Sunday, January 20, 2008

Star Bias For Carson All Too Apparent

Well, it's happening all over again. Just like the Star showed bias for the late Rep. Julia Carson in its coverage of her political career it is now using its bias to boost the political career of Andre Carson. How many times in recent months have you picked up the newspaper and found a large, smiling photograph of Andre accompanying a news story about him? In stark contrast, the 30-year-old photogenic Jon Elrod, who earned his place the old fashioned way by working for it, is lucky to earn a tiny photograph, if any, in what scant coverage the Star has given him since he announced his candidacy for the 7th congressional district last November. Today, the Star is at it again, displaying a large, color photo of a smiling Carson holding his daughter Salimah in its "Behind Closed Doors Column" to bring us the great news:

Andre Carson is getting fundraising help and strategic assistance from the national Democratic Party for the March 11 special election to fill the remainder of the term of his grandmother, the late U.S. Rep. Julia Carson.

Rep. Chris Van Hollen, the Maryland Democrat who heads the Democratic congressional Campaign Committee, said Carson "will build on his grandmother's
accomplishments for the people of Indianapolis."

Democrats already have the advantage in the district, which presidential nominee John Kerry won with 58 percent of the vote in 2004.

The National Republican Congressional Committee has not announced any similar help for Rep. Jon Elrod, the GOP nominee.

The first disclosure reports showing how much Carson and Elrod have raised are due Feb. 28. In addition to helping to steer donations Carson's way, the campaign committee could decide to spend some of its own funds on the race.

The party, which has significantly more money in the bank than the Republicans, spent about $245,000 unsuccessfully trying to take over a GOP-leaning district in a special election in Ohio and spent about $80,000 to hang on to a Democratic-leaning district in a special election in Massachusetts.

Carson is one of 10 Democrats running in open seats or special elections this year that the campaign committee recently added to its assistance program.

The party last year started fundraising help for Democratic Reps. Joe Donnelly, Brad Ellsworth and Baron Hill.

Unlike the 7th District, those districts will all be represented by Republicans in the previous election.

The entire point of the story is to suggest that Carson will have help in raising money for his race from his party and that Elrod will have no help from his party. It's the same game the Star has been playing with us in race after race where it has already decided who should be elected to represent us and goes about covering a political race in a manner which makes its own choice become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Well, the blogs didn't let you get by with it in last year's mayoral race, and we'll be damned if you get by with it in this congressional race. Andre Carson is not qualified to hold this seat, and the blogs will make sure the public understands this in spite of the best efforts of the liberal, hand wringing Dennis Ryerson to hide this fact from the public. Andre Carson and his family brought to his grandmother's funeral the most divisive racist and anti-Semite in the country--a fact of which the Star has devoted zero coverage--to endorse Andre's candidacy. It was the defining moment for his congressional bid. He can run but he can't hide from it. We won't let him.

128 comments:

Anonymous said...

I thought the same thing.

But, in fairness, The Star particularly the snipey BCD column and Tully's musings, are becoming less and less relevant.


Patience. Jon will win this thing.

Anonymous said...

You just cant let go of your dislike for Julia. I thought it was a news article. The GOP has so alienated the citizens of this country that the Dems are in the unusual situation of having so much more money than the GOP and the GOP is broke and in debt. Andre will get financial help and Elrod will get none. Both will work hard as they have reputations for being hard workers but it is a D+9 district.

Wilson46201 said...

http://www.Andre4Indy.com

In 2004, when the Indpls Star endorsed Congresslady Julia Carson instead of their usual knee-jerk endorsement of her Republican opponent (who then lost), she jokingly mused if she were doing something wrong, why did the Star suddenly start being so nice?

Anonymous said...

Maybe Wilson and Dennis are buddies. Just kidding.

Wilson46201 said...

By the way, Bart Peterson "won" in the 7th District with 54% of the vote. Ballard got 44% and the Libertarian got 2%.

Anonymous said...

The city sent a loud message to the 7th when they voted Bart out of office. The 7th D's are a bunch of sheep who would gladly let themselves led to slaughter.

The Rag, I mean the Star, is a joke. Right after Julia won they said she should retire. Give me a break.

Anonymous said...

Wilson, I am sure you will understand this, "Grown folks are talking."

Wilson46201 said...

Let's keep this a civilized political discussion thread with facts and information -- leave the silly, useless personal sniping at other commenters to IndyU and other such detritus...

Anonymous said...

Wilson, practice what you preach.

Wilson46201 said...

Indeed, grown folks are trying to talk - the nattering anonymous nobodies with nothing but continued personal sniping are simply making needless noise ... their animus gets in the way of civilized political discourse.

Anonymous said...

If Kerry won the district in 2004 with 58% and Bart ONLY got 54% ( and ou spending Ballrd by 11 to 1 ) to me this sounds like it might be a much closer race than most years.

Wilson46201 said...

Julia Carson usually got a consistent 54% herself in her Congressional races...

By the way, Melina Kennedy also "beat" Carl Brizzi in the 7th District precincts. Sorry, I don't have her percentages for comparison.

Anonymous said...

Warning to those who work hard to get Republican candidates elected. They will abandon you once the election is won and will bring in the Old GOP Guard to insure that nothing improves for the non-rich, minorities or non-traditional people. Greg Ballard proved that. And as to how Greg Ballard treated those who worked and sacrificed to get him elected. He treated them like dirt! Don't believe the B.S. in the Star article! Ballard is an Ass H!

Anonymous said...

Folks, vote with your money. Drop your Star delivery. I did several weeks ago, and you know what, I don't miss it at all. I now get all the information I need from a variety of sources on-line.

Anonymous said...

I and a lot of other people got burned by Greg Ballard. That will not happen again, Go Carson! I will never vote Republican again!

