December 2011
95 posts
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Statehouse Safety vs. Statehouse Speech
Interview: Rob WynKoop
State officials say it’s for safety and security. Opponents say it’s a crackdown on free speech. The two sides are referring to new rules at the Statehouse for protests. State police are limiting the number of people who can be in the Capitol at anytime to 3,000.
In addition State police have outlined the following guidelines…
The State House will open at...
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An Old Hand On Indy’s New Political Make Up
Interview: Phil Borst
With Indianapolis facing divided government for the first time in more than a decade, there are questions about how well will the city function with a Republican Mayor and a Democratically-controlled Council. Will they work together, will they bicker? How will they deal with an expected $50 million-plus decrease in revenue?
To get some perspective, Indy...
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Commentary: Run, Jane Run! Running for Office,...
Recently, I went to Washington, D.C. to advocate for a cause relative to my first profession (pharmacy). It went pretty well, and I met some interesting people. I even think I had a little street cred with most of the offices because I was a law student. Awesome.
However, I was shocked and frankly appalled by the lack of representation of women by the state of Indiana. I have exactly...
Top Political Story of 2011; Ballard Wins...
It was a Mayor’s race that was marked by allegations of racism and “pay to play” politics, however, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard was swept into back into office for a second term over Democratic challenger Melina Kennedy.
Ballard won 51-47, with significant help from smaller Black churches who said they liked the fact the Mayor was addressing needs in their communities...
Indy Crime & Punishment
If you thought crime was up you’d be right, but not by much.
Overall, crime was up in 2011, but less than 4%. According to the preliminary data released by the Indianapolis Department of Public Safety, there were 44,693 incidents in 2011 as December 24. That number was 47,564 in 2010, for an increase of 3.72%. Here is the breakdown in individual categories.
Murder – 94. Up 1% from 93 in...
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End of the Year Interview: 5th District Candidate...
Interview: John McGoff
Fifth District Congressional candidate John McGoff hopes the third time will be a charm in his race for Congress.
McGoff ran unsuccessfully against incumbent Dan Burton in 2008 and 2010. However, with a new 5th District that has eliminated Burton’s stronghold of Huntington and Miami counties, McGoff thinks he has a decent shot, even though the field is...
NUVO: Redistricting Indy: Fair is Foul... →
The New Cheat Sheet is Out
We’re closing out 2011 with a lot of good gossip, rumor and just plain old innuendo! In this edition you will find the following …
Are the feds targeting former Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi?
Is Dan Burton getting ready to bow out of the race for the 5th Congressional District?
Are Marion County Democrats looking for a primary challenger to run against John Gregg?
Is...
Indy Politics Top 10 of 2011; Numbers 2 - 4
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and Indiana House Democrats made the top 10 list for biggest political stories of the year for 2011, the Democrats made the list for what they did do and the Governor for what he didn’t do. The split amongst the Black Churches in the Indianapolis Mayoral race also made the list as well. Together, the comprised stories 2 - 4. Here they are, in reverse...
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End of Year Interview: Indiana Attorney General...
Interview: Greg Zoeller
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller says state sovereignty was the theme of his office in 2011, whether it was suing the federal government over the health care law or dealing with controversial issues such as funding over Planned Parenthood, immigration and school vouchers.
Zoeller made his comments during an end of the year interview with Indy Politics. Zoeller...
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Fighting Youth Violence
Interview: Judge Marilyn Moore
Although the number of criminal homicides in Marion is near a record low, Marion County Juvenile Judge Marilyn Moores says a lot of work still needs to be done.
Moores made her comments shortly after a news conference Wednesday where lawmakers and community groups declared 2012, The Year of the Child and pledged to work together to improve the live of children...
IBJ: Judge Delays Hearing in Secretary of State... →
Cap & Wash: Rosenberg Decision Mind-Bogglingly... →
Indy Politics Top 10 of 2011; Numbers 5 -7
This week Indy Politics continues its look at the top 10 local and state political stories of the year. Yesterday we unveiled numbers 8-10, today we highlight stories number 5-7, in reverse order.
7. State Takes Over Failing IPS Schools
The State of Indiana this year exercised a little used law this past year and took over several IPS Schools that had been deemed as failing for the past...
The $25,000 Quest
With campaign finance reporting deadlines getting closer, the candidates for Indiana Governor are trying to squeeze as much money of out supporters as possible.
As this story goes to publication, bothDemocrat John Gregg and Republican Mike Pence are encouraging supporters to donate on their websites with each trying to reach a goal of $25,000. Pence has raised $14,588.00 while Gregg is...
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End of Year Interview: Beech Grove Mayor Terry...
Interview: Terry Dilk
Although he served for less than a year on the job, outgoing Beech Grove Mayor Terry Dilk says he is leaving the city in much better financial shape than when he found it.
Indy Politics sat down and visited with Dilk as part of its continuing series of end of year interviews with elected officials. Dilk commented on the city’s finances and infrastructure, as...
