As I sat down at my computer getting ready to write another blog post, I dreaded writing about the stalemate at the Indiana General Assembly.  Now granted this one would have been a little different as House Speaker Brian Bosma and Democratic leader Pat Bauer both seemed to agree that progress had been made in […]

As the Statehouse Standoff enters into its third week, soon to be followed by its fourth, I noticed something interesting during the daily media availability with Democratic Leader Pat Bauer, a most interesting concession. Yes, I know there’s a lot of talk about concessions and compromise but this one was a little different.  If I […]

Another day of no quorum at the Indiana House of Representatives.  Only two absentee Democrats showed today, State Representatives Terry Goodin and Peggy Welsh.  Democratic State Representative Steve Stemler did not participate in the walkout. When asked whether they woould be back anytime soon, Goodin said they would stay gone for as long as it […]

Lots of things to talk about this morning, so let’s get started… If anyone thought having a few days to think would change embattled Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White mind and he would step down, not so much.  I communicated with White this weekend via text messaging and when I asked if he was […]

It looks like the Indiana “Statehouse Stalemate”  will continue through Monday.   House Democratic leader Pat Bauer put out the following statement Friday afternoon… “Our members will be staying in Urbana, Illinois, this weekend.  We will not be returning for the House floor session on Monday.  There has been no progress in negotiations.” Depending on when […]

House Speaker Brian Bosma says he’s been told by Democrats that they won’t be back today or tomorrow, denying the chamber a quorum.   House Democrats Scott Pelath, Cherish Pryor and Steve Stemler were present.   The Speaker, Governor and Senate leader have all agreed to extend the passage date of all bills to next Friday. Meanwhile, […]

I have to give Indiana House Democrats credit.  If you’re going to bolt to my home state of Illinois to put the brakes on legislation that you can’t stand, head to Champaign-Urbana, IL.  Unlike their Wisconsin counterparts who hid out in Rockford, Urbana is a pretty cool place.  It’s the home of the University of […]

In the debate over education reform in Indiana schools, it took a little while to figure out exactly how the opponents of education reform would try to frame the debate, but they have finally tipped their hand.  They are calling it a “war on public education and a war against teachers”. I find that somewhat […]

I sat down with Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma Tuesday to talk about the session that begins today.  We talked about the budget, education reform, local government reform, unemployment compensation, smoking ban legislation, social issues and the potential for a walkout by the Democrats.  You can hear the interview below.  Each segment is about five […]

With the start of the new year comes the new year’s resolutions.   We all have goals to lose weight, quit smoking, be better people, or in my case finish that novel that’s been sitting in my laptop for three years.   I’m not sure what resolutions some of my favorite politicos in Indiana made for the […]