4 Floyd council seats up for grabs

By Matt Batcheldor
The Courier-Journal

The eight candidates running for four seats on the Floyd County Council have a lot of ideas of how to spend the county's $10 million budget, but they acknowledge that there isn't nearly enough money to accomplish them all.

Managing a tight budget that gets tighter by the year is a chief concern for the council. The state ordered the county to cut $3 million from what was a $13 million budget earlier this year.

It means less money is available for growing needs, current council members have complained, and candidates agree. They said the county needs a new jail, youth shelter, annex, more police and corrections officers, and a new court.

Four of the council's seven seats are up for election this year. The three at-large seats are not on the Nov. 7 ballot.

Here's a breakdown of the races and who's running:
1st District

The 1st District will have a new representative for the first time in 16 years. Democrat Tom Pickett defeated longtime incumbent Ted Heavrin in the primary election and will face Republican Phyllis Thomas. Both are political newcomers.

Pickett, a 54-year-old auto mechanic who teaches at the Prosser School of Technology, said his top priority is "to keep a close eye on the budget."

He said he hopes the youth shelter can go to the state-owned former Silvercrest Children's Development Center, as has been proposed. He's undecided about whether to build a new Floyd County Jail, suggesting the current one could be expanded.

Read the full story on the County Council Race at the Louisville Courier - Journal.com

Campaigns enter final days; Democrats energized

From the Floyd County Democratic Party

As the campaigns for federal, state, and local office reach the final stretch, Democrats are energized to make the final push for victory and are ready to lead our county and nation to greater prosperity.

In just one week, Floyd County has been visited by luminaries such as former Congressman Lee Hamilton, former Senator Birch Bayh, and Senator Evan Bayh. Our Congressional candidate, Baron Hill attended each event featuring these statements as their special guest and their message was unified - "Floyd County and Southern Indiana need Baron Hill."

Independents are also spreading the word. This morning, the Louisville Courier-Journal "enthusiastically" endorsed Baron Hill. (Full article - click here)

Floyd County has other candidates, however, that also need your support. Randy Stumler is working hard to be the next County Commissioner, bringing experience, fiscal responsibility, and strong family values to the position. Darrell Mills, Floyd County's next Sheriff, wants to make our community secure and has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police as well as many of our community's officers. Lee Cotner, running for Prosecutor, is a life long resident of Floyd County and wants to ensure that the Prosecutor's office is run fairly and focuses on a platform of reducing truancy, enforcing child support against deadbeat parents, hard enforcement against violent offenders, and better fiscal management of the office.

These are just some of the examples of our qualified candidates running to represent Floyd County (For a complete list of Democratic Candidates, check out our sample ballot.)

But the battle has yet to be won - Democrats can't win without your support. Volunteer today by making phone calls at Democrat Headquarters, canvassing your local neighborhood, writing a last minute letter to the paper, or placing a sign in your yard. It all starts with a simple telephone call - 812.207.7941. With you help, we will make American a stronger, better place to live!

Political heavyweights vie for open seat

By CHRIS MORRIS
newsroom@newsandtribune.com

— In one corner you have the chairman of the Floyd County Democrat Party and a member of the Floyd County Council. In the other corner you have a well-known local businessman who has been a member of the New Albany City Council for nine years.
They both want to be a Floyd County Commissioner.

When Dr. John Reisert decided not to run for re-election, Randy Stumler and Mark Seabrook filed in hopes of being elected to Floyd County’s governing body.

“It’s an important job and I feel confident with the new ideas I can bring to it,” Stumler, 40, said.

Stumler, the Democratic Party nominee, said it’s important to get new people involved who bring “new perspectives.”

While the Republican Seabrook has never been elected to a county office, he said being a commissioner is something he has always wanted to do.

“The city is part of the county. We all live in Floyd County,” he said.

Many issues face the county in coming months, from budget woes, jail overcrowding and a possible new youth shelter. Seabrook also said smart growth should also be a priority.

“I think one of the main issues is to balance progress out there (development) from business to residential,” he said.

Stumler said the commissioners will have a lot to say about what the county will look like in the next 20 to 30 years.

“We need more long-term planning,” he said. “Our government needs to set long-range goals and make it happen. Let’s not get caught in a crunch where we run out of office space in the future. Let’s plan ahead.”

Stumler said money issues should also be a top priority. The county has been crippled in the past year by two murder trials, unfunded mandates and the state cutting $3 million from the 2006 submitted budget.

“You have got to keep the cost down,” he said. “You have to operate within a budget. The commissioners control the riverboat money and EDIT funding.”