Stateline.Org: Government Pension Plans Look for... →
Indy Politics Top 10 of 2011; Numbers 8 -10
As 2011 comes to an end, Indy Politics has decided to countdown the top 10 political stories of the year. The criteria we used were pretty simple, newsworthiness, impact, and ramifications for 2012. Each day we will highlight 2-3 stories we feel met those criteria.
10. Mourdock Challenges Lugar
Indiana State Treasurer Richard Mourdock announced in February that he was going to take on...
5th District Forum
Three of the five candidates for the 5th Congressional District will meet in a couple weeks for their first joint appearance in front of Republican voters.
The Howard County Republican Party is announcing that Susan Brooks, David McIntosh and John McGoff will all participate their Century Club candidate breakfast on January 14 at 8:45 at the Elite Banquet Center in Kokomo, located...
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End of Year Interview: Tony Bennett
Interview: Tony Bennett, Pt.1
Interview: Tony Bennett, Pt.2
He has been called everything from a reformer to a destroyer of public education Indiana, but regardless, you can’t deny the impact he has made on schools.
Indy Politics continued its end of year interviews with Indiana news makers, and this time it’s Dr. Tony Bennett, the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The interview is in...
EC & P: Indiana Democrats Divided Over State... →
WSJ: Nevada Sets Stage for On-Line Poker →
Marion County Judge Give Charlie White Lump of...
Marion County Judge Louis Rosenberg ruled late Thursday that Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White was ineligible to hold the office and ordered he must vacate it and the seat goes to Democratic challenger Vop Osili.
White had come under fire for voting from a precinct where he did not live. White had argued it was an honest mistake because he was moving and starting a new life. The...
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End of Year Interview: David Harris, The Mind...
Interview: David Harris, Pt. 1
Interview: David Harris, Pt. 2
The head of the Mind Trust says while people may not agree on what to do about Indianapolis Public Schools, they all agree something should be done and as soon as possible.
David Harris, CEO of the Mind Trust sat down with Indy Politics and spoke about the plan to reform education in the city. The interview is divided in to two...
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Mourdock Hits Airwaves for a Few Days
Radio Spot: Richard Mourdock
Indiana State Treasurer and U.S. Senate candidate Richard Mourdock is hitting the airwaves with an ad attacking Dick Lugar, even if only for a few days.
The ad is running in Central Indiana and it goes after Lugar’s record on bailouts. Lugar recently did a statewide radio buy, going after President Barack Obama.
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End of Year Interview: Bill Benner on Indy Sports
Interview: Bill Benner
Indy Sports guru Bill Benner says it was a year of highs and lows when it came to sports in Indianapolis.
Indy Politics spoke with Benner as part of its series of end of year interviews. he commented on the Colts, Pacers, Indy Car racing and of course, the Super Bowl. The run time is approximately 8 minutes.
Merry Xmas from Indy Politics
We wanted to take a second and wish a Merry Christmas from all of us here at Indy Politics. We’ll be back on Tuesday, the 27th with new postings. In the meantime you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter for any breaking news.
We really do appreciate the more 50,000 unique visitors we’ve had since our launch in September. We’re also getting ready to roll out a new format...
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U.S. Attorney Sends Warning to Local Officials
Interview: U.S. Attorney Joe Hogsett
U.S. Attorney Joe Hogsett issued a warning to local elected officials today, if you violate the public trust, you will be held accountable.
Hogsett made his comments today during a news conference where he outlined the actions and charges of three men accused of defrauding a charitable donor of $1.7 million. One of the accused is Indianapolis City-County...
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End of Year Interview: 5th Dist. Congressional...
Interview: Susan Brooks
Indy Politics is continuing its year-end interviews with Indiana news makers. Today we visit with former U.S. Attorney Susan Brooks who is now running for Congress in the 5th Congressional District.
We spoke with her about her run for the job and her time as a pubic servant, as well as her position on issues concerning the 5th District as well the crowded field of...
Jim Shella Blog: Daylight Saving Time Leads to... →
Stateline.Org: The Growing Wait For State Services →
Bateman: “I Didn’t Do Anything Wrong”
Outgoing Indianapolis City-County Councilor Paul Bateman says he did not do anything wrong with respect to an indictment being handed down against him today by a federal grand jury.
The Indianapolis Star is reporting that Bateman, along with two others, is being charged with fraud and money-laundering for allegedly defrauding an elderly Indiana physician out of $1.7 million. RTV 6’s Jack...
Charlie White Goes To Trial
A Hamilton County Judge has denied a motion to dismiss the felony charges filed against Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White. White is accused of voter fraud and several other related felonies.
In an 8-page opinion Judge Steve Nation not only denied the motion to dismiss but also White’s request that the evidence heard by the grand jury be heard at trial as well as evidence from the...
