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The “Not-So-Accidental” Mayor

When Greg Ballard first got elected Mayor of Indianapolis in 2007 he was dubbed by one of my media colleagues as “the accidental mayor.”  The logic behind the name was that Ballard only beat incumbent Mayor Bart Peterson because of high property taxes, crime and a 65-percent County Option  income tax increase.  Fast forward four years later.

Facing a political climate that was perfect for a Democratic victory (a popular Democrat, a county that was trending Democratic by at least 10 points, and early voter advantage by Democrats, allegations of racism and 70 degree weather and sunny skies) Ballard did something very people thought he was capable of doing, he won a second term.

Not only did he win, but he did it with crossover appeal.  Although Marion County Democrats had a straight-ticket voter advantage of  54-34, Ballard beat Melina Kennedy, 51-47.  How did it happen?  There were a number of factors.

The polls showed while Ballard had a 11-point lead (44-33) over Kennedy, there were 21% undecided and the undecided voters broke along traditional lines, 2-to-1 for the challenger.  That put him at 51-47, exactly the way the vote totals turned out.  It was also interesting to note that while there were 12,000 more straight ticket Democratic voters than Republican, Ballard won by 8,100 votes.  That means that a lot of Democrats crossed over.  Why?   A coalition of African-American businessmen and pastors came to the Mayor’s rescue.

Despite the best efforts by the Baptist Ministers Alliance who accused the Mayor of being racist, Ballard won because the coalition went out into the neighborhoods and communities and counteracted the allegations that the Mayor was racially insensitive.   Also by doing this, the ministers and businessmen have given Republicans a winning formula for Marion County.

It also didn’t help that Kennedy was an unlikeable figure.

Of course the Mayor will have to contend with a Democratic-controlled council (16-13) however,  there isn’t much Ballard won’t be able to accomplish by appealing to the Indiana General Assembly, which ultimately has more authority than the City-County Council.

So while, Ballard’s first election might have been considered an accident by some, the second time was definitely no accident.  In fact,  one could argue that it was done on purpose.

Posted: 11|9|11 at 3:22 am by Abdul Hakim-Shabazz
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  • Think Again

    A divided government isn’t a first for Indianapolis, but it will be interesting.

  • Anonymous

    I don’t see much to celebrate with corruption exemplified by a 50 year parking contract for a poorly-rated, politically-connected vendor, and  libraries deemed less important than Pacer scoreboards (looking like a fabulous choice, huh?). 

    I think it was tough for Kennedy to hurl “pay to play” charges with involvement in past deals like the Simon building downtown.  Do I want the Simons moving out of town?  Of course not.  But I also don’t think an incumbent mayor can be tossed without either rousing an obviously angered electorate with genuine pay-to-play reform, or lining-up more money from political beneficiaries than the other guy.  

    Kennedy did neither.

    Add to the evening the defeat of a councilman capable of independent thought and action like Christine Scales, while retaining someone refusing to recuse under conflict of interest like Ryan Vaughn- and I don’t see much reason for party hats for the average taxpayer. 

    I hope Scales(R) and Pat Andrews(D) will again consider running for council.      

  • Anonymous

    Hopefully, I spoke prematurely.  It appears  Scales may have pulled it out per another blog.  I’ll “stay tuned” (unfortunately, not to the public affairs broadcasting of Abdul).  

  • M Theory

     So Christine lost?  I didnt watch the returns last night.  I couldn’t stomach it.

    Ogden reported she won by 39 votes?

  • Wurstnitemare

    Kennedy ran one of the worst campaigns in the history of our city.She went ugly early.She did not establish her base brand.She had a good chance to win it,but the campaign was a nightmare at best. You don’t start calling people out if no one knows who you are or what your all about.Ed lost this one for her with his stone age marketing.

    ON another note…Hey Kostas, you deserve exactly what you got. Your nasty attempt to be creative was trailer trash marketing. 

