IT’S A GRAND OLD PARTY
4;45 p.m.
We have a winner in the Attorney General’s race. It’s Greg Zoeller. This is major embarrassment for the Governor who supported Jon Costas. Zoeller won by more than a 1000-vote margin out of the 1768 votes cast.
4:15 p.m.
The voting is over. The results are expected shortly.
3:45 p.m.
The voting has begun. I’ll let you know how it goes.
3:10 p.m.
Governor Mitch Daniels just entered the room and is speaking. He’s saying thanks to delegates, employers who have brought jobs to Indiana and soldiers who serve the county. He’s touting Indiana’s economy as the best in the region. He says Indiana’s budget will be in the black for the 4th year in a row. He called the delegates the “core of a movement for change.” He also said when it came to change, Indiana started the party before the rest of the country.
Daniels is touting progress in jobs, roads, health care, government reform and property taxes as real change that was no accident. He says Indiana cannot allow Democrats to stop progress and reverse Indiana’s course. He criticized the Democrats’ attacks on privatization, saying it has put Hoosiers to work and save the taxpayers’ money.
3:04 p.m.
The Convention just played the Mitch Daniels “Pirates of the Caribbean” ad to a rousing applause. This is a prelude to the Governor speaking, which should occur in about 10-15 minutes. He’s being introduced by Secretary of State Todd Rokita.
2:50 p.m.
Lt. Governor Becky Skillman’s name is being put into nomination. She and Mitch Daniels are being labeled the dynamic duo.
2:45 p.m.
Tony Bennett’s floor demonstration just came on a few minutes ago. They played “San Francisco” and “ABC” by the Jackson Five. A colleague pointed he thought that was a first for a Republican convention. I agree.
2:30 p.m.
The candidates names are being nominated into the ballot. Former Lt. governor John Mutz nominated Tony Bennett. State Rep. Eric Turner is nominating Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas for Attorney General. Turner said Costas can help win in Northern Indiana where Republicans need help. Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi is nominating Greg Zoeller. He touted Zoeller’s experience saying that will be invaluable in beating the Democrats in November. Both candidates showed videos of themselves. Costas’ video focused on more traditional conservative themes, while Zoeller touted his experience and record. Zoeller seemed to have more floor support in the audience, but it’s the votes that count.
2:06 p.m.
Attorney General Steve Carter and Superintendent of Public Instruction Sue Ellen Reed have both said their good-byes. Carter did remind the delegates of the strong team he put together when he came into office. a nod towards his guy Greg Zoeller, maybe.
1:30 p.m.
The Indiana GOP State Convention has just convened. There are 1932 delegates present. There were a few little flare ups from some Ron Paul supporters in district meetings earlier this morning, but nothing major. The day is still young so stay tuned. My producer Chris Spangle, is also live-blogging the event. You can check his items out at chris-spangle.com.
