What I’m Watching
Now that the Indianapolis Colts have lost the Super Bowl (31-17), I can let you know what else is on tap for this week…
In the race to challenge Evan Bayh, you would think that former U.S. Senator Dan Coats was already in the race the way the ads have been popping up all over the place. The most damning one in my opinion is the You Tube clip where he says he had no intention of ever returning to Indiana. Yikes!
Also expect U.S. Senate candidate Don Bates, Jr. to file on Thursday. His campaign tells me they have the signatures to get on the ballot. No word yet from the other candidates.
Things are getting interesting in two of Indiana’s Congressional races. State Rep. Mike Murphy put out a poll last week saying only 28% of GOP voters think 5th District incumbent Dan Burton should be re-elected. The other challengers all had support in the teens and more than 40% of the voters were undecided. That does not bode well for the incumbent. But 28% support is still better than 16% support.
In the 4th District I’m hearing State Senator Mike Young may get in the race. Already Secretary of State Todd Rokita and State Senator Brandt Hershman are gunning for the job. If Young gets in, how can I say this politely, he will corner the market with the intellectually challenged.
I’ll be checking to see how things play out in the Indiana House of Representatives now that Democrat Chet Dobis has been stripped of his leadership position and just how far will he go to vote his conscience on matters. As accurately pointed out on Frugal Hoosiers, if Dobis decides to play hardball he can block any party-line measure from happening because the Democrats would only have 50 votes, which is not enough to pass anything. Democrats only had a 52-48 majority and State Rep. Dennie Oxley, Sr. is out with health issues. Do the math.
The candidates keep piling on the race to fill the spot on the Indianapolis City-County Council being vacated by Republican Kent Smith. So far the list of possible candidates includes Aaron Williams, son of Deputy Mayor Olgen Williams, Jackie Cissel, Daniels administration aide at FSSA, local businessmen Angel Rivera and Chris Douglas and former CIB board member Dorothy Henry. All bring unique qualifications to the job, but what I think is more interesting is that you have three African-Americans, two of which are women, a Hispanic and an openly gay man. This is definitely not your father’s Republican Party.
Speaking of City-County Councilors, I would be surprised if there is a formal statement this week from Jim Voyles regarding Councilor Lincoln Plowman, who is under investigation but no one is quite sure exactly for what. Plowman has not spoken publicly but on his Facebook page he offered thanks to everyone who has offered their support and told them “Please do not believe everything that you hear or read from the news media sources.” Plowman does not plan to step down from the Council.
Expect Mitch Daniels legal counsel Mark Massa to formally enter the race for Marion County Prosecutor today. Slating for both the Democrats and Republicans is this weekend. I’m debating which one to hit. The Republicans actually have a contest for Sheriff. The Democratic slating contest was over before it began. I’ll be checking the energy and enthusiasm of both crowds.
Also expect a report to come out this week on mass transit in Central Indiana. Whereas previous reports have ended up mothballed on the shelf, this one, I’m told, might actually have some teeth behind it.
That’s what I’m watching this week. There’s a lot more I could add to the list but 635 words is more than enough for Monday morning.
February 8th, 2010 at 10:19 am
I read Don Bates's web page. He needs a Grammar handbook, but: his views will be compelling for a certain segment of Indiana. If he gets in this, and has some money, it will be interesting.
As for the Colts–there are 30-plus cities in America that didn't have a team in the Super Bowl. I detest their “play not to lose” attitude. In my opinion, it cost them the game.
Funny thing is–there are only 3 or 4 Hoosiers in the NFL, and two of them are Saints. Both caused the Colts huge damage, including that interception.
You're right–this is not your father's county GOP. But it will revert to its natural self soon enough. I hope TOm John stays on a chairman for a long time.
February 8th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
As registered D but more of an independent–very glad to see Dobis take the action he did. Too much partisan playing in the legislature and administration–nice to see someone with the “whatever” to tell Mr. House Leader where to go.
February 8th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
You don't register by political party in Indiana. There is no such thing as a “registered Republican” or a “registered Democrat.” You're simply a registered voter who votes Democrat.
February 8th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Agreed but when take into account that due to political party office holdings and government office holdings where identified as being of one political party to be eligible to serve—somewhat akin to being “registered”—and enough when participate in primaries would be challenged if asked for opposite party ballot.
February 8th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Thanks, Paul. That misconception drives me nuts. Of course, on too many days, that's not a drive, but a short putt.
Agman, your D leanings are welcome here. It gets kinda lonely sometimes.
That said, don't heap too much praise on Dobis. He's an incompetent hack in the back pocket of banks, utilities and “Region” special interests. For those of you who remember, think Bill Cochran, only a little smarter. (Build your own joke)
I, for one, admire caucus discipline. I wish our President and Congress were as disciplined with their majority power.
But the real problem there isn't Dobis, or Bauer. It's the fact they've been in the legislature a combined 80 years. That's just messed up.
