June 2012
5 posts
Feds Say No Criminal Intent in Mishandling of...
The FBI has released its report in the handling of the blood evidence in the David Bisard case and said while IMPD was sloppy, there was no criminal activity.
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The following are excerpts taken from the report…
Statement of Facts
The investigation found that Vial Two was maintained and preserved in the IMPD’s refrigerated storage from on or about August 6, 2010 until August...
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Indy Smoking Ban Goes Into Effect
At 6 this morning the City of Indianapolis’ smoking ban that includes bars and taverns went into effect and according to city officials there haven’t been any complaints of violations.
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The tougher ban includes bars, taverns and bowling alleys, but still excludes private clubs, cigar and hookah bars. Despite that, Indianapolis attorney Mark Small plans to challenge the ban...
Mitch Daniels and the New World Order*
Well, it’s official. Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels is part of the New World Order of global elites who are setting up an oligarchy which will hasten the collapse of the global economy, cause chaos which will result in global martial law and the nation state system as we know will be dissolved in favor of regional governments administered by prefects and their praetorian guards.
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Is Indiana Gay Friendly?
As Indianapolis prepares to mark PRIDE weekend in downtown, one national gay rights activist has some tough words for Indiana Democrats.
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Bil Browning of the Bilerico Project has been writing about LGBT issues for years. He used to live in Indianapolis but now resides in the D.C. area with his partner. He spoke to Indy Politics about the state of gay rights in Indiana, whether PRIDE...
Local Republican to Play Key Role at GOP...
As first noted in an Indy Politics “Cheat Sheet” e-mail, local Republican strategist Anne Hathaway will play an important role at the upcoming Republican National Convention in Tampa.
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According to the RNC, Hathaway will serve as convention program director. Her job will be to coordinate speakers and make sure the convention stays on track.
Hathaway is a former RNC Chief...
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State Won't Investigate McIntosh Voter Fraud...
Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson released a statement today saying her office won’t likely act on the alleged voter fraud allegations against former 5th District Congressional candidates David McIntosh because the Election board can’t agree over whether it is the proper venue to hear the complaint.
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Lawson’s office says under Indiana law a complaint alleging...
May 2012
109 posts
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Republicans for Donnelly?
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Joe Donnelly announced this morning that he is reaching out to moderates, independents and those Republicans who voted for Richard Lugar in the primary by creating “Republicans for Donnelly”.
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Recent polls have shown Donnelly tied with his Republican opponent Richard Mourdock so his campaign is adopting a strategy of appealing towards the...
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The Indiana Economy
One key observer of Indiana’s economy says the state is moving forward, but uncertainty is making it a slow go.
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Gary Dick, the host of Inside Indiana Business, says the job market is getting better, but won’t be back to per-recession levels for a few more years.
However, with the uncertainty at the national level, particularly the outcome of the 2012 presidential...
There's Much for an Economist To Applaud in...
by Cecil Bohanon, Ph.D. In May 1988, Professor James McGill Buchanan, the 1986 recipient of the Nobel Prize in Economics, told the graduating class at Ball State University that he “had never been attracted to the romantic nonsense that government or politicians know what is best …” He encouraged the students to “nurture a skepticism uniquely Midwestern in its origins that questions the...
Susan's Successful Run
by Brian Jessen
I don’t think that were many people who expected to see Susan Brooks come out as the top vote getter in the 5th District Crowded Primary earlier this month. And to be honest, I was one who thought she’d finish a distant third.
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Think about it. Zero name ID in many parts of the new district. A first-time candidate. She didn’t do well in early candidate nights and...
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An Indy Update
Indy Politics sits down for a conversation with Ryan Vaughn, Chief of Staff for the City of Indianapolis touching on everything from the search for a new public safety director as well the possibility of the City extending benefits to same-sex and unmarried couples.
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Vaughn says the city is finalizing the criteria for its search for a new public safety director and he indicates that...
Commentary: Next Time, Wear a Hoodie
by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz
I’ve been spending the morning catching up on my weekend news and I think I might have missed the biggest story of the weekend. No, not the Indy 500, but the alleged “black leadership” in this town that purports to speak for the rest of us.
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If you saw either FOX 59 or WISH-TV you heard about the out of town couple that was robbed and mugged...
