Editor, Times-Union:
An inordinate amount of attention has been focused on Donald Trump and Kamala Harris and their vice-presidential picks. No matter who wins the face at the top of the party tickets, the success of those leaders will hinge heavily on the cooperation they get from U.S. Senators and representatives, state governors, attorneys general and state senators and representatives. It will matter what the political balances of federal and state legislature bodies turn out to be.
We have witnessed the inability of top leaders at both federal and state levels to get things done for their constituents when legislative bodies are overwhelmingly lopsided politically (super majorities). Although the ideal situation would be to have a politically balanced governing body or at least a governing body open to compromise for the greater good, we know election results do not always turn out that way. Today’s political atmosphere is very unbalanced in terms of temperament, vision, and meaningful accomplishment.
Governor:
Mike Braun (R) - strong proponent of the NRA, favors book banning, promotes fear of Critical Race Theory, wokeness and leftist ideologies. Opposes women’s right to choose, and the concept of diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI). Voted against the American Rescue Plan and the Respect for Marriage Act.
Jennifer McCormick (D) - lifelong educator and 44th State Superintendent of Public education; defends public education and preparing children for tomorrow’s economy; supports high-way jobs and unions; believes in protecting democracy, the environment, and women’s reproductive rights and freedoms.
U.S. Senate:
Jim Banks (R) - “celebrated” the end of Roe v. Wade; believes public schools are indoctrinating, not educating America’s youth; supports pro-economy growth policies but voted against the Inflation Reduction and Infrastructure Acts of 2021; supports election integrity measures that will make it harder for citizens to vote.
Dr. Valerie McCray (D) - supports women’s reproductive rights, labor unions, affordable housing, sustainable energy, living wages for working Hoosiers, and investment in public education.
U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd District:
Rudy Yakym (R) - believes in abortion only when the life of the mother is threatened; stated Trump’s federal and state indictments are a “sham,” a “witch hunt,” and “political persecution.”
Lori Camp (D) - wants to restore women’s reproductive health care; supports compassionate immigration reform and bipartisan border security measures; will not play politics with your body and/or personal safety.
State Attorney General:
Todd Rokita (R) - follows the MAGA playbook in promoting book banning and conspiracies regarding public school “grooming”; meddles in private Hoosier medical records; reprimanded by the Indiana Supreme Court for engaging in attorney misconduct.
Destiny Wells (D) - Lt. Col., U.S. Army Reserve; former deputy Indiana Attorney General; vows to protect workers’ rights; safeguard medical privacy and the Children’s Bill of Rights; and restore integrity to the Attorney General’s Office.
Know who/what you are voting for.
Paula Brown
Warsaw