Anonymous said...

anon 10:38 take your meds and go to bed.

Anonymous said...

1:17 PM You feel burned, after 20 days in office?? What did you feel after the years that Bartlies was in office?

Anonymous said...

AI,

You wrote: "The entire point of the story is to suggest that Carson will have help in raising money for his race from his party and that Elrod will have no help from his party."

I'm looking for some analysis or evidence--even a shred--to suggest this isn't true. You know perfectly well that the NRCC is going through tough times right now and has very little money to spend. In contrast, the DNCC is pretty flush. As a consequence, the DNCC is giving Carson money, but the NRCC is not yet giving Elrod money.

Those are facts. Why is it evidence of media bias for the media to report facts?

Your post makes absolutely no sense.

Flipper said...

I just can't understand how any Greg Ballard volunteers feels like they have been left out or burned by him.
We all knew going into this campaign that we were working for Greg to get control of our city. We didn't expect compensation monitary or other, so why all the upset volunters? Greg Ballard is very overloaded trying to put a team together to get control of this city. Please give the guy a break and some time.

Wilson46201 said...

But didn't Flipper get paid for his volunteer work? $1000 isn't really all that much for the effort Flipper put in but it certainly is monetary compensation after all!

Gary R. Welsh said...

Wilson has a good point, Flipper. I figure all the blogging I did for Ballard ought to be worth, oh, let's say $50,000 in free advertising. I'm polite when I see Greg, Flipper, and I will always applaud him when he does something I believe is right, but I am not afraid to speak my mind about the things he does with which I disagree. I owe him nothing. He chose not to recognize my efforts at all and, instead, rewarded folks who never lifted a hand to help him, and so be it. I didn't even get the damn free steak dinner at St. Elmo's, Flipper. I did get a personal card from him, though. He's new to politics, and he'll just have to learn the hard way how people treat you when you forget them so quickly.

Anonymous said...

Flipper, weren't you the one complaining to everyone about how Ballard tossed you out like a dirty rag and wouldn't even let you drive him to the Indiana Society dinner in Chicago? That $1,000 must have been just what the doctor ordered to shut your sorry ass up.

Anonymous said...

FLIPPER,
YOU CAN GO STRAIGHT TO HELL BUDDY AND BALLARD CAN DO THE SAME.
YOU ARE A LIAR. PEOPLE WERE NOT THANKED BY BALLARD AND YOU COORDINATED WHO WAS THANKED AND WHO WASN'T. WHAT DID YOU DO WITH THE CHECK I WROTE TO AT MY DINING ROOM TABLE FLIPPER? IT WAS CASHED!

YOU GOT MY EMAILS BUDDY AND THE NEXT GO AROUND IT'S NOT GOING TO BE A SWEET BED OF ROSES FOR PEOPLE THE LIKES OF YOU AND YOUR CROWD OF CRONIES THAT ARE NO BETTER THAN THE PEOPLE WE VOTED OUT.

TO CALL YOU A CROOK IS PUTTING IT MILDLY.

YOU WANT TO ARGUE IT MAN TO MAN YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHERE I LIVE.
STOP BY AND BRING YOUR BUDDY BALLARD WITH YOU.

I DIDN'T WANT OR EXPECT A DAMN THING FOR SUPPORTING BALLARD OTHER THAN A THANK YOU AND HONEST GOVERMNMENT. RECIEVED NEITHER AND I'M JUST ONE OF MANY.
YOU AND YOUR MAYOR MADE AN ENEMY WITH THE WRONG DAMN PERSON BUDDY!

Anonymous said...

anon 105, bitter volunteer is back. Buddy, get over it.

Anonymous said...

The point is not that it is taking forever for Ballard to make appointments or that they are people who either did nothing to help him or worked against him, the point is the sleaze factor or lack of ethics in the appointments that he has announced.

garyj said...

André has no experience in politics. He has not said oe word at the CCC meetings, either for or against a proposal.
I have spoke with him a few times in person, and on the phone once. He is a personable, likable guy.
What are his plans for congress? What will he do? 165K of taxpayers money, plus all the other benefits that go along with that position, is a lot to take!
He is asking the voters of the 7th for a job. He has yet to explain his qualifications. He has no track record. We have NOTHING to go on except a name.
Sorry, I know I just opened the door for Wilson to spew more of his BS propaganda! Go ahead, Wilson. Your continued speaking for André just gives more support to Elrod, and I told André that, personally.

As for you who think Ballard "burned you", please explain HOW!
Did you apply for any position with him?
Did you offer anything constructive?
Did you put a yard sign in your yard and say, "See, I supported him!", or did you deliver 100's at all hours of the day?
After it was all over, I went back to my own business. Asked for nothing. I was contacted by several people, including Greg Ballard, reminding me of the volunteer appreciation lunch that he was having.
Bart Peterson PAID his "VOLUNTEERS", I witnessed this first-hand! No-one "helped" Bart, they "woked for" him.
Please, mr./Mrs. "I was dumped on", send me an e mail and tell me how!
chuckwhitman@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

4:07, GET OVER WHAT???
When a VOLUNTEEER rounds up and delivers 1,743 votes in their area for Ballard that would have otherwise gone to Peterson and Ballard tells them to piss off then YES there is a problem.
NO, we won't get over it.
I'm retired, I don't need or want damn job from Ballard like some of these so-called "volunteers" do.
What I did want was honest, ethical and accountable government and not a bunch of elite Country Club cronies that were a part of what we worked to throw out.

Wilson46201 said...

GaryJ: you are quite mistaken that Peterson paid all his volunteers - all I got was two T-shirts. It's rather revealing that I started asking for a Peterson T-shirt in the summer of 2007 but they didnt bother to get any in until less than a month before the election. At least they are decent quality and American-made!