Read more on the Commissioner's race at the New Albany News - Tribune website.

Property-tax reform missing in GOP plan

By Lesley Stedman Weidenbener
lstedman@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

INDIANAPOLIS -- House Republicans wrapped up their series of 12 pledges to voters yesterday without dealing with the issue of looming increases in property taxes.

Yesterday's pledge was a promise to approve a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

But nowhere in the GOP set of pledges -- which House Speaker Brian Bosma calls the most aggressive caucus agenda in his memory -- are there any ideas for holding the line on property-tax bills.

In fact, neither Republicans nor Democrats, who are battling to win back the majority in the Indiana House, have given voters any specific plan to lessen or eliminate a projected 15 percent to 19 percent increase in property taxes next year.

"It's a real crisis," House Minority Leader Pat Bauer, D-South Bend, said yesterday.

But it's not one for which his caucus has offered a solution either. Instead, Bauer proposes a series of hearings around the state to gather public input on the problem.

"We'll be open-minded about a solution," he said.

Republicans have just finished a series of so-called town hall meetings about a variety of issues, which Bosma said his caucus used to develop their series of pledges. But property taxes didn't make the list.

Read more on the property tax debate through the Louisville Courier-Journal.

Prosecutor's Race: Candidates differ over get-tough approach

By Matt Batcheldor
mbatcheldor@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

The winner of the Floyd County prosecutor's race will determine what the consequences will be for accused criminals, and that may decide what the consequences will be for the overcrowded county jail.

Keith Henderson, the 45-year-old Republican incumbent, said his get-tough approach has sent more repeat offenders to prison and deterred other crimes.

Lee Cotner, his 44-year-old Democratic challenger and a New Albany defense attorney, said Henderson has overreached, cost the taxpayers thousands and caused overcrowding at the jail.

In his first four-year term, Henderson has discontinued much of the pretrial diversion program used by predecessor Stan Faith -- saying it was overused -- and now offers it only for traffic offenses and other misdemeanors.

He cracked down on criminals, especially violent ones, repeat offenders and drug dealers. He stopped diverting DUI offenders, and raised the DUI conviction rate from the lowest in the state to the upper half. His get-tough approach has deterred crime, he said.

"I've sent a clear-cut message to drug dealers that this isn't the place to come," he said. "I have no tolerance for violent felons."

Cotner said Henderson's insistence on filing felony charges for offenses such as minor theft -- charges that will likely be reduced later -- is unnecessarily filling the jail. Such serious charges don't allow suspects to immediately post bond, he said.

When Henderson took office, the jail had about 130 people, but in a few months that number grew to more than 230, the state-mandated limit. This year, it has had as many as 300 people.

"I think he's costing the county a lot of money in public defender fees," Cotner said, "because everything is filed as a felony. … If they steal a Coke out of a thing, they get a felony."

Read more on this important race at the Courier-Journal.com

Bayh to Join Hill at rally today!

From the Floyd County Democratic Party

(New Albany) - U.S. Senator and potential Presidential nominee Evan Bayh will join Democratic Congressional Candidate Baron Hill in Floyd County today for a rally at Democratic Headquarters and the White House Center at 221 Pearl Street in New Albany.

The rally, which will be held at 4:00 p.m., is an effort to help motivate the Democratic base prior to election day.

"This is a great opportunity for citizens to meet two energetic political figures - Bayh and Hill - that are working to make our nation and our local communities a better place," stated party chairman Randy Stumler.

He added, "With the popularity of Evan Bayh and his potential run for the White House, there may be no better time for Hoosiers to show their support and meet these individuals."

In connection with the event, the local Democratic Party will have refreshments. Pearl Street will be closed during the event due to security considerations.

Anyone with questions on the event should contact Democratic Headquarters at 812.207.7941.

Hill predicts 'sea change' in Congress

By Matt Batcheldor
mbatcheldor@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

Former congressman Lee Hamilton made a quick stop in New Albany yesterday with Democratic House candidate Baron Hill in an effort to energize voters less than two weeks before the Nov. 7 election.

About 50 people, most wearing Hill stickers, applauded as the pair arrived at the South Side Inn for a brief rally.

"We're winning! We're winning!" Hill exclaimed as he entered, later citing unspecified polls that show him leading Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Sodrel and Libertarian Eric Schansberg in the 9th District race.

"As a matter of fact, we're getting better," he said. "We're not getting worse. But the only poll that counts is the poll on Election Day."

Hill predicted a "sea change" if Democrats reclaim Congress. He did not offer specifics, but said the party would "get ahold" of budget deficits, "do something about health care" and change the course of the war in Iraq.

