8th District Democrat News

How can state GOP stand with Trump?

2016-06-09T06:13:00.000-05:00

Anyone who has ever spent a long period of time in Indiana – whether it’s during childhood, attending college, or holding a job – they are considered a Hoosier.

And once you’re a Hoosier, you’re always a Hoosier. And in Indiana, we are taught to look after our own.

This includes U.S. District Court Judge Gonzalo Curiel. Born in East Chicago to parents who immigrated to Indiana from Mexico, Curiel grew up in our state, went to Indiana University for both his undergraduate and law degrees, and took his first job right here in Indiana. You can’t get any more Hoosier than that.

Donald Trump for weeks has attacked one of us. Trump’s tantrum created insults like using "Mexican” as a derogatory term because Curiel is Mexican-American. But what’s worse, Trump concluded there was “an absolute conflict” between Curiel’s background and the case he was assigned to take as U.S. District Court judge, which happened to be against the GOP nominee.

Earlier this year, the Indiana Democratic Party and its candidates condemned Trump for running a campaign based on a toxic and divisive message. From attacking women and disabled Americans to introducing policies that ban Muslims from entering the U.S., no one is safe from the crosshairs of Trump. For Trump, his campaign is all about himself and no one else.

Trump has gone too far. But where is the Indiana Republican Party? Where are Mike Pence, Todd Young, Jackie Walorski, “Tennessee” Trey Hollingsworth and the rest of the Indiana GOP delegation on this? They remain silent.

This silence is deafening – and it should be a wake-up call to all Hoosiers.

Indiana Republicans claimed for months they would support the GOP nominee for president – no matter who it was. But yet, when their standard bearer seeks to divide instead of unite - they all say nothing.

The fact is, this silence is responsible for creating Trump. The GOP nominee for president is the sum of the divisive, gridlocked rhetoric hand they’ve played for years. From the debt ceiling crisis to shutting down the federal government, Trump is the culmination of the party of “No.”

Hoosier Democrats and Republicans – our parties may disagree on policy, but when a Hoosier is wrongfully attacked because of who they are, it is our responsibility to show leadership by coming together and condemning it.

Now is the time for the Indiana Republican Party and its elected officials to stand up for one of our own. This is the opportunity for Hoosier Republicans to join Democrats and condemn Trump and his campaign for president.

By Attacking John Gregg, Mike Pence Attacks Statehouse Republicans

2016-05-15T06:04:00.002-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Drew Anderson
Phone: 765-432-3231 or danderson@indems.org
May 13, 2016

s Governor Mike Pence kicked off his troubled re-election campaign this week, he was working hard to blame his opponent, Democrat John Gregg, for the global economic collapse following the 9/11 attacks. In doing so, Pence even criticized the records of current Republican leaders.

“Mike Pence can’t defend his own record as governor, so he is working hard to rewrite history. In doing so, Pence is attacking the current House Speaker Brian Bosma and Senate Republicans, who signed off on every decision that was made when John Gregg was Speaker of the Indiana House,” said Drew Anderson, communications director. “The fact that he is willing to go after the records of leaders within his own party just shows how desperate Mike Pence has become to distract Hoosiers from his record of not getting the job done as governor.”

In 2002, when Indiana and rest of the world faced an economic recession, then-House Speaker John Gregg reached across the aisle to then-Minority Leader Brian Bosma and Senate Republicans (who held the majority) to craft a bipartisan deal that cut spending and protected critical state programs like education, infrastructure spending, and state law enforcement. John Gregg and Brian Bosma were later named national “Public Officials of the Year” by Governing Magazine for their bipartisan work in steering the state through rough economic times.

“Leave it to Mike Pence, a creature of Washington D.C., to attack bipartisanship,” said Anderson. “It’s pretty clear we need more of that type of common sense, solutions-oriented leadership in Indiana – not more social issues, division, and the ‘my way or the highway’ approach of Mike Pence.”

