A major – and unexpected – bummer for Democrats:
Jonathan Weinzapfel has opted not to seek the Democratic nomination for Indiana governor in 2012 because, he said, the rigors of a statewide campaign are too much right now while his children are young.
The two-term Evansville mayor told the Courier & Press this morning that he wants to remain active in Democratic politics and might eventually run for office again. For now, though, he said, he wants to remain close to his wife and three children.
This comes as a surprise given that last month, Weinzapfel said he wouldn’t seek another term as Evansville mayor, which led us (among others) to think he’d probably make the governor’s race instead. But Weinzapfel didn’t just face the likelihood of a contest against the formidable Mike Pence; he also would have been dogged by what opponents have branded a “secret tax hike” – a “2008 meeting in which Weinzapfel and other local leaders agreed to let a local property tax credit lapse – without telling anyone at the time,” according to the Evansville Courier & Press. Indeed, Weinzapfel had already drawn a primary challenger last year (Vanderburgh County Treasurer Rick Davis) on account of this.
After Weinzapfel’s announcement, former Democratic state House Speaker John Gregg (who served from `98-`02) said he is “taking a very serious look at the race.” Weinzapfel praised Gregg in his own “exit interview” with the C&P, saying “I would be as supportive as I could” of a Gregg candidacy. Weinzapfel has a big warchest left over ($750K), and at just 45, he very likely has a future in Indiana politics.
(especially – on social issues), but Indiana isn’t especially liberal either. So – why not?
Some have downplayed this possibility, but since there’s no clear front runner for the senate primary, perhaps he’s waiting to see how that race shakes out. If it looks like Lugar might lose his primary, can he jump in quickly?
I would consider him a better fit for the local Congressional district than for the Senate race, in some future cycle when he judges the time is right. I like him perfectly well and voted for him myself, once upon a time, but don’t picture him galvanizing enthusiastic support in Districts 7 and 2. Ellsworth would be an easier sell to the statewide Hoosier electorate than Weinzapfel.
He’s apparently lining up speaker slots at several Jefferson-Jackson dinners.
I would take not this as a big coup in the recruitment. Surely Weinzapfel has not still enough high profile.