Recently in Statewide Races Category

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2008
Contact:    Andrew Downs, Assistant Professor of Political Science, 260-481-6691
        Michael Wolf, Assistant Professor of Political Science, 260-481-6898

Daniels Has Large Lead Over Thompson
Other State Races Much Closer

Who is leading in the race for Indiana governor?

Among 900 likely voters, Republican incumbent Governor Mitch Daniels has a substantial lead over Democratic challenger Jill Long Thompson - 55% to 38% with 4% for Libertarian Andrew Horning and 3% undecided.  Daniels leads among men and women, in all age categories, and in almost every other category.  The only categories where Thompson leads are early voters (52% to 44%), voters who identify themselves as strong Democrats (81% to 13%), Democrats (53% to 38%), or independents who lean Democratic (58% to 32%), those who support Barack Obama for president (64% to 28%), those who almost never attend a religious service (46% to 43%), divorced respondents (49% to45%), and African Americans (68% to 23%).  Her leads in these categories are smaller than the leads of the other statewide Democratic candidates (Obama, Pence, and Wood) in the same categories.

Respondents who said they were voting for Daniels were asked if their support was a vote for Daniels or a vote against Thompson.  Respondents who said they were voting for Thompson were asked if their support was a vote for Thompson or a vote against Daniels.  The results to these questions help to explain why Daniels has such a large lead.  Almost nine out of 10 (88%) of Daniels' supporters are voting for him because of him and only 10% are voting for him as a vote against Thompson.  The numbers are very different for Thompson.  Not quite half (47%) of her supporters are voting for her because of her and just over half (51%) are voting for her as a vote against Daniels.  This suggests that Thompson has not effectively delivered a message about why she should be elected other than she is not Mitch Daniels.

Who is leading in the race for Indiana Attorney General?

Among 900 likely voters, Republican Greg Zoeller has a slight lead over Democrat Linda Pence for this open seat (46% to 42%).  The fact that 10% of the respondents are not sure yet who they will be supporting means this race should remain exciting till the end.  The tightness of the race can be seen in the fact that in more than half of the demographic categories used in this survey, neither candidate has a lead of 50% or more.  In the categories where a candidate does have a lead of 50% or more, it either is barely over 50% or is in a category where it would be expected to be large such as among strong partisans.  

Zoeller has expected leads among Republicans and McCain supporters.  He also has a sizeable lead among respondents who attend church every week (56% to 34%), married respondents (51% to 38%), respondents with a graduate or college degree (11 point leads).  A final interesting finding is that Zoeller is leading among the respondents who said they have made up their minds in the past few days about who to support for president (51% to 25%).  It is a small percentage of respondents who have decided in the past few days (7% of all respondents), but if this trend continues among the undecided voters it could help push Zoeller to victory.  Almost half of the people still undecided regarding the presidential race are undecided regarding the attorney general race.

Pence has expected leads among Democrats and Obama supporters.  She has sizeable leads in several categories (African Americans, 70% to 16%; respondents who decided who to support in the presidential race after the debates, 56% to 34%; respondents who almost never go to church, 52% to 33%; divorced respondents, 55% to 30%; and widowed respondents, 59% to 33%).  Unfortunately for Pence, many of these categories are small parts of the electorate.  Like other Democratic candidates, Pence seems to be benefiting from the aggressive early voting effort of the Barack Obama campaign.  She leads Zoeller among early voters (59% to 33%).  If she can maintain her lead among early voters and cut into Zoeller's lead among those who will vote in Election Day, she could pull off a victory.  

An analysis of the undecided voters confirms that this probably will be a close race to the end, but that it might be leaning toward Zoeller.  Nineteen percent of the independents are undecided and the independents who have decided who support in this race are evenly divided (37% Zoeller - 37% Pence).  Two of the next highest percentages of undecided voters are independents who lean Republican (14%) and independents who lean Democratic (13%).  Not surprisingly among the independents who lean Republican who have decided who they are supporting in this race, Zoeller is winning (75% to 10%).  Pence is leading among the independents who lean Democratic who have decided who they are supporting in this race (62% to 22%).  Finally, 21% of the respondents who made up their minds about who to support in the presidential race in the past few days still are undecided in the race for attorney general.  This is good news for Zoeller because the respondents who have made up their minds about the presidential race in the past few days and have decided who to support in the attorney general race have broken decisively for Zoeller (51% to 25%).  

