Indiana 1976 championship ring for sale on eBay

AP Wire:

"A ring commemorating Indiana's 1976 NCAA basketball championship is being auctioned on eBay.

The seller has remained anonymous but says the ring belonged to the late Harold Andreas, who was one of Bob Knight's assistants in 1976, the last time a Division I team finished unbeaten.

The bidding, which ends Sunday, started at $2,500 on Nov. 23 and was up to $33,300 by Thursday afternoon.

'I am the only person who has owned it besides Harold,' the seller told The Herald-Times in an e-mail exchange.

'Yes, the ring has sentimental value to me because of my relationship to Harold Andreas,' he wrote. 'However, with this being the 30th anniversary of that perfect season, as well as the season in which Knight will no doubt eclipse Dean Smith's record (for career coaching wins), I figured I had to put the ring out there to see what it would command.'"

Indiana nears big welfare contract with IBM group

Reuters.com:

"Indiana would award an IBM coalition a 10-year $1.16 billion contract to take over back-office services for the state's welfare eligibility program, under a plan accepted Wednesday by Gov. Mitch Daniels.

The plan, which is aimed at improving customer service, while reducing fraud and waste, was expected to save Indiana $500 million in administrative costs over 10 years.

'We will make America's worst welfare system better for the people it serves, a much fairer deal for taxpayers, and for its own employees,' Daniels said in a statement. 'Simultaneously, we will bring 1,000 jobs and new great high-tech assets to the Indiana economy.'"

Indianapolis FOP Chooses New Leader

WISH-TV :

"The Indianapolis Police Department's union has a new leader.

Eight-year veteran Aaron Sullivan got the nod from the rank and file to head up the Fraternal Order of Police.

He replaces Vince Huber who has been a vocal opponent of Mayor Bart Peterson's proposal to merge IPD with the Marion County Sheriff's Department."

Indiana senators comment on Iraq

WTHR :

"President Bush says he will soon hold face-to-face meetings on ways to end the violence in Iraq. Many lawmakers are already offering their advice.

President Bush took off for a round of foreign diplomacy with pressure building at home for a change in policy, and with the level of uncontrolled violence in Iraq so severe that more news organizations are ignoring White House objections and calling it civil war. NBC News announced that 'the change in terminology is warranted.'

Because Baghdad wasn't considered safe enough, the President will meet with Iraq's Prime Minister in Jordan. Over the weekend he pleaded for an end to the sectarian conflict, and Bush is expected to step up the pressure on the Iraqi government itself to do more."

INShape Indiana Health Summit 2006 at Convention Center

WISH-TV :

"Monday in Indianapolis the focus will be on the health of our state as a part of the ongoing INShape Indiana campaign.

The health department is sponsoring the INShape Indiana Health Summit 2006. They are bringing together people from all over the state to talk about progress made to get Hoosiers to stop smoking, eat better and lose weight.

'At the summit there will be what we call trailblazers and folks will be able to hear from successful groups in the state that have taken the initiative to fight obesity looking both at nutrition and physical activity,' said Dr. Judith Monroe of the Indiana State Health Department. "

Local leaders have questions over Daniels' tollway plan

WTHR :

"Some local officials have plenty of questions about Governor Mitch Daniels' proposal for a 75-mile tollway bypass of Indianapolis.

The plan announced by the governor on November 9th calls for a tollway to run from Interstate 69 northeast of Indianapolis and loop east and south of the city to link up with I-70. Many people living in the five counties through which the highway would run are waiting for details about its route.

Dave Mohr, who will take office in January as a Shelby County commissioner, says he has heard talk of least three possible routes the tollway could take through Shelby County, southeast of Indianapolis.
"

Indiana lawmakers divided over elimination of gasoline sales tax

Palladium-Item :

"It appears the Statehouse is divided on a proposal to do away with the sales tax on gasoline.

Democrats who control the Indiana House want to eliminate tax on gasoline, but Republicans who control the Indiana Senate are skeptical.

Senate Republicans say it's unlikely the proposal would become law. Exempting gasoline from the state's 6 percent sales tax could cost the state as much as $300 million a year, Republicans say, while saving drivers only a few cents at a time.

