Thank you to everyone who attended this year's Jefferson Jackson Day Dinner on Friday evening and our all-day Local Leaders Training Academy on Saturday. It was a wonderful weekend for Indiana Democrats.

Onward to 2014!

Republicans are calling the shots at both ends of Market Street.

It's looking more and more like they've fallen asleep at the switch.

Seriously, fellow Democrat, how many headlines like these do we have to see before someone holds these folks accountable?

On Friday, Democrats from across Indiana will gather for our annual Jefferson Jackson Day Dinner in Indianapolis. You can bet we'll be talking about these "do nothing" Republicans -- and kicking off our campaign to win back seats at the Statehouse and in Congress next year.

It's not that we think these Republicans are bad people. It's just clear they've lost their ability to be effective stewards of taxpayer dollars. In short, they've lost our trust.

We hope you'll join us on Friday, but if you can't make it, we hope we have your support as we fight for accountability. You deserve better government, and Democrats will make sure you get it.

We hope you'll join us on June 7 for the 2013 Indiana Jefferson Jackson Day Dinner featuring Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro.

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR TICKET!

Indiana Democratic Party Chair John Zody, who was elected to a four-year term on March 16, held his first media availability last week at IDP headquarters. Click here to learn more about John's experience in Democratic politics and public service. 

We hope you'll take a moment to thank our Indiana Democrats in Congress for voting to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) this week. Republicans had opposed the bill for more than a year, and they even tried to water it down in the final hours before it passed.

Senator Joe Donnelly was a co-sponsor on the bill, which Congressmen Pete Visclosky and André Carson also supported.

Without this action, Hoosier women who are victims of abuse faced the very real possibility that shelters and assistance would be shut down.

Please join us in thanking Senator Donnelly and our Congressmen for standing with -- and standing up for -- Indiana women.

The perception in Indiana after the election was that Republicans won the state big time. But, they didn’t. While this perception is driven by the fact that Mitt Romney won the Presidential race in Indiana, a closer look at the voting numbers in the US Senate race, the congressional races, the race for Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Governor’s race reveal an interesting result. In spite of Indiana General Assembly and Congressional maps designed and drawn by Republican leadership, Hoosier voters did make history on November 6th by supporting Democrats in key races.

First, the Superintendent’s race. Glenda Ritz is the first Democrat to win this office in forty (40) years. And, she won it in a big way. Ritz won with 57,331 more votes than Mike Pence. Other than incumbent Attorney General Greg Zoeller, she garnered the most votes of any candidate elected to an office in state government. Anyone who doesn’t believe that this was not a rejection of Governor Daniels’ and Tony Bennett’s education reforms is insulting the voters. The legislature and Governor-elect Pence should take note. If they don’t, and choose to ignore this reality, there is always next election.

Next, the Senate race. Once again, Democrat Joe Donnelly totaled more votes than Mike Pence; almost six thousand more. This can be partly attributed to the strong race run by John Gregg. In fact, given some time, I believe John Gregg would have won that race. But, Joe Donnelly’s victory can be attributed to his moderate policy positions and a rejection of extreme conservatism, stances that reflect the common-sense Hoosier way.

Lastly, the Congressional races. Democrats won two congressional seats and established my former colleagues Pete Visclosky and Andre Carson as the senior members of our Congressional delegation. This clearly confirms that many a Hoosier voter has a strong independent soul.

During my years serving Indiana in the General Assembly and in Congress, I always knew one thing---that we must always listen to the people of our great state. On November 6th, millions of Hoosiers redefined how they wanted Indianapolis to work on educational issues and how they wanted Washington to resolve the gridlock that paralyzes Congress. In both cases, they demonstrated that they wanted the common-sense, rational approach of Democrats to join with them to make Indiana and America a better place for this and future generations.

Baron P. Hill
Former Member of Congress

With so much to celebrate this year, including the election of a U.S. Senator and a huge upset in the State Superintendent of Public Instruction race, we want to make sure all Hoosier Democrats have a chance to attend our Holiday Gala on Dec. 14.

We're giving away two tickets to this year's party, and if you contribute $12 or more by noon on Dec. 12, you'll be automatically entered to win!