Who is leading in the race for Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction?

Among 900 likely voters, Republican Tony Bennett is leading Democrat Richard Wood for this open seat (45% to 41%).  This has not been a high-profile race and that might explain why 14% of the respondents still are undecided.  There are many aspects of this race that are similar to the race for Attorney General.  The Republican candidate is leading overall, but has significant leads in fewer demographic categories than the Democratic candidate.  While the Democratic candidate may have significant leads in more demographic categories than the Republican candidate, they are categories that make up small parts of the electorate.

Bennett leads in the categories that he would be expected to lead such as strong Republicans, Republicans, independents who lean Republican, and McCain supporters.  His biggest lead other than the categories mentioned above is among respondents who attend religious services every week (56% to 31%).  He has 19 point leads among voters who decided who support in the presidential race in the past few days (47% to 28%) and respondents with a college degree (52% to 33%).  Finally, he has a 15 point lead among respondents who are married (51% to 36%).  

Wood also leads in the categories that he would be expected to lead such as strong Democrats, Democrats, independents who lean Democratic, and Obama supporters.  He also has a large lead among African Americans (68% to 16%).  He has 20 point or larger leads among early voters (60% to 32%), voters who made up their minds about who to support in the presidential race after the debates (54% to 33%), respondents who almost never go to religious services (53% to 32%), and divorced respondents (50% to 29%).  

There are several ways to analyze the undecided voters.  One is to look at the categories with the largest percentages of undecided voters.  Another is to look at the categories that make up the largest percentages of the population that have a large percentage of undecided voters.  Independents have the largest percentage of undecided voters (29%).  Bennett and Wood have split the decided independents evenly (Bennett 36%, Wood 35%).  One quarter of the voters who have made their decision regarding the presidential race in the past few days are undecided on the race for superintendent of public instruction.  This may benefit Bennett since he is 19 points up on Wood in this category among respondents who have made up their minds (47% to 28%).  Wood may benefit from the 21% of the divorced respondents who are undecided since he currently leads in this category by 21 points (50% to 29%).  Sixteen percent of females, who make up 53% of the respondents, are undecided on this race.  Bennett and Wood are in a virtual tie in this category among those who have decided (Bennett 42%, Wood 41%).  Sixteen percent of the respondents younger than 50, who make up 55% of the respondents, are undecided on this race.  If the undecided voters younger than 50 vote the way the decided voters have, Bennett stands to gain quite a bit (Bennett 45%, Wood 38%).  Sixteen percent of the respondents who said they will be voting on Election Day are undecided.  These voters make up 83% of the respondents and break solidly for Bennett (Bennett 47%, Wood 37%).  This is a close race that seems likely to be won by Bennett.  

What is the Mike Downs Center for Indiana Politics?

The Mike Downs Center for Indiana Politics is a non-partisan organization that helps the people of Indiana understand the role of politics and government in their daily lives.  By doing this, The Mike Downs Center hopes to encourage participation in political and public processes the same way its namesake, Professor Michael C. Downs, did for more than 34 years.  The Mike Downs Center is located on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW).

Statement of Methodology: This SurveyUSA poll was conducted by telephone in the voice of a professional announcer. Respondent households were selected at random, using a registration based sample (RBS) provided by Aristotle, of Washington DC. All respondents heard the questions asked identically. The calls were conducted on October 27, 28, and 29.  The number of respondents who answered each question and the margin of sampling error for each question are provided. Where necessary, responses were weighted according to the voter registration database.  In theory, with the stated sample size, one can say with 95% certainty that the results would not vary by more than the stated margin of sampling error, in one direction or the other, had the entire universe of respondents been interviewed with complete accuracy. There are other possible sources of error in all surveys that may be more serious than theoretical calculations of sampling error. These include refusals to be interviewed, question wording and question order, weighting by demographic control data and the manner in which respondents are filtered (such as, determining who is a likely voter). It is difficult to quantify the errors that may result from these factors. Fieldwork for this survey was done by SurveyUSA of Verona, NJ