  • Me

    Abdul has hit the nail right on the head, although he does not come right out and say it.  Ballard connects with Democrats because he is what we call a R.I.N.O. (Republican in name only).  Democrats won the Council and the Mayor races, even if the Democrat in the Mayor’s Office uses an “R” rather than a “D”.  Oh well, that is surely a shrewd political move, assuring him a win in this Democrat county.  However, is that leadership?  Good luck to Ballard in the next four years as he tries to chase that dragon of “out liberling the liberals” toward his next election cycle.

  • pascal

    According to this “analysis” there is no further need for pay to play nor for the Bob Grands of the world or a continuing of idiotic policies that have offended the Tea Party wing of the electorate. The Mayor can seize the opportunity to shuck off the dead weight and follow his instincts.  
        And, I must concur with Wurst above that Kostas is a slimeball low living weak POS but his integrity and character did not rise to the level of trailer trash-the latter have ethical standards.

  • Gp38-2

    Kennedy has now lost to Brizzi & Ballard, in cycles where her party generally won. She loses while the at-large Dems all win. She’s gotta be done.

  • Disappointed Republican

    Awww Crap!  4 more years of Straub.  IMPD morale will be in the toilet.

    “I am from the East Coast and here to tell you hicks how to run a police department.”

  • Steved608

    No complaints here. Give me a R.I.N.O. and I will cross over ever time as in this election. Have said it before and will say it agaiin, one side can’t be right all the time, therefore I don’t want someone who follows the party line 99.9% of the time. Give me someone who can see that the majority, us in the middle want, someone who will do what is best for the people he or she represents. Not someone who will blindly follow the pary leaders. Ballard has been a good mayor and now that Vaughn can’t run the council I am happy as a pig in slop. My only regret is that Vaughn won his race.

    Life is good today!!!!

  • indyernie

    To TA, Paul, and the others who have been insisting that Ballard was done, pucker up. I’m bent over and waiting.

  • Southsider

    I would not want to be the IMPD cop, (deputy from the merger), that was in Kennedy’s ad, saying 4 years ago I voted for Ballard and now supporting Kennedy. You think he and Straub will have lunch anytime soon?

  • Think Again

    Well that’s a disgusting thought so soon after breakfast.

  • Rico

    And I would like to say (to TA specifically)….IN YOUR FACE!  I’m normally a more gracious winner, but that was absolutely warranted.

  • Think Again

    Abdul would confirm, this outcome is exactly what I precidicted privately with him prior to the election.

    It’s not what I WANTED, but it’s what I thought would happen.

    I havhe ultimate faith in the wisdom of voters.  In almost every cas.e  I talked to hundreds of then yesterday.  The outcome was definitely their will.

    There was a solid victory available for the Democratic mayoral candidate.  Opportunity lost.  It happens.  Ask Sue Ann Gilroy.

    Mayor Ballard AND the new council majority owuld be unwise to mis-read this election.

  • pascal

    Hmmm.  If what you say to Abdul in private is different that what you post here in public then, what does that say to the casual visitor here other than?  I think you ought to begin to post the cancelled check stubs for all those donations to Haiti lest folks wonder if in fact you actually do penance for your demonstrated errors. 
         

  • indyernie

    TA for six months you have been preaching along with Paul O that Ballard COULDN’T get re-elected. For six month myself and others were telling YOU that Ballard WAS going to win re-election. NOW you say that you knew all along that Ballard was going to win.
    Ride the Band Wagon Queenie why, not? We can make room for the guys willing to scoop up behind the horses.

  • indyernie

    Hurry up, will ya? I’m starting to get dizzy.

