WISH Blogs » Mike Pence

Tea Party (downsized for 2010)

Jim Shella — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:39:18 +0000

The Tea Party rally at the Statehouse is a fraction the size of last year’s rally.

Nevertheless, GOP candidates for Congress are easy to spot (Mike Pence, Jackie Walorski, Dan Coats, Mike Sodrel, Marvin Scott, Carlos May, let me know if I missed any.)

One Congressional candidate, Brandt Hershman, walked past. Another, Todd Rokita, can see the rally from his office but told me he wasn’t attending.

Pence Passes

Jim Shella — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:44:48 +0000

GOP Congressman Mike Pence posted a message on his facebook page a few minutes ago telling friends and supporters that he will seek re-election and that he will not seek Evan Bayh’s seat in the U.S. Senate.

Pence says it’s his responsibility to help frame the House GOP races and that he believes Republicans will win back control of the House.

Pence over Bayh

Jim Shella — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:16:38 +0000

Last week we told you that the GOP had a poll that showed Mike Pence trailing Evan Bayh slightly in a Senate match up, a poll that also showed Bayh’s approval rating dropping significantly in recent months. Today Rasmussen Reports released a new poll showing Pence over Bayh at 47%-to-44%.

That will make it tougher for Pence to say no to those who want him take on the Senator who was previously thought to be unbeatable.

Pence Ponders Day 2

Jim Shella — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:32:03 +0000

A spokesman for Congressman Mike Pence says the Republican and his wife Karen will give consideration to a run for U.S. Senate over the weekend.

Spokesman Matt Lloyd says Pence remains focused on winning a GOP majority in the House, a possible indication of how he is leaning on the question of challenging Evan Bayh. But his mind is not made up.

Pence for Senate?

Jim Shella — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:12:46 +0000

Washington blogs are reporting that GOP Congressman Mike Pence will meet tomorrow with the Republican Senate Campaign committee to discuss a possible challenge to Democratic Senator Evan Bayh. Some report that Pence is pondering a run.

Pence’s facebook page is filled with encouraging messages yet the conventional wisdom that Pence will take a pass remains unchanged.

10 Things to Look for in 2010

Jim Shella — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:04:09 +0000

-How many of the four Republicans challenging Dan Burton will make it to the May Primary? I say at least one will drop out.

-How many of the four GOP candidates seeking to take on Democratic Senator Evan Bayh will meet the signature requirement to get on the ballot? I say it’s unlikely to be more than two.

-How much will Mitch Daniels do for Brian Bosma’s House caucus? Is he the key factor in the battle for control of the Indiana House? Or, is it Pat Bauer?

-Can Republican Jackie Walorski give Democrat Joe Donnelly a run for his money in the 2nd Congressional District?

-Will Republican Mike Sodrel run in the 9th? If he runs, does it guarantee re-election for Baron Hill?

-Will President Obama make multiple trips to Indiana again?

-Will GOP Congressman Mike Pence make more TV appearances than Peyton Manning?

-Will Tim Durham face criminal charges?

-Will Republican Carl Brizzi run for re-election as Marion County Prosecutor?

-Will Democrat Kathy Davis run for Mayor of Indianapolis?

Thursday Thoughts

Jim Shella — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:53:54 +0000

-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?

Anticipating Obama’s Message

Jim Shella — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:14:54 +0000

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?

Monday Questions

Jim Shella — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 21:26:40 +0000

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.

IWIR

Jim Shella — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:27:17 +0000

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