Gubernatorial candidate Eric Miller made a campaign stop at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds Wednesday, visiting with supporters attending the GOP's fish fry.

Miller was greeted by a crowd of more than 60 well-wishers waving "Miller for Governor" signs and many wearing the red, white and blue "It's All About You" T-shirts.

Miller, 53, of Avon bounded from his recreational vehicle to cheers and applause and began to deliver one of his characteristically energetic speeches.

"Hold up your hand if you want higher taxes!" he said. "Hold up your hand if you believe in same-sex marriage!"

No hands were raised, but they were in response to pledges to marriages defined as between one man and one woman and protecting the sanctity of life.

Miller's campaign actually began two years ago and he hasn't wavered from his pro-family, pro-tax reform stance.

He talked, as he has before, about the state's finances and his opposition to increasing income taxes or creating ga graduated income tax.

"The last thing you need is to raise taxes on Hoosier families. I'll bring together local officials, business and community leaders and cut through red tape at the state level," he said if he reaches the state's highest office. "We have to partner with local officials to give them the help they need to attract business and help existing businesses to grow."

Backed by campaign chairman ex-Gov. Otis "Doc" Bowen and State Sen. Kent Adams who also attended the fish fry, Miller said his administration will be like Bowen's "They'll understand their job is to help the people of Indiana succeed.

"First thing we have to do is acknowledge that we're spending too much money. Every one of the budgets Joe Kernan has been involved in - the last four - have been deficit budgets.

"I'm the only candidate that running for governor who has pledged a veto of any budget that spends more than we take in."

Inside the Home and Family Arts Building where the well-attended fish fry was held, Miller went to each table, talking to citizens and passing out brochures.

This morning the candidate was on his way to Jeffersonville to meet with supporters and shoot another television commercial.

Speaking from his RV via cell phone, he lamented the fact that Republican opponent Mitch Daniels wouldn't debate him outside Indianapolis. With two debates scheduled, one on April 22 and the other one May 1, he hopes local affiliates air the programs.

"The response of people has been that of gratitude," he said this morning, "Not only that I was there, but that I was running for governor. It will only take 200,000 votes to secure the candidacy."

In the meantime Miller is pushing his yard signs and window stickers.

"John Elliott is doing a fantastic job here," he said of his local coordinator. "We believe we have a winning combination for the elections on May 4 and Nov. 2."

For more information, call Elliott, 267-3570 or toll-free 866-259-2004.

On the Net: www.ericmiller2004.com [[In-content Ad]]