Hamilton, a Democrat who represented the 9th District for more than three decades, stressed the need for tax cuts for "ordinary Americans," helping people without health care and reducing dependence on foreign oil. He also said Democrats would provide better oversight of the Bush administration, noting that Republicans haven't been critical of President Bush's ties to disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff and others.

Hamilton said the eyes of the nation will be on Indiana for the election, where polls will close at 6 p.m., earlier than most states.

"The center of the political universe is the state of Indiana in this election," he said.

Read more on yesterday's event by clicking on the Courier-Journal.com

Hill, Hamilton to be at Southside Today!

From the Floyd County Democratic Party

Interested in the issues driving the Congressional campaign? Want to here from Congressional candidate Baron Hill and former Congressman Lee Hamilton on the problems plaguing Congress? Then head to Southside Restuarant (State & Main Streets in New Albany) at 2:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, October 25th, as both Baron and Lee Hamilton discuss the issues facing our nation.

The event is free and open to the public. Topics to be discussed includes congressional ethics, and healthcare.

Don't miss this opportunity to help make a difference and greet our Congressmen!

Fight for control of state capitals heats up

By Kathy Kiely
USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — For the first time since 1994, Democrats are poised to surpass Republicans in the number of state capitals where one party enjoys complete political control — holding the governor's mansion and both chambers of the state legislature.

Having the political upper hand in state capitals has enabled Republicans to draw congressional districts that are more favorable to their party's candidates, notably in Texas and Georgia.

It has also helped the party develop strong candidates for higher office. According to the non-partisan National Conference of State Legislatures, 57% of members of Congress started out as state legislators.

Republicans hold the governorships and both chambers of the state legislatures in 12 states; Democrats, in eight. Republicans' control is in jeopardy in three of those states: Ohio, Alaska and Indiana.

Democrats face the possibility of losing dominance in only one state: Maine. Meanwhile, the party has a chance for control in eight other states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana and Tennessee.

In Arkansas, Maryland and Massachusetts, Democrats hold majorities in the state legislature and are hoping to take the governor's mansion. In other states, races for the state legislature will decide whether the one party can take control.

That has turned usually little-noticed races into heated contests.

Read more on the battle for Congress at USA Today.

Hill, Sodrel direct in debate

By Dick Kaukas
dkaukas@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

U.S. Rep. Mike Sodrel and Democrat Baron Hill criticized one another's campaigns but avoided personal attacks in a radio debate that aired last night.

Sodrel, R-9th District, is seeking re-election to the seat he won from Hill two years ago. The third candidate in the race is Libertarian Eric Schansberg.

The Sodrel-Hill debate -- Schansberg did not participate -- was recorded Monday afternoon and broadcast on WAVG 1450 AM at 6 p.m. It was their third joint appearance of the campaign.

A few of the exchanges between the two candidates were direct.

At one point, Sodrel asked Hill, "Why do you think it's relevant to this race to be calling me 'Millionaire Mike?' " -- a reference to Sodrel's successful trucking business.

Hill answered, "Well, you are a millionaire, Mike, and that's just the fact. People have an opportunity to know you're a millionaire."

Read more on the debate at the Courier-Journal.com

Floyd assessor candidates bank on experience

By Matt Batcheldor
mbatcheldor@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

Editor's note: Before the Nov. 7 general election, The Courier-Journal will publish stories examining the candidates and issues in Southern Indiana races.

Go to courier-journal.com/election2006in for the latest information on all the candidates.

Both candidates for Floyd County assessor said it's their experience that sets them apart as the office fundamentally changes how assessments are done.

As assessor since 1999, Brenda Egge said she is the most qualified candidate, having gone through "hours and hours of schooling."

Egge, a Democrat, said it's critical that voters retain her because she is trained in Indiana's new system for assessing property.

Read more of this story online at the C-J.

Area's congressional races attract national spotlight

James R. Carroll
The Courier-Journal

As voting approaches, the experts are handicapping the races.

A bit more than three weeks until Election Day, the political handicappers are surveying the campaign landscape, and three Kentucky House races -- in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Districts -- and one Southern Indiana House contest are considered among the hottest.

And yet, it is not clear whether the Kentuckiana contests will provide as much help to the Democrats they once hoped for in their quest to take control of the House, according to analysts.

The Democrats need to pick up 15 seats nationwide to take power in the House, and that now appears not only doable but likely, according to several nonpartisan assessments out in recent days.

"There is a Democratic gale a blowin'," writes Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, in his latest Crystal Ball newsletter.

