Floyd County Democratic Party News & Commentary

Is Clere Running for Re-election Already?

2009-02-17T13:05:00.000-05:00

By Dennis Roudenbush, Local Contributor

I think it is great that we get a weekly report from our district state Rep. Ed Clere, but why does every Opinions column have to be politically motivated? Is he already running for re-election and his term just began?

Mr. Clere, it is my opinion that the Teachers Union is as important as any union, whether it be Realtors, policemen, firemen, grocery, etc. Even though teachers do not always support your way of thinking, you should not single out their union because you believe they are totally Democrat. Do some research. There are many Republican teachers in your district — our state superintendent of education is a former teacher and a Republican.

I would like to see your column used as a communication of what is going on in the Legislature instead of using it as a political forum for your re-election. Not every issue in the Statehouse is based on which side of the aisle you sit. I know this may be hard for you to believe, but Democrats are not always wrong. You should know that, you being a former Democrat.

Your campaign was one of the most negative and false campaigns in the state. Why are you continuing to be negative at taxpayers expense?

Instead of faulting Democrats, make it a project to get all legislators to work together no matter what the issue is. Remember one thing, you are now working for and being paid by the taxpayer and not a political party.

Top 10 Greatest Misfires of Bush Administration

2009-02-17T13:02:00.001-05:00

By Ruth Anne Wolfe, Local Contributor

Too bad guest columnist Doug Olson (of the Evening News - New Albany Tribune) feels his admission — that President Obama might be the right choice after all — will bring down the wrath of his conservative friends. To help him defend his nascent awareness, here’s a recap of the Republicans' conservative record, specifically under the Bush Administration.

1) Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack — after 8 months into W.’s presidency and after warnings had been issued and ignored; bin Laden never captured.

2) Invasion and occupation of Iraq (no Iraqis involved in 9/11) based on trumped-up intelligence of WMD. 4,300 plus U.S. military killed, tens of thousands wounded; 2 million Iraqis displaced and 100,000 killed. War is ongoing, costing almost $1 trillion (a “slam dunk”). al-Qaeda metastasized into numerous terrorist groups around the globe. No safe place.

3) Truckloads of $100 bills — between $9 billion and $12 billion of taxpayer money — “gone missing” in Iraq on Bremer’s watch. Nary a peep from the Republicans.

4) Abu Ghraib torture, extraordinary rendition (i.e. kidnappings), Gitmo, international stature trashed.

5) Blackwater mercenaries (war profiteers) gun down innocent Iraqis.

6) FEMA’s “heck-of-a-job, Brownie.”

7) Warrantless wire-tapping/illegal spying on Americans.

8) Global climate change ignored and scientific reports redacted.

9) Environmental protection laws reversed.

10) Justice Department fires federal prosecutors unjustly (pun intended).

Those are just the 10 greatest hits of the Bush/conservative record. Many federal agencies have been dangerously understaffed and underfunded. Conservative zeal for smaller government has put the safety of the American people at risk. (No, Bush has not “kept us safe.”) Examples: The FDA inspects less than 1 percent of imported products that end up on our grocery shelves. The Labor Department, under Secretary Elaine Chao (Mitch McConnell’s wife), consistently sided with business and mining interests over worker safety.

And the final nail in our coffin: the orgy of conservative deregulation of the financial markets. Wall Street has had their bailout. But now that President Obama wants to stimulate the economy with new initiatives, instead of falling back on the failed, one idea of the conservatives — tax cuts, the obstructionist Republicans have their underwear in a twist, suddenly worried about the “cost to our children.” What hypocrisy. One would think that after their failed policies have been exposed, “conservatives” would have the grace to just get out of the way.

The day after the inauguration, The Onion (satirical magazine) ran this headline: “Black Man Gets Worst Job in World.” Just like in the circus, cleaning up after the elephants is a dirty job.

Hill to be Sworn in locally Saturday

2009-01-06T12:57:00.002-05:00

From the Floyd County Democratic Party

Ninth District Congressman Baron Hill will be sworn into office for his new term at the Lee Hamilton Federal Courthouse, 121 W. Spring Street, New Albany, Indiana, on Saturday beginning at 11:00 a.m. Federal District Judge David Hamilton will administer the oath.

Following the ceremony, Hill will greet well wishers attending the ceremony and give brief remarks regarding the new session of Congress. The event is open to the public.

Bush tries to rally GOP troops

2008-10-28T12:59:00.000-04:00

By Sam Youngman
The Hill

President Bush paid a visit to the Republican National Committee’s headquarters Tuesday morning to thank aides for their hard work and also to rally them for the last week of campaigning.

White House press secretary Dana Perino said the president would outline his view of the GOP, a party that is facing a toxic political environment largely because of the policies of the Bush administration.

White House spokesman Scott Stanzel, who traveled with the president to RNC headquarters, said the president encouraged staffers there to “work hard for John McCain and keep turning out the vote until the final ballot is cast next week.”

“He also took the opportunity to thank the staff for all of their efforts during this election cycle and for their support of him over the last eight years,” Stanzel said. “He spoke to the staff about the importance of American leadership on the issues of the economy, the war on terror and freedom. He thanked Chairman Mike Duncan for his leadership of the RNC.”

Read more about the President's efforts to reinforce the Republican base at THE HILL.

I will fight the ignorance of Racism

2008-10-22T10:50:00.001-04:00

By Marcey Wisman
Floyd County Democratic Party Chair

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” for me, as a democrat, the opening quote from Dickens book “A Tale of Two Cities” best describes the 2008 presidential election.

I have been a part of what will be remembered as one of the most historical elections in America. It is something that I will be proud to sit and tell my grandchildren about; the year we (the democrats) had a female and a black man running in the Primary. The year that we set records on voter registration and actual number of voters at the polls. However, it is also the year that I have seen the absolute worst side of people come out. It is the year the monster of racism and bigotry came out of the darkness into the light and threatened to divide not just our party but the nation. This division has been eating at me. I lie awake at night and wonder what I can do to make this right? As the chairwoman of the local Democratic Party, how can I eradicate this monster from my little part of the nation? I have worried myself to the point that I can no longer contain my anger and my frustration with the individuals, especially those in my own party, who think it, is okay to say “I’m not voting for Senator Obama because he is black.”

My friends and loved ones have told me to let it go, that I can’t change stupidity, that it is a generational thing, but I can no longer make excuses for people like David Ward, who owns an antique store here in New Albany at the corner of Bank and Main who had no problem telling a reporter from the Chicago Tribune that he is a “Democrat”, but he is “voting for McCain because he isn’t black”. Mr. Ward, Shame on You! Also, to those of you who think it is acceptable to tell me that you will not vote for Senator Obama because “he is a N****r”, what makes you think this is all right? Is it because I am white like you? If so, I may be white, but I am nothing like you. That word is disgusting, ugly and hurtful and it will no longer be tolerated in my presence.

I found a quote from Robert Kennedy that I want all of you to think about. He said “But suppose God is black? What if we go to Heaven and we, all our lives, have treated the Negro as an inferior, and God is there, and we look up and He is not white? What then is our response?” Mr. Ward and all of you like him, how do you justify your racism?

To those of you who claim you are democrats, but say you can’t vote for Senator Obama because he is a black man, are you sure you are democrats? If you look up the platform of the National Democratic Party under the issue of Civil Rights it says “We believe in the essential American ideal that we are not constrained by the circumstances of birth but can make of our lives what we will. Unfortunately, for too many, that ideal is not a reality. We have more work to do. Democrats will fight to end discrimination based on race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and disability in every corner of our country, because that's the America we believe in.”

I want everyone to know the Floyd County Democratic Party does not condone racism. In fact, we hold firm to the Democratic Platform that we “will fight to end discrimination”. Therefore, Mr. Ward and others like him, as members of the Democratic Party you are called to fight the ignorance of discrimination, not perpetuate the hatred that has been taught to you and that you are no doubt teaching to your children.

I struggled with whether or not I should write this letter knowing that I will anger many people in my community, and again I was reminded of a quote of Robert Kennedy who said “It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.” I realized that despite what backlash I might face for expressing my feelings on this issue and calling out Mr. Ward and others like him, it is important to let the people who read the story in the Chicago Tribune know that Mr. Ward’s comments do not represent the beliefs of the people of the Floyd County Democratic Party.

I know that I may not be able to change the hearts and minds of racists, but I can hope that by openly expressing my condemnation of racism I will send out a ripple that will give others the courage to stand up and they too will say “I will not stand for this anymore”. I will continue to fight to see that the Dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is fully realized because I, too, want to “live in a world where a man is not judged by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character”. In this world that I, and other like minded Democrats, dream of, Mr. Ward, you, and others like you, have been judged and you have been found to lack the character of a true Democrat.

Young Women speak to Palin

2008-10-20T21:32:00.000-04:00

From the Floyd County Democratic Party

With less than 15 days left in the Presidential contest, the election has been trumpeted as a historic event featuring topics such as the success and importance of women in our Democratic process. This point was underscored by Senator Hillary Clinton, who's campaign marked a new high point for women in this country and proved that anyone can be President of the United States.

On the other side of the political spectrum, the Republicans also made history with the selection of Sarah Palin as their Vice Presidential candidate. While our party has welcomed the progress represented by this choice, it is nonetheless important to recognize that there are significant doubts among voters regarding her readiness to step in to the position of President.

But for many women that have made this election cycle historic, other fundamental issues remain besides Palin's readiness to serve as President. On many of the fundamental issues that have shaped the lives of women, Sarah Palin seems to offer a different direction many women feel would be a step backward.

It was under this context that the following video was produced - not by a political campaign, but by a group of young women standing firm to their believes and rights. Its message is so powerful, we felt it deserved credit and have posted it for your viewing pleasure.

Powell endorses Obama for president

2008-10-19T18:19:00.001-04:00

msnbc.com and NBC News

updated 10:42 a.m. ET, Sun., Oct. 19, 2008

WASHINGTON - Former Secretary of State Colin Powell endorsed Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., for president on Sunday, criticizing his own Republican Party for what he called its narrow focus on irrelevant personal attacks over a serious approach to challenges he called unprecedented.

Powell, who for many years was considered the most likely candidate to become the first African-American president, said in an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he was not supporting Obama because of his race. He said he had watched both Obama and his Republican opponent, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, for many months and thought “either one of them would be a good president.”

But he said McCain’s choices in the last few weeks — especially his selection of Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska as his vice presidential running mate — had raised questions in his mind about McCain’s judgment.

Hill and Sodrel home counties aren’t freebies for familiar Ninth District opponents

2008-10-19T18:07:00.000-04:00

From the New Albany News & Tribune
By DANIEL SUDDEATH
Daniel.Suddeath@newsandtribune.com

Despite hailing from New Albany, Mike Sodrel has been challenged in Floyd County during past elections and has yet to win Clark County.

The Republican candidate for the Ninth District U.S. House seat won Floyd County by just three percent during the 2006 election, when Democrat Baron Hill regained the position by defeating the then incumbent. Sodrel and Hill say they are comfortable campaigning in each other’s backyard.

But Hill only carried his home county of Jackson by 93 votes in 2004, but extended that margin to more than 1,000 in 2006.

Hill won Harrison County in 2002, but it has gone to Sodrel in the past two elections.

“I think we tend to do well in Jackson because it’s a real conservative county,” Sodrel said.

Hill carried Clark County by 520 votes in 2006 according to election counts provided by the Indiana Secretary of State’s office.

With a SurveyUSA poll showing Hill enjoying a double-digit lead in percentage points over Sodrel and Libertarian candidate Eric Schansberg, the Congressman said he’s still not laying back.

“The only poll I believe in is the poll on election day,” Hill said. “It’s interesting to me that I’m able to win this area [Floyd and Clark], even though it’s not by a whole lot.”

But when combining Clark and Floyd, Hill actually lost the area by 157 votes in 2006 to Sodrel. A small amount, but the three previous races between the two have often been tight.

Sodrel defeated Hill in 2004 by just 1,425 votes in a presidential ticket-election that saw sizable voter turnout. He won the Ninth district 49 to 48 percent over Hill.
Hill bested Sodrel in Clark that year by 615 votes, basically canceling-out Floyd’s count which went to Sodrel by 598 votes, meaning Hill carried the two counties by 17 votes.

Indiana University Southeast Associate Professor Joe Wert, who is also the faculty representative for the College Republicans at IUS, said home turf can be overrated when talking about closely-connected political territory.

“I don’t know that one person being from a particular county means a whole lot,” he said, adding that Floyd and Clark are Democratic areas making it difficult for Sodrel to gain substantial ground there.

“I don’t think he’s going to get much of a boost being from Floyd County.”
Hill’s endorsement of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama could cost him votes and maybe counties in some of the tightly-contested areas, according to Sodrel.
“Hill endorsing Obama — that didn’t sit well with a lot of people in his party,” Sodrel said. “The misstep that he made has been helpful.”

Wert said McCain is probably a more popular choice in Southern Indiana than Obama, which could make Sodrel’s assertions true.

Floyd and Clark were dominated by Hillary Clinton during the May primary, even though she won Indiana by only a narrow margin. Clinton won 65 percent of the vote in Floyd and 67 percent in Clark over Obama.

IUS Professor Linda Gugin, who also serves as the faculty representative for the College Democrats at IUS, said the presidential race will definitely drive voter turnout.

“Take Sodrel’s win in 2004. He benefited greatly from having Bush on top of the ticket and that overrode other factors and helped get him elected,” she said.
But Gugin added the political tone of the country can have a great impact even when it’s not a presidential-election year.

“It was a Democratic year in 2006. The changing of the tide benefited Hill,” she said.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

The Libertarian candidate believes he received more votes from the typical Hill voter in 2006, citing post-election data. He said his emphasis on ending the war in Iraq and his platform of helping the working poor and middle class probably led more Democrats to vote for him than Republicans.

Either way, convincing people to select an office-seeker from outside the mainstream parties is difficult.

“People give me their votes, I don’t use force on them,” Schansberg joked.
“In fact, I have to work harder since few people just give their votes to third-party candidates.”

But Schansberg said he’s not in the race just to make an appearance. His campaign has run more than 1,500 radio ads and 2,000 television ads during the current campaign, a greater number than during the 2006 election.

“People say they want change. Well here’s a highly credible candidate who would be a breath of fresh air,” he said.

Schansberg is looking forward to Tuesday’s debate in Jasper and doesn’t lack confidence in his ability for public discourse.

“They both have more experience in debating. But I believe that I often have better answers and can deliver them effectively enough,” he said.

Schansberg tallied 9,893 votes in 2006, about five percent of the total.
He said data he’s reviewed so far leads him to believe his affect will be evenly spread between Sodrel and Hill supporters.

“Perhaps because Iraq is less important and fiscal conservatism is now seen, finally, as more important,” Schansberg said.

Issues

While the candidates clash on how to solve issues facing Hoosiers, there isn’t much disagreement on what those topics are.

Gas prices and the economy are dominating national headlines and distressing local families.

Hill — who voted against the recent economic bailout — proposes that Congress should reconvene following the November election instead of furloughing for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“The economic climate in Southern Indiana is not great, but it’s not bad like it is at the national level,” he said. “Sooner or later, if we don’t fix the national problems it will probably trickle down to the rest of us as well.”

Hill said holding people from the financial sector who may have caused the recent economic failures accountable will be a priority if he’s reelected.
Sodrel suggests plainer taxing methods — such as a flat tax — that he believes would stimulate the economy and lead to more jobs.

“I think the tax structure, everything I hear makes it more complicated. I want to make it simpler,” he said.

Sodrel agreed that Congress should get back to work after the election due to pressing matters facing the country.

Schansberg touts getting rid of taxpayer funding for planned parenthood, bringing home troops from Iraq and eliminating payroll taxes on income below the poverty line as his three top priorities if he’s elected.

Read More on the 9th District Race Online at the News & Tribune.

FW: Greed and irresponsibility

2008-09-24T11:51:00.001-04:00

Friend --

The era of greed and irresponsibility on Wall Street and in Washington has created a financial crisis as profound as any we have faced since the Great Depression.

Congress and the President are debating a bailout of our financial institutions with a price tag of $700 billion or more in taxpayer dollars. We cannot underestimate our responsibility in taking such an enormous step.

Whatever shape our recovery plan takes, it must be guided by core principles of fairness, balance, and responsibility to one another.

Please sign on to show your support for an economic recovery plan based on the following:

• No Golden Parachutes -- Taxpayer dollars should not be used to reward the irresponsible Wall Street executives who helmed this disaster.

• Main Street, Not Just Wall Street -- Any bailout plan must include a payback strategy for taxpayers who are footing the bill and aid to innocent homeowners who are facing foreclosure.

• Bipartisan Oversight -- The staggering amount of taxpayer money involved demands a bipartisan board to ensure accountability and oversight.

Show your support and encourage your friends and family to join you:

http://my.barackobama.com/ourplan

The failed economic policies and the same corrupt culture that led us into this mess will not help get us out of it. We need to get to work immediately on reforming the broken government -- and the broken politics -- that allowed this crisis to happen in the first place.

And we have to understand that a recovery package is just the beginning. We have a plan that will guarantee our long-term prosperity -- including tax cuts for 95 percent of families, an economic stimulus package that creates millions of new jobs and leads us towards energy independence, and health care that is affordable to every American.

It won't be easy. The kind of change we're looking for never is.

But if we work together and stand by these principles, we can get through this crisis and emerge a stronger nation.

Thank you,

Barack

Paid for by Obama for America

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INDIANA'S CLASSROOM TEACHERS ENDORSE LONG THOMPSON FOR GOVERNOR

2008-09-05T19:34:00.002-04:00

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 5, 2008
Media Contact: Jeff Harris or Jason Tomcsi, 317-635-5455

INDIANA'S CLASSROOM TEACHERS ENDORSE LONG THOMPSON FOR GOVERNOR

INDIANAPOLIS - Recognizing their lifelong support of education, today Indiana's classroom teachers endorsed Jill Long Thompson and Dennie Oxley in their campaign to become Indiana's next Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

Represented by the Indiana Political Action Committee for Education, an affiliate of the Indiana State Teachers Association, the organization represents 50,000 teachers and other school employees across the state.

Long Thompson was the first in her family to go to college. She received her undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and went on to earn a master's degree and Ph.D. in business from Indiana University. She then taught at several higher education institutions including Valparaiso University, Manchester College and Indiana University

"Education completely changed my life," said Long Thompson. "From my elementary school experience to my time at Indiana University, I owe everything to the opportunities my education presented me."

"And, now, I worry that too many of our children are being left out and left behind by the Daniels administration and their failed policies," added Long Thompson. "We need leaders who understand that in order to turn Indiana's economy around, we must have a strong educational system - and Dennie and I will be those leaders."

Long Thompson's running mate, Lieutenant Governor Candidate State Representative Dennie Oxley also has classroom experience. He has worked as a math teacher and school administrator in the Crawford County Community School Corporation and prior to his election to the Indiana House of Representatives, he served as president of the Crawford County Classroom Teachers Association.

"My time in the classroom is something that I carry with me in everything I do, especially throughout this campaign," said Oxley. "Jill and I understand that one of the greatest economic development tools is our education system - and that's why we are running."

We want to ensure that our education system is working for our students and our families, so we can rebuild this and ensure that the next generation of Hoosiers enjoys the same opportunities we did."

On Wednesday, Long Thompson and Oxley unveiled a comprehensive plan to reform education to help grow the economy. A part of their "One Indiana Plan," their proposals include measures to ensure all Hoosier children learn to read, creating more flexibility in the classroom to reduce the state's abysmal high school dropout rate and better prepare the future workforce and to create lifelong learning opportunities and college scholarships for more Hoosiers. The full plan can be viewed at http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/reforming_education.

Known for her ability to get things done, Jill Long Thompson is an accomplished public servant. She has served as a city councilor, a Congresswoman and as Under Secretary for Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture. Long Thompson grew up on her family's farm in rural Whitley County and A farmer and college professor by trade, Long Thompson lives with her husband Don Thompson, a commercial airline pilot, on their farm in Marshall County.

