Indiana

My Three Candidates

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

Sorry to post so late in the day, but I got tied up with a few things this morning.  Here’s the latest gossip, rumor and innuendo.  As always, take it for what it’s worth.

Good News and Bad news

The National Rifle Association has endorsed Democrat Brad Ellsworth in the race for the United States Senate.  In a release today the NRA  cited Ellsworth’s “pro-gun” record, including his signing of an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in the Heller case which upheld an individual right to bear arms.  The release did mention why the NRA did not endorse either of Ellsworth’s opponents, Republican Dan Coats or Libertarian Rebecca Sink-Burris.

Speaking of Ellsworth, the NRA endorsement has to be good news.  There are reports that the National Democratic Senate Campaign Committee is giving up on Indiana and not reserving time for television ads.    Ellsworth is hoping to tap into the African-American vote.  My sources tell me he’s slated to meet with a number of black-elected officials this weekend in Indianapolis during the Circle City Classic.

Tit for Tat

The back and forth between Republicans and Democrats continues over Secretary of State candidate Charlie White’s voting record.  Democrats accused White of fraud for voting from an address where he did not reside.  Republicans accused Democrats of playing politics.

Today Democratic candidate Vop Osili called on Hamilton County Prosecutor to open an investigation and appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the case.  Meanwhile, Republicans unveiled what they called Osili’s own “irregularities” in his campaign for Secretary of State which includes more than $70,000 in what they label as discrepancies in his campaign filings.  Republicans say that matter is exacerbated by the fact Osili is his own campaign treasurer.

On a more interesting note, I have been speaking this week to politicos from across the state asking if this story has gotten any legs outside of the political class.  Both Republican and Democrat alike have both said “no”.  While they all agree on the seriousness of the allegations, they all also agreed that unless Democrats are willing to spend the time and money to make this a major issue over the next five weeks, the story really won’t get much traction outside of the usual insiders.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on September 30, 2010 (boomark / email).