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2008
 
Contact: Trevor Foughty, Campaign Manager
(765) 480-2508 (cell)
trevor@drtonybennett.com

  Republican candidates promise to back measures for tighter background checks on new teachers

State Superintendent candidate Dr. Tony Bennett, State Senator Teresa Lubbers, and State Representative candidate Chris Swatts pledge support for reforms to strengthen background checks on new teachers and provide a centralized reporting process for dismissed teachers
(INDIANAPOLIS) Republican candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett, along with Republican State Senator Teresa Lubbers and Republican State Representative candidate Chris Swatts, promised on Wednesday to push for education initiatives that would strengthen current laws regarding background checks for teachers during hiring processes.

"Teachers are on the front lines of education every day, and we must make sure we have teachers of the highest integrity and moral quality in front of our children," said Bennett.  "Currently, schools are only required to do a limited criminal background check when hiring new teachers, and I think the first thing we need to do is to require national FBI background checks so that school systems can have the confidence they aren't hiring any bad actors."

Bennett also addressed Indiana's lack of a central reporting procedure for schools when they dismiss teachers for misconduct.

"The Department of Education should be set up as a conduit for this information so that we can stop 'passing the trash' from district to district," said Bennett.  "It is unacceptable to me that a teacher who acts inappropriately in one district is able to sneak into another district just because we have no uniform method to inform other districts of the reasons for their dismissal."

Lubbers, who also chairs the Senate Education Committee, agreed with Bennett that the measures are needed, and emphasized that school districts will maintain their local control.

 "Responsibility for personnel decisions ultimately rests with the local school districts," said Lubbers.  "But it's clear to me that the system we have isn't working.  We have a real opportunity to repair and strengthen what's currently in place, while at the same time respecting the autonomy of individual districts."

Swatts also agreed that the measures were needed, citing recent stories and editorials in the Indianapolis Star that highlighted cases of teachers dismissed for behavioral issues such as sexual misconduct finding jobs in other school districts.

"As a result of recent articles in the Star, it has become apparent to me that reform is needed," said Swatts.  "These are simple, common sense initiatives that will have an extremely positive impact on education in Indiana.  If elected, I look forward to the chance to work on this crucial legislation."

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Media Release:                                             Contact:

October 9, 2008                                                                     Joel Miller, Linda Pence for Attorney General

                                                                                                (317) 750-5757

 

 

Linda Pence:  'I will close the revolving door in the Attorney General's Office'

Pledges to protect taxpayer investment by ending sweetheart deal with Indianapolis law firm

 

Indianapolis - Attorney General candidate Linda Pence today announced she will close the revolving door in the Attorney General's Office by ending a contract with Indianapolis law firm Lewis & Wilkins. 

 

Pence's declaration stems from the Attorney General's decision in late 2004 to outsource the office's Tort Litigation Division to the division chief's newly formed law firm, Lewis & Wilkins.  According to newspaper reports, the division chief, John Lewis, helped provide key information to the team drafting the request for proposal, and incorporated his firm while still employed by the Attorney General's Office.  Only two proposals were received and a two-year contract in the amount of $1.3 million was awarded in January 2005 to the division chief's new firm.  Thereafter, Marion County Republican Chairman Tom John joined the firm and it was renamed John, Lewis & Wilkins.  As written, the contract provides incentives to the firm for keeping cases open and for negotiating settlements.  The contract, originally approved in January 2005, has been repeatedly renewed.

 

The campaign web site of Pence's opponent and current Chief Deputy, Greg Zoeller, states he directs work performed by outside counsel. 

 

"I find the actions of the Attorney General's Office disturbing," Pence said.  "The chief of the tort division provided information about the division to the team writing the RFP and was allowed to get his law practice off the ground while still employed by the state.  Within a month of incorporating his firm he received a contract in excess of a million dollars for doing the same work he performed for the people of Indiana.  I absolutely won't stand for this type of conduct which is why I'll immediately put an end to this contract if elected."

