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For Immediate Release
October 9, 2008
Contact:  Dan Tierney
317-635-8881
dtierney@indygop.com

VOTERS SHOULD BE VIGILANT IN CHECKING ABSENTEE BALLOTS   

GOP receiving widespread complaints from all over area

INDIANAPOLIS-Numerous Marion County voters have received absentee ballots for races outside their districts, possibly endangering the votes of countless Indianapolis residents.

Marion County Republicans released information regarding several reported instances of persons receiving the wrong absentee ballots. John held a press conference in front of the home of Eric Eichholtz, who lives next to Senator Teresa Lubbers, but received a ballot containing another State Senate District.

"I am very concerned that voters may not realize they are receiving the wrong ballots, and in turn will never have the chance to cast their intended vote for Congress or the State Legislature," said Senator Lubbers. "We need to bring attention to this so voters can check their ballots before they are returned."

John encouraged all voters voting absentee to double check their absentee ballots before returning them to the Marion County Clerk.

"It is of the upmost importance that voters be vigilant in protecting their rote to vote," said John. "Given these troubling errors, every voter voting absentee should double check which precinct and legislative districts they should vote in and make sure the ballot they were provided matches."

John also expressed concern that Marion County election officials had not come forward with this information on their own accord.

"I am deeply disappointed and troubled by Beth White's silence to the voters," John said. "Voters have the right to know their votes may be jeopardized, and White has a duty to inform them that she may be disenfranchising them."

(Please contact Dan Tierney at dtierney@indygop.com for copies of the list provided by the Clerk's office office of persons given wrong ballots, or for sample copies of wrong ballots sent to voters).

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For Immediate Release
October 7, 2008
Contact:  Dan Tierney
317-635-8881
dtierney@indygop.com

GOP CHAIR: WHITE MISUSED OFFICE IN OBAMA VOTER APPEAL


  Marion County Clerk may have violated Indiana law

INDIANAPOLIS-Marion County Republican Party Chairman Tom John today called for an investigation into whether Marion County Clerk Beth White misused her office by encouraging voters to early vote for Barack Obama in exchange for  their receiving preferential seating at his campaign rally tomorrow.

"Beth White took an oath to uphold the laws of the State of Indiana.  Yet, Beth White went on television to promote efforts by Barack Obama that are legally questionable, if not downright illegal," said John. "Those in a position to do so, should immediately investigate whether Beth White and Barack Obama have broken the law."

John said his concerns arise out of an interview White gave to WRTV that was broadcast Sunday  wherein White told WRTV that, "The Obama campaign is having rallies with incentive if they come down to the rally and come here and vote early, you get preference for Barack Obama's appearance Wednesday at the Fairgrounds."

John expressed concerns that both the incentive offered by the Obama Campaign and Beth White's promotion of it on television violated Indiana Code 3-14-3-19, which prohibits exchange of items of value for votes.

"To his credit, whenever and wherever Senator Obama speaks, the event becomes one of the hottest tickets in town," John said. "By offering preferential seating to those who vote early, the Obama campaign is most certainly giving an item of value in exchange for early voting. The public should frown upon such activities, and they should be immediately investigated."

John also specifically criticized Clerk White's involvement.

"I am appalled that Beth White would use her position as Clerk and chief elections official for the county to promote Barack Obama's rally and  help pitch his "incentives " to vote," said John. "This was not some idle comment to a reporter. Beth White looked straight at the camera and the voters at home and told them they would get special seats to the Obama Rally if they voted early. That was wrong, and she should be ashamed of herself for misusing her office in such a blatantly partisan manner. "

Video of Marion County Clerk Beth White's comments on YouTube.

Statutes related to Voter Inducement

United States Code
       TITLE 18--CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
                              PART I--CRIMES
              CHAPTER 29--ELECTIONS AND POLITICAL ACTIVITIES
 Sec. 597. Expenditures to influence voting
     Whoever makes or offers to make an expenditure to any person, either to vote or withhold his vote, or to vote for or against any candidate; and
    Whoever solicits, accepts, or receives any such expenditure in consideration of his vote or the withholding of his vote--
    Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if the violation was willful, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.
 (June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 721; Pub. L. 103-322, title XXXIII,  Sec. 330016(1)(H), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147; Pub. L. 104-294, title VI, Sec. 601(a)(12), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3498.)
Indiana Code