Dennie Oxley is a 10-year veteran of the state legislature, currently serving as the Majority Whip in the Indiana House of Representatives. A former high school math teacher, school administrator and businessman, Oxley brings a wealth of public and private sector experience to the team. Oxley is a graduate of Indiana University Southeast, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in education. A lifelong resident of English, a small community in Crawford County, he resides there with his wife, Jayme, and their two young daughters.

For more information about Jill Long Thompson, Dennie Oxley or their campaign to restore Indiana's promise, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call 317-635-Jill.

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Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

LONG THOMPSON TO ANNOUNCE EDUCATION INITIATIVES

2008-09-02T22:32:00.003-04:00

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 2, 2008
Media Contact: Jeff Harris or Jason Tomcsi, 317-635-5455

*MEDIA ADVISORY*

LONG THOMPSON TO ANNOUNCE EDUCATION INITIATIVES

Democratic candidate will stop in four cities

INDIANAPOLIS -- Jill Long Thompson, Democratic nominee for Governor, will announce her plan to reform education in Indiana, holding news conferences across the state TOMORROW, Wednesday, September 3, 2008 and Thursday, September 4, 2008.

The announcement is another in a series of policy proposals that Long Thompson is unveiling as a part of her "One Indiana Plan" to rebuild Indiana's economy.

Long Thompson's running mate, State Representative Dennie Oxley, will also be visiting communities around the state. His public schedule will be released later today.

This schedule is subject to change. All times are local.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

10:00 a.m. Jill will hold a press conference in room 156 A at the Indiana Statehouse to announce her plan to reform education in Indiana.

1:00 p.m. Jill will travel to New Albany to hold a news conference to discuss her education initiative at the UniServ office (3314 Grant Line Road Suite 2).

3:00 p.m. Jill will visit Tekoppel Elementary School in Evansville (111 N. Tekoppel Ave.) to hold a news conference outlining her education plan.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

10:30 a.m. Jill will speak about her education initiative at the Gerald I. Lamkin Union Apprenticeship Center in Lafayette (2953 S. Creasy Ln.).

For more information about Jill Long Thompson, Dennie Oxley or their campaign to restore Indiana's promise, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call 317-635-Jill.

###

Paid for and authorized by Hoosiers for Jill Long Thompson. Gary Calhoun, Treasurer.

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September Begins with Statewide Job Loss

2008-09-02T22:08:00.002-04:00

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 2, 2008
Media Contact: Jeff Harris or Jason Tomcsi, 317-635-5455

SEPTEMBER BEGINS WITH STATEWIDE JOB LOSS

Effects of Bush/Daniels led economy continue to worsen

INDIANAPOLIS - After another month of devastating job loss in August, September starts with four companies around the state laying off workers.

Today, PSC Metals announced it is shutting down its Secondary Plate Operation in northwest Indiana, laying off 108 workers. Driggs Farms of Indiana, an ice cream manufacturing and packaging plant in Decatur filed for bankruptcy, leaving 200 workers with an unknown future. Also, a subsidiary of Evansville-based American General Financial Services has released 17 employees due to the economic downturn as well AM General in Mishawaka which announced plans to lay off 80 workers at its Hummer H2 plant.

"These announcements are further proof that we need new leadership and a new approach to growing and retaining jobs in Indiana," said Democratic nominee for Governor Jill Long Thompson. "Our economy is failing and Hoosier families are hurting, yet Governor Daniels continues to do little to stop this downward spiral."

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Indiana ranked second among all 50 states in the drop in employment from June to July. The same report found 17,800 fewer Hoosiers were employed during the same time frame. Another report by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court found that Indiana ranked fifth nationally for overall bankruptcies, second for business bankruptcy filings, and eighth for individual filings.

Known for her ability to get things done, Jill Long Thompson is an accomplished public servant. She has served as a city councilor, a Congresswoman and as Under Secretary for Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture. Long Thompson grew up on her family's farm in rural Whitley County and was the first in her family to go to college. She received her undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and went on to earn a master's and Ph.D. in business from Indiana University. A farmer and college professor by trade, Long Thompson lives with her husband Don Thompson, a commercial airline pilot, on their farm in Marshall County.

For more information about Jill Long Thompson, Dennie Oxley or their campaign to restore Indiana's promise, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call 317-635-Jill.

###

Paid for and authorized by Hoosiers for Jill Long Thompson. Gary Calhoun, Treasurer.

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Wisman ready to lead Floyd County Democrats

2008-08-09T02:10:00.000-04:00

By CHRIS MORRIS
Chris.Morris@newsandtribune.com
New Albany News and Tribune

Being the first woman to lead the Floyd County Democratic Party is significant. However, hiring a person that is competent and able to handle the job is all that matters to local party members.

“We have had several women in top leadership roles. That is a nonissue,” said Warren Nash, who led the party for 12 years. “The most important thing is how will someone organize the party for the fall election.”

Marcey Wisman was unanimously chosen Tuesday to complete Randy Stumler’s term, which ends in March as party chair. And by all accounts, she was the only choice for local democrats.

“She will do a hell of a lot better than me in certain areas. She is better organized and does a great job of bringing people together,” said Stumler, who leaves this weekend for a teaching job in the Azores Islands. “She has a real good managing style and always thinks of other people.”

Wisman’s first big test as party chairwoman will be to select a candidate for the Floyd County Council to place on the party’s ballot for the Nov. 4 election. Besides being party chairman, Stumler also was a candidate for one of the three at-large seats.

A caucus on Tuesday selected former Councilman Ted Heavrin to finish out Stumler’s term. Heavrin already was on the at-large ballot for the general election.

Read more at the News and Tribune Website.

Can Obama Run the Offense?

2008-07-30T21:30:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times
By BOB HERBERT

Let’s see if I’ve got this straight. Barack Obama is a United States senator, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and his party’s candidate for president of the United States — and yet it was somehow presumptuous of him to meet with foreign leaders last week during his trip to the Middle East and Europe.

I’ll say this about Senator Obama. He sure raises people’s hackles. I’ve never seen anyone so roundly criticized for such grievous offenses as giving excellent speeches and urging people of different backgrounds to take a chance on working together. How dare he? And 200,000 people turned out to hear him in Berlin. Unforgivable.

The man has been taken to task for promoting hope, threatened with mutilation by Jesse Jackson for suggesting that a lot of black fathers could do better by their kids and had his patriotism called into question because he wants to wind down a war that most Americans would dearly love to be rid of.

John McCain can barely stop himself from sputtering at the mere mention of Senator Obama’s name. He actually ran an ad blaming Mr. Obama for high gasoline prices. Even Republicans had a good laugh at that one.

And yet Mr. Obama continues to treat Senator McCain respectfully. As far as personal character is concerned, Mr. Obama has scored very well, indeed.

What remains to be seen, now that the overseas tour is over, is whether Team Obama can play offense here at home and pile up enough points to win this election. Mr. McCain has been a surprisingly inept candidate (riding on a golf cart with Poppy Bush was almost as deadly an image as the helmeted Mike Dukakis bouncing around in a tank), but he has stayed within striking distance.

And you can’t trust any of the polls this year. I was in New Hampshire when the polls and the pundits said Mr. Obama was a lock to win that primary. He lost. And I was in California on Super Tuesday when the polls said he was closing fast. He wasn’t.

So this is not your ordinary election. Senator Obama will have to turn people on big-time just to win by a little. And for all the tedious talk about timelines and what the surge in Iraq has or has not accomplished, the top three issues in this campaign are still the economy, the economy and the economy.

Americans are losing jobs, losing the equity in their homes, losing their retirement nest eggs, and tragically, in increasing numbers, actually losing the family home itself. This is the issue on which the Obama people should long since have pounced.

A recent survey found that an overwhelming majority of Americans believe that the social contract of the 20th century — in which the government, employers and the society as a whole pulled together to see that those who worked hard and played by the rules were afforded the basic necessities of daily life and a shot at the American dream — “appears to be unraveling.”

Nearly 80 percent of those who responded to the survey, conducted for the Rockefeller Foundation and Time magazine, said they are facing greater financial risks now than in the past.

This anxiety is pervasive, and it was clearly evident a little more than two weeks ago when Phil Gramm, then John McCain’s key economic adviser, callously remarked that we were suffering from a “mental recession” and that the U.S. had become “a nation of whiners.”

The Obama crowd should have instantly seen the Gramm gaffe for what it was, a gift from the political gods. They should have run with it. I would have dragged out that old Maxine Brown song with the lyric: “Maybe it’s all in my mind.”

The Democrats could have had some fun and made political hay, using the Gramm comments to highlight what has happened to working people under Republican rule. But the Obama folks let the matter drop, and instead of an endless loop of “mental recession,” what we’ve heard incessantly over the past couple of weeks has been Mr. McCain pounding on Mr. Obama about the surge.

The word is that an economic offensive may finally be coming from the Obama campaign.

Anna Burger, the secretary-treasurer of the Service Employees International Union, was part of a wide-ranging group of advisers on economic issues who met with Mr. Obama in Washington on Monday. “He has very serious policies, not sound bites, for addressing the long-term and short-term issues that are having such a dramatic effect on people who are working and trying to make ends meet,” she said.

Translating those ideas into a compelling economic narrative for his campaign — something Mr. Obama has not yet done — is the key to defeating John McCain.

Interest high for vacant Floyd County Council seat

2008-07-25T00:43:00.000-04:00

By the New Albany Tribune

Interest in Randy Stumler’s vacant Floyd County Council seat seems to be high, as six candidates have filed to fill it or plan to do so.

Stumler, a democrat, resigned last week from the council to pursue a teaching opportunity with the U.S. Department of Defense. He will move next month to the Azores Islands, located off the coast of Portugal.

A caucus to pick his replacement will be at 7 p.m. Aug. 5 in the Floyd County Circuit Court Room, located on the fourth floor of the City/County Building.

All Democratic Party precinct committeemen that were elected or appointed on or before June 14 will be eligible to vote for the council seat.

Those who seek the seat include: Ted Heavrin, Brad Striegel, Doug Cook, Suellen Wilkinson, Doug Elsler and Joe Schindler. Candidates can still file by Aug. 3 if they are interested in the seat.

Read more at the New Albany Tribune website.

Hill mourns loss of son-in-law

2008-07-22T14:46:00.001-04:00

From the Floyd County Democratic Party

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of 9th District Congressman Baron Hill as they mourn the loss of Hill's son-in-law, Josh Huddleston. Hill made the announcement in a statement today.

Huddleston, who was married to Hill's second daughter Cara, had suffered from leukemia.

“After a long and brave battle against leukemia, I am deeply saddened to report that we have lost a member of our family, Josh Huddleston." Hill stated.

"Josh was not only my son-in-law, but a dedicated husband and friend. We sincerely appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received during this difficult time.”

Final funneral arrangements are as follows:

A Memorial Life Celebration Service will be held Sunday, July 27, 2:00 PM, at Eagle Pointe Golf Resort, Bloomington, IN. The Reverend Steve Cherry will officiate. All friends and loved ones are invited to the outdoor service to celebrate Josh's life and the incredible way he lived it.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be written to the Huddleston Trust Fund through Voss Funeral Service, 316 North Chestnut Street, Seymour, IN, 812-522-5558. Cards and remembrances may be sent to 1136 Kensington Court, Seymour, IN 47274 or Voss Funeral Services at the above address.

Directions to Eagle Pointe Golf Resort:

' IN-37

' Take Monroe / Harrisburg exit

' Travel East on Stram Ridge Road (1 mile)

' Turn left (top of hill) onto South Stram Ridge Road (1.7 miles)- golf course

is visible on right

' Turn right into Eagle Pointe Resort at the end of golf course

' Follow the Eagle Pointe signs

A Message from the Floyd County Democratic Party Chairman

2008-07-14T23:30:00.000-04:00

By Randy Stumler, Chairman, Floyd Co. Democratic Party

Dear friends:

We are truly living in exciting times! This fall election season is already shaping up to be a real debate about issues important to the people. One topic is on everyone’s minds: change. So in the spirit of change, I would like to make a personal announcement.

I have enjoyed serving you as your Floyd County Councilman for two terms and as Floyd County Democratic Chairman for four years. I believe that I found a calling that allowed me to give back to our community. I hope that I have been a faithful servant during this time.

Recently, another opportunity has arisen for me to give back, not just to the community that I love, but to our nation. The Department of Defense operates schools for the dependants of service personnel world wide. I have been asked to teach math and science at a military base in the Azores, off the coast of Portugal. My family and I have accepted this offer, and will be moving next month to the base where we will live while I am teaching there. I am very excited that I will be able to serve our country and the men and women in uniform in this way. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for my family and me, and we are up to the challenge.

Therefore, I will be resigning as councilman and chairman this week. When I have finished my service with the Department of Defense, we plan to return to our home, Floyd County, and I will continue to work for what I think is important: families, the environment, and a safe and livable community.

Thank you for supporting me for all these years, and stay involved in the fight for a better Floyd County!"

We will be leaving in early August, so I have already submitted my resignation. The party is in very capable hands with acting Chairwoman Marcey Wisman. Along with Tony and Adam, she is guiding us toward a Democratic landslide this fall with the help of all Democrats. There will be a few changes, but the transition will be seamless.

I want to thank all of you for all you do for the Democratic Party. Keep working hard to bring home victories for Barack Obama, Jill Long Thompsom, and all Democrats this fall!

I hope to see all of you again very soon.

Peace,

Randy Stumler

Candidates Spolight Message at the 4-H Fair

2008-07-14T22:51:00.000-04:00

By the Floyd County Democratic Party

Ever hear the expression "when pigs fly?" Maybe you'd like to see royalty take center stage with a championship Jersey? Perhaps you'd like to prove you can eat the most White Castles in two minutes? Sound like something from a dream? No, just fun times at Floyd County's annual 4-H Fair!

All kidding aside, the 4-H fair is a right of summer and offers everyone in the family something to enjoy. While many are attracted to the good food, rides, and shows, the real purpose of the fair is to enrich the lives of our youth. The projects they undertake, from photography exhibits to animal shows, helps them learn more about the world we live in and teaches them important life lessons they will never forget.

For this reason alone, the Democratic Party is a proud supporter of the fair and our party and its candidates wouldn't think of missing the event. Even 9th District Congressman Baron Hill was able to return from Washington D.C. and make a surprise visit on Thursday, July 10th to greet fairgoers and watch the Livestock Auction among other events.

The Democratic Party wishes to thanks those that supported the fair and attended its many events. We also appreciate the support of many fairgoers who picked up literature or indicated they would support our candidates in the fall election. Such grassroots support is the centerpiece of our party and we hope to continue to reflect that support in our core philosophy and values.

We'd also be remiss not to congratulate the 4-H Fair Corporation and its Fair Board for the hard work and dedication that it takes to organize and run the fair each year. The tireless effort of these volunteers is certainly something to be celebrated. As we reflect on this year's fair we in the Democratic Party hope others consider volunteering their time and continue to make the Floyd County Fair an event the entire family can enjoy.

Long-Thompson picks running mate

2008-06-13T22:51:00.001-04:00

State Rep. Dennie Oxley II sings gospel music in quartets, but now he'll be part of a duet -- as the running mate to Democratic nominee for governor Jill Long Thompson.

Oxley, 37, did not return calls Friday seeking comment, and Long Thompson would only say that she'll discuss her choice on Monday, during a series of news conferences around the state. However, other Democrats, including House Speaker B. Patrick Bauer, D-South Bend, confirmed that Oxley is Long Thompson's choice.

Bauer said Oxley brings both geographic balance and state government experience to the Democratic ticket as it competes against Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels and Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman.

Oxley is from English in Crawford County in Southern Indiana and has served in the Indiana House of Representatives since 1998. Long Thompson, 56, lives in Northern Indiana, on a Marshall County farm. She served in Congress from 1989 to 1995, and served as undersecretary of agriculture from 1995 to 2001.

"He's from the right part of the state and he's from the right part of government," Bauer said, who spoke to Oxley, a close ally who serves as majority whip in the House Democratic leadership team, to learn the news about his selection.

Oxley has been known for unsuccessfully trying to eliminate the state sales tax on gasoline, an issue that has gained traction as gasoline prices have now climbed to more than $4 per gallon.

In addition to being a lawmaker, Oxley is a former math teacher who currently is a project coordinator with the Indianapolis-based engineering firm of Beam, Longest and Neff LLC.

While not confirming the selection, former House Speaker John Gregg, D-Sandborn, said Oxley would bring strong credentials as a conservative Democrat, which will help the Democratic ticket in Southern Indiana.

"That's a key area for the Democrats," Gregg said. "Jill Long Thompson has great strength in the northern part of the sate. Central Indiana is Gov. Daniels' stronghold."

The Nov. 4 election between Long Thompson and Daniels, he predicted, "could be won or lost in Southern Indiana."

Read more from the Indiana Star.

NBC's Tim Russert dies at 58 after collapsing

2008-06-13T22:46:00.000-04:00

By David Espo and Laurie Kellman
Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- Tim Russert, a political lifer who made a TV career of his passion with unrelenting questioning of the powerful and influential, died suddenly Friday in the midst of a presidential campaign he'd covered with trademark intensity. Praise poured in from the biggest names in politics, some recalling their own meltdown moments on his hot seat.

Russert, 58, was a political operative before he was a journalist. He joined NBC a quarter century ago and ended up as the longest-tenured host of the Sunday talk show "Meet the Press."

He was an election-night fixture, with his whiteboard and scribbled figures, and was moderator for numerous political debates. He wrote two best-selling books, including the much-loved "Big Russ and Me" about his relationship with his father.

He was NBC's Washington bureau chief.

President Bush, informed of Russert's death while at dinner in Paris, saluted him as "a tough and hardworking newsman. He was always well-informed and thorough in his interviews. And he was as gregarious off the set as he was prepared on it."

NBC interrupted its regular programming with news of Russert's death and continued for several hours of coverage without commercial break. The network announced that Tom Brokaw would anchor a special edition of "Meet the Press" on Sunday, dedicated to Russert.

Competitors and friends jumped in with superlative praise and sad recognition of the loss of a key voice during a historic presidential election year. Known as a family man as well, he had been named Father of the Year by parenting organizations.

Familiar NBC faces such as Brokaw, Andrea Mitchell and Brian Williams took turns mourning his loss.

Williams called him "aggressively unfancy."

"Our hearts are broken," said Mitchell, who appeared emotional at times as she recalled her longtime colleague.

Bob Schieffer, Russert's competitor on CBS' "Face the Nation," said the two men delighted in scooping each other.

"When you slipped one past ol' Russert," he said, "you felt as though you had hit a home run off the best pitcher in the league. I just loved Tim and I will miss him more than I can say."

The cause of death was not immediately clear. The network initially said on its Web site that Russert died of a heart attack. Michael A. Newman, Russert's internist, later said that resuscitation was begun immediately and continued at Sibley Memorial Hospital, to no avail. An autopsy was pending, Newman said.

Chelsea Clinton to visit New Albany

2008-04-23T23:15:00.000-04:00

Indiana Young Democrat Officer Filing

2008-04-23T23:10:00.001-04:00

From the Indiana Young Democrats

IYD OFFICER FILING
If you are interested in running for an IYD office, please submit your interest to Jason Tomcsi by e-mail (indianayoungdemocrats@gmail.com) by Friday, May 30^th.

Positions on the IYD Exec. Board are (with general duties listed):

President:
Oversees general operation of organization and helps set direction for the organization. Represents IYD on the Democratic State Central Committee and holds one of three votes for Indiana on the Young Democrats of America National Committee (position requires some personal financial commitment for statewide travel and travel to quarterly national meetings).

1st Vice President:
Assists and works with President in execution of duties. Represents IYD on the Democratic State Central Committee with State President.

2nd Vice President:
In charge of membership recruitment and development, as well as fundraising.

National Committeewoman:
Represents IYD on the Young Democrats of America National Committee; officially in charge of fundraising (this position requires some personal financial commitment for travel to quarterly national meetings).

National Committeeman:
Same duties and commitment as National Committeewoman...except you have to be a guy...

Treasurer:
Maintains financial records of IYD and prepares and submits campaign finance reports..

Secretary:
Maintains minutes of IYD Executive Board; other duties as requested of the officer

There are also several other additional appointments possible.