I never used to like term limits. Until I dealt with Pat Bauer, Pat Miller, Chet Dobis, Phil Hinkle, Cindy Noe, Woody Burton, Lindel Hume,
and others who move on–our lite gov was in the Senate a little too long. If you hang around and look interested, you might get scooped up for a statewide office. Whether you've got the brains or not.
Eight and out. Two Senate terms, four House terms. We've got enough Woodys and Chets to last a lifetime.
February 8th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
True…that becomes a problem. The only way they can tell party affiliation in Indiana is looking at your voting history and seeing which primary you vote in.
Personally I wish we were a closed primary state with people registering by political party. I doubt my preference though is supported by a majority of the public.
February 8th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
On that Council list the name that stood out for me was Jackie Cissel. I've always heard good things about her; but, don't know her personally. I'm sure opinions vary.
February 8th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
She's interesting, Sean.
But she works at or around FSSA for Mitch. Bad karma everywhere. Anyplace that had Mitch Roob as a boss, under those circumstance (akin to insider trading)…well, it can't be bad.
Again, the council thing is a place-holder for the 2011 campaign. With rare exception, the mayoral winner gets all the at-large seats, too.
And I just don't think Ballard has a victory in him. Or remotely close. Like, not even in the same universe.
But someone has to hold onto that at-large seat for 22 months. Kent Smith was there in name only.
February 8th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
***can't be GOOD
February 8th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Amen. Speaking of having the “whatever”, I hope the D.C. Republicans display the same and tell the Demos upfront industry pricing, competition across state lines without mandates, and legal reform are needed for real health care “reform. That's about all we can afford now. If they don't put frugal, constructive suggestions out there, they are indeed obstructionists, putting party before constituency and deserve tar and feathering as much as the Democrats shoving the initial “reform” down our throats.
February 8th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Abdul, you and Mitch keep up the good. Before you know it, all the schools will be sut down due to property tax caps.
School Boards To Consider Massive Cuts
2 More Boards Grapple With Funding Shortfall
WRTV-6
POSTED: 10:53 am EST February 8, 2010
http://www.theindychannel.com/education/2249761...
GREENWOOD, Ind. — Money will be on the minds of many school officials Monday night as they consider ways to trim budgets.
The Center Grove board will consider options for cutting $4 million from the school system's general fund.
The public will be allowed to comment at the meeting, which is set for 7 p.m. at Center Grove High School.
The New Castle Community School Board will also meet at 7 p.m. Monday to discuss possible cuts.
Officials in that district said it is projected to lose $2.3 million by the end of the year.
Public school districts all over the state are struggling with ways to cut budgets in the face of state funding cuts brought on by the recession and decreases in property taxes
February 8th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Paul you are starting to sound like Wilson Allen…good job.
February 8th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Have to agree with TA on the “eight & out” and, the unlikely-hood of Ballard gaining a second term. I would call Ballard out for foot dragging but, it looks more like knuckle dragging with each passing day. Perhaps it is because he has allowed too many, “Peterstain quality,” organ grinders to maintain a hold his leash?
February 8th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
Guest–here's a different twist on your post. Please think about it.
Is there any chance whatsoever, that these school districts have overbuilt, overstaffed at the executive level, and foolishly spent money?
Nobody wants to take good education from kids. I want good teacheers to be among society's best-paid professionals. Their mission is overwhelmingly impressive and improtant to all of us.
But the administrative crap weighs down every school district's budget immensely. Beyond all normal proportion. And they build like bricks will be scarce tomorrow. There is no excuse for it.
This is all driven by superintendents. Most of whom haven't drawn a sober budget breath in their entire careers. They're in bed with architects and contractors. Turn over those budgets to businesspeople. Good teachers will get their money, and administrative overhead will be greatly-reduced.
February 8th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
TA, with you all the way on this one.
NOW, if only we could get them to actually OBEY the provisions of Article 8, things might actually get better.
Don't like Article 8? See Article 16.
February 9th, 2010 at 12:27 am
Aires, I appreciate the good thoughts, but please don't come at me with the Article things….really…it's getting old.
Hire a lawyer and file suit. Or be quiet already.
February 9th, 2010 at 1:42 am
Agman, it is legally impossible to register as a D or R in Indiana. In Indiana, you are a registered VOTER. You may chose to call yourself a D, R or Independent…..but it is legally impossible to register as a member of any party.
February 9th, 2010 at 1:44 am
You have the legal right to vote in either primary on election day. All you have to do is name the party whose primary you wish to participate. It does establish a record that is used if you wish to be appointed to a board where there is an attempt to maintain balance between Ds and Rs.
February 9th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20100209/OP... A little shot at Tony Bennett, Mitch, and Kenley. The article has the benefit of science, truth, and 30 or 40 columns previously on the issue. It also explains, in part, why reading instruction is so poor.
February 9th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Coats' decision to contemplate entering the race for Indiana senator gives a whole new meaning to carpetbagger. This time, it's a southern opportunist heading north!
February 11th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Evan Bought didn't live in Indiana when he ran for Sec. of State of Indiana, did he? He doesn't really live in Indiana now, does he?