Gov. Mitch Daniels and National Guard Bureau Chief Lt. Gen. H. Steven Blum along with Indiana National Guard Soldiers from Company E, 113th Support Battalion from Ft. Wayne display a banner and show their pride for the Indianapolis Colts during a visit to at LSA Anaconda, Balad, Iraq. Gov. Daniels and Lt. Gen. Blum met with Soldiers from the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, whose members are deployed throughout Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his visit, Gov. Daniels learned about some of the missions Hoosier Soldiers are participating in, such as convoy logistic patrols, force protection and the Iraq-Based Industrial Zone initiative. The governor arrived in Iraq on Monday and traveled to several camps in the country visiting hundreds of Guard members and those on active duty to thank them for their service, check in on their well being and to learn about their missions. “I’m coming back, as I have before, just enormously impressed with the character and sheer competence and professionalism of the entire American military, and of course, I’m especially proud of the members of the Indiana National Guard,” Daniels said today during a conference call. “They’re really good at what they’re doing, they’re really proud of what they’re doing, and every Hoosier should be, too.” Indiana currently has the largest deployment of National Guard members in the Middle East. There are 4,133 Indiana National Guard members serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Many of those are members of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which deployed in March. The governor said the spirits of members of the 76th Brigade are high and that he encountered good humor. “But they’re very serious about their business, and the impression you get over and over again is that these are people who have worked very hard, drilled and trained hard and developed skills with complex equipment. They are very glad to have a chance to show what they can do, and glad to put all their training to work,” he said. Hours after meeting with Company E, Daniels learned that Indianapolis will host the 2012 Super Bowl. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Robert G. Cooper III)
The Republican attorney general race is intensifying as Deputy Attorney General Greg Zoeller (pictured) and Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas scramble for delegate support. U.S. Rep. Mark Souder has endorsed Greg Zoeller for the Republican attorney general nomination. Zoeller also has brought on Whitley County Republican Chairman Jim Banks to run his convention campaign. "In a campaign like this, it’s all about the 2,000 delegates," Banks told Howey Politics Indiana on Monday. Zoeller spent the weekend with Attorney Gen. Steve Carter who stumped in both the north and south. "We will be reaching out to every one of them." Banks said that Zoeller has now been endorsed by the 3rd, 8th and 9th CD chairs. Republican county chairmen spent the weekend through today hurriedly appointing delegates for the June 2 GOP convention. The delegates could determine whether Zoeller or Costas wins the attorney general nomination. Costas announced the support of 19 mayors. "Jon Costas has been a great mayor, and it’s important we have state leaders who know how to address the concerns of the people and understand local government," Marion Mayor Wayne Seybold said in statement. "I know Jon will bring the same energy and efficiency to state government that he’s exhibited as mayor." Other mayors to endorse include: Jim Brainard, Carmel; Andy Cook, Westfield; John Dennis, West Lafayette; Brad DeReamer, Greenfield; John Ditslear, Noblesville; Scott Ferguson, Shelbyville; John Lasley, Lebanon; Craig Luedeman, Seymour; Sharon McShurley, Muncie; Jeff Rea, Mishawaka; Mark Senter, Plymouth; Wayne Seybold, Marion; Dr. Rob Thoman, Southport; Jason Thompson, Monticello; Larry Thompson, Nappanee; Bob Vanlandingham, Wabash; James Walker, Peru; Ernest Wiggins, Warsaw; Joe Wright, Beech Grove. Costas has been endorsed by Gov. Mitch Daniels, Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman and Secretary of State Todd Rokita. Several Republican county chairs have complained to HPI about the strong armed campaign tactics used by Gov. Daniels’ re-election campaign on behalf of Costas.