IC 3-14-3
     Chapter 3. Interference With Free and Equal Elections

IC 3-14-3-19
Inducing votes by gift or offer to compensate
     Sec. 19. A person who, for the purpose of inducing or procuring another person to:
        (1) apply for or cast an absentee ballot; or
        (2) vote or refrain from voting for or against a candidate or for or against a public question at an election or political convention;
gives, offers, or promises to any person any money or other property commits a Class D felony.
As added by P.L.5-1986, SEC.10. Amended by P.L.3-1987, SEC.482; P.L.103-2005, SEC.37.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thurs., Oct. 2, 2008

Contact: Lauren Smith

(317) 231-7125

(317) 370-3321, cell

 

SODREL BRUSHES OFF ECONOMIC CRISIS, DISMISSES THE CONCERNS OF THE PEOPLE OF THE NINTH DISTRICT

Claims Economy is "Fundamentally Sound"

 

Seymour, Ind. - Today, Mike Sodrel showed just how out of touch he is with the challenges hardworking Hoosiers are facing in the wake of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.  As the stock market continues to wildly fluctuate and Hoosiers worry that their life savings will disappear before their eyes, Sodrel claimed that there was no need for "gloom and doom" and that it isn't "the end of the world."

 

In an address to young Republicans at Hanover College, Sodrel said:  "I don't believe all this doom and gloom you hear about comparing what's coming to the Great Depression and soup lines," he said. "The bailout will affect loans, but I don't think it is the end of the world." [Madison Courier, Oct. 2, 2008]

 

"I'd like to see Mike Sodrel tell that to the honest families whose homes are being foreclosed upon; the hardworking people whose jobs have been sent overseas; the families struggling to pay for food, gas, and health care," said Dan Parker, State Chair of the Indiana Democratic Party.

 

Just days ago, Mike Sodrel claimed that the "fundamentals of the economy are strong."   This flippant commentary comes at a time when unemployment in Indiana is at a 21-year high, gas prices continue to skyrocket, and good-paying jobs continue to disappear overseas.

 

"Mike Sodrel can go ahead and sit on his millions, assured that his economy is sound.  But the people of Southern Indiana know differently and they know who will work on their behalf in Washington," said Parker.

 

 

Paid for by Indiana Democratic Party.  www.indems.org.  Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

 

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For Immediate Release
September 19, 2008
Contact: Dan Tierney
M: 317-605-1142
dtierney@indygop.com

MARION COUNTY GOP STATEMENT ON
MARY CATHERINE BARTON

John says Barton was unqualified from the beginning

INDIANAPOLIS--Marion County Republican Party Chairman Tom John released the following statement this evening after Democrats called for the resignation of fellow Democrat Marion County Surveyor Mary Catherine Barton:

"It's about time that Ed Treacy finally called for the resignation of the unqualified Mary Catherine Barton as Surveyor. She was unqualified when Chairman Treacy and his party slated her four years ago. It's about time Democrats start to realize that voters will hold them accountable if they continue to put unqualified candidates on the ballot. I hope we see this trend continue. Perhaps next week, Ed Treacy will call for equally unqualified chiropractor, Ken Ackles, to resign as Coroner."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 19, 2008
Contact: Terry Burns, 437-7867
 
Marion County Democratic Chairman calls for resignation of county surveyor
 
INDIANAPOLIS - Marion County Democratic Party Chairman Ed Treacy called today for the immediate resignation of Marion County Surveyor Mary Catherine Barton.
 
According to information received by the party, it appears that Ms. Barton has only shown up for work sporadically since January and rarely since June 1. The last time Ms. Barton was seen at the City-County Building was last month when she made a brief appearance before a City-County Council committee to make her office's budget presentation.
 
The party also has learned that Ms. Barton no longer is communicating directly with her staff, which is making the situation in her office even more difficult.
 
"While I'm deeply concerned about Ms. Barton's well-being, as party chairman I have a responsibility to make sure that elected officials from our party are carrying out their duties to the taxpayers of Marion County. In this case, that doesn't appear to be happening. This isn't about politics, it's about public service," Treacy said.
 
"We have tried on several occasions in the last few weeks to reach out to Ms. Barton to offer our help and support, but she has ignored all of our efforts. Others in the community have also tried to offer help, but have met the same reaction," Treacy said.
 
 "Unfortunately, given Ms. Barton's decision to refuse our offers of help, I had no choice but to ask her to resign as county surveyor," he said. "This was a difficult decision, but something that had to be done for the good of the people of Marion County and our party."
 
