THE FINAL 7TH DISTRICT STRETCH
We’re a little more than 24 hours away from Democrats slating their candidate for the 7th Congressional District and 48 hours from the Republicans slating theirs. There has been quite a bit of behind the scenes activity on both sides and that makes me think the slatings will either go very quickly or very slowly.
On the Republican side the party divisions seem to break along 46th Street. The folks who live above 46th Street tend to favor former Jerusalem Post editor and sometimes fill-in talk show host Tom Rose while everyone south of 46th Street is more partial to State Representative Jon Elrod. There is also talk that some of the GOP’s power base is backing Rose because he can raise the money needed to run in a special race and, ironically, he would have almost no chance at winning over voters in the 7th District with his “enthusiastic” ideological conservative views. Thereby, Democrats would not be motivated to take the seat back in November 2008, coming out in droves in Marion County, and hindering Governor Mitch Daniels chances for re-election. I am not making this up. I just tell you what I’ve been able to gather.
On the Democratic side, my guess is their slating will either go by very quickly or Jesus will be back before they’re done. I am hearing rumblings of disgruntled precinct committeemen and candidates from all over the place, dirty tricks, intimidation, etc. It’s no big secret City-County Councilmember Andre Carson is the early favorite, however the way the power brokers have pushed Carson on the party all they’ve managed to do is get under the skin of a lot of people. It looks like coalitions are being formed to unite the opposition as candidates become eliminated from slating as the votes are tallied. If Carson can’t get more than 40 percent of the vote on the first round, we are going to be in for a long day.
By the way, the most fun match up would be Tom Rose and Andre Carson, because I can’t wait to see what happens when Rose loses it and calls Carson (who is a Muslim) an “Islamofacist” during a debate and all hell breaks loose.
Play ball!