Indiana charges the 6 percent sales tax on the base price of gas, not including the state and federal excise taxes. Democrats said eliminating the state sales tax would save drivers about 16 cents per gallon if the pump price is $3 a gallon. Democrats estimated the average driver would save about $150 a year."

Now Mayor Peterson Supports Election Reform

Advance Indiana:

"We saw today what is becoming a pattern on the part of Marion County Democrats. If a Republican proposes a change, oppose it regardless of the merit in the change. If a Democrat proposes the same change, embrace it wholeheartedly. That's what it looked like today when County Clerk-elect Beth White proposed a serious of election reforms.

White proposed reducing the number of precincts in Marion County by one-third, reducing the number from 914 to about 600. It's a good idea, but when Republican County Clerk Doris Ann Sadler proposed the same idea two years ago, Mayor Peterson refused to implement the change. White, who has been a deputy mayor and the administration's point person on election issues, had no good explanation for Peterson's lack of support in the past. We're only supposed to consider the fact that he now supports it because she's going to be running the office."

Indiana lawmakers elect new leaders

Indiana lawmakers elect new leaders:

"The Indiana Recount Commission - controlled 2-1 by Republicans - will oversee the recounts. However, regardless of their decisions, the House has the authority to seat whichever candidate the majority chooses.

Democrat incumbent Ed Mahern filed a request for a recount Tuesday with the Indiana Election Division in his race with Republican Jon Elrod, who won by just a handful of votes.

Mahern also filed a contest of the results, which means he is challenging the validity of some of the ballots or of the election process. That allows the recount commission to do more than simply re-tally the votes.
"

Michigan gears up for Ohio State with pounding of Indiana

Seattle Post-Intelligencer:

"Chad Henne passed for 159 yards with two touchdowns and Mike Hart rushed for another score, as second-ranked Michigan defeated Indiana 34-3 at Memorial Stadium.

The Wolverines (11-0, 7-0 Big Ten) will travel to Columbus for a showdown with top-ranked Ohio State next Saturday. The Buckeyes also remained unbeaten with a 54-10 victory over Northwestern.

'It's going to be another great Ohio State-Michigan game,' said Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr. 'A few things are a little bit different and I don't think there is any question that it can't be any more special than Ohio State and Michigan. This one has everything that a fan could want and for the teams involved. The players and coaches have everything that they want. It's great for the Big Ten conference and it's great for every college football fan. It will be an exciting week.'"

G.O.P. Collapse in Indiana Emblematic of Larger Loss

New York Times:

"As he campaigned for re-election, the Republican who lost his seat in the House of Representatives here on Tuesday threw several incendiary barbs suggesting that the opposition was beyond the mainstream of these placid southern Indiana environs: “Homosexual agenda”; “San Francisco liberal Nancy Pelosi”; “New York liberal Charlie Rangel”; “Detroit liberal John Conyers.”

The attack backfired, and the Republican incumbent, John Hostettler, lost, as did two other incumbent Indiana Republicans in what proved to be a crucial state for Democrats in winning the House.

The mechanics of those defeats offer insights into the larger loss, and point to traps that Republican candidates appeared to have unwittingly entered: In all three cases, to demonstrate being a Washington insider was to court doom, no matter how much the incumbents railed against the ways of the capital. "

State to collect Lehe-Sutton ballots

Northwest Indiana News:

"INDIANAPOLIS: Move comes in preparation of likely recount

The Recount Commission on Friday also granted Bock's request to impound ballots in District 31, where Rep. Tim Harris, R-Marion, leads Democrat Larry Hile by 25 votes. A problem with electronic voting machines has stalled counting in District 97, where Republican challenger Jonathan Elrod has a 75-vote advantage over state Rep. Ed Mahern, D-Indianapolis.

Party officials say that all but a handful of provisional ballots have been counted in the Lehe-Sutton race, though county election officials could not be reached for confirmation Friday, the Veterans Day holiday.