In Pence’s first term in office, the state of Indiana and its economic engine have stalled. Hoosiers now earn just 86 cents on the dollar compared to the average American. That's nearly $7,000 less per year. And Indiana's per capita income dropped from 34th to 38th in the nation since Pence has taken over. With the state being ranked dead LAST in economic growth in the Midwest, Hoosier workers continue to fall further behind the rest of the nation.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: INDIANA IS FALLING BEHIND THE REST OF THE NATION

Overall State Economy

Indiana’s economy grew at a sluggish .4% rate in 2014. – [NWI Times, 6.10.15]
Indiana’s economy grew .5% or less three of last four years. – [NWI Times, 6.10.15]
ndiana ranks LAST in economic growth in the Midwest. – [NWI Times, 6.10.15]
Indiana ranks 38th in per capita income, down from 34th in 2004. – [NWI Times, 03.26.16]
Median Incomes: Wages have dropped from $53,500 in 2000 to $46,900 in 2013. – [U.S. Census]
Hoosiers make 86 cents for every one American dollar earned. – [Indianapolis Star, 6.1.15]
Indiana ranks 46th in quality of life, 42nd in workforce. – [CNBC]
About two thirds of minimum wage workers in Indiana are women. – [Forbes, 7, 2015]
Hoosier women make 75 cents for every dollar a man makes. – [AAUW, 2015]
African American households earn on average $21,000 less than white households. – [Indianapolis Star, 4.11.15]
Hispanic households make $15,000 less than white households. – [Indianapolis Star, 4.11.15]
Mike Pence’s RFRA

Mike Pence signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in a closed door ceremony [FOX 59, 3.26.15], throwing Indiana into a $250 million economic panic. – [The Advocate, 7.10.15]
Pence Repeals Common Construction Wage Law

Mike Pence and Statehouse Republicans repealed the common construction wage laws, allowing union worker wages to go down and the expanding wage gap continues to grow in our state. – [NWI Times, 5.6.15]

Down to the Wire

2016-04-29T15:14:00.004-05:00

We’re in high gear as we make our final push for the May 3 primary. Recently, we’ve been in Evansville to greet voters with former President Bill Clinton at the Penny Lane Coffeehouse and to meet new friends at a campaign reception hosted by Bill and Mary Bennett.

We also were in Jasper with the Southwest Indiana Rural Letter Carriers Association and at the 50th Anniversary celebration of the TRI-CAP Community Action Agency, highlighted by the inspirational keynote speaker Sister Simone Campbell.

In Terre Haute, we spoke with early voters at the Otter Creek voting center and joined the West Terre Haute and Sugar Creek Democrat Clubs for a delicious dinner. This afternoon, we’ll be at a pre-primary rally in Terre Haute hosted by the Vigo County Democratic Central Committee, and we’ll be speaking with voters in both Terre Haute and Evansville over the weekend.

We’re getting a great response from the voters we meet, and our campaign mail and radio are allowing us to reach many more voters with our ideas to make sure all Americans have a real opportunity to succeed.

Of course, making sure we connect with all voters requires substantial resources. As we enter the final stretch of our primary race, please chip in so we can give this our best shot. Whether you give $5 or $500, your support now will do much to help us succeed on May 3. Please donate now.

We also can take a check made out to "Orentlicher for Congress" and mailed to P.O. Box 3053, Terre Haute, IN 47803. Thank you very much for your consideration.

Please do not hesitate to let me know of ideas you have to improve public policy. You can reach me at david.orentlicher@yahoo.com

For more information on our campaign, you can follow us on our Facebook page and at our website.

Indiana Democratic Party Statement on Mike Pence's Endorsement of Ted Cruz

2016-04-29T15:07:00.002-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Drew Anderson
Phone: 765-432-3231 or danderson@indems.org
April 29, 2016

John Zody, Chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party, released the following statement after Governor Mike Pence formally endorsed Ted Cruz for President of the United States.