Anonymous said...

Ok, have you heard Andre Carson talk about global warming? What a joke! Hasn't he read the latest reports that the earth is now cooling after a few centuries of a warming trend?

Anonymous said...

427, I am sure you are such a superior human being. Speaking of sleaze factor, the DCCC helping Andre is as sleazy as it comes.

Anonymous said...

439, you really need a valium. Go read Tony Dungy's book to get a better grip on the world. That anger you have is going to eat you up. Find some positive outlet for your energy.

Anonymous said...

The fix is in.

Anonymous said...

I too give a not insignificant contribution (hand delievered) to his headquarters at crunch time. I expected nothing in return for it other than the feeling that I may have played a role in helping bring about a change in Indy. After seeing all that has gone on since the election, I must admit that I have felt slighted by not receiving at least a "thank you" from even an assistant. Given all the rubbing of elite elbows going on, a simple thank you would have at least acknowledged awareness to those who were there for him before all the power player came running in to their "rightful turf". Like an earlier post, I am retired. I am not looking for public money. I just hoped for change and unfortunately, have only seen the same old people at the table. Sad.

Jane said...

I was a volunteer. I felt appreciated--still do!! But I don't consider that important. Democracy is alive and THAT is important.

It takes longer to get things going when you don't have a ready-made machine in place.

How about a little leeway and a lot of trust for the new guy in town.

Flipper said...

You are all welcome to your opinions and I still believe the new Mayor will do as he stated and get control of the corruption, crime and make this city a better place to live.
Through the hard work from the volunteers we now have control of Indianapolis and the City County Counsel.
And blog was very instramental in helping Greg win this election, but I don't put a dollar amount on what I did. I did it becuse I wanted to and I hope you also did.

Gary R. Welsh said...

Melyssa, Andre hasn't lived long enough. I was growing up on a farm in Illinois during the back-to-back winters of 1977 and 1978. We had periods of more than 30 days where the temperature never got above freezing. The blizzard of 1978 had his snowed in for days. I-70, which cuts through my father's farm, was shut down for several days. There was a lot of talk by scientists at the time of a return of the Ice Age. Weather runs in cycles. Every farmer understands it. The guys who get paid big bucks to think about it lack any common sense. A single volcanic eruption spews more into the atmosphere to fuel "global warming" than the factories in an entire region do over a long period of time.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Jane! A voice of reason.

Gary R. Welsh said...

Flipper said, "And blog was very instramental in helping Greg win this election, but I don't put a dollar amount on what I did. I did it becuse I wanted to and I hope you also did."

Wilson was referring to the $1,000 that Ballard paid you as a "volunteer gift" according to the story in today's Star, Flipper.

Wilson46201 said...

Sure beats 2 T-shirts!!!

garyj said...

Wilson, I saw a "volunteer" get a check for her time at Heather Hills Elem. School in Warren township. The man who wrote the check asked her what time she got there, then used a calculator to figure out her pay.
She left about 5 minutes after he did, leaving all the Democratic handouts on the floor. I picked them up and put them where they belong. (round file)
maybe not all of his volunteers were paid, but if all you got was 2 T-shirts, you got the short end of the deal.
Look at the bright side, you can wash that car that you claim to have never driven!

I got a "volunteer gift" as well.
BART IS NO LONGER THE MAYOR!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Wilson is a complete moron.
2 t--shirts? What a sucker you are. You probably think Andre` Carson is going to be a great congressperson!
Drink some more kool-aid, you idiot! Better yet, eat the pudding as well!

Flipper said...

To anon who said I was tossed out prior to the Chicago trip. I was award earlier that week that IMPD security and body guards were going to take ove Mayor elect Ballard,s security and i totally agreed with the reasoning.
I do hope all these blogs stay factual and don't become a rumor mills. A few earlier blogs have closed down due to non factual rumors and accusations. I would be willing to discuss any and all issues related to the this election by E-mail.
timdugan01@comcast.net

Be safe all of you bloggers. We all made a diference in November.

Anonymous said...

Gary,
I see Andre jumping on the same old talking points as every other democrat. Does he have an original thought?

You know, if I was in Congress I would shake it up. How about setting up an office in a renovated abandoned house in the worst part of town so that every lobbyist who tried to see me had to visit some wretched part of Center township so he/she knew what real life was about.

I would also run a daily blog, make my entire budget transparent to the people, and tell them all about the lobbyists that want my ear and what they had to say....complete with photos!

I would also take the lobbyists gifts and give them to the people. Including their steak dinners at St. Elmos. I can afford to eat there on my own if I want. And I sure think I could find better company than a ex-legislator lobbyist for dinner.

You think Andre will do THAT for us?

Flipper said...

Melyssa,
new email for flipper ok
timdugan01@comcast.net
p.s where were you yesterday. u missed a nice party with proceeds going to good causes.

Gary R. Welsh said...

MeLyssa, The short answer is no. His first action as a city-county councilor was to take a job as a "marketing specialist" for an engineering firm which does lots of government work. That says it all.

Flipper said...

GaryW,
I didn't get a free dinner at St. Elmo's either, but i'm not upset.I'm sure Greg has his reasons and I found out along time ago. There is a word in the dictionary called "Assume". The definition is to "make an ass out of u and me".
be safe flipper

Anonymous said...

For those of you who do not know who FLIPPER is, his name is TIM DUGAN. Dugan had an ax to grind with Peterson for an incident involving a certain relative of his.
Payback cuts both ways Dugan.

Anonymous said...

garyj 4:39 you were incorrect about so many things that I will not even attempt to correct them....but if you think Andre has no experience in politics that is your biggest error. He will make a great representative for the people of the 7th district.

Anonymous said...

