Christopher Hedges

The race between Jon Costas and Greg Zoeller heats up as state GOP convention delegates prepare to make their selection for November’s general election.  It’s a race that has been focused largely inside of the party — I don’t think I’ve heard anyone outside of the Indiana blogosphere discuss who should be the GOP’s choice for their candidate for attorney general.

Local blogger Steve Dalton is heading downstate to attend the state convention — he might do some live blogging as well as Tweeting from Indy tomorrow.

Writes Steve Dalton about the Costas vs. Zoeller battle for the nomination to be the GOP’s attorney general candidate:

Two experienced candidates face off on Monday for the Republican nomination for Attorney General in Indiana. I’m sure most delegates have made up their minds, now we wait until Monday afternoon to hear the vote totals. I’ll try to live blog tomorrow afternoon.

Costas brings basically statewide endorsement from most major Republican leaders including the Governor’s endorsement as the best candidate. While being attacked over the last three weeks as not conservative enough, or for being a “small town” mayor … he maintained his lifelong commitment to campaigning positively.

Zoeller brings a support group of southern Indiana and Ft. Wayne activists. They feel the Governor isn’t conservative enough, but in my opinion are using this election as a way to make a point without injuring him too much. It looks like the Paulistas are also looking at Zoeller, since they are against most everything …

I predict Jon Costas wins the nomination because he has a bunch of endorsements and because the party will want to have a geographically balanced ticket, but we won’t know until the convention is over and all of the votes are tallied.

Technorati Tags: attorney general, GOP, Greg Zoeller, Jon Costas

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

Technorati Tags: attorney general, Election 2008, Indiana, Jon Costas

Steve Dalton has a good summary of a conference call Indiana Attorney General hopeful Jon Costas had with Hoosier bloggers.

4:30 CST today one hour conference call, an attempt to live blog some of the Q and A time. Hosted by Hoosier Access and attended by some statewide political bloggers. Note: I will try to get all the other bloggers links, from their posts tonite, and put on here as well when I revise later.

Technorati Tags: attorney general, Election 2008, Jon Costas