A Message from Jim Schellinger

2008-04-23T23:06:00.000-04:00

From Jim Schellinger, Democratic Candidate for Governor

Friends,

We want to make sure you don't miss the profile of Jim that was printed in this week’s edition of the Indianapolis Business Journal. It offers a great deal of insight into Jim’s leadership style, his working-class background and the reasons he decided to run for Governor as a first-time candidate.

From the story:

At CSO Architects, employees look forward to brown bag lunches. About once a month, they break into small groups that don’t often mix. Executives, draftsmen and administrative assistants alike put their own bags up for grabs, then take a chance on one of their co-worker’s concoctions.

It’s an hour Jim Schellinger coordinates himself. Casual conversation over bologna and pudding may seem mundane next to pressing construction deadlines. But it breaks down barriers. And it generates good will.

“He lets you be part of the team,” said Tracy Carfanga, CSO’s director of finance, who has worked for Schellinger for 12 years. “He lets you have responsibilities, and counts on you to take care of them. He lets you have ownership. And when you do them, he thanks you.”

A fresh-faced 47, Schellinger is trying to leverage his reputation as a consensus builder to Indiana’s highest office. Since entering the race for governor last year, he’s been criss-crossing the state touting his “Pick Up Indiana Jobs Plan,” which emphasizes work-force training, small-business incentives and development of “green-collar” jobs that encourage development of environmentally friendly businesses.

Schellinger, a South Bend native, has never run for public office before, though he’s long been a contributor to Democratic candidates.

He complains that Gov. Mitch Daniels, a Republican, has forced divisive change on issues like daylight-saving time and the lease of the Indiana Toll Road. He promises to offer the antithesis of Daniels’ topdown approach.

“Democrats and independents and Republicans alike agree that we can and should be doing better in Indiana. We deserve better leadership,” Schellinger said. “This has been my central message from day one. It’s what inspired me to step up out of my comfort zone to do this. Because I believe there’s so much potential in Indiana and we have not tapped it.”

“I’m a big believer in teamwork. I’m a big believer in bringing people together,” he continued. “You cannot accomplish anything with a leadership style that’s arrogant and polarizes people.”

Click here to read the full article.

For more coverage of Jim’s campaign, please visit www.PickUpIndiana.com.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

A Message From Jill Long Thompson

2008-04-23T23:01:00.000-04:00

From the Campaign of Jill Long Thompson, Democratic Candidate for Governor

Dear Friend:

All across Indiana today, gas prices hit record highs. In many communities, prices jumped 20 cents per gallon in just a few hours, reaching as high as $3.85 in some areas.

It's time to take action.

I recently unveiled a plan to give working Hoosiers relief at the pump by lowering the price of gas in Indiana. While our economy continues to suffer under George W. Bush and Mitch Daniels, the higher gas prices are forcing families to make some tough decisions. People shouldn't have to choose between paying for groceries, medicine, clothing and getting to work.

Hoosiers families deserve a break.

Under my plan, the sales taxes you pay on gas will be capped when fuel reaches $2.75 at the pump. As fuel prices reach record highs, the new higher sales tax hit folks with a double whammy. In this economy, that is just not fair.

Please join me in giving Hoosiers relief at the gas pump. Click here to sign my petition to lower the sales tax on gas. Tell my opponents, "Gimme a break!"

Together, we can change Indiana and get our state back on track. Please join me.

Sincerely,

Jill

Candidate Profiles Featured in New Albany Tribune

2008-04-05T23:17:00.000-04:00

By the Floyd County Democratic Party

Once again, the New Albany Tribune has fulfilled an important role by asking the primary candidates to introduce themselves to the larger public with their featured profiles. The short informative pieces allow candidates to respond to general questions and outline their background and experience for office.

We in the Democratic Party encourage all our candidates to participate in this profile and encourage citizens to learn more about our candidates. Links to the Tribune's profiles can be found below. The public is also invited to the annual "Meet the Candidates" dinner hosted by the Floyd County Democrat Women's Club to hear directly from the Democratic candidates. The dinner will be held on Monday, April 7th at the New Albany Knights of Columbus on Main Street in New Albany, IN.

CANDIDATE Q&A: Floyd County Council At-Large Democratic Primary

CANDIDATE Q&A: Floyd County Superior Court 3 - Democratic Primary

CANDIDATE Q&A: Floyd County Superior Court 1 - Democratic Primary

CANDIDATE Q&A: Floyd County Coroner - Democratic Primary

CANDIDATE Q&A: NA-FC School Board - At-Large

CANDIDATE Q&A: NA-FC School Board - District 3

CANDIDATE Q&A: Indiana Governor - Democratic Primary

CANDIDATE Q&A: U.S. Congress 9th District Democratic Primary

Ethics: Republicans still don't get it!

2008-02-26T22:34:00.000-05:00

From the Floyd County Democratic Party

Today, we added an article from the Indianapolis Star about Jon Elrod, the Republican 7th Congressional District candidate, working on his campaign from the floor of the Indiana House of Representatives. While the conduct doesn't officially violate any house rules on his part, it illustrates a stark ethical question about what is and isn't appropriate on public time.

Ethical issues played a major role in the 2006 election. Republicans were troubled with ethical scandals throughout the 109th Congress and previously unknown names such as Jack Abramoff, Tom Delay, Robert Ney, Mark Foley and Curt Weldon became household names as news coverage reported their transgressions.

Democrats championed reform of the system. Our 9th District Congressman Baron Hill has even promoted an independent Ethics Committee composed of former members of Congress and not the current members. Within days of assuming the majority, the Party lead Congress to follow through on their promise and restricted gifts for lobbyists and closed other loopholes in the system. This new attitude toward reform was even realized by some Republicans who, to their credit, admitted that the system was broken.

Unfortunately, however, that sentiment seems to have quickly faded, at least for Republicans in Indiana. As the Star reported, on multiple occasions Jon Elrod was taped writing campaign correspondences and had legislative staff mail campaign letters on official time.

State Republican Chairman Murry Clark, a former legislator himself, called the findings “absolute nonsense.” He even had the audacity to state, “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it.”

Such a statement is unacceptable and only underlines that Clark and other Republicans' don't understand what Indiana citizens expect from their government officials. The campaign and the official office cannot be intertwined. With a property tax crises among other issues in Indiana, the bottom line is that our legislators need to focus their attention on the session business and make other time for their ambition to higher office.

As Democrats, we don't celebrate in Jon Elrod's mistake in judgment. Such errors only cast doubt on all public servants and elected officials and increase the cynicism of the public. We also admit that while the Republicans have perpetuated the bulk of these "ethical errors" in recent years, our party is not immune from those that have abused the the system.

However, as Democrats, we find this conduct repulsive and instead of accepting it, such as Clark, work to ensure that the system is made stronger by raising the level of expectation for all public officials and punishing those that break the rules. Our citizens deserve the best we can offer, not just in policy but also in conduct.

The 7th Congressional District of Indianapolis is miles away from Floyd County. We can consider ourselves lucky that our Congressman, Democrat Baron Hill, has a strong record on ethical issues and we support his efforts to continue reforming the current system. We are also blessed with strong state leaders like Representative Bill Cochran and State Senator Connie Sipes who understand that on public time, campaigning takes a back seat.

But, we have to wonder, if the Indiana Republican Chairman doesn't see anything "wrong" with Jon Elrod's conduct, is this the behavior we can routinely expect from Republican candidates and officials?

Dems tape Elrod tending campaign on House floor

2008-02-26T22:18:00.000-05:00

From the Indianapolis Star

By Mary Beth Schneider
mary.beth.schneider@indystar.com

State Rep. Jon Elrod, the Republican nominee in the upcoming 7th Congressional District race, was caught on video by state Democrats writing campaign letters while on the floor of the House and handing them to a legislative employee to mail.

Elrod on Wednesday apologized for the incidents, calling them “really poor judgment on my part” and said it would never happen again.

There are few ethical rules for legislators, and no law or regulation appears to bar Elrod from signing political letters at his House desk.But House Minority Leader Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, said the legislative employee who mailed the letters — Graig Lubsen, deputy media director for House Republicans — violated House personnel rules that bar employees from political activity during work hours.

“There will be consequences,” Bosma said, though he did not specify what they would be.Elrod, running against Democrat Andre Carson, said he was simply “multi-tasking” by signing thank-you letters to volunteers and contributors to his congressional campaign.“I feel horrible about it. I really do. To put our caucus and everyone else in this position, it’s just inexcusable,” he said.From now on, he said, “there will be none of my (campaign) materials anywhere near the Statehouse.”

Indiana Democratic Party Chairman Dan Parker said Democrats had heard that Elrod was working on his campaign while in the House chamber, so they sent a staff member with a video camera to watch. From a House balcony, the aide twice videotaped Elrod, once Feb. 5 and once Tuesday, signing the campaign letters.

“It raises questions about Jon Elrod’s ethics,” Parker said. “Here he is on the floor of the House doing campaign work. That says that politics is more important than the people’s work.”Indiana Republican Party Chairman Murray Clark, a former state senator, call the Democrats’ accusations “absolute nonsense.”

“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it,” Clark said.

It shows, he said, that Democrats are desperate to hold onto the 7th Congressional District seat after losing control of the Indianapolis mayor’s office and City-County Council.“Democrats are going to pull out every trick in the book,” Clark said. “I’m going to call Jon and make sure he pulls his shades at night.”

Bosma also raised questions about the ethics of videotaping House members’ correspondence, saying legislators have communications with constituents that should be kept confidential. Julia Vaughn, who follows governmental ethics issues as policy director for the citizen watchdog group Common Cause/Indiana, said the incident “isn’t the biggest scandal since Watergate” but that lawmakers should refrain from doing campaign work in the Statehouse.

Using a House employee to mail the letters, she said, is the bigger concern.Lubsen said he had “no idea” the letters were campaign related, and that he routinely mails correspondence for legislators. Bosma said that while the incident was only “180 seconds,” it was a clear violation of House policy. He said he had a “stern talk” with Elrod and Lubsen.“I’m confident it has not ever happened before, and I’m very confident it will never, ever happen again,” Bosma said.

State Rep. Clyde Kersey, the Terre Haute Democrat who is chairman of the House Ethics Committee, said the legislative Code of Ethics doesn’t specifically prevent lawmakers from working on their campaigns while the House is in session. But, he said, “I think it’s a given.”

Read more online at the Indianapols Star

Democrats Announce New State Website

2008-02-21T19:39:00.000-05:00

From Daniel Parker
State Democratic Chairman

I'm very excited to let you know that the Indiana Democratic Party website has a new look -- and plenty of interactive options to make it easier for you to connect with Democrats in your community.

The website address -- www.indems.org -- is the same, but you should find the content and design much more user-friendly than before.

In addition to all of the information that was available on our old website, here are a few of the features we've upgraded and added:

Social Networking -- find Indiana Democrats on Facebook and MySpace; check out and share photos and videos on Flickr and YouTube; sample some of Indiana's political blogs

Party Information -- read about the history of the Indiana Democratic Party and learn more about the party rules

Video Clips -- Watch videos featuring Indiana Democratic candidates and elected officials

Event Planning - Submit your local party events

Get Local -- Find out what's going on in your county

Contribute -- Help support the Indiana Democratic Party with a one-time or recurring donation

News and Press Releases -- Keep track of Democrats in the news and learn more about the party's message

Volunteer -- Sign up to volunteer at Indiana Democratic Party events

This is going to be an exciting year for Hoosier Democrats as we work to maintain control of the Indiana House of Representatives and re-elect our Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives while fighting to take back the White House and the Governor's Office.

Our new website is still a work in progress, which means we need your feedback to make it even better. We're counting on you to be our eyes and ears as this election cycle heats up. Winning elections is never easy, but we believe that by working together, we can build on our Democratic principles and create a brighter future for all Hoosiers.

Please feel free to send your feedback on and ideas for the new website to Jennifer Wagner at jwagner@indems.org. We welcome your input and hope you will be able to use these new tools to spread our message to every corner of the state.

FILING DEADLINE REMINDER

2008-02-21T19:21:00.000-05:00

The deadline to file for the primary ballot for is FRIDAY (2/22) at NOON, so don't forget to stop by your county clerk's office and file! The Floyd County Democratic Party is currently recruiting for state delegates and looks forward to a positive primary for other county and state wide officers. Keep in mind that to run or vote for state and national convention delegates, you must be a registered voter (which you should be anyway!). If you miss the filing deadline or aren't elected in the primary, contact County Chairman Randy Stumler to be appointed to any vacant slots that may go unfilled.

For more information contact County Clerk Linda Moeller at (812) 948-5411.

Congressional Update

2008-02-13T22:29:00.001-05:00

News from Congressman Baron Hill
Proudly Serving the Ninth District of Indiana

In This Issue

House Stimulus Package

Vote to Override SCHIP Veto Again

Fundraising

Quick Links

Sign up to volunteer!

Contribute to the campaign. Make your secure online donation now!

Contact the Campaign

Hoosiers for Hill

PO Box 1071

Seymour, IN 47274

(812) 525-2391

info@hoosiersforhill.com

February 4, 2008

Dear Adam,

I hope this newsletter finds you well as we enter February and move forward into the election cycle. It is an exciting time to be a part of the Democratic party, as we are watching history in the making during this primary season.

I am also preparing to enter my own campaign. If you can, please take a moment to visit www.hoosiersforhill.com or visit the "volunteer" link to the left in order to update your contact information. Feel free to forward this newsletter and the website as well. I couldn't be here without your support, and we'll need to work hard again this fall.

Today marks my thirteenth month back in Congress as your representative, and it is my honor and privilege to serve you. As always this session of Congress remains busy. Much significant legislation sits before us, last week was the State of the Union Address, and today I'm home visiting with Hoosiers in the western part of the district before I return to Washington.

I assure you that I will continue to represent the values of all across Indiana's Ninth District. Thank you so much for your support, and please feel free to contact my offices with any questions or concerns. My staff and I want to hear from you in order to determine how we can best serve you. I look forward to seeing you around the District soon.

Sincerely,

Baron P. Hill

Ninth District of Indiana

U.S. House of Representatives

House Stimulus Package

On Tuesday, January 29, 2008 the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5140, the Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act of 2008.

Years of reckless spending and few, if any, sound fiscal policies by the current administration have led us to our current economic state. While I supported the economic stimulus package today, we must remember that this is only a temporary, stop-gap measure. We must also remember that our underlying economic problems remain to be addressed. The long-term solution will require much more than rebates, but a real commitment to fiscal conservancy.

Vote to Override President's Veto of SCHIP Again

On Wednesday, January 23, 2008 I voted to override the President's veto of H.R. 976, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, for a second time this afternoon. Provisions were added to this version of the bill that would strengthen the prohibition of illegal immigrants gaining access to the SCHIP program.

Although I still have reservations about how this expansion of SCHIP is funded, my support for providing health insurance for our nation's children surpasses my complaints about the bill. I want to once again be very clear that I fully support the SCHIP program. Guaranteeing access to health insurance for all children is not only a worthy goal, but it is the right thing to do. In fact, I have consistently supported the SCHIP program during my previous terms in Congress, and have recently voted to extend the program until the President approves an expansion of the program.

The vote on the veto override failed, 260 to 152. In order to override a presidential veto, two-thirds of Members present and voting must vote "aye."

Fundraising - Thank you for your support!

I cannot thank you enough for your support. I could not serve without your help. I want to ensure that Southern Indiana values remain represented in Congress, but to do so we'll have to fight hard in order to retain this seat.

We finished the 2007 fundraising year strongly, with close to $250,000 for the last quarter and almost $1 million cash-on-hand. This is more money than I've ever raised before and I've been very successful in my fundraising. But my opponent will be well-funded by his Republican allies on the national level, and it will take all the resources we've got to counter his deep pockets. If you're interested in helping me raise money, please contact Erica Bordador at (812) 525-2391 or erica@hoosiersforhill.com.

You can also contribute online now. Please click here to make your secure online donation.

Baron Hill leads on Passage of Energy Bill

2007-12-22T14:15:00.000-05:00

From the Floyd County Democratic Party

The fact that 9th District Congressman Baron Hill has been working hard to represents Southern Indiana is no surprise to the citizens of Floyd County. This year alone he has once again championed efforts to move forward the Ohio River Greenway, provide bank stabilization along the Ohio, and bring much needed funds to countless programs in our hometown.

But some might find it surprising to also learn that Congressman Hill has also been leading in other, much more national issues. Case in point, look at the recently passed Energy Bill. As part of the legislation, CAFE standards, better know as average fleet wide fuel efficient standards, where increased to 35 miles-per-gallon for cars for the first time in over thirty years. Congressman Hill was the leader of this push and even sponsored the original legislation increasing these standards which was adopted in the final energy bill.

Hear an audio clip from Congressman Hill on this issue.

Once again, Baron Hill is bringing change in Washington for his constituents. Thanks Baron!

Floyd County Superior Court judge files for re-election

2007-12-22T14:13:00.000-05:00

STAFF REPORTS
newsroom@newsandtribune.com

— Floyd County Superior Court Judge Susan Orth filed papers Tuesday for re-election in 2008.
Under the new format, Floyd County Superior Court will become Superior Court 1. There will also be Superior Court 2 and Superior Court 3, and well as Floyd County Circuit Court. The three superior courts will elect judges next year.

Orth, 48, was appointed by Judge Frank O’Bannon in 2004 to replace Richard Striegel, who retired after 25 years. She is the first female judge in Floyd County history. Superior Court hears two-thirds of the felony cases in Floyd County, she said.

“I’m fortunate to have a job I love,” she said. “I served 15 years in the Floyd County prosecutor’s office as chief deputy prosecutor, and I think this has been a natural progression. I’m really excited about next year for the opportunity to continue to serve this community.”

This will be Orth’s first election. She is the first candidate to file for the Superior Court 1 seat.

Thompson to run New Albany Street Department

2007-12-22T14:07:00.000-05:00

By ERIC SCOTT CAMPBELL
Eric.Campbell@newsandtribune.com

The longtime union president for Street Department workers will become their boss in 2008, New Albany Mayor-elect Doug England has decided.

England chose Mickey Thompson, a 14-year public-works employee, to replace Chuck Simons, an accountant Mayor James Garner appointed in August 2006 to a three-month interim stint that became permanent. Simons said Wednesday he was surprised and disappointed to be shut out.

England also named confidant John Wilcox his director of operations. Like predecessor Anthony B. Toran under Garner, Wilcox was campaign manager for the successful mayoral bid.

Thompson’s eighth and final year as local American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees president expires as his new job begins Jan. 1. He said he’d focus on reassigning more workers to cleaning and maintaining road surfaces. The department has wrestled with a budget deficit for years.

“The guys are staying pretty tied up trying to run behind sanitation [trucks] and pick up what they don’t pick up,” Thompson said.

Thompson also vowed to be “a little more employee-friendly” than Simons has been.

“We had a lot of problems with him when he first came in — I don’t know if it was the fact he didn’t understand the contracts,” Thompson said. “I believe he had good intentions ... but he alienated most of the guys right away. Hopefully, I can avoid that.”

Simons denied that characterization, saying some employees told him personally they felt treated well.

“As far as the employees are concerned, I alienated nobody but Mickey,” Simons said. “We had the right to put people to work. We went tooth and nail over it on several occasions. ... Out of 22 people [in the department], there’s probably four or five that their feelings were hurt.”

From the feedback Simons had heard, he was confident he’d be retained.

“Everyone had commented on how good a job I had done in the short year I had been there. I just assumed he wanted to have something for me in the future,” Simons said.

Instead, he got the bad news in a letter on Friday.

“For somebody that supported him in the campaign after the primary, I just expected a little bit better treatment than that,” said Simons, who has no other employment plans yet.

Wilcox said the England camp “would have preferred that it not be done by mail,” but noted that he had tried to see Simons at department headquarters four times and never found him in the office: “There was no opportunity to meet in person.”

Wilcox has logged decades of government service, including a job in New Albany Mayor Warren Nash’s administration from 1972 to 1975.

Majority Leader Hoyer on 2008 Appropriations

2007-12-22T14:03:00.000-05:00

By Majority Leader Steny Hoyer
U.S. House of Representatives

WASHINGTON - House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer released the following statement tonight on the consolidated appropriations bill being voted on tonight in the House:

"Unfortunately for the American people, the President has chosen to engage in political posturing on this year’s appropriations bills.

