Lafayette Journal & Courier

Referendum on the governor

Daniels isn't running, but his record is

By DAN SHAW
October 13, 2006

Though she's a loyal Republican, Jennifer Eads may vote a split ticket next month.

Gov. Mitch Daniels is the reason.

"I'm picking and choosing," she said. "When I voted for that man, that was the worst time I ever voted in my life."

Eads, like many Hoosiers, is angry at the Republican governor for his successful push to lease the Indiana Toll Road to a foreign consortium for 75 years. In return for that deal, named Major Moves, the state received about $3.8 billion to spend on building and maintaining roads.

Daniels has not said if he will seek re-election in 2008, but what he's advocated so far -- especially Major Moves and the adoption of daylight-saving time -- may influence results in the midterm election on Nov. 7.

Robert Browning, a professor of political science at Purdue University, doubts it will in Tippecanoe County.

"His policies are unpopular in certain parts of the state," he said. "You have a regional effect, and you have to separate."

Democrats have likely gained support in the counties through which the Indiana Toll Road runs, where Major Moves is particularly unpopular, Browning said.

Continuing controversy in the Bureau of Motor Vehicles -- branches have been closed, and the commissioner has announced his resignation -- may hurt Republicans, too.

But in Tippecanoe County and other parts of central Indiana, Daniels doesn't seem to have provoked much antagonism.

"If the issues had come to Purdue funding or funding for the veterans home or mental health funding, it would become more salient in the race," Browning said. "I just don't see any of that."

Browning predicted that Daniels' popularity will influence outcomes only in districts where races are close.

Claire Brigham, a Republican in West Lafayette, said she seldom hears friends, who include Democrats, complain about the governor.

If they talk of politics, "We talk about the local candidates and their records," she said.

Chase Slaughter, a Purdue University student and Republican, said Daniels may improve Republicans' prospects. Many credit the governor for helping to persuade Toyota Motor Corp. to build the Camry at the underused Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. plant in Lafayette -- a deal expected to create 1,000 jobs.

The governor has also worked with lawmakers to give tax breaks and other incentives to companies building plants for producing ethanol and other alternative fuels.

"I think he has done an excellent job in office," Slaughter said. "As he said in the beginning, You may not be able to agree with what I do, but you won't be able to say I did nothing."

State Rep. Joe Micon, D-West Lafayette, said he isn't counting on the public's feelings about the governor to help him in his bid to continue representing House District 26.

Connie Basham, a Republican who is running against Micon, said that the governor's standing in the public's esteem will little influence the race.

"If the voters analyze the candidate's agenda, they are going to make the proper decision -- not based on the success or failure of another individual," she said.

Doug Gendron, of West Lafayette, said he shares Basham's thoughts, even though he does not like the way daylight-saving time was passed.

"I'm angry with him," he said of Daniels. "But I will still look at the candidates individually and vote on their merits."