February 2012
109 posts
Feds Raid Business of Bartholomew County... →
Bartholomew County Democratic Chairman Jamie Johns business, Stat Ambulance Service, with locations in Columbus, Johnson and Monroe counties was raided this morning by FBI, Indiana Inspector General Police, US Attorney and CPD with a search warrant. Officers reportedly seized documents and computers along with other items.
Brown: Original Smoking Ban Is Dead
Smoking ban proponent State Representative Charlie Brown (D-Gary) says he will try to salvage as much of a statewide smoking ban as possible but admits the version that passed out of the House is pretty much dead.
The Indiana Senate Wednesday passed a smoking ban 29-21, but it was filled with a number of exemptions, including bars and taverns which smoking ban proponents say is crucial to...
Skeptical Supremes Hear Charlie White Case
The Indiana Supreme Court seemed very skeptical this morning as it heard arguments from both sides in the case involving whether former Secretary of State Charlie White was eligible to be on the ballot.
The arguments were fairly standard, the attorney for the State Recount Commission Stephen Creason and co-counsel David Brooks argued the commission found White was properly registered.
Karen...
Growing Payne
In the wake of new statistics showing a decrease in the number of child deaths to abuse and neglect, Indy Politics spoke with DCS Director Judge James Payne on how the agency reduced that number.
You can hear his comments below. We also spoke with Payne on what the agency is doing to improve its performance and whether it has become of the political target of Statehouse Democrats.
The...
Commentary: How a Smoking Ban Goes Up in Flames
There is a certain amount of irony to a smoking ban going up in flames, but to anyone who paid attention to this entire legislative process they should not be surprised at all.
Smoking ban proponents have been trying for years to get a comprehensive ban passed at the Statehouse. They would have come close last year had the political ignorance of some their advocates and lobbyists not been on...
Jim Shella: Osili Wants to be Secretary of State →
With the Indiana Supreme Court slated to hear arguments in the morning regarding the Secretary of State’s race, Jim Shella of WISH-TV is reporting after months of silence and no comment on the subject, Democrat Vop Osili would like to have the job.
Freedomworks Attacks Lugar on Residency →
Freedomworks is targeting U.S. Senator Dick Lugar over his residency encouraging supporters to send him a mock postcard to his Virgina address.
Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Deaths Cut in Half...
Although Indiana Statehouse Democrats have criticized the Daniels administration lately over the number of child deaths in the state due to abuse and neglect, a new report shows that number has dropped considerably over the past seven years.
According to the Indiana Department of Child Services latest report, in 2003, 51 children died of abuse and neglect. In 2010 that number had dropped to...
WISH-TV: Indiana's $2 Billion Unemployment Mess →
WISH-TV Channel 8’s investigative team takes a critical look at the state’s unemployment system which it concludes was “inefficient, poorly managed and sloppy.”
A Cocktails & Conversation Comeback?
Indy Politics is looking at bringing back an old favorite from a former life, Cocktails and Conversation.
As some of you know, C & C was a monthly tradition during my time as a radio talk show host. We’d fine a venue to meet in town, either smoking or non-smoking and get together for a few cocktails and some great conversation; sometimes we’d have a local or area news maker...
Smokin' Amendments
No city or local government could pass a smoking ban tougher than the state and limits would be placed on when tobacco could be sold are just a couple of the nearly two dozen amendments that have been filed to the statewide smoking ban which passed out of committee last week in the Indiana Senate.
A quick glance at the Indiana General Assembly’s website lists all the amendments that have...
The Coming Tiff Over TIFs
The next big fight between Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and the Democrat-controlled City County Council is like to center around the use of the economic develop tool known as tax increment financing, or TIFs.
TIFs are a common tool used by local governments. Under the TIF structure the increased property tax revenue from a certain area is not given to local governments but instead used to...
Your Right to Resist
Indiana State Representative Jud McMillin (R-Brookville) says lawmakers are balancing a Hoosier’s right to resist illegal entry by law enforcement with the rights of police to not be put in unnecessary danger.
McMillin spoke with Indy Politics this weekend. He says the House, which will take up amendments to SB 1 today, understands the needs of law enforcement, but also wants to make...
McGoff to RNCC: "Thanks, But No Thanks"
Citing low Congressional approval ratings, 5th District Congressional candidate John McGoff says he is turning down an offer to be part of the National Republican Campaign Committee’s “Young Guns” program for promising GOP candidates.
In a news release put out this morning McGoff cites Congress’ low approval ratings as the main reason.
“I’ve been listening...
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POLITICO: Lugar Fights for Reelection →
Politico delves into the 2010 U.S. Senate Primary here in Indiana examining what is being called Richard Lugar’s toughest fight of his political career.
The Cheat Sheet Is Out!!!
If you like political gossip, rumor and innuendo at the local and state level, then you will love the latest edition of “The Cheat Sheet” presented by 5-Star Transportation in Indianapolis.