Barton was first elected county surveyor in 2004. She was defeated in her re-election bid in the May 2008 Democratic Primary.
 
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Editor's note: Marion County Democratic Party Chairman Ed Treacy will be available for comment today (Sept. 19) from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at county party headquarters, 603 E. Washington St., Suite 100.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fri., Aug. 22, 2008

 

CONTACT: Lauren Smith
(317) 231-7125
(317) 370-3321, cell

 

HOOSIERS CONTINUE TO STRUGGLE UNDER DANIELS ECONOMY

July Showed Rise in Layoffs Across the State

 

Indianapolis, Ind. - Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released layoff figures that show that Hoosiers continue to suffer at the hands of the Daniels Administration.  There were 67 layoff events in Indiana in July alone, affecting nearly 9,000 Hoosiers.  This dramatic increase makes 2008 the worst year for job loss during the Daniels Administration so far.

 

"Mitch Daniels continues to spin empty rhetoric and campaign talking points while Hoosiers are struggling.  The people of Indiana deserve a Governor who is paying attention to the troubling indicators of our economy, and how that affects Hoosier families," said Dan Parker, State Chair of the Indiana Democratic Party.

 

"Everyday, we are seeing further indicators that our economy is faltering under Mitch Daniels.  Unemployment is at a record high, jobs are being lost thanks to the Daniels policy of outsourcing, and hard-working Hoosiers are being laid off.  That is not the kind of leadership that Indiana needs," said Parker.

 

"Privatization and outsourcing are not the way to repair Indiana's economy.  Mitch Daniels continues to be out of touch with the struggles of Hoosier families," said Parker.

 

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Paid for and authorized by the Indiana Democratic Party, Daniel J. Parker, Chair.

This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thurs., Aug. 21, 2008

 

CONTACT: Lauren Smith
(317) 231-7125
(317) 370-3321, cell

 
DANIELS CONTINUES TO BE OUT OF TOUCH WITH HOOSIER VALUES

Cites False Results, Accomplishments as Proof of Record

 

Indianapolis, Ind. - Yesterday, in an interview with the South Bend Tribune, Mitch Daniels cited his Buy Indiana program as proof of increasing contracting dollars to Indiana companies.  The truth is, as of this spring, over $2 billion in state government contracts had been outsourced to companies located outside of Indiana, not including Daniels' decision to sell-off the Indiana Toll Road for 75 years to a foreign consortium, or the disastrous privatization of FSSA.

 

What Daniels did do was to change the definition of what qualifies as an Indiana company.  Now, behemoths such as Wal-Mart are considered as Indiana companies. 

 

"Mitch Daniels' false claims of success are a disservice to the people of Indiana.  We have seen jobs and revenues disappear from the state at the hands of Daniels' misguided decisions," said Dan Parker, Chair of the Indiana Democratic Party.

 

"Mitch Daniels continues to be out of touch with the struggles of working Hoosiers.  He claimed to be 'aiming higher' in Indiana, but what he has shown us is his unswerving dedication to sending Hoosier jobs and dollars out of the state," said Dan Parker, Chair of the Indiana Democratic Party.

 

"Indiana's economy is suffering under the misguided decisions of the Daniels Administration. Privatization and outsourcing jobs are not answers to rebuild the Hoosier economy and help working families," said Parker.

 

"Campaign talking points cannot cover up his dismal economic record.  This just shows the voters of Indiana that their Governor is more concerned about his own reputation than the people he serves," said Parker.

 

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Paid for and authorized by the Indiana Democratic Party, Daniel J. Parker, Chair.

This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 21, 2008
Contact: Terry Burns, 637-3366
 
Ballard's budget cutting scheme endangers neighborhoods, public safety
 
Mayor wants to sell city parks to the highest bidder
 
INDIANAPOLIS - A plan by Mayor Greg Ballard to sell-off neighborhood parks to private developers and to slash funding for local arts programs gets its first hearing tonight before the City-County Council's Parks and Recreation Committee.
 
Marion County Democratic Party Chairman Ed Treacy said the mayor's proposal would be devastating to many of neighborhoods across the city and jeopardize public safety.
 
"City parks provide hundreds of safe, family-friendly and anti-crime activities for kids and families across Indianapolis," Treacy said. "That's why the mayor's plan to privatize our parks and turn them over to private developers makes no sense."
 
