Indiana House Democratic Caucus

John Polles, HD 26: Candidate Forum Today

From - Jconline.com -

The Lafayette Ledger newspaper will sponsor a bipartisan candidates forum at 6:30 p.m. today at Whole Truth Apostolic Faith Assembly Church, 901 S. 19th St.

The event is open to all political candidates in the fall elections. Candidates who have confirmed they will attend are John Basham, Sheila Klinker, John Polles, David Woolums and Kathy Vernon.

The Lafayette Ledger is a free monthly newspaper that covers minority issues and activities in Greater Lafayette.

Learn More about John Polles Here

South Bend Tribune Endorses Democrats for State House; Endorsements: The Indiana General Assembly

From - South Bend Tribune -

The South Bend Tribune endorses the following Democrats for State House Representative:

Speaker of the House B. Patrick Bauer, HD 6;
Incumbent Craig R. Fry, HD 5;
Incumbent David Niezgodski, HD 7;
Incumbant Ryan Dvorak, HD 8;
and Incumbent Nancy Dembowski, HD 17.
Read Article

The Herald Bulletin EDITORIAL: Three Dems Best Suited for Representative

From - The Herald Bulletin -

The Herald Bulletin endorses Lee Ann Mengelt, HD 35; Incumbent Terri Austin, HD 36; and Incumbent Scott E. Reske, HD 37 for State House Representative. Read Article

Mary Ann Sullivan, HD 97: Indystar: These Candidates Earned our Support

From - Indystar.com -Indy Star Endorses Mary Ann Sullivan -

Sullivan, meanwhile, has developed a detailed and thoughtful plan on the economy, taxes, government reform, health care and education.

Sullivan, an education consultant, proposes providing incentives for teachers to stay in the profession, developing pre-kindergarten programs and fully funding all-day kindergarten.

The Editorial Board recommends Sullivan. Read Article

Learn More About Mary Ann At Her Website: http://www.maryannforhouse.com/

Myron Sutton, HD 15: Lehe, Sutton Face Off Once Again

From -NWI Times -

Best known for his eight years as the Newton County sheriff, Myron Sutton's ties, however, extend across the district.

"I think I really understand the neighborhoods and the culture," Sutton said, explaining that he was born in Hammond, his wife is from Crown Point, they were married in Cedar Lake, and have numerous family members and friends in Lowell and Lake Dalecarlia.

"I'm proud to say that I've knocked on more than 14,000 doors in the district," Sutton said, adding that each encounter helps him to understand the needs of the people living there.

He's learned, Sutton said, that some people have had to go out of state to find jobs, and that's why he believes strongly in helping small businesses.

"They are an important part of our economy," he said, noting that he will push hard for loans and tax incentives to help small businesses. He also favors worker retraining programs that would be available at any point in a person's career. Read Article

Learn More About Myron Sutton At: http://www.myronsutton.com/homepage.html

Paul Robertson Faces Challenger in District 70

From - News and Tribune -

Robertson said the state legislature has provided $870 million in immediate tax relief for homeowners as well as passed legislation which provides permanent caps and protects senior citizens.

Robertson said voters can expect a strong voice for south central Indiana, lasting property tax reform, more jobs created by helping businesses expand and recruiting of new companies to diversify the economy. He also said lower cost of prescription drugs and expansion of choice of home health care programs would be a priority. Read Article

Learn More About State Representative Paul Robertson Here

Borders, Marshall face off in District 45

From - The Washington Time Herald -

Rick Marshall, 52, a rural Vincennes Democrat, is a long-time high school teacher at North Knox. For many years, he was the very successful head coach of the varsity girls basketball team.

"As a person who has never held public office, I believe I offer a common sense approach to state government that has been lacking in recent years. I feel I understand the concerns of the people of the 45th district and passionately care about the future welfare of southwestern Indiana."

Both candidates were e-mailed identical questions to answer. Read Article

Learn more about Rick Marshall Here

Indystar Endorses John Barnes, HD 89: Choices for 8 Seats Include 2 Newcomers

From - Indystar.com -

The race to replace longtime Republican Rep. Lawrence Buell, who is retiring, pits Warren Central High School teacher John Barnes against Sallie Mae loan officer Chris Swatts.