Reports that Gov. Mitch Daniels is visiting Hoosier troops in Iraq could not be confirmed with his office, but spokeswoman Jane Jankowski said that he is "overseas." Jankowski said that Daniels will be visiting troops. He will be talking to the media sometime Tuesday. In relate news. A soldier from Nappannee has died of injuries suffered in a January roadside bomb explosion in Baghdad, according to the Associated Press. The soldier’s family and a funeral home say that 48-year-old Staff Sgt. James P. Snyder died May 10 at Fort Benning, Ga., where he was recovering from his injuries. His mother, Donna Snyder, says her son was on his third tour of duty in Iraq. He also served in the first Gulf War and had 21 months left before his retirement. She said her son had six surgeries in three weeks after his injuries and had metal rods inserted in his legs. Snyder is survived by a wife and three teenage children. A graveside service is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at Syracuse Cemetery. Daniels is shown here swearing in Indiana National Guard troops in Iraq. (Photo courtesy of Gov. Daniels)
INDIANAPOLIS – Virginia Dill McCarty was the first Hoosier woman to run for governor three decades ago. State Sen. Vi Simpson was a candidate in 2003. Soon thereafter, Kathy Davis was appointed to be the first lieutenant governor later that year. In 2004, Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman was the first to be elected. In 2006, State Sen. Sue Landske became assistant Senate President Pro Tempore, Sen. Connie Lawson became majority floor leader and Sen. Teresa Lubbers became assistant majority floor leader.
On May 6, the Hoosier glass ceiling emphatically shattered with Hillary Clinton’s Democratic presidential primary win and Jill Long Thompson becoming the first female gubernatorial nominee. It came five years after former IUPUI pollster Brian Vargus questioned whether Hoosiers were ready for a female governor. There has been a steady progression of power coming to the hands of female politicians. Some of it came as Govs. Joe Kernan and Mitch Daniels sought to balance their administrations and tickets with gender.
After the defeat of Senate President Pro Tempore Robert D. Garton in May 2006, a block of six female Republican senators — Lawson, Lubbers, Landske, Beverly Gard, Vaneta Becker and Patricia Miller — cut a deal, throwing their support behind David Long of Fort Wayne. Thus, the new Senate power structure took on a decidedly female touch.
Thompson brings this gender power drive into a new realm with her nomination, becoming the first non-white male gubernatorial nominee in Indiana’s 192 year history. What does it mean to her personally and for Hoosiers?
Jill Long Thompson speaks to United Steelworkers in Indianapolis on May 7. (HPI Photot by A. Walker Shaw)
"Any time a door is opened for one, it is for many,” said Thompson, who was out-spent by Schellinger $3.2 million to $1.3 million. “To deny rights to a few is to deny rights to all. The more we recognize individuals, the less we categorize people into groups, the more we are allowing the God-given talents of each person to be contributed to better society. I feel very good, but very blessed with this particular accomplishment and this opportunity."
The Argos farmer and teacher turned down the chance to become Frank O’Bannon’s running mate in 1996, explaining that she had just been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as undersecretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. When asked about the Vargus quote from five years before, “Were Hoosiers ready for a female governor then? Were they ready before then and are they ready now?” she replied, "Hoosiers are ready for the best and strongest leadership an individual can provide," she said.
There were surreal moments for both Thompson and Schellinger gubernatorial campaigns on Election Day. It became clear that she performed extremely well in her old congressional district area surrounding Fort Wayne, carrying some counties with 70 percent. There was also a large Republican crossover into the Democratic primary. What would that crossover mean? One campaign operative told me before the polls closed, "We’re flying blind." Thompson’s campaign had seen internal numbers that indicated an 11th hour 8 percent lead.
By the next day, with a 7,200 vote lead out of 1.3 million cast, she declared victory in Fort Wayne and Schellinger finally conceded. In the April 23-24 Howey-Gauge Poll, it showed the one group Schellinger lead with was Republicans. His campaign made more than 250,000 calls, many to women, and those two trends dramatically tightened the race.
By mid-evening on Election Night, Schellinger had pulled into a 50/50 tie with Thompson, with the race seesawing by a few thousand votes until it stopped around midnight, awaiting the final 72 percent of the Lake County returns to report. It was Lake County that ultimately gave Thompson the final narrow lead. She was endorsed by the United Steelworkers, and this was their turf. Thompson also received a key endorsement from Lake County Sheriff Roy Dominguez, who introduced her at the Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner. There was also the under-the-radar animosity between U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky and the Indiana Democratic Party, which was clandestinely backing Schellinger. Lake County became payback time and Thompson benefited, in part for the aforementioned elements and partly from the huge Barack Obama turnout.
"The polls were all over the place," said Bett Voorhies, Indiana political coordinator for the United Steelworkers. "There was quite a bit of movement in the final weeks." Asked how Thompson staved off the Schellinger charge, Voorhies said, "The Steelworkers. The bulk of our membership is from the Gary-East Chicago area. Our field program paid off.”
