Friday, December 14, 2007

Looking For 7th District Candidates

The news that Rep. Julia Carson (D) is not seeking re-election and that she is suffering from terminal lung cancer has come and past, but despite the talk of many would-be candidates, nobody has actually walked the walk by filing a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission as of today.

Two candidates have publicly announced their intention to run on the Republican side, probation officer Wayne Harmon and State Rep. Jon Elrod, but neither have filed a statement of candidacy with the FEC. A candidate for federal office is required to file a statement of candidacy within 15 days of the receipt of at least $5,000 in campaign contributions. Harmon announced his candidacy months ago, while Elrod announced more than a month ago. Obviously, neither candidate has done any serious fundraising to date or their statement of candidacies would be on file with the FEC.

On the Democratic side, both Marion Co. Treasurer Mike Rodman and State Rep. David Orentlicher have said they intend to run for the seat being vacated by Carson. Former U.S. Rep. Andy Jacobs has endorsed Carson's grandson, Andre, to take her seat. Other names are being floated as well, including Rep. Carolene Mays, City-County Councilor Joanne Sanders and Rep. Greg Porter.

If Carson should decided to step down from her seat earlier, a special election will be called by Gov. Daniels to fill her vacancy, setting up two different races next year for her seat. In the special election, party leaders will get to slate their respective candidates, while the respective party's general election nominees will be determined by the voters in the May primary.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

In terms of integrity and work ethic, Greg Porter leads that group.

Sir Hailstone said...

This seems to have become a high stakes game of "chicken". That or a staring contest. Nobody wants to be the first to blink.

Wilson46201 said...

Lest it be forgotten: John Kerry got 58% of the vote in the Seventh District. Melina Kennedy bested Carl Brizzi in the 7th District.

Anonymous said...

Greg is a good guy. But nobody would be a better rep than David O.

Anonymous said...

Wilson wrote:
"Melina Kennedy bested Carl Brizzi in the 7th District."

And she still lost the election. As did John Kerry.
:)

AR

Anonymous said...

I am sorry but I must disagree! Greg Porter is and has been a great DISAPOINTMENT to the community that elected him. He is nothing but a bought and paid for Bart Peterson GO-FER!

Anonymous said...

There are many Dems mentioned, and a few unmentioned, who would do a marvelous job.

All more competent than Andre Carson.

Anonymous said...

David O is great but if he vacates that house seat no Dem will get it back and we need to maintain control of the Indiana House of Representatives.

Anonymous said...

May she rest in peace!

Anonymous said...

She should have done the right thing and stepped down earlier. Maybe now we will finally get some representation.

Anonymous said...

If David O goes to Congress another Dem could win in the 86th. There are plenty of good candidates, and '08 doesn't look particularly good for Repubs.

Anonymous said...

08 should be a great for Dems in Indiana unless Hillary is at the top of the ticket.

Anonymous said...

You are incorrect the special election does not have to take place in the May primary.

Gary R. Welsh said...

You obviously didn't read my post correctly, anon 1:45. I didn't say the special election takes place in May. I said there would be a special election, plus a May primary to determine the general election nominee. The governor will set the date for the special election, which will probably happen in late February or early March.

Anonymous said...

Greg Porter is a great representative.. and I can't imagine anyone who'd fight harder for Indy and the 7th! Go Greg!

Anonymous said...

I had a problem and I went to Greg Porter and he helped me get it solved....

Anonymous said...

ASK MR. PORTER ABOUT HIS VOTE TO GIVE HIMSELF A PAY RAISE, WHILE THE MEANTIME HE IS MAKING OVER A $100,000 A YEAR AT THE MARION COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT. HELLLLLLLLLLLLLO!!!!!