Now as then, Barnes advocates lasting property tax relief that proceeds carefully so as to avoid unintended negative consequences. Accordingly, he does not share Swatts' support for an immediate constitutional amendment locking in rates, preferring first to assess the impact of the caps on small business.

On education in general, Barnes brings expertise and passion at a crucial time for the state and its economy. Read Article

Learn more about John Barnes at his website: http://johnbarnes.us/

Myron Sutton, HD 15: Economy, Jobs Top Dist. 15 Issues

From - Post-Tribune -

Myron Sutton, a Democrat who lost to Lehe by 26 votes two years ago, is vying again to represent the sprawling district that encompasses rural, suburban and urban areas across four counties, three media markets and two time zones.

"People aren't happy with the way things are going," said Sutton, a former Newton County Sheriff. District 15 has lost jobs to the slumping economy, he added, and the school district is not adequately preparing students for the job market. "Indiana's lost over 63,000 jobs since Jan. 1. These families are moving out of the state," Sutton said. Read Article

Learn more about Myron Sutton at: www.myronsutton.com

John Polles, HD 26: Candidates Plan to Back Purdue

From - Jconline.com -

"With education being my No. 1 priority, I would very much be the champion of making sure Purdue, and all other institutions, get what they ask for," said John Polles, the Democrat running for the Indiana House seat in the District 26. Read More

Learn More about John Polles Here

Sandy Blanton, HD 62: Election, Debates and Voters

From - Times-Mail News -

Local Candidates to Debate October 23rd

That will happen starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, thanks to some good folks at Oakland City University Bedford, 405 I St.

Kay Collins, the person who runs the Bedford campus, will be one of the moderators. I will be the other. The questions, by and large, will come from OCUB students. The answers will come from people seeking state office from local districts.

Among the participants: State Representative District 62: Democrat Sandy Blanton, the incumbent, and Republican Brook Tarr. Both are from Orange County. Read Article

Nancy Dembowski, HD 17: Clerk's Office Keeping Busy with Absentee Voting

From - The Pilot News -

Nancy Dembowski, HD 17: According to Mary Ann Miller who is working with absentee voting, there have been approximately 100 people voting each day. As of Tuesday, 814 voters had taken advantage of absentee voting as walk-ins in the office and another 924 ballots have been received by mail.

Mail-in ballots must be received in the office of the county clerk by noon the Monday before Election Day - Nov. 3 for the General Election. Absentee voting is available in the office from 29 days before Election Day until noon the day before the General Election. Read More

John Polles, HD 26: Four Local Candidates Debate

From - WLFI.com -

West Lafayette, Ind. (WLFI) The candidates agreed on many points, but here is a look at the issues that separated them. Read Article

Sandy Blanton, HD 62: Candidate Forum Thursday

From - Times-Mail News -

BEDFORD - Voters can hear from candidates for state office during an hour-long forum Thursday.

The session will start at 7 p.m. at Oakland City University Bedford, 405 I St. It will last one hour. Read More

House Speaker Patrick Bauer: Helping Families Realize Their Dreams

From - Indystar.com -

The past four years have demonstrated the hazards of state government under one-party control and the benefits that can come from having Democrats in control of the Indiana House of Representatives.

In 2005 and 2006, complete Republican control led to local property taxes increasing by nearly $1 billion, a reduction in funding for public education that forced many schools to cut programs and lay off staff and the start of a wholesale effort to sell our state's assets to foreign interests.

In 2007 and 2008, bipartisan control with Democrats in charge of the Indiana House meant setting aside politics and working together to pass a balanced state budget, cutting property taxes by more than $1 billion, making health care available to many people who could not afford it, and curbing the governor's impulses to sell everything in sight.

With Democrats in control, Hoosiers are assured that the House will fight for the interests of Indiana families. Read Article

John Barnes, HD 89: Indiana House Candidate Seconds Tougher Background Checks on Teachers

From - Indystar.com -

John Barnes, a Warren Township teacher and candidate for Indiana House District 89, said he wants to create a stronger state system to ensure teachers with criminal pasts aren't in Indiana classrooms. His proposal closely mirrors a plan floated this week by the state teachers union. Read Article

Mary Ann Sullivan: District 97 Voters Have Tough Choice

From - Indystar.com -

Two top-notch candidates from Indianapolis are vying for a legislative seat that could go a long way toward deciding which party controls the Indiana House for the next two years.