“Mike Pence’s endorsement of Ted Cruz is no surprise as both politicians have built their careers obsessing over a social agenda rather than focusing on economic issues most important to Hoosiers. After Mike Pence signed the embarrassing and unnecessary RFRA law that could cost our state $250 million and will continue to scare jobs away from Indiana, Ted Cruz supported the governor and advocated that the federal government adopt a similar law. Mike Pence signed one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the nation; Ted Cruz has said rape victims should be forced to carry pregnancies to term. Ted Cruz has campaigned for president on an extremist, divisive ideology, and Mike Pence has put that same extreme ideology into practice, causing Indiana to fall behind the rest of the nation. This endorsement may grab headlines, but Mike Pence has said he would vote for whoever is the Republican nominee – even if it’s Donald Trump.”

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Pence endorsed David McIntosh over Mitch Daniels. "Getting through the primary will be more challenging for Mitch. Nobody knows where he stands on several issues," he said. "Washington-speak does not work in Indiana." Still, Daniels' support by party regulars is so strong that U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., who holds McIntosh's old seat and will be a co-chairman of his campaign, explained his endorsement by saying he had promised his backing to McIntosh. "I'm pained, but I'll stand by my word," Pence said. "There's nobody in Indiana politics I respect more than Mitch Daniels. As much, but not more." [Indianapolis Star, 5/18/03]

Welcome to The Hoosier State – Home of Mike Pence’s Failed Political Career

2016-04-28T21:17:00.004-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Drew Anderson
Phone: 765-432-3231 or danderson@indems.org
April 27, 2016

Below: Top Ten Reasons Why Mike Pence has Indiana Falling Behind the Rest of the USA

Welcome to the state of Indiana! For the seasoned campaigners and media visiting this great state, the Indiana Democratic Party today would like to fully extend our Hoosier Hospitality (or what’s left of it) your way.

For starters, check out the “Mike Pence Scorecard” for a helpful guide to getting the lay of the land for the Hoosier State, including the IDP’s very own “Top Ten” reasons why Mike Pence is hurting the state of Indiana.

“Mike Pence may be unusually mum on his endorsement in the GOP presidential primary, but his record as governor speaks volumes as he has consistently caused the state to lose business and has put Hoosiers further behind the rest of the nation,” said John Zody, Chairman. “From signing RFRA – which caused Indiana a $250 million economic panic – to allowing worker wages to plummet to 38th in per capita income, Mike Pence is crippling the state’s well-being while causing Hoosiers to fall short of reaching their full potential. Simply put, Donald Trump and Ted Cruz may campaign on an out-of-touch, divisive message, but Mike Pence has put it into practice. Hoosiers are ready to fire Mike Pence this November.”

So kick back and enjoy your stay in the Crossroads of America (kind of)! And if you disagree with how great Indiana is – Mike Pence will have his “JustIN” team erase your opinions away.

Top 10 Reasons Why Mike Pence has Indiana Falling Behind the Rest of the USA

10) With over 1,700 bridges deemed as structurally deficient [Federal Highway Administration] and $71 million of wasted faulty asphalt [Indianapolis Star, 9.21.15], Mike Pence has put Indiana on the brink of losing its coveted “Crossroads of America” reputation.

9) After state Republicans cut resources for health care clinics in rural Indiana in 2013, the state of Indiana saw the worst HIV outbreak in state history in 2015. – [USA Today, 4.28.15]

8) Mike Pence denied the state an $80 million grant that could have helped create a statewide Pre-K system in favor of a pilot program in just a fraction of Indiana. – [Indianapolis Star, 10.16.14]

7) Mike Pence and Statehouse Republicans repealed the common construction wage laws, allowing union worker wages to go down and the expanding the wage gap to grow in our state. – [NWI Times, 5.6.15]

6) Mike Pence signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in a closed door ceremony [FOX 59, 3.26.15], throwing Indiana into a $250 million economic panic. – [The Advocate, 7.10.15]

5) Hoosier women make 75 cents for every dollar a man earns. – [AAUW, 2015]

4) Hoosiers make 86 cents for every one American dollar earned. – [Indianapolis Star, 6.1.15]

3) Indiana ranks 38th in per capita income, down from 33rd in 2004. – [NWI Times, 03.2016]