Nov. 17 is the deadline for counting military absentee votes and provisional ballots, which require voters who went to the wrong precinct on Election Day to confirm their ballot at the county clerk's office.
"

Indiana War Memorial to house museum recounting USS Indianapolis' tale

WTHR :

"One of Indiana's largest war memorials will house a museum dedicated to the USS Indianapolis, the cruiser sunk by Japanese torpedoes in the closing days of World War Two.

Governor Daniels announced today during a Veterans Day address that the Indiana War Memorial will become home to a museum recounting the 13-year story of the USS Indianapolis, her crew, accomplishments and tragic end.

He says the exhibit is expected to be ready in late July 2007 to begin telling the story of the vessel, which was sunk on July 30th, 1945, in the Philippine Sea's shark-infested waters by two torpedoes fired by a Japanese submarine."

Road plan roadblock? Getting the land

IndyStar.com:

"In many cases, farms likely would be gobbled up by the highway, while in some areas, existing homes, businesses and even recent developments might have to be razed.
Some landowners might be more than willing to sell their parcels. Others, however, are likely to put up a fight.
Those land battles, along with approval from the Indiana General Assembly, could be the largest roadblocks to Daniels' plan.
Eminent domain -- the government's seizure of private land -- almost certainly would have to be used to acquire land for the tollway. It would be built and operated by a private company at a cost estimated at $1 billion to $1.5 billion."

Top Indiana Democrat issues warning

United Press International:

"Sen. Evan Bayh, a veteran Indiana Democrat, said Tuesday's election was a vote against the status quo and not an affirmation of his party's agenda.

In an interview Bayh, a potential 2008 presidential candidate, said most Americans don't really know what Democrats stand for, Gannett News Service reported.

'And if we serve up a highly partisan, ideologically extreme, Democratic version of what they just voted against, we're not going to do very well.'

Instead Bayh urged his party to focus on issues of concern to the middle class like health care, pensions, job security and making higher education more affordable."

Harrah's plans renovation after license renewal

AP Wire:

"Harrah's Entertainment plans to start work on a $50 million renovation of the former Caesars Indiana riverboat casino now that the state gaming commission has renewed its license.

Work was expected to begin in about a month on the riverboat along the Ohio River, 10 miles west of Louisville, Ky. The Indiana Gaming Commission unanimously approved the license renewal with little discussion Thursday.

Renovation plans include upgrading the fourth-floor cafe into a more upscale lounge, a new deli, a high-limit gambling area and a stage for live entertainment."

Governor proposes 75-mile tollway bypass of Marion County

WTHR :

"Governor Mitch Daniels wants to build a 75-mile long tollway around Indianapolis. He wants a public-private partnership to build the outer-belt tollway. It would run through six counties and connect several interstates from I-69 in Hamilton County to I-70 at Indianapolis International Airport.

The hope is the 'Indiana Commerce Connector' will attract new jobs, create six new job zones, alleviate traffic in high traffic areas and bring the communities all the road closer to the national economy, all without raising taxes.

The connection points for the proposed tollway - ambitiously dubbed the Indiana Commerce Connector - include Pendleton, Greenfield, Shelbyville, Franklin and Martinsville, as well as the airport.

'This would be a toll road built with my favorite revenue source- other people's money,' said Daniels."

Indiana transportation commissioner resigns

Courier-Journal:

"Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Tom Sharp has resigned his job and will be replaced by another member of Gov. Mitch Daniels’ cabinet, the governor’s office said Thursday.

The announcement comes just hours before Daniels is expected to announce details of a major transportation project at a meeting in Indianapolis of the American Council of Engineering Companies.

Sharp has been commissioner of the department since Daniels took office in January 2005 and developed the governor’s Major Moves program, which outlines 10 years of transportation investment and includes the lease of the Indiana Toll Road to a private firm.
"

taking down words: Federal Races: Looks Like Those Pelosi Talking Points Really Did The Trick

taking down words:

"Now that you've performed the woulda/coulda/shoulda ritual, let's talk about one of the two big news stories to come out of our state last night: Indiana's Congressional delegation is now comprised of more Democrats than Republicans. So, too, is the entire United States House of Representatives.

'The war in Iraq and battles closer to home cost three Republican congressmen their seats Tuesday as Indiana helped propel Democrats to control of the U.S. House.