"Although his policies over the last seven years have instigated record budget deficits and added more than $3 trillion to the national debt, the President has deliberately concocted a fight on domestic funding in a vain effort to establish his bona fides with his right-wing political base.

"And thus, he has refused to strike a reasonable compromise over the $23 billion difference in domestic funding that separates Democrats in Congress and the Administration.

"Let’s be clear: The President's position on domestic appropriations is not fiscally responsible. Especially not when he is demanding, at the very same time, that we add $50 billion to the debt to pay for a one-year patch of the alternative minimum tax and another $196 billion for Iraq – none of it paid for.

"As Bill Hoagland, the budget advisor for former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, told the Washington Post on Saturday: 'I have difficulty seeing how $11 billion or $22 billion in discretionary spending on the domestic side of the equation is so fiscally responsible when juxtaposed against these major AMT provisions of $50 billion, or certainly against the $70 billion plus they want for the global war on terror, Iraq and Afghanistan.'

"The fact is, the domestic funding provided in this consolidated appropriations bill denies the American people the full investment they need in priorities such as life-saving medical research, kindergarten through 12th-grade education, Pell Grants and college financial aid, energy independence, and home heating assistance.

"However, in the face of an intransigent President and his allies in Congress, this legislation is the best we can do for the American people.

"Furthermore, in this consolidated appropriations bill, Democrats reject the President’s misguided budget cuts and begin to reinvest in the priorities of the American people.

"Specifically, this omnibus appropriations bill invests in medical research, providing $607 million above the President’s request to study diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, Parkinson’s, and diabetes.

"It invests in health care access, providing $1 billion above the President’s request for programs such as Community Health Centers to provide 280,000 uninsured Americans with access to health care.

"And, it invests more than the President requested for K-through-12 education, for student aid, for vocational education, for state and local law enforcement, for homeland security grants, for highway infrastructure, and for renewable energy and energy efficiency.

"In the final analysis, this legislation is far from perfect. But it does reject many of the President’s misguided budget cuts, and reflects many of the policy priorities of the American people – which Democrats have fought for all year long.

"The fact is, most of the appropriations bills passed the House with large bipartisan majorities. However, the President refuses to compromise, and the Senate is unable to produce the 60 votes needed to move legislation forward.

"This bill is the best we can do this year."

###

Congress Moves America in a New Direction

2007-12-22T13:59:00.000-05:00

December 19, 2007

Congress Moves America in New Direction…
… As “Roadblock Republicans” Try to Obstruct People’s Agenda

Over the last year, Democrats have begun to move our nation in a new direction, and our record shows significant progress in making America safer, restoring the American dream, and restoring accountability - despite repeated Republican roadblocks.

While the American people made clear in the last election that they wanted a new direction, Republicans apparently did not get the message. The Do-Nothing Republican Party spent all year blocking bipartisan policies broadly supported by the American people, and looking to charge more debt on the nation's credit card. Despite these roadblocks, Democrats will continue to fight for America's priorities in 2008.

###

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Remembering Julia Carson

2007-12-16T20:26:00.000-05:00

By the Floyd County Democratic Party

It is with great sadness that the Floyd County Democratic Party has learned of the passing of Congresswoman Julia Carson at the age of 69. A dynamic Democratic leader of our state for the past three decades, her life touched the lives and hearts of countless people here in Indiana and across the country.

News reports outlining her life and its accomplishments can be found at the Indianapolis Star.

There is a blog set up at thankyoujulia.com for people to leave thoughts and memories of the Congresswoman. A friend and inspiration, Julia will be missed.

Democrats increase statewide mayoral majority

2007-11-18T13:55:00.000-05:00

This year's municipal election is over, and Democrats across Indiana have reason to celebrate.

Democrats now have more elected mayors -- 69 out of 119 -- than ever before in statewide history.

Not only did we retain control of South Bend, Fort Wayne and Evansville, but we picked up key cities such as Muncie, Kokomo, Anderson, Vincennes, Washington and Crown Point.

At the end of the night, we wound up with a net gain of four seats, and we owe it all to your hard work and dedication.

They say all politics is local, but local politics truly depends on support from those who are closest to the action because the issues in each race are unique.

Without local volunteers making phone calls, knocking on doors and getting the message out, our candidates would not be successful.

And while not all of our candidates were successful on Tuesday, we want to say thank you to everyone who participated in the election. Because of your efforts, we were able to build upon our victories last year, surpass a historic municipal benchmark and further strengthen our support at the local level.

That support will be critical as we now move into the 2008 presidential and gubernatorial election cycles.

Thanks again for helping us build a stronger Indiana by promoting the values of average working Hoosiers at the local level. We hope you're as excited about the future as we are!

House-Passed Middle Class Tax Relief Bill Includes Hill’s Property Tax Language

2007-11-18T13:43:00.000-05:00

Washington, D.C. – A version of the language of Congressman Baron Hill’s Property Tax Relief Act was included in the Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007 passed this afternoon by the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I have heard from many constituents about how hard they have been hit by increased property taxes,” Hill said. “And, as a homeowner in Southern Indiana myself, I understand their concerns. My colleagues in Congress are also hearing about skyrocketing property taxes from their constituents and I am very pleased we were able to address this problem at the federal level.”

The Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007 would offer more than $50 billion in middle-class tax relief and would save more than 35,000 Hoosiers in the Ninth Congressional District from having to pay the higher, Alternative Minimum Tax next year. The Alternative Minimum Tax was originally designed to ensure that very wealthy individuals do not avoid paying income tax. Because the law does not account for inflation, the tax now threatens to impact middle-class families and raise taxes on 23 million Americans next year if Congress fails to take action. Due to Congressman Hill’s efforts, the bill also incorporates a provision for real property owners to increase the standard deduction by $350 for single filers and $700 for joint filers.

Congressman Hill has also introduced a separate bill, H.R. 3726, the Property Tax Relief Act of 2007, which would allow homeowners who do not itemize to deduct their property taxes from their federal income taxes. Currently, the only citizens benefiting from the property tax deduction are those who itemize their taxes. Estimates suggest that approximately 40% of homeowners do not itemize.

“I am very pleased that my bill got the discussion started about what we can do, as Members of Congress, to ease the property tax burden for our constituents,” Hill said. “I will still champion my Property Tax Relief Act but thank my colleagues for including some real tax relief for homeowners.”

At a press conference Friday following passage of the Temporary Tax Relief Act, Hill was praised for championing property tax relief.

“I applaud Baron Hill for his leadership and dedication to the people of Southern Indiana,” Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee Charlie Rangel said. “Baron Hill has been a leader in the fight to protect working families and deliver real tax relief to homeowners who are struggling with the cost of soaring property taxes. His critical contributions to this debate have helped ensure that property tax relief was included in our bill and I look forward to working with him in the future to ensure that this provision is enacted into law.”

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer added: “Property taxpayers all over this country are going to be pleased with the Baron Hill provision—it is going to give them some real relief. Thank you for your leadership on this extraordinary effort, Congressman Hill.”

The Temporary Tax Relief is fully paid for and will not add to the deficit and will grow our sagging economy with tax relief to promote innovation and high-paying jobs.

Hill Responds to President’s Speech in New Albany Today

2007-11-18T13:41:00.000-05:00

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Baron Hill attended an event in New Albany this afternoon during which the President primarily spoke about economic and energy issues. In response, Hill issued the following statement:

“I was pleased to welcome the President to New Albany today. It is always a distinction to have a President visit your district and acknowledge the hard work of its residents.

I hear the President’s message about the need for fiscal responsibility loud and clear; it’s an issue I have been championing since I first came to Congress in 1999. I find it odd and ironic, however, that the President has only now begun emphasizing fiscal responsibility. For six years spending ran wild under his leadership and he did nothing to stop it. To lay blame for out-of-control deficits on the Democrats is short-sighted and simply incorrect.

This Congress has not only preached the need for fiscal responsibility, but is practicing it. By enacting PAYGO rules, we must offset any new spending we create so as not to add to our escalating budget deficit. And, I have also introduced a bill that would go two steps further and make PAYGO rules law as well as mandating discretionary spending caps.

I also had the opportunity to speak with the President about my bill to increase fuel efficiency standards, and he concurred with several aspects of the Hill-Terry CAFE bill, H.R. 2927. This legislation is one of my top priorities and I will continue advocating its merits as part of a comprehensive energy package to reduce our dependence on foreign fuels.

I am very disappointed in the President’s resistance to working with Congress. I realize we have our differences and conflicting priorities, yet for the sake of the American people we must make progress. The President signed the Department of Defense Appropriations bill today, which is a good first step. However, at the same time, he vetoed a bill that funds critical education, health and labor programs. And, he asked Congress to send him a “clean” supplemental funding bill for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Clean” is the President’s code word for a continuation of his “stay-the-course” strategy in Iraq. I have said repeatedly that I will not give the President a blank check for his war in Iraq. Instead of dictating the agenda, the President should instead work together to do what is in the best interest of all Americans.”

He's Back: England tops Hubbard in New Albany mayor's race

2007-11-07T22:01:00.000-05:00

By ERIC SCOTT CAMPBELL
Eric.Campbell@newsandtribune.com

Doug England completed his historic return to the New Albany mayor’s office Tuesday night, taking 52 percent of the vote, and 21 of 34 precincts, against Republican and former sheriff Randy Hubbard.

England, the mayor from 1991 until his defeat in 1999, will enjoy more Democratic Party strength than in his previous terms. Voters retained an 8-1 City Council majority for Democrats and re-elected Democratic City Clerk Marcey Wisman.

The clerk during England’s terms, Republican Regina Overton, unseated him in his previous bid for a third term, something England this year frequently called an instructive experience. Now, he’s loading up “a full plate” of issues.

“We’re going to do housing renovation, code enforcement, new streets, more industries, downtown redevelopment and riverfront development,” England said. “I will work very hard and diligently for the betterment of New Albany.”

Hubbard kept the margin closer than any other mayoral finale in 24 years, but that was no consolation.

“They felt he was a better candidate,” Hubbard said of England. “I don’t know what else I can say. ... What’s meant to be is meant to be.”

Read more online at the New Albany Tribune.

Democratic National Chair Urges Bipartisan Support on SCHIP Legislation

2007-10-31T19:22:00.000-04:00

From the Democratic National Committee

Governor Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, delivered the Democratic radio address this week. He highlighted the fact that while all of the Republican presidential candidates support borrowing $196 billion for the war in Iraq they all oppose spending $7 billion next year for the bipartisan plan to provide children health care.
Chairman Dean called on Republicans in Congress to join Democrats in overriding the President's veto of the Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), especially after Democratic leaders recrafted the bill in response to Republican concerns. Dean also drew a clear contrast between the Democratic and Republican presidential fields on the war in Iraq, the culture of corruption, and fiscal responsibility.

To listen to the address, click here:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Transcript of Radio Address:

Good morning. I'm Governor Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
I want to start by joining all Americans in offering my thoughts and prayers to the people of California devastated by the wildfires this week. And our thanks to the firefighters, the National Guard, local agencies, and neighbors for their extraordinary work. You serve as a reminder that when we work together, Americans can accomplish anything.

We need more of that spirit of cooperation in Washington, DC today. Despite significant bipartisan support for the country's health insurance program for our children or "S-CHIP," every single Republican running for president sided with President Bush in keeping our kids from getting the health care that they need.

Turning our backs on our children is not the way to lead our country. It's bad policy, but it's also politics at its worst.

Just weeks after vetoing S-CHIP, the Bush Republicans wanted to borrow a total of $196 billion to continue the wars in Iraq and then Afghanistan, but they wouldn't spend $7 billion for the health of our children.

The Republican leaders have made their choice. They want to stay in Iraq and deny our kids health care. It is wrong for the Bush Republicans to stand in the way of legislation needed to protect the wellbeing of our kids.

This week, Democrats in Congress re-crafted the legislation to reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program and provide health care for 10 million uninsured children. It is time for Republicans to join the Democrats in overriding President Bush's veto and to reauthorize this program. Eighty-one percent of the American people and governors of both parties from states all across the country support our effort to cover these 10 million uninsured children.

Again, all of the republican candidates for president support President Bush's veto on health care for our uninsured children. And every one of them supports spending a total of $196 billion to send brave Americans to fight in a civil war in Iraq. America can not afford four more years of a president who borrows for the war and denies health insurance for our kids.

It's a time for a return to American values-- and a return to the era of fiscal responsibility we saw during the last Democratic administration. It's time we restore America to its position of moral leadership throughout the world. And, it's time we fulfill our moral obligation to care for our nation's children.

I know it can be done. In my home state of Vermont, 99 percent of all children under the age of 18 were eligible for health insurance when I left office. If we can do that in a small state like Vermont, we can do it in the greatest country in the world.

The contrast in the presidential race is so clear.

Democrats want to end the war in Iraq, the Republicans would continue President Bush's failed strategy. While Democrats will ensure our kids have health care, the Republicans will deny our kids. The Democrats want to end the culture of corruption, the Republicans support the pardoning of corrupt officials.

And while Democrats will balance the budget and restore fiscal discipline, the Republicans will borrow against our children's future.

The choice is clear in 2008. If you believe in supporting our kids, making our economy stronger, creating jobs, and ending the war in Iraq, please vote for a Democrat in 2008.

I'm Governor Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Thanks so much for listening.

For those of you receiving this email from the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee for the first time, we are reaching out to Democratic leaders across the nation. We hope you will use this material on talk radio, for letters to the editor, and share it with your activist community. We would appreciate your feedback or other information that might be of help to us. Lastly, if there are others who may be interested in being included, please send us their names and email addresses. Thanks again for your help.

Tax plan may violate constitution

2007-10-29T22:37:00.000-04:00

By Tim Evans and Jeff Swiatek
tim.evans@indystar.com

The constitutional amendment in Gov. Mitch Daniels' property tax plan is not just designed to make the tax cut permanent -- it's there to make it legal, too.

Without an amendment, the governor's plan to cap property taxes at different levels for homeowners, landlords and businesses could find itself on the losing end of a constitutional challenge, legal experts say.

And because more than one powerful business interest has lined up against the plan, the politically difficult two-year task of amending the state constitution appears essential.
At issue: whether the caps, welcomed by residential property owners but not by business interests, meet the constitutional requirement that taxes be assessed at a "uniform and equal rate."

The caps would limit annual property tax bills to 1 percent of assessed value for homeowners, 2 percent for landlords and 3 percent for businesses, and are a key component of the tax reform plan unveiled last week by the governor.

With the legislature's help, Daniels hopes to have the caps take effect in 2009, and he has proposed writing the limits into the state constitution. The earliest a change can be made to the constitution is 2010.

Article 10 of the Indiana Constitution says: "The General Assembly shall provide, by law, for a uniform and equal rate of property assessment and taxation."

"It does seem to me that when one class of property owners pays three times the amount of another, that is not uniform or equal," said Indianapolis attorney Thomas M. Atherton, a constitutional law expert.

Atherton, who was the lead attorney for the plaintiff in the St. John court case that led to sweeping changes in the property tax system in 2002, said he thinks it's likely that some business group will raise the constitutional question.

"The fact that the governor acknowledged the need to amend the constitution is evidence, I think, that until it is amended, you have a serious constitutional issue," he said.

The window for any such challenge would begin after the legislature enacts the caps. It would end if the proposed amendment took effect, Atherton said.

Once an amendment is adopted, he said, the issue becomes moot because there would be no constitutional grounds to challenge the caps.

Read more online at the Indystar.

NEW ALBANY: England, Hubbard square off for mayor

2007-10-29T22:24:00.000-04:00

By ERIC SCOTT CAMPBELL
Eric.Campbell@newsandtribune.com

It’s the man of few words versus the man of many. Right?The popular perception of Republican mayoral candidate Randy Hubbard is that he never uses 10 words when five will do. Democratic opponent Doug England is seen as more likely to explain with 20 at least.

Of course, those perceptions have been embellished by each man’s political circumstance.England, 63, was mayor, the face and voice of the city, for eight years in the 1990s. Council members, constituents and reporters seek a mayor’s comments on a wide range of issues, and when the fate of a bill or project hangs in the balance, the right, detailed explanation can be crucial.

More recently, Hubbard, 64, spent eight years as Floyd County sheriff, the leader of a police unit with lots of ground to cover. But the nature of police work means sheriffs rarely have incentive to explain developments more than necessary, and public-relations duties often fall to other officers.

Debatable

The perceptions were cemented after a request from an IU Southeast journalism professor. In August, Jim St. Clair asked both men to debate each other Oct. 16 or Oct. 17.

England said yes. Hubbard said no.

Hubbard cited a scheduling conflict from the outset, later adding that he didn’t believe a traditional debate would be as valuable to voters as would speaking with them one on one. England kept the event on his schedule anyway and spoke by himself to a panel of College Democrats and an audience of 40, taking time to chastise Hubbard for his refusal.

The only joint appearance came at a Develop New Albany-sponsored forum Wednesday night. England and Hubbard fielded questions, but in two separate, consecutive sessions; neither man was allowed in the room while his opponent spoke.

The previous two general-election mayoral campaigns included debates. But they also included incumbent mayors — England in 1999, Regina Overton in 2003, both of whom were unseated weeks later. This year, incumbent Mayor James Garner’s bid didn’t make it past the Democratic primary, as England beat him by 1 percent of the vote.

Read more on the Mayoral Race at the News & Tribune.

GEORGETOWN: Three battle for two at-large seats on council

2007-10-27T10:13:00.000-04:00

By CHRIS MORRIS
Chris.Morris@newsandtribune.com

A former Floyd County commissioner, an incumbent and a political newcomer will battle for two at-large seats in the upcoming Georgetown Town Board election Nov. 6.

Republican incumbent Margaret “Dean” Hammersmith faces Democrats Mike Mills and Karla Perkins for the two seats.

Hammersmith is finishing her first term on the board and said she is running for re-election because “there are things we started that we haven’t been able to complete for the betterment of the town.”

Mills, a former Georgetown Town Board member for three terms and Floyd County commissioner, said the main reason he is running is to straighten out the town’s finances.
“The place is practically bankrupt,” Mills said.

Perkins said she would like to sit on the board because, “if you want to be heard, you need to be involved.”

The main issue facing the town is where to build a sewage treatment plant. The town purchased 23 acres of land two years ago outside the town limits, but has faced legal challenges since announcing plans to build the plant on that site. A second site also has faced opposition.
“It’s been the people of Edwardsville (who) oppose us and they don’t have a dog in the fight. They live outside the territory,” Hammersmith said. “They all live a mile or mile and a half away from the site. If we don’t build a plant, they (state) are eventually going to force it on us.”
Mills — a 37-year veteran of the New Albany Police Department and current assistant chief — knows all about the sewer-plant issue in Georgetown. He said when he was on the board in 1980, he tried to get his fellow board members to build a plant. He said at the time, the state was going to pay 95 percent of the cost for the plant. However, the board voted it down.

The current board, he said, has gone about building a plant backward.

Hubbard continue to "dodge" debate

2007-10-23T22:01:00.000-04:00

From the Floyd County Democratic Party

Despite the development of a forum hosted by Develop New Albany, the fact remains that Republican Mayoral candidate Randy Hubbard continues to avoid a full debate with our Democratic candidate Doug England.

The lack of Hubbard's concern for discussing the issues is a key difference in this years campaign. Earlier in the year, Hubbard was quoted by the New Albany Tribune as saying that he wasn't sure what issues needed to be addressed and that he "wanted to talk to the people" to get ideas. While Democrats certainly have no problem listening to citizens' concerns, you'd think a candidate for Mayor would have some ideas of his own.

By comparison, England has been the picture of a good candidate, reaching out to citizens using door-to-door and at forums, agreeing to debate his opponent, and presenting a clear message with a defined vision for the future of our city. To illustrate the difference, just look at England's website (http://www.dougenglandfornewalbany.com/) compared to Hubbard's. England offers not just information on him and his background, but discusses specific issues. Hubbard's site offers little more than outdated news stories and vague highlights on his plans for the city.

