Saturday, January 12, 2008

Andre Carson Wins Caucus Slating On First Vote


As soon as Indiana Democratic Party Chairman Dan Parker stepped to the microphone at the conclusion of the voting to slate the Democratic nominee to run in the special election to fill the vacancy of the late Rep. Julia Carson and announced "We have a winner on the first ballot", everyone in the room immediately knew that Andre Carson would have the opportunity to fulfill his grandmother's dying wish that he succeed her in Congress. The young Carson needed 220 votes to win on the first ballot. He garnered 223 votes. His nearest competitor, State Rep. David Orentlicher, trailed with 123 votes. None of the other candidates got more than 27 votes.

As 439 precinct committeepersons out of a possible 599 filed into Shortridge Middle School's auditorium this morning, Carson, along with the other 7 candidates, were there to greet them and ask them one last time for their support. An exuberant Carson told me, "We're confident." In contrast, Orentlicher said simply that he would finish in the top two before the vote was taken. There are two races, here explained. "A race to complete the uncompleted term of Carson and a race for the future of the 7th District." Orentlicher made clear his intentions to take his fight for the future of the district to the Democrat's May primary, notwithstanding his crushing defeat today.

"We all have to come together and show the GOP this is a Democratic seat," Carson blared after obtaining his quick and clean victory. "We don't need another puppet in Congress for big business and corporations," he declared. We need to get our troops out of Iraq. And we need to address the problem of global warming. As he thanked the gathered for their ringing endorsement, several of the losing candidates gathered near the stage to congratulate Carson, including Orentlicher, who exchanged a friendly hug with Carson. A proud former Rep. Andy Jacobs shared the moment of victory with Carson. Jacobs wore a campaign button which read, "I Like Andre."

Carson picked up some big endorsements before today's vote, including former Mayor Bart Peterson. Unlikely committeepersons cast a vote for Carson. A white, female committeeperson from an upscale downtown neigbhorhood liked Orentlicher better than any of the candidates, but she voted for Carson because she said " we can't afford to lose David's work on the many issues he helps us out with locally." City-County Councilor Dane Mahern, who represents a southside, working class neighborhood threw his support behind Carson. "Carson is young and energetic, and that's what we need at this time," Mahern said.

There were some complaints leading up to today's vote about the accuracy of eligible list of voters today. Bad and outdated lists of committeepersons maintained by the Marion County Democratic Party was blamed for many of the problems. State party officials had to work on cleaning up the list prior to today's vote. That left some people, such as Bil Browning, complaining that they were ineligible to vote today. Browning said he believed that he was still a committeeperson for the precinct to which he was appointed in 2006. Almost a quarter of the eligible committeepersons didn't show up for today's vote. Given the size of Carson's victory on the first ballot, it is doubtful any discrepancies in the eligible voter list could have changed the outcome of today's vote. As a funny aside, I observed former City-County Councilor Patrice Abduallah casting a vote today. Do you think he ever moved into that precinct?

Marion County Democratic Chairman Mike O'Connor maintained a very low profile today. He was not on the stage with state party officials as the voting was being conducted. One committeeperson complained to me that O'Connor had been out in California on vacation this week instead of helping with preparations for today's caucus, which some likened to the Iowa presidential caucus. Nonetheless, it appears Democrats will be fairly united for the special election on March 11, if not this May's primary. I don't expect any of the other candidates besides Orentlicher to challenge Carson in the May primary. Former health commissioner Dr. Woody Myers bypassed today's caucus and said he would instead focus on winning the May primary; however, it doesn't appear his candidacy is gaining any momentum. We are essentially looking at a two-man race between Carson and Orentlicher. I'm told that Orentlicher has already line up some big financial commitments to finance his May primary. Look for lots of dollars to flow into this race from around the country.

Now, the questions remains who will the Republicans pick tomorrow at their caucus? I can tell you that the Democrats gathered today would feel blessed if the Republicans pick former Jerusalem Post publisher Tom Rose. As one northside Democrat told me, not even the city's northside Jewish voters will back him. They are still miffed at a letter that Rose sent several years ago in Orentlicher's State House race against Jim Atterholt to members of the Jewish synagogue telling them that they should support Atterholt over Orentlicher because he was more pro-Israel. Democrats fear a Jon Elrod candidacy because they know he has a demonstrated ability to get cross-over votes, which any Republican will need in order to win in the Democratic district--one which even former presidential candidate John Kerry carried with 58% of the vote in 2004.
Here were the vote totals by candidate:
Carson (223)
Orentlicher (123)
Rodman (27)
Mays (26)
Sanders (21)
White (8)
Pollard (6)
McCabe (1)

94 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is a sad day for Democrats.
160 Precinct committepeople don't
even bother to show up to vote today. Were they all snowbirds in Florida or all in the hospital?