'Voters ousted incumbents in the 2nd, 8th and 9th Districts, giving Democrats three of the 15 seats they needed to retake the House."

Mommy & Daddy Know Best:

~Mommy & Daddy Know Best~:

"Well, those crazy Dems have finally done it. They've taken control over the House, and we will find out later today if they have claimed the two seats they need in the Senate to have the majority of both.

In our fab state of Indiana, the Dems have also won control over state congress. This is big news in a very RED state. However Melina Kennedy was defeated by incumbent Carl Brizzi, as I had hoped. I just didn't like her, especially after I read her involvement in causing one of my theaters in downtown Indy to shut down. Of course old-man Lugar has won again, our only U.S. Senator up for re-election. The Dems didn't even run anyone against him.. probably thought it was a waste of time.
"

Masson’s Blog - A Citizen’s Guide to Indiana » Democratic control of the Indiana House

Masson’s Blog - A Citizen’s Guide to Indiana:

"Mike Smith has an article for the Associated Press discussing the Democratic control of the Indiana House. Because of his decisive vote in the Daylight Saving Time vote after having promised his constituents he would “never” vote for it, I am most pleased that Troy Woodruff lost to Kreg Battles. I am less pleased about the loss of Steve Heim, the other incumbent who appears to be a DST casualty. Rep. Heim’s critical pro-DST vote was one of those where he could have kept the DST bill dead but instead voted in favor of a motion to reconsider. On all the substantive votes, he voted against it. But he enabled Speaker Bosma to take unusual procedural steps that allowed passage even though the vote initially went against DST."

Left In Aboite: Good News from all over

Left In Aboite:

"From the country's heartland, voters sent messages that altered America's culture wars and dismayed the religious right — defending abortion rights in South Dakota, endorsing stem cell research in Missouri, and, in a national first, rejecting a same-sex marriage ban in Arizona.

Almost 79 million people voted in Tuesday's election, with Democrats drawing more support than Republicans for the first time in a midterm election since 1990, according to a private analysis."

State Chairman's Report: A Win in Wayne County - A Win in Henry County - A Close Call in Another Race - And Initial Analysis of the Rex Bell Race

State Chairman's Report:

"Conley Tillson was elected to the Wayne County Clay Township Advisory Board!

Steve Coffman was elected to the Henry County Liberty Township Advisory Board!

And Julie Stout missed being elected by only 17 votes. Here's the unofficial results in her race:"

UnCivil Defence: A Fitting End

UnCivil Defence:

"Many, many years ago I cast my first vote ever for a Libertarian Presidential candidate and yesterday I cast what is likely to be my last vote for Libertarians. Even tho I knew most of the people for whom I voted I didn't feel good about casting a ballot. There was no excitement and no sense of fulfillment , only a sense of unease, futility and disgust with the system that my vote was perpetuating. Today I saw the results of that vote, and all the others like it. The Socialist Left has become the dominant force on the American political scene by ousting the Socialist Right and nothing will change in any substantive manner. No libertarians were elected, indeed the votes across the board screamed out for more government and less freedom."

Resist...: I Need A Little Breather (name the movie)...

Resist...: :

"Election Day has come and gone. The shows at work went fantastic! The bosses were happy and we did some excellent coverage. AND we were prepared!!! That was what made all the difference! It was a great day and I felt very good about it."

Marked Hoosier: Donnelly Won

Marked Hoosier:

"It was nice to vote for someone and to have that vote be part of the majority to elect that person to Congress. I am not quite sure how the election ended for our statehouse in Indiana, but it is nice to see a new majority in the US House of Representatives.

And I am taking the bet that the Virginia recount will make Florida 2000 look like a cakewalk. "

Indiana Pundit: How Clear Was my Crystal Ball

Indiana Pundit:

"Overall though, my record was pretty good this fall I predicted 13 of 14 races.

There were other races that I did commentary on before the election but didn't do the numbers breakout. Here's how I did on those. (Each one is a link to its pre-election analysis)."