In this district, Democrat Mary Ann Sullivan is challenging first-term Republican Rep. Jon Elrod for a seat that stretches from Downtown to the Near Southside and includes landmarks such as Lucas Oil Stadium and Garfield Park, as well as numerous hard-hit neighborhoods not far away.

The race is crucial for both political parties. House Democrats have enjoyed a two-seat majority for the past two years and would bolster their chances of retaining control in the chamber if they could grab the Republican-controlled seat. GOP leaders, meanwhile, know it will be hard to reclaim the majority they lost two years ago if they don't hold onto the 97th District.

Indiana Democratic Party Chairman Dan Parker called District 97 "the No.1 seat" on the Democratic list of targets.

Elrod won his seat by only eight votes in 2006. Read Article

State Rep. Ryan Dvorak, HD 8, Top Blogger

From - Lawmakers.com

State Representative for Indiana and Lawmakers top blogger Ryan Dvorak continues to use his blog to communicate with and inform his constituents. Learn more about and communicate with Ryan Dvorak at www.ryandvorak.com

Scott E. Reske, HD 37: Gaskill Refuses Second Public Forum

From - The Herald Bulletin -

ANDERSON - With just 20 days until the election, Republican state representative candidate Kelly Gaskill has refused incumbent state Rep. Scott Reske's challenge to meet in a second public forum for District 37 candidates. Read More

Scott E. Reske, State Representative, HD 37

Scott E. Reske Press Releases

State Representative Scott Reske is the first Indiana legislator since WWII to serve in combat while in office. Scott has recently served in Iraq and Haiti. During that service he received the Meritorious Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.

In December of 2001, Scott E. Reske was appointed to serve as the State Representative for District 37. Scott quickly earned a reputation as a very effective legislator and one of Indiana's brightest leaders. Scott E. Reske was one of the first legislators to advocate for the replacement of property taxes. As a fairly new representative, Scott successfully authored the first true legislation aimed at the replacement of property taxes. His legislation required state government to study alternatives, many of which were incorporated into the 2008 Property Tax Reform bill (HB 1001).

Scott E. Reske's legislative passion and talent is economic development and the creation of jobs in Madison County. He has served on state and national committees concerning economic development in Indiana and the Midwest.

Learn more about Scott Reske at http://reskeforindiana.org/

Down Ballot Democrats Would Improve County

From - Purdue Exponent -

The down ballot races get less attention than the presidential election between Obama and McCain. However, these races offer the same clear choices between progressive Democrats and conservative Republicans.

Retired professor John Polles is running for State Representative against the conservative former West Lafayette City Councilman Randy Truitt, who has a long record of opposing progressive budgets and policies. This is another opportunity to elect a strong advocate for Purdue. Read Article

Shelli VanDenburgh: House District 19 Candidates Face off at C.P. Forum

From -NWI Times -

CROWN POINT State Rep. Shelli VanDenburgh, D-Crown Point, and political newcomer Republican nominee Bill Johnson will face off on the November ballot, but members of the Greater Crown Point Chamber of Commerce listened to the two discuss their views on taxes, jobs and education at a candidate forum Thursday morning.

VanDenburgh, 39, who left her job in the Lake County Clerk's Office to focus on the office full time, said she voted for the property tax relief plan last session that created $870 million in tax cuts and has heard anecdotally from homeowners their property taxes are down about 30 percent. She said she will vote in favor of the plan again to make the tax caps permanent.

"No one likes to wonder what their property tax bill will be," she said. Read Article

Ryan Dvorak, State Representative HD 8: Golf Courses Seek Reclassification as Farmland

From - Ryan Dvorak for State Representative -

Indiana golf course owners plan on asking the Legislature to classify their businesses as agricultural, rather than commercial property.

Under the new property tax cap system, agricultural land receives a 2% cap, while commercial land receives a higher 3% cap.

If successful in their efforts, golf courses stand to save on their property tax bills. One local course estimates a potential $14,000 savings. However, St. Joseph County estimates the change could cost the county around $100,000. Read More

PSG Hosts Truitt, Polles for Representative Debate

From - Purdue Exponent -

The Purdue community will have the opportunity to witness a debate between two state representative candidates Monday.

