Hamilton County Democratic Chairman Keith Clock reports that a new headquarters will open in downtown Noblesville this month with an open house on July 12th.

So what, you say?

Well, a Democratic headquarters may be commonplace in many counties but Hamilton County is not one of them.  There has been no HQ there since the ’80’s (though a Democratic club holds regular meetings.)

Clock cites the 42,000 who voted in the May Democratic primary in Hamilton County as one reason to launch the new facility.

Could Democratic candidates and office holders be far behind?

Andre Carson left state Democratic Headquarters with a handful of papers this morning, preparing to file as a candidate for Congress in the 7th Congressional district.

Carson confirmed his intention to run but declined an interview on the subject until he can send a letter to the precinct committeemen who will choose a replacement for his grandmother, the late Julia Carson.

As for the committeemen, Democratic chairman Dan Parker points out that 560 of them will take part in a caucus to choose the nominee (Andre’s the favorite, all of a sudden) on January 12.  On February 16th there will be slating for the May primary election and only 425 will take part.  Its the result of redistricting that was ordered after Parker scheduled his caucus.

Marion County Chairman Mike O’Connor determines which committeemen get cut out for slating.

Respect for Julia Carson and her current circumstances will keep any candidates or potential candidates for the 7th District Congressional seat from engaging in public campaign activities or pronouncements, but there is behind the scenes work taking place.

For example, Marion County Democrats need to fill over 100 vacancies among precinct committeemen.  There are over 680 precincts in the 7th and, in a possible special election, the committeemen would pick the party nominee.  

Recruitment is underway.