Indiana Barrister: My Post Election Advice

Indiana Barrister:

"Instead of writing some long, drawn out piece about the election and statistics and analysis on results and numbers on the Democratic sweep, I decided to give a little advice to the major players in town. Here it is.

Indiana Democrats -- Congrats! Emotional appeals always win over logic. It worked!

Indiana Republicans -- Just like with gay marriage, emotional appeals work over logic. See Democratic message."

Advance Indiana: State Representative Jon Elrod

Advance Indiana:

"Unofficially, AI has learned that Republicans and Democrats are in agreement that Jon Elrod (R) has ousted long-time State Rep. Ed Mahern (D) in Indianapolis' District 97. While the clerk's office has yet to track down those missing memory cards from about 66 precincts, party workers were able to provide printouts of vote results in those missing races. In the case of the 97th District, the unofficial results put Elrod up about 60 votes, a large enough lead to survive any recount. There is a bit of irony in Elrod's victory. Mahern was the person who master-minded the House Democrats legislative map which gerrymandered the districts to heavily favor Democrats. Apparently, he didn't do a good enough job drawing the boundaries of his own district."

Bauer chosen as Speaker of the Indiana House

WNDU-TV :

"With Democratic control of the Indiana House next session, B. Patrick Bauer has been chosen, once again as the Speaker of the House.

House Democrats gained at least a 51 to 49 majority in Tuesday's election.

Bauer says Democrats will seek more money for schools and a nonbinding statewide referendum to gauge public opinion on daylight-saving time.

'I believe that we'll try to have a referendum on that, have the views of the people. We've said that one of the things that we thought was to listen to the people, and I think they need a little improving on that. And we'd like to improve that and I’ll think we'll try for a referendum, on the direction the people would like to have in that area,' explains Representative B. Patrick Bauer."

Indiana Sending More Dems than Republicans to Washington

WISH-TV :

"For the first time since 1994, Indiana's congressional delegation will have a Democratic majority. There are currently seven Republican districts and two Democratic. But because of what happened Tuesday, there will be more blue districts than red from Indiana when the 2007 Congress convenes.

Republican Mike Sodrel's 9th District will soon be Democrat Baron Hill's.

'I don't think I could have worked any harder or slept any shorter,' Sodrel said."

Information for Indiana voters

Northwest Indiana News: nwitimes.com:

"The polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. today.

Voters in Indiana will need to present an ID at their polling places to vote.

If you don't have an ID, you can get one at state license branches, which will be open while the polls are open. To obtain a driver's license or a free state ID card, you will need to present three documents: a primary document, such as a birth certificate or passport; a secondary document, such as a pay stub or bank statement; and proof of residence, such as a utility bill."

The IN-KY Five

Real Clear Politics - News - Mid Term Elections - Elections 2008 - Opinion - Commentary - TIME:

"If you want a good place to focus on Tuesday night, watch the House races in Indiana and Kentucky. Polls close early in both states, and all five of the seats (IN-2, IN-8, IN-9, KY-3, KY-4) feature incumbent Republicans in very tough races.

If Republicans get swept or lose four of the five, they'll be in for a very long night. But if the GOP can hold onto three or more seats in this group of five, they'll have a shot at holding onto the House.

The most likely holds right now look to be Davis (KY-4), Northup (KY-3), and Sodrel (IN-9), in that order. Chocola has closed the gap in IN-2 and seems like he might be within striking distance. Hostettler in IN-8 is the only one of the five who appears to be headed for almost certain defeat on Tuesday."

Indiana University Honors Interactive Intelligence with Entrepreneurial Award for Innovation - MSN Money

Business Wire Business News:

"Interactive Intelligence Inc. ININ, a global developer of business communications software, has received the Indiana University Entrepreneurial Award of Distinction (IUEAD) in the category of Innovation.

The Innovation Award identifies companies that have pioneered new systems, products, or best practices to adapt to the ever-changing business climate, according to Donald F. Kuratko, executive director of the Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and The Jack M. Gill Chair of Entrepreneurship in the IU Kelley School of Business.

'Interactive Intelligence clearly met our criteria for the Innovation Award with its ground-breaking IP-based unified communications software, which was first released nearly a decade ago to address the costly integration requirements introduced by the large legacy telephony vendors,' Kuratko said."

