Friday, January 04, 2008

Who's In, Who's Out

This is where the rubber meets the road. Candidates for the 7th District special election race must make their intentions known and begin working precinct committeepersons for votes. With little more than a week to go before the Democrats and Republicans caucus to pick their candidates, we still don't know who all is running. Is that crazy or what?

On the Democratic side, both City-County Councilor Andre Carson and County Treasurer Mike Rodman have made their candidacies official by filing the necessary paperwork with the Democratic Party. I'm told that attorney Randle Pollard filed paperwork with the party late yesterday as well. State Rep. David Orentlicher has filed a statement of candidacy with the FEC and has been working harder calling committeepersons and lining up dollars for his bid than any other candidate, but he has not officially filed paperwork with the party to run in the caucus next weekend. The Star's Brendan O'Shaughnessy reports that State Rep. Gregory W. Porter, State Rep. Carolene Mays of Indianapolis, former state party chairman Robin Winston and former state health commissioner Woody Myers are also potential candidates. Other Democratic sources say City-County Councilor Joanne Sanders is also running; however, both she and Robin Winston were in Iowa this week working the Iowa Caucus. You can't be taken seriously if you can leave the state to work on somebody else's campaign so close to the date of the vote.

On the Republican side, State Rep. Jon Elrod has filed a statement of candidacy with the FEC, but neither he nor any other Republican candidate has filed paperwork with the party to run in the caucus slated for next weekend. Sources say Jerusalem Post publisher Tom Rose and former 7th District candidate Marvin Scott are both planning to run. Brian Howey also reports that Blan Dickerson, son of 2006 candidate Eric Dickerson, is interested in the race as well. The silence I've heard coming from Republicans, though, is deafening. Is anybody serious about this race in the Republican Party? They haven't convinced me if they are. I'm sure not prepared to promote any of them based upon what little I've seen and heard to date.

It really is disconcerting to think that with so little time left before a room full of people gather to select two candidates, one of whom is assured of becoming the next U.S. Representative for the 7th District, the public knows so little about who the candidates in the race are, let alone where they stand on the issues. It doesn't say much about our representative democratic process, does it?

35 comments:

Wilson46201 said...

André Carson is already well known to most Democratic precinct committeepeople - he's also sent out an introductory letter with positions on issues to all of them. After being nominated in the Caucus, he'll be campaigning vigorously with the 7th District voters for the Special Election.

Anonymous said...

Why even mention Joanne Sanders?

Gary R. Welsh said...

Because her supporters keep e-mailing me that she is running, anon. 9:00

Wilson46201 said...

Robin Winston is NOT running - he's backing André Carson.

Anonymous said...

Timing is making this thing play out a little weird. In fact, one could argue that the special election is not where the real end game is. Most of the candidates mentioned can't win a party caucus, but they might be viable in a primary. Those candidates might be wise to save their resources for the primary and the November '08 general election.

Anonymous said...

Count me out!!
I'll stick with my current position.---RETIRED!!

Anonymous said...

Joanne is running but going to Iowa is part of her full time job. Gotta pay the bills. The Dems have some good choices and Joanne is one of them.

Anonymous said...

These posts are hilarious.

I got Andre's letter, Wilson. It was a complete joke. It stated no positions on issues. It was a pathetic attempt to grab at his grandmother's coattails. Cute picture of the wife and baby, tho. I did notice--neither the letter or the picture had a union bug. Interesting.

I also got a mailed letter from Rodman, with a page-and-a-half list of community involvement and accomplishments, all very impressive. Something Andre cannot provide. Mike's also called, twice, as has David O. And representatives for Greg and Joanne.

And just so we get this straight--pun intended--I don't know a single committeeman who puts any stock whatsoever in anything Robin Winston says. He'd be the Dodd factor in this race, comparing it to Iowa: smart, articulate, and not favored by anyone.

Whatever is said, Wilson--most committepersons either know Andre very little or not at all.

And, if a candidate wants to skip the special election and go straight to either slating or the priamry, they might get a nice leg up.

As for me, I'll listen to whatever Burnetta says--and do exactly the opposite.

Anonymous said...

Is there any particular reason I have this feeling that the Marion County GOP exists for no other reason than to organize and raise money solely for the benefit of the Governor and GOP statewide candidates?