The debate, hosted by Purdue Student Government, features Councilor Randy Truitt and John Polles, both of whom are running in Indiana's 26th District. Read More

State Reps Take Up Valley Concerns

From - Tribune Star -

TERRE HAUTE - Questions ranging from streamlining government and education to puppy mills and hate crimes were addressed by candidates for state representative at a forum on Wednesday.

In today's tough economic times, Democrat Nancy Michael, District 44 candidate, said she would like to look at some of the larger state departments such as IDEM and INDOT to make sure they weren't overspending and look to invest money into economic development and alternative energy. Read More

John Barnes, HD 89, to Union Members "Member-to-Member Contact is the Key to Success in November!

From - Indiana AFL-CIO Labor 2008 -

"With your help getting the word out through member-to-member contact- on the phones, at the doorstep- I know we can finally have a candidate in district 89 who supports working families! And in a district where we have Navistar, in the district where we have Amtrak, in the district where we have so many hard working people- they're listening- because you're getting the word out. So from the East side, thank you. And I promise you, you've been there for me and I'll be there for you! Thank you!" Read More

Statehouse Candidate Mary Ann Sullivan (HD-97) to Union Members "Keep Walking!"

From - Indiana AFL-CIO Labor 2008 -

"I can not tell you how important it is that all union members get out, talk to each other, and make sure get out the vote so we can elect the candidates who will protect the rights of working families across this state!" says statehouse candidate for house district 97, Mary Ann Sullivan.
Read More

Ryan Dvorak, HD 8: The Environmental Quality Service Council (EQSC) Completes 2008 Meetings

From - Ryan Dvorak for State Representative

Ryan Dvorak: "The Environmental Quality Service Council (EQSC) has completed its 2008 meetings, and the final report should be available online soon. I had the opportunity to serve as chairman of this interim study committee this year. We received some informative testimony about a range of important environmental and energy issues that the Legislature will be likely dealing with next year."

"At our final meeting on October 8th, we were able to unanimously agree to the following recommendations for inclusion in the final report:" Read Recommendations

Birch Bayh at Rally

HARTFORD CITY - Former U.S. Sen. Birch Bayh will appear today at a Democratic rally at the 4-H Building on the fairgrounds, touting the campaigns of the party's presidential nominee, Barack Obama; Indiana House candidate Joe Pearson and other local candidates.

The public is invited to the event, set to begin at 9:30 a.m.

Joe Pearson, Democratic Candidate HD 31 : Competitive House District 31 Race Draws Money, Controversy

From - The Star Press -

Blackford County farmer Joe Pearson, 66, is this election's Democratic nominee, and brings a lifetime of agriculture and business knowledge to the plate in a "no-holds- barred" contest that is being played by both state Democratic and Republican party organizations. Read Article

Dems Tout Obama's Green Thinking

From - The Herald Journal -

ANDERSON - State-level Democrats and other supporters of Sen. Barack Obama teamed up Tuesday for a forum discussing the presidential candidate's approach to technology and green jobs. Read Article

Andy Schemenaur, HD 33: Local Candidates Speak at Community Forum

From - Winchester News Gazette -

Andy Schemenaur (Democrat): "I am running for office because I want to respond to the needs of our community. People are searching for someone who will provide opportunities for families. We have a plan for green technology jobs that will also provide wind and solar energy for local residents."

"We have to provide tax incentives for new technology. We have a health care plan that will help small businesses to provide insurance at a lesser rate. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. I am a fiscal conservative and I feel we need to spend our dollars wisely. I have the ability to lead, to assess situations and to help make this a place to successfully pursue a productive future." Read article

State Rep. Vern Tincher Notes Nonpartisan Agency's Data Showing Reduced Property Taxes on 97 Percent of Vigo County Homes

INDIANAPOLIS - Reforms supported by State Rep. Vern Tincher (D-Riley) during the 2007 and 2008 sessions of the Indiana General Assembly have reduced property taxes on nearly 97 percent of homes in Vigo County, according to a study conducted by a nonpartisan legislative agency. Read More