 

"Secondly," Pence continued, "the tort litigation division serves a very important function as it defends tort claims filed by individuals and businesses when they believe they have been damaged as a result of state action.  Citizens who have been harmed deserve respect and attention.  Importantly, there are zero employees with historic memory who have been trained in the last four years to handle these cases. "

 

While Indiana laws bans former state employees from turning around and performing the same work for the state in the private sector, state agencies can waive that restriction by filing a written explanation with the Ethics Commission stating why the work is not adverse to the public interest.  The Pence campaign has repeatedly requested that the Ethics Commission and the Attorney General's Office share the written explanation with the public and it has yet to be produced. 

 

 "As Attorney General, fighting for families and protecting our children will be my top priority.  That's why I'll put an end to the revolving door and restore the tort division to protect the investments of our taxpayers.  At the same time, I'll refocus efforts and resources so we can make serious headway against child abuse and closing a loophole that allows sexual predators to victimize our children without repercussions. " 

 

To learn more about Linda Pence and her campaign for Attorney General, please visit www.lindapence.net.

 

Paid for by Indiana Democratic Party.  www.indems.org.

 

 

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Media Release:                                             Contact:

October 7, 2008                                        Joel Miller, Linda Pence for Attorney General

                                                                        (317) 750-5757

 

Linda Pence applauds bipartisan effort to investigate high gas prices

 

Renews call for Attorney General's office to step up and protect Hoosier families

 

Indianapolis - Attorney General candidate Linda Pence today issued the following statement regarding the Commission on State Tax and Financing Policy's upcoming meeting to examine gas prices in Indiana.  On September 17, 2008, Pence questioned the Attorney General's office as to why they had failed to investigate high gas prices after the average price of gasoline hit $4.17, marking a sudden and across-the-board increase in the state.

 

 

            "I applaud the Commission's bipartisan effort to investigate high gas prices because until now, no one has stepped forward to take a long, hard look at why.  The Attorney General is the one public official who could - and should - investigate, but the office could only offer a telephone message that told Hoosiers who called the gas price gouging hotline that it was not the Attorney General's responsibility.

 

            As Attorney General, I'll take a more aggressive and vocal role vocal role to investigate price gouging, price fixing and potential anti-trust violations.  If gas prices skyrocket on my watch, I'll launch a serious investigation into the pricing practices of gasoline and publicly pursue complaints in order to deter oil companies from trying to reap more money at the expense of Hoosiers.

 

            Despite my calls for an investigation by the Attorney General's Office a month ago, they have been silent on this issue.  I sincerely hope during their testimony on Wednesday that they will report to the people of Indiana what they have done to ensure that the Hoosiers are protected and not being treated differently than any other state in the country, and make known what - if any - lawsuits have been filed."

 

            Linda Pence has a proven record fighting oil companies.  During her nine years at the Department of Justice, she took on big oil companies when gasoline prices skyrocketed.  She also successfully stood up for Central Indiana mom-and-pop gas station owners against Shell Oil, a multinational corporation, in a complex case that involved claims of unlawful price discrimination, violation of the Indiana Deceptive Franchise Practices Act, breach of contract and fraud.

 

 

To learn more about Linda Pence and her campaign for Attorney General, please visit www.lindapence.net.

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

Media Release:                Contact:
September 25, 2008                           Joel Miller, Linda Pence for Attorney General
                        (317) 750-5757


Linda Pence:  Sexual predators will pay for their morally repugnant crime
Closing legal 'loophole' will deter and punish more sexual predators

Indianapolis - Attorney General candidate Linda Pence today announced she will target sexual predators who prey upon our state's children by partnering with the Indiana General Assembly to beef up the child seduction statute.  Pence also will deploy the Attorney General's Office to help train communities, educators and parents so they can identify sexual predators before they strike.  