Planning to Stay Smoking?
If you are a hookah bar or cigar bar in Indianapolis, you have until Friday to file with the city to keep your exemption from the stricter smoking ban that goes into effect June 1.
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Under an ordinance passed by the city, smoking will be banned in nearly all bars and taverns at 6:00 a.m. on Friday. Cigar bars and hookah bars are exempt, however they must file with city.
According to...
100,000 Visits and Counting
Over the weekend, Indy Politics hit a milestone; we had our 100,000th page visit.
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Of course this makes us very happy campers. As some of you know we relaunched the website this past January to make it much more user friendly. Not only have we topped the 100,000 mark, but the average visitor, according to our Google analytics spends at least 2 minutes on each page, which tells us...
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Rokita's Red Tape Rollback
Indiana Congressman Todd Rokita, says while they may be small, his office has had some victories in helping roll back the government red tape which stifles business.
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Speaking recently with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Rokita says numerous intrusive regulations have hurt Indiana farmers and small business. He cites recent efforts by the government to regulate dust as a pollutant...
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Lugar Not Planning to "Actively" Campaign for... →
U.S. Senator Richard Lugar tells CBS’ Face the Nation, that while he has offered some advice to State Treasurer Richard Mourdock who beat him in the primary, he has no plans to hit the stump for him anytime soon.
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Rasmussen: Donnelly, Mourdock Tied, 42-42
A new poll by Rasmussen Reports shows the race for the U.S. Senate in Indiana is tied. This is the second poll since the primary showing the contest between Democrat Joe Donnelly and Republican Richard Mourdock has the potential to be a barn burner.
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The poll shows both candidates with 42% of the vote and 14% undecided. Two percent wanted another candidate. A poll put out by the...
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Madison County Election Board Dismisses McIntosh...
The Madison County Election Board is dismissing a complaint filed against former 5th District Congressional candidate David McIntosh for alleged voter fraud.
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The complaint was filed back in April by Indianapolis resident Greg Wright. The complaint alleged that McIntosh may have committed voter fraud when he voted in the 2008 and 2010 Indiana elections even though he held a Virginia...
Memorial Day Weekend
Indy Politics is taking the weekend off to observe the Memorial Day weekend. We will come back if there is breaking political news. You can also follow us on Twitter for updates. Have a good weekend and remember this is a time to remember those members of the armed services who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us to remain free.
Say Hi To Our New Partners
As Indy Politics continues to grow we’re adding some new partners to our web pages.
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The Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, RTV 6, Maple Creek Golf & Country Club and Dave Bego, the author of the “Devil at My Doorstep” will soon be joining the ranks of Leon Tailoring, the Indy Cigar Bar, Attorney Mark Rutherford, The Associated Builders and Contractors of...
Security Plates
Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson is announcing new security measures when it comes to state license auto dealer plates.
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Lawson says Indiana auto dealer plates are now linked to the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, a national database for law enforcement officers. Linking Indiana auto dealer plates to the national database provides law enforcement nationwide...
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In Memoriam: Paul Ricketts
Former Lawrence Mayor Paul Ricketts passed away Thursday night at age 58. He had been battling illness for quite a while. He served as Lawrence Township Assessor prior to running for Mayor in 2007. He lost re-election in 2011. Ricketts was a good friend and good public servant. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
Photo: Indy Star
Marion County Sheriff's Deputy Affiliated With...
Indy Politics has learned that the Marion County Sheriff’s affiliated with the McGruff the Crime Dog program has been charged with felony theft, burglary and possession of a controlled substance for reportedly breaking into a friend’s home to steal prescription pain killers.
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According to the probable cause affidavit released by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office...
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A New Twist in the David Bisard Case?
As attorneys for David Bisard move to have all evidence of the blood draws thrown out because of mishandling by IMPD staff, Indy Politics is hearing of a new twist in the case of the former officer accused of driving drunk, killing one motorist and critically injuring two others.
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Details are available in the most recent edition of “The Cheat Sheet”. Click here to...
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Boneham/Klopfenstein 2012
As Republicans and Democrats were announcing running mates this week, the Libertarians have quietly been planning their strategy for 2012.