John Dugan was a former excise officer that was convicted of corruption.
Nice of Tim Dugan to drive our new anti-crime Mayor Ballard around during the campaign.

Wilson46201 said...

Too bad the Libertarians rejected Melyssa's bid to be their nominee for Congress. Sean Sheperd is the Libertarian candidate on March 11th...

Flipper said...

anon,
sorry, never heard of a john dugan.
i have 2 brothers. steve and dennis.
father was edward and uncles were lawrence, and joseph which are deceased. most of my family worked for indystar including a couple of cousins..nice try though

Anonymous said...

I love sitting here in my low property tax, low crime suburban county watching Marion Co. about ready to erupt!

Anonymous said...

Damn, Gary....50 posts in about 12 hours. I'm no blogmaster, but I'm thinking that means you hit a nerve.

Anonymous said...

Flipper, dont be coy. His name was John but he went by Jack.

Anonymous said...

Can anyone tell what happens to the campaign funds of a late politcal offial? Particularly Julia Carson's campaign funds? Would anyone like to respond?

Anonymous said...

I do not believe in being rude or insulting to anyone and I will not be in these comments. I worked hard to help Greg Ballard win the mayor's office. I expect nothing from Greg Ballard but I am extremely disappointed in his leadership, or lack there of, and his political appointments based exclusively on politics and cronyism. Regardless of what was stated in the newspaper and on the blogs, I know for a fact that Greg Ballard abandoned those who supported him immediately after the election and broke promises that he had made to his volunteers without as much as a "thank you". I did not want or seek a position with his administration since I have my own company. I have never seen any politician so disrespectful of the people who helped him when no one else would. I am embarrassed for Greg Ballard since it does not appear that he has the decency to be embarrassed for himself. Never again.

Gary R. Welsh said...

Julia Carson's campaign committee had about $140,000 in it when she died. As I understand it, her campaign treasurer can distribute it as he sees fit within the bounds of the law. I suspect all of the money will be transferred to Andre's campaign commitee.

Wilson46201 said...

As usual, your suspicions are quite unfounded. As an attorney, you should check the FEC Regulations first. They are very clear on the subject.

Liabilities of the campaign fund must be paid - the remainder can either be refunded to donors or contributed to a charity. Nothing can be given to a political candidate. The liquidation of the campaign treasury is done under the supervision of the campaign Treasurer, local attorney John White.

Gary R. Welsh said...

You finally speak up on the issue, Wilson. People have been posing the question in the comments on here for weeks and you have remained silent. I knew that would draw you out.

Gary R. Welsh said...

Do you care to share to what charities those funds are being distributed?

indyernie said...

As a contributor to Ballard's campaign and as a volunteer on the phone banks and delivering
yard signs I received what I was entitled to, a thank you at the victory party following the election.
Ballard thanked everyone who helped out in his acceptance speech then he worked the room and thanked everyone individually. I have talked to Mayor Ballard several times since the election, each time he has thanked me for my effort.
I don't know if the appointments are good or bad. I do know that Ballard can and will make changes if these people don't work for the betterment of Indianapolis.
We had eight years of an incompetent in office. Ballard needs time to put our city back in order. Can we not give Ballard a few months before we climb on a soapbox?
These posting sound like sour grapes ...get over it and give the NEW MAYOR a chance. If you want a job, apply. If you want to vent your concerns set an appointment and talk to the man face to face. Anything less is crying and what we don't need is a bunch of crybabies.

Wilson46201 said...

Dunno.

Another interesting question is what Eric Dickerson did with all his leftover campaign funds considering he hasn't bothered to file numerous required finance reports for a while now. Banks have foreclosed on his home and RV-7. Where did Eric's campaign money go?

Anonymous said...

The problem is that when Ballard is starting his administration with sleazeballs and ethically challenged people, it doesn't look good. Even a disgraced Bush appointee has been given a job on the airport authority. Now I am afraid that Tobias will set up a brothel at the airport.

Anonymous said...

Wilson, I hate to question you since you are usually correct but I believe that leftover funds for a Federal office can be given to another Federal campaign committee but not to local or state committees. Could you double check that?

Anonymous said...

Wilson what does Eric have to do with this post?

You're neighbors have been complaining for years about the condition of YOUR home. A home that was left to you my your Mother. Have you invested a dime in that shack? Have you ever worked for anything? Have you ever mortgaged a home?
If nothing else a good cleaning would improve the appearance and might appease your neighbors who are trying to improve that area.
Some folks try to improve their lives and fail, others slide by on the labor and hard work of others (Mommie)and never contribute to society. Which are you?

Gary R. Welsh said...

Ballard, in his own way, I believe appreciates the efforts of the people who elected him. The problem is that he believes that he can only succeed as mayor if he turns to the same people who have been advising mayors and running this city for decades. He believes he can get nothing done as mayor without them. There is nobody who is advising him within his administration who represents the movement that elected him. And I'm not counting Greg Wilson. The job he holds has nothing to do with turning this city around. It simply represents the pandering to minorities at the expense of taxpayers which infuriates the working class neighborhoods which elected Ballard, who could care less how many city contracts are being awarded to minority firms. In Ballard's fatal assumption, he believes that those who elected him lack any talent to help him run city government. That is what is so insulting to many of his supporters, particularly given the lack of talent possessed by a number of his key appointments to date. They have one common denominator: the sponsorship of an establishment person advising Ballard.

Wilson46201 said...

Once again, cowardly anonymous nobodies post erroneous and false personal attacks on other commenters instead of discussing political issues and candidates...

The Federal Elections Commission sent numerous letters to Eric Dickerson telling him to account for his campaign funds but he has ignored them. Why?

Anonymous said...

OK Brickhead one more time.
"what does Eric have to do with this post?"

Wilson?

