WISH Blogs » Jim Shella’s Political Blog

Maybe You Already Thought of This

Jim Shella — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 16:00:49 +0000

Maybe you already thought of this but current events in Washington are a great lesson in democracy.

It’s government action bracketed by two elections.

Barack Obama seeks the change he was elected to deliver in 2008 through cap and trade legislation and health care reform. He feels he has a mandate. He is making good on campaign promises, at least attempting to make good.

Meantime, members of Congress look ahead to the 2010 election and how it will affect them, not Obama. Rep. Baron Hill (d-Seymour) endorsed Obama early on and supported him on cap and trade. Now, with Republican Todd Young showing fundraising success in Hill’s 9th District and the GOP questioning campaign contributions to Hill on the eve of the cap and trade vote, he announces opposition to the current health care reform bill. The President needs to help him now.

Sen. Evan Bayh, enthusiastic in support of Obama at Indiana rallies last year, is suddenly his old, cautious self again. Republican Senator Richard Lugar beat him to the punch announcing support for Sonia Sotomayor. Bayh won’t take a public position on cap and trade or health care reform. The Democrat is on the ballot in 2010 and, though a prohibitive favorite for re-election, is taking no chances. He’s guy in the spotlight now.

The policy issues of 2009 will be campaign issues in 2010 and Barack Obama is not on the ballot. But, maybe you already though of that.

IWIR

Jim Shella — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:08:00 +0000

Topics today on Indiana Week in Review:

Evan Bayh’s fundraising success

Why Indiana is a health care reform battleground

5th District GOP fundraising

Tuition hikes at state universities

Wishard Hospital referendum plans

John Dillinger exhibit at the state library

Make Up Your Own Mind

Jim Shella — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:30:33 +0000

Republican Congressman Mike Pence will be in Iowa next week for two events, a picnic in Cedar Rapids and a fundraiser in Sioux City. There is already 2012 speculation surrounding the visit.

Pence says he is going only because Congressman Steve King invited him, says he’s been to other states in his leadership role among House Republicans, and says he’s traveling less than other members of the leadership team.

He also says he’s not closing the door to a run for President.

Advantage Messer

Jim Shella — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:13:52 +0000

Quarterly fundraising numbers are in for the Republican candidates looking to oust incumbent Dan Burton in the 5th Congressional District and Luke Messer is out front by a considerable distance.

Messer has $175,000 on hand. Mike Murphy has almost $81,000. Brose McVey has $80,000 and John McGoff $33,000.

Dan Burton has $418,000.

$12 Million Man

Jim Shella — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:41:43 +0000

Evan Bayh’s quarterly FEC report is ready for filing tomorrow. It shows cash on hand of more than $12 million (12,159,525.99 to be exact.)

Bayh raised almost $796,000 during the second quarter.

Those are numbers that will cause Republicans looking to take on the incumbent Democrat to have second thoughts. I’ll report on the prospects for a real Senate race in 2010 on 24 Hour News 8 at 6.

“Utterly Ridiculous”

Jim Shella — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:51:47 +0000

I just made a trip to the City County Building where you can pick up all the “Greg Ballard is quitting” rumors you can handle.

Ballard spokesman Robert Vane calls them “utterly ridiculous.” He says the Democrats who populate the building are trying to damage the Mayor’s credibility with no basis in fact.

IWIR

Jim Shella — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:30:39 +0000

This week’s topics on Indiana Week in Review:

GOP Chairman Michael Steele in Indianapolis

Americans for Mitch (new website)

Prison changes

BMV changes

Young Republicans convention in Indianapolis

Becky Skillman’s remarks at the state GOP Dinner

What if he had been successful?

Jim Shella — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:00:58 +0000

Rep. Tom Saunders (R-Lewisville) lost his bid to keep the Soldiers and Sailors Childrens’ Home open in Knightstown and he voted for the budget that zeroed out funding for the Home. Nevertheless, the American Legion will give Saunders its Distinguished Public Servant Award tomorrow. Here is what the release says:

“The American Legion award is given each year to state legislators for their work on various veterans’ issues. Rep. Saunders is receiving the award for his support for Hoosier veterans, but also for his work with the Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home in Knightstown.”

Low Key Michael Steele

Jim Shella — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:56:10 +0000

Republican National Chairman Michael Steele speaks to the state Republican Dinner tonight. He will not meet with the local media (though he did a telephone interview on Republican-friendly WIBC this morning.)

Trevor Foughty of the state GOP says Steele is arriving late because of a funeral and has no time for questions.

Could it be that a lower profile will also reduce the comparisons to the ability of Indiana Democrats to bring in Bill Clinton for their fundraiser? Or, maybe help Steele avoid more Sarah Palin questions?

Why the website?

Jim Shella — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:29:44 +0000

With all the speculation about Mitch Daniels place in the GOP, the encouragement for him to run for President, and his stated desire to return to private life after 2012, here’s a question: Why does the governor maintain a political website?

mymanmitch.com is up to date with video of speeches, news accounts, lists of accomplishments.. and .. a place to donate money.

It could be that Daniels needs the money to help out other candidates and not himself, maybe candidates for the Indiana House in 2010. He has a huge interest in the battle for control there.

But, could he be leaving a door open?