"We have witnessed time after time where our children have been molested and seduced by adults who were supposed to be their protectors," Pence said.  "These adults in a position of trust have flagrantly violated the law, and because of a legislative loophole, they have been able to walk away without paying for their morally repugnant crime."  

As Attorney General, Pence proposes to work with the state legislature to strengthen the current child seduction law to ensure that adults who hold a position of authority over the lives of children are clearly subject to criminal prosecution.  The statute, IC 35-42-4-7, makes it a crime to seduce a student if the adult is employed by a school.  As written, the law excludes contract employees and volunteers, many of whom provide support to schools and children's activities across Indiana.  As a result, sexual predators can turn the law against their victims, which occurred in Southern Indiana when a school bus driver was not subject to a Class D felony because he was employed by a bus company, not the school corporation.  The Indiana Supreme Court cited the statute's language and the General Assembly's power to broaden it, in its opinion favoring the bus driver.  

"I have personally witnessed the devastation and emotional and physical turmoil that families and children face in these situations, and I firmly believe no one should face this kind of pain," Pence said, referring to a case she took on in which a high school coach maintained he was a volunteer - rather than a paid employee - as proof that he wasn't breaking the law when he seduced two young members of his team.  "Because of this loophole, we were unable to pursue criminal prosecution.  Closing the loophole would eliminate any doubt in the eyes of the law that these crimes deserve serious punishment."

Pence also would also include a public education component to protecting Hoosier families from sexual predators  by training educators, parents, and children on how to identify these dangerous criminals before they harm others.  Training and additional assistance would also be available to local law enforcement, to assist in the apprehension and prosecution of sexual predators.  

"Sexual predators are a very serious threat to our children's safety, particularly in the very places that should be an oasis for them," said Pence.  "As Attorney General, I won't sit by and wait for sex offenders to prey upon our families.  Protecting our children will be my top priority.  I'll work to close this loophole and institute an effective education and training program, so we can protect more Hoosier families and put these dangerous criminals in jail where they belong."  

Pence recently announced plans to crack down on child abuse by:  strengthening the Indiana State Child Fatality Review Team;  enabling the Attorney General to conduct an independent investigation when a child dies in foster care or under the protection of the State; developing a comprehensive training program for parents, educators and parents to use to identify and prevent child abuse; and forming the Attorney General's Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Investigative Team to assist prosecutors and law enforcement agencies throughout Indiana when a child is intentionally harmed.  


To learn more about Linda Pence and her campaign for Attorney General, please visit www.lindapence.net.
 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wed., Sept. 17, 2008 Contact: Joel Miller (317)-750-5757 LINDA PENCE CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION INTO HIGH GAS PRICES Hard-Working Hoosiers Deserve An Attorney General Who Will Advocate For Them Indianapolis, Ind. - Today, Linda Pence, candidate for Attorney General, held a press conference to call attention to the skyrocketing price of gas. In Indiana, the average price of gasoline hit $4.17, marking a sudden and across-the-board increase in the state. Indiana is paying higher prices than 44 other states, but no one is currently investigating why. "When Hoosier families are wondering about the sudden and uniform increase, it is the responsibility of the Attorney General to look into the matter and demand an answer. The people of Indiana need someone who will advocate for their interests, and not roll over for Big Oil," said Linda Pence, candidate for Attorney General. Right now, the Attorney General's office touts a gas price-gouging hotline. However, when a constituent called the number, the message merely stated: "Thank you for calling the gas-gouging line. We want to let you know that we can only pursue gas gouging complaints when the governor declares a state of emergency. The governor has not yet declared a state of emergency, but we want to go ahead and collect your information. Please remain on the line for a representative, and thank you." Linda Pence knows the Attorney General should do more, and stated today that she would "take a more aggressive and vocal role to investigate price gouging, price fixing and potential anti-trust violations." Leaving an innocuous outgoing message is not action; it is not the solution or answer Hoosiers deserve. They deserve a person of action; not simply empty words and rhetoric. While at the U.S. Department of Justice, Pence fought oil companies over oil pricing. She has a history of standing up for honest, hardworking Hoosiers in the face of Big Oil and the special interests. She believes it is not the job of the Attorney General to make excuses; it is the job of the Attorney General not to turn a blind eye to Big Oil. Rather in this situation, the Attorney General should actively investigate them with a robust, proactive agenda that will ensure consumers are protected. If Pence were attorney general today, she would launch a serious investigation into the pricing practices of gasoline in Indiana. She would publicly pursue complaints in order to deter oil companies from trying to reap more money at the expense of Hoosiers. She calls on the Attorney General's office to report to the people of Indiana what they have done to ensure that the Hoosiers are protected and not being treated differently than any other state in the country, and make known what--if any--lawsuits have been filed. "Price gouging is good for the oil companies, but bad for all of us. This is all happening at a time when the oil companies are reaping record profits, but Hoosiers are paying record prices at the pump," said Pence. ###