The Marion County Democratic organization looks to be inept,
unless the Republicans outdo them
tomorrow by picking nutcase Rose tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

The abysmal showing of Mayor Bart in most of the district shows that it isn't as solidly Dem as Julia's machine always makes it look. It might mean that Julia herself was the difference-maker.

Let the games begin!

Anonymous said...

Thoughts of a D-leaning independent, not a voter today but will be on 3/11:


I liked David O. Was disappointed, but somewhat ironically, I actually feel better about Carson than I did earlier, due solely to the AI report on the forum with relatively positive things to say about him.

I would not vote for Rose under any circs, but if the R's nominate Elrod I'd consider him for sure, though would like to hear more on his thoughts on Iraq.

Anonymous said...

12:56.....

Remember, Julia was laid up this past Election Day. Had she been healthy and active, would Bart have lost? The margin was just over 5000 votes.

Will Andre inherit his late grandmother's GOTV acumen?

Should be interesting.

Wilson46201 said...

According to the Indpls Star, the Libertarians are nominating somebody today - I wonder who it'll be?

Perhaps the ever-lovely Melyssa Donaghy?

Anonymous said...

1:13, that was exactly my point. She'll be laid up on March 11, and in May, and in November too.

We'll see how much of it was Julia; Bart's poor showing suggests the answer is "a lot". If Andre had been able to do it in her place, wouldn't he?

Anonymous said...

The Libs would be smart to beg Andy Horning to run again.

Anonymous said...

1:21..

My bet is that he will be able to sweep to victory against any GOP candidate. The 7th is a LOT more Democratic than the county as a whole.

The issue I think is whether Julia's GOTV machine will still have the strength to carry the Day for the Dems in county races in the future.

As for the 7th, it will continue to be in the Dems hands for the remainder of our, and our children's and our children's children's lifetimes. At least. vbg. The GOP has NO chance.

And I was a GOP PC and WC from the 80s. We put up our Great GOP hopes of all stripes and colors. Remember Joe Watkins? Janos Horvath? The Hofmeister? The only thing the GOP has not tried is a female. Maybe JOcelyn can give it a go, and finally beat Julia, even if in spirit only. vbg

Anonymous said...

anon 12:56...that is actually not a bad turnout...people are out of town, have to work, ill etc. Also Bart carried the 7th district even in this horrible year for the Dems so it is still a good strong Dem district.

Anon 1:21 your crude insensitive remarks are the exact reason the GOP has trouble winning in Marion County.

Anonymous said...

If people think Elrod has a chance....

remember Jim Eynon???

Anonymous said...

All hail prince Andre. The dynasty shall live forever. This is not about how best to govern, but what family deserves the seat. Hail , hail, hail prince Andre.

Wilson46201 said...

Both Melina Kennedy and Bart Peterson "won" in the precincts in the 7th Congressional District...

Wilson46201 said...

The GOP definitely has tried running a very well qualified female in the "7th District": Virginia Blankenbaker in 1996. She lost too...

P.S. Remember Republican Sheila Suess running against Andy Jacobs? She lost. She was very good but now that she's a Democrat, she's so much better!

Anonymous said...

What a sad, pathetic joke.

Anonymous said...

Hey if the voters want Andre to be their "prince" well then that is their choice, isn't it?

And many folks believe that the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree. They loved Julia, and will love Andre. At least at first.

For, me, I hope Indianapolis can finally have effective representation in Congress for the first time since 1965.

And if that will ever happen, it's going to have to come from a Democrat.

There is always, hope, I suppose.

Wilson46201 said...

To 1:39 - Sorry, your candidate, Tom Rose, doesnt stand a chance. You had your Gary Hoffmeister, the voters decisively rejected him too...

Anonymous said...

Wilson...

yeah I forget about them for some reason (vbg).