  • jlg

    When Greg Ballard says he is not a career politician, he is saying more than just being a Republican, or if you want to say a Rino. What Greg has done is exactly what is in his heart and I am so glad that the African-American businessmen and pastors came to his defense. Thank goodness we have people who believe in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for ALL people. 
    Greg and Winnie have empowered many of the Democrats who crossed over because of the  opportunities they have rightfully been given.Unfortunately it goes against the establishment who wants to continue to control.
    With the minority businesses expanding and with Winnie’s financial literacy programs, I am proud to support people who are actually making changes in these communities. And the pastors are obviously very honest people who want the same goals for their people.Yesterday working at one of the polls, it was so disheartening to see the signs that were posted illegally on the doors, giving direction to “Vote Straight Democrat”. When we questioned these signs they would not disagree that they shouldn’t be up there, however they did refuse to take them down. The longer I stood there and watched people come in and out of this heavily Democrat neighborhood, I couldn’t help but feel how insulting this was, telling people they cannot and should not think for themselves. All I could think of was, “set my people free”.Maybe I am naive, but I hope our new City Council leaders will be encouraged when they see the good and the truth which is being brought to their neighborhoods, and realize it is time to come together as a city and continue to move everyone forward.

  • Rico

    Yeah, He/she/it was even counting down the days until Ballard’s loss.

  • Ramon

    She voted absentee and was in Florida yesterday.

  • jlg

    BTW now that Melina Kennedy has some extra time on her hands, maybe she could spearhead her early education programs. Problem is she probably thinks her hands are tied because she has no tax dollars. She would be surprised, maybe even enlightened if she realized many programs are successful with grants and volunteers. I’m sure Matthew Tulley would be the first in line to work with her. 

  • indyernie

    TA we are waiting…..MAN UP, admit that you were wrong. Don’t be a sissy…come on!

  • indyernie

    Hum…. shoes need shined…I guess I can do something positive down here while I’m waiting.

  • indyernie

    I wish TA and Paul would hurry up….I’m getting a lower back ache…

  • Disappointed Republican

    The first of many IMPD retirements.  Deputy Chief Benjamin just announced retirement.  Yes, he had problems, but many others were hanging on to see how the election came out.  Expect to see a huge exodus of leadership.  How does a large loss of institutional memory and leadership improve the department.  Maybe Herr Direktor can hire some leaders from the East Coast too.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Paul-Wheeler/1543022610 Paul Wheeler

    I’m looking at the result numbers posted by the Star, and it looks like the libertarians were the spoilers in the 4 at-large council races.  If I add the individual results to the higher republicans’ votes, republicans would have won.  The libertarians just furthered a smoking ban agenda favored by democrats; the very issue libertarians opposed. (the other district races and the mayoral race, the libertarians were inconsequential). 

  • Dave

    Amen Abdul, that’s solid insight & analysis.  

    Counterfeit charges of racism were an inexcusable perpetration of evil.  It’s bad enough when we catch ourselves passing along unsubstantiated gossip, etc; but, deliberate character assassination is wrong and the people doing it are WRONG.

    One AA candidate competing in yesterday’s election, had several young AA teenage volunteers who were verbally accosted by AA adults; telling them they were being “slaves” to the Republican party & should be ashamed of themselves as “black people.”  These kids were intimidated & regretting their poll experience.  One of these adults is well known (!) within the community.  People are sick of these divisive plantation pushers; the real owners of any shame.

    If the aforementioned candidate’s open to the idea; we’ll get some donations together for a pizza party, to thank these youngsters & convert their poll abuse experience into a teachable moment.

    Mayor Ballard just held a clinic for the Republican party and citizen oriented candidates, if they’re paying attention…

  • indyernie

    Anybody seen Ogden??? I’m still waiting.

  • libertarian ghost hunter

    At least $60,000.00 from the National Libertarian Party for Ed Coleman who got 1,532 votes = $40.00 @vote, and still lost.  So where did all this money really go?

  • indyernie

    Dave I will donate to cost of the pizza, please let me know when and where.

  • indyernie

    So Ed….what happened to the buck$$$?

  • indyernie

    I heard through the grapevine that TA and Paul Ogden have planned a late night dinner date…. Now, if only they could find a restaurant with crow on the menu!

