Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Numerous folks from Kosciusko County ventured over to Fort Wayne Monday night for President Donald Trump’s election eve rally aimed at helping Senate candidate Mike Braun, the eventual victor against incumbent Democrat Joe Donnelly.
One of those folks was Rich Rhodes, who had a great seat. By all accounts the rally was a thrill of a lifetime for many Trump supporters. More than one described the environment as “electric.”
But for sure, some top-level Republicans are not fond of Trump’s antics, especially his penchant for name calling and tweeting.
State Rep. Dave Wolkins, who two years ago urged voters to hold their nose and support Trump rather than Hillary Clinton, summed up the situation succinctly Tuesday night, admitting he loves Trump’s efforts to eliminate regulations and the surging economy.
Wolkins added, “Nobody really likes Trump, but boy, they love what he’s doing. He’s the first guy to say what he’s going to do and he’s doing it. ‘Promises Made, Promises Kept’ is a great line.”
WOODWARD – Some political observers were curious to see how much impact K-County GOP Chair Mike Ragan’s repudiation of Republican Bruce Woodward would have on the Wayne Township board race. Woodward came out in support of Democrat Shari Benyousky over Republican Jeanie Stackhouse, who eventually won.
Woodward’s move angered Ragan, who ran a full-page ad in the Times-Union and left Woodward’s name off a lengthy list.
In the end, Woodward finished third among six candidates and was elected. His vote total of 5,719 was only about 200 less than the other two Republican candidates, Gordon Nash and Josh Spangle, received.
One could surmise Republican voters found it easier to vote straight ticket than choose one of the three Democrat candidates.
New Hope – County Dem Chair Brian Smith found a glimmer of hope after sifting through Tuesday’s election results. In the Wayne Township race, he noticed Shari Benyousky lost Warsaw Ward 5, Precinct 3 by 22 votes and Lori Roe lost by just 15. “The 5th Ward is definitely winnable next year in the city elections,” Smith said.
One Party? – The folks at Warsaw Community, who love to poke the bear but won’t identify themselves, offered some political analysis. Apparently they preferred Benyousky in the Wayne Township trustee race and derided party politics. Their answer: Don’t run as a Democrat in Kosciusko County.
Kavanaugh factor – County GOP Treasurer Austin Rovenstine offered a quick assessment on the impact of the Supreme Court nominee hearing of Brett Kavanuagh.
Rovenstine, on Facebook, said he believed the decision of Senate Democrats to attempt a "Bork" of Justice Kavanaugh was “one of the worst political miscalculations in American history.”
Indiana Sen. Joe Donnelly lost to Republican Mike Braun on Tuesday.
Rovenstine said he noticed an uptick in interest in campaign signs for Braun after Donnelly voted against Kavanaugh and said he believes Donnelly’s vote was a factor in his defeat.
Resisting – More than 100 people participated in a quickly organized protest in South Bend opposing President Trump’s firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Among those seen at the rally were former congressional candidate Pat Hackett and Notre Dame women’s basketball coach Muffet McGraw, who was pictured holding a sign that read, “Resist.”
Trusted Trustee – Prairie Township Trustee Julia Goon might be one of the winningest Republicans in the history of local politics. Goon has been serving as trustee for 38 years and said she has never faced an opponent.
A true believer in township government, Goon helped lead the charge to prevent the General Assembly from merging smaller townships.
On Tuesday, Goon was elected to four more years and said she hopes to remain in office two more terms, which would bring her to 50 years of service.
If you know of somebody with a longer track record, feel free to let us know.
WHAT’S IN A NAME – Speaking of Goon, a recent letter to the editor from Goon and other trustees pointed out that the state – in 2005 – determined that “township advisory boards” should instead be referred to as “township boards.”
Times-Union editors took note of that, but it looks like paperwork on Election Night as well as a letter to the editor by the county GOP chairman still embraced the old term.
Not Above The Law – The tragic death of three Mentone Elementary students has resonated with folks far and wide, including in Elkhart County. Soon after the accident, the Elkhart County Sheriff’s department threatened a crackdown on drivers who go around buses that are stopped while picking up children.
On Friday, county commissioner Mike Yoder said he learned that an Amish buggy disregarded a stopped bus and went around it.
According to Yoder, the bus driver noted the buggy plate, and the owner’s name was forwarded to the sheriff’s department.