OK then yeah the GOP has tried running women for that thing. Whether qualified, well, that is debatable. vbg

The GOP if it has the money, is just going to put up a big enough fight to tie down a little of the Dem machine without the embarassment of running a total loser or no one at all to represent the state's largest city.

Either that, or the GOP is delusional about winning the 7th.

They could redistrict it in a couple years, but that would open up a whole new can of political and legal worms. No, it's just better to give the Dems that seat, and hope they pick someone qualified to represent the city for once.

Anonymous said...

I feel sorry for the hardworking people of the Seventh District. A few voted with their hearts now all will suffer. Andre has a Masters Degree from a degree mill and no experience. Again, I feel sorry for the people of the Seventh District.

Anonymous said...

Wilson 1:42...

I don't have a candidate. I haven't been in that district since it was the 10th and lived at 38th and Bennett Drive in the mid 80s. vbg

Wilson46201 said...

Carson got his degree from a diploma mill? Huh? It's accredited by the same folk that accredited IU & Purdue. Are they too diploma mills?
It seems some "concern trolls" need some education themselves!

Anonymous said...

Wilson said: To 1:39 - Sorry, your candidate, Tom Rose, doesnt stand a chance. You had your Gary Hoffmeister, the voters decisively rejected him too...

Clearly, anti-Semitism is A-OK for Democrats. Shame on you, Wilson.

Anonymous said...

If Andre and his brother Sam had not got the chance to vote, there would have went to a second round of voting. The democrats of the Seventh District has some serious problems. There will not be any economic growth due to poor leadership and supportng the last name of Carson. God help our district.

Wilson46201 said...

tjefferson: you are aware that Gary Hoffmeister was quite the Catholic, don't you? Of course, he was divorced and wasn't a member of any parish but he certainly boasted about being a good Catholic.

So were you stereotyping folk by their names? A jeweler by the name of Hoffmeister isnt necessarily Jewish. Anti-semitism can be done by ignorance & assumptions, too - like TJefferson just did!

Anonymous said...

This is the best that the 13th largest city in the United States can produce?

Anonymous said...

As usual, Wilson, you didn't get the point, however you also managed to diss divorced people. Of course, you are such a moral example for all of us, Wilson, that you have earned the right to judge.

Let's see: anti-Semite, anti-Catholic, and moralizing defender of traditional marriage. You go, girl!!

Wilson46201 said...

Anonymous said...
This is the best that the 13th largest city in the United States can produce?
2:31 PM EST


The voters themselves, not whiners throwing verbal spitballs, will make that decision at the ballot box March 11th...

Anonymous said...

It would be a very sad day if The Democrat Machine sends Louis Farrakhan's personal emissary, Andre Carson, to congress!!!!!!!

Wilson46201 said...

TJefferson: People that boast about being good Catholics follow Church teaching and dont get divorces - I was simply pointing out the hypocrisy of Hoffmeister and his public and married life.

You simply want to attack ignorantly other commenters like me instead of discussing serious political issues - but when you are a Bushzoid, you certainly dont want to discuss policies and politics, distraction by attacking other commenters personally is your way out ... pitiful!

Anonymous said...

Anon 2:25....you show you lack of knowledge of the political process,,,Adnre and Sam Carson have been long time committeepersons and party workers. They were legally eligible to vote as were several of the other candidates and their families....Obviously you are ignorant of the polictical process or just never bother to be involved.

Wilson46201 said...

It would be a very sad day if The Democrat Machine sends Louis Farrakhan's personal emissary, Andre Carson, to congress!!!!!!!

It looks like that GOP hatemonger Jocelyn Tandy has weighed in at last with her usual lies and slanders...

Anonymous said...

Yes Mr. Wilson...Indiana Wesleyan is a degree mill. Unlike, IU, Purdue, and most other universities, you don't have to be qualified to gain admittance. You simply sign up and voila! Apparently that's pretty similar to the way you gain a congressional seat here in Indy, so its par for the course.

Anonymous said...

As a southside Democrat that lives in the 7th, I cannot bear the thought of casting a vote for another Carson. David O. was the best choice, but the Carson Machine showed us they still control our Party.

I won't sleep much March 10th, comtemplating whether or not I will scratch for the first time in my life.

Anonymous said...

