While I Was Out
I wasn’t planning to blog again until Monday, but never let it be said a little thing like an out-of-state trial would stand in the way of me picking up lots of gossip, rumor and blatant political innuendo. You know you all have been waiting for it, so here we go…
- Last week’s debt ceiling votes by Indiana lawmakers had me scratching my head, especially when it comes to the Tea Party movement in this state. They blasted U.S. Senator Dick Lugar and U.S. Representative Larry Buschon for their votes in favor of lifting the debt ceiling, but said nothing about Mike Pence and Todd Young who also voted the same way. There is also talk the Tea Party will try to run a primary challenger against Buschon in the 8th Congressional District.
- Speaking of races, I tried to get some more details on Club for Growth’s poll numbers involving Lugar and Richard Mourdock and got nothing. The guy who answered the phone was a bit of jerk. Their poll showed a 2-point difference between the two. Lugar’s poll showed him under 50%, but with a double-digit lead. Not spectacular, but I got a lot more info from them, than Club for Growth.
- The Jim Wallace for Governor campaign tells me their recent television ad is paying off, saying since it ran they’ve been “pulling in some serious cash”.
- Efforts by the Marion County Democrats to play the race card against incumbent Mayor Greg Ballard haven’t been working too well, so now they are trying a different tactic. They are accusing the Blacks who are working with the Mayor of being “Uncle Toms” and on the Mayor’s payroll. For example, City-County Councilor Vern Brown has been looking to see what checks the 10-point coalition has received from the city so he can say they are on the “mayor’s plantation”. Several McDems are still upset that the Melina Kennedy’s polling reportedly shows the Mayor running strong in the black community and when you throw in the fact no one got shot at Expo (despite their best wishes) you have to start doing something.
- Speaking of plantations, Al Sharpton is reportedly threatening/promising/vowing to come back to town in the wake of the Justice Department’s decision that IMPD did not violate Brandon Johnson’s civil rights. I’m not sure what Sharpton is going to protest, seeing how it was the Obama Justice Department who made the call. I just hope that if he does come he tells Stephen Clay of the Baptist Ministers Alliance of Indianapolis to stop avoiding my question and answer (with a simple yes or no) if he was ever the subject of an investigation by the Indiana Department of Child Services for inappropriate contact with a minor. I can’t get a straight answer out of that man. No pun intended.
- IPS Superintendent Eugene White is the gift that keeps on giving. He penned a letter criticizing David Harris of the Mind Trust because of Harris’ position on education reform. Just a couple years back, White was praising Harris and the Mind Trust for their efforts. What a difference calls for accountability can make.
- Speaking of IPS, Dr. Tony Bennett is scheduled to address the IPS School Board at their meeting on Monday night. That should be interesting. If I can use an old WWF reference, watching Tony Bennett and Eugene White go back and forth would be like watching Hulk Hogan take on Special Delivery Jones.
- I hear anti-smoking advocates are getting ready to re-introduce another total smoking ban ordinance here in Indianapolis. I also hear that because of Smoke Free Indy’s shenanigans last session a number of lawmakers are looking at drafting pre-emption language which would prohibit locals from banning smoking in tobacco shops, private clubs and cigar bars. So if something does happen this year or next year, there’s a good chance it will be short-lived.
- And a big congrats to my friends at Hoosier Access and Capitol & Washington. They, along with Indiana Barrister, made the Washington Post’s list of best state political blogs in the country. Indiana Barrister also made the list back in 2009.
That’s all for now. I have a few more items to post over the next couple days, but they get special treatment. It’s nice to be back, even if it’s a day or two early.