Voorhies said that Sheriff Dominguez played a significant role. "He has been a huge supporter of ours. I’m sure it swayed a lot of people. But we won this thing on the ground. At every Obama event, at every Hillary event, at every Bill event, we had Steelworker volunteers handing out literature. We were meeting 3,000 to 4,000 Democrats at a time. We had no paid media other than a little cable."
With signs of a huge Democratic wave taking shape nationally, can Thompson defeat Gov. Mitch Daniels, who starts the general election campaign with roughly an $8 million lead? Thompson said, "I expect this to be a very tough fight and I expect to win. What’s most pleasing is he has been running ads for a long time and people aren’t buying it. Voters want more than a flannel shirt and a connoisseur of tenderloin."
Republican State Sen. John Waterman of Shelburn is exploring whether to enter the Indiana gubernatorial race as an independent candidate. "There’s a lot of disgruntled people," said Waterman in an exclusive Howey Politics Indiana interview Friday morning. Waterman, who was elected to the Senate in 1994 after two terms as Sullivan County Sheriff, added, "I know in this area, people are living paycheck to paycheck. There’s no communication with the governor’s office. He’s got this open door policy that doesn’t work. Nobody will call you back. There’s a lack of interest in education. The schools are in bad shape and nobody wants to talk about it. Economic development in Southwestern Indiana is zilch." Waterman said that "right now, things are exploratory." But he added that he’s been in contact with a number of taxpayer groups around the state and said he is even weighing a choice for lieutenant governor. Waterman also said that a number of people in local government have expressed interest in a possible campaign. Many of them are upset by the elimination of most township assessors and coming Kernan-Shepard reforms. Waterman added that the recent increase in the sales tax is cutting into business that came into Indiana from Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. "People would come in to Terre Haute, Vincennes and Kentland to buy beer and liquor. When we raised the sales tax, we’re going to be losing a lot of revenue. Legislators on the east side of the state are seeing the same thing." Waterman also complained about the caps on local government, but not state government. "The state keeps spending," Waterman said. "What’s good for the locals is good for the state." A Republican county chairman from Southwestern Indiana told HPI Thursday night that after attending Lincoln Day dinners throughout the 8th CD, he fears that Daniels will lose some counties 2 to 1 and even 3 to 1 in the fall to Democrat Jill Long Thompson. The chairman, who spoke off the record, said that there have been attempts to "talk Waterman out of it." Waterman would need to get 33,000 valid signatures by June 30 to qualify for the ballot. Eric Holcomb, Gov. Daniels’ campaign manager, reacted by saying, "You have to scratch your head and wonder about this one. It’s a free country and anyone can run." Holcomb took on Waterman’s claim that economic development in Southwestern Indiana has been "zilch." He noted that the Daniels-Skillman administration saved 5,000 jobs at Crane, there are two $2 billion power plants coming and that the I-69 extension is about to become a reality. "We’re extremely excited about Southwestern Indiana’s role in the comeback. There’s a lot going on," Holcomb said.
Former presidential candidate John Edwards endorsed Barack Obama for president on Wednesday. "I’m deeply honored by John’s support," Obama said as the two appeared together in Grand Rapids, Mich. "He is a true leader who dedicated his career to improving the lives of ordinary Americans. John ran a strong, principled campaign for president, focusing on a number of important issues where we share common ground — universal health care, bringing our troops home from Iraq, and eliminating poverty in America. The way he ran his campaign was also important. He ran in a way that reflected our shared conviction that we need to fundamentally change politics. Like our campaign, John’s campaign never accepted donations from Washington lobbyists or special interest PACs." Edwards was the biggest endorsement the Obama campaign has received in recent days and it followed that of U.S. Reps. Joe Donnelly on Monday and Pete Visclosky on Tuesday. The only bigger formal endorsements would be former President Jimmy Carter, who has hinted his support for Obama, and former Vice President Al Gore.
