Bob Parker For Mayor?

Abdul Hakim-Shabazz reports businessman Bob Parker will file to run as a Republican for Indianapolis mayor today and formally announce his candidacy tomorrow. He writes today:

It looks like Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson will have a Republican challenger after all. Local businessman Bob Parker is expected to file paperwork today and formally announce tomorrow that he is running for Mayor of Indianapolis. Parker is a millionaire. And while GOP sources aren't saying what Parker will spend on the Mayor's race, they say he can be financially competitive with Peterson who has at least $2 million in his campaign account. Parker owns Parker Machinery, a company that works with factory equipment. Peterson is expected to make an official announcement today that he is seeking a third term as Mayor.

If Parker puts some of his own money into the race, he could close the huge financial advantage Peterson will have going into this race. Is Parker credible? I know very little about the guy, and nobody acting on his behalf has attempted to convince me he's credible to date so we'll just have to wait and see.

UPDATE: It didn't take too long to get that information I wanted to know about Bob Parker. Matt Tully shares some insight into Parker over at his blog which suggests Parker may just have some issues with people of Jewish faith to be kind. Tully writes:

A sign of what to expect came when I talked to Parker a few weeks ago. During a roughly 15-minute interview, I asked about his interest in the mayor's race.

During his answer, for no reason that was clear, he drifted.

"I personally see Israel going into Iran and Syria in the next couple of months," he said. "I'm sure you realize -- well, most people don't -- millionaire Democrats outnumber millionaire Republicans four to one. It's mainly because of the Jewish faction inside the Democratic Party. Most Jewish people are Democrats and they bring that wealth. My opinion is, if Israel would go into Iran, Democrats will follow that cause. I really do believe that."

Umm, OK, Bob. But as a candidate for mayor, perhaps you should focus on a plan to fill all those potholes.

Tully's also adds, "Republicans, though, also know Parker has a famous temper and a tendency to say what he is thinking. Many predict his campaign will be filled with controversy." Thank you, Tom John. Republicans and independents in this city can now look forward to enduring nine months of pure agony and hell as this clown tries to carry the torch for people looking for new leadership in this city. Keep it up, and the GOP will be lucky to end this year with only 10 members on the city-county council.