Former Evangelical Leader from Indiana

WISH-TV :

"Ted Haggard spent his childhood years in Delphi, then his family moved to the Yorktown area. He graduated from Yorktown High School in 1974. Haggard's fellow students elected him vice president of his senior class. He developed an interest in journalism before deciding to pursue a life in the ministry. Years later, Haggard appeared in a documentary on evangelicals in America.

'We are the ones with the role to say there is a moral line and we need to rise up to it. And that's why secular people are so concerned when the church does not fulfill its own moral standard,' Haggard said in the HBO documentary 'Evangelicals in America.'

That same concern now extends to the small town which the reverend once called home."

Indiana Statehouse: Up for grabs?

WTHR :

"In the Senate, half of the seats are up for grabs. Eighteen Republicans and seven Democrats will retain their seats. This election, five Republicans and two Democrats are running unopposed. That means Republicans need only three wins to retain control of the state Senate.

But the Indiana House is a different story. All 100 seats are up for grabs. Sixteen Republicans and 17 Democrats are running uncontested. That leaves two-thirds of the seats up for grabs.

Jon Elrod, 29, has worked the soles of his shoes walking the 97th district. His yard signs mark his path. His own party - the GOP - told him to go out and earn his stripes in the 97th district. He did, and he was rewarded with nearly $100,000 for television ads in his hope to unseat ten-year incumbent Ed Mahern."

Torpor Indy: Indianapolis Monthy

Torpor Indy: Indianapolis Monthy:

"The latest issue of Indianapolis Monthly has a feature article on several local blogs. Torpor Indy made the cut of six highlighted in the magazine's November issue. The article is found in the magazine's Circle City Essential Indiana feature, which is on page 44.

The feature makes note of four things you need to know about the blog. These include the blogger, the likely reader, choice words (a quote from the blog), and why bother (the magazine's reasoning why a person should check out the blog). The magazine indicated that the blogger for this site is 'a lawyer with a distaste for Indy.' It also noted that the likely reader of this blog was a fellow misanthrope.

Those who read this blog with some consistency know that this blog includes commentary about local and national politics but is also, in part, a lifestyle blog about living in Indianapolis. Those who read this blog are also aware that this blog is not mine but is simply in my steward while Torpor is out of the country on business."

Indiana Barrister: Media Manipulation

Indiana Barrister:

"Under the right set of circumstances, I don't mind being manipulated. It usually involves two Brazilian strippers, good scotch whiskey and a box of cigars and chocolate. However, since none of those things have shown up on my door step lately, I really wish some people in this town would politely tone things down and just quietly go turn out the vote.

In case you're wondering, I'm referring to efforts by Council Democrats to go after Carl Brizzi a few days before the election in the race for County Prosecutor. Council Democrats have been fuming about Brizzi since this summer's hearings on jail overcrowding.

Earlier this week, the Democrats instructed Council Attorney Aaron Haith to investigate whether Brizzi misled the council during hearings on jail overcrowding. I would take the 'investigation' more seriously if the Democrats hadn't been sitting on this information for months. I reached that conclusion based on several factors."

Masson’s Blog - A Citizen’s Guide to Indiana » All Your Children Are Belong To Us

Masson’s Blog - A Citizen’s Guide to Indiana » All Your Children Are Belong To Us:

"Couldn’t resist the obscure title. Anyway, a reader flagged this issue for me, and I’m kind of creeped out by all the donations going from All Children Matter to Indiana Republicans. But these folks aren’t local, they spread their money around the country. The organization is funded by Dick DeVos out of the DeVos Amway fortune (and, to some extent, apparently the Wal-Mart fortune.) All Children Matter is devoted to privatizing our educational system through use of vouchers and similar schemes or, to use their characterization, offering “school choice.”

First, I’m a little leerie, perhaps unjustifiably so, of the connection between Amway — a business that apparently has characteristics similar to a cult — and educating our children. Second, the amount of money going into Indiana campaigns is remarkable. I previously mentioned $50,000 going to Tom Dermody.