Mary Ann Sullivan, HD 97, Takes Questions from the Media

Watch Video Here

Reske Challenges Candidates to Second Public Forum

From - Anderson Free Press -

ANDERSON, IN - Today State Representative Scott Reske (D-Pendleton) is asking both of his opponents for State Representative District 37 to join him in a second public forum. "To direct the focus of this race to real issues, I challenge Kelly Gaskill and Robert Jozwiak to a second public forum where we can discuss the true issues at stake in this election - jobs, property taxes, high gas prices, and illegal immigration," said Reske. "I believe that a dignified public forum is what people really want from candidates." Read Article

ELECTION '08: Indiana House District 43

From - Tribune Star -

Republican Ryan Cummins, 52, advocates limited government, allowing people "to pursue their own life largely using their own money." Democrat Rep. Clyde Kersey, D-Terre Haute, a former Vigo County councilman, said "we need to use government to lay a foundation of support in all aspects of our society." Read Article

VIDEO: Mary Ann Sullivan Unveils "The Mary Ann Plan" (HD97)

Watch video Here -

Learn more about Mary Ann at her website - http://www.maryannforhouse.com/

Pat Bauer

From - Journal Gazette -

Pat Bauer, speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, was in Fort Wayne last week. Bauer, 64, a Democrat from South Bend, has served in the legislature since 1970. He grew up in the South Bend area and has degrees from Notre Dame and Indiana University. He spoke with editorial writer Stacey Stumpf about the coming election and tax issues likely to be discussed in the next legislative session. Read Article

Dems Rally Support at Annual JJ Dinner

From - Herald Journal -

The praises of state representative district 15 candidate Myron Sutton were sung by Clear...
Read Article

Elect Myron Sutton For State House Representative District 15

Myron Sutton is a life long resident in the area and while serving 8 years as Newton County Sheriff was recognized as an innovative and highly effective crime fighter. During that time Myron managed the budgets for the Sheriff's department and jail, and has never been over budget at the end of any year. He is both educated and experienced in management and fiscal responsibility. Managing line item budgets that exceed millions of dollars annually, Myron will take the knowledge of local issues with him to the State House and make decisions that are in the best interest of our residents.

More than anything he understands the challenges average hoosiers are facing in these tough economic times. A fiscal conservative, he will put working families first by bringing more and better paying jobs to Benton, Lake, Newton and White Counties, fight for permanent tax relief, eliminate the sales tax on gasoline and fight illigal immigration by penalizing businesses that hire illegal aliens.

After retirement, Myron took employment as a special investigator for a labor-management group, the Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting. Myron investigates publicly funded construction projects and allegations of improper funding and unethical business practices. Myron still stays active in local government and serves as an executive board member for Newton County's Economic Development Commission.

If you have questions or concerns you can reach Myron directly at 219-869-0108, or to learn more about Myron you can visit his website at www.myronsutton.com

Davis, Schemenaur Square off for House District 33 Seat

From - The Star Press -

Schemenaur, 54, a school administrator and fourth-generation farmer, admitted it was an uphill battle challenging an incumbent, adding he had support from labor, teachers and the Indiana Democratic Party, which has helped fund direct mail and television advertising.

"I have more of an understanding for what people need," Schemenaur said this week as he was working on his farm.

Schemenaur also wants state sales tax taken off gasoline sales and a state investigation into price gouging.

Michelle McShane, a business software analyst, knows Schemenaur because he is principal at her son's school, Jay East Elementary.

"He is very involved in the school and is always there greeting the kids," said McShane. "If you have any problems, he will make time for you."

McShane said many people opposed the ethanol plant which Davis supported, which is a mile from the local high school.

"(Schemenaur) is much more in touch with the people," she said. Read Article

Interview with Bob Bischoff, State House Representative, HD 68

From - Flypod.com -

Listen to Bob Bischoff Interview on Politically Correct - Click Here

Candidates for State Representative Address Issues

From - The Herald Bulletin -

Lee Ann Mengelt, Democratic Candidate for State Representative HD 35, who is from Elwood and now lives in Delaware County, has spent 30 years in health care and wants to make it a priority that more Hoosiers have access to health care, especially during an economic downturn.

