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May
14
Mitch’s Endorsement of Costas Big NWI News
Filed Under Election 2008, Indiana, Jon Costas, attorney general
The news that Jon Costas is getting Indiana governor Mitch Daniels’ endorsement in the attorney general’s race is huge news for Northwest Indiana.
Here’s the announcement letter that was sent out to Indiana Republican Committee members (via Hoosier Access):
May 11, 2008
State Committee Members,
With the primary election behind us, I wanted to write to you regarding the upcoming 2008 Indiana Republican State Convention where we will nominate our candidates for Lt. Governor, Superintendent of Public Instruction and Attorney General.
I once again look forward to running and continue serving with our Lt. Governor Becky Skillman. Becky is a trusted and valued partner in our administration. She has done as much as any Hoosier to put Indiana back on track. It is simply not possible to believe we would have accomplished as much as we have these last three and a half years without Becky as our legislative quarterback.
As you know Dr. Suellen Reed has chosen not to seek re-election as Superintendent of Public Instruction. Dr. Reed has lived out a lifelong commitment to the future of Indiana’s children. She’s a special person with a huge heart for kids and although her role is changing, I know she will continue to have a profound impact on the lives of Indiana’s future leaders.
We are fortunate to have an excellent candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction in Dr. Tony Bennett, who has served the students and families of Indiana for two decades as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. Tony, with a strong background in curriculum, instruction, and strategic planning, has a record of success in improving the performance of school districts. I am convinced his enthusiasm, record of accomplishment, and commitment to taxpayers will make him an excellent partner at the State House.
We also have two outstanding men running for Attorney General. I have known both Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas and Greg Zoeller for years. I like and admire them both very much.
I have heard from a large number of party and civic leaders making the point that three-quarters of our 2008 ticket should not come from one geographical area, and I find I must agree. Fairness, balance, and political common sense all argue for supporting Mayor Jon Costas. I ask you to join me in doing so.
Mayor Costas is a proven vote-getter and progressive leader of one of the best cities in our state. He’s gained a reputation as a results-oriented problem solver whose city has been recognized for its efficiency and sound fiscal management. Jon is an accomplished attorney with nineteen years of private practice experience.
As the party of purpose in Indiana, we must do all we can to ensure that every corner of our state is involved in shaping and leading our comeback. It has always been our approach to reach out to every part of Indiana. I look forward to seeing all of you on June 2nd at the convention.
Very Sincerely, Mitch
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6 Responses to “Mitch’s Endorsement of Costas Big NWI News”
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I posted about this at http://tyrannywatch.com/2008/05/13/costas-endorsed-by-governor-daniels
It’s a big deal for NWI!
Hi Dan,
It’s good that you’re getting the news out into the blogosphere!
It would appear, after watching the posts on Hoosier Access today, that there is at least one southern indiana GOP chair with a beef. I guess he didn’t like the fact that the Marion County GOP and Mitch Daniels endorsed and as he called it “strong armed” their delegates to make sure Costas wins.
I have first hand knowledge this isn’t the case. Sure, Jon’s asking delegates to support him. Sure, the endorsers are emailing and calling delegates. But no one is threatening these delegates.
As the comments continued today though, it became more apparant that this was really a Southern Indiana contigent saying they didn’t think Northwest Indiana was a strong enough political area for GOP … and Southern Indiana was perhaps even a bit more important. My opinion from the comments, read up and see what you think.
Hi Steve,
Mitch Daniels has done a good job reaching out to NWI’s GOP contingent and he’s doing a good thing by keeping the overall ticket balanced by choosing to endorse Costas.
I don’t think NWI should be written off — there are a lot of conservative people in NWI — they are just overwhelmed at election time by all of the push to vote Democratic by the union and the folks who have been rotating from job to job in the government.
I did see that Steve Carter is endorsing the candidate from his office.
Chris,
After all the banter back and forth yesterday from southern Indiana and our site picking up the shots taken at Jon … it was nice to see Hoosier Pundit back down finally.
Yes, Steve Carter has endorsed his deputy, why would he diss the guy that’s been doing most of the work? It’s pretty similar to Doug Olson endorsing Olga for Portage Mayor. You can’t diss your own people.
The Governor’s endorsement should bring in roughly 1/3 of the delegates. The county chairs will bring in more as they line up on either side with endorsements. In this case endorsements do matter.
Hi Steve,
I think you’re right. Steve Carter couldn’t not endorse his deputy without causing problems in the office. But, you are right that Mitch Daniels’ endorsement will carry a lot of weight — especially since there are a lot of open convention seats from Indianapolis that are being filled right now with Costas supporters.