The Democratic Party is pleased that Develop New Albany is hosting the candidates to continue to explore their position on the issues. We are certain that our candidate presents a strong, positive message with the best vision for New Albany. We only wish our Republican counterparts would participate in this year's exchange to better illustrate the differences between the candidates.

Don’t call it a debate in New Albany mayor’s race

2007-10-23T21:52:00.000-04:00

By ERIC SCOTT CAMPBELL
Eric.Campbell@newsandtribune.com

Mayoral candidates Randy Hubbard and Doug England have not appeared on the same stage yet in this campaign, a distinction that will continue even after a forum featuring both of them next week. The nonprofit Develop New Albany has organized an event for 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 24 in the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library’s auditorium.

The format calls for Hubbard to answer questions about downtown development and neighborhood revitalization for 45 minutes, followed 15 minutes later by England answering the same questions, said Greg Sekula, vice president of Develop New Albany. That group’s board of directors will compile the list of questions. Neither candidate is expected to be present for the other’s discussion, Sekula said. Develop New Albany had wanted “for quite some time” to host a downtown-specific mayoral forum, finally getting both candidates to agree to a date last week, Sekula said.

Neither candidate pushed for changes to the format, he added.“We just wanted to give people another opportunity to hear issues,” Sekula said. In August, IU Southeast invited England and Hubbard to participate in a debate, scheduled for Wednesday. England agreed, but Hubbard declined, citing a prior commitment.The event is set to continue as a question-and-answer session with England alone. Republican Party chairman David Matthews said Monday that Hubbard is among party leaders who are convening Wednesday night.

A Message from Congressman Baron Hill: SCHIP Expansion

2007-10-07T20:01:00.000-04:00

From Congressman Baron Hill
October 5, 2007

I understand that some are concerned with my recent vote on the SCHIP expansion. Let me start by saying a few things that I believe will clear up some of the misconceptions about this bill.

First, I know that we all agree about the value of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Expanding children's health insurance is a wonderful goal and the merit of this legislation is not in question. In fact, I have consistently supported the SCHIP program during my previous terms in Congress. And, just last week I voted to reauthorize SCHIP through November 16th of this year. Had we not taken that vote, the program would have expired entirely.

Secondly, this is not a case of children versus tobacco. There is much more complexity to the issue, which I will address in the content of this message to you. Finally, the fact that I voted "no" on this version of this legislation does not mean that I don't fully support an expansion of the program.

That said, I would respectfully ask that you consider my reasons for voting against this version of the SCHIP expansion. As a Member of Congress, who was elected to serve in the best interest of residents of the entire Ninth Congressional District of Indiana, I must look beyond a program's name to what is actually involved in such comprehensive legislation. While funding the children's health insurance program is something I have supported in the past, I cannot support taxing Hoosiers in order to pay for the mismanagement of other states' SCHIP programs. Under the current bill, too much of this federal funding will go primarily to states lacking in their coverage, something Indiana is not.

The State of Indiana has one of the most efficient SCHIP programs in the nation. Unfortunately, this legislation would give a well-performing state, like Indiana, less money than states with wasteful or inefficient SCHIP programs. It is estimated that Indiana would contribute approximately $300 million each year in revenue, and only receive about $50 million toward its SCHIP program. A lot of this money would go to bail out PAST mismanagement in these under-performing states, thus making Indiana a healthcare "donor state."

In sum, Hoosiers, through a 61 cent tobacco tax increase, will pay significantly more into the program than they will get out. The money will go to other states that have not effectively managed their SCHIP programs. I know that Hoosiers are feeling the burden of increased taxes from every angle - the rising price of gasoline and skyrocketing property taxes - and I cannot support another tax for a program that will least benefit Hoosiers. Further, this would be another program in a long line where Indiana does not get its fair share back from the federal government. Whether it is transportation dollars or housing money, Indiana is constantly getting shortchanged on the tax dollars it sends to Washington. This is simply not fair and must stop.

As you know, the President has now vetoed the legislation and there are simply not enough votes in the House of Representatives to override that veto. Because I wholeheartedly support this program, I believe it is absolutely imperative that we come together in the House to create a bill that the President will sign, and one that expands SCHIP in a way that is more equitable to Hoosiers. If we don't, then the children will indeed lose. I consider the SCHIP program an asset to our nation's children, but cannot simply vote for it on name alone.

I was elected to represent all of the constituents of the Ninth Congressional District, and therefore must take all of their concerns into account. That is what I have done in considering how to vote, and I have concluded, regrettably, that this particular proposal is neither equitable nor effective for Hoosier taxpayers or the families needing health coverage -- I think we can do better. Finding this solution will require bold leadership, and I believe that in this case, that leadership is ensuring as many children as possible have the coverage they need when they need it, and as soon as possible. Congressional gridlock will only delay this coverage, and I hope my colleagues in the House will join me in finding a realistic solution to the problem.

I value your opinions and take them into serious consideration when making decisions in Washington. I ask the same of you now: please consider my reasons for voting against this particular bill. Please separate it from my continuous support of the broader SCHIP program. I certainly understand if you still disagree with my decision. All I ask is that you try to understand my reasons. As always, please feel free to contact me or a member of my staff and someone will be happy to further address any concerns you may have.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to seeing you in the district.

Sincerely,

Representative Baron P. Hill
Ninth District of Indiana
U.S. House of Representatives

Paid for and authorized by Hoosiers for Hill.

To the Editor: Republican Chairman Contradectory

2007-10-07T19:46:00.000-04:00

To the Editor:

I was taken aback when I read the mud-slinging letter of Republican Chairman David Matthews, coming on the heals of a conversation that I had with him just about a week before. At a public event, he came and introduced himself to me. He presented himself in person to be amicable, yet claimed a certain naiveté when it came to politics. He told me he was intent on running a campaign based on the issues affecting the city of New Albany, so when he went public with this dirty politics letter just days later, I had to wonder about his intent.

Mr. Matthews is the third republican chairman in Floyd County in as many years. The revolving door of chairmen is bound to be the cause of disorganization on their side. He also told me he had to hit the ground running and had a lot to learn.

Let me use this opportunity for just such a teaching moment.

Lesson 1: Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
Mr. Matthews was asked to be chairman of his party only after a terrible tragedy for which his predecessor is being prosecuted. In Clark County, the Republican party chairman resigned in disgrace because of a pending criminal investigation for Criminal Deviate Conduct after he allegedly sexually assaulted another man at a Republican party event. That was the same chairman who used mud slinging attacks for other Republicans.

Under what moral authority is Mr. Matthews wagging a finger at another person? His letter was certainly the first self-righteous stone, but I believe he has some serious self-reflecting to do about the party that he represents.

Lesson 2: Before removing the splinter from your brother’s eye, remove the plank from your own.

The Republican party has some serious house cleaning to do before they ever start to lecture others about morality. Here are some examples.

The Bush and his Republican administration is one of the leaders in cronyism and dirty tricks: Alberto Gonzales resigned under investigation; “you’re doing a heck of a job, Brownie” and the Katrina fiasco; the search for WMD’s that never existed; Karl Rove and the “Swift Boating” of honorable veterans who served their country with dignity.

Republican House Majority Leader Tom DeLay was indicted on charges of conspiring to violate campaign finance laws.

Republican Representative Mark Foley resigned amid reports that he had sent sexually explicit Internet messages to at least one underage male former page.

Republican U.S. senator Larry Craig was supposed to resign over his now famous arrest and conviction stemming from airport bathroom sex sting in Minneapolis.

Republican representative Dan Burton of Indiana’s 6th district, an outspoken critic of President Clinton, admitted he had an extramarital affair and fathered a child out of wedlock.

I will be the first to admit that the Democratic party has faults. I have my own personal shortcomings. However, it appears to me that the Republicans have cultivated a culture of corruption that needs fundamental change. These are transgressions at the highest level. It is up to the Republican leaders to set the example of their rhetoric. “Family values” means more than preaching to others about what you want them to do. Leading by example is much more effective. The example they are setting right now belongs in the tabloids of Hollywood and Malibu, California.

Lesson 3: Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
In the end, we are all human. We make mistakes. We ask to be forgiven. Then we dust ourselves off and get up and try again.

I am a Democrat because this is the party for me that recognizes the human condition. We all need dusting off sometimes. Sometimes we need a hand in getting back up.

As long as I am Chairman, I will support the Democratic mission of supporting working families, speaking for those without a voice, and promoting human dignity for all.

Doug England is also that kind of man. He has never stopped working for the people of New Albany. Even in the face of defeat, he never left New Albany. On the contrary, he worked even harder in revitalizing this town with his own time, talent and treasure. He has invested in business and done the work on boards and committees that have kept New Albany moving in the right direction.

Doug continues to want to discuss the real issues of New Albany. He is running a positive campaign based on ideas and progress. He has also asked the Republicans and Randy Hubbard to do the same. Mr. Hubbard has stated that he doesn’t have time to do this during the campaign, and has refused to debate Doug England at any time during this fall.

My questions, then, are:

What is Mr. Hubbard doing during his campaign for mayor if he doesn’t have time to debate the real issues?

If Mr. Matthews has started with mudsling from the start, is this what we can expect during the whole campaign? Do you think that the people of New Albany want or deserve this?

Why are the Republicans starting out with dirty campaigning so early? Is there something they want to divert our attention from?

Finally, I will end with this advice, Mr. Chairman. You seemed to have so desperately wanted my opinion when you spoke to me in person, so I will give it to you now:

Low- level people talk about other people. Mid-level people talk about events. High-level people talk about ideas.

I am eager to hear some more ideas. I haven’t from your side as of yet.

Randy Stumler
Floyd County Democratic Chairman

Most in Poll Want War Funding Cut

2007-10-07T19:39:00.000-04:00

Bush's Approval Rating Ties All-Time Low

By Jon Cohen and Dan Balz
Washington Post Staff Writers
Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Most Americans oppose fully funding President Bush's $190 billion request for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and a sizable majority support an expansion of a children's health insurance bill he has promised to veto, putting Bush and many congressional Republicans on the wrong side of public opinion on upcoming foreign and domestic policy battles.

The new Washington Post-ABC News poll also shows deep dissatisfaction with the president and with Congress. Bush's approval rating stands at 33 percent, equal to his career low in Post-ABC polls. And just 29 percent approve of the job Congress is doing, its lowest approval rating in this poll since November 1995, when Republicans controlled both the House and Senate. It also represents a 14-point drop since Democrats took control in January.

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Despite discontent with Congress this year, the public rates congressional Republicans (29 percent approve) lower than congressional Democrats (38 percent approve). When the parties are pitted directly against each other, the public broadly favors Democrats on Iraq, health care, the federal budget and the economy. Only on the issue of terrorism are Republicans at parity with Democrats.

Part of the displeasure with Congress stems from the stalemate between Democrats and the White House over Iraq policy. Most Americans do not believe Congress has gone far enough in opposing the war, with liberal Democrats especially critical of their party's failure to force the president into a significant change in policy.

At the same time, there is no consensus about the pace of any U.S. troop withdrawals from Iraq. In July, nearly six in 10 said they wanted to decrease the number of troops there, but now a slim majority, 52 percent, think Bush's plan for removing some troops by next summer is either the right pace for withdrawal (38 percent) or too hasty (12 percent would like a slower reduction, and 2 percent want no force reduction). Fewer people (43 percent) want a quicker exit.

Hill Responds to Hoosier Taxpayers' Concerns, Introduces Property Tax Relief Act

2007-09-27T22:26:00.001-04:00

(Washington, DC) - On Tuesday, September 18th, Congressman Baron Hill introduced legislation that assists middle- and low-income families in decreasing their taxes. The bill, the Property Tax Relief Act of 2007, will allow homeowners who do not itemize to deduct their property taxes from their federal income taxes. Currently, the only citizens benefitting from the property tax reduction are those who itemize their taxes. Estimates suggest that approximately 40% of homeowners do not itemize.

"I have heard from many constituents about how hard they have been hit by increased property taxes," Hill said. "And, as a homeowner in Southern Indiana myself, I understand their concerns."

Although the federal government's involvement with property taxes is quite limited, Hill saw a way to address homeowners' concerns by introducing legislation that will no longer require taxpayers to itemize in order to deduct their property taxes from their federal income taxes.

According to the Congressional Research Service, there are approximately 942,000 non-itemizers who could be homeowners in Indiana. Under this bill, a home-owning family that does not itemize and makes roughly between $64,000 and $128,000 per year would see an average benefit of $300.

"I could not sit back and do nothing while so many of my constituents were being affected," Hill said. "I have heard from some of my constituents whose property taxes have doubled this year. This is a huge financial burden to take on, and I want to do my part to help alleviate that."

The bill's lead cosponsor is Congressman Vito Fossella (R-NY), and other original cosponsors are Representatives Dan Burton, Joe Donnelly, Brad Ellsworth, Kirsten Gillibrand, John Hall, Patrick Murphy and Mike Pence.

England promotes ‘business management’ during campaign visit to New Albany's Mark Elrod Towers

2007-09-27T22:18:00.000-04:00

By ERIC SCOTT CAMPBELL
Eric.Campbell@newsandtribune.com

New Albany’s public safety departments are strong, but the city needs to improve its business acumen, Democratic mayoral candidate Doug England told residents of Mark Elrod Tower in a campaign appearance Wednesday evening.

The former two-term mayor joined City Clerk Marcey Wisman and City Council candidates Bob Caesar and John Gonder in briefly addressing a crowd of about 50, mostly senior citizens. The public-housing building sits on Wolfe Trace just north of downtown.

“We need business management — someone who can create jobs,” said England, who is opposing Randy Hubbard, the Republican former sheriff, to replace Democratic incumbent Mayor James Garner. Less than six weeks remains before the Nov. 6 election.

England shared anecdotes about his youth, military service and past mayoral terms, and as he frequently has since his campaign began, England referred to the eventually instructive effect of his loss to Regina Overton in the 1999 election.

“I’m big enough to get up and keep on walking with the scratches on my knees,” England said.
One resident told England she and her neighbors have difficulty finding transportation downtown on short notice. England said he’d lobby U.S. Rep. Baron Hill to explore whether bus service to federal housing can be improved.

Before England spoke, Wisman highlighted her efforts to improve Internet accessibility to public documents as well as simplify code-enforcement procedures. She emphasized the variety of tasks encompassed in the city clerk job.

To learn more on the Democrats "Meet the Candidates," read more on the News Albany Tribune.

England goes online

2007-09-27T22:02:00.000-04:00

From the Floyd County Democratic Party

Democratic Mayor Candidate Douglas England has gone digital! Taking his message of growth and opportunity online, he has announced the creation of his campaign website, http://www.dougenglandfornewalbany.com./ The website, which features information on Doug's background, previous accomplishments, and offers citizens ways they can contact him and volunteer for his campaign.

Many candidates in recent years have utilized the world wide web as an opportunity to connect with constituents. City Clerk Marcey Wisman even took the concept beyond the campaign and posted numerous records and other documents from the City Clerk's office online. Now, citizens don't even need to leave the comfort of her own home to view meeting minutes or obtain other documents. In the county, other officeholders such as County Clerk Linda Moeller have lead efforts to provide other records online.

Democrats view this continued commitment to provide information and communicate with citizens as the appropriate duty of government and positive campaigns. We hope other will join this effort to continue to improve and progress our government and its services.

Floyd Co. NAACP annouces Freedom Fund Banquet

2007-09-16T19:38:00.000-04:00

From the New Albany National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

The New Albany NAACP will host its annual Freedom Fund Banquet on Saturday, October 6th, 2007 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. This years speaker and special quest is Betty Baye and the theme of the dinner is "Power Beyond Measure." Tickets for the event at $40 each or $320 for a table of eight. Advertisement space in the organization's program booklet are also available. Full Page Advertisements are $125; Half Page Advertisements are $60; and quarter page advertisements are $35.

For more information on the event, contact New Albany NAACP President, Nicole Yates Toran at (812) 987 - 6266 or Jeannette Sumpter at (812) 949 - 5079.

Trash, slash and privatize: Mitch Daniels' governing philosophy

2007-09-16T12:14:00.000-04:00

From the Indiana Democratic Party

Although he's been out of the country for a week, Mitch Daniels' efforts to sell off our state have been going strong back home. Earlier this week, Family and Social Services Administration Secretary Mitch Roob told a panel of lawmakers and advocates that there's essentially no other way to save the state's three psychiatric hospitals but to privatize them. No other way?

Of course not, if you listen to the advice of a man who made a career of outsourcing before he joined the Daniels administration. The state hospital scenario is a prime example of the way Mitch Daniels and his crew approach government: They'll say or do anything to sign over all accountability for the critical services Hoosiers depend on. If a few of their buddies get rich in the process, well, that's even better. It's an endless cycle of trashing what already exists -- and the people who work within that system -- to justify handing the keys to someone else. At this rate, will Mitch Daniels be accountable for any government function by the end of his first term?

That's not the way government for, by and of the people should work. We deserve to know who's behind the wheel and who's calling the shots when it comes to our roads, hospitals and other vital services. But Mitch Daniels doesn't know the first thing about how to oversee a complex organization with myriad moving parts that serve diverse groups across our state. Not only does he not understand how government works, but he believes it's an acceptable management philosophy to put down those people who work for government. How many times do we have to hear him complain about state employees and the work they've done both on his watch and under prior administrations?

Mitch Daniels likes to think of himself as a brilliant businessman, but no successful CEO would treat hard-working employees that way. In the end, it's clear that this administration is out to sell off as much as it can as quickly as possible -- after all, they know they might not get a second chance.For the sake of our great state and its public resources, we must force Mitch Daniels to be accountable for his slash-and-burn tactics, questioning these contracts and making sure he doesn't irreparably damage the critical services so many Hoosiers rely on. Ultimately, we must elect new leadership that cares about and listens to all Hoosiers. Together, we can do better than Mitch Daniels.

For more information visit the Indiana Democratic Party website.

Deal near for new districts in New Albany

2007-08-29T21:38:00.000-04:00

From the New Albany News Tribune
By ERIC SCOTT CAMPBELL
Eric.Campbell@newsandtribune.com

A tentative settlement hammered out in federal court Friday evening directs the New Albany City Council to redraw the boundaries of its six voting districts by Nov. 22.

The accord cancels a Dec. 3 trial in the lawsuit brought by 20 city residents in May 2006, alleging unequal representation. It hinges on the council paying undisclosed court costs, something that would need to be approved at an upcoming meeting.

U.S. Magistrate Judge William Hussman met both sides in his chambers at 3 p.m. Friday. It soon became apparent that he would detain them until a settlement was in place. Plaintiffs Jeff Gillenwater and Randy Smith accompanied attorney Stephen Beardsley; president Larry Kochert and attorney Jerry Ulrich represented the City Council.

Beardsley’s plaintiffs proposed weeks ago that the council redistrict by August 2008, after it hears advice from a five-member study group appointed by both sides. Those five people would be paid $50 a day and Beardsley paid a flat fee of $5,000, all out of city coffers.

Friday afternoon, the council countered with a proposal reached at a closed meeting Tuesday. The council would draw the boundaries and vote on the issue, but by November of this year and without an advisory committee.

Read more at the Newsandtribune.com

Congressman to host Economic Forum

2007-08-29T21:36:00.000-04:00

From the New Albany Tribune
By DAVID MANN
David.Mann@newsandtribune.com

Rep. Baron Hill, D-Ind., is organizing a forum on energy, health care and economic issues. The event is 9 a.m. to noon Friday at the Ogle Center on the campus of IU Southeast in New Albany. It’s open to the public.

Panelists from across the region will discuss economic matters at IU Southeast on Friday.

The Southern Indiana Economic Forum, organized by Rep. Baron Hill’s office, will feature experts from several areas, including health care, energy and the Southern Indiana economy. The forum will be from 9 a.m. until noon Friday at the Ogle Center on the New Albany campus. The public is invited to attend and question and answer sessions will follow each of the panel discussions.

Michael Dalby, executive director of One Southern Indiana, an economic development agency, will moderate the first panel discussion, which will be an outlook on the Southern Indiana economy. Dalby could not be reached for comment on the matter Monday afternoon.
Panelists in that discussion will include representatives from Indiana University’s Business Research Center, the River Hills Economic Development District, the Indiana Economic Development Corp. and the Southern Indiana Minority Enterprise Initiative.
The second panel discussion will be on health care and will feature representatives from Hoosiers for a Commonsense Health Plan and the Indiana AFL-CIO. Lastly, the discussion will turn to energy independence. That discussion will feature an IU physics professor, a city of Bloomington council member and corporate representatives from Duke Energy and General Motors.