Just to correct the record, Tom Rose did a letter in support of Jim Atterholt and talked about his pro Israel position. He never said that Atterholt was more pro Israel than Orentlicher and he never said an unkind word about Orentilcher. In fact, Atterholt never did or said anything negative in his race against Orentlicher. Orentlicher, on the other hand, ran one of the most nasty races of that year.

Anonymous said...

Wilson said:

"People that boast about being good Catholics follow Church teaching and dont get divorces - I was simply pointing out the hypocrisy of Hoffmeister and his public and married life."

Thank you, Wilson. What WOULD we do without you here to point out the hypocrisy of our public officials? And, of course, you would NEVER fail to do so in a bipartisan fashion, would you, Wilson? I'm sure you were shocked, SHOCKED at Bill Clinton's hypocrisy, weren't you? All Hail Pope Pompous Ass I.

Anonymous said...

First, Wilson said,

"You simply want to attack ignorantly other commenters like me instead of discussing serious political issues - but when you are a Bushzoid, you certainly dont want to discuss policies and politics, distraction by attacking other commenters personally is your way out ... pitiful! "

Then, Wilson said:

"It looks like that GOP hatemonger Jocelyn Tandy has weighed in at last with her usual lies and slanders..."

Which is it, Wilson?

Anonymous said...

Anon 3:05:

Good point, but Wilson can't help it. It's the long-term effects of orange hair dye.

Anonymous said...

What is an Orthodox Universal Secular Muslim?
Is this what all former members of the Nation of Islam call themselves today?
I'm sure black separatist Nation of Islam Minister Luri Muhammad of Indianapolis Mosque 74 is a happy man today. He firmly stated that he and his racists minions would be supporting Andre Carson.

I wonder exactly how much slack people like Wilson would cut a white GOP candidate that was a former member of the Ku Klux Klan and whose candidacy was being supported by a white supremacist group.
Well, that's the reality Andre Carson is going to have to deal with regardless of the spin that Erin and Andre spun on Ruth Holladay before Ruth wrote her puff piece.
Wilson is right. The voters WILL decide. They will however be told the facts about Andre and his supporters.
The 7th District is 64% white and I'm not certain they will vote for a candidate who is supported by black separatists any more that they would vote for a candidate supported by the Klan.
Andre will lose in November. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised at all if he withdraws from the race completely once the facts are known by the public.

Orthodox Universal Secular Muslim?
Right.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

3:12:

Orange hair dye, gin, and regret.

Wilson46201 said...

Gary: you do realize there are several obviously libelous comments in this thread. Such as the above about 300East.

Sadly, the GOP cant win on its merit but must resort to Swiftboating Democratic candidates. This thread is proving it...

Anonymous said...

Wilson, guess what I am a Democrat and you are invited as well. Would you like to throw some darts with me? First round is on me, we'll have a toast for corruption in the politial process in the city of Indianapolis how does that sound?

Anonymous said...

Does anyone have info on how to volunteer for David O's campaign?

Anonymous said...

Wilson, it's called hard ball politics. If you can't stand the heat then keep your own bigoted mouth shut and find another blog to play on.
It must total hell to be racist black man born in white man's body.
You really do have some serious psychlogical and emotional issues to address.
Andre is supported by the Nation of Islam. It's a fact and I don't give a damn what Andre, Erin, Ruth Holladay or anyone else says. Why would the Nation of Islam support a candidate who supposedly turned their back on Black Islam?
Andre from the 'hood? Give me a break. Did his 5 Center Black Muslim Gang run drug dealers out of the 'hood in Dodge City? LMAO!
The city bulldozed the damn place and moved white people into Fall Creek Place with a few token minorities that are already selling at a nice profit.

ANDRE CARSON IS A COMPLETE RACIST FRAUD!

Anonymous said...

Wow. Foodstamps are coming? Would you like to throw in an n-bomb there, Vector? Geez. Get a grip and tone down that white sheet there, will ya? I'm no happier than you are, but daaaamn...

I'm still pissed off that I didn't get to vote. Period. And as I spoke to a few others that were turned away it seems NONE of us were going to vote for Carson. All of us had declared for other candidates.