U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky , D-Merrillville, announced his endorsement of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. for the Democratic Party’s nomination for President early Wednesday, the Times of Northwest Indiana reported. That leaves U.S. Rep. Brad Ellsworth as the only Hoosier super delegate that is uncommitted. On Monday, U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly endorsed Obama. The two Hoosier endorsements sandwich around Hillary Clinton’s landslide win in the West Virginia primary, though it does little to change the math for the Democratic nomination. Visclosky’s office issued the following statement by the congressman explaining his choice: “When our country was in its darkest hour at the height of the Great Depression, it required presidential leadership from the likes of Franklin Delano Roosevelt to set the nation on the right course. After two terms under President Bush, we are engaged in a calamitous war in Iraq, unemployment is rising as our jobs are outsourced overseas, gas prices are out of control, foreclosures are decimating our communities, and access to healthcare is diminishing by the day. Our country is once again in a dark hour and we need a new President to bring Americans together and change the country for the better. One choice is Senator John McCain. He would continue the war in Iraq for 100 years, tax our healthcare benefits, and make no effort to stop outsourcing jobs. A McCain presidency would equate to four more years of the Bush Administration, which our country cannot afford. My choice is Senator Barack Obama who promises to bring Americans together to reach pragmatic, progressive solutions to the problems we face. I have faith in Obama to redeploy our troops from Iraq, and to do it quickly. I believe that Obama, a former community organizer on the South Side of Chicago, would stand up for our steel industry. I have confidence that Obama’s energy plan will go a long way toward reducing our dependence on foreign oil by increasing our ability to produce renewable, non-carbon energy sources. I trust that Obama’s healthcare plan will begin moving us toward guaranteeing a minimum level of coverage for all. And I know that Senator Obama will respect the constitution and restore the rule of law. Right now, America needs a President who offers a vision of the future comprised of sensible solutions to today’s problems. We need a president who will bring people together, give them hope, spur change, and set the U.S. back on a course toward progress, prosperity, and global leadership." Visclosky is shown here in October 2004 in Indianapolis. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey)
HPI EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly endorsed Barack Obama’s presidential campaign today (Brian A. Howey, Howey Politics Indiana). "At a time when too many Americans have lost faith in their government, Senator Obama can move us beyond the politics of stalemate and gridlock that has kept us from meeting the monumental challenges of our time: our dependence on foreign oil, a health care gap that leaves tens of millions uninsured, the steady deterioration of our manufacturing base, and an economy that is not working for working people," Donnelly announced in a statement. "I am looking for a president who can bring this nation together, build bipartisan majorities in Congress, and energize the American people to tackle the tough issues. Senator Clinton is a tenacious fighter for the American people, and particularly for working families, but I believe Barack Obama is the president that we need at this moment in history. He has helped engage over 3 million new voters, tapped into the American people’s powerful desire for change, and pointed the way toward a more hopeful future for our country. We don’t agree on 100 percent of the issues, just as I’m sure that my constituents don’t agree with me on 100 percent of the issues. But we share a commitment to working people—to trade that is fair, job growth at home, and health care that is affordable. And we share a determination to keep our military the strongest in the world, while also giving our veterans the care, support, and respect they have earned. The Democratic Party’s strength comes from its core commitment to the American Dream and from a coalition that is ideologically, economically, geographically, and ethnically diverse. Barack Obama will stand with working families while building that coalition so that we can change this country, and that’s why he’s the best choice for America." He wanted to see how his district voted but he didn’t want to be seen as influencing the vote," said former Indiana Congressman Tim Roemer. Obama carried St. Joseph and Elkhart counties but lost Donnelly’s 2nd CD by a couple of percent. "He just gave this some thought and likes then both but I think he believes Obama can win," said 2nd CD Chairman Butch Morgan. Roemer added, "We’re delighted to get him. Obama is picking up more and more support." Roemer said he was up until 10 p.m. last night making calls to super delegates. He said he had talked with Donnelly several times since January. He also reported ‘very positive" conversations with Indiana’s other two super delegates: U.S. Reps. Pete Visclosky and Brad Ellsworth. Donnelly told HPI on May 4 that his wife and children were backing Obama. He was invigorated to see the demonstrators on the street and said that the youthful support was "inspiring." (IHPI Photo by A. Walker Shaw)