But it looks like ACM is spreading it around liberally. (Oh, and hey, what do you know? They are affiliated with social conservative election law attorney James Bopp, Jr.). In the 12 key house races that Mary Beth Schneider called Hot races:"

Viva Bush: Stop lying about the FairTax!

Viva Bush: Stop lying about the FairTax!:

"I just received this email from the FairTax movement:

Subject: Stop Lying About the FairTax!

To counter the avalanche of misinformation in races in Georgia, Montana, Nebraska, Michigan, Minnesota, and elsewhere, FairTax.org has organized a concentrated effort to appear on radio talk shows, to place guest editorials, and to send letters to the editor. We have also asked FairTax supporters to challenge candidates and incumbents to support the FairTax legislation and to stop distortions to the voting public."

Fort Wayne Left: Intercepted from the Indiana GOP

Fort Wayne Left: Intercepted from the Indiana GOP:

"From the 'one trick pony' department: Boys (or should I say good 'ol boys), Nancy Pelosi will be the new Speaker of the House in a few days no matter what happens here in the state of Indiana. I know that's difficult for you to accept, and that you prefer to distort her record in an attempt to ape the national GOP strategy of scaring people into voting for you against their own best interests. Do you understand the term 'exercise in futility'? Apparently not. Hill, Ellsworth, Donnelly, and Hayhurst are Indiana moderate Democrats. Do these men agree with Nancy Pelosi on the issues? I would ask 'Do the Republican imcumbents agree with George W.Bush on the issues'?"

INDY UNDERCOVER: NEWS FLASH!!! Pot Calls Kettle Black!

INDY UNDERCOVER: NEWS FLASH!!! Pot Calls Kettle Black!:

"Julia Carson managed to crawl out of bed this morning and 'attack' the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for its racist mailer it put out this week attacking Eric Dickerson. Julia says she was outraged! Maybe Juila should have thought about this before she dropped the info in a meeting with the Indy Star editorial board. "

Fort Wayne Libertarian Mike Sylvester: Election 2006 Predictions

Fort Wayne Libertarian Mike Sylvester: Election 2006 Predictions:

"The 2006 Election has been the most interesting that I have ever watched... The Republicans have been rocked by scandals and have done little in the last two years for their voting base.

The Democrats have ran on the theme 'We are NOT Republicans.'

My predictions are:
1. The Democrats will take The House. I think they will pick up 20 seats and have a very narrow majority.
2. I think the Republicans will maintain the senate; however, not by much. I think the Dems will pick up 4 of the 6 seats they need. I do NOT think we will know who controls the senate until Thursday or Friday of next week."

Advance Indiana: Elrod Upset In The Making Over Mahern?

Advance Indiana: Elrod Upset In The Making Over Mahern?:

"While state and Marion County Democrats have focused their attention on knocking off two long-time incumbent Republicans and saving one of their own in a tight race, a Republican upstart in another race may be poised to upset a long-time Democratic veteran. Democrats have been focusing on the legislative races between Rep. David Orentlicher (D) and Kathryn Densborn, Rep. Larry Buell (R) and John Barnes (D) and Sen. James Merritt (R) and Russell Brown (D). Flying almost undetected under radar, is local attorney Jon Elrod, who is challenging Rep. Ed Mahern (D)."

Beech Grove mayor touts improvements

IndyStar.com:

"John Mellencamp's 'Crumblin' Down' was the soundtrack Thursday night for part of Beech Grove Mayor Joe Wright's state of the city address.

The song was a fitting metaphor as the first-term mayor touted economic development initiatives -- beginning with the demolition of a concrete wall on Emerson Avenue.
The wall that for 30 years served as a barrier between Main Street and the rest of the world is gone. Wright used the project to highlight an economic development plan that includes several initiatives:"

Castleton loses parking spaces to construction

WTHR - Indianapolis News and Weather - Castleton loses parking spaces to construction:

"Mall parking during holiday shopping is already tight enough, but what happens when you take away a big portion of a parking lot?

Castleton Square Mall is central Indiana's reigning retail champ. The 1.4-million-square-foot mall is a regional shopping draw, a destination that's evident especially during the holidays.

