Indiana

News You Can Use

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

It never fails, the day I have to go back to Illinois and practice law is the day anything and everything breaks lose.  Let’s do a quick run down…

Pence off the Fence

6th District Congressman Mike Pence has decided to make my political pundit life a lot less interesting by deciding not to run for the U.S. Senate against Evan Bayh.  He cited  making Republicans the majority in the House of Representatives as one of his priorities.  I also think it was the fact he would have had to gather thousands of signatures and have them certified in about three weeks also played a role.  Anyone who has ever had to gather signatures for a statewide race knows it is nowhere as easy as it sounds.

Marchal Marches On

Republican Helen Marchal is getting out of the race for Marion County Prosecutor.  In an e-mail to GOP supporters Marchal said  “I was faced with a major decision impacting myself and my family (including my three children, under the age of 7), with a deadline of less than 48 hours.  On further reflection and consideration of the sobering realities of a condensed, nine-month campaign, for personal reasons, I thought it best to withdraw my candidacy.”

I have no reason to doubt Marchal’s motives, however I’m also hearing Democrats were going to go after her husband who is active in Democratic politics had she stayed in the race.   GOP Chairman Tom John says a committee will be put together to seek a new candidate and it will be headed by former prosecutor Scott Newman.   I wonder if any of the conspiracy theorists will throw their hats in the ring and run for the job and finally put their money where their mouths frequently are.

Bar Wars IV

Indiana lawmakers meet today to discuss legislation that would change the way alcohol is sold and distributed in the state.  Part of the bill mandates any wholesaler who gets a contract from a supplier must reimburse the previous wholesaler for any lost business.   I spoke with some supporters of the bill and they say it is not about protectionism but equity.  They argue that large wholesalers can manipulate competition in Indiana and engage in predatory practices so the legislation is needed to level the playing field.  They also argue the plan will result in loss jobs and fewer taxes being collected.  The House will hear the bill at 8:30 this morning.  The Senate will hear a similar bill this afternoon.

I’m off the Land of Lincoln.  Talk to you tomorrow.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on January 27, 2010 (boomark / email).