Indianapolis is the 13th largest city in the United States and the best that they can put up for Congress is Andre Carson?
That speaks volumes about Indianapolis doesn't it.

Anonymous said...

Anon: 10:11? The Marion County GOP? Andre is a Democrat....Didn't you mean Marion County Democrat Party?

Anonymous said...

I got THREE letters from Andre! Somebody's not very organized.

Anonymous said...

11:29, I was referring to the Marion County GOP.
Republican Elrod is NOT a viable candidate so therefore the Democrats have the only viable candidate thus far in Andre Carson.
Sad excuse for a city this size.

Anonymous said...

OMG... does Wilson live or die by a Carson sign?

Marion Co Dems have great choices of people with real accomplishments-- David, JoAnne, Greg, and Rodman..

Andre needs to learn about sewers and urban renewal first.. before he ever thinks about CONGRESS.

Anonymous said...

I would agree that the Dems have some fine choices in candidates but Joanne Sanders? Come on, she is right there with that Pollard guy in the don't bother mentioning category. She does complete the field as a white woman. Clearly, there are a number of others I could think of: Jackie Nytes or Susan Williams for example.

Anonymous said...

susan williams? that's an interesting thought. is she considering?

Anonymous said...

Ummm actually Sanders completes the field straight across the board, male or female. I think the strongest for the Dems are Sanders or David O.

Why the "white woman comment" 12:36? What does that have to do with their qualifications?

Anonymous said...

The anger for Andre is a clear indicator of his front runner status. Accomplishments, huh? That the argument used against Obama. The need for positive change and youth is more important than experience. Andre Carson has more experience that Andy Jacobs had when he went to Congress the first time back in the sixty. Andre is the people's choice, all eggheads can support these others without effect on the outcome.

Anonymous said...

Susan Williams....ha ha ha ha ha ha..............Joanne Sanders is not running but some people keep looking for the great white hope....Joanne is wonderful but she is not running.

Anonymous said...

Not quite, 12:45.

Andre might be the choice of the precinct committee chairs, but he won't win in a primary against other qualified D's, and we will *not* be the people's choice. Nothing against him: but he doesn't have nearly the experience that David O, Sanders, Myers, etc. do.

Anonymous said...

BEWARE OF THE DARK HORSE, BECAUSE I WILL BE RUNNING IN THE PRIMARY. I CANNOT WAIT TO DEBATE ALL OF THESE OVER RATED INDIVIDUALS. ONE WORD FOR ALL THE ANDRE CARSON HATERS, REGARDING HIS YOUTH AND UNPROVEN TRACK RECORD. THE GOP IS PUSHING ELROD AND HE IS HAS JUST BEGUN PUBERTY. LOL. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA STATES THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATION TO RUN FOR THE UNITED STATES CONGRES:" TWENTY FIVE YEARS OF AGE". I AM A FIRM BELIEVER OF OUR YOUTH AND THEIR HUNGER TO PURSUE POLITICAL OFFICE SO THAT OUR GENERATION AND THE NEXT GENERATION OF YOUNG LEADERS OF PROTECTED. MY PLATFORM TITLE IS..."REBUIDING AND TAKING BACK OUR COMMUNITY". I HAVE A VERY COMPREHENSIVE INITIATIVE PLAN FOR COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR OUR YOUTH AND PEOPLE EXPERIANCING POVERTY, LACK OF HOPE ETC. I HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO RUN IN THE SPECIAL ELECTION BECAUSE I WANT TO BE IN THE COMMUNITY TOUCHING PEOPLE AND LISTENING TO THEIR CONCERNS THIS IS WHAT LEADERSHIP IS TRULY ABOUT. I WILL BE RUNNING TO TAKE BACK WHAT IS NOT OWN BY AN MONARCY, NOR PRIVATE INTEREST GROUP BUT TO GIVE BACK TO CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE TO THE COMMUNITY. IN TERMS OF MY FUND RAISING, IT IS GOING QUITE SLOW BUT IT WILL PICK UP TRUST, AFTER I UNVEIL MY INITIATIVES. I DO NOT ACCEPT CONTRIBUTION FROM THE HEALTH INSURANCE CORPORATIONS, I DO NOT TAKE ANY MONEY FROM FINANCIAL INTITUTIONS SUCH AS MORTAGE COMPANY AND LENDERS. MORE IMPORTANTLY I DO NOT TAKE MONEY FROM PAC ORGANIZATION. IN CLOSING WHEN THE PEOPLE CHOOSE THEIR REPRESENTATIVE, AND IF IT IS THE DARK HORSE. THIS IS MY WORD, I WILL NOT BE A PART OF THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS. WHY YOU ASK, WHY YOU ASK? BECAUSE A HOUSE THAT IS DIVIDED SHALL NOT STAND. THAT IS THE REASON WHY CONGRESS APPROVAL RATING IS A MERE 23 PERCENT. NOT TO MENTION LOW PROVAL RATING FOR OUR STATE ELECTED OFFICIAL AS WELL. WELL MY HORSE IS AWAITING FOR ME NOW, UNTIL THEN I WILL EVERYONE IN THE SPECIAL ELECTION INCLUDING MY YOUNG BROTHER ANDRE GOOD LUCK AND GOD SPEED.