Our special guests will include Joe Donnelly, Pete Visclosky, André Carson, Glenda Ritz and Statehouse leadership!

We'll announce the winner the morning of Dec. 13 so you'll have plenty of time to prep for an evening of revelry with fellow Indiana Democrats.

Click here to contribute $12 or more today!

And remember, if you don't want to leave fate to chance, you can still buy tickets to the event online.

Rules and Restrictions: No purchase, payment, or contribution necessary to enter or win. Void where prohibited. Click here to enter without contributing. Sweepstakes Information: You may enter by contributing. Alternatively, you may enter without making a contribution by clicking here and following the directions to enter. Entries must be received by 11:59 a.m. (EDT) on Dec. 12, 2012. Sweepstakes only open to legal residents of the State of Indiana who are 18 or older (or of majority under applicable law). Prize consists of the following package: Two General Tickets to the Indiana Democratic Party 2012 Holiday Ball at the Omni Severin Hotel in Indianapolis on Dec. 14, 2012. (approximate retail value $300). Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Promotion is subject to Official Rules. Click here for full Official Rules and details. Sponsor: Indiana Democratic Party

The Indiana Young Democrats will be collecting donations for an adopt-a-family program at the Julian Center, a counseling and shelter organization in Indianapolis for victims of domestic violence.

IYD has adopted two families but can add more if donations exceed expectations. The deadline for contributions is December 6, 2012.

We hope you'll consider helping out these families this holiday season. There are two ways you can help:

Make a cash donation to the Julian Center using their online donation system.

Donate new items off the wish list below. You can deliver items to the Julian Center at 2011 North Meridian Street in Indianapolis between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please let the center know that you are making a donation to support the Indiana Young Democrats' adopted families.

Shoes: Women's 9, Women's 2, Girls 10.5, Girls 8.5, Women's 5.5, Men's 7.5, Women's 5, Women's 3.5, Girls 11

Women's Clothing Sizes: 7,

Girl's Clothing Sizes: 8, 5T, 4T, 16, 10

Boy's Clothing Sizes: 18

Women's Coat Sizes: Medium (2)

Girl's Coat Sizes: 8, 5T (2), 4T, 16, 10

Boy's Coat Sizes: 18

Winter Hats, Scarves, Mittens

Gift ideas for mothers:
Personal Care Items - Bath, Lotion, Deodorant, Toothbrush/past, etc.
Women's Lounge Wear (Medium)
Necklace & Earrings
Handbags
"Burn" phone with prepaid minutes

Gift ideas for children:
Monster High Doll
Music suitable for young girls ages 8-13
Music suitable for 14 year old boy
Music suitable for toddlers
MP3 player
Dora the Explorer toys
Play phone
"Learning" toys
Footballs/Basketballs
AXE personal care items
DS1 games
Art supplies
Orbeez soothing spa toy
Walkie talkies
Board games
Barbie dolls
Disney dolls
Personal care items

The election is still more than a month away, but did you know you can already cast your ballot by mail if you meet certain requirements under state law?

If you're over 65 or know you'll be out of town or unable to vote on Election Day, you can request a ballot by mail. (For a complete list of absentee requirements, click here.)

All you have to do is visit IndianaVoters.com and download your application today!

If you need help getting a copy of the application, please e-mail info@indems.org, and we'll send you a copy you can fill out. You'll also be able to vote absentee in person once we're 29 days away from the election.

Not registered? Know someone who isn't? There's still time!

The registration deadline is October 9, and you can even register online.

The most important thing you can do this year is make sure you vote!

The stakes are incredibly high, and we need YOU to support our Democratic ticket!

Questions? E-mail info@indems.org. We've got answers, and we're here to help.

FORT WAYNE – Indiana Democrats on Saturday nominated their 2012 statewide candidates at the Indiana Democratic Party State Convention in Fort Wayne, the first time the party has ever held the event outside Indianapolis.

More than 1,400 Democrats formally nominated Indiana Senate Democratic Leader Vi Simpson for Lieutenant Governor; Indianapolis lawyer Kay Fleming for Attorney General; and Indianapolis public school educator Glenda Ritz for Superintendent of Public Instruction.