I plan on blogging my experience of being a disenfranchised Democrat, let me tell ya. After 4 phone calls from the party yesterday telling me I could vote after all, to find out they'd switched my precinct and made me a vice this morning is more than a little infuriating. When the PC almost didn't show up I tried to see if I got to vote. Nope. Have to have a signed proxy statement from the PC - even though neither of knew I was even her vice - and I wasn't until about 10 minutes before I arrived to sign in. :(

Anonymous said...

Bil,

I have a friend who was recently appointed committeeman. When he indicated his intent to vote the "wrong" way, he was told his appointment didn't become valid until the primary slating convention. The fix was in. It's sad how little the Democrat leadership believes in democracy.

Anonymous said...

3:33, David's number is 259-7893. Give him a call.

Anonymous said...

Federal law froze the list on Nov. 16...any changes made since then did not count....I was made a committeeperson after that date and could not vote but I am smart enough to understand the law and not whine and cry and abet the GOP in their attempt to take our district away from me.

Wilson46201 said...

It's interesting to note that only two commenters here use their publically identifiable names: Bil (Browning) and me, Wilson46201 (Allen). All the rest are anonymous nobodies or totally covert pseudonyms.

It sure does say something about the transparency and openness that the GOP practices, doesn't it? Fake names and false faces to vilify, slander and rundown André Carson.

Swiftboating: the only sure electoral hope for Republicans...

Lincoln weeps!

Anonymous said...

Will André be sworn in on a Holy Bible or a Koran?
Like his NOI "brother", Alabama bin-Laden-Rama-Lama-Obama Hussien Osama?

Well, Wilson? Check out snopes.com and look under Obama. He's a member of the NOI!

Wilson46201 said...

Gary: you are recklessly publishing obviously defamatory and libelous statements...

Anonymous said...

Wilson, you know that nothing that is said in this medium represents "the GOP" any more than you represent "the Democrats," in spite of your delusions of importance. You just love the attention.

Anonymous said...

Wilson said:

"Gary: you are recklessly publishing obviously defamatory and libelous statements..."

...such as:


"...that GOP hatemonger Jocelyn Tandy has weighed in at last with her usual lies and slanders..."

Anonymous said...

As an Obama supporter (that's right Wilson, you are, as usual, wrong in your assumptions), anon. 4:54, you are a racist and an idiot. Barak Obama is a mainstream, thoughful liberal who has during his entire career respected and listened to conservatives and centerists. He's the furthest thing from an extemist of any stripe whatsoever.

Anonymous said...

I am a Democrat who cannot and will not elect a disciple of Louis
Farrakhan to Congress. America needs unity - not the message that
Andre Carson listens too. If the
Rupublican nominee was Chinese I will vote for him or her. I am not
voting for a racist...


Sarge

Anonymous said...

Nice to see Andre's Dad there to support him three generations of congressional office holders.
If I were Andy I'd be happy and wearing the button too.

Anonymous said...

Could someone take the chewing gum out of his mouth! It makes Andre look even more stupid.

Anonymous said...

"...Indiana Wesleyan is a degree mill." This is true.

Anonymous said...

Over the last 4 years, 2004-2007,
Wilson has donated a whopping
$290 to state Democratic candidates.

Over the last 4 years, 2004-2007,
Andre Carson has donated ZERO money
to statewide Democratic candidates.
Not even $ 25.

Both Wilson and his bud Andre are
rather pathetic when it comes to opening up their respective wallets for Democratic candidates such as state rep, state senator, governor etc.

BTW Wilson, I contributed over
$ 2,000 to Kernan's unsuccessful campaign in 2004. To this day I wish I had contributed a lot more. It is scary to think that you and Andre are the financial and leadership future of our beloved Indiana Democratic party.

Wilson46201 said...

Some people write big checks - others donate hundreds of unpaid hours of volunteer time like me and André. As a retiree, I give of my time - I let the "rich folk" donate big bucks...

Gary R. Welsh said...

Andre is anything but stupid, anon 6:07. He faced some very strong candidates today and some strong, organized opposition to him. He is a very smart politician. He knows how to work a crowd better than his grandmother. To garner over 50% of the vote on the first ballot as a newcomer in an 8-candidate race is impressive by any standards. Andre's opponents underestimate him at their own risk.

anon 6:29, you should never judge a person's value to their party based upon the amount of money they contribute. There are plenty of people who are good at throwing a lot of money around and at the same time doing great harm to their own party. The people working in the trenches registering voters, organizing campaigns and getting out the vote on election day are every bit as important as those who have deep pockets to contribute, if not more important.

