Students for Mitch Daniels Go Up on the Air for My Man Mitch

January 31, 2011 6 Comments

By now you may have heard that there is a Students for Mitch Daniels group that is trying to draft Governor Mitch Daniels into the 2012 Presidential Campaign.  They no doubt have gotten the idea from the 2003 efforts to draft Daniels into the running for Indiana Governor.  That group is otherwise known as Frugal Hoosiers and they were successful. 

These kids are aggressive and actually put a television ad up in Iowa.  The ad was aired on a Fox affiliate in the Des Moines media market during the Pro-Bowl game.  Here is the ad:

The students have said they plan to air the ad in New Hampshire and Indiana.  Here is a tip, guys:  Don’t waste your money in Indiana.  We’re pretty sure Republican primary voters here are all locked up.  He was Our Man Mitch long before anyone else knew his name.

Filed under 2012, Governor Mitch Daniels, Republican Party, Uncategorized

Liberty Pundits, Chick-fil-A and Gay Activists

January 31, 2011 4 Comments

Yesterday while browsing through our twitter feed, we noticed our friend Mark Warner had retweeted a blog post over at a site called Liberty Pundits.   The author is offering commentary on a piece from the New York Times discussing a bit of an uproar regarding Chick-fil-A and gay activists. 

It all began when a local Chick-fil-A restaurant decided to donate food for an event called The Art of Marriage.  The event is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Family Institute.  This group is exactly what you think it is.  One of their major issues is a passing an amendment to the state constitution declaring marriage to be between one man and one woman and they say a few things that are considered offensive by the gay community and many others.   Needless to say, some gay activists are less than thrilled with Chick-fil-A’s choice to sponsor an event being held by this group.

All this, however, is not why we are writing a post on this topic.  It is the response of the blogger over at Liberty Pundits that made us write a post on the issue.  Frankly, we think everyone has the right to their opinion on this.  But we do not think this blogger was fair to one of the folks quoted in the NYT article.  Here is the quote from NYT:

“It literally leaves a bad taste because I know the people who are putting this food in my mouth actively loathe me,” he said. “I’m all for freedom of religion, it’s just that I know where I want    my money to go and I don’t want my money to go.”

Clyde from Liberty Pundits said,

Can we count the contradictions?  We’ll start with being “all for” religious freedom as long as they exercise it his way.  Moron.

Really, Clyde?  That is what you’ve got?  First, way to be mature and call the guy a moron because you don’t like what he had to say.  Second, the guy was saying that he is fine with them believing what they want to believe thus the being all for religious freedom.  He just isn’t so much all for funding it.  Chick-fil-A can exercise their religious freedom however they want to but it does seem fair that this fellow might not want to continue giving them money so they can use the profits to donate food to a group that is clearly against homosexuality, same-sex marriage and any number of other issues that he supports.  It is his prerogative to stop supporting this food chain. 

Clyde also goes on to say that he believe homosexuality is a sin but that he doesn’t focus much attention on others and that the gays really should get over themselves.  We’re glad Clyde isn’t focused on what he considers downfalls of others—but that doesn’t mean that this group Chick-fil-A supported isn’t. The fact is that a lot of these groups advocating for marriage amendments at the state level are not very nice.

Let us say that we love Chick-fil-A.  We love their original chicken sandwich.  We love the new spicy chicken sandwich.  We love the waffle fries, the juicy chicken nuggets and we especially love their new ketchup packages.  We do not want to stop eating it—but a few of us are considering it.  

One thing that goes for all of us here at WSP:  We will not make fun of anyone for deciding not to fund beliefs they find hateful. It is too bad the rest of the blogosphere won’t do the same.

Filed under Random

Howey Says Pence Ruled Out Presidential Run

January 27, 2011 6 Comments

Color us not at all surprised.

 

By BRIAN A. HOWEY

iNDIANAPOLIS - U.S. Rep. Mike Pence has ruled out a run for national office and will tour the state in the next few months, multiple informed and relievable sources tell Howey Politics Indiana.

The sources say that Pence has not made a final decision about a run for governor, keeping open the option of running for reelection in the 6th CD. State law prohibits Pence from raising money in a gubernatorial race until the Indiana General Assembly’s sine die on April 30.

However, Pence gave up the No. 3 position in the Indiana House in November. Developing ….

Is anyone else starting to get Mike Pence fatigue?  We’re starting to feel like this is Lebron James all over again.  We still think Congressman Pence will announce he is planning to take his talents to the Statehouse in Indianapolis.