Wilson46201 said...

This thread is about Indiana's 7th Congressional District candidates.

Eric Dickerson is the most recent failed GOP candidate for Indiana's 7th Congressional District. He is ignoring the Federal Election Commission's requirement to file regular campaign finance reports detailing the disposition of campaign funds. He ran as an "astute businessman" but his ice cream shoppe at Circle Centre closed abruptly this last summer and banks have foreclosed on his home and his campaign vehicle RV-7. The failed auto dealership is still tangled up in litigation with creditors.

This is the man the GOP wanted to represent us in Washington, DC? The voters wisely disagreed!

Anonymous said...

Once again Wilson,


"what does Eric have to do with this post?"

Deflection isn't going to work anymore.

The subject is Carson's money, can you Please stay on subject?

Wilson46201 said...

...and why should anybody listen to the lecturing, hectoring and whining from an anonymous nobody too ashamed to use her own name?

Anonymous said...

Deflection isn't going to work anymore.
The subject is Carson's money, can you Please stay on subject?
Carson channeled thousands of dollars to her own store while serving as trustee.
Carson failed to pay rents due the Simons. Carson was sued by local creditors and lost. Party loyalists had to step in and bail her out.
The city of Indianapolis had to clean up property owned by Carson subsequently giving her an interest free loan.
Need us to go on Wilson?
Debt can be forgiven, the cost of the loss is a factor in the lending.
Extortion is criminal, Carson extorted.

Anonymous said...

What's going to happen with Carson's war chest?
Simple subject Wilson, even you should be able to follow along.

Anonymous said...

"and why should anybody listen to the lecturing, hectoring and whining from" Wilson???

Wilson46201 said...

Jocelyn Tandy has announced she's running for Congress herself (again). She should identify herself when she posts on this or any other blog. Anonymous smearing is her usual modus operandi ... (as is losing)

Anonymous said...

"Jocelyn Tandy has announced she's running for Congress herself"

Who cares?

"She should identify herself when she posts on this or any other blog. Anonymous smearing is her usual modus"

Wilson please stay on subject. The subject isn't Tandy.
Have you taken your Ritalin today? Stay focused please.

Anonymous said...

1:01, I'm not here as a Carson apologist, but I have some knowledge of which you speak, and you're way off base.

When Julia Carson was Trustee, she did push township business to certain vendors. One of those vendors turned out to be a front, but Julia was not aware of that at the time. I know Jocelyn and others spun that web for years, but multiple prosecutor investigators found no link betwene the vendors and Julia's personal bank accounts.

And her retail shop rental was paid--late, but paid. She paid back all her creditors--frankly, she never admitted it, but I sensed it was one of the reasons she ran for trustee (in addition to wanting to help poor folks): the salary was considerably higher than senator. Like more than double. I am aware that she contacted creditors, talked honestly about her retail shop's failure, and arranged paybacks. Most accepted her terms and she abided by those agreements.

She took time, and she was subsequently one or two property tax payments delinquent, but she paid all her creditors.

I know it's more convenient to continue to spin the other side of that story, but as they say down at the Southside Demo Club, you can have your own opinions, but you can't have your own facts.

Julia had many faults--the ones you attribute to her are not accurate. I believe less than 10% of what I hear about Julia these days, including, sadly, that she wanted her grandson to succeed her.

Which succession was the original topic of this post.....

Anonymous said...

When is The Star going to do an expose on the ties of Farrakhan to Carson?

After all, Farrakhan came to town a few weeks ago to endorse him, sitting up front with them was Nuri Muhammad.

What is the real agenda?

Anonymous said...

Hey! I know Andre's treasuer faithfully reads this blog, I just find it very odd that she was Julia treasuer and now Andre's It's time to open up some books, and follow the paper trail. If the political machine can steal an election I am pretty sure they can steal some, excuse me I mean to borrow hard working donors money. Hows Wilson?

Anonymous said...

Wilson: In 9:53 you post as if you know that "The FEC has sent numerous letters..."

I'm quite sure that the FEC does not list their correspondence files on a public venue, hence:

My question is: What are you doing opening the mailbox of others? That is illegal, Wilson!

Wilson46201 said...

Dear desperate ignorant nobody at 3:35pm:

The FEC does post correspondence on the Web.

http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/fecimg/?C00421701

Dickerson is kinda trifling, isn't he?

P.S. Erin Rosenberg is André Carson's Treasurer - John White was Julia Carson's Trasurer. Some fools like "Pinky" at 3:30 never let facts get in the way of their ignorant smears!

Anonymous said...

So, what Wilson I made a clerical error. Like the old lady from that Wendy's commercial, you know the when the lady yelled out:"Wheres the Beef"? Wheres the money! Come o Wilson go get'em boy, go get'boy. While you out retrieving that big bone, bring in my newspaper. Two can play this ignorant game Wilson.

Wilson46201 said...

Pinky: You screwed up, you get called on it and now you get all huffy and insulting.

Deal with it!

Gary R. Welsh said...

Wilson,

Someone who knows something about FEC rules says that Carson's campaign treasurer can give her excess contributions to any committees she could have given to while she was alive, subject to the dollar limitations. In other words, the treasurer could divvy up the money amongst a couple of dozen different committees, which could, in turn, make contributions back to Andre's campaign.

Anonymous said...

1:45 I know for a fact that Julia was sued by a south side lawyer. I also know that Carson lost the case and I know that Julia never attempted to pay the judgment. Democrat party officials intervened and paid the debt.
Indianapolis cleaned up her property while she was trustee, she was the trustee when these suits happened, and she was making plenty of money at that time. Wilson and Erin are silent on this issue that speaks volume.
Carson was a deadbeat plain and simple.

Anonymous said...