Anonymous said...

Gary: you are recklessly publishing obviously defamatory and libelous statements...

Prove it is Wrong , Wilson.
Yo uprobably believe that, just because he was acquitted, O.J. is innocent of Murder.

The problem is that the Dems have lied to so many people for so long, no one can believe them when they do tell the truth.,

Anonymous said...

Well, I never thought I would see the day that Gary would support a former member of the Nation of Islam that attends a "mosque" founded by and for former members of the Nation of Islam?

Gary R. Welsh said...

Anon 8:52, just providing objective analysis of what I observe, nothing more and nothing less.

Anonymous said...

Uh, Wilson...one more time, s-l-o-w-l-y, so you can get it through your thick skull:

Try to judge the validty of comments on their face based on your knowledge. Many of us have jobs or other valuable assets to protect, and cannot use our real names here. It does not make us "anonymous nobodies." Our comments can be as insightful as yours or Bil's or Gary's.

By the by, for someone who constantly puts down others for poor grammar, "rundown" in the context you used, is two words, not one.

But then, my editing may not be valuable enough to you because I don't use my real name.

Andre's victory today was impressive. But David O will not back down in the May primary, and voters will have their say then, too.

Tie for most sickening sight at today's caucus:

**Monroe Gray slinking in, as a guest, not a voting member;

**Ed Treacy. Just because.

**Aaron Haith as a voting member. Ugh.

**Belle Choate arriving late, and then pumping her fist in the air at the vote totals. Her husband's job is secure.

Anonymous said...

Aaron Haith was elected by the voters in his precinct to be the committeeperson to represent them in caucuses like this. I am one of his constitutents. He would be letting us down if he were not there to vote. I hope he voted for Andre as Andre was my choice. How can anyone criticize him for voting.

Anonymous said...

Bil Browning: Were you not a paid employee of a Republican candidate this last election. Yet you still want a say in a democrat special election. The Gay community can't have it both ways. You want to be for Scott Keller over a liberal democrat then want to be for a democrat who you believe is more friendly to your cause that Andre. The gay community has never had better frinds in the political community than the Carson's and Mahern's yet that is not enough. Bil Browning and Mark St.John want to be king makers and are close to making long time friends wonder why or if they represent the gay community.

Anonymous said...

The voting machines used for today's election were stolen. Something smells fishy to me. They changed the voting lists three times, candidates were not allowed to speak, Andre allowed to vote for himself, and a moment of silence of the dead grandmother. Anything else needed to get a excise policemen who failed the entrance exam and received his degree from a degree mill needed???

Wilson46201 said...

Why shouldn't André Carson vote at the Caucus? He's a Precinct Committeeperson himself.

Voting machines stolen? Where the hell did you fabricate that lie from?

The GOP Swiftboating has been running full blast all day long. They must be petrified at the idea of a smart, capable young black man being elected to the 7th Congressional District!

Anonymous said...

Wilson wrote:
"They must be petrified at the idea of a smart, capable young black man being elected to the 7th Congressional District!"

No, I don't think that's it. I just think your party didn't get someone that meets the "capable" test.

AR

Anonymous said...

To Anon. 4:26pm "...our district away from me."

I did not think that the 7th belonged to anyone but the citizens. To say that the 7th is your district simply shows the arrogance of the party. If Little C loses, and the GOP or Libertarians take the election, then the citizens have done their job, and voted for the person they want.

If Little C does win, then he demonstrates his ability to rally his base. If he loses he obviously does not have the same support that Grandma C had.

But to call the 7th your district, and to keep up that kind of mentality simply shows how out of touch you are with the people.

This district, city, state, and country do NOT belong to any political party. They belong to us. WE THE PEOPLE!

Anonymous said...

10:13, otherwise known as Aaron Haith's mother:

He disgraced himself and the Democratic Council caucus over the last four eyars. He, and the attitude surrounding his tenure, are part and parcel of the D's loss last November.

If I were in that boat, I wouldn't have the guts to show my face at a Caucus.

He has no shame.

Wilson46201 said...

André Carson's victory at the Caucus: http://youtube.com/watch?v=0jFfqox1KGE

Anonymous said...