According to Hill’s office, the forum is designed to highlight the attributes, challenges and opportunities that exist for the economy in Southern Indiana, while bringing the two policy issues — health care and energy independence — to the discussion. The goal is to increase awareness of the issues and provide feedback for Hill as the issues are debated in the Congress.
Katie Moreau, a spokesperson for Hill, said in an interview Monday that “he’s done forums in the past, though not really as extensive as this one.”

She said he was encouraged to do the forum by the Democratic caucus because “Democrats are not typically associated with economic issues.” She said it was an opportunity to discuss the political issues without partisan debate.

New Albany's Bicknell Park is reborn

2007-08-29T21:27:00.000-04:00

From the New Albany News Tribune
By ERIC SCOTT CAMPBELL
Eric.Campbell@newsandtribune.com

NEW ALBANY — Nine-year-old Michael ran plays with his third- and fourth-grade New Albany football team; three-year-old KaDynze trotted around the grass on the other side of the field. Few mothers were getting more use out of Bicknell Park Tuesday evening than Ketra Taylor.

“I like it. Lots of space for kids to run around and play,” Taylor said of the park, renovated by local authorities this year for about $160,000. “I think it could be fenced in [to be safer], but that’s anywhere with little kids.”

Taylor used to play basketball here years ago. There’s still a court, but much has changed in the square between Silver, Jay, Division and Rear Market streets in the city’s east end.

A softball field in the southwest corner and old tennis courts on the east side were removed to make room for, among other things, an 8-foot-wide, quarter-mile-long paved path. The tennis courts are now a parking lot, and light poles, benches and playground equipment have been installed. Dozens of newly planted young deciduous trees are about human height.

Though the path was finished in May, light poles were installed only recently. The park’s benefactors from city government and the city-county parks department gathered for a brief ribbon cutting Tuesday evening, before a meeting at which officials were expected to push forward in pursuing a successor to Bill Koehler after the parks director’s abrupt departure.

Read more on the Park and its rebirth at http://www.news-tribune.net/local/local_story_241122216.html

Announcements from the Party

2007-08-29T10:45:00.000-04:00

From the Floyd County Democratic Party

In connection with Nancy Palmquist with the Clark County Democratic Party, the Floyd County Democratic Party would like to announce the following events and information:

The Clarksville Democratic Picnic is Friday Sept. 28. More details later, but save the date now.
The Floyd Co. Democratic Party will hold a golf scramble on Sept. 21st. More details at http://www.floyddems.org/ or contact Adam Dickey - 812-948-2438 or Diane Benedetti – 812-989-7179.
Democratic candidate for Governor JIm Schellinger has a full web site now JimSchellinger.com.
Nancy Palmquist has requested that individuals please send her any friends or family connections who are serving in Iraq or Afganistan. She will be adding a page to the Clark County Democratic Website about those serving in the war. She can be contacted at snpalmquist@insightbb.com
Keep encouraging those Young Dems to get together...try the link http://www.floyddems.org/young-democrats.html for info about the Southern Indiana FCYD. You can also contact Joe Schindler, Heather Edrington, Andrew Homan or Adam Dickey.

Floyd County Council frustrated with state's control

2007-08-19T11:20:00.000-04:00

From the New Albany Tribune
By CHRIS MORRIS - Chris.Morris@newsandtribune.com

Larry McAllister got plenty of exercise Thursday afternoon.

The president of the Floyd County Council passed out letters to every county office holder in the City-County Building stating that no additional appropriations will be given in 2007. The council was also told by the State Board of Accounts that the 2008 budget can not go over the 2007 level — which is $13.1 million.

It’s like a bad rerun, according to council members.

“It seems like more and more we have no control over our county. The state has all the control,” Councilwoman Dana Fendley said. “We get blamed, and get voted out of office, but the state legislature is doing this.”

From frozen budgets, to budget cuts, to a new trending formula to calculate property taxes. The council, and residents of Floyd County, have seen plenty of changes in the past two years. And many say the changes have not been for the better.

For example, McAllister said despite all the property tax revenue generated by Floyd County residents, the county receives a little more than $250,000 back from the state. The state keeps the rest.

“Some people think we get to keep all the property tax revenue and we don’t,” McAllister said. “It’s pitiful. You call up there (Indianapolis) and get no answers.”

Read more on the frustration of the County Council at the Newsandtibune.com

Georgetown Candidates commit to bring positive change

2007-08-17T21:12:00.000-04:00

From the Floyd County Democratic Party

On August 7th, 2007, Democrats in Georgetown, Indiana, met in caucus to select their candidates for town office in the 2007 General Election.

This caucus was an important event and unlike many other similar elections in years past. Held at the Georgetown Optimist Club, the parking lot overflowed into neighboring properties. Inside, Town Convention Chairwoman Anna Frederick struggled to be heard as the crowd swelled around convention candidates as they discussed their ideas and platforms. Other Democratic town members hurried in and out as they went to vote.

In short, voters where there to be heard and to make their choice for the next town board. Frustrated by an out-of-touch town hall lead by Republicans, town members were determined to make sure the next board responded to their needs and represented their interests.

In the end, the town members selected a strong slate of candidates. Lead by Clerk - Treasurer Doug Cook, the candidates bring a wealth of experience ranging from previous public service to strong business backgrounds. The complete list of candidates includes:

Clerk-Treasurer: Douglas Cook

At Large Board: Mike Mills

At Large Board: Karla Perkins

District #1 Board: Aaron Striegel

District #2 Board: Everett Pullen

District #3 Board: Billy Stewart

While the fall election maybe over two months away, Georgetown Democrats are certainly not taking this election for granted.

Governor needs to be real leader

2007-08-17T21:06:00.000-04:00

Friday, August 17, 2007
From the Indiana Democratic Party

It's been more than a month since Hoosiers across the state started receiving the sky-high property tax bills that resulted from this year's statewide, court-ordered reassessment.

In the weeks that have passed since the bills began arriving, Mitch Daniels has been scrambling to look like he's doing something to help after doing absolutely nothing for three straight legislative sessions. He hastily assembled a blue ribbon commission to study the issue and return suggestions to him later this year, but it could take years to implement their recommendations. He started randomly ordering reassessments in certain counties -- starting with Marion County -- while ignoring pleas from other areas of the state. And he's been spinning like crazy to deflect blame away from his 2005 budget, which capped property tax relief for homeowners, flat-lined state education spending, mandated corporate tax abatements and shoved off state costs for juvenile justice and child welfare onto the counties.

The bottom line? Mitch Daniels has no idea what to do because he's spent most of his time in office signing privatization contracts, outsourcing vital state services and sending billions of dollars to non-Indiana companies. The rest of the time, he was fiddling with our clocks and cleaning up the ethical messes his hand-picked appointees made. The hard-working Hoosiers who now face record tax bills now look to Daniels for solutions and find that he has nothing to offer them because he hasn't really given the issue much thought.

On the big issues that matter, there has been a leadership void at the top of state government since Daniels took over, and that trend shows no signs of changing. House Democrats and Senate Republicans, along with citizens across the state, are working together to figure out ways to ease the tax burden. Mitch Daniels is still hiding under his desk.

Now that everyone can see what Daniels has been up to these last few years, it's clear that Indiana needs a Governor who isn't afraid to face our toughest problems and work across party lines to make a difference. It's time for a change in leadership so we can start moving our state back in the right direction.

Second Annual New Albany Historic Home Tour Announced

2007-08-11T22:24:00.000-04:00

The following has been provided by the New Albany Historic Preservation Commission and Develop New Albany. For more information visit http://www.newalbanypreservation.com/

Editor's Note: This event does coincide with the date of the Floyd County Democratic Picnic, located at the New Albany Amphitheater & River Front beginning at 12:00 p.m. Start your day early, spend lunch with our Party, and finish the tour in the afternoon!

-------------------------------------------------------------

Develop New Albany is proud to present this exciting tour which includes some of New Albany’s finest properties in our four local historic districts. Explore ten historic residences and commercial structures and see New Albany as you never have before.

*Click Here to See the List of Homes On Tour*

$15 Adult ~ $5 Children Under 15

To purchase your ticket visit:

The New Albany Farmers Market

Corner of Bank and Market Streets, New Albany

Saturdays August 4th to September 1st

Treet's Bakery & Cafe

133 E Market Street, New Albany, Indiana 47150

Martha’s Attic

222 Pearl Street New Albany, Indiana 47150

You may also mail your check, payable to Develop New Albany, to:

Historic Home Tour

2241 State Street, #175

New Albany, IN 47150

Please include a return address and allow 5 days for processing. A receipt and ticket purchase confirmation will follow via mail.

Please note that tour booklets will not be mailed or distributed in advance of the tour date – tour booklets must be picked up at the New Albany Farmers Market the day of the event (September 8th, 2007)

For More information email us at HomeTourNA@msn.com or call 812-941-0466

On Tour Day Your day will begin at the New Albany Farmers Market (Corner of Bank and Market Streets) where you will pick up your Tour Booklet and Driving Map and begin your self-guided tour of New Albany treasures. Tour Start – 10:00am Tour End – 5:00pm

*Tour proceeds to fund preservation activities in New Albany

Democrat Golf Scramble Announced

2007-08-01T19:30:00.000-04:00

By the Floyd County Democratic Party

The Floyd County Democratic Party has announced that as part of the 2007 election cycle, it will hold a golf scramble in support of its party and to promote its 2007 municipal candidates. The event will be held at Valley View Golf Course beginning at 8:00 a.m. on September 21st. A flier outlining the event is attached and can be used to enter the competition.

Georgetown's Polly's Freeze celebrating 55th anniversary

2007-08-01T19:24:00.000-04:00

Notes from the Party: Democrats wish to extend a warm congratulations to Polly's Freeze as a county staple for 55 years! May it continue to be a tradition for many more years to come.

By RICHARD GOOTEE newsroom@newsandtribune.com
The New Albany Tribune

Polly’s Freeze in Georgetown is celebrating its 55th anniversary with many special events this Thursday through Sunday. There will be two specials every day celebrating the event.

Thursday night is alumni night. People who have ever worked at the restaurant over the past 55 years can make their own ice cream cone that night.

Polly’s, 5242 Ind. 62, will be open until midnight on Friday, two hours longer than normal, and anyone wearing pajamas after 8 p.m. will receive a free small cone.

There will be live bands throughout the weekend, as well as karaoke on Friday. The public is invited to showcase their classic cars Saturday afternoon and evening.
On Saturday and Sunday, free popcorn and cotton candy will be available. Mascot Polly Parrot will make appearances throughout the weekend.

Read more on Polly's anniversary at the newsandtribune.com

Judge stalls New Albany drainage deal

2007-08-01T19:21:00.000-04:00

By ERIC SCOTT CAMPBELL Eric.Campbell@newsandtribune.com
The New Albany Tribune

A Floyd Circuit Court judge’s temporary restraining order has postponed the privatization of New Albany’s stormwater drainage department, which would have been turned over to contractor Environmental Management Corp. today.

J. Terrence Cody’s order came at the petition of the drainage workers’ union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. It extends for 10 days, through an Aug. 10 hearing on the matter that will include Cody and lawyers for AFSCME and the defendant, the city government.

Cody didn’t elaborate on the terms of the order, only saying that it “preserves the status quo.”
The status quo is this: The city employs an office worker, a foreman and two field workers for drainage-maintenance projects identified by EMC, the management contractor. Under a contract the Stormwater Board signed with EMC July 20, those employees would be transferred to EMC’s payroll Aug. 1 and the city would pay an annual fee $5,000 above current costs.

Brian Dixon is EMC’s head of drainage operations. He didn’t comment extensively on the restraining order.

“We’ll just continue to do what we’ve been doing so far. We have a contract in place to manage the program,” Dixon said.

Read more online at the newsandtribune.com

Presidential Contacts Announced

2007-07-22T18:41:00.000-04:00

From the Indiana Democratic Party

Although we're only a little more than halfway through 2007, next year's presidential races already are heating up.

If you are interested in getting involved in a campaign, we want to make sure you know where to turn. Below you will find Indiana contact information for the campaigns of U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Sen. John Edwards and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama.

As we receive more information about other campaigns, we will pass it along to you. If you have contact information for a campaign, please forward it to jwagner@indems.org

Hillary Clinton
Joe Hogsett, JHogsett@binghammchale.com

John Edwards
Ann DeLaney, Ann@delaneylaw.net
Robin Winston, robin@winstonterrell.com

Barack Obama
Kip Tew, ktew@kdlegal.com

Next year will be an exciting one for politics in Indiana and across the nation, and we hope you'll get involved in some way as we work to bring Democratic values and ideals back to all levels of government.

New Albany’s drainage staff privatized

2007-07-21T14:46:00.000-04:00

By ERIC SCOTT CAMPBELL
Eric.Campbell@newsandtribune.com

— Environmental Management Corp. will absorb New Albany’s drainage department Aug. 1, the result of a three-member city panel’s decision Friday morning.

Tim Deatrick, Sam Asberry and Al Goodman of the Stormwater Board agreed to a three-year EMC contract worth $507,000 a year, officials said. The company will add five maintenance jobs and an office job, and the six workers being taken off the city’s payroll are being offered those positions at their current salaries.

However, two of those workers are paid from the drainage budget but do not work for the department. Jim Brewer has an office job and Mickey Thompson — president of the local government-staff union — works in the city garage. The presence of their salaries in the drainage budget is a legacy of a once-combined sewer and drainage-maintenance department.
Deatrick was asked whether recent labor disputes between city workers and EMC’s management team factored into the decision to streamline.

“I think more than anything it was a business decision,” said Deatrick, who added that the department had been “constrained” by having only three maintenance workers and lacking commercial driver’s licenses to operate specialized vehicles.

The city drainage workers must decide by Aug. 1 whether to take the EMC jobs, said Brian Dixon, the company’s director of drainage operations.

If Brewer and Thompson choose not to take EMC jobs, the city would have to pay Brewer’s and Thompson’s salaries or lay them off.

Deatrick, whom Mayor James Garner appointed board chairman, said the administration knew EMC had made the proposal, which will cost about $5,000 more per year than the current operations setup. Mayor James Garner could not be reached for comment on the contract, while Controller Kay Garry said she’d heard nothing about it until speaking with The Tribune on Friday afternoon.

Garry could not venture a guess as to how the city could pay more salaries. The state ordered New Albany’s general and Street Department budgets cut last month; the City Council balked Thursday night at spending cash reserves to keep the general budget intact.

Sewer Board member and Council President Larry Kochert also had heard nothing about the stormwater privatization. He was reluctant to weigh in without knowing more, but he said EMC — which also is the private contractor for the sewer utility — “does a good job” but is “pricey.”

For more on the Storm Water program, read the full story at the New Albany Tribune.

Congressman outlines support for the Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act

2007-07-16T19:54:00.000-04:00

Guest Column from Congressman Baron P. Hill
July 13, 2007

Outlining my support for the Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act

After reading the Initial Benchmark Assessment Report on Iraq, I have made the difficult decision to support the Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act.

The Report assesses 18 specific benchmarks set by Congress in the supplemental appropriations bill, which was approved and accepted by President Bush. The Iraqi government has achieved a few of the benchmarks, but the vast majority has not been met. And, those benchmarks that have not yet been achieved are by far the most important to ensuring real progress is being made in Iraq. For example, the government of Iraq has made satisfactory progress toward establishing their Electoral Commission, but has not made satisfactory toward creating and enacting legislation on de-Ba’athification reform. De-Ba’athification reform is one of the most sensitive and important issues that must be resolved in Iraq as it involves neutralizing and uniting competing conceptions of justice, accountability, reconciliation and economic compensation.

In fact, the three most critical benchmarks assessed in the Report are nowhere near close to meeting satisfactory progress.

First, the government of Iraq has not achieved notable success in organizing their troops to pursue extremists without depending upon American commanders for assistance.

Second, the Report rates the organizational progress of the Iraq Security Force units as unsatisfactory and wholly incapable of operating on their own. Readiness assessments for the National Police do show slow, but steady, improvement, but there continues to be viable concerns about the sectarian leanings of these law enforcement agents.

Third, the Iraqi government has failed to craft or enact legislation ensuring equitable distribution of hydrocarbon resources. And, the government has not met its self-imposed deadline of May 31 for submitting the framework for oil and revenue-sharing laws to the Council of Ministers.

In not meeting these three incredibly important benchmarks, the Iraqi government has further signaled its resistance and unwillingness to make real progress and control extremists. In addition, the fact that calls for economic and diplomatic surges have gone largely unheeded, such as those from the Iraq Study Group, has left a large gap in the overall foreign policy strategy toward Iraq. These factors, combined with the loss of far too many of our soldiers’ lives in Iraq, have led me to the decision that the President continues to simply promote more of the same. A stay-the-course strategy will have an increasingly detrimental impact on our military readiness and our country’s future, both domestically and internationally. It is time to start the process of safely redeploying our troops out of Iraq.

Redeployment must not be confused with a cut-and-run strategy. Redeployment entails moving our troops to strategic locations throughout the Middle East to confront terrorism on its front lines, while bringing some of our troops back home to their families. The intention of this bill is not to turn our backs on Iraq and the Middle East. Instead, the intention is to provide respite for our war-weary troops and the American people, while reinvigorating the world’s best soldiers to have the capability to confront terrorists throughout the world.

State closer to session on tax relief

2007-07-15T20:02:00.000-04:00

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

INDIANAPOLIS -- Gov. Mitch Daniels formally asked leaders of the General Assembly yesterday to consider changes that would speed up property-tax relief and allow counties to target it to those hit hardest by big bills.

Daniels stopped short of calling the Indiana House and Senate into a special session but seems willing to do so -- if he receives some positive response to his ideas from lawmakers.

"The property tax increases that some are experiencing are highly localized, and there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer," Daniels said in a letter to legislative leaders. "I believe taxpayers and their locally elected representatives are in the best position to determine the relief plan that most fits their needs."

His proposals received mixed reviews from lawmakers, who already allocate more than $2 billion annually to try to keep property-tax bills lower.

"We clearly have people who are in distress, and we as public servants need to do everything we can to alleviate their situations," said Senate Minority Leader Richard Young, D-Milltown. "We're willing to meet with the governor, but the devil is always in the details."

This year, homeowners' tax bills were projected to increase an average of 24 percent. But in some counties where the bills already have been finalized and mailed, the increases have been larger and have hit some homeowners especially hard.

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

Deputy is 'in awe' of support

2007-07-15T19:59:00.000-04:00

By Harold J. Adams
hjadams@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

Wounded Floyd County Sheriff's Deputy Joel White said he's "just been in awe" of the outpouring of community support since he and fellow Deputy Frank Denzinger were shot on June 18.

White spoke publicly yesterday for the first time since the attack, which killed Denzinger and left White with a shattered left hip.

Both officers were shot by 15-year-old Tyler Dumstorf as they responded to a report of an unruly teenager at the Dumstorf home on Rachel Court in Georgetown. The teen later fatally shot himself.

White spoke at a Salem car dealership, where he was presented with a new van that will help him get around during his recovery. The van was made possible through fundraising coordinated by the Floyd County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge and a discount from dealer John Jones GMC City.

The seven-passenger Chevrolet Uplander van will fill in for the Dodge Neon compact car that has been the only vehicle in a household that includes White, his wife and two daughters, his sister-in-law and his mother-in-law.

"So that van is amazing," White said. "That's been something that we've needed and we never thought that we'd have something like that."

Surrounding White were more than 200 motorcyclists who took part in a 120-mile fundraising ride that began yesterday morning at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany and traveled to New Salisbury and French Lick before ending up in Salem.

Read more on Officer White's recovery at the Courier - Journal.

'Black Sunday' protesters call for property tax reform

2007-07-15T19:49:00.000-04:00

From the Indianapolis Star
By Melissa Patterson

melissa.patterson@indystar.com

Crowds dissipate after hours of demonstrations, speeches

A protest against sharply increased property taxes ended with 40 minutes of speeches on Monument Circle early this afternoon.