Treacy also expressed concern about the mayor's back room deal with a local real estate company which will be helping the city sell off our parks.
 
"During his campaign, Mayor Ballard promised higher ethical standards in city government, but then he awards a no-bid contact to Venture Real Estate to inventory city parks for possible sale. What makes matters worse is that this same company will then get a cut of money from those sales," Treacy said. "This not only is a huge conflict of interest and but it's also an ethically questionable move by the mayor."
 
"Our parks are one of the city's most valuable assets so it makes no sense to sell them off to the highest bidder," he added. "This backward plan will have a devastating impact on the quality of life in neighborhoods across our city. This is a proposal right out the Mitch Daniels-Steve Goldsmith privatization playbook."
"In his own campaign plan, the "Ballard Rules," then-candidate Ballard said one of the questions people often ask themselves is, 'Does the city care about my neighborhood?' Based his plan to sell off parks and cut arts funding, the answer from the Ballard administration apparently is no," Treacy said.
 
"We don't have beaches, mountains or oceans, so Indianapolis has to compete with what we DO have:  neighborhood parks and arts and culture. Cutting arts and parks makes Indianapolis a less desirable city to live, work and raise a family," Treacy added.
 
In the past eight years, the city has made unprecedented leaps in parks, arts and culture that have helped Indianapolis grow into a cultural destination, bring in tax dollars to the city, and drive new business expansion.
 
Under Mayor Ballard's budget plan, many of these projects and gains made by the Peterson administration are on the chopping block:
 
Saving natural land for parks & greenways.  Under Mayor Peterson, the city has added nearly 751 acres of new parkland. In 2006, the city acquired 158 acres of new parkland in 2006, the third highest one-year total since 1975.  From 2000 to 2003, the city added more parkland than in any three-year period in the preceding 27 years, including a major expansion of Southwestway Park (Councillor Cockrum).
 
Indy's world-renown greenways.  Indy Parks secured private and public funding to build and extend the Monon Trail, Little Buck Creek Trail and White River and Eagle Creek Greenways. The city also celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Monon Trail, which an estimated 1.2 million people use annually, making it one of the nation's busiest urban greenways. Since 2004, Indy Parks added 5.5 miles of trails, including plans to complete the Fall Creek Trail, (Councillor Cain).  South White River Greenway, and the Pennsy Trail, (Councilor Hunter).
 
Completion of parks family centers & renovations. Indy Parks received an unprecedented $10 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to build and expand community centers in underserved neighborhoods, renovate nature and art centers and make other important repairs and improvements. Indy Parks has since completed new family center construction & expansions at Municipal Gardens, Christian Park, Rhodius Park, Bethel Park and Washington Park. In addition, Indy Parks opened the Garfield Park Arts Center, one of the few municipally owned and operated public arts centers in the nation, in 2006.
 
Inviting children & families into city parks.  In 2006 alone, Indy Parks provided services and facilities to more than eight million park visitors through various programs, parks and greenways, including over 785,000 visitors at environmental education facilities. From 2000 to 2008, Indy Parks to use federal funds to provide more than 100,000 free, nutritious meals to low-income children who took part in parks programs during the past eight summers.
 
Citywide strategy for cultural development. In 2001, the city launched the Indianapolis' Cultural Tourism Initiative, a strategy to enhance our quality of life, attract visitors and grow businesses by bolstering the city's regional, national and international cultural profile. The initiative spawned the enormously successful Indianapolis 2005, Cultural Districts, and an explosion of public arts.
 
National recognition. In 2005 and 2006, American Style Magazine named Indianapolis one of the top 25 cities for arts in cities of populations greater than 500,000.  
 
Cultural Trail. The Peterson administration partnered with the Central Indiana Community Foundation to create the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, a world-class urban bike and pedestrian path that connects neighborhoods, Cultural Districts and amenities and serves as the downtown hub for the entire central Indiana greenway system. Funded in large part by local philanthropists Gene & Marilyn Glick and other private donations, the trail will connect Fountain Square, Indiana Avenue, Mass Ave, The Canal & White River State Park, and the Wholesale District. The Cultural Trail also will connect with the Monon Trail, allowing easy access to Broad Ripple Village from downtown.
 