Shofar.....I live in the 7th district, I am a registered voter, I am a Democrat and I support Andre Carson. I consider it my congressional district as well as belonging to the other voters of the district. You probably dont live in the district, aren't registered to vote and just visit this blog to spew hate and misinformation in your posts.......

Anonymous said...

Anon 9:04: I have lived in the 7th since moving to Indy 22 years ago. I was a die hard Dem when I moved here. I grew up a Dem in the city of Democrats, Chicago. I left the Democrats when I realized that I was working my tail off while others were just living off my money.

I was a Republican for 10 years, and left that time honored mockery of an organization when it became apparent that they were and are just as bad as the Democrats.

I consider myself more Libertarian now more than anything. Government needs to stay out of my bedroom and personal life, hear that GOP; the government needs to stay out of my wallet, hear that Democrats.

I am not here to "spew hate and misinformation" as you say, but trying to point out that I am sick and tired of both major parties thinking they own ANY area of this country.

If you see "hate" in anything I posted today, then you obviously have some very thin skin and need to toughen up. The voters owe no one anything in an election. The pandering politicians owe the voters honesty, responsibility and fiscal restraint.

As to Little C: as I stated, if he is elected it should be due to his ability to rally his supporters. He should not replace Grandma because of jure divino or divine right.

We the people are not ruled by the government, but rather the government rules by the consent of the people. (Read up on John Locke's Two Treatises of Government)

Jefferson wrote, "When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty." There is no fear in the government of the people any longer. But rather the people live in fear of the government. If the polls show a negative backlash regarding something (e.g. property taxes) the thinking is to wait out the masses.

Unfortunately we are sliding down the slope towards tyranny. Not just because of Bush, but also due to the class war that Democrats play on. The only hope for this society to retain its sovereignty is for the people to push back and no longer accept the status quo from any politician or party.

If wanting to see this country continue its experiment of being a republic is hate mongering then call me a hater. Personally, all I wish to see is an end to dynasties both in the Federal system and local. Allow true believers in freedom to seek and gain office. Eliminate a hereditary right to office (Bush, Clinton, Carson et al) that is becoming so prevalent in American politics.

Bring the government back to the people.

Anonymous said...

Shofar, it was a little windy, but I almost teared up sat the end, and looked for the Battle Hymn of the Republic in the background. I'm a huge Jefferson fan myself, as well as Madison. They'd have wept at the caucus results if based on last name only.

Plus, your answer knocked 9:04 into next week. ("You don't agree with me so you must not live here." Huh?) You showed solid logic, great answer.

Anonymous said...

Wilson, 10:57pm was correct. Voting machines were stolen from a vehicle parked around the 5900 block of north college yesterday around noon when poll workers stopped to eat lunch.

It was on channel 13 news this morning though I haven't seen anything about it in The Star.

Anonymous said...

Just re-read your post, Gary, and I saw where you quoted Dane Mahern.

It caused a giggle. Of COURSE he likes Andre. The council has become the jumping-off point for another office.

Here's a clue, Dane and Andre: some pretty important decisions need to be made at the council in the next few months. You might wanna show up. You were, after all, just elected to serve your constituents.

Mahern's a guy who started running for something else within hours of winning re-election to the council.
And I wish someone could tell me what anyone sees in this empty (bad-fitting) suit.

If Andre were truly serious about serving his constituents, he'd resign the council now. His mind is clearly elsewhere. We'll see.

Anonymous said...

Joanne Sanders was elected at the same time as Dane Mahern and Andre Carson. Why is it okay for her to run for another office but not them. My guess is that it is sour grapes from a coucil member who loves to blab on the blogs.

Anonymous said...

If The Dems put Andre Carson as their rep, they might as well endorse racial hatred....does anyone remember about a week ago when Louis Farrakhan was in town for Carson?????

Andre said he is an "Indiana Muslim" at Shortridge. REMEMBER!!!

Sending Louis Farrakhan's personal emissary, Andre Carson, to congress is worse than disgrace....as Wilson said "pitiful!"

Wilson46201 said...

Jocelyn: stop your religious bigotry! There are Hoosier Methodists, Hoosier Jews and Hoosier Muslims. You have always been a well-known Julia-hater and slanderer. Now you are carrying on your obsessive jihad against André Carson. As you well know, André is NOT an emissary of Louis Farrakhan. (Some folk would say You are an emissary of Satan!) You have been spamming this old lie on several blogs today...