Filed under 2011, 2012, Congressman Mike Pence, Republican Party

Word of the Day: “Mitchslapped”

January 27, 2011 1 Comment

Mitchslapped; v. thwarting inane opposition with superior political skill and superior political ideas.

History: Coined by the boisterous Indiana House Minority Leader B. Patrick Bauer as a pejorative on the effects of Indiana Governor Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. (“Mitch”) and his proposed education reforms as to teachers.  While the misogynistic pun was surprisingly ignored by Teachers’ Union feminists, Daniels supporters adopted it as a rallying description of the administration’s successful reforms.

In context:

In ‘05 State Employee Unions got Mitchslapped by an executive order abolishing collective bargaining, putting union dues back in employee pockets, and rewarding workers with merit bonuses.

In the ‘08 governor’s race, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson’s campaign got Mitch-slapped, and handed him the most votes of any Indiana politician ever–  even while the state voted for a Democratic president for the first time since 1964.

In the ‘10 House races, then-Speaker Pat Bauer got Mitchslapped into a 40 seat minority.

BMV waiting times: Mitchslapped.

Out of control property taxes: Mitchslapped.

Nepotism, corruption, and waste in township government: Mitchslapped.

Filed under 2012, Education, Fun, Governor Mitch Daniels, Indiana Legislature, Pat Bauer, State Government

Burned on Burn Rates

January 25, 2011 1 Comment

We read a blog post last night over at Ogden on Politics that made us shake our heads.  Paul was talking about his favorite political topic:  burn rates.  It is a fun term and makes him feel like an expert.  We understand.  It is fun to feel smarter than everyone.  The problem is that just because you know the term doesn’t mean you really understand it.

Ogden took City-County Councilor At-Large Angel Rivera to task for burning “through nearly 90% of his campaign funds.”  He said Rivera’s report ”reveals that he raised $10,515 in 2010, and spent $9,418, an off-year “burn rate” which is nearly an astonishing 90%.”

Paul doesn’t seem to be aware that Rivera became the at-large councilor when former At-Large Councilor Kent Smith resigned his position last year.  Marion County Republicans held a countywide caucus to fill the position last February.  Since several candidates were seeking the position and it was a countywide caucus, it is safe to assume that it was necessary to send mailers to precinct committeemen and engage in other activities that cost money.  Rivera has only been in office 10 months and we are sure he plans to protect his seat.

UPDATE:  Ogden did another post saying Rivera’s post-caucus burn rate was even higher.  If you look at the report, it is pretty clear Rivera did some thank you letters, paid some bills, and made contributions to the Council Caucus account, Republican organizations and candidates up in 2010.  Sounds like a team player to us.

Filed under 2011, Angel Rivera, Republican Council

Pence to Announce Plans This Week

January 25, 2011 Leave a comment

You may or may not have seen that Congressman Mike Pence announced he’ll make his decision on his future this week. 

The Pence for Governor Twitter page (which they tell us is NOT officially affiliated with the Congressman…why would we think that?!) linked to a National Journal article where they go into detail assessing the options for the Congressman.

We still think he is going to go for Governor.  It is a much safer option and will set him up for a future run at President.  We agree with the article that it is extremely hard for a House member to raise the dollars needed.  We also think there is an argument to be made that the Congressman is lacking executive experience.  A great solution to that problem is being Governor first. 

The other problem for Pence in a presidential scenario is Governor Mitch Daniels.  The Governor hasn’t made a decision and his timeline is a bit further down the road as he tries to get through the legislative session without making any announcements.  It seems to us that the Indiana donor base is going to be VERY slow to get into the Presidential race until the Governor makes a decision.  This makes fundraising even more difficult for Pence since his base will be sitting on the sidelines.

We want to know what you think.  Check out the poll to the right.  What do you think Pence will do and what do you think he should do?  Vote now!

Filed under 2012, Congressman Mike Pence, Governor Mitch Daniels, Republican Party

Guest Post by Jon Elrod: The TEA Party and Senator Lugar

January 25, 2011 1 Comment

Much has been written on the TEA Party confab in Tipton as they organize to field a Senate candidate for the 2012 election. A few observations:

First of all, the TEA Party is not “targeting” Lugar. They want a candidate who is more aggressive on TEA Party issues like deficit reduction, federalism, and increased personal freedoms.

These are laudable and reasonable arguments within the conservative movement. This is a debate on whether the 2008-09 TARP/Bail-Outs/Stimuli were worth the trillion dollar deficits and the “too big to fail” assault on free market fundamentals.