SINCERELY YOURS

DARK HORSE

Anonymous said...

Oh brother......do they require a psychological evaluation for this seat?

Anonymous said...

Dark Horse = Jocelyn Tandy Adande.

Anonymous said...

Oh man 2:01, I hope so! This going to be some funny sh*t!

Anonymous said...

Just to correct the record, Pollard has not yet filed paperwork with the Indiana Democratic Party.

The only two candidates who have filed for the caucus at this time are Andre Carson and Michael Rodman.

Anonymous said...

Jen, for the record Mr.Pollard is a corporate Lawyer that was hand pick by our Party to fill the vacancy. The very reason why our elected official in congress has failed the American people and our Community goes as follows. Corporation who rather see profits, than to save lives. That being our health care system, if you or your aunt,mother,uncle,son,daughter etc. Where experiencing a life threatning illness. More than likely your health insurance will not cover the cost. Your family recieve a letter of rejection stating that you are no longer covered. What does one do next? You start planning funnerals, and your health insurance representative recieves a comphreshensive bonus. Mr. Pollard is not the Dark Horse, Neither is Joyclen Adante'. The trumpet of change has sounded off, Mr. Pollard best choice is to stay in his corporate office because he will be expose in the election. If any other candidate is reading this blogg, Do your home work. It want be a blood bath, it going to be a whipe out! I have all my paper work ready to be file for the primary, and the FEC.

Anonymous said...

Here is a tip Dark Horse, you might want to have someone proof read and correct your speeches in the future.

Anonymous said...

Dark Horse? That's gotta be "Crazy Larry" aka Larry Vaughn.

Campaigning with a bag on his head.

Anonymous said...

HI, 3:04 PM, IS THAT ALL YOU CAN COME UP WITH? PROOF READ MY SPEECH. I CAN BRUSH UP A LITTLE BIT, HOWEVER, YOU DO UNDERSTAND WHERE I AM COMING FROM MY FRIEND? STICKS AND STONES, WELL YOU KNOW THE REST RIGHT HONEY!!!!!!



SINCERELY


DARK HORSE

Anonymous said...

Q: If Dark Horse and Wilson were merged, would it be a Dark Wilson? Each makes about the same amount of sense.

Anonymous said...

Larry Larry Larry

Anonymous said...

I'd vote for Joanne Sanders before I voted for Andre. This woman has clearly demonstrated she can communicate at least.

Anonymous said...

No doubt Andre won't even come up with something original on his own but bogart the "I *heart* Andre" signs.

Anonymous said...

Pollard has only three things in common with Obama: Lawyer, black and Democrat. I would guess that his backers share these same traits. I would post their names but they know who they are. Feeling left out of the process based on the other fielded candidates.

Understand the legislative process? That is rich. I have seen him at the statehouse with a deer in the headlights look about him.

How about first understanding the people's issues and problems. Zero chance. He is creme-de-the-creme all the way.

We need someone from here, one of us. This he ain't.

Anonymous said...

Anon 930 "...deer in the headlights look about him" that is Andre Carson too.

Anonymous said...

André Carson is a follower of W.D. Mohammed, son of the founder of the Nation of Islam, and he invited Louis Farrakhan, leader of that group, to speak at his grandmother's funeral and annoint him as her successor!

Dems had better be prepared to fight him. This is one slippery dude!