Gov. Honored Locally With 'Spine Award'LEESBURG - Governor Mitch Daniels was honored with a Spine Award Thursday night for his courage in leading the state.
Daniels accepted the award at a dinner at Tippecanoe Lake County Club, Leesburg, that was a political fundraiser for Rebecca Kubacki. The dinner was attended by 152 people.
Kubacki is seeking the State House of Representative District 22 seat. The general election is Nov. 2.
Dr. Dane Miller and Jean Northenor served as honorary chairmen for the event.
Randy Girod, Kosciusko County Republican chair, and Diane Haupert, Wabash County Republican chair, served as co-chairs.
Kubacki came up with the idea for the dinner to honor Daniels, who she said has shown backbone and stood up for principles.
Kubacki awarded Daniels with a spine replica that was in a glass case and was donated by Biomet.
She said when Daniels took over as governor, Indiana was $700 million in debt, but he didn't blame the previous governor.
"Governor Daniels rolled up his sleeves, paid off the debt, balanced the budget, and all without raising taxes," Kubacki said.
Daniels said he was appreciative of receiving the award, and talked about the virtue of courage.
"No one should be thanked for what they are hired to do, but I accept this award with honor and will display it proudly," Daniels said.
He said Winston Churchill said courage is a virtue because it makes possible all the others.
Daniels said people with courage are those who attended the dinner and had the courage to start businesses.
"America will need courage because we are about to be tested in a way we haven't been outside of a nuclear threat and second world war," Daniels said.
Daniels thanked those who attended for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the state for the last six years.
There was a time for questions and answers with the governor.
Daniels was asked how he would propose to institute fiscal responsibility in Washington. He said impoundment power needs to be reinstated.
"Impoundment power is when the executive branch has the power to not spend money even though Congress votes for it," Daniels said.
Daniels also said entitlement programs need to be restructured.
"Kids cannot possibly pay for the benefits we've promised ourselves," Daniels said.
Daniels was asked if he is running for president in 2012. He did not answer yes or no.
"I have been asked that question a lot, and what I have been telling people is that Republicans may win this election by not being the other guys, and I hope for correction in D.C.," Daniels said.
Daniels also was asked about unemployment in Indiana.
"Since the recession started we have been doing whatever it takes to manage our businesses in Indiana better than other states," Daniels said.
He also said the state has not raised taxes that will help provide Indiana with a competitive edge.
Daniels said there needs to be more competition in the Republican party when candidates are running.
"America is about the individual and family, and government is here to serve the private sector, not the other way around," Daniels said.