Second, the TEA Party has learned from Richard Behney locally, and Christine O’Donnell nationally, that they need to coalesce around competent and electable candidates.

They have also learned from Ross Perot and the Libertarian Party that if you reform the Republican Party from within, you get leaders like Ryan and Rubio. The Pyrrhic victories offered by third party candidates do not advance the conservative cause.

Third, politics is about addition, not subtraction. A few hundred conservatives getting together to talk about fundamental issues of federalism and political strategy is a good thing. The TEA Party is not a threat to the GOP; it is a dynamic addition to the cause. We should not mock our allies.

If there is a threat, it comes from the Left labeling the TEA Party something it isn’t, and sowing dissension on the Right. The GOP should not take the bait.

I’m a Dick Lugar Republican. I wasn’t in Tipton this weekend, I was in Carmel toasting one of sharpest, most knowledgeable, and most dedicated politicians in America. I do not always agree with him, but no candidate will be more capable, qualified, or electable for Senate in 2012.

Lugar’s place in history is secure. His example of integrity and statesmanship has inspired generations of those in public service. We should follow his example, rising to the TEA Party debate in good faith and with good will.

Filed under 2012, Jon Elrod, Richard Lugar, TEA Party

Marion County Republicans Announce New Structure and Township Chairs, Hospitals Prepare for Paul Ogden’s Stroke

January 20, 2011 14 Comments

The Marion County Republican Party sent out an email just a few minutes ago announcing some changes to their organization. They went from the area based set-up that was disliked by many precinct committeemen to the old township structure.

We’re told that some of the new names who have taken over in various townships are not new names but rather only now being given the higher leadership positions. Apparently, many of the new appointees are the worker bees that keep the organization moving rather than the bigger names that typically hand the projects off to others.  The email is below.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

When I first started talking to many of you about my interest in becoming your County Chairman, it was abundantly clear that the vast majority of you wanted a return to a township based organizational structure. I promised to listen to the organization and seek your input on who would be the best leaders to serve as Township Chairmen, and after careful consideration, the following people have accepted my offer to serve as Township Chairmen:

Center Township – David Brooks
David has served the party for over 30 years in various capacities, including Precinct Committeeman, Assistant Township Chairman, Township Chairman, Area Chairman, and Campaign Manager or committee member for federal and local campaigns. David was also elected to two-terms on the City-County Council. David owns a law practice in Indianapolis and was the overwhelming choice of Center Township Precinct Committeemen and Ward Chairmen to serve as their Township Chairman.

Decatur Township – Bob Cockrum
Bob has been active in our party since 1970, when he became a Precinct Finance Chairman. Since then, he has been a Vice Precinct Committeeman, Precinct Committeeman, Vice Ward Chairman, Ward Chairman, and member of numerous campaign committees. Bob is a retired Colonel of the United States Army Reserve and is currently serving his fourth term on the City-County Council.

Franklin Township – Cindy Mowery
Since 1978, Cindy has held many different roles within our party. She has served as a Vice Precinct Committeeman, Precinct Committeeman, Treasurer of GIRWC, Financial Chairman for WINS, Franklin Township Board Member, Franklin Township Trustee, and volunteer on countless campaigns. She currently serves as the Republican member of the Marion County Board of Voters Registration.

Lawrence Township – Jim Gutting
For the past 30 years, Jim has been an extremely active party member. He has served as Precinct Committeeman, Ward Chairman, Township Chairman, Area Chairman, and treasurer or member of many campaign committees. Jim was a Governor’s appointee to the State Board of Accounts throughout the 1980′s and currently practices law in Indianapolis.

Perry Township – Kay Spear
Kay first started as a Perry Township Republican volunteer in 1978. She later served as a Precinct Committeeman, Ward Chairman, Assistant Township Chairman, Assistant Area Chairman, and President of the Perry Township Republican Club. Kay previously worked as a CPA for the Indiana Attorney General, Indiana State Auditor and Clarian Health. She currently owns a private CPA practice in Perry Township.

Pike Township – David Holt
David has been active in the Marion County Republican Party since 2000. He has served as a Precinct Committeeman, Ward Chairman, Township Chairman, Area Co-Chairman, Area Chairman, and as a volunteer on many campaign committees. David was Deputy Campaign Manager for David McIntosh for Congress, and subsequently served Congressman McIntosh as a senior aide. He later was a political appointee for President George W. Bush. David currently works for an Indianapolis based think-tank.