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2008
 
Contact: Trevor Foughty, Campaign Manager
(765) 480-2508 (cell)
trevor@drtonybennett.com

  Bennett receives FOP endorsement
GOP State Superintendent candidate sees law enforcement backing as support for discipline initiatives
(INDIANAPOLIS) Dr. Tony Bennett, Republican candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, received the endorsement of the Indiana Fraternal Order of Police on Friday.

"As we've talked about the need to restore school discipline, I've continually said a large component of that starts with local school corporations reaching out to build partnerships with local law enforcement," said Bennett. "This endorsement is a clear signal to me that law enforcement officials all around the state are ready to be willing partners in this venture."

As the Superintendent of Greater Clark County school system, and previously as Assistant Superintendent for Operations in the New Albany-Floyd County school system, Bennett has spearheaded efforts at the local level to reach out to local law enforcement.

"The work that I've done in the past with the local police departments, juvenile justice systems and prosecutors has been a very positive experience," said Bennett. "It has helped to create an environment where discipline and uninterrupted learning are expected the moment students walk in the door. That expectation starts at the top, and it's something I'd like to see in all of our schools."

Floyd County Prosecutor Keith Henderson, who serves as the chairman of Bennett's campaign, agreed that the experience has been positive.

"I'm pleased that my colleagues and partners around the state have recognized the work Tony has done to build relationships between schools and law enforcement." said Henderson. "The bridges he has built have not only been positive and beneficial for his students and teachers, but they have also been a tremendous benefit to our entire community."

For a PDF version of this release, click here.
View the FOP's endorsement announcement here.

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Media Release:                                           Contact:

September 9, 2008                                          Joel Miller, Linda Pence for Attorney General

                                                                        (317) 750-5757

 

 

Linda Pence announces comprehensive plan to crack down on child abuse

Pledges strong repercussions against child abusers

 

Indianapolis - Attorney General candidate Linda Pence today announced a strategic focus to protect Hoosier families as a central platform in her campaign for the office.   Among Pence's top priorities include an aggressive approach to investigating, prosecuting and preventing child abuse.  

 

"In the last year, there have been two deaths of infants in foster homes in Marion County alone, and hundreds of other infants and children have died or suffered serious, grave injuries," Pence said.   "Our children deserve thorough, independent, comprehensive investigations performed by trained professionals with integrity whose mission will be to determine precisely what happened, whether someone was responsible for the death or injuries, and then be empowered to take swift action against anyone accountable."

 

As Attorney General, Pence will strengthen and enhance the Indiana State Child Fatality Review Team.  Created in 2006, the team's structure currently does not allow for the review of all child deaths and does not account for all counties based on resource limitations.  At the same time, the team currently is restricted to the review of abuse cases selected and identified by the Department of Children's Services.  Under Pence's proposal, she will empower the Child Fatality Review Team to have the ability to conduct a comprehensive review of child fatalities. 

 

Pence's proposal also enables the Attorney General to conduct an independent investigation when a child in foster care or under the protection of the State dies.  While the State currently conducts its own investigation, an independent review by the Attorney General would ensure a thorough analysis of the facts, as well and help uncover trends that may prevent future deaths from occurring.  