U.S. Senate candidate Joe Donnelly and gubernatorial candidate John Gregg fired up the crowd with their remarks. Both candidates were unopposed in the May primary.

Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry served as chair of the convention; other speakers included Dr. Woodrow Myers, the Indiana chair for President Obama’s re-election campaign, Indianapolis Congressman André Carson and Indiana House Democratic Leader Pat Bauer.

State delegates also adopted the 2012 Indiana Democratic Party platform and elected delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C.

The jobs bill of a generation? Nope.

Just another Mitch Daniels fabrication:

“The $3.8 billion that Indiana netted in 2006 from leasing the Indiana Toll Road to a foreign consortium will be mostly spent or allocated by the time the state’s next governor takes office in January.”

It’s time to elect leaders in Indiana who won’t sell off our critical assets for short-term gain.

Support the Indiana Democratic Party today so we can make sure Hoosiers understand there’s a clear choice this year between honest leadership and four more years of GOP deceit.

Tomorrow is primary Election Day in Indiana.

It seems like all the fireworks have been on the GOP side these past few months, but make no mistake: This election matters for Democrats.

If you haven’t already voted, we need you to go to the polls tomorrow and cast your ballot for President Obama, Joe Donnelly for U.S. Senate, John Gregg for Governor and the rest of our Democratic ticket on the ballot.

If you’re not sure where you’re supposed to vote, you can locate your polling place here:

https://indianavoters.in.gov/PublicSite/Public/FT1/PublicLookupMain.aspx?Link=Polling

We’ve got great Democratic candidates running in every district, and they need your vote to send a strong message to Republicans that we’re not going to accept their obstructionist, extremist agenda in Washington or at the Statehouse.

We want elected officials who will fight for good-paying jobs, stand up for workers and make sure our economy gets back on track.

Please join me in voting Democratic tomorrow so we can kick off the race for November on Wednesday!

Democratically yours,
Dan Parker

This is the tentative schedule of events for this year's Indiana Democratic Party State Convention in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Friday, June 15th

4:00pm – 9:00pm Delegate Registration

5:00pm – 7:00pm State Committee Meeting

7:00pm – 9:00pm Convention of County Party Officers

8:00pm – 11:00pm Credentials Committee Meeting

Saturday, June 16th

7:00am – 10:00am Delegate Registration

10:00am – 12:00 pm District Caucus Meetings

12:00pm – 1:00 pm Break for Lunch

1:00pm – 2:30pm Special Caucus Meetings

2:00pm – 3:00 pm Convention Committee Meetings

3:00 pm – 6:00 pm General Session

6:30pm – 7:30 pm National Delegation Meeting & Registration

If you have questions about attending State Convention, please contact phanscom@indems.org or jsmeltzer@indems.org or call 317-231-7100. Hope to see you there!

We are asking all of our friends and supporters today to make a contribution to help those in Southern Indiana and surrounding states recover and rebuild in the wake of Friday's deadly tornadoes and storms.

You may contribute to the Red Cross online, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

You don’t need a major Indiana television station to tell you that the Governor hasn’t been honest with Hoosiers about jobs coming to our state, but you won’t want to miss this WTHR story on three high-profile promises that have failed to materialize:

“Company executives are quiet. State officials are backpedaling. Unemployed Hoosiers are waiting. Three big economic development projects that promised to bring more than 3,000 Indiana jobs remain shrouded in uncertainty months and, in some cases, even years after they were announced. Despite great fanfare and high expectations, 13 Investigates has learned the highly-publicized jobs will not come soon – and might never come at all.”

We have to do better.

You and I both know hard-working Hoosiers can’t afford broken promises. We need good-paying jobs, and we need a Governor who’s honest about creating them.

Mitch Daniels wants us to believe our economy is strong, but you need only look at our unemployment rate and per capita income to realize he’s been fibbing.

First and foremost, leadership is about trust, and we simply can’t trust Daniels and his friends to tell us the truth.

That’s why we need your help to elect Democrats to office this year who will renew an open conversation with Hoosiers, develop our workforce and bring companies and jobs here that will create opportunity, not false hope.

