Mitch Daniels has never been loved by the hard right here in Indiana, especially social conservatives. In fact, he trounced their hero, anti-gay nutball Eric Miller, in the 2004 primary.
The one thing that Hoosiers of all stripes are pissed off about more than anything right now is property taxes. If either Daniels or JLT are clearly seen as on the “wrong side” of this issue, they will lose.
So, put these two things together, and you get …
Republican State Senator John Waterman, who is trying to mount an independent bid for governor. Now, before I go any further, it is highly unlikely he’ll be able to get on ballot. Here in Indiana, we have some of the most restricted ballet access requirements in the country (Nader wasn’t even on the ballot for his 19 runs for the White House). Basically, Waterman needs just over 30,000 signatures by the end of June. Unlikely, but not totally out of the realm of possibility. Maybe Hoosier Democrats should engage in our own brand of Operation Chaos!!
If this guy defies all the odds and actually makes the ballot, it is potentially huge trouble for Daniels. He says he plans on running on the property tax issue, and he also would give social conservatives a place to go. In a close race, even a few % could make a difference.
I live in MA so this is kinda outside my realm of possibility, but I see no reason why Democrats from across the state shouldn’t jump right in and help this guy get on the ballot.
Indiana dems to sign. Question, does it have to be by hand? I would assume. It’s time to raise a little Cain, and it’s time for a Stalking Horse candidate. Republicans have done it to us plenty of times in Louisiana, cost us the 2004 Senate election with one.