Anonymous said...

* To set the record straight: 3:39 is not Tandy!

* Wilson is running scared, knowing he supports a man who is an emissary and collaborator of Louis Farrakhan!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Wilson 3:52: You lie when you say that Carson is not an emissary of Louis Farrakhan. Who was in town a week ago singing praises of Carson??????????

Who invited Farrakhan?

Wilson46201 said...

Gary - it's time to turn moderation back on: Jocelyn Tandy is doing her usual hatejob again in here.

Anonymous said...

Louis Farrakhan was invited to speak at Julia's service by Nation of Islam Minister Luri Muhammad of Indianapolis Mosque 74.
Farrakhan and Luri Muhammad sat side by side in the front row at the funeral.
NOI Minister Luri Muhammad has stated publicly that he supports Andre Carson and will assist his campaign.
You can fill in the blank.

Anonymous said...

Wilson: Who was in town a week ago singing praises of Carson???

Is Nuri Muhammad telling his emissary, Andre Carson what to do?

Anonymous said...

Wilson, Ms Tandy is the least of Andre's worries at this time.
Two blogs and one .com are soon coming on line detailing what facts that are known about Andre and his past, including the relationship he has with Nuri Muhammad,Louis Farrakhan and the former Nation of Islam members at the center he attends today.

The voters can then decide if they wish to vote for a candidate supported by what the Southern Poverty Law Center calls a black separatist hate group.

A word of advice Wilson. Keep your enemies close but your friends closer. There's a mole in the Carson camp.

Wilson46201 said...

Yup - we are quite aware that religious bigotry and hatred will be used against André Carson. The same slime and slanders were used against Keith Ellison, the first-ever Muslim Congressman from Minneapolis. We expect the same misinformation to be spread (anonymously of course) against André Carson. This is Indiana - the hooded bigots were powerful in the 1920s but the remnants still skulk today covertly on the Internet.

The haters are out there attacking with lies already. It will get worse but André Carson will overcome the disinformation campaign by the bigots and will be elected the next Congressman from Indianapolis for all citizens!

Wilson46201 said...

Ruth Holladay (former Religion Editor at the Star) has a great article about candidate André Carson's faith:

http://tinyurl.com/2ju8w8

Anonymous said...

Sooooo....does anyone else think that it is weird that the voting machines were stolen?

Anonymous said...

Yes Wilson, some in the know are very familiar with Keith Ellison. I'm not sure District 7 wants that kind of person representing them in Congress.
It has been duly noted by many in the mainstream media that Keith Ellison was Louis Farrakhan's first United States Congressman. With Andre Carson, that will place two Congressmen in the win column for Farrakhan.
This is why people should not take Farrakhan's and Luri Muhammad's endorsement of Andre Carson lightly.

Anonymous said...

I am a Democrat (former precinct committee person) and long time resident of what is now the 7th. I had never voted for a Republican before November 2007 but voted straight ticket.

It appears I will be voting for a Republican again in March as I will not vote for Andre Carson. It is not because I am a racist or because he is Muslim. It is because he is not qualified, does not have the experience, and quite honestly has not "paid the dues."

It bewilders me how 7th District Democrats chose him when they had at least two other suprememly qualified candidates from which to chose.

Marion County Democrats have become a disgrace. From the debacle that was Democrat control of the CCC to the last few years of Julia Carson to this, it is just an embarrassment.

I'm sure Carson will win. The district was drawn to pen in as many Democrats as possible and keep the suburban seats safely Republican. I remember Julia saying herself that the district was drawn for her to win.

In what looks to be a bright year for Democrats on the national front, it is sad that Marion County Democrats are such a pathetic joke.

Anonymous said...

Oh, good. I see Elrod won. That will make the decision quite easy. One Democrat vote for Elrod here.

Anonymous said...

wilson, you would do well to stop accusing others of slander. your beloved julia made a habit of slandering her opponents. The prime example -- when she accused dickerson of beating his wife "to a pulp." that was far worse than anything said around these parts.

Wilson46201 said...

Do you still want to read the 2 police sworn affidavits about Eric Dickerson's arrest for beating his wife so badly that she and her bitten daughter had to go to the hospital? It was ugly...