Protestors called for a clean slate in all levels of state and local government, some vowing to vote against every incumbent in the November election.

Others swapped stories with fellow homeowners in the crowd who shared their financial pain.

Steve and Constance Vinson moved into their Washington Township home shortly after their 2-year-old, Elizabeth, was born. This year they saw a 170 percent increase their tax bill, Constance Vinson said.

"We just moved here from Chicago because we thought it was more affordable," Steve Vinson said. "Now we realize it's not."

1:15 PM -- Protesters have run-in with motorist

Some property tax protesters blocked a street and screamed at vehicles as the “Black Sunday” rally moved from the Statehouse and back to Monument Circle.

Several participants surrounded a sport-utility vehicle on Illinois Street at Market Street, pointing their fingers and yelling into the open windows.

The SUV accelerated toward pedestrians several times, but stopped short of hitting them.

Police said no injuries were reported and the crowd was generally peaceful.

Several car break-ins were reported in the area of the rally, police said.

12:00 PM -- Rally moves to Statehouse

To the blare of a bugle and shouts of “Charge!” protesters left Monument Circle and marched one block to the Indiana Statehouse to carrying on the “Black Sunday” rally over property taxes.

The Statehouse was closed, but two local officials tried to talk to the crowd. Marion County Treasurer Mike Rodman and State Rep. David Orentlicher, D-Indianapolis, climbed the steps to speak, but the crowd was in little mood to listen.

After being overwhelmed by jeers, Orentlicher gave up and walked away.

“I know people are frustrated and understandably so,” Orentlicher told The Star. “People should not have to lose their homes over property taxes.”

The crowd listened to Rodman, but he was surrounded by angry taxpayers as he stepped down. Rodman looked worried, but was able to leave unscathed.

Read more at the Indy Star.

The rally remained outside the Statehouse.

Floyd Democrats Prepare for 4-H Fair, July 9th - 14th

2007-07-08T21:01:00.000-04:00

By the Floyd County Democratic Party

The Floyd County Democratic Party once again will celebrate summer at the Floyd County 4-H Fair beginning July 9th. Municipal candidates, officeholders, and other Democratic officials will be on hand to register voters, talk with citizens, and hand out information and other promotional items to fair goers. Democrats will also participate in other fair events, including the annual Donkey Races.

Please join us at the fair and support our 4-H Clubs!

Blue Dog Coalition Endorses Hill's Ethics Bill

2007-07-08T21:00:00.000-04:00

(Washington, DC) - On June 28, 2007 members of the fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition announced their endorsement of Congressman Baron Hill's House Ethics Commission Establishment Act of 2007, H.R. 1754, a bill that would bring about necessary ethics reform through the creation of an independent ethics commission made up of former Members of Congress. Hill's ethics legislation was overwhelmingly agreed upon and adopted as an official Blue Dog Coalition position.

"I am very pleased that this fine group of distinguished Members of Congress has endorsed my bill to spur real ethics reform," Hill said. "I spoke often on the campaign trail about the need for an overhaul of the process of investigating members of the House of Representatives for ethics violations, and I truly believe my bill is the best approach to bringing about such reforms."

"We all want an ethics process that is effective," said Rep. John Tanner (D-TN), founding member of the Blue Dog Coalition. "Many of us feel Baron has designed a solid, workable approach toward a responsible House ethics reform."

"The Blue Dogs are strongly committed to Rep. Baron Hill in his effort to bring real and meaningful ethics reform to Congress," said Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Communications. "This is an issue that is important to the American people, and with the leadership of Rep. Hill, I am confident that we will pass legislation which will ensure honesty, transparency and accountability in the nation's Capitol."

The House Ethics Commission Establishment Act, H.R. 1754, would create an independent Ethics Committee comprised of 12 former Members of Congress - six Republicans and six Democrats - who are not federal lobbyists. This Commission will have the authority to investigate complaints of possible ethics violations by Members of Congress, and present those findings and suggested penalties to the U.S. House of Representatives. The House would then vote on the Commission's recommendation. Any disciplinary actions suggested by the Ethics Commission must receive a majority vote by the full membership of the U.S. House in order to take effect.

"I applaud Baron Hill for answering the call of his constituents and the American people and working to bring accountability back to Washington," said Blue Dog Co-Chair for Administration Congressman Allen Boyd (D-FL). "This commission will allow respected former Members to explore any potential ethics violations judiciously without impeding us from doing the job we were elected to do-the work of the American people."

"It's very difficult for Members to investigate their colleagues," Hill said. "Former Members doing the investigating makes for a better and more removed perspective. We need to make sure reported ethics violations are investigated thoroughly and receive the time and attention they warrant. I know I would feel much better about our ethics enforcement if people like Lee Hamilton were investigating allegations of misconduct. Congress must create an Independent House Ethics Commission to prove to citizens that we are serious about ensuring that reported ethics violations are investigated thoroughly and receive the time and attention they warrant."

H.R. 1754 currently has 59 cosponsors and is pending before the House Rules Committee.

Driven to sell off our state, Daniels has ignored issues that matter

2007-07-08T20:58:00.000-04:00

From the Indiana Democratic Party
Printed June 29th, 2007

Today marks the one-year anniversary of Mitch Daniels' decision to hand over control of the Indiana Toll Road to a consortium of private, foreign companies for 75 years.

In addition to selling off the Toll Road, Daniels has spent the first half of his first term outsourcing more than $2 billion in state contracts to non-Indiana companies and pushing for the privatization of state agencies, including the Hoosier Lottery, and the construction of privatized highways.

What he hasn't been focused on are the critical issues he promised Hoosiers he'd address once he got to the Statehouse: property taxes, education funding and the economy.

Daniels, who pledged sweeping property tax reform on the campaign trail, has been silent on the issue, showing no leadership whatsoever during the legislative session. Where is he now that homeowners across the state are facing the financial realities of sky-high tax bills caused by the budget he and House Republicans passed two years ago?

He's probably off looking for something else to sell.

Daniels told Hoosiers education would be his top priority if elected, but the budget he approved two years ago slashed school funding and forced dozens of local districts into crisis mode. What does he have to say about that?

We hear nothing.

And what of the constant harping on Indiana's economy and the need to attract more high-paying jobs with good benefits? What of the "economic hot streak" talking points and the assertion that we're doing better than ever before?

He must be living in a state of denial, not the state of Indiana, which has trailed the nation in job and personal income growth on his watch.

Where are the solutions to our most pressing problems? Where is the vision for our future? How long do we have to wait for leadership?

Do not call upon Mitch Daniels to answer these questions unless you're in the market for rhetoric and short-term thinking.

If, however, you're looking for someone to unload our most precious assets while turning a blind eye to property taxes, education and jobs, he's your man.

But we can do better than that. We can work together -- across party lines -- to come up solutions and improve our state for everyone who's proud to call it home. We just can't do it with Mitch Daniels at the helm.

It's time to put a real leader in the Governor's Office and get Indiana back on the right track.

We need to crack down on China for intellectual property theft

2007-07-08T20:52:00.000-04:00

Guest column by Sen. Evan Bayh

Beijing may be hosting the Olympic Games next summer, but China could use a lesson in what it means to play fair.

Eight years ago, China's leaders made a promise to crack down on counterfeiters and product pirates in exchange for congressional support of permanent normal trade relations status. Unfortunately, in the years since approval of permanent normal trade relations, Chinese businesses have continued to rip off American ideas with alarming frequency while its government pays lip service to cracking down on intellectual property theft.

Imagine if hundreds of our cargo ships were hijacked on the high seas, or a group of American business people were held up at gunpoint in a foreign country, or if one of our overseas labs was raided across the ocean. You could expect to watch the story unfold on CNN.

Intellectual property theft may not command the attention of a Bonnie-and-Clyde heist. But when our ideas are stolen, when our made-in-the-USA products are pirated and resold, ordinary Americans are the victims. Factory output decreases, profits plunge, workers lose their jobs and families suffer.

According to our best national estimates, 750,000 U.S. workers have lost their jobs because of intellectual property theft, a problem that bleeds as much as $250 billion every year from our national economy.

China accounts for an estimated 80 percent of the world's intellectual property theft, but illegal counterfeiting is a problem of global proportions. Fake goods now comprise as much as 9 percent of all world trade.

Its impact can be felt especially hard in factory towns across the Midwest. One reason that American car companies have been forced to close domestic part plants in states like Indiana and Ohio can be traced to imbalances in our trade relationship with countries such as China.

Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio) and I recently visited the Ford transmission plant in Sharonville to discuss how product counterfeiting affects our major auto manufacturers. Ford has been a symbol of American ingenuity ever since the Model T rolled off the first assembly line, yet it loses $1 billion annually today due to global intellectual property theft.

At the Sharonville plant, factory leaders delivered their consensus assessment with great passion: American autoworkers can outshine their competitors anywhere in the world if they are able to compete on a level playing field.

Unfortunately, Beijing has responded to Congress' growing concerns about its lax intellectual property rights enforcement with unproductive "dialogue."

"If you want a fight, let's fight," said Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi, according to a Washington Post report.

There are many legitimate areas of disagreement that nations acting in good faith can have on trade - on issues ranging from foreign subsidies to currency value to market access - but there can be no defending the naked theft of the fruits of a trading partner's labor. Clearly, our trade system isn't going to work if we buy from other countries when they have a competitive advantage, and they steal from us when we do.

It's time we summon the national resolve to confront this problem. Voinovich and I have authored legislation that would elevate our federal response to intellectual property theft to the same level as money laundering, drug trafficking and other black-market crimes.

Globalization presents America with unprecedented opportunities as well as dangers. We can no longer sit idly by while the pirates of the 21st century act with impunity. It doesn't take a gun to perpetrate a stickup. The time for stronger congressional action has arrived.

Evan Bayh is a U.S. senator from Indiana.

Senators Subpoena The White House

2007-07-08T20:50:00.000-04:00

By Michael A. Fletcher

Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, June 28, 2007; Page A01

A Senate committee investigating the National Security Agency's warrantless wiretapping program issued subpoenas yesterday ordering the White House to turn over documents related to the eavesdropping effort, escalating a legal showdown between Congress and the Bush administration.

The Judiciary Committee's subpoenas were delivered to the offices of President Bush, Vice President Cheney and the national security adviser and to the Justice Department. They demanded copies of internal documents about the program's legality and agreements with telecommunications companies that participated in the program.

Read more at the Washington Post online.

GOP Skepticism On Iraq Growing

2007-07-08T20:47:00.000-04:00

By Karen DeYoung and Shailagh Murray

Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, June 27, 2007; Page A01

Key Republican senators, signaling increasing GOP skepticism about President Bush's strategy in Iraq, have called for a reduction in U.S. forces and launched preemptive efforts to counter a much-awaited administration progress report due in September.

In an unannounced speech on the Senate floor Monday night, Sen. Richard G. Lugar (Ind.), the ranking Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee, said the U.S. military escalation begun in the spring has "very limited" prospects for success. He called on Bush to begin reducing U.S. forces. "We don't owe the president our unquestioning agreement," Lugar said.

Read more on Lugar's statement at the Washington Post.

Support still stuns veteran Hill

2007-01-09T08:27:00.000-05:00

By Harold J. Adams
hjadams@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

Many times before, Baron Hill has taken the congressional oath of office, including his official swearing in Thursday in Washington to become a member of the 110th Congress.

But Hill, D-9th District, was clearly nervous yesterday when he placed his hand on a Bible held by his wife, Betty, and U.S. District Judge David Hamilton administered the oath again in a ceremonial proceeding.

A standing ovation from a crowd of about 150 in the main courtroom of New Albany's Lee H. Hamilton Federal Building left Hill visibly moved as he entered.

"I'm a little trembly here," he said after taking the oath.

He said he was expecting perhaps 25 or 50 people. Instead, the triumphant return of Hill, who served three terms before he was defeated two years ago by Republican Mike Sodrel, drew a crowd that filled the court's gallery and jury seats and spilled out the door.

Completing the oath with an emphatic "So help me God!" Hill was congratulated by Judge Hamilton and received another standing ovation from his supporters.

Then he took to the podium and talked about his priorities during the second chance that voters handed him in November.

Hill said that since then, voters at various places have told him: "We've given you your chance. Don't disappoint us."

Hill said voters wanted change, and he said that's what Democrats have begun to deliver.

Read more on Baron Hill at the Courier-Journal website.

Statehouse issues that will impact you

2007-01-09T08:23:00.000-05:00

• TWO-YEAR-BUDGET: Two Southern Indiana Democrats — New Albany’s Bill Cochran and Jeffersonville’s Steve Stemler — are holding key seats on the House’s Ways and Means budget subcommittee. Cochran is the subcommittee chair, meaning the buck stops at his desk for every piece of legislation with a price tag. Overall, lawmakers are projected to have about $26 billion to spend, or about $1.5 billion more than the current budget. Last year Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels appeared in Sellersburg touting a back-in-black state budget — he insists that the trend continues again this year.

• CIGARETTE TAX: Daniels wants to raise the current 55.5 cents per pack tax by at least 25 cents and use the extra revenue and money leveraged from the federal government to provide health insurance to more Hoosiers. Local lawmakers have expressed that they are in favor of providing health insurance to more Indiana residents but they realize that increasing taxes will be an uphill battle.

• FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN: Daniels wants to phase in optional full-day kindergarten over three years, starting with about 33,000 children eligible for free and reduced-price lunches. It would cost about $145 million in the next budget, growing to $260 million a year by 2011-12. The concept has some bipartisan support, but getting it made into law may not be as simple as Daniels might hope. Rep. Terry Goodin, a Crothersville Democrat whose district encompasses northern parts of Clark County, is the House’s Ways & Means K-12 Education Subcommittee chairman — and he’s already said that he doesn’t like the idea that’s been proposed. Goodin, who doubles as superintendent of Crothersville Community Schools, says Daniel’s proposal doesn’t account for hidden costs, such as hiring more teachers. Plus, he said, school programs are already underfunded, he doesn’t want this to be another program for which local school districts would be responsible for paying.

• PROPERTY TAXES: Daniels and many lawmakers want to give local governments more taxing options to reduce reliance on property taxes - something that has the support of local officials.

It all goes back to the so-called “2 percent circuit breaker,” which limits property taxes from exceeding 2 percent of the assessed value of the item being taxed. As a result, city officials are looking for new forms of revenue. Jeffersonville City Councilmen John Perkins, Democrat, and Ron Grooms, Republican, have voiced support for a piece of legislation called “Hometown Matters.” The proposal, backed by the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, includes a number of proposals from setting up a rainy day fund to establishing a local sales tax to re-allocating tourism bureau dollars into local municipal budgets.

• PRIVATIZATION: The concept of using private business to administer state services has been embraced by Republican Daniels. But in Clark and Floyd counties every last one of our state Representatives and Senators are Democrats - and most have express distain for the concept to the News And Tribune at one time or another. Democrats want greater legislative oversight. The state’s welfare services and the Northern Indiana toll road were leased last year. The Hoosier Lottery and parts of the BMV license branches have been proposed as possibly being next in line for privatization.

Read more on the General Assembly at the New Albany Tribune website.

Jubilant Democrats Assume Control on Capitol Hill

2007-01-05T08:48:00.000-05:00

By JOHN M. BRODER

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 — In a day of transition and pageantry, exultant Democrats on Thursday took control of both houses of Congress for the first time in a dozen years and elected the first woman to be speaker of the House.

Representative Nancy Pelosi of California took the speaker’s gavel at 2:08 p.m. from Representative John A. Boehner of Ohio, the Republican leader, whom she defeated by a vote of 233 to 202, the 31-seat margin of the new Democratic majority. The floor and the packed galleries erupted in cheers when the vote was announced.

Even Republicans grudgingly acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the day on which a woman ascended to power on Capitol Hill by rising as one to applaud her.

“This is an historic moment,” Mrs. Pelosi said in her first remarks as speaker of the 110th Congress. “It’s an historic moment for the Congress. It’s an historic moment for the women of America. It is a moment for which we have waited for over 200 years.”

Earlier in the day, on the other side of the Capitol dome, Senator Harry Reid, Democrat of Nevada, became majority leader, a result of his party’s one-seat victory margin in the November elections.

Both Senator Reid and Speaker Pelosi promised a new era of cooperation after years of partisan passion and gridlock. “Guided by the spirit of bipartisanship,” Mr. Reid said, “Democrats are ready to take this country in a new direction.”

The House opened the session by passing, by a large bipartisan margin, new ethics rules.

Read more on the openning of the 110th session of Congress at the New York Times.

Photo by Stephen Crowley/The New York Times

Hill returns, and 'it feels very good'

2007-01-05T08:19:00.000-05:00

By James R. Carroll
jcarroll@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

WASHINGTON — He was at a private home three blocks from the U.S. Capitol, thanking friends and supporters, when the vote came yesterday.

So Rep. Baron Hill excused himself and walked back to the House chamber.

"It's like I never left," the Hoosier Democrat said yesterday, hours after being sworn in as the congressman from Indiana's 9th District. "It's the craziest feeling."

Hill is back after a two-year hiatus, when the seat was occupied by Republican Mike Sodrel.

"In some ways, it is better than the first time I ran," Hill said as he walked to vote. "There's something about winning, losing and coming back -- it feels very good."

First elected to the House in 1998, Hill said he remembered his first days back then as overwhelming as he learned the congressional system.

"I've still got an office to get ready, hire staff, and bring people on board to do all those things, but having done it once, it makes it a little bit easier the second time around," Hill said.

His wife, Betty, and one of their three daughters, Jenny Weiser, now finance director for the Indiana Democratic Party, came to Washington for Hill's swearing-in in the House chamber.

Many friends and supporters came from Indiana to celebrate with him.

Read more on Congressman Hill's return to Congress at the Courier-Journal.com

Oath of office for newly elected Democratic officials

2006-12-28T09:56:00.000-05:00

From the Floyd Co. Democratic Party

The newly elected Democratic officials will be sworn in at a ceremony on Friday, December 29, 2006 in the Floyd Circuit Court, 4^th floor, city county building. All friends and family are invited to attend. The ceremony will begin at 4:00 p.m.

There will be a reception immediately following at the Floyd County Democratic headquarters, 223 Pearl Street, New Albany. All newly elected officials are asked to RSVP to Chairman Randy Stumler at 948-6503, and to please bring an hors d’oeuvres, dessert, or drink for the reception.

Floyd County Young Democrats to meet

2006-12-28T09:54:00.000-05:00

The Floyd County Young Democrats will hold their annual organization meeting on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at the Floyd County Democrat Headquarters.

Officers will be selected for the 2007 – 2008 year at this meeting. For more information, please contact Andrew Homan at andrewkth@gmail.com.

Gerald Ford, 38th President, Dies at 93

2006-12-27T09:09:00.000-05:00

By JAMES M. NAUGHTON and ADAM CLYMER

Former President Gerald R. Ford, who was thrust into the presidency in 1974 in the wake of the Watergate scandal but who lost his own bid for election after pardoning President Richard M. Nixon, has died, according to a statement issued late last night by his wife, Betty Ford.

He was 93, making him the longest living former president, surpassing Ronald Reagan, who died in 2004, by just over a month.

The statement did not give a cause, place or time of death, but Mr. Ford, the 38th president, had been in and out of the hospital since January 2006 when he suffered pneumonia, most recently in October at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, Calif., for medical tests. He returned to his home in Rancho Mirage after five days of hospitalization.

“My family joins me in sharing the difficult news that Gerald Ford, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather has passed away at 93 years of age,” Mrs. Ford said in a statement issued from her husband’s office in Rancho Mirage, also the location of the Betty Ford Center. “His life was filled with love of God, his family and his country.”

President Bush praised Mr. Ford for his contributions to the nation “in an hour of national turmoil and division,” in a statement released early today from his ranch in Texas.

“With his quiet integrity, common sense, and kind instincts, President Ford helped heal our land and restore public confidence in the presidency,” Mr. Bush said. “The American people will always admire Gerald Ford’s devotion to duty, his personal character, and the honorable conduct of his administration.”

