Late last year I had a speaking engagement where a member of the audience, when invited to pose a question, felt the need to make a statement.  He said, “I enjoy the fact that Mitch Daniels is a businessman and not a politician.”

I responded by pointing out that most of Daniels professional life has been spent in political pursuits.  He has business experience and business success in his background but, I said, “I enjoy the fact that you think he’s a businessman.  That points out just how good a politician he is.”

That’s a long set up to my point that last night’s State of the State was another good example of the governor’s political skills.  All the buildup promised nothing but property tax talk and indeed property tax reform was the sole major initiative presented.  Yet it was wrapped in a campaign speech that devoted more time to spelling out accomplishments than solving problems.

And, here’s the kicker, it was a pretty good speech.