November is just eight months away. We’ve got to work together if we’re going to get our state back on track, and we need your help to make sure Democrats are victorious in November so we can start rebuilding Indiana’s economy as soon as possible.

These are difficult times, but we can get things turned around with your support.

Democratically yours,

Daniel J. Parker
Chair

Be prepared.

That’s the Scout motto, and it rang true this week at the Indiana Statehouse when one of the nation’s most respected youth organizations found itself caught up in a bizarre one-man firestorm.

Republican State Rep. Bob Morris admitted he only conducted a “small amount of Web-based research” before blasting the Girl Scouts of America as a “radicalized organization” that promotes sexual activity, funnels money from Planned Parenthood and embraces lesbian, communist and feminist agendas.

None of these things are true.

Yet despite nationwide media coverage and ridicule from within his own party, Morris is standing by his “small amount of Web-based research.”

Good thing we’re prepared.

We’re prepared to push back against false statements and hold public servants accountable, but more than that, we’re prepared to make sure the conversation at the Statehouse stays focused on issues that will get Indiana back on track.

Here’s a fact: Attacking the Girl Scouts won’t create a single job for Hoosiers.

It would be easy to dismiss Morris with a laugh, but he isn’t the only elected official with misguided priorities.

This session alone, we’ve spent time discussing teaching creation theory in our schools, policing the way our national anthem is sung, attacking specialty license plates and deregulating the cosmetology industry. Along the way, the GOP rammed through a divisive “right to work” proposal that will decrease Hoosier wages and reduce worker safety.

Enough, already.

We need to talk about real ways to create jobs and stimulate our economy.

Fortunately, we’re prepared for that, too.

With the filing deadline behind us, I’m pleased to announce that we’ve recruited a great field of Statehouse candidates who will put working Hoosiers – not distractions and attacks – first.

I’m confident that with your support, we can win back seats in the Indiana House and put the Indiana Senate on a path to regain a majority within the next two cycles.

But we do need your help.

Can you contribute $10, $20 or $30 to make sure we have the resources we need to elect Democrats who will focus on kitchen table issues?

We’ve got to reduce our unemployment rate, raise our wages and start competing for good-paying jobs, and Republicans at the Statehouse just aren’t interested in that agenda.

Please consider a contribution today that will put our priorities – your priorities – on the front burner next session.

We’re prepared to take action, but we can’t do it without you.

Democratically yours,
Senate Democratic Leader Vi Simpson

I want to share with you some great news from our State Central Committee meeting this past weekend.

First, I am pleased to announce that committee members officially endorsed Scott Reske as the Democratic candidate in the Fifth Congressional District.

Scott is a strong advocate who fights for working Hoosiers, and Democrats have an even better chance of winning back this seat now that longtime Congressman Dan Burton is retiring at the end of this term. Please join me in wishing Scott the best – and learn more about his campaign at www.reskeforcongress.com!

In other news, Second District Vice Chair Zanzer Anderson was elected as IDP Secretary, and the committee elected Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry as the official chair of the 2012 Democratic State Convention in Fort Wayne, the first time the event has been held outside of Indianapolis.

Committee members also heard from Dr. Woody Myers, the new Indiana authorized representative for Obama for America, representatives from the House and Senate Democratic caucuses and City-County Council member – and rightful Secretary of State! – Vop Osili.

It was an invigorating meeting, and it was wonderful, as always, to see so many great Democrats in one room working united toward victory in November.

Congressman Mike Pence is part of the problem in a Washington bitterly divided by partisanship and outrageous talking points.

The campaign to become Indiana's next Governor is about values, and we know that Hoosiers -- above all else -- value hard work.

That's why we’ve launched a new website – www.TheMikePenceShow.com -- to make sure you know the real Mike Pence and what he's been doing with his time in Washington.

The first episode of The Mike Pence Show focuses on the Congressman’s strident partisan stances on critical issues and his lack of experience as an executive.

We're committed to making sure our next Governor shows up and works hard for Hoosiers.