In this edition…
Sorry, Charlie
No Win with Jim
What About Bob?
Treacy v. Parker (again)
TIF for TAT
And much more. If you are a subscriber, the Cheat Sheet will be in your mailbox...
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What About Bob?
A website that specializes in debunking Internet rumors and urban legends has chimed in on State Representative Bob Morris’ claim that the Girl Scouts of America promote a “pro abortion/homosexual” agenda.Morris touched of a statehouse firestorm which later garnered national attention with his comments regarding the girl scouts. He voted against a House resolution honoring the...
CW: Politico Says It's Pences To Lose →
Our friends at Capitol and Washington have picked up on a Politico article that has become another indicator that universal Armageddon not withstanding, Mike Pence will likely be the next Governor of Indiana.
Darvel Communications: "Setting the Scene" →
Local politico and communications guru Jennifer Wagner offers some thoughts on Mitt Romeny’s latest political adventure.
WISH-TV: White Elated for Sentencing →
Former Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White says he is “elated” for being sentenced to home detention after being convicted of several felony counts, including fraud, perjury and theft.
AG Pulling Double Duty In Charlie White Case →
There apparently is some confusion over how the Indiana Attorney General’s Office can handle both the Appellate prosecution in the Charlie White criminal case and represent the Recount Commission in the civil lawsuit.
The link above is an attempt to explain how Greg Zoeller coordinated the double duty.
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Election Commission Votes To Keep Wallace Off the...
The Indiana Election Commission voted 3-1 to keep Republican Gubernatorial Challenger Jim Wallace off the ballot.
Challengers to Wallace’s candidacy said he did not have enough signatures to be on the ballot, falling 14 short of the 500 needed from the 7th Congressional District. Wallace said he had more than enough signatures to be on the ballot and blamed the Marion County Voter...
Do You Like To Watch? →
The Indiana Election Commission is meeting this morning to decide whether a number of candidates will survive challenges and stay on the ballot. You can click on the above link and watch.
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Charlie's Trial (Raw Audio)
The following is audio from the Charlie White trial. The first cut is special prosecutors Dan Sigler and John Dowd. The Second clip is White defense attorney Carl Brizzi. Both cuts run approximately 5 minutes. Due to the importance of this case, the audio is unedited.
Leon-Tailored Interview: Charlie White Prosecution
Leon-Tailored Interview: Charlie White Defense
Editor’s Note: Audio...
One Year for White
A Hamilton County Judge today sentenced former Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White to 1 year home detention and ordered him to pay a $1,000 fine for voter fraud, perjury and theft.
White was convicted last month for voting from his ex-wife’s address during the May 2010 primary. White’s attorney, Carl Brizzi, had requested the felonies be reduced to misdemeanors. Doing so...
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Indiana AG: Lugar "Residency" Not an Issue
The Indiana Attorney General’s Office has issued an informal opinion saying U.S. Senator Richard Lugar is a resident of Indiana and did not lose his residency when he and his family purchased a home in Virgina.
Lugar has come under fire by primary opponent Richard Mourdock and Tea Party supporters for listing his former home as his residence, although he and his family have lived in...
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Smoking Bans & Property Rights
The Chairman of the Senate Rules and Public Policy Committee says the battle lines in the smoking ban fight will likely turn on how his colleagues feel about property rights.
Speaking to Indy Politics Ron Alting of Lafayette says every knows about the dangers associated with smoking, the question will be how far lawmakers are willing to go in dictating to a person what he or she can or...
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Unions Sue Over Right to Work
A while back, Indy Politics reported that labor was looking at filing a lawsuit to block Right to Work. Well, they did.
In a news release put out late Wednesday afternoon, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 filed suit in federal court claiming RTW violates for the state and federal constitutions. The are seeking a temporary restraining order.
In their release, the unions...
CW: Dan Paker's Favorite Republican →
The bloggers at Capitol & Washington take Tea Party activists to task saying they are doing the work of the Indiana Democratic Party.
When Lugar Met Mourdock
U.S. Senator Richard Lugar and Indiana State Treasurer Richard Mourdock will meet in their first, and likely only, primary debate on Wednesday April 11.
The debate is being hosted by the Indiana Debate Commission. Details such as time and moderator will be worked out later, however the debate will be broadcast from the WFYI studios in downtown Indianapolis.
The primary is May 8.
Indy...
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Senate Committee to Hear Smoking Ban Today
The Senate Rules and Public Policy Committee will hear legislation today that would give bars and taverns in Indiana 18 months to go smoke free.
The Committee will hear HB 1149, which would ban smoking in most public places except cigar bars, private clubs, casinos and racinos. However bars and taverns would have a year and a half before they would become non-smoking.
Brad Klopfenstein of...