2) Indiana ranks 46th in quality of life, 42nd in workforce. – [CNBC]

1) Indiana ranks LAST in economic growth in the Midwest. – [NWI Times, 6.10.15]

Mike Pence’s RFRA Puts Future Final Fours at Risk, State Economy Could Lose Millions More

2016-04-28T21:09:00.003-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Indiana Democratic Party
Contact: Drew Anderson
Phone: 765-432-3231 or danderson@indems.org
April 28, 2016

IndyStar: NCAA vote: No Final Fours in cities without anti-discrimination [state] laws

RFRA’s long-term effects continue to hurt state economy, damage state’s “Hoosier Hospitality” reputation

Mike Pence’s discriminatory policies continue to damage Indiana’s economy by driving economic opportunities away from the state. Just yesterday, the NCAA – which is headquartered in Indianapolis – announced the organization will no longer hold its coveted Final Four basketball tournament in states that do not have anti-discrimination policies.

Indianapolis is scheduled to hold its next Final Four in 2021 – and now because Mike Pence refused to act and sign a bill to provide protections for LGBT Hoosiers – Indiana is at risk of losing an estimated $71 million to its economy.

“Contrary to what Mike Pence says, RFRA continues to undermine Indiana’s economic future. Hoosiers have seen a governor who under no circumstances would put his ideology aside for the overall well-being of his state. And now, it could cost Indianapolis future Final Fours and millions in lost revenue,” said Drew Anderson, communications director. “Mike Pence can deny the negative impact of is policies all he wants, but the fact is, the governor is costing Indiana jobs, investments, and economic opportunities.”

Last December, Mike Pence believed he “calmed the waters” after he decided to prioritize his political agenda ahead of the economic well-being of the state. And further, Republicans – including Indiana Republican Party Chairman Jeff Cardwell – said they don’t see RFRA’s damage “in the facts.”

A $250 million statewide economic panic, Indianapolis losing 12 conventions and $60 million, and a damaged reputation are facts that should alarm Hoosiers. The damage by Mike Pence’s RFRA isn’t over – in fact, it only continues.

BACKGROUND INFO: FACTS ABOUT ECONOMIC DAMAGE CAUSED BY MIKE PENCE’S RFRA

Indiana experienced an estimated $256 million economic panic following RFRA. “Major businesses boycotting a new religious freedom law in Indiana could cost the state’s economy some $256.4 million and counting over the next six years, according to the Center for American Progress. The so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which Republican Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed into law last week, is widely viewed by opponents as granting business owners a license to discriminate against the LGBT community.” [International Business Times, 4.1.15]

Official: RFRA cost Indy up to 12 conventions and $60M. “The furor surrounding last year’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act might have cost the city of Indianapolis as many as 12 conventions and up to $60 million in economic impact, the city’s nonprofit tourism arm confirmed Monday evening. Though they come with some caveats, the numbers from Visit Indy represent the most tangible effects yet of a controversy that city officials and business leaders long warned would cause real damage to Indianapolis’ reputation.” [IndyStar, 1.26.16]

Poll shows perception problem continues for Indy, nearly one year after RFRA. “According to a Visit Indy poll, conducted by Reach Market Planning & Walker Research, tourists think that think Indy still has a long way to go following the religious freedom fallout from 2015. […] When meeting decision makers were asked if Indy in fact does “Welcome All,” only 45 percent agreed. That number was even less, 43 percent for Chicago residents. The numbers were even lower when that same question applied to the state, with 28percent of meeting decision makers agreeing with the statement that “Indiana Welcomes All,” and 38percent of Chicago residents agreeing with the same statement. [Fox 59, 1.20.16]

Indiana Chamber of Commerce said Indiana and businesses “clearly suffered damage” from RFRA. “The Indiana Chamber of Commerce says the state and its businesses “clearly suffered damage” from the RFRA controversy, but the wounds appear to be healing with time. ‘We got about 600 e-mails and phone calls and letters in the two to three week period after the law was passed,’ chamber president Kevin Brinegar told WTHR. ‘The Monday after the bill was signed I got a call from a business owner in northern Indiana. He said he lost his biggest out-of-state customer because of the bill that was signed, and he was in tears. Some businesses clearly did feel the impact. But once the so-called fix was enacted by the legislature, those types of communications really dissipated down to a trickle … I’m not aware that we’ve received any for months.’” [WTHR, 9.17.15]

