Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Ballard Wins (I hope), GOP Sweeps Indy Council

Republican newcomer Greg Ballard has pulled off what appears to be one of the biggest political upsets in Indianapolis history if current trends continue. With over 70% of the vote returns tabulated, Ballard built a 52%-45%, or over 7,000 vote lead over Peterson. That lead has since narrowed with well over 80% of the vote counted to just under 6,000 votes. Ballard is sweeping into office with him four new at-large Republican councilors, including Ed Coleman, Michael Hegg, Barb Malone and Kent Smith as it now stands. Democratic incumbent councilor Sherron Franklin has been vanquished by her Republican challenger, Michael McQuillen. Dane Mahern is running neck and neck with Harry Liggestt. Only one Republican incumbent has lost. Scott Keller has been crushed by Democrat Brian Mahern. Other Democratic incumbents are struggling as well, including Angela Mansfield, who is trailing Bruce Schumacher. Vernon Brown (D) is running slightly behind Adam Longworth (R). Monroe Gray, in his overwhelmingly Democratic district has a relatively small lead over Republican Kurt Webber. Mary Moriarty Adams (D) is locked in a dead heat race with Republican Gary Whitmore. Republicans will hold at least an 18-11 majority in the new council if the results stand. Possible Republican seats at stake include the race between Billerman and Hunter for Langsford's seat. Evans and Henry are locked in a tight race for Randolph's seat.

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

To quote local singer/songwriter Chris Shaffer..."Its a beautiful world, a wonderful life. A beautiful day, a wonderful way to live" Viva la revolution!!!!!!!

Jacob Perry said...

Unbelievable. No doubt that when The Indianapolis Today writes their post-election stories, you'll complain about not receiving credit for being the first one to call this one. What a ridiculous P.R. ploy, even for you.

Anonymous said...

When do the "Bart Cries" bumper stickers get printed?

Anonymous said...

Uh Gary, Center Township hasn't reported yet.

Anonymous said...

When do the "Bart Cries" bumper stickers get printed?

8:51 PM EST

Sign me up for one of those. I'll need something to put over my Bart Lies sticker.

Jacob Perry said...

Uh Gary, Center Township hasn't reported yet.

Which is something that those of us who have actually fought in the trenches know well. That's the difference between a wanna-be and activists who have actually gotten their hands dirty.

Wilson46201 said...

Gary, remember what they taught you in Marshall about counting chickens!

The night is still young...

Anonymous said...

Uh Gary, Center Township hasn't reported yet.

It does not appear that District 21 numbers have really come in either. However, that district holds the large Republican part of Warren Township. I would get that the closer you get to the inner city area, you get more more people voting Democrat. The downside for Dems is that the liberal leaning folks of Irvington got hit hard with property tax increases. They also get special police protection just before the election. These are folks who want to be urban dwellers, but want the crime and taxes kept in check. It think this area will go Republican. If it doesn't, it will be very close. As such, Ballard could still get plenty of votes out of this district to help off-set the Center township numbers.

Gary R. Welsh said...

Jacob, It's nice to see you're still as bitter as always. I have been known to be over-enthusiastic about Ballard's chances this year, but who thought it would even be a reasonable speculation in election night. Brian Howey was the first to post the headline "Upset City" at his site. When I saw the face on Steve Campbell earlier tonight before a single vote had been counted, I knew Peterson's people were more than a little worried. Who among the pundits thought this would have been possible. Maybe they'll pull out a squeaker for Peterson, but it's fun dreaming what might be.

Anonymous said...

The Republicans won Lawrence!

Anonymous said...

Districts 17 and 18 (Dems) are holding out returns, but so is District 21 (GOP)

Jacob Perry said...

Not bitter (and not sure what that's a reference to), but still as amused as ever observing your persistent narcissism. An opportunity to promote yourself has as much chance of passing you buy as a fat intern does of getting by Bill Clinton.

Admittedly, I never thought Ballard had a chance in hell of winning (I figured he'd do well to get within 3 points), and if you said you did you are either a bigger liar than Bart, or a prescient genius.

Anonymous said...

They Mayor just conceded. Wilson, ummm.....

Anonymous said...

Maybe Bart will hear us now when we say we are mad as hell and we aren't going to take it anymore.

Anonymous said...

I guess when you condone corruption, are arrogant and refuse to let voters in and tax the hell out of people, one tends to get voted out in this town. Indy still has hope. Bart your arrogance has been duly noted, you are now free to move about the country...please get the hell out of indy.

Anonymous said...

10:53, don't be a sore loser. The result is a good one, but have some class.

Anonymous said...

I meant, of course, don't be a sore winner.

Anonymous said...

I meant, of course, don't be a sore winner.

Anonymous said...

Have some, Wilson! Have some!

Anonymous said...

Does this mean that WILSON won't be hanging around the blog any more....I hope, I hope, I hope.
Why is it that people who lack integrity are always the last to find out? I am not trying to sound like a bad winner, just stating the fact.

Anonymous said...

Wilson, the night is over....The PEOPLE have spoken.

Anonymous said...

Does this mean that WILSON won't be hanging around the blog any more....I hope, I hope, I hope.
Why is it that people who lack integrity are always the last to find out? I am not trying to sound like a bad winner, just stating the fact.

Anonymous said...

"don't be a sore winner", that's right, like you all didn't GLOAT after your win. Don't you get it? The PEOPLE have spoken loud and clear. You can bitch all you want on a blog but our voice is loudest and clearest at the polling booth. We let you have your victory party, we deserve ours, if you don't like it you might not want to come here for a little while.

Anonymous said...

Bart cries!

http://www.cafepress.com/hoosierpolitics

Anonymous said...

You seem to have gotten what you wanted Gary. Now, I hope you will hold Ballard and the GOP-led CCC to the same standards of accountability. No free passes.

Anonymous said...

Now, now. It really shouldn't be Bart Cries. It should be Bartophiles Cry.

After all, all of them will be polishing up their resumés today. Good riddance to all of those people who pushed out the public during the budget presentation at the CCC.

Anonymous said...

Start counting Wilson

Anonymous said...

Angela Mansfield is out. Hurray. She is a gun hater and I am glad she is gone.

Anonymous said...

I agree Grant, she shot herself in the foot( he he ) trying to pass the Marion County shooting ban as well as voting to raise taxes.

Gary R. Welsh said...

Whether you agree with Angela's politics or not, she was head and shoulders above most of the Democratic council members. Gray is the source of most of the council's controversies and he get's re-elected.

Anonymous said...

Mansfield is a total nazi who wants gun control just like Germany got under Hitler.

Anonymous said...

Well, that Nazi is out ! can I get a hell yeah?

Anonymous said...

HELL YEAH !

Anonymous said...

Bad news, Mansfiled is staying. More votes came in, bummer. Oh well, the Republicans won't let her pull her anti gun stuff again.