"As we continue to lose more jobs in the area, we have more and more people without health care" she said. Read Article

Former Senator Kicks off Campus Voting

From - Indiana Statesman -

"This is an opportunity for the Obama supporters and those that want to make a difference in our country, to cast their ballots early," said Vern Tincher, District 46 representative in the Indiana House of Representatives. "This is an opportunity for everyone to make sure their vote is going to count." Read Article

St. Francis Neighborhood Health Center: Another Project Supported by Pamela Hickman, Candidate for HD 87

The sisters of St Francis realized in the late 1990’s that more and more patients were showing up in the emergency room and sometime for the same compliant without taking prescribed medications. The problem was a growing population of uninsured patients who could not afford their medications or regular doctor’s office visits. It did not take much convincing of the St Francis family to agree that this was in line with the St. Francis mission.

To get started, money needed to be raised. Pamela Hickman, wife of Cardiologist Dr. Buzz Hickman, stepped up to help lead this campaign. Some money was raised, building was renovated and The St Francis Neighborhood Health Center was born.

The Medical Director, Dr. Mercy Obeime, states ‘If what I have done in the clinic has made a difference, then Pam Hickman deserves most of the credit. From that first conversation to this day, Pam has been there, usually behind the scenes, encouraging me and making sure we have what we need to do the work that needs to be done to care for so many.’ Read Article

Learn more about Pam at her website: http://www.pamhickman.org/

Re-elect Vern Tincher for State Representative

Vern Tincher supports common-sense property tax reform. He voted in favor of $870 million in relief for homeowners, permanent caps on property taxes and additional protections for senior citizens. Vern works to keep our taxes fair while making sure government provides the essential services we expect.

Vern Tincher chairs the Veterans Affair and Safety Committee. He co-authored legislation which will provide free tuition at any state supported college or university for Hoosier veterans who have served on active duty in a war zone since 2001.
Learn more about Vern Tincher by visiting his website at repverntincher.com

Our View: Vote Early if you Can't Make it to the Polls Nov. 4

From - The Star Press -

It's important to plan now to become an informed voter and to make sure your vote gets cast and counted by Nov. 4.

Turnout on election day is expected to be heavy, with long lines and possible waits. Those who will be out of town or worry they won't have time to make it to the polls or stand in line on election day can vote early, either in person or by absentee ballot. Read Article

State Rep. Scott Reske Proposes Further Legislation of Mortgage Lending Practices

From - The Herald Bulletin -

In the past year, the number of home foreclosures nationwide has been a sobering and depressing statistic. Many of the foreclosures can be traced back to subprime loans, which were given out in droves by mortgage brokers.

One way Indiana is being proactive is through a law that went into effect Aug. 5. Mortgage brokers will have to pass new standards in order to maintain their licenses in Indiana. When Aug. 5 arrived, nearly 40 percent of Indiana brokers were barred from plying their trade because they were not qualified.

State Rep. Scott Reske, D-Pendleton, wants to go further. He proposes legislation that would do away with pre-payment penalties. These penalties are used by brokers to keep borrowers from refinancing too soon. Reske also wants to see lenders include taxes and insurance premiums in mortgage payments, so that the borrower takes into account such expenses.

"All of these laws should be put into effect to protect homeowners from possible foreclosure and predatory lending practices. Facing foreclosure is sad and frightening. Indiana ranks 11th in foreclosure filings", according to Reske.

In an industry that abhors any government regulation, it is clear that lending institutions are overdue for oversight. If such regulations had been in place, the foreclosure crisis would not have been as severe and many people who lost their homes would still be in them. Read Article

The Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor is Holding a Walk for State Rep. Shelli VanDenburgh

The Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor is holding a walk for State Rep. Shelli VanDenburgh. The walk begins at 8 a.m. Saturday at Bronko's, 1244 N. Main St. in Crown Point. Breakfast is provided. Call 746-0725 for more information.

State Rep. Shelli VanDenburgh is the third generation of her family to be born and raised in Indiana House District 19 (Lake, Newton and Porter Counties).

Her main policy interests include education, implementing a state health care system and developing long-term solutions to the current property tax crisis.

You can learn more about Shelli by visiting her website at - www.voteforshelli.com

RELEASE: Pam Hickman Proposes to Halt Taxation by Classification (HD87)

From - Hoosier Political Report -

Indianapolis - District 87 Indiana House candidate Pam Hickman believes SJR 1 effectively scraps the "uniform and equal" language in the Indiana Constitution. Pam Hickman, the Democratic candidate for House District 87, today announced her support for measures that would prevent SJR 1, proposed amendment to the state constitution, to limit maximum property taxes that are imposed on property - 1% for homesteads, 2% for rental properties and 3% for businesses.

