slating conventions, know that while we want our candidate to win, there’s a chance (s)he won’t. It’s a bargain with your political conscience.
All Jim’s ever done, as far as I know, is write checks to Evan, Frank, Bart, et al. The last candidate who did that was John Hillenbrand in 1980. He narrowly won a rough primary over a tough, seasoned politico. And then John stopped campaigning. Well, except the campaigning he could do from a golf cart.
Jim may have learned a great deal in life. But he clearly has not learned manners. Who needs staffers to help negotiate an endorsement? You run, you lose, you endorse. Simple as falling off a log.
I doubt JLT’s folks blew off a meeting, but if they did, who could blame them, six weeks after the primary?
Childish. Give in and endorse, Jim. You’re looking silly.
June 25th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Arnie I have discussed this candidacy with some friends and family and you are incorrect, not everyone supports JLT. In fact, they are looking at recruiting their “mitch” for the next election. Skunks and weasals for sure. The candidates win elections. Mitch, Becky, Greg are a better ticket. After this is over, the GOP will clean house but won’t talk now to avoid rocking boat. Tom John is a skunk and weasal. No offense to the little critters. Murray Clark is a nice guy but he tried to get in the way of the Ballard race, and only does things to benefit himself. The party needs better management as we have the better candidates but horrible leadership.
June 25th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Sue the democrat voters, party and party activates are working to elect Jill Long Thompson. If your a democrat and not doing so, so long. The party will move on and be better off without you.
June 25th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Wonder if Schellinger is positioning himself to run for the open seat after Mitch’s second term ends?
June 25th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Does any of this matter? No! Mitch is going to win in November by a landslide.
June 25th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
If you knew Jim and how big his ego is and how bad he hates to lose you wouldn’t wonder why he is acting like he is. And now that he is in buisness with Bart it’s good he didn’t win, just think how more corrupt or state govt. would be.
June 26th, 2008 at 7:49 am
He’s in business with Bart?
I think that would be news to Bart.
June 26th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Not what I’ve heard. Bart is using CSO’s address for a housing re-hab business.