475+ Hoosier Businesses to General Assembly: Indiana Still Needs LGBT Protections This Year. “Today, the 475 businesses that make up Indiana Competes hand-delivered a letter to every single member of the General Assembly, underscoring the urgent need for lawmakers to act this year to secure statewide LGBT non-discrimination protections. Despite the failure of SB 344 to move forward earlier this month, businesses know that Indiana’s economy needs a law protecting everyone from discrimination—and with session not ending until March 14th, there is still ample time for lawmakers to pass meaningful non-discrimination legislation.” [Indiana Competes, 2.15.16]

70% of Hoosiers support LGBT protections. “A new IndyStar poll, conducted with Ball State University, shows Hoosiers support expanding the state civil rights law to include sexual orientation and gender identity, with 50.2 percent in favor and 35.1 percent opposed. Support jumped to about 70 percent when questions were not framed around the term “civil rights,” but instead broke down the specific protections that would be provided to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people under a bill pending in the Indiana General Assembly. The proposal applies to housing, employment, retail businesses and public services.” [IndyStar, 12.17.15]

Invitation to Ron Drake's 8th District Family Farm and Home

2016-04-17T21:58:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 15, 2016

Contact: RON DRAKE FOR CONGRESS
8TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
P.O. BOX 444
SULLIVAN, INDIANA 47882
(202) 365-8262
rondrakeatty@msn.com

Today Ron Drake, a Democratic candidate for Congress from the 8th Congressional District, announced the annual alpaca shearing at his family farm. The event will take place commencing approximately mid-morning on Wednesday, April 20, 2016. Mr. Drake issued an invitation to the news media and the general public to attend. Mr. Drake’s home and family farm are located in Sullivan County, Indiana, between Fairbanks and Farmersburg, at 9997 North, County Road 350 West, Farmersburg, Indiana 47850. Flatboat Journey of Remembrance is also docked there and may be viewed on the farm lake.

Mr. Drake is a Sullivan County farmer, attorney, long ago teacher and former state representative from Sullivan and Clay Counties. Mr. Drake’s family were among the early settlers in Sullivan County nearly 200 years ago. He has operated the family’s Sullivan County farm for more than 20 years. During that time he has commuted between his Sullivan County home and farm and his law practice and home in Washington, D.C. There he represents non-affluent educationally disabled children.

Click here to view a brochure supplied by Mr. Drake.

Bearing the Burden of Congressional Inaction--Orentlicher for Congress

2016-04-14T09:13:00.001-05:00

As new research indicates, the consequences of congressional inaction are serious for lower-income families, especially in the 8th District and other parts of Indiana. When people cannot earn a decent wage, they do not live as long as their wealthier neighbors. Moreover, the gap in life expectancy between rich and poor has been increasing in recent years.

But good government can compensate for the impact of poverty on health. When Congress raises the minimum wage and invests more in job creation, fewer families remain poor. And when poor people live in communities with good public health policies and good social services, their life expectancy rises.

Unfortunately, the 8th District’s incumbent has been sitting on the sidelines rather than promoting policies that would help those in need. We need a member of Congress who represents the public’s interest on Capitol Hill. That’s what I will do as your representative in DC.

To win election, we need your help. Today is our pre-primary fundraising deadline, and I hope you can help us meet our very important fundraising goal. Whether you give $5 or $500, your support now will do much to help us have a successful campaign.

We can take a check made out to "Orentlicher for Congress" and mailed to P.O. Box 3053, Terre Haute, IN 47803. Online donations can be made by clicking here. Please contribute by this evening. Thank you very much for your consideration.

For more information on our campaign, you can follow us on our Facebook page and at our website.

