Indy senator who co-authored RFRA faces challenge in 2016
Moderate Republicans and his last Democratic challenger are eyeing Scott Schneider’s seat, which he hung onto in 2012 with less than 50 percent of the vote.
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Candidates to replace Coats in Senate quickly emerge
Former Indiana Republican Chairman Eric Holcomb, State Sen. Mike Delph and Congressman Todd Young have all expressed an interest in succeeding Sen. Dan Coats.
Ballard, Christian Church criticize ‘religious freedom’ bill
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and a major religious organization have joined a growing list of civic and business leaders expressing opposition to the controversial “religious freedom restoration” bill, which will become law unless vetoed by Gov. Mike Pence.
Dan Coats says he won’t run for Senate in 2016
U.S. Sen. Dan Coats of Indiana announced Tuesday that he would retire at the end of his term rather than seek re-election in 2016. His announcement opens the way for what could be a lively GOP primary to replace him.
Pence picks Statehouse aide as new Indiana GOP chairman
Gov. Mike Pence nominated a top adviser, Jeff Cardwell, to replace Tim Berry, who resigned Thursday without giving a reason.
Council President Maggie Lewis campaign reports thin on details
Indianapolis City-County Council President Maggie Lewis received more than $10,000 from her campaign over the past three years as reimbursement for various expenses. Her campaign reported almost all of the payments with no other description of purpose than a one-letter code, “O” for operations, as required by law.
RNC, DNC fetes in 2020 alluring for Indy, but bid unlikely
Speculation is already boiling that Indianapolis would be a front-runner to host either the Republican or Democratic national convention. But Visit Indy officials think the city might be too busy to host either event in 2020.
Free-market policy group to convene in Indy
The conservative-leaning American Legislative Exchange Council, which drafts model legislation for state legislatures, will host its annual meeting in Indianapolis in 2016.
Governors could signal presidential intentions at confab
Mike Pence and other pols will be scrutinized this weekend at the National Governors Association meeting for signs they want to be part of the 2016 conversation.
Viewpoints on Brainard define races in Carmel
There aren’t two political parties in Carmel, but there are two camps. One aligns with five-term Mayor Jim Brainard. The other, well, they say it isn’t personal.
House approves ethics bill requiring more financial disclosure
The Indiana Housed passed ethics legislation Monday that would require lawmakers to be more transparent about their finances and strengthen laws meant to keep elected officials from using state resources for political gain.
Senate panel sidelines proposal to end straight-ticket voting
The Senate Elections Committee voted Monday to request that the issue be assigned to a study committee for review. A similar bill is awaiting a vote in the full House.
Obama to visit Indy on Friday to speak at Ivy Tech
President Barack Obama plans to discuss job creation, wage increases and other bread-and-butter issues for the middle class during an appearance at Ivy Tech Community College.
Pence’s mother prefers ‘not right now’ on run for president
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's mother says she thinks her son would make a good U.S. president — just not yet.
House panel backs new ethics rules for state legislators
An Indiana House committee has endorsed tighter rules on the conduct of lawmakers in the wake of an ethics investigation of former House Speaker Pro Tem Eric Turner and other issues.
UPDATE: Sharp enters race for Carmel mayor
Carmel City Council President Rick Sharp announced his mayoral bid against five-term incumbent Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard on Monday morning.
GOP-backed bill would end straight-ticket voting option
Only 12 states allow or offer straight-ticket voting, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The practice has been declining in availability over the past decade.
Deputy mayor joins GOP race to succeed Ballard
A Republican primary contest is shaping up in the Indianapolis mayoral election, with Deputy Mayor Olgen Williams' announcement that he intends to run.
Pence gubernatorial campaign raises record amount
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence raised a record $3.3 million in campaign funds last year, including nearly $2.1 million over the second half of the year, his campaign announced Friday.
Presidential talk may bring more eyes to Pence address
The content and structure of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence’s State of the State address on Tuesday evening is likely to be similar to years’ past. The audience may not be.