Warren Township – Barbara Fowler
There are few people with a record of commitment to the Marion County Republican Party more impressive than Barbara Fowler. She first started with our organization in 1968, and has served as a Vice Precinct Committeeman, Precinct Committeeman, Ward Chairman, Assistant Area Chairman, member of WINS, Board Member for GIRWC, member of the SCORE club, and Board Member for the Warren Township GOP Club. Barbara previously worked for the City of Indianapolis and Marion County in a variety of positions.

Washington Township – Melissa Thompson
Melissa began her service to our party in 2000 as a Vice Precinct Committeeman. Since then, she has been a Precinct Committeeman, Ward Chairman, Assistant Township Chairman, Assistant Area Chairman, Campaign Manager, and volunteer for multiple campaigns. Melissa is currently the Clerk of the City-County Council.

Wayne Township – Tim Motsinger
For the past 25 years, Tim has been very active in our party. He has served as a Vice Precinct Committeeman, Precinct Committeeman, Ward Chairman, Assistant Township Chairman, and member of many countywide campaign committees. Tim has been a law enforcement officer for his entire career, first as a Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy and now with IMPD.

With over 250 years of combined experience in the Marion County Republican Party, this new leadership team is ready to hit the ground running, which is critical to our success in this very important election year. We are lucky to have such a loyal and dedicated group willing to step up to the challenge of this important role. In the coming days they will be responsible for guiding our township efforts to build an effective and impressive grassroots campaign to re-elect Mayor Ballard, Mayor Ricketts, Republican Mayors in Beech Grove and Southport, and retain majorities on the councils in Indianapolis, Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway and Southport. Our elected Republican leaders have served our county very well over the past four years, and with your support, they will continue to serve us well for the next four years and beyond!

Finally, I want to remind you that our 2011 slating convention will be held at Brebeuf High School (2801 86th Street W.) on February 12th, beginning at 8:00am. I look forward to seeing you all there!

Sincerely,

Kyle Walker
Chairman
Marion County Republican Central Committee

We may start a collection to send Paul Ogden some flowers for his loss. We know he can’t be happy that David Brooks has retained his so-called stranglehold on the Marion County Republicans.  Hang in there, Paul!

Filed under Republican Party

Ballard to Illinois Businesses: Come On Over, Our Taxes are Lower!

January 18, 2011 Leave a comment

 Just this week, the Illinois legislature passed a massive tax increase that temporarily increased personal income taxes 66 percent and corporate tax rates from 4.8 percent to 7 percent.  Man, are we glad we don’t live in Illinois.  This week, the City of Indianapolis is aggressively pursuing attracting business from our neighbor state.  

Develop Indy and the Indianapolis Bond Bank funded a full-page ad in three Illinois papers, including the Chicago Tribune.  The ads were funded through private sources and not taxpayer dollars. According to the Indy Star, the ad includes a letter from Mayor Greg Ballard to Illinois business leaders saying,

 ”As you consider the impact of large, new state tax increases on your company’s bottom line and ability to hire, I invite you to take a serious look at Indianapolis. The nation’s 13th largest city is right next door, offering the same Midwestern work ethic and conveniences – but in a much more stable, affordable and pro-growth economic environment.”

Melissa Todd of Develop Indy said, “We’ve gotten a lot of responses so far.  I don’t know if they are serious inquiries, but some saw the ad. You can tell the mood is not good there.”  We can only imagine how frustrated business owners in Illinois must be.  It is good to see that the Ballard administration is staying aggressive.  We told you earlier that Indianapolis had a record-setting year of job creation–let’s hope we see even better numbers in 2011.

Filed under 2011, Mayor Greg Ballard

Paul Ogden’s Political Brilliance

January 18, 2011 Leave a comment

Paul Ogden weighs in today on Township Government.  He is perplexed as to why Pike Township would spend $40M dollars and Washington Township only $2M.

“Pike in 2009 spent $40,879,272, while its much larger neighbor to the east, Washington Township spent $2,206,418. Wayne Township which abuts Pike’s southern border and has a larger population, was the only comparable township, spending $37,212,443. Center Township, second only to Washington Township in terms of size, spent $15,852,225.

Frankly I don’t know what to make of the numbers. I can only assume that some sort of township projects like new fire stations in Pike and Wayne townships drove up the numbers.”

We’re not sure where he has been the last few years, but anyone following politics knows that all township fire departments have merged with IFD, except Pike, Wayne, and Decatur.  Look it up.

http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DPS/IFD/Stations/PublishingImages/IFDMarion%20County%20Coverage%202011.pdf

We think if we saw those numbers we would think to dig a little deeper before making a post.

Filed under Township Government

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