-Tony Bennett’s staff is distributing copies of remarks made by President Obama citing Indiana along with two other states for the elimination of “firewall laws” that prevented teachers from being evaluated based on student test scores.  Indiana eliminated the provision in the current budget bill.  A mechanism must still be created to permit the new evaluations.  Meantime, Mitch Daniels, Bennett, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, and the President seem to be in line on education reform again.

-The governor will has called a news conference for tomorrow to discuss October revenues.  That can’t be good news.

-Mike Pence is joining GOP National Chair Michael Steele in a 12 hour Internet town hall to battle the Democratic health care plan, putting that talk show experience to work.

-Invitations are out for the Fall GOP State Dinner.  Mitch Daniels is the featured speaker.  Is that because they couldn’t find anyone better, or because there is no one better?

Things to think about in preparation for the President’s address on health care reform this evening:

-Remember when Bill Clinton made a speech (on health care reform) to a joint session of Congress?  How did that work out?

-Republicans including Mike Pence are clamoring to speak out in advance of the address.  Where are the Democrats?

-Barack Obama plans to visit cities around the country on a swing following the speech according to unconfirmed reports.  Indiana supporters of the President plan watch parties.  Can a return to 2008 campaign strategies save his proposal?

-If health care reform dies, does that hurt the Wishard referendum in November?

It’s a slow time in Indiana politics but there’s lots bubbling below the surface.

-Will Republicans mount a serious challenge to Evan Bayh next year? 

-How many GOP candidates will test the waters?   (I’m better it’s more than the current 3.)

-Will Becky Skillman run for governor in 2012?  Will Mike Pence?

-Does a Pence candidacy trump all other Republicans?

-Will Greg Ballard run for re-election as mayor in 2011?

-How many Democrats will go to the post in 2011?

Feel free to add to the list of questions.

Topics on Indiana Week in Review today:

-Baron Hill’s use of the term “political terrorists”

-Mike Pence town hall meeting

-CIB bailout/hotel tax

-BMV about face by the governor

-Renovations of the Indiana House Chamber

-State fair    #fb

Republican Congressman Mike Pence will be in Iowa next week for two events, a picnic in Cedar Rapids and a fundraiser in Sioux City.  There is already 2012 speculation surrounding the visit.

Pence says he is going only because Congressman Steve King invited him, says he’s been to other states in his leadership role among House Republicans, and says he’s traveling less than other members of the leadership team.

He also says he’s not closing the door to a run for President.

Rep. Mike Pence issued a statement this morning in support of State Treasurer Richard Mourdock’s challenge to the Chrysler bankruptcy.

Here it is:

“I am pleased that the Supreme Court respected the contract rights of the bondholders by staying the case.  Chrysler retirees and secured creditors deserve the right to equal protection under the law.  It is my hope that the Court will take up this case and that negotiations can proceed with all concerned parties without unions and government making backroom deals at the expense of others.”

Republican Congressman Mike Pence paid a courtesy call to GOP members of the General Assembly yesterday and today some of them complain that Pence was denied an opportunity to address the House of Representatives.  They point out that Democratic Congressman Baron Hill addressed lawmakers earlier this year.

House Speaker Pat Bauer admits turning down a request from Minority Leader Brian Bosma to let Pence take the microphone.  He says Hill made his request two weeks in advance and that the request on behalf of Pence was spur of the moment.  He called it “so out of place” on a deadline day.

Bauer says that through Bosma he invited Pence to come back later.

What if the 2008 election for governor took place this month?  Would Mitch Daniels survive 9% unemployment and a 10% drop in tax revenues?  Would Jill Long Thompson know how to take advantage of the circumstances?

What if lawmakers acted last year to fix the unemployment insurance system?  Would anyone’s re-election be reversed?  Would the recession be deeper?

What if  we really need the federal stimulus money to balance the state budget after all?

What if Evan Bayh wasn’t on the ballot in 2010?  Would he still be opposing President Barack Obama’s spending proposal?

What if Indianapolis had a downtown casino?  Would it solve the stadium funding issues?  Would it attract more conventions?  Would it put the racinos out of business?

What if Mike Pence gave a speech and no one was there to hear it?  Is that the definition of Congress?

Governor Mitch Daniels travels to Virginia tomorrow to address a retreat held by the Republicans in Congress. 

Why?

“Mike asked,” is the answer from Daniels, in reference to Congressman Mike Pence, the new GOP Conference Chair. 

What’s the message?

“I haven’t decided,” said the governor this afternoon.

So what do Statehouse Democrats think?

“I don’t wanna make a big deal out of one day,” is the reaction from House Speaker Pat Bauer.

This afternoon, I had a chance to ask Congressman Mike Pence about President Obama’s reference to a new attitude toward science.  In today’s inaugural address, the President said he wants to restore “science to its rightful place.”

Congressman Pence said he ”certainly caught that line” and several others that suggest “traditional liberal Democrat signals.”  But, since Mr. Obama “won a contest of ideas,” Pence won’t begrudge the right to offer something contrary to Republican preferences.

Overall, though, Congressman Pence said the inaugural speech “ struck a very positive tone for the country and I expect folks back home will receive it as such.”