Expanded arts in city parks. In the past eight years, the city significantly expanded the cultural opportunities available in our parks, including dozens of new outdoor concerts, free movies and theatrical productions, such as "Jazz in the Park," and a weeklong drama camp for children. The city created an annual "Arts Guide" to inform the public about the many performances and cultural opportunities available in the parks.  Garfield Park Arts Center opened in 2006 and hosts multicultural exhibits and performances. Movies in the park expanded to 42 performances in 2007.  In addition, Indy Parks opened the Garfield Park Arts Center, one of the few city-owned and operated public arts centers in the nation, in 2006.
 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fri., Aug. 14, 2008

CONTACT: Lauren Smith

(317) 231-7125

(317) 370-3321, cell

NEW FIGURES SHOW HOOSIERS STRUGGLING IN THE DANIELS ECONOMY

Indiana Shows Record-Breaking Job Loss, Skyrocketing Unemployment

Indianapolis, Ind. - Today, statistics on Indiana's job loss and unemployment numbers for the month of July were released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).  Indiana experienced the third-highest amount of jobs lost in a single month, with 16,500 good-paying jobs disappearing in July alone.

"Hard-working Hoosiers are suffering and losing their jobs while Mitch Daniels continues to live in a fantasy land.  For too long, we have heard Daniels claim that he has brought jobs to Indiana, but the 16,500 people whose jobs have disappeared can tell you differently: the Daniels economy is hurting Hoosier families," said Dan Parker, Chair of the Indiana Democratic Party.

Indiana's unemployment rate is 6.3 percent, an increase of nearly two percent in 2008, and well over the national average of 5.7 percent.  While Hoosiers are struggling to pay ever-increasing gas prices and grocery bills, unemployment has increased from 5.5 percent to the current rate of 6.3 percent under Mitch Daniels' tenure.

"The people of Indiana deserve a Governor who will exhibit true leadership and dedication to the struggles they face everyday.  The disturbing trends under Mitch Daniels just show that he is out of touch and out of line," said Parker.

"These numbers will hopefully puncture even the bubble that Mitch Daniels is living in.  He cannot continue to sit idly by, ignoring the fact that all around him, people are struggling," said Parker.

 

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Paid for and authorized by the Indiana Democratic Party, Daniel J. Parker, Chair.

This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

For Immediate Release: August 10, 2008

Bush Loyalist Campaigning for McCain in Hamilton County
8/10/08

Campaign appearance reflects sagging voter support for McCain in county

FISHERS - As if any further proof was needed that John McCain is campaigning for George W. Bush's third term, look no further than who his campaign is sending to Fishers this Tuesday. Rob Portman, who has spent his entire career with the Bush family, will be here to stump for McCain. Portman began his political career by joining George H.W. Bush's general counsel staff. While serving in the House, Portman began as the liaison between George W. Bush and the House Republicans. In his most prominent roles in the current Bush Administration, Portman was Bush's appointee as U.S. Trade Representative and eventually the director of the Office of Management and Budget.

"If you loved Bush, then you'll love McCain," says Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair, Keith Clock. "If you love the free trade agreements that have destroyed manufacturing in Indiana and if you love the record budget deficits dumped onto our children to deal with, then you'll love the approach and people McCain is surrounding himself with."

Portman's visit will be the McCain campaigns first visit to the county and only the third visit to the state by the campaign as a whole. Obama however has appeared in Indiana 46 times, including one campaign stop in Hamilton County and several others by national level surrogates.

In past elections, Republican presidential candidates have relied on the large population of Hamilton County to carry the state. However, several national polls show that Sen. Obama has a small lead in Indiana, making Hamilton County an important player in the Presidential race. According to internal polling done by the Hamilton County Republican Party, Sen. Obama has a 10 point lead in support over John McCain.

Dozens of events in support of Sen. Obama have taken place in Hamilton County in the past few months. A search for local campaign events on John McCain's website shows not one event within 100 miles of Hamilton County. However, there are over 50 Obama events within 15 miles of Noblesville and nearly 100 within 15 miles of Fishers according to his website.

"The fact that so many people, including Republicans, are opening up their homes to host events in support of Sen. Obama in Hamilton County, shows that his message of change in Washington is resonating," said Clock. "This McCain event demonstrates that he is not doing well in Hamilton County, which does not bode well for a statewide success. The notion that they have to bring in someone for support shows that voters here are tired of the failed Bush policies and that the McCain campaign's message is not carrying in Hamilton County."

For more information: Keith Clock, 317-522-1669

# # # Paid for and authorized by the Hamilton County Democratic Party, Keith Clock, Chairman. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.