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Gubernatorial candidate Rupert Boneham and Lt. Governor candidate Brad Klopfenstein say they are reaching out to the 60-70% of voters who tend to stay home on election day because they are disgruntled with the current two party system.
They say...
ISTEP Cheating Scandal Could Impact Statewide Race
The likely Democratic nominee for Superintendent of Public Instruction could find herself in an odd position of helping defend the same teachers who are in the middle of a major ISTEP cheating scandal in Washington Township Schools.
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Both WTHR-TV and Fox 59 News have reported that the Indiana Department of Education is investigating what could be a pattern of systemic cheating that has...
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I Know What Lawmakers Are Doing This Summer
Indiana lawmakers plan to use the summer to review the state’s criminal code, sex offender registries, child welfare, ballot security and outdoor stage equipment regulations and rules regarding specialty license plates.
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These are part of the summer study committees which lawmakers use to review issues that usually addressed the session of the following year. In previous years...
Campaign Finance Snapshot (Attorney General)
A quick campaign finance note. Since announcing his re-election bid Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller has reportedly raised more than $100,000 and is expected to have $500,000 by the GOP convention in a couple weeks.
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Sources say his campaign plans to raise $1.5 million for his race. There is no announced Democrat as of yet, however all signs point to Indianapolis attorney Kay...
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Parker's Predictions
The Chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party says the odds look good for his party this Fall, despite the national climate surrounding the President.
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In an interview with Indy Politics Dan Parker assess the key races here in Indiana as well as rumors that Marion County Democrats may attempt a coup at their state convention in Ft. Wayne next month in an effort to remove him from his...
Get a Job
If you’re willing to make the drive to Lafayette, there might be a job waiting for you as more than 100 employers are looking to fill nearly 3,800 positions at the 2012 Hoosier job fair. The job fair is being sponsored, in part, by U.S. Senator Dan Coats’ office.
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Employers in attendance will include CSX Railroad, Community Health Network, the Indiana State Police,...
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Gregg/Simpson 2012
Democratic Gubernatorial candidate John Gregg made it official this afternoon by naming Senate Democratic Leader and progressive Vi Simpson as his running mate and he said while they may differ on social issues they are united in moving Indiana forward.
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Gregg says Simpson was his top choice and that she brings experience from the legislature in dealing with issues such as jobs and...
Your Complimentary Cheat Sheet
Although the Cheat Sheet is a subscriber-based publication, like a girl I used to date, we don’t mind giving it away for free every once in a while. This is one of those times. If you like what you read, subscribe. For the price of a martini and a good cigar, it’s well worth it. Here’s what you’ll find in today’s complimentary edition…
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Who Doesn’t...
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Pence/Ellspermann 2012
Republican Gubernatorial candidate Mike Pence says he is not concerned that his running mate State Rep. Sue Ellspermann voted in the 2008 Democratic primary, in fact he says it’s a compliment to her independence.
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Pence officially announced Monday that he was picking the first time freshman lawmaker from Southern Indiana. He cited her business experience as one of the main...
Vi Simpson for Lt. Governor
Democratic candidate John Gregg is expected to announce his pick for Lt. Governor tomorrow afternoon. Multiple Democratic sources are telling Indy Politics that Gregg is choosing State Senate Democratic Leader Vi Simpson of Bloomington.
[[MORE]]The announcement will be made at 2 p.m. Tuesday on the Statehouse Steps. Simpson is considered a leader in the more liberal/progressive wing of the...
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Rubio To Raise Cash for Richard Mourdock
In the first of what are very likely to be high profile fundraisers, GOP favorite Florida Senator Marco Rubio is coming to Indianapolis to help raise money for Richard Mourdock’s U.S. Senate Race.
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Rubio will be in Carmel on Monday, June 4.
Mourdock recently came under fire from former President Bill Clinton for being too partisan and not willing to compromise.
No word yet on...
Indiana Supreme Court Decides Not to Hear Puppy...
The Indiana Supreme Court is not getting involved in a case involving the state its efforts to collect back taxes in a case involving a southern Indiana puppy mill that garnered statewide media attention.
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The decision, originally reported in the Indiana Lawyer and the Indiana Law Blog, means the Court is by default upholding an August 2011 ruling by the Indiana Tax Court that the...