We don't need Mike Pence's brand of highly partisan Washington-style politics, but we do need your help to make sure he's not successful in November. Join us today in our fight for good-paying jobs, quality education and a state that works for working Hoosiers.

Early this morning, more than a year after his invalid election as Secretary of State, a Hamilton County jury found Charlie White guilty of vote fraud.

In a just world, this would finally be vindication for Democrat Vop Osili, who’s been rightfully named as Secretary of State pending Charlie’s conviction.

But Mitch Daniels has never been one for justice – or bipartisanship.

So early this morning, instead of doing the right thing, Daniels temporarily appointed White’s chief deputy to the job and said he’d reinstate White if his vote fraud convictions are reduced to misdemeanors.

It’s obvious that Daniels and the GOP will try anything to take back this election, but there’s only one thing that should happen now: Vop Osili should become Secretary of State, and we should all put the embarrassment that is Charlie White behind us.

This conviction is liberating for Hoosiers who’ve known since 2010 that White should never have been elected, but Indiana Democrats will not rest until we win the fight against Republican hypocrisy on voter fraud and Vop is lawfully seated as Secretary of State.

The setup: A disgraced Secretary of State is on criminal trial for voter fraud.

The prosecution lays out a carefully crafted case that clearly shows the state’s chief elections officer lived one place but voted in another, collecting a public salary while he perpetuated the lie.

It comes time for said Secretary of State to mount his criminal defense.

What does he have to say for his actions? How does he explain what happened and why he believes he didn’t violate state law?

The response: Silence.

This is no legal drama on the big screen. It’s happening right now in a Hamilton County courtroom with Indiana’s own embattled Secretary of State Charlie White.

Not only has Charlie disgraced the office he’s held for more than a year, but he’s got absolutely nothing to say for his actions.

A jury will begin deciding Charlie’s fate tomorrow, but this further validates what we’ve known all along: He’s an embarrassment to public service and our state, and it’s past time for Democrat Vop Osili, a respected business leader who’s committed to the office, to take over.

Vop has been rightfully declared the winner of the 2010 election. We need him in that job as soon as possible to make up for lost time, bring back a level of respect and dignity to an office sullied by Charlie’s recklessness.

Our message to Gov. Mitch Daniels and the GOP on their divisive push for "right to work" legislation that means lower pay for hard-working Hoosiers: "We were ignored in January...but we will remember in November!"

Congratulations to Brendan Mullen, our Second District Congressional candidate, for making the DCCC’s “Red to Blue” target list today!

The “Red to Blue” program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, grassroots, and strategic support.

We also want to congratulate former State Rep. Dave Crooks, who’s running in the Eighth District. The DCCC placed Dave on its “Emerging Races” list of candidates to watch as this campaign cycle heats up.

This is HUGE news for Indiana Democrats because it validates what we already knew: We’ve got great candidates who are ready to take on Republicans and win back control of the U.S. House this year!

If you’re tired of the GOP playing games with your bottom line while playing politics with our nation’s economy, please join me in supporting these two Congressional candidates – and all of our Democrats running for office this year.

This is only the beginning, but we’re off to a great start, and we’re ready to fight.

Thank you for your help!

Some politicians will say anything to get elected, but the true test of a public servant is whether he keeps his promises.

Mitch Daniels 2012, meet Mitch Daniels 2004:

With sky-high unemployment and a lack of good-paying jobs, you’d think the GOP majority at the Statehouse would focus on putting together a plan to get our economy back on track.

Instead, they want to pass a law that would make it even harder for our seniors and other absentee voters to cast ballots each election.

Senate Bill 175 would require voters to fill in their voter identification number on any application by mail for an absentee ballot. Without the number, the legislation requires that the county election board deny the application and send written notice to the voter stating the reason for denial.

County clerks across Indiana are concerned about this legislation and the increased burden it would place on their offices.

Moreover, it places a huge burden on the voters least able to cast ballots any other way.

Do you know your voter identification number?

Do you know where to find it?

If you don’t have it at home, who do you call to get it?

REALITY: Absentee applications already go through a bipartisan review at the county level, and local election officials and parties are quick to catch irregularities in absentee voting.