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The Voucher Battle
Interview: Tom Fisher
Interview: John West
Supporters and opponents of Indiana’s school voucher law will have to wait about 30 days before a Marion County Judge decides whether the plan that allows parents to use public dollars at private, religious schools. And even then both sides think the matter won’t get settled until it reaches the State Supreme Court.
The Indiana General Assembly...
Stateline.Org: Jurors on the Internet →
USA TODAY: States loosen concealed carry gun laws,... →
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City County Council Closes Shop
Interview: Ryan Vaughn
The last night of the Indianapolis City-County Council was marked by mixed emotions. Members said good-bye to several of their colleagues and also fought over redistricting.
Next year Democrats will have a 16-13 majority, with Maggie Lewis taking over as President. Mike McQuillen will be the new Minority Leader. While there was some minor controversy over spending...
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Lugar for Congress?
Interview: Jack Lugar
When Hoosiers in the 5th Congressional District hear the last name Lugar, the first name that usually comes to mind is U.S. Senator Richard Lugar, but in this case the candidate’s first name is Jack.
The attorney and former Hollywood television writer is running for the seat currently held by incumbent Congressman Dan Burton. Lugar is already in a crowded field...
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Lugar Unveils New Radio Spot
Radio Spot: Richard Lugar
Incumbent U.S. Senator Richard Lugar is hitting the airwaves with a new radio ad. It highlights the Obama administration’s failure to move on the Keystone XL pipeline project which would bring oil from the Canadian Tar Sands to the United States. The ad runs 60 seconds and will run statewide.
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End of Year Interview: Richard Mourdock
Interview: Richard Mourdock
Indy Politics continues its series of interviews with Indiana elected officials. In this story we spoke with State Treasurer and U.S. Senate candidate Richard Mourdock.
We discussed the state’s financial portfolio in the wake of the current economic slowdown, as well as the state of his current political campaign to unseat incumbent U.S. Senator Richard...
Analysis: Indiana Democratic Dysfunction
How can a political party that can’t pick a chairman win a race for Governor and the U.S. Senate in a political climate where the President of their party is polling at 38% heading into the 2012 elections?
That is the question Indiana Democrats will have to answer. Following a weekend political family fight that looked like something out of the Jerry Springer show, Democrats are going...
Mind Trust Unveils Plan To Reform IPS Schools
Doc: Mind Trust Executive Summary
Doc: Mind Trust Full Report
The education reform organization, The Mind Trust , is unveiling a plan which would radically change Indianapolis Public Schools.
Citing graduation and ISTEP test results which place IPS Schools far below the state average, and only 41 cents of every dollar spent making it into the classroom The Mind Trust, has drafted a proposal...
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The Legislative Battle to Come
Interview: Mitch Daniels
Interview: Pat Bauer
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels offered up his legislative vision Friday and House Democratic leader Pat Bauer responded in kind.
The Governor’s laundry list of priorities items included right to work legislation, local government reform, higher ed reform and a statewide smoking ban. Bauer says the Governor should drop right to work and...
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End of Year Interview: Jim Wallace
Interview: Jim Wallace
Indy Politics continues its series of year-end interviews with Indiana’s political figures.
We spoke with GOP gubernatorial candidate Jim Wallace. We spoke about his campaign against Mike Pence, his plans for economic development and right to work legislation.
Stateline.Org: Proposal To Ban Driving While on... →
Daniels Endorses "Right to Work" Legislation
Although it may not seem like a big shocker, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels has officially endorsed “right to work” legislation which would prohibit mandatory union membership as a condition of employment.
Daniels released a statement on Thursday, the day before he was scheduled to give a speech in downtown Indianapolis announcing his legislative agenda.
Last session Daniels...
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End of Year Interview: Indianapolis Mayor Greg...
Interview: Greg Ballard, Pt. 1
Interview: Greg Ballard, Pt. 2
As part of its series of year-end interviews with Indiana politicians, Indy Politics sat and visited with Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and chatted on a number of issues.
In Part 1, the Mayor talks about his agenda for next year, his relationship with the incoming Democratic majority and the future of any new smoking ban in...
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Super Prep for Super Bowl XLVI
Interview: Chairman Mark Miles
The organizers of Super Bowl 46 say they are ready to deal with political protests regarding “Right to Work” or the “Occupy Wall Street” movement next February.
Indianapolis is hosting the event and organizers Thursday unveiled the new traffic patterns for the event. Indy Politics interviewed Super Bowl Committee Chairman Mark Miles on...
Stateline.Org - More Schools Fail to Meet NCLB... →
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Smoking Ban Fails; Redistricting Plan Lives
Interview: Ryan Vaughn
Two controversial proposals met different fates Tuesday night in the Rules Committee of the Indianapolis City-County Council. A plan that would have expanded the current smoking ban failed 6-2 while a new proposed redistricting map passed 5-2.
Only two Republicans voting for the ban, author Ryan Vaughn and Rules Chairman Mike McQuillen. The three Democrats on the...