On the Move
From time to time Indy Politics will report on the comings and goings of state and local political figures. Today we make a quick note about former Ballard administration Chief of Staff Chris Cotterill.
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He heads to the law firm of Faegre Baker Daniels as a partner in their Government Advocacy and Consulting Group. He starts on the 29th of this month. Cotterill was replaced by...
Indy Politics on Indianapolis This Week
Catch Indy Politics publisher Abdul-Hakim Shabazz and Democrat Lara Beck debate and discuss the political issues of the day on Indianapolis, This Week. Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. on RTV 6.
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The Speaker Speaks
Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma shares with the media some of his advice to Gubernatorial candidate Mike Pence on what he should seek in a candidate for Lt. Governor.
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In addition, he also speaks with Indy Politics on John Gregg’s tax cut proposal and recent victories over union-backed candidates in this month’s primary. Each segment runs under five minutes.
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Commentary: "Don't Pay Them No 'Tention"
I am going to warn you right now, if you are someone who gets offended easily, or just has no clue, I suggest you don’t click the read more button.
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I decided to title this blog post after a phrase my grandmother used to use when dealing with silly people who would do nothing but waste her, and other people’s, valuable time. Hopefully Mayor Greg Ballard will take my...
Do The Lt. Gov Signs Point to Sue?
All political signs point to Indiana Republican Gubernatorial candidate Mike Pence picking State Representative Sue Ellspermann as his running mate for Lt. Governor.
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Ellsperman meets a number of criteria that would help Pence. She is from southern Indiana, representing Warrick, Spencer, Perry and Dubois counties.
She is a small businesswoman, considered to be a moderate-conservative...
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Zoeller Asks for a Second Term
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller formally announced today he would seek a second term.
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Zoeller cited his work in protecting consumers and working with local law enforcement as well as his office’s work at the state and federal level defending Indiana’s laws as a reason he should be returned to office.
You can hear Zoeller’s comments below. They run...
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Daniels on The Economy
During a media event promoting National Lemonade Day, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels took time to promote Indiana’s economy and take a shot or two at Democratic candidate John Gregg’s tax plan.
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Daniels says improving job numbers shows Indiana’s economy is turning around. However he warned that turnaround might be short-lived if Gregg’s tax plan goes through...
Indy Politics on Inside Indiana Business
Indy Politics will be a guest this weekend on Inside Indiana Business discussing the news of the week and how it impacts the state and local economy. We will be joined by Emmis-Indianapolis Market Manager Charlie Morgan and Robin Winston of the Winston/Terell Group. Check your local listings for air times.
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Local Business Groups to Merge
The Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Develop Indy, Indy Partnership and the Business Ownership Initiative are joining forces to better coordinate job creation and economic development in the Indianapolis area.
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Scott Miller, the head of the Indy Chamber, says the move has been in the works for a while and says while the organizations are merging, they will still keep some of...
The Cheat Sheet for May 18, 2012
Every time we think we won’t be putting out a Cheat Sheet, we do. Go figure! The nice thing about being a day early is that there’s lot’s of good stuff in this one, like the following…
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Mike Pence’s #2 Pick
The Coming Democratic Floor Fight
Ron Paul’s Indiana Revenge
Jim Bopp’s Bad Day
A Boone for Susan
All that and more. If...
Chamber Says Right To Work is Working
The head of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce paints a mixed picture of the state’s economic climate. Kevin Brineger says Right to Work is producing and bringing jobs to the state, however Indiana is suffering from a skilled labor shortage.
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Brinegar says 45 companies have told the Indiana Economic Development Commission that right to work will play a role in deciding whether to...
Bully For Dr. White
An e-mail correspondence between Indianapolis Public School Superintendent Dr. Eugene White and Board Samantha Adair-White shows her more than two weeks ago asking for an investigation into the bullying of expelled gay student Darnell “Dynasty” Young and White emphatically telling her no.
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In the e-mail, dated April 30, Samantha White requested the investigation following...
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Daniels Looks to Privatize Hoosier Lottery...
The Daniels administration is looking at turning over the operation of the Hoosier Lottery to a private entity in an effort to improve the performance of the games. However Democrats are criticizing the move, citing previous privatization issues with the state’s welfare services and Medicaid.
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Lottery Spokesman Al Larson says the state is simply trying to maximize the...