Gubernatorial, Congress Candidates Speak At Third District Democrat Dinner

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By Jennifer [email protected]

COLUMBIA CITY - Gubernatorial Candidate Jill Long Thompson and 3rd District U.S. Congressman candidate Michael Montagano spoke Saturday during the 22nd annual 3rd District Democrat dinner in Columbia City.

Long Thompson, who lives on a family farm near Argos, faces Democrat Jim Schellinger in the May primary. If she wins May 6, she then faces current Republican Governor Mitch Daniels.[[In-content Ad]]Long Thompson served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from Indiana's 4th Congressional District from 1989 to 1995. She spent more than five years as U.S. Under Secretary of Agriculture from 1995 to 2001.

"Under Mitch Daniel's leadership, we are not fulfilling our potential and we need leadership that will take us in a different direction that will grow the economy, and that is what I will do if elected governor," Long Thompson said.

She addressed issues such as establishing tax reform that is fair for families and businesses, and a healthcare policy reform where every person is able to purchase health insurance at the same rate.

She also said Indiana needs education policy reform.

"I will be a leader nationally in reforming the No Child Left Behind Act because we need more flexibility and investment in vocational education for our students," Long Thompson said.

She said she is committed to working to grow the economy and create new jobs.

"One thing I know is you can't have a strong economy without a strong middle class, and can't have a strong middle class without a strong organized labor movement," Long Thompson said.

Montagano, 26, of Bristol, is unopposed in the May Democrat primary. In the fall, Montagano faces current 3rd District Congressman Mark Souder.

"We need new leadership, change and a new perspective in the 3rd District," Montagano said.

He said Indiana has odds against them with broken energy and healthcare systems.

He said if he is elected congressman, he will work to bring troops home and stand up for healthcare for all children.

Awards also were presented during the dinner.

Doloris Cogan, Elkhart, and Charlie Belch, Fort Wayne, received the J. Edward Roush Awards for their commitment to the Democrat party.

The late Congressman Roush served during the terms of five U.S. Presidents over a period of three decades.

Helen Runge, Fort Wayne, received the Pat Kennedy Award. A woman is nominated every year for the award in memory of Kennedy, Fort Wayne Clerk-Treasurer Sandy Kennedy's daughter, who died.

COLUMBIA CITY - Gubernatorial Candidate Jill Long Thompson and 3rd District U.S. Congressman candidate Michael Montagano spoke Saturday during the 22nd annual 3rd District Democrat dinner in Columbia City.

Long Thompson, who lives on a family farm near Argos, faces Democrat Jim Schellinger in the May primary. If she wins May 6, she then faces current Republican Governor Mitch Daniels.[[In-content Ad]]Long Thompson served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from Indiana's 4th Congressional District from 1989 to 1995. She spent more than five years as U.S. Under Secretary of Agriculture from 1995 to 2001.

"Under Mitch Daniel's leadership, we are not fulfilling our potential and we need leadership that will take us in a different direction that will grow the economy, and that is what I will do if elected governor," Long Thompson said.

She addressed issues such as establishing tax reform that is fair for families and businesses, and a healthcare policy reform where every person is able to purchase health insurance at the same rate.

She also said Indiana needs education policy reform.

"I will be a leader nationally in reforming the No Child Left Behind Act because we need more flexibility and investment in vocational education for our students," Long Thompson said.

She said she is committed to working to grow the economy and create new jobs.

"One thing I know is you can't have a strong economy without a strong middle class, and can't have a strong middle class without a strong organized labor movement," Long Thompson said.

Montagano, 26, of Bristol, is unopposed in the May Democrat primary. In the fall, Montagano faces current 3rd District Congressman Mark Souder.

"We need new leadership, change and a new perspective in the 3rd District," Montagano said.

He said Indiana has odds against them with broken energy and healthcare systems.

He said if he is elected congressman, he will work to bring troops home and stand up for healthcare for all children.

Awards also were presented during the dinner.

Doloris Cogan, Elkhart, and Charlie Belch, Fort Wayne, received the J. Edward Roush Awards for their commitment to the Democrat party.

The late Congressman Roush served during the terms of five U.S. Presidents over a period of three decades.

Helen Runge, Fort Wayne, received the Pat Kennedy Award. A woman is nominated every year for the award in memory of Kennedy, Fort Wayne Clerk-Treasurer Sandy Kennedy's daughter, who died.
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