Never would I've thought, the federal government has spent billions of taxpayer dollar trying to hault financial transaction, transactions that may get in the hand of terrorist ogranizations. With in our on fabric society there are loopholes that promotes legal money laundering. Only in America. Hows that Wilson?

Wilson46201 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Wilson46201 said...

Who knows what demented thoughts are buzzing through your very confused brain, "Pinky".

Frankly, nobody cares, either!

Anonymous said...

Wilson, dont pretend that your stuff don't stink because it does. You get very irritable when someone provokes your paranoid mind. The attic must be a lonely place for you and your computer. Come down to reality with the real people who are very informed on the issues. You really do believe Carson care about you, I think not. Questionable appointment to the council, screwed up slating. And his token speech of victory:" We did it yall". Yeah, indeed they've done it, they the machine has caused a backlash in the political process, bringing racial tension to their platform. Congratulation Wilson, you are what we do not need speaking on public policy. You are blind my friend either that you are in serious denial. Which one is it?

Wilson46201 said...

Who knows what demented thoughts are buzzing through your very confused brain, "Pinky".

Flipper said...

Anyone wanting to apply for a job with the new administration can do so by going to

serveindy.com

Anonymous said...

I guess you overlooked how the IndyStar.com main page displayed prominently a story link including the name of the Dem candidate for several days following that caucus.

However, upon Elrod's selection by the Repubs, the link was nameless and only mentioned that the R's had selected their candidate).

Nope, no bias there...

Anonymous said...

This Pinky person must be made up...no one could be that mean, cold hearted and wrong on so many facets of local politics..I suspect she is an Elrod plant here to stir up anti Andre feelings...in the last 3 days I have talked to lots of dems and they are almost exclusively on board in electing Andre to Congress.

Anonymous said...

One more time, very slowly so maybe he can understand. Wilson, what charities recieved a gift from Julia's campaign war chest?

Anonymous said...

The "Andre for congress" campaign was a recipient of one gift from Julia's warchest.

indyernie said...

"One more time, very slowly so maybe he can understand. Wilson, what charities recieved a gift from Julia's campaign war"

I'm comfortable answering that question for Wilson. The answer is NONE.

She didn't stay in office to give up any dough and her staff needed to keep the gravy train running too.
The money will be filtered through other candidates and back to Andre. The crooks will do what they must do, who expects anything else?

Anonymous said...

I think you probably have it right, Indyernie. Typical Wilson, changed the subject when we all hit too close to home with the truth.

Wilson46201 said...

Jim Shella's "Sorest Losers of 2006" are whining and lying again...

Anonymous said...

Dodging the questions, Wilson. How pitiful.

Anonymous said...

4:04, again, I am not an apologist for the late Congresswoman, because I have problems with how she handled her last two years "in office." However, I've heard the tripe about the southside lawyer before, and would ask the following:

Produce the name of the lawyer, the amount of the judgment, a case file or something concrete.

This is one of those urban legends that takes on a life of its own.

And as someone who was closely involved with the party at the time, I can assure you, the party had neither the treasury, nor, frankly, the desire to help Julia out of the debts she compiled during the operation of her ill-fated retail store.

I do know that before she could get to all her creditors, more than one did file for summary judgments, and more than one got judgments. But I think you'll find that each was was ultimately released.

It took her four years or more to pay off all those debts, but to my knowledge, she did.

If you have direct proof, by citing a case number or similar fact, please do so.

Otherwise, go away.

BTW, I'm voting for Elrod. But this insane repeating and expanding on urban myths has got to be called out at some time.

Now, back to the original post topic: the Star's alleged unbiased treatment of Andre Carson.

Blog on.

Anonymous said...

4:04 not nice to mislead.

Not a myth and you know it. The lawyer has an office in Beechgrove.
I didn't say that the party paid. I said democrat party officials were involved with the payment.
I'm sure that Gary is doing the research as we blog. If there is a story it will be published.

indyernie said...

“Jim Shella's "Sorest Losers of 2006" are whining and lying again...”

Time will tell if I’m lying Wilson. You aren't the only one who can check on campaign donations.
Why hasn’t Andre publicly denounced Louis Farrakhan? Until he does we can only assume that he supports the hate that LF spews. I have an idea I’ll ask Andre in a public forum.

Open letter to Andre Carson,

Andre,
I know that you monitor these blogs and you know who I am.
If you are the man to represent Indianapolis in DC then grow a set of nads and denounce Minister Louis Farrakhan for the hate monger that he is. Tell the citizens of the 7th district that you had nothing to do with Minister Farrakhan speaking at the memorial service and that you are not and have never been a follower of Farrakhan.
Please resolve once and for all the subject of your Grandmother’s campaign funds. Are you going to use your Grandmother’s campaign funds to run for the 7th? Are the funds to be channeled back to your campaign?
Are you going to run a campaign based on the issues? Did you sign away your integrity to get the funds from the democrat party? Are you going to allow negative campaigning by the democrat party? Are you or the democrat party going to the first to go negative?
Personally I’m sick of Wilson acting as your mouthpiece. Can you speak for yourself? If you would shut him up I wouldn’t have to ask these questions. Does Wilson speak for you? When are you going to kick Wilson to the curb? So, how about some answers.

Indyernie

Now Wilson, do you think Andre will answer these questions honestly and publicly?
I don’t, but I’m hoping I’m wrong.

Gary how about a thread were we can ask Andre direct questions. It may be interesting.

Anonymous said...

Dear Flipper, F..k "ServeIndy" and F..k, Greg Ballard!

Anonymous said...

To Advance Indiana: Thank you for your comments on Greg Ballard, his political appointments and the manner that he disrespected those who worked to get him elected. He is probably the coldest and most ungrateful politician that I have ever met. I am happy that Bart Peterson was defeated but certainly wish that we had elected an honest person as our new mayor! Unfortunately, We did not!