Sen. Robert Meeks (center) is expected to announce his retirement at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Indiana Senate Chambers, informed and reliable Republican sources tell Howey Politics Indiana. Meeks reportedly suffered a stroke this spring. He has been influential on the budget process. Earlier this spring, Senate President Pro Tempore David Long began moving people into place signalling a possible change in fiscal leadership. State Sen. Ronnie Alting was moved to an adviser on the Indiana Budget Committee. Meeks had not scheduled his annual golf outing and had been donating chunks of his campaign warchest to other candidates. Meeks was first elected to the Senate in 1988 and chairs the powerful appropriations committee. Expected to seek the Senate District 13 seat are State Reps. Marlin Stutzman and Matt Bell. Meeks is shown here at a 2006 Major Moves rally with Gov. Mitch Daniels, and, at the far left, State Sen. Glenn Howard, who missed the entire 2008 legislative session with health problems. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey)
Gov. Mitch Daniels has endorsed Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas for the Republican mominatin for attorney general and Greater Clark Schools Supt. Tony Bennett for superintendent of public instruction. In a letter to state committeemen and women, Daniels said, "We are fortunate to have an excellent candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction in Dr. Tony Bennett, who has served the students and families of Indiana for two decades as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. Tony, with a strong background in curriculum, instruction, and strategic planning, has a record of success in improving the performance of school districts. I am convinced his enthusiasm, record of accomplishment, and commitment to taxpayers will make him an excellent partner at the State House." Current Supt. Suellen Reed announced last month she would not seek a fifth term. On the attorney general race where incumbent Steve Carter is not seeking re-election, Daniels wrote, "We also have two outstanding men running for Attorney General. I have known both Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas and Greg Zoeller for years. I like and admire them both very much. I have heard from a large number of party and civic leaders making the point that three-quarters of our 2008 ticket should not come from one geographical area, and I find I must agree. Fairness, balance, and political common sense all argue for supporting Mayor Jon Costas. I ask you to join me in doing so." Daniels endorsement of Costas is considered a crucial development for the nomination which will take place at the Indiana Republican Convention on June 2. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey)
INDIANAPOLIS - We’ve just come through an Indiana primary where the competing campaigns kept emphasizing Hoosier jobs. It would have meant more if they talked about Hoosier wages and salaries. But then facts are harder to digest than rhetoric. Here are some facts you can chew on.
At the start of this century (2000), the average wage (total wages and salaries divided by total number of full- and part-time jobs) in Indiana was $30,401, ranking 27th in the nation. By 2006, we ranked 32nd of the 50 states. That decline of five places in the national ranking was tied by Utah and exceeded only by Michigan (down six places).
The average wage in Indiana did grow between 2000 and 2006. But our 18.2% increase was the fifth lowest rate of growth in the U.S. where the national rate was 20.9%. After adjusting for increases in the prices of what consumers buy, Indiana’s real growth in average wages was a scant 3.0% over six years, not per year.
The highest average wages in 2006 were in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and California. The lowest could be found in South Dakota, Montana, and Mississippi. Indiana at $35,924 was nestled between Louisiana and Alabama.
Candidates from both parties would have you think that Indiana’s problems are new and possibly can be blamed on NAFTA. The truth is that Indiana has not kept pace with the nation since 1979 when our average wage per job was 1.6% above the national figure. By 2000 we had fallen to 12.4% below the U.S. and we have continued to decline to 14.4% in 2006, our lowest level yet.
At the county level, there have been some spectacular winners and tragic losers between 2000 and 2006. (The following figures refer to wages and salaries paid for jobs worked in a county. Because of extensive commuting between counties, they do not necessarily reflect the pay of those who live in the county.)
Led by Gibson, Greene, Boone and Martin counties, only 25 Indiana counties grew faster than the nation in average wages per job. Two counties (Vermillion and Henry) actually declined in average wages per job BEFORE adjustment for price changes. In addition, another 22 counties did not realize any real growth in average wages.
In 2000, seven Indiana counties (Howard, Martin, Hamilton, Vermillion, Posey, Marion, and Bartholomew) enjoyed average wages per job in excess of the national level ($34,718). By 2006, the national level rose to $41,991 and Vermillion and Bartholomew dropped out of this charmed group. Martin replaced Howard in first place; Posey and Marion moved up ahead of Hamilton and Gibson became part of the elite six.
The greatest advance in rank was realized by Decatur County (before Honda) as it moved from 65th to 43rd place. Gibson County (with Toyota) had the highest growth rate at 47.5%.
The issue for Indiana remains pay levels not jobs. Wages and salaries depend on the value of the goods and services produced by workers in Indiana. Education, effort, efficiency are all important. But if we do not have firms that produce what the world wants, then our relative well-being will continue to decline.
Mr. Marcus is an economist, author, and speaker, formerly with the Indiana University Kelley School of Business.
In the Ryan Nees column "JLT Should Seize The Party" published in the May 8, 2008 edition of Howey Politics Indiana, the columnist stated: Though the state party remained officially neutral, Kellar in his final days once awoke to an e-mail from himself that he had not written. Signed by Kellar and e-mailed from his address without his knowledge, (Jennifer) Wagner had publicized an attack on Long Thompson’s role in the 1992 House banking scandal while still on the party’s payroll. Previously she attended at least one organizational meeting at Schellinger’s home months before departing the state party.