Courtesy may be a luxury this holiday season at the busy mall. Simon Properties, the Indianapolis-based mall owner, is replacing the former Ayres department store with a so-called lifestyle center mix of movie theatres, bookstores, restaurants and specialty shops. It's the sort of popular retail layout found at Carmel's Clay Terrace."

Union Federal Bank Converts to Sky Bank This Weekend

Yahoo! Finance:

"Sky Financial Group, Inc. announced today the merger of Union Federal Bank of Indianapolis into its banking affiliate, Sky Bank, effective at today's close of business. Union Federal Bank was acquired by Sky Financial Oct. 17. Union Federal Bank, the fourth largest bank in Indianapolis, will convert to Sky Bank's name, products and operating systems this weekend, Nov. 4-5, 2006.

ADVERTISEMENT
'We are pleased that Union Federal is officially becoming a significant part of Sky Bank,' said Marty E. Adams, chairman, president and CEO of Sky. 'We have looked forward to this day for some time and we couldn't be more pleased that it has now arrived. Our new Central Indiana Region provides us a wonderful growth opportunity and we are looking forward to serving its clients and the community.'"

Dickerson blasts mailing that cites his 1991 arrest

IndyStar.com:

"Republican congressional candidate Eric Dickerson is complaining about a new campaign flier that brings up his arrest 15 years ago on domestic violence charges.

The mailer, sent out by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, asks, 'What's worse? A candidate for Congress who beats his wife, bites his kid, gets arrested and goes to jail . . . or a candidate who lies about it?'
Dickerson, who is challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. Julia Carson, D-Indianapolis, faced preliminary charges of battery and disorderly conduct in the 1991 incident, based on allegations that he beat his wife and bit his teenage daughter. But the case was dismissed after his wife and daughter declined to testify."

Republic Airlines wants flight attendants

Republic Airlines wants flight attendants:

"Republic Airways, which is based in Indianapolis, said Thursday it will hire 350 flight attendants.

All three of Republic's carriers -- Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America -- expect to add flight attendants next year thanks to the company's 'strong partnerships' with legacy carriers, Republic said.
"

State of Tech in Indiana – “Radically Different”

MidwestBusiness.com:

"“This is not the same Indiana,” said voice mail-inventor and GraceNote Chairman Scott Jones to Midwest Business October 31. “We’ve made huge progress and things are radically different than a decade ago.”

Jones made his remarks to Midwest Business following his annual state of technology address at the TechPoint Technology Summit, referencing the environment he confronted when returning in the early 1990s from his work at MIT and as the founder of Boston Technologies, Inc.

His words echoed that of Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, who earlier addressed the group of 1,000 technology and business executives. The advances of information technology, the Governor said, “are essential to the future of this state…and complete fulfillment of the potential of Indiana.”"

Missing northern Indiana girl, 16, found dead

Journal Gazette | 11/01/2006 | Missing northern Indiana girl, 16, found dead:

"Authorities found a missing 16-year-old northern Indiana girl dead Wednesday night.

Investigators found Stephanie Wagner'’s body about 8 p.m. after a co-worker who had served time in prison for murder told them where they could find her body, police said during a news conference at the Cass County Jail.

Authorities were holding Danny R. Rouse, 55, the co-worker who was described as a person of interest in the case.

Wagner was last seen leaving her job at 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Indian Head Restaurant in Winamac about the same time as Rouse, Indiana State Police Sgt. Tony Slocum said."

I think there is no greater suffering that a parent can experience than the loss of a child. I think there is no greater crime that society can experience than when our most innocent are lost to our the barbaric.

Hi-Tech Surveillance Cameras Coming to Indianapolis Neighborhoods

WISH-TV :

"When you shop or go out in public, you are probably used to being under the close watch of security cameras. But pretty soon, do not be surprised to find them in some Indianapolis neighborhoods.

What looks like the face of a robot is actually the latest in video surveillance. The cameras are already installed at the Village of West Clay in Carmel, and could be on their way to a neighborhood near you. One local candidate is making it a campaign issue.

'I get a sense from looking at the township's budget that the money's there to do this,' said Jeff Bennett, Warren Township Trustee candidate."