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Many Indiana House Democrats calling it quits

Associated Press
February 10, 2012
Keywords
Elected Officials, Government, Government & Economic Development, Legislature, State Government
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More than quarter of the Democratic members of the Indiana House aren't trying for re-election this year, further boosting the chances of Republicans strengthening their hold on the chamber. Most of the 12 House Democrats had announced their decisions before Friday's filing deadline for the May primary. They were joined by Rep. Chet Dobis of Merrillville, who is ending a 42-year legislative career rather than run against fellow Democrat Vernon Smith of Gary after majority Republicans put their homes in the same election district during last year's redistricting. Democrats controlled the House for most of the past two decades, but Republicans gained a 60-40 majority in the 2010 election and put many Democrats in tougher districts. Seven House Republicans aren't running again, but they are mostly from solidly GOP districts.

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  • Huh?
    BerwickGuyFebruary 13, 2012 9:57 AM
    Most of these comments are attributable to the failing school system, controlled by the union and the federal government. The poor language and ignorance in these comments is striking.

    Both political parties are to be held accountable for the tragic failure that is our public education system.

    The uneducated walk among us and they vote. How scary is that???
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  • Republicans
    ladyjFebruary 11, 2012 1:57 AM
    Pat Bauer try t do right about the state but the Republican leader and all of them did not think of us. Only the money they will get from their rich corporation. Of Course the Democrats had union, so I won't vote for Bosma or whatever his name is.
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • backward state
    ladyjFebruary 11, 2012 1:52 AM
    Well you are talking about Republican, did all of the Damage in this state. Sure the Democrats did some but most is the Republican. The Republican set us back not going forward. Hurry passed bills won't listen to any amendment our way only. The Republicans drew up these district so they could win again. Which is a crying shame. I will not vote for any Republican and I got the list who voted for the RTW Bill and who didn't. Tired of the Republicans
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
    • bones
      tony hoffmannFebruary 10, 2012 11:18 PM
      They need to pay their fines and the judge blocking the fines needs to be investigated. I'm sick and tired of democrats and their spending. We went broke with every dem as gov. too. Pat Bauer needs to go!
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    • That's OK......
      hoosierFebruary 10, 2012 10:01 PM
      I didn't think much of their work ethic anyway.
      Reply to CommentFlag Comment
    • Christian Spring
      kayFebruary 10, 2012 9:34 PM
      I think it’s time for a big change in this state. I am a lifelong proud Indiana democrat. And for the second time in two years I am totally ashamed of our party. Pat Bauer needs to step down and get out of politics because it’s obvious he has no clue as to what a democrat in this state in the new millennium wants from its state and local government. They seem to think that this state is made up of democrats who want to murder babies, have orgies on the state house lawn, and kill any kind of religious beliefs. Well they are really wrong. The kind of wrong that’s going to cost you your jobs when the fall rolls around. If we wanted to live in LA or New York for the benefits that you can have there … well we would live there. But Indiana is our home and we do like churches, our fields of new mown hay, and our rights to smoke in a bar if the mood strikes us.
      Reply to CommentFlag Comment
      • Power gone to heads
        ladyjFebruary 10, 2012 9:30 PM
        agree with you Terri. The Republicans did on purpose known that they would get the advantage. Well I won't vote for no Republicans what they did to this state. Stupid stuff and Mitch lies big time. Democrats please don't give in to them.
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      • OH NO!
        TerriFebruary 10, 2012 8:39 PM
        I knew Indiana would become another clown state with the Republicans in control..
        Reply to CommentFlag Comment

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