The March 27 e-mail titled "Schellinger focused on ‘Pick Up Indiana Jobs Plan: Long Thompson stands in glass house on ethics," was actually sent out by Candace Martin of the Jim Schellinger for governor campaign, and not Robert Kellar.
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson is beginning to develop a "framework" for finding a lieutnenat governor nominee. Thompson made it clear to HPI on Wednesday that she would be looking for an LG who would work tirelessly on jobs. "Major criterion is leadership on economic development," Thomspon said. Does geography matter? Thomspon answered, "Geography is a factor for consideration but ultimately it’s important to find the best qualified person to do the job, And someone who will be committed to campaigning very hard every day. Not just to win, but to work very hard for eight years to rebuild Indiana’s economy?" Who might be other names? Almost certainly topping the list will be Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel (pictured here at a Barack Obama rally in Evansville on April 22), a two-term mayor, former legislator and congressional candiate. There were blog reports that Thompson met with Weinzapfel, but campaign spokesman Jeff Harris said the two had only exchanged voice mails. There is the Bloomington group, that would include Mayor Mark Kruzan, another former legislator, State Sen. Vi Simpson and State Reps, Matt Pierce and Peggy Welch. Other mayors who might appear on speculation lists include Hammond’s Tom McDermott, Lafayette’s Tony Roswarski, South Bend’s Stephen Luecke and former Fort Wayne mayor Graham Richard. While Richard backed Jim Schellinger, he offers the kind of economic development and technology background that Thompson described. Others who might offer geographic balance from the south includes State Sen. Robert Dieg is a former Posey County commissioner and councilman and serves on the Senate agriculture, State Sen. Connie Sipes who is a New Albany school principal; State Rep, Steve Stemler who is president and CEO of Jeffersonville’s Stemler Corp.; Crothersville School Supt. Terry Goodin; Wasington broadcaster and State Rep. Dave Crooks; State Rep. Trent Van Haaften, a former Posey County prosecutor. Others state senators might include Sue Errington of Muncie, Anderson attorney Tim Lanane, John Broden of South Bend, and Portage attorney Karen Talian. House members who might be on a list include Anderson State Rep, Teri Austin who teaches at Anderson University; Vincennes teacher Kreg Battles, former Fort Wayne Mayor Winfield Moses, Scott Reske of Pendleton who serves on the small business committee, and out-going State Reps. David Orentlicher and Carolene Mays, who publishes the Indianapolis Recorder.Thompson conducted talks with Democratic Party leaders on Thursday, said campaign spokesman Jeff Harris. "The party is unifying quickly behind Jill," he said. "We are really pleased who quickly it’s happening." Harris suggested that there would be a series of announcements coming in the next several days. "People are ready to defeat Mitch Daniels," Harris said. He added that the campaign is looking for an office in Indianapolis. Indiana Democratic Chairman Dan Parker told HPI after meeting with Thompson campaign manager Travis Lowe, "I met with her campaign staff. They’re going to be moving into the space we’ve got at the office. They’ll be moving in next week. Things are going very well. We talked about what it’s going to take to defeat Daniels. We pledged to work with her to get that done." (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey)
Hillary Clinton defeated Barack Obama in the Indiana delegate hunt on Tuesday, 38 to 34. Add on the committed super delegates and Clinton has a 42-39 Indiana lead. It comes despite her narrow 14,000 vote victory over Barack Obama, who carried only nine of Indiana’s 92 counties. Clinton picked up four delegates in the 8th and 9th CDs; three delegates in the 1st, 2nd, and 6th; and two delegates in the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th. Obama picked up 4 delegates in the 7th CD; three delegates in the 1st and 2nd; and two delegates in the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th and 9th CDs. The two candidates split the statewide delegates 8 apiece, said Indiana Democratic Chairman Dan Parker. Clinton also holds a lead in the party leader/elected officials by a 5 to 4 margin. "The three districts that the Democrats won to help take back Congress were won by Hillary Clinton," said Parker of districts held by U.S. Reps. Baron Hill, Brad Ellsworth and Joe Donnelly. "Two of them overwhelmningly." He was talking about the 8th and 9th CDs. Clinton got 61 percent of the vote in the 9th, represented by Hill and once by former congressman Lee Hamilton, both who backed Obama. Parker added, "Obama lost this race in his own backyard. In the First, he only carried it 53-47 percent." In the 6th CD, Clinton carried 59 percent of the vote. Parker will have one additional delegate to award Clinton, who he endorsed, at the Indiana Democratic Convention, which will likely go to former Gov. Joe Kernan. Once that happens, Clinton would have a 43-39 lead. Donnelly, Ellsworth and U.S. Rep. Pete Viscklosky are still uncommitted. Clinton is shown here at her victory rally at the Murat in Indianapolis Tuesday night. (HPI Photo by A. Walker Shaw)
INDIANAPOLIS - Virginia Dill McCarty was the first Hoosier woman to run for governor three decades ago. State Sen. Vi Simpson was a candidate in 2003. Soon thereafter, Kathy Davis was appointed to be the first lieutenant govenor later that year. In 2004, Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman was the first to be elected. In 2006, State Sen. Sue Landske became assistant Senate President Pro Tempore, Sen. Connie Lawson became majority floor leader and Sen. Teresa Lubbers became assistant majority floor leader.