Anonymous said...

Regarding Grag Ballard rewarding volunteers; the $ 1000.00 was in reality a reimbursement for gas for the months that the volunteers drove Greg Ballard around. Greg Ballard actually promised that the same volunteer drivers would be drivers and part of his security staff when he took office. After Greg Ballard was elected he called in the same volunteer drivers, gave them a check and told them he would not be needing them any more. Greg Ballard then started using new drivers sent to him by Carl Brizzi, none of which were visible publically supporting Greg Ballard before he was elected. They waited until the victory was won and rushed in to claim the spoils? COWARDS!

Anonymous said...

11:17: you strongly implied the party or its top officials were involved with a repayment of one of Julia's debts:

" also know that Carson lost the case and I know that Julia never attempted to pay the judgment. Democrat party officials intervened and paid the debt."

I was involved with the party, and unless these folks to whom you refer conducted a huge grand conspiracy, it did not happen.

You also indicate that you hope Gary will investigate and report his findings here.

You are the poster who made this oft-repeated charge, without substantiation. You repeated an urban myth and you've been called out. It's up to you, not the blogmaster, to name this "Beech Grove lawyer", name the case, name the amount of money, and come up with some specifics.

It's getting old, frankly. Put up or shut up. I am perfectly capable of eating my words. I could be wrong. I will gladly recall my remarks if necessary.

But not on such flimsy proof.

Stick to facts, please. Throwing word bombs in a chat room or on a blog is highly irresponsible.

Anonymous said...

11:17 who left you in charge? I don’t have to do didley.
Do your own research. The attorney is still practicing.
The only urban myth is the one in your head. The one repeated across Indianapolis. You know the same one that amplifies Julia Carson as a beacon of light, truth, justice and the savior of all who lived in the 7th.
The facts are, Julia Carson was a deadbeat who prospered off of the hard work and labor of others.
Now quit drinking the kool-aid and open your eyes.
To quote the Wizard of Oz “Ding-Dong“.

Anonymous said...

This year Democrats will prevail when they stick to the issues of the war, the economy and the environment. Their record on all these issues is much better for working people.

Andre Carson is a champion of all these issues and will represent the 7th District well.

There is a lot of petty talk here on the blog, which makes interesting reading, but I would suggest keeping a focus on the big picture.

Thanks Andre for all that will do in Congress to help the people that matter.

Anonymous said...

"Thanks Andre for all that will do in Congress to help the people that matter."

Jeffrey which people matter?

Democrats?
Whites?
Blacks?
Poor? Rich?
Only those with your views?
Please define "the people that matter".

Anonymous said...

Jeffrey 12:14, I was always taught in order to be a champion, must have a history of battle victory, or fighting for a cause, standing up for injustice things of that nature. Why don't you tell us what make Andre a champion without fighting. Do you see the logic and do understand the reasoning. Post it and show us evidence that he is a champion, in order to become champion you must fight your ass off, not being rewarded something he hasn't earn. Right now is a wanta be champion, by cheating, and look what happens to cheaters. Marion Jones, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and the list goes on. You should tell him to get off the political steroids.

Flipper said...

To Advance Indiana.
Gary,
Looks like i stirred up a hornets nest of here. I need to make my position clear. I volunteered to help take our city back from the corrupt politicians. That was my mission. Then, I met Greg Ballard. I then became involved in his campaign. I never ask for anything in return and never will. I'm just excited he won the election and is now the Mayor of Indianapolis.
I will support him because I believe he can make this city a better place for all of us.
I'm sorry to the few i upset. I know for a fact that around 350 true volunteers were at the firefighters union hall on December 30th to support Greg and he thanked them all for their hard work.

Anonymous said...

In what way has Andre cheated? He has worked hard to get where he is and other than vicious lies spread by the haters, there are no negatives about him.

Anonymous said...

What evidence do you have that suggest he hasn't, or better than that, the issue of the past slating process. He certainly has worked hard with no community experience, he doesn't even voice his comments in the council meeting. I wouldn't be to suprise if he never read any of the council resolution. Just cast a vote because it sounds good. Nota, do you see history begining to repeat itself. Poor voting records. Does that sounds like someone you know?

garyj said...

In what way has Andre cheated? He has worked hard to get where he is and other than vicious lies spread by the haters, there are no negatives about him.
Hi, Wilson!
Thought you didn't post "anonymously".
Just like you don't drive, huh?

indyernie said...

It that you Wilson?

Are you hiding from us again?

Does Andre have your tongue?

Did you get kicked to the curb Wilson?

Poor pitiful Wilson, so many crazy thoughts and nobody will listen... poor Wilson.

Anonymous said...

Pity-Party for Wilson!
1...2...3... Awwwwwww!

Anonymous said...

One message for Wilson, Wilson if you post any accomplishment Carson has done for the community, Andre that is. I will reveal my name and kiss your ass.

indyernie said...

"I will reveal my name and kiss your ass."

You go Wilson, I want to see that.
Think hard...come on... you can do it...oh wait, ass or face both the same. Wilson that makes you a butthead.

Anonymous said...

Truth Troll, which is an oxymoronic name considering your posts, those who can simaltaneously read and reason, know you posted the Beech Grove attorney/Carson lawsuit-judgment thing. No, you don't have to do jack-crap about proving your points. But in civilized society, dropping a line like you did, into a relatively calm discussion, requires justification, proof or other data. It is not my job to prove your heresay. You're the one who mentioned it. Try to pay attention, and follow this basic logic. Cause you're starting to look kinda silly.

You apparently have no proof. You choose to rely on heresay and urban legend.

Ding-dong, indeed. I never said I was a Carson fan--I just said you need to type accurate facts into this blogspace or go away.