  • Wurstnitemare@mail.com

    TA does not have to offer up apologies to any one.He is not the one that put out the worst campaign in the history of Indianapolis politics. Im sure that he would have done it different. While I can appreciate your gloating,its time for all of us to come together and hope that we get one of those no bid contracts from your buddy..or better yet hire one of his kids and then get a free contract.

    Other than that,if your still bending over,keep it up,someone will come along that will make your fantasy come true

  • Wurstnitemare

    Dave, if your going to come and spout your dibble, then break loose with the proof of the Afro American kids doing this. It is obvious don’t know much about the black community.They are offended by the term AA.

    Ed made a really bad mistake when he tried to paint Ballard as a Racist. He is not a Racist.

    Show me the proof,otherwise head on back to the 25th and fill out your time card.

    To refer to the black community as AA is as racist as you can get.Grow up,your attitude is typical of the ignorant droolers that abound in this city

  • Wurstnitemare

    Ummm Ernie,just in case you and your racist friend Dave have not heard…CCC is ow in the hands of the Maggie Lewis. In other words….Your screwed

  • indyernie

    Benjamin left for another job.

  • indyernie

    I forgot about the “Ballard is gone” BS that spewed from your fingertips mare, go ahead,  pucker up and plant those lips.

  • jlg

    Boy these comments, oops I shouldn’t start that way, but the list of what is and what is not racist grows everyday. I mean really is  there a site where we could check daily so not to offend anyone?
    After all most of us all proud just to be Americans. 

    Stop the division, that is being Racist!

  • indyernie

    You know nothing about the CCC. The Council can’t pass a proposal without the Mayor signing off on it. The CCC can’t fill an appointment without the Mayor signing off and IF a budget, position or committee isn’t filled the current budget, position and committee stands until reappointed. As long as the Mayor is happy with the current appointments then life is good.Maggie will have to work with Ballard and visa versa or there will be outrage by the people. Very similar to as when the D’s locked the citizens out of public meetings.Ballard will be just fine.

  • indyernie

     ”One of these adults is well known (!) within the community. ”
    Name the person and expose this ASS for what he/she is.

  • Guest

    Bitter much?

  • http://twitter.com/IndyStudent Matthew Stone

    I really don’t like this assertion, that votes “belong” to Republicans.

  • Ramon

    Be sure to get your pizza from Godfathers…..you figure out where to find the blondes!

  • Ramon

    One of those at large Libertarian votes was mine and I am a Democrat.  My other 3 votes went to Democratic at large candidates.

  • Dave

    Ain’t you full of bologna knockwurst?  What 70′s show are you playing in your head with the “Afro American” interp?  The acronymic reference was one of common use (African American).  

    The trusted, first hand source for the aforementioned incident with the teen volunteers, is a self described AA compadre (on occasion of discussing related issues).  If that person wants to formally make the incident known- they will.  It’s their decision.

    But hey Wurst, if it’s just a made up story, it’s not like anyone was named by me & falsely accused as a “racist.”  If I were to do something like that, I’d run for public office wearing a team blue jersey.  

  • Your soul is at stake

    Wurstnitemare, I know what Dave said about the kids being harassed did happen, and why would he tell you who they were, so you can go back and tell your D friends who it was. Why are  trying to defend that behavior. Wrong is wrong, and I am Black, and I am tired of the democrats trying t control our community.

    Things are changing, and truth will prevail….

    Dave, count me in on that pizza, and pray for Wurstnitemare.
       

  • Think Again

    You really do live in a dream world, don’t you?

  • Think Again

    I’m on no Ballard bandwagon.  I think he’s a horrific mayor.

    I wasn’t involved in the Kennedy campaign.  I reacted to what the campaigns did.

    And so did the voters, whoml I respect.

  • Think Again

    Oh, Paul, that’s so far off base it’s comical.

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