Mr. Ford, who was the only person to lead the country without having been elected as president or vice president, occupied the White House for just 896 days — starting from a hastily arranged ceremony on Aug. 9, 1974, and ending after his defeat by Jimmy Carter in the 1976 election.

Read more on the passing of President Ford in the New York Times.

Daniels outlines two-year budget plan

2006-12-27T09:05:00.000-05:00

By DAVID MANN
David.Mann@newsandtribune.com

— Daniels outlines two-year budget plan
Gov. Mitch Daniels wants lawmakers to limit spending growth to 4 percent over the next two years, he said as he outlined his biennial budget ideas Wednesday morning in Indianapolis.

In that outline, Daniels named only a few areas in which he feels spending should be increased by state leaders. According to the governor, new dollars should be allocated for full-day kindergarten and the general support of K-12 education.

Furthermore, money should be allocated for additional benefits for soldiers and veterans and adding 400 child caseworkers.

The governor’s proposal would allow for about $1.5 billion of new spending.

Read more on the Governor's budget proposal at the News-Tribune.com

Heavrin is new Floyd County Police chief

2006-12-27T09:01:00.000-05:00

By CHRIS MORRIS
Chris.Morris@newsandtribune.com

— The Floyd County Sheriff’s Department will have a new chief beginning in 2007.

Ted Heavrin, a 30-year veteran of the force, will assume the chief duties Jan. 1.

Current Chief Frank Loop will return to his merit rank of lieutenant and be in charge of first shift, according to sheriff-elect Darrell Mills.

Heavrin, a captain on the force, is currently third in command. He said he is excited about his new duties.

“I have held every rank within the department,” Heavrin said. “I have always treated people the way I would want to be treated. If you do that, you won’t have any problems.”

Heavrin is finishing his 16th year on the Floyd County Council. He was seeking a fifth term, but was defeated in the May primary by Tom Pickett. He said his knowledge of county government and finances should help him as chief.

Mills agrees.

“I think his experience on the council is a plus,” Mills said. “I have worked with him my entire career.

“We have a young department and we need someone with his experience. He will be a good community asset.”

Mills said he had some outside interest in the job, but wanted to promote someone within the department.

“I wanted someone with knowledge of the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department,” he said.

Heavrin, 65, said he told Mills he would give it everything he had as chief as long as he remained healthy. Mills, a Democrat, defeated Loop by 434 votes in the November election. He said Loop did a good job as chief.

“He has been very cordial in this transition. He has been very cooperative,” Mills said. “I have no ax to grind with him. We have worked together for many years.

“We will continue to utilize his experience. He is definitely an asset to the department.”

Read more on the transition to Sheriff Darrell Mills' administration at the New Albany Tribune.

Privatization plan still concerns U.S.

2006-12-21T08:39:00.000-05:00

By Mike Smith
Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — Despite signing off on the deal, the federal government still has concerns about Indiana's proposal to hire a contractor to help run programs for food stamps, Medicaid and other assistance for the needy.

And two leading congressional Democrats who will become committee chairmen in January have criticized Indiana's proposal.

Under the plan, the state would pay a team led by IBM Corp. $1.16 billion over 10 years to help process applications for the programs and lend technical support to the state's Family and Social Services Administration, which now handles the work.

Gov. Mitch Daniels said yesterday he would decide by year's end whether to sign the contract.

The deal was approved this month by federal agencies that run the benefit programs, including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture, which administers food stamps.

The Daniels administration said it had been in touch with the federal agencies since discussions began in early 2005 on how to fix Indiana's welfare system, and some changes were made in the contract to alleviate many of their concerns.

Read more on the privatization plan at the Courier-Journal.

Sodrel closes 9th District office

2006-12-19T13:12:00.000-05:00

12:18 PM EST on Monday, December 18, 2006

Baron Hill Press Release

SEYMOUR - Congressman Mike Sodrel has shut down his 9th District offices. Sodrel's term in office does not end until January 4, 2007, when Congressman-Elect Baron Hill will be officially sworn-in.

Hill's staff made attempts to contact Sodrel's offices in order to transfer important casework and constituent requests, but no one ever returned the calls. Now, calls to all five of Sodrel's 9th District offices -- Jeffersonville, Bloomington, Jasper, Seymour, and Versailles -- cannot go through at all because the phone lines have been disconnected.

Administrative rules in the House of Representatives dictate when an outgoing Member of Congress must vacate his Washington office, and Sodrel and his staff were instructed to leave their Capitol Hill office earlier this month. District offices, however, are not subject to the same rules and may remain open as long as possible in order to meet constituent requests.

"Unfortunately for the people of the 9th District, all pending casework and issues were not transitioned to our staff so we cannot work on the problems," said Ryan Guthrie, Congressman-Elect Hill's Chief of Staff. "Congressman Hill asks that anyone who has an open issue please resubmit it on January 4 and we'll immediately get to work on it."

As soon as such information is available, Hill will announce the location and contact information for his official offices in the 9th District and Washington, where all constituent requests should be submitted.

For more on Baron Hill, visit his campaign website at http://www.baron2006.com/

Sen. Young to run for governor

2006-12-19T08:23:00.000-05:00

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

INDIANAPOLIS — Senate Minority Leader Richard Young, a Democrat from Milltown, yesterday became the first candidate to announce for the 2008 governor's race.

"People deserve to have the best government that elected officials can provide, and I've always liked a challenge," he said in an interview yesterday. "I'd like to try to rise to this challenge."

Gov. Mitch Daniels, a Republican elected in 2004, has not said whether he will seek a second term.

And while Young is the first Democrat to confirm that he will seek his party's nomination in the May 2008 primary, he is unlikely to be the last.

"Richard is a well-respected public servant and has done a lot of good things for the people of Indiana," said Mike Edmondson, executive director of the Indiana Democratic Party. "Having said that, we are certainly in the early stages, and I would expect there will be other candidates as well."

Young, 64, said he plans to establish a campaign committee, perhaps this week, so he can begin raising money for what likely will be an expensive campaign.

He called the prospect of campaigning "daunting" but said he believes he has the experience to be an effective governor. A farmer and a former small business owner, Young was elected to the state Senate in 1988, filling the unexpired term of Democrat Frank O'Bannon of Corydon, who had been elected lieutenant governor.

Read more on Senator Young's announcement at the Courier-Journal.com

Stricken Senate Democrat Undergoes Surgery

2006-12-14T08:38:00.000-05:00

By KATE ZERNIKE

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 — Senator Tim Johnson, a Democrat from South Dakota, was hospitalized on Wednesday after what his office at first called a “possible stroke,” highlighting the fragility of the Democrats’ new majority in the Senate.

At 11 p.m., Mr. Johnson was undergoing surgery, and was expected to be in the operating room until the early morning hours.

Earlier, after what his office called “a comprehensive evaluation by the stroke team” at George Washington University Hospital here, a spokeswoman for Mr. Johnson said he had not suffered a stroke or a heart attack.

Shortly before the surgery, Mr. Johnson’s spokeswoman, Julianne Fisher, released a statement from Adm. John Eisold, the attending physician of the Capitol, saying Mr. Johnson had been admitted “with the symptoms of a stroke.” The statement said that Mr. Johnson was under the care of physicians at George Washington University and that there would be no further updates. His office said Mr. Johnson, who will turn 60 on Dec. 28, became disoriented during a conference call with reporters. He stuttered, then seemed to recover before asking if there were more questions and ending the call.

He walked back to his office, where he collapsed and was then examined by the Capitol physician, who decided Mr. Johnson should go to the hospital. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance around noon.

People who saw Mr. Johnson earlier in the week said he appeared healthy.

If Mr. Johnson’s health problems prevent him from serving, his replacement would be named by Gov. Michael Rounds of South Dakota, a Republican. Assuming that Mr. Rounds named a Republican, the 51-49 Democratic majority in the new Senate would become a 50-50 split. Vice President Dick Cheney would break the tie, effectively giving Republicans control of the chamber.

Senator Harry Reid, the Democratic leader, rushed to the hospital Wednesday afternoon, his spokesman said, but it was not clear whether Mr. Reid had been able to visit Mr. Johnson. Mr. Reid’s office issued a statement calling Mr. Johnson “a dear friend to me and to all of us here in the Senate” and saying, “Every member of the United States Senate sends our best to him and to his family at this difficult time, and we wish him a full recovery.”

Read more on Senator Johnson's condition at the New York Times.

New Albany officials say Daisy Lane project is affordable

2006-12-14T08:37:00.000-05:00

By ERIC SCOTT CAMPBELL
Eric.Campbell@newsandtribune.com

— Daisy Lane will cost more to fix than previously thought, and though New Albany’s financial consultants predict there will be enough redevelopment money to keep construction on schedule, the increase will probably push back a State Street upgrade between Green Valley Road and downtown.
After engineers from Jacobi, Toombs and Lanz told the city last month that Daisy Lane’s estimated cost had risen from $3.2 million to almost $4.2 million, Crowe Chizek accountants crunched numbers to see if the project would have to be slowed or curtailed.

With $1.5 million to $1.7 million in its coffers today and an annual income to support a $2.5 million bond, the State Street tax-increment financing district still stands to tie up nearly all its money in the Daisy Lane project, Redevelopment Director John Rosenbarger said after the Redevelopment Commission’s meeting Tuesday.

The TIF fund culls from taxes on new businesses in a specified area and usually is applied to road improvements there.

The city had hoped to start planning for State Street improvements within a year or two, Rosenbarger said, but given the new financial outlook, “I don’t think we’d be well served” to pursue that without federal assistance, which took years to materialize for the Mt. Tabor Road renovation.

Read more about the Daisy Lane project at the New Albany News - Tribune website.

Daniels studies leasing lottery

2006-12-14T08:34:00.000-05:00

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

INDIANAPOLIS — A lease of the Hoosier Lottery to a private company — which Gov. Mitch Daniels is expected to propose today — could generate a $1 billion upfront payment that the state would use for scholarships and other higher-education spending.

Lawmakers who have been briefed on the governor's idea said yesterday that the company also would give the state $200 million a year.

That's the amount lawmakers are currently spending annually from lottery proceeds to reimburse local governments for an automobile excise tax cut and to shore up underfunded pensions.

The $1 billion payment would be split between scholarships for the state's brightest students and efforts to attract top researchers and professors to the state's universities.

Daniels' office has declined to offer any details about today's announcement.

But, according to a description of the plan obtained by The Courier-Journal, about 60 percent of the upfront payment for the lottery lease would be invested and the earnings used for $5,000 annual merit-based scholarships for four years per student.

Students who did not remain in Indiana for at least three years after graduation would have to pay the scholarship money back.

The rest of the upfront lease payment would be used to attract top professors, the document said.

Some lawmakers seemed skeptical about the proposal yesterday.

House Speaker Pat Bauer, D-South Bend, said he feared that the lease could lead to expanded gambling.

Learn more about Lottery Plan at the Courier-Journal.com

Budget unit questions Daniels' plan to privatize benefit programs

2006-12-14T08:33:00.000-05:00

By Ken Kusmer
Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS -- Democratic lawmakers on the State Budget Committee yesterday questioned the wisdom of Gov. Mitch Daniels' plan to hire contractors to manage some welfare, Medicaid and food stamp work.

Despite Daniels' insistence that the proposed deal needs no legislative approval, the panel's Democrats made clear during a hearing that their party plans to learn more about the 10-year, $1.16 billion contract with an IBM Corp.-led team of vendors.

When Mitch Roob, secretary of the Family and Social Services Administration, appeared before the committee to present his agency's budget request for the next biennium, he had not planned to discuss the deal.

But state Sen. Frank Mrvan, D-Hammond, and Rep. Dennis Avery, D-Evansville, used the occasion to question Roob about the proposed contract, which still needs federal approval before the state can sign it.

Mrvan noted that similar privatization deals in Texas and Florida have met with problems, including long waiting times for calls to telephone operators.

"You've got to have that human contact," Mrvan told Roob.

The proposed contract would pay IBM and its partners to process applications for the programs received by 1.1 million Indiana residents and help manage their cases. The contract calls for shifting much of recipients' contact with the programs from face-to-face meetings to call centers, Internet access, e-mail messages and faxes.

House Speaker Pat Bauer, D-South Bend, has promised hearings on the contract during the upcoming legislative session by either the House Public Health Committee or the House Ways and Means Committee.

Learn more about this important issue at the Courier-Journal.com

School funding could be issue in 2007 session

2006-12-12T08:24:00.000-05:00

Associated Press

— INDIANAPOLIS — The search for a way to pay for full-day kindergarten could renew an ongoing dispute between Republicans and Democrats on how the state should pass out money to school districts.

Democrats support minimum guarantees that ensure no district receives less than it did the previous year, while Republicans say districts should be paid on a per-child basis.

The current formula provides a basic grant to each student and includes a so-called "complexity index" designed to steer extra money to students based on factors such as poverty, enrollment in federal free-lunch programs, if they had single parents or parents who did not graduate high school, or if they were not proficient in speaking English.

"This budget forced many school corporations to cut programs, lay off teachers, increase class sizes or raise local property taxes," House Speaker Pat Bauer, D-South Bend, said last week.
"In some instances, school officials were forced into making all of these unpalatable decisions, thus depriving children of critical services."

Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels said last week that he intends to pursue "significant" funding increases for schools but said he would wait for a state revenue forecast due this week before saying how much that increase might be.

Even rosy predictions might not yield that much more money, The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Ky., reported Sunday. A 3 percent increase in general funding for schools in each of the next two fiscal years would cost more than $200 million.

That doesn't include $145 million Daniels has proposed the state spend to begin phasing in full-day kindergarten, or a planned Democratic proposal to make textbooks free for all students.
While new proposals are getting attention, some school officials say they are struggling just to keep going.

"We've had four very lean years," said Dennis Costerison, executive director of the Association of School Business Officials. "We need to make sure the school funding formula is developed in a way that meets all the schools' needs."

Rep. Terry Goodin, D-Crothersville, who will help write the funding formula for his chamber, said no school should get less money.

"In our formula, no district is going to get less than they did before," he said. "Everyone will get some new money."

Read more on school funding at the News-Tribune.com

Democrats Decline to Take Up Unfinished Spending Bills

2006-12-12T08:23:00.000-05:00

By CARL HULSE

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 — Congressional Democrats said Monday that they would not try to finish multiple spending bills left hanging by the departed Republican majority. Instead, they want to keep most government agencies operating under their current budgets until next fall.

In a joint statement, the incoming Democratic chairmen of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees said the urgency of new business and the administration’s next spending request for the war in Iraq gave them little choice but to abandon efforts to pass the overdue bills.

“While the results will be far from ideal, this path provides the best way to dispose of the unfinished business quickly and allow governors, state and local officials, and families to finally plan for the coming year with some knowledge of what the federal government is funding,” said the statement from the chairmen, Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia and Representative David R. Obey of Wisconsin.

The Republican-led 109th Congress, which adjourned early Saturday, completed only 2 of 11 spending bills due Oct. 1. This was because of a variety of reasons, including Republican divisions over spending levels and a desire by the party leadership to spare lawmakers from tough votes before the Nov. 7 election.

Except for the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security, the government is being financed under a stopgap “continuing resolution” signed early Saturday by President Bush. It expires Feb. 15, and Democrats said they planned to extend a similar resolution through Sept. 30.

Read more on the federal budget at the New York Times.com

Democratic Women's Club to Host Holiday Party

2006-12-11T08:34:00.000-05:00

By the Floyd County Democratic Party

The Floyd County Democratic Women's Club will host its 2006 Holiday Party tonight, December 11, 2006, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the New Albany Knights of Columbus on Main Street.

The events agenda will include dinner as well as the installation on officers for the Women's Club for the 2007 year.

All Democrats are welcome to the event. Admission is $12.00 per person and covers the cost of the meal. For more information, please contact Marcey Wisman, Women's Club President, at 812.207.3824.

Forecast of tax receipts will help shape next budget

2006-12-11T08:33:00.000-05:00

NDIANAPOLIS -- This week, the State Budget Agency expects to receive the forecast of state tax receipts for the next two years.

It's a moment that lawmakers and special interest groups await anxiously before every long session of the General Assembly, when the House and Senate write the next budget.

Formation of the two-year spending plan depends on what the bipartisan forecasting group predicts about the sales, individual income and corporate taxes.

If the news is good, if the group projects that the economy is humming along and therefore tax receipts will be up, then lawmakers know they'll have cash to launch some new programs, like state-funded full-day kindergarten, or to boost spending in areas like higher education.

A strong forecast means the state might have cash to soften the blow of projected increases in property taxes or there might be more money for schools.

Read more on the Indiana State Budget at the Courier-Journal.

State racing subsidy won't get review

2006-12-11T08:31:00.000-05:00

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

INDIANAPOLIS -- Gov. Mitch Daniels said yesterday that he won't pursue a recommendation to review a $27 million annual subsidy for the state's horse-racing industry and has no plans to try to eliminate it.

His comments came a few days after his Office of Management and Budget recommended the review in an efficiency report requested by lawmakers.

The report doesn't actually recommend eliminating the subsidy, which comes from riverboat casino taxes.

But it questions its rationale. About $10.8 million goes directly to the state's two racetracks. The rest of the money is used to bolster purses.

"It is unclear if these subsidies are intended to exist in perpetuity," the report said, "or if the horse-racing industry is expected to become self-sufficient sometime in the future."

The suggested review was one of about 150 recommendations in the report. Yesterday Daniels said his office already is acting on many of the ideas.

But he said reviewing the subsidy is "just not a priority of mine at this time."

Read more on the racing subsidy at the Courier - Journal.Com

Iraq panel chairmen to face Senate today

2006-12-07T08:12:00.000-05:00

By ROBERT BURNS, AP Military Writer
(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

WASHINGTON - The co-chairmen of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, former secretary of state James A. Baker III and former Rep. Lee Hamilton, D-Ind., are taking their 96-page report before a Senate committee Thursday to face questions on their assessment of conditions inside Iraq as well as their recipe for stabilizing the country and beginning the withdrawal of American forces.

Praised by some and panned by others, the report of a high-level commission on ways to wind down the war in Iraq offered no startlingly new ideas but said a U.S. defeat still could be averted.

Describing the situation as "grave and deteriorating," the panel said Wednesday the Bush administration's approach was not working. It called for new diplomatic efforts in Iraq and the region, and recommended that the U.S. military accelerate a change in its main mission so that most combat troops can be withdrawn by spring 2008.

At the forefront are these unknowns:

_Will President Bush embrace and successfully implement the commission's main recommendations?

_Can the Iraqis do their part, starting with taking more responsibility for their security, disarming the militias and reconciling the sectarian rivals?

_Is it already too late to turn this around?

In its initial reaction the White House was noncommittal.

"We are certainly going to study it with great care," White House spokesman Tony Snow said on the same day that Robert Gates won Senate confirmation as the next secretary of defense, replacing Donald H. Rumsfeld.

Gates had been a member of the commission until Bush announced his nomination for the
Pentagon post on Nov. 8, and he told the
Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday that it was during his time on the commission that he came to the conclusion — different than Bush's — that the U.S. was not winning in Iraq.

Read more on the Iraq report at Yahoo News.

Lee H. Hamilton, a Compromiser Who Operates Above the Partisan Fray

2006-12-06T08:04:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 — The choice before the Sept. 11 commission in late 2003 was whether to subpoena the Pentagon to turn over classified documents, and four of the panel’s five Democrats were eager to do so.

The dissenter was the commission’s vice chairman, Lee H. Hamilton, a retired Democratic House member from Indiana, who had come to be trusted by the Bush administration as an honest broker. He told the other Democrats that he wanted to give Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, an old friend from Congress, time to cooperate.

Mr. Hamilton’s disdain for partisan battle, often to the annoyance of fellow Democrats, and his willingness to work toward compromise on national security policy, are likely to be on display again on Wednesday with the release of the findings of the Iraq Study Group, the independent panel established by Congress to rethink American policy in Iraq.

Panel members say the co-chairmen, Mr. Hamilton and former Secretary of State James A. Baker III, a Republican, have formed a close partnership that has allowed the group’s five Democrats and five Republicans to transcend what might have been bitter partisan differences over the conduct of the war. The group’s report is unanimous.

Read more on Lee Hamilton and the Iraq Study Group at the New York Times Online.