I think I even allowed, that I'd eat my words if you could produce proof.

Looks like you have none. Just had dinner, and I'm full anyway.

Looks like you're full of something, too.

The offer is still open. Produce some facts. You brought it up, genius.

Anonymous said...

6:18 the truthful troll isn't required to provide facts, there could be reasons why he/she won‘t.
I've heard the same allegations. Where’s Wilson and Erin? Don't you find it odd that the Carson diehards aren't adding to this discourse? If there wasn’t some truth to these charges those close to Carson would speak out. I can see some validity in these charges. The question is, who’s going to do the research?

Anonymous said...

Look, Simon, I've been around Democratic politics for almost three decades. I've heard all the Julia stories, some of them pretty damned ugly. I was involved in the party and know some of them better than most of the folks posting here.

But this Beech Grove lawyer/judgment thing is brand new stuff. Never heard it before. I asked two political friends by e-mail today, and neither of them have heard of it, either.

And I guess I have a slightly different standard of civility. If you make an ugly accusation, you need to justify it with oh, just a few facts.

Again--I could be wrong about the Beech Grove lawyer thing. The person who posted the rumor evidently cannot provide even a shred of evidence or information.

Which makes it, frankly, bunk.

By the way, I'm voting for Elrod. Just so you know I'm not a complete sycophant. Because I like my candidates to have some kind of experience.

Wilson46201 said...

The "Beech Grove lawyer" story is a brand-new Jocelyn Tandy fabrication. She constantly has been making stuff up and then challenges others to "prove me wrong"!!! That poor woman is obsessive against Julia Carson, even after death...

Jocelyn, provide a court case number for your lie or shut up!

Gary R. Welsh said...

I don't know what this Beech Grove lawyer story is supposed to be about, but it is a fact that Carson allowed an abandoned property she owned near her home on Park Avenue to fall into disrepair and which eventually became the neigbhorhood crack house. Carson disobeyed compliance orders to clean up the place. Eventually, the City, using taxpayer dollars, demolished the building and cleaned up the lot. Carson was billed for the clean-up costs. She initially refused to pay the bill until the media picked up the story and started to write about it. She paid the bill but not without blaming it on Mayor Goldsmith's administration.

Anonymous said...

You are correct, Gary, about the city bill for cleaning up her lot. And she did try to blame it on Goldsmith. Which, frankly, wasn't too difficult--at the time, Goldsmith had exactly three friends in town, two of them rented.

As Susan Williams aptly coined him: "Ambition in a suit." What a complete egocentric tool.

But I digress.

The people who recall this sorry state of Carson finances, make it sound as if the property cleanup situation covered a long period of time. In fact, it was during the time in which she was contacting creditors, making repayment arrangments with many of them, and it all lasted maybe five or six months.

Which, if you think about it, in a bankruptcy or similar situation, isn't a really long time. It just so happens she didn't pay attention to her property taxes while she was trying to make debt payment arrangements.

It was a stupid error, but I'm not so sure, under the same circumstances, I wouldn't have done the same thing. I ain't perfect.

The Beech Grove lawyer thing could've happened, but I seriously doubt it. There were debts, some of them large. She negotiated many, if not all, and repaid the ones she negotiated. Over several years.

It would've been easier to file bankruptcy, frankly. But to my knowledge, she didn't. Stubborn pride or genuine bewilderment over her retail shop not making it...I don't know what motivated her.

She was a puzzlement. A mystery wrapped in a riddle.

Anonymous said...

"Stubborn pride or genuine bewilderment over her retail shop not making it...I don't know what motivated her."

Is this the same shop where center township poor folks were instructed to shop with township vouchers?
I thought that this shop was fiction or this shop was someone else’s. Imagine that, misled again. Carson had the shop after all. Sorry but this adds creditability to the other allegations.

Wilson46201 said...

BEFORE Julia Carson was Trustee, Center Township did indeed send some of their clients to Ms. Carson's store with vouchers for clothes at a pre-negotiated price. Sadly, her clothing store went under in the late 1980s. She became Trustee in 1991 and she owned NO clothing store then. Of course, Jocelyn Tandy has been busy spreading the oft-debunked lie that Ms. Carson owned that vendor in the 1990s. Jocelyn demanded and received thousands of pages of documents from the Trustee's Office and could never make a case. Still, truth and honesty never stopped Jocelyn Tandy from her obsessive jihad of slime and slander against Julia Carson.

The Congresslady is dead but Jocelyn just wont give up her hatred. Kinda sad, really...

Anonymous said...

Poor Jocelyn..those of us who know her ..know that it will not be long before her hate, venom, lies and rage will be directed to someone else. Jocelyn never lets truth get in her way.

indyernie said...

Wilson46201 said...
"BEFORE Julia Carson was Trustee, Center Township did indeed send some of their clients to Ms. Carson's store with vouchers for clothes at a pre-negotiated price. Sadly, her clothing store went under in the late 1980s."


Wilson you hypocrite.
Why is it OK for Julia Carson to have failed in business and go on to Congress?
You rant and rave about other’s attempts within the business world when they try and fail and you call them unqualified.
You just admitted that county trustee clients were sent to Carson's shop. An honest guy enters the business world, works hard without county handouts and fails and you cry foul and declare him unqualified.
Carson enters the business world, fails while receiving a county handout and you sing her praises and you tout her qualifications. The businessman is a skilled indivugial with a degree and you chastise and call him unqualified. Carson only skills were political connections (she was a state rep while she had the store) she had a high school diploma and you sing praises about her qualification anywhere someone will listen.
So please tell me, how can Carson fail and be declared a saint by you but when a well-known local businessman fails you do everything but call him Satan.
Please if you can, make some since of this.