September 24th, 2008 at 9:37 pm by Jim Shella under Jim Shella's Political Blog
I sometimes encounter people who question my choice of vocation as a political reporter. They ask how I can deal with politics and politicians on a constant basis. I have a quick answer. I say, “Politics exist everywhere, at work, at church, even at home. I work in the only arena where they call it what it is.”
Plus, its important.
Look at the current financial crisis, the war in Iraq, John McCain’s idea to forgo a debate, Barack Obama’s idea to go ahead with it, the property tax crisis, schools, streets, police staffing, and on and on.
They are all circumstances or actions created and influenced by political decisions. This is an extraordinary year in politics, both in Indiana and America.
How can you not be interested?
November 26th, 2007 at 5:33 pm by Jim Shella under Jim Shella's Political Blog
All the buzz about Julia Carson’s illness inevitably leads to talk about how a vacancy in Congress is filled. It requires a special election and the reason some folks are unaware could be because they’ve never seen one.
The last special election for Congress in Indiana took place in 1989. Dan Coats created the vacancy in what was then the 4th Congressional District when he was appointed by Governor Bob Orr to fill a vacancy in the U. S. Senate. (Dan Quayle gave up his Senate seat to become Vice President.)
Trivia question: Who won that special election?
Answer: Current candidate for governor Jill Long Thompson.
November 23rd, 2007 at 10:04 am by Jim Shella under Jim Shella's Political Blog
State Representative Dave Crooks (D-Washington) gushes about his new radio program on WAMW in southern Indiana. The 60 minute Saturday morning show is devoted to Indiana politics.
Last week’s guest was Governor Mitch Daniels. Crooks says a friend listening in thought the two of them sounded like fishing buddies. This week’s guest is House Speaker Pat Bauer. (Crooks may want to save a favor or two for the campaign season.)
The show has a catchy name. Its the Dave Crooks show. You can listen to live or archived shows at davecrooks.com. I don’t know if he needs all that name ID since he’s not running for re-election, but if I help him here I might just get a guest gig of my own.
