Indiana

SD 30 Rock

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

Precint committeemen in  Indiana State Senate District 30 will gather tonight to select a replacement for former State Senator Teresa Lubbers who went to chair the state’s higher Education Commission.

The nominees for her spot are current City-County Councilor Ryan Vaughn, former City-County Councilor Scott Schneider, former State Representative John Ruckleshaus and attorney Chris Douglas.

Each candidate has been working the District and from what I gather just about contacted every PC at least twice.  I honestly think this race will come who gets the most supporters there.   But here’s a brief handicap.

Ryan Vaughn

• Strength - Strong record on public safety and taxes as Councilor.
• Minus - Long “special election” season has given opponents time to build momentum.

Scott Schneider

• Strength - strong ideological conservative base.
• Weakness - misread tea leaves and left Council in 2007.  Could have easily been Council President had he stayed.

John Ruckelshaus

• Strength - long history as a small businessman and government service.
• Weakness - hasn’t held public office since 1992.

Chris Douglas

• Strength - experience in economic development.
• Weakness - moderate Republican who may not be able to connect with socially conservative wing of the GOP.

I’ll be Twittering from the caucus tonight.  Feel free to follow me.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on July 21, 2009 (boomark / email).