"If current trends continue it looks like the Democrats will control the House by about 19 seats," said Thom Riehle, lead developer of the Majority Watch poll, a project of a bipartisan polling firm and a nonpartisan polling research group. The latest poll surveyed 32,000 likely voters between Oct. 8 and 10.
9th District rematch

In Indiana's 9th District, voters are used to seeing Rep. Mike Sodrel, the Republican, and former Rep. Baron Hill, the Democrat, on the ballot. This is the pair's third round. Hill beat Sodrel in 2002, and Sodrel returned the favor in 2004.

The battle is rated a tossup by Sabato and Amy Walter, House analyst with the nonpartisan Cook Political Report.

"The hardest position to be in right now is to be a Republican who does not have an identity separate from the national party," and that applies to Sodrel, Walter said. But with a couple of other Indiana House Republicans in tough races, Republicans believe Sodrel has the best shot at surviving, she said.

Sabato said Gov. Mitch Daniels' low job ratings may be a drag on Republican candidates in Indiana.

Read more of this article on the congressional races and other political news at the Courier-Journal.com

Harvest Homecoming Success

By the Floyd County Democratic Party

With the booths packed away, the streets cleaned, and the people gone, New Albany has concluded its 39th annual Harvest Homecoming Celebration. Although this year's event started cold - Thursday saw temperatures as low as 35 degrees - the event appeared to be a large success.

Hundreds of people enjoyed the Boy Scouts grilled corn, the Masonic donuts, and the FOP's baked goods. For Democrats, it appeared to be a busy year as Mushrooms sold out early Sunday. Special thanks to our party's Booth committee, headed by Tom Cannon and Matthew Nash. Without their help, we couldn't have organized such an effort.

Baron Hill signs were also popular among Harvest Goers as Democrats spotlight their candidates in our promotional booth. Located at the corner of Bank and Market Streets, the booth also handed out Democratic bumper stickers, candidate literature, balloons, and bags.
Special thanks to our candidates for providing the lion's share of the workers for the booth, ensuring that our positive message reaches voters.

By all measures, Harvest 2006 appears to have been a great success. But there is no rest for Democrats - time to kick-up our heels and march on to the election and victory as November 7th approaches.

Hastert visit to Clark County will not happen Tuesday

By DAVID MANN
David.Mann@newsandtribune.com

— Embattled House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., will not be coming to town.
Republican Rep. Mike Sodrel was attempting to host Hastert at a meeting of the Jeffersonville Rotary Club next week, said Sodrel campaign manager Cam Savage.

Savage said that appearance has since fallen through because of scheduling problems.
The news comes as Hastert faces increasing pressure to step down because of his handling of the Mark Foley sex scandal.

Foley, R-Fla., resigned his congressional seat late last month after news reports emerged that the congressman was engaging in sexually explicit e-mails and instant messages with a 16-year-old congressional page. Foley chaired the House Caucus on Missing and Exploited Children.

Democrats and some Republicans are alleging that Hastert knew — or at least was warned — about Foley's behavior as far back as 2005 and did not act.
Savage would not say whether or not he would even want his candidate to be seen with Hastert, saying that was not important.

On a related note, Sodrel’s Democratic opponent issued a news release Thursday calling on Sodrel to return the $27,000 in campaign contributions he has received from Hastert.
The Associated Press reported Thursday that Hastert canceled a fundraiser also on Tuesday for Kentucky Republican Ron Lewis, currently running for reelection.

Lewis was to appear with Hastert at a $50-per-person fundraiser next Tuesday in Shelby County.

To read more on this developing story, check out the News-Tribune.

What's a firm 'no' between friends?

By Matthew Tully
The Indianapolis Star

The return address belonged to Gov. Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. Wow, I thought. The governor was writing me!

The other pieces of mail were tossed aside as I tore into my correspondence from Indiana's 49th governor. I figured he was just checking in, writing to say hello or, perhaps, to belatedly wish me a happy birthday.

Nope. He wanted some campaign cash.

He won't get it, of course. But as my mom says, it's rude not to reply to letters. Even those that are handwritten and then copied and mass-mailed to thousands. So today's column will serve as my response to the governor.

We'll go line by line, skipping the boring parts, of course.

Daniels: Dear friend, thank you for your commitment to the goal of an Indiana comeback.
Tully: Oh, don't be silly. It was my pleasure.

Daniels: Your support has enabled the new crew to go to work on the vision of a better Indiana.
Tully: Umm, my support? Oh, I get it. You mean all the smart-alecky columns I've written. I should have known you were smart enough to know I was just kidding. You can take a joke -- unlike that Bosma guy!

