Some Friendly Advice
There’s nothing like having your blog back up and running just when the two big political stories of the year (so far) are breaking. Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White is indicted on seven counts (several of which relate to voter fraud). And the Indiana House Republicans vote today to fine absentee Democrats $250 a day, starting Monday, for every unexcused absence from the Legislature. Most the details about both these events have been written, so you can link them here and here. What this blog post is about is my advice to both parties involved.
Charlie White.
First of all Charlie you are innocent until proven guilty. I know you plan to fight the charges and you have no intention of resigning. I also know you feel this is a personal witch hunt and this type of behavior takes place in Marion and Lake County and nothing ever happens. I understand how this can annoy you. With that said, the powers that be (Mitch Daniels, Eric Holcomb, Todd Rokita and a number of party establishment folks) are asking you to take a breather for a while. Please note, they are not asking you to resign, per se (read their statements very carefully). They are saying you should vacate the office until all this is said and done.
If my memory serves me correctly, the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office is the only statewide elected office that has a Deputy Secretary of State created by statute, so you could step down, have your Deputy takeover, and return, provided there’s no guilty verdict, when all this is done. That way you keep the position and you focus your energy on your defense. I’m not saying this can’t be done, but as long as this indictment is hanging over your head, your effectiveness will be grossly compromised.
Indiana House Democrats
It’s easy for me to understand how you guys can fall in love with the Land of Lincoln, but it’s time to act like grown ups and come back to Indiana. You got your victory when right-to-work was taken off the table and now you really are overreaching.
You guys are reminding me of my buddy in college when we’re at the bar and he’s been hitting on the totally hot chick all night. He’s about to seal the deal and then he says that one extra thing, usually it’s “would your roommate like to join us?” And that sends the whole thing south. When you started adding other bills to your list, one of which had already passed, you turned into my college buddy.
And all the rallies and Skype town halls won’t change a thing. If anything, the longer you stay, the more annoyed everyone else gets. I know you say you are hearing from your constituents and they want you to stay, but I hate to break it to you, your constituents are only 40% of the electorate.
You guys have already gotten hit with a fine that’s going to cost your caucus more than $9,000 a day starting Monday. It’s time to man up, come on back, and fight the fight on the House floor. If the GOP ideas totally bite, then the voters will throw them out in the next election. It’s called the political process.
That’s my friendly advice. Take it for what it’s worth.