"My concern is for the small businesses and their employees located in District 87. Many of these same business owners and many of their employees live in District 87. It may well mean that a business could not afford to offer health insurance to their workers, hire new employees, or give raises. Worst of all, it may mean that a business may have to close or move to another area. This concern holds true in all parts of our state. This circuit-breaker property tax cap would establish a state policy that says, "Business property should be taxed up to three times the rate of other property". This course of action is not necessary to provide meaningful property tax relief and proves damaging to our economy. "

Pam's campaign has contacted the Republican candidate Cindy Noe several times to meet in a town forum type environment although she has not, as yet, agreed it is a necessary part of her campaign to reach out to business and property owners. Read More

Democratic Candidate Andy Schemenaur : More Sub-Prime Regulation Necessary

From - The Star Press -
PORTLAND - The home foreclosure crisis for Hoosiers became a hot button in the Indiana House District 33 race Monday with Democratic challenger Andy Schemenaur wanting more state regulations on sub-prime loans.

Schemenaur, a school administrator and fourth-generation farmer, also criticized incumbent Rep. Bill Davis, R-Portland, for voting against mortgage foreclosure counseling and the funding for it during the last session of the Legislature.

"It is everyone's best interests that we address this housing crisis," said Schemenaur, given a recent study by the Center for Responsible Lending projected more than 48,000 homes in Indiana will be foreclosed this year. Read article

Obama/Delaney Get Out The Vote Rally - Tuesday, October 7, 5:30-8:00pm

Join Barack Obama and Joe Biden volunteers and supporters together with Ed Delaney-candidate for Indiana State House, district 86-and his supporters for a rally to gear up for the last 30 days of the election.

Stop by to have a Burger, Brat, or Hot Dog as we wind down voter registration and team up to do the last bit of work to put Barack and Joe into the White House, and Delaney into the State House.

The event is free and open to the public, all that we ask is that you RSVP.
Early voting begins on October 6th, so you can come to learn about that, meet with other volunteers, and learn how to best help out both campaigns. The event will be held at the home of Ray and Linda Baker, 55 Highland Manor Court S, Indianapolis, IN 46228 Click here to sign up and get directions

Meet Vern Tincher!

As our District 46 State Representative, Vern Tincher fights for
working families at the Statehouse. He shares our
traditional Hoosier values - fair taxes, good jobs, quality
schools, affordable health care. Vern Tincher listens to
us and works with us to improve our local communities.

Vern Tincher is working hard to bring stable, good-paying jobs to west central Indiana. He is helping existing businesses expand through the use of state incentives and grants, focusing on emerging technologies in recruiting new
employers and ensuring that our workers have the best possible education and training.

Vern Tincher supports common-sense property tax reform. He voted in favor of $870 million in relief for homeowners, permanent caps on property taxes and additional protections for senior citizens. Vern works to keep our taxes fair while making sure government provides the essential services we expect.

Vern Tincher supported legislation to provide 130,000 uninsured Hoosiers with affordable health care and favors eliminating the sales tax on gasoline to help Hoosiers cope with rising fuel costs. Learn More

Free Tickets Available for Governor's Debate

From - jconline -

INDIANAPOLIS - Free tickets are available for the final Indiana gubernatorial debate in Bloomington.

Tickets for classroom groups on a first-come, first-served basis are available by faxing the Indiana University Auditorium at (812) 855-4244. Individual tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

The debate will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 14 in the IU Auditorium.

Young Dems To Meet

From - jconline -

Tippecanoe Young Democrats, a local chapter of Indiana Young Democrats, will hold its inaugural meeting at 2 p.m. Saturday at Tippecanoe County Democratic Headquarters, 320 Main St., Lafayette.

All county residents between the ages of 18 and 35 with an interest in the Democratic Party are invited to attend.

Legislative Forum Today

From - jconline -

The public is invited to a legislative forum today that will focus on issues related to alcohol and drug use and abuse.
The forum, hosted by the Drug-Free Coalition of Tippecanoe County and the Campus Community Bar Retail Coalition, will begin at 4 p.m. in council chambers at Lafayette City Hall, 20 N. Sixth St.

John Polles and Randy Truitt, who are vying for House District 26, have been invited to participate. Read More

Thursday, October 30, 2008