Daniels: It is only through loyal friends like you that our progress is possible.
Tully: Loyal friends? Boy, this is getting kind of uncomfortable. How do I put this? Governor, you seem like a great guy, but we've never even gone out for a beer. You've never been to my house. Don't you think you're overstating our "friendship"?

Read more on Matthew Tully's "response" to the Governor at the Indianapolis Star

Democratic Headquarters opens today!

By the Floyd County Democratic Party

With a lot of excitement and a bit of pride, the Floyd County Democratic Party will hold a Grand Opening Celebration at Democratic Headquarters today beginning at 4:00 p.m.

While the event itself is nothing new to the party - each campaign year their is an "opening celebration" - the party is a little more than excited this year due to the location and extensive renovation of the space.

"Democrats are proud to invest in our downtown," stated Randy Stumler, Chairman of the Floyd County Democratic Party. "This Headquarters is a direct representation of our belief that New Albany's Downtown is the natural home not just of our county government, but also of our community, its businesses, and our cultural community," he added.

Democratic Headquarters, located at 223 Pearl Street, is the former site of Conn Shoe Store. For the past several years it was vacant until owner Stephen Beardsley began renovating the store front.

"Just months ago this space was an empty, run down void. Today, it represents a hub of political and social activity," stated Stumler.

Democrats will use the space to coordinate their activities throughout the election as well as hold meetings, workshops and other events during off election periods.

Today's celebration is open to the public and Democratic candidates, including Baron Hill, will be on hand to greet attendees.

Hill says Sodrel should return money

By DAVID MANN
David.Mann@newsandtribune.com

Democratic congressional candidate Baron Hill is calling on Republican opponent Mike Sodrel to return what he’s referring to as “immoral money” received indirectly from disgraced former Congressman Mark Foley and Republican House leadership.

Sodrel called that request “ridiculous.”

Foley, R- Fla., recently resigned his Florida seat after ABC News reported the congressman was engaging in sexually explicit e-mails and instant messages with a 16-year-old congressional page. Foley chaired the House Caucus on Missing and Exploited Children.

Hill held a press conference in Jeffersonville on Tuesday to make his case.

The basis of his claim: Foley had contributed $500,000 to the National Republican Congressional Committee. Sodrel has received both campaign contribution and advertising from that committee — about $90,000 in contributions and $557,000 in television advertisement. Therefore, by Hill’s logic, Sodrel has indirectly been given Foley's money — which he says should be returned.

Read more on Sodrel's connection to Foley at the News-Tribune.

9th District candidates agree to second debate

By Lesley Stedman Weidenbener
lstedman@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

INDIANAPOLIS — The candidates in the 9th District congressional race have agreed to a second debate — on Nov. 1 at the Vincennes University campus in Jasper.

Democrat Baron Hill said yesterday that he would participate, becoming the fourth candidate in the field to sign on.

He'll join Republican incumbent Mike Sodrel, Libertarian Eric Schansberg and write-in candidate Don Mantooth on stage at the Jasper Arts Center, which is adjacent to the university campus.

University Dean Alan Johnson said an official announcement about the debate and its format will come today.

According to Hill's campaign, the debate will last 90 minutes, beginning at 7 p.m., and questions will come from local reporters and the audience.

This will be the third joint appearance for the 9th District candidates.

All four participated in a forum this week at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany. Sodrel, Hill and Schansberg had a televised debate at Indiana University in August.

For more on the debate, please read the Courier-Journal online.

Hill touts veterans group's support

By DAVID MANN
David.Mann@newsandtribune.com

Standing in front of a group of Southern Indiana Veterans of Foreign Wars members, Democratic congressional candidate Baron Hill spoke at what he believes will be the only press conference he’ll hold to announce a political endorsement.

I usually don’t get worked up on political endorsements, Hill said, but this one — by the political arm of the VFW — is important.

VFW-PAC, a tax-exempt 527 political action committee, endorsed Hill’s bid for Indiana’s 9th District representative seat Thursday afternoon in New Albany.

Read more on Baron's support for Veterans online in the News-Tribune.

Contract awarded by Rokita questioned

By Lesley Stedman Weidenbener
lstedman@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

INDIANAPOLIS -- Secretary of State Todd Rokita's Democratic opponent raised ethical questions yesterday about a contract Rokita gave this year to a former campaign manager to investigate the actions of two voting-machine companies.

Democrat Joe Pearson said the no-bid contract for up to $100,000 was inappropriate.

He said Rokita, a Republican, should have sought an opinion from the Indiana Ethics Commission before hiring Thomas John, who had managed his 2002 campaign for secretary of state.

For more on Rokita's questionable ethics, check out the Courier-Journal.com