 

"There is no doubt that when a child in foster care or under the protection of the State dies that the caseworkers, child advocates, and all involved parties are truly horrified and saddened," Pence said.  "These very individuals have dedicated their lives to the protection of children.  I was a caseworker many years ago.  I know how deeply these public servants care.  But, when a child dies the same department cannot, should not, investigate itself." 

 

Recognizing that public education is also an important component in determining both the cause of death and prevention, Pence will take a leadership role in informing the public of the causes of children's deaths and prevention. This will include an interactive toolkit on the Attorney General's web site for the public to use, as well as training opportunities for communities throughout the state to help them better understand the nature of the problem and how to identify and prevent child fatalities and abuse.

 

Finally, Pence will form the Attorney General's Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Investigative Team that will be available to assist prosecutors and law enforcement agencies throughout Indiana when a child is intentionally harmed. 

 

 "If someone intentionally hurts a child," Pence said, "I will make sure that they rot in jail.  As the state's top law enforcement officer, the Attorney General is responsible for tough and decisive action when it comes to protecting our children.  I know how to fight for families and protect them from harm's way, and that is exactly what I will do as Attorney General. "

 

 

To learn more about Linda Pence and her campaign for Attorney General, please visit www.lindapence.net.

 

 

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2008
 
Contact: Trevor Foughty, Campaign Manager
(765) 480-2508 (cell)
trevor@drtonybennett.com

Bennett applauds governor's plan to restore classroom discipline
Republican State Superintendent candidate says providing protection to teachers is crucial step towards creating safe, disciplined learning environments

(JEFFERSONVILLE) Dr. Tony Bennett, Republican candidate for Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction, applauded Gov. Mitch Daniels on Monday for his commitment to restoring discipline in Hoosier classrooms.

"I believe very strongly that any approach to reforming our education system must begin with creating safe, disciplined learning environments," said Bennett. "As someone who has seen discipline problems from every angle, I can tell you that this is smart policy and the governor and I share this priority. As superintendent of public instruction, I will do everything in my power to help Hoosier teachers set the right tone in their classrooms, beginning with support of this legislation."

Daniels was in Ft. Wayne Monday morning announcing his intention to ask the General Assembly to pass legislation providing immunity for teachers who act in good faith to preserve order in their classrooms. He also announced his plan to work with the next Attorney General to use that office's statutory authority to defend teachers who face unreasonable lawsuits.

"As any teacher can tell you, one rotten apple can spoil the bunch," said Bennett. "It's unfair to the majority of students who want to learn that one troublemaker can disrupt an entire class period. As a former teacher myself, I can tell you that there is a certain fear of litigation that comes with trying to maintain even the most basic level of order in a classroom. The governor's proposals hit at the very core of that fear and will instill a new level of confidence in teachers that will benefit every Hoosier student."

For a PDF version of this release, click here.

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2008
 
Contact: Trevor Foughty, Campaign Manager
(765) 480-2508 (cell)
trevor@drtonybennett.com

Bennett Criticizes Long Thompson's stance on ISTEP
Republican State Superintendent candidate says standard
of accountability is needed
 
(Jeffersonville) Republican candidate for Indiana State Superintendent Tony Bennett criticized Democrat gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson's stance on the ISTEP test Wednesday, noting that standardized testing provides a measure of progress being made in Indiana classrooms.
 
"How she can say she is against the ISTEP test in particular, and against standardized testing in general is beyond me," said Bennett. "In an era of our state's history when it's clear voters want to see more accountability and clearly defined progress, for her to say she is against measuring success in education is unthinkable."
 
Bennett's comments came in response to a story in the Evansville Courier-Press about Long Thompson and running mate Dennie Oxley, which pointed out that "they don't agree with ISTEP and standardized testing."
 
"Governor Daniels and Dr. Suellen Reed have done a great job at making our schools better, and moving the ISTEP test to the spring as they have done will provide an even better metric for accountability in the classroom," said Bennett. "It's one thing to say we have work to do to make our schools the best in the nation-which we clearly do-but to completely undo so much of the work that has been done by eliminating a useful measuring tool as Jill Long Thompson wants to do is an irrational and irresponsible thing to do for our children."