Guest Commentary: Hand-Ups vs. Hand-Outs
It is imperative that we change our system of government to provide positive incentives for people to make good decisions. I am of the philosophy that people respond to consequences for actions, good or bad. This belief led me to author a bill that would help the poorest of our poor elevate out of poverty. House Bill 1007 would drug test recipients of state assistance to ensure that...
The Cheat Sheet Is Out
The latest edition of the Cheat Sheet is going out today. In this edition we have the latest gossip, rumor and political innuendo regarding the following…
Dick Lugar’s unlikely ally in Residency Challenge.
Some new poll numbers in the U.S. Senate and Gov Race.
Statehouse Skeletons
Ed Treacy Goes After Dan Parker (Again)
Political Potpourri
If you are a subscriber, it will be...
Current: Brizzi Talks Charlie White Verdict →
With convicted Secretary of State Charlie White facing sentencing on Thursday, attorney Carl Brizzi speaks to Current about the guilty verdict, the intent to appeal and the decision to offer no defense at trial.
Morris: "99% of Girl Scout Troops Are Excellent"
An Indiana House Lawmaker who accused the Girl Scouts of promoting homosexuality and abortion says he doesn’t have a problem with 99% of the Girl Scout organizations.
Bob Morris (R-Ft. Wayne) sent a letter to his fellow House freshmen saying he could not sign on to a resolution honoring the 100 years of the Girl Scouts history.
A copy of the letter is available here.
Indy Politics spoke...
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Lugar: "I Meet the Residency Requirements"
U.S. Senator Richard Lugar today says despite charges to the contrary, he is a resident of Indiana and meets all the requirements to be on the ballot for the May 8 primary.
Lugar made his comments to the media shortly before speaking to hundreds of Republicans at the 22nd Annual Lugar in Excellence in Public Service Luncheon.
Lugar said he meets the residency requirements to be on the ballot,...
Despite the current dismay some Republicans may...
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So How Does It End?
Although the current session of the Indiana General Assembly began with the bang of “Right to Work” it looks like it will end with a whimper and earlier than scheduled.
House Speaker Brian Bosma has told the media he plans to wrap up by March 9, a week earlier than the original sine die date of March 14.
Indy Politics spoke with Jon Ketzenbeger of the Indiana Fiscal Policy...
The Week Ahead
Mark your calenders, there are quite a few important events coming up this week (and next) in Indiana politics.
Wednesday, Feb 22
Senate Public Policy Committee hears smoking ban legislation - 1:30 p.m.
Gridiron Dinner - Indiana Roof Ballroom - 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 23
Charlie White sentencing - Hamilton County Courthouse - 3:00 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 24
Indiana Election Commission...
POLITICO: They Still Want Daniels to Run for... →
POLITICO is reporting this morning that due to Mitt Romney’s anemic limp to the GOP nomination for President the calls are re-emerging for Mitch Daniels to get into the race, despite the Governor saying, thank, but no thanks.
Southern IN Lawmaker Says They Need to Look Into... →
In a weekend appearance on “Lawmakers” State Senator Vaneta Becker tells Eric Bradner of the Evansville Courier-Press that lawmakers need to take a second look at the Rockport Coal-to-Gas so that ratepayers aren’t on the hook for millions of dollars.
Jim Shella: 21 Lawmakers Won't Seek Re-election →
WISH-TV Statehouse Report blogs on the exodus of lawmakers from the Statehouse this year. 21 in total, mostly Democrats.
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Analysis: The 5th District Follies
I am hoping the race for Indiana’s 5th District Congressional will turn into the greatest political show on earth and not just become another Congressional race.
Think about it. A long-time incumbent who just barely won re-election the last go around by the skin of his false teeth decided to exercise the better part of political valor and exit (stage right, of course). The challengers...
NUVO: How The Smoking Ban Went Up In Flames →
In my regular NUVO column I offer up a theory on how the City of Indianapolis Smoking ban was killed, ironically, by its biggest proponents.
SBT: Decision Expected Soon In Presidential... →
The South Bend Tribune is reporting that St. Joseph County Prosecutor Michael Dvorak expects to decide “very soon” whether criminal charges will be filed in a case involved forged ballot signatures stemming from the 2008 Presidential Primary involving Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton.
Alting; Smoking Ban Should Have a Full Senate Vote
The Chairman of the Indiana Senate Rules and Public Policy Committee tells Indy Politics he plans to call the smoking ban bill next week and his goal is to get it to the full floor for a vote and let its fate be decided there.
The Indiana House passed a smoking that bans smoking in most public places with exemptions for cigar and hookah bars, private clubs and casinos and rations. The House...
Got a Question For the Candidates?
Got a question you’d like to pose for tonight’s 5th District Congressional forum in Fishers? Indy Politics will be one of the moderators. We will be spending part of the day preparing some questions and would like to hear from you. You can e-mail your question to info@indypolitics.org or abdul@indypolitics.org. If you have a good one, we’ll try to get it in tonight’s...