Calling All Volunteers—Orentlicher for Congress

2016-04-08T06:23:00.001-05:00

The May 3 primary is approaching, and we need your help! There are many important jobs to do between now and then—from work in the field to activities you can do in your own home. Some are big jobs and some are not-so-big, but if we do them together, we can do what we need to do to bring home a victory on May 3.

Come join us as we work together to get the 8th Congressional District back on track to success for everyone.

For details on how to volunteer, please contact Teddi Rausch at tlrausch@eagles.usi.edu

For more information on our campaign, you can follow us on our Facebook page and at our website.

Campaign Update—Orentlicher for Congress

2016-03-19T07:18:00.001-05:00

We kicked last week off at the Spencer County Democrats’ Jefferson-Jackson lunch in Chrisney, spoke with voters at the home of Nancy and Michael Drake in Evansville, joined Dubois County Democrats for their Truman Dinner in Jasper, and ended the week with St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Terre Haute—walking in the afternoon parade and attending the St. Patrick’s School holiday party in the evening.

At all of our stops, we are meeting thoughtful voters who are very much engaged in this year’s elections and enthusiastic about our campaign. They are more than ready for a representative who will listen to their concerns and work on their behalf in Washington. For example, we need much greater investments in infrastructure upgrades so we can restore our crumbling roads and bridges, ensure that our water is safe to drink, and create good-paying jobs. Unfortunately, the 8th District’s incumbent is more interested in partisan posturing than addressing constituent needs.

Please do not hesitate to let me know of ideas you have to improve public policy. You can reach me at david.orentlicher@yahoo.com

For more information on our campaign, you can follow us on our Facebook page and at our website.

Campaign Update: Ron Drake for Congress

2016-03-09T19:05:00.001-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 28, 2016

Contact: RON DRAKE FOR CONGRESS
8TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
P.O. BOX 444
SULLIVAN, INDIANA 47882
(202) 365-8262
rondrakeatty@msn.com

Today Ron Drake, 8th District Democratic Party candidate for Congress, reported that he has received a copy of a Campaign Update from Orenlicher for Congress, dated February 23, 2016. That update states:

We [Mr. Orenlicher] formally filed our candidacy on February 5 for the May 3 Democratic primary, and we do not face any serious opposition for the nomination. That will allow us to focus on the November general election.

Mr. Drake stated: “Mr. Orenlicher is a stranger to the 8th Congressional District from Indianapolis who filed his candidacy on the last day for filing. He previously was defeated for Congress in his own Indianapolis Congressional District. He reportedly then explored but backed out of running for Indiana Attorney General. He reportedly then explored but backed out of running for Congress in the 9th Congressional District. He then reportedly recently rented an apartment in Terre Haute so that he can claim residency to run for Congress here in our own 8th Congressional District.”

Mr. Drake went on to state that: “Apparently Mr. Orenlicher has declared the race over and that he has already won the nomination in the May primary, and may now go directly to the November general election. However, as a stranger to our 8th Congressional District, Mr. Orenlicher may not know that here we wait until the ballots have been cast and counted before we claim victory.”

Mr. Drake then stated: “My campaign for Congress from my own home 8th Congressional District is not funded by outsider Indianapolis contributors. In fact, I am the only candidate in this race with a home in and ties to the 8th Congressional District. I am the only candidate who has worked with homeowners, farmers and miners in this 8th Congressional District. I am the only candidate whose family has been in the 8th Congressional District for nearly 200 years. I am the only candidate whose family mined coal in the 8th Congressional District, and then helped rescue fellow miners in a mine disaster. I am the only candidate who, for the sake of Democratic Party unity, stood aside so that another person could run in the 2014 election. Further, I am the only candidate who, win or lose, will continue with a home, family and family farm in and ties to the 8th Congressional District.”

Finally, Mr. Drake stated that “It is unseemly for a stranger to come into our 8th Congressional District, make an expedient claim of temporary residency, and then declare that he ‘do[es] not face any serious opposition for the nomination,’ before the primary election is over and before the ballots have been cast and counted.”