Thursday, February 22, 2007

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.

13 comments:

Wilson46201 said...

For some reason from his previous runs at public office I have a vaguely positive impression of him - he seems sincerely interested in bettering our city.

That said, it should be recalled he was also the political genius behind the slated candidacy of Ron Franklin for Congress...

Anonymous said...

Hear that sound? That was Wilson zipping by on his way to the dumpster...

hehe...

Anonymous said...

I say THANK YOU, BOB! If you would please address the issues, read crisis, facing this city you can go far. I would be better than Bart who buries his head in the sand and can only say, "How about those Colts!"

Wilson46201 said...

For all of you who imagine Bart is a horrible mayor and all citizenry are repulsed by his administration: tomorrow noon is the deadline for filing. Go for it ... theres no fee involved - even deranged deadbeats can afford it!

Anonymous said...

ZING!

TO the dumpster!

Wilson46201 said...

It looks like Gary and Matt beat me to the dumpster - shucks!

Parker should relax - it's his very own allegedly-Methodist Commander-in-Chief that alarms the world about his tendency to invade here, there and everywhere ... (while his playgirl daughters shop, party and travel)

Anonymous said...

I don't get the dumpster thing....maybe I'm thick.

Bob Parker is a bigoted gasbag. Money cannot buy class or brains. Watch for all the goofballs at IndyU to get behind him. If the FOP gets on this bandwagon, their goose is cooked for good. The union that backs losers...

But if this is the best the Republicans can do, given the issues on which they can capitalize, then 19-10 on the council is about right...complete with two Maherns.

Which is three too many, thank you very much. Just for my edification, is the newest Mahern councillor-to-be capable of attending meetings without flashcards?

Just askin.

Wilson46201 said...

Brian Mahern has some sort of technical computer job - usually those types are smart but politically clueless. Luckily Brian was raised by very sharp political parents - he'll do fine! He's a hard worker - he was a bagger at Krogers when in high school.

Wilson46201 said...

from the Indpls Star already:

The Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council was astounded to read the comments offered gratuitously by the Republican candidate for mayor about Israel, Iran and the Democratic party. Not only is Parker's message offensive, it is ignorant; and hardly rises to the level of serious commentary deserving of a response. We trust that sensible Republican party leadership will choose to disassociate themselves from these words on the grounds that the candidate has already proven himself to be an embarrassment.
-- David Warshauer, JCRC President
-- Marcia Goldstone, JCRC Executive Director

Anonymous said...

"I would be better than Bart who buries his head in the sand"

Sand is NOT where Bart's head is buried......

Anonymous said...

Go to wilsoneallen.blogspot.com

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Anonymous said...

Mr. Parker has been dropped by the Indiana GOP because of his statements concerning Jews and the upcoming war on Iran. My sentiments: Bob, run as an Independent. You are one of few politicians who speak the truth. It isn't anti-Semitism to disagree with Israel of the American Jewish community! -Bob Vine, PTC, GA

Anonymous said...

Typo: should be or not of...