WINONA LAKE – Capping perhaps the most important week politically of his life, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels was in Winona Lake Thursday to serve as keynote speaker for the 100th annual Warsaw/Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce Dinner.
Tuesday evening, Daniels was selected to give the Republican party’s response to President Barack Obama’s State Of The Union address.
His remarks once again set off rumor and speculation that the governor may make a run for the GOP’s nomination to take on Obama in the November election.
In fact, Chamber President Mark Dobson joked while emceeing Thursday night’s event by holding up a Daniels campaign sign.
“Our family hasn’t changed its mind (about running for president,)” said Daniels. “I’ve always wanted to serve in government and I believe I’ve done that.”
Daniels said Thursday night he hopes to affect change through the private sector.
And it’s that private sector he lauded Thursday night.
“Every time I come to Warsaw and Kosciusko County I love being here,” said Daniels. “This is one of the most special communities in the state. I wish I could clone you, duplicate you, transplant you, something.”
Daniels said what made Kosciusko County so special was its business-friendly climate.
But he had advice for those in attendance Thursday night.
“Be less humble,” said Daniels.
He said too often business apologized about what it could do to improve the country.
Daniels said he was honored to give the GOP’s response to President Obama Tuesday night, but he said Wednesday was “an historic moment.”
Daniels was referring to the contentious Right To Work legislation.
The bill prevents unions from requiring members to pay dues. Union supporters have said the bill will lower wages across the state. Daniels has countered the bill will bring jobs in.
Daniels thanked people like Rep. Rebecca Kubacki for what he said was “their courage even when things got very lonely.”
Kubacki voted for the Right to Work measure.
Daniels even joked about a story that ran in the Times-Union where Kubacki and a union representative had a profanity-tinged run-in.
The governor said the bill will help Hoosiers continue to be a leader in business.
“The spirit of enterprise is alive and well in Indiana,” said Daniels.
But Daniels’ overriding theme in his keynote speech was for business to better promote itself.
“Be a little less humble and a little more vocal,” said Daniels. “Share with our fellow citizens the good news of what you’re doing.”
Daniels said there are few places in the state that are as business friendly as Kosciusko County.
“I’m just so proud to be your employee,” said Daniels.
After the dinner, Daniels said now that Right To Work has passed it allows the state to focus on other measures.
Daniels said it was important to pass a human trafficking bill that’s in the legislature before the Super Bowl.
He also discussed the proposed statewide smoking ban.
There has been talk of exempting bars which, with the exemptions already in place, would weaken the bill.
“I talked with some of our legislators this morning about it,” said Daniels. “I understand having some exemptions but I advised them we need a strong bill to come through.”
As Indianapolis prepares for next week’s Super Bowl, Daniels said people won’t find a better prepared Super Bowl than the one that’s coming to Indiana’s capital.
“We have some of the best people working on it,” said Daniels. “And with our state hosting other big events, we’re ready. I think if we can get the weather to cooperate this may be one of the most successful Super Bowls ever.”