On Tuesday, the Hoosier glass ceiling shattered with Hillary Clinton’s Democratic presidential primary win and Jill Long Thompson becoming the first female gubernatorial nominee. It came five years after former IUPUI pollster Brian Vargus questioned whether Hoosiers were ready for a female governor.
The United Steelworkers made up this poster featuring the likeness of Jill Long Thompson,Indiana's first female gubernatorial nominee. (HPI Photo by A. Walker Shaw)
There has been a steady progression of power coming to the hands of female politicians. Some of it came as Govs. Joe Kernan and Mitch Daniels sought to balance their administrations and tickets with gender.
After the defeat of Senate President Pro Tempore Robert D. Garton in May 2006, a block of six female Republican senators — Lawson, Lubbers, Landske, Beverly Gard, Vaneta Becker and Patricia Miller — cut a deal, throwing their support behind David Long of Fort Wayne. Thus, the new Senate power structure took on a decidedly female touch.
Thompson brings this gender power drive into a new realm with her nomination Tuesday night, becoming the first non-white male gubernatorial nominee in Indiana’s 192 year history who is not a white male. What does it mean to her personally and for Hoosiers?
Thompson told HPI, "Any time a door is opened for one, it is for many. To deny rights to a few is to deny rights to all. The more we recognize individuals, the less we categorize people into groups, the more we are allowing the God-given talents of each person to be contributed to better society. I feel very good but very blest with this particular accomplishment and this opportunity."
Thompson lives on a farm near Argos. She turned down the chance to become Frank O’Bannon’s running mate in 1996, explaining that she had just been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as undersecretary for the U.S. Agriculture Department. She was asked about the Vargus quote from five years before. Were Hoosiers ready for a female governor then? Before then? Now? "Hoosiers are ready for the best and strongest leadership an individual can provide," she said.
Here’s the rest of our phone interview that occurred Wednesday afternoon shortly before her opponent, Jim Schellinger, conceded in a phone call to her.
HPI: It seemed like you had a pretty decent lead and it looks as if you withstood a vigorous challenge from your opponent.
Thompson: What happened yesterday? I won.
HPI: Any details?
Thompson: Among the voters who were paying attention to the gubernatorial race I have somewhere between a 10 and 15 point lead. But among those voters who came out to vote in the presidential but were not paying attention to the gubernatorial, the dropoff from presidential to gubernatorial was about 10 percent, but most of the polls showed that they voted for the first name on the ballot. They sort or randomly picked.
HPI: Do you know what kind of Republican and independent crossover?
Thompson: I do not have an analysis at this point, though I suspect there will be one. I don’t intend to put any resources into that.
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Sue Landske became assistant Senate President Pro Tempore, Sen. Connie Lawson became majority floor leader and Sen. Teresa Lubbers became assistant majority floor leader.
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At the start of this century (2000), the average wage (total wages and salaries divided by total number of full- and part-time jobs) in Indiana was $30,401, ranking 27th in the nation. By 2006, we ranked 32nd of the 50 states. That decline of five places in the national ranking was tied by Utah and exceeded only by Michigan (down six places).
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Sue Landske became assistant Senate President Pro Tempore, Sen. Connie Lawson became majority floor leader and Sen. Teresa Lubbers became assistant majority floor leader..jpg)