REALITY: Voters also provide, under penalty of perjury, unique information on the application such as their name and address. A voter identification number, on the other hand, is a largely unknown and redundant piece of data.

For the Republicans who live to restrict voting access, this is just another way to keep Hoosiers from exercising their constitutional rights.

Along the way, it makes it much harder for county clerks to do their jobs

We need to send a clear message to the Indiana General Assembly that Hoosiers – especially our seniors and others who rely on absentee voting by mail – don’t need any more roadblocks to voting.

Call or e-mail your legislators today and let them know that we want them to focus on solving our economic roadblocks, not creating new ones on the way to the ballot box.

Gov. Mitch Daniels will give his final “State of the State” address tonight.

There will be plenty of self-congratulatory applause lines and pats on the back for jobs that don’t exist, prosperity that’s just out of reach for working Hoosiers.

Here are seven topics you won’t hear Daniels touch on that have defined his administration over the past seven years:

1. Fewer jobs. Since Daniels took office, Indiana has lost nearly 150,000 jobs, and our unemployment rate has nearly doubled. Republicans have failed to articulate a jobs plan or grow our economy, but they continue to insist that we lower wages and reduce worker safety by pushing policies like “right to work.”
2. Lower income. Compared to when Daniels took office, Hoosiers make five cents less per dollar than they used to. That adds up, and it doesn’t match up with the Governor’s rhetoric that we’re somehow doing better now than we were seven years ago.
3. Sweetheart deal for political pals nets pain for Hoosiers. The Governor spearheaded a project to outsource critical FSSA services to a private company connected to his administration. It failed, and it cost Hoosiers their lives. We’re still paying for Daniels’ botched deal, and he still won’t talk about it.
4. Toll Road bait and switch. The Governor promised that the long-term lease of the Indiana Toll Road would net jobs and solve our transportation woes for decades to come. Six years later, the money is gone, the jobs never showed up, and the projects are unfinished.
5. So many scandals. From GOP scam artist Tim Durham to corrupt real estate broker John Bales to a pair of incorrigible Hoosier Lottery directors, Daniels’ appointees and allies have made shame and scandal an everyday part of state government and the political process.
6. Degrading hard-working Hoosiers. Daniels never misses an opportunity to practice his talking points at the expense of working Hoosiers. Last session, he and fellow Republicans pushed education reform proposals that vilified teachers, and from the outset of his administration, he’s made it clear that public employees are Public Enemy #1. Now he’s moved on to unions and members of organized labor.
7. Passing the buck. Nothing is ever Mitch Daniels’ fault. The economy wasn’t a product of his own failed leadership and financial prognostication in Washington, D.C. He blames President Obama. Jobs that don’t show up aren’t his fault. It’s just the way things work out. Daniels believes there’s only one right answer to every question: his. And that’s the way he’s governed our state for seven years.

You won’t hear any of this during tonight’s speech, but we know all too well how much damage Daniels and his friends have done over the past seven years, and we know that Hoosiers are ready for change.

That’s why we’re working hard to make sure dangerous policies like “right to work” don’t become law and hard-working Hoosiers have a voice at the Statehouse and in Washington.

After three years of leadership, President Obama has begun to right the ship he inherited from George W. Bush and Mitch Daniels. We can’t let anything stand in the way of that momentum.

Mitch Daniels issued his new year’s resolution today: Shut down free speech.

That’s right.

Daniels, a lame duck governor entering his last year in office, today ordered the Indiana State Police to limit the number of people who can protest at the Statehouse to between 1,000 and 1,500 on a given day.

No such cap has ever existed in the past.

This move comes as the legislative debate over the Governor’s push for so-called “right to work” gets underway next week.

We’ve always known Mitch Daniels didn’t want to hear what hard-working Hoosiers had to say. Now he’s trying to drown us out.

Here’s what we need you to do:

Call 317-232-4567.

E-mail the Governor or contact your legislator.

Complain. Loudly. And assert your rights.

This is America, Mitch. We have a right to peaceably assemble, and we have the right to speak freely.

Just because you don’t like what we have to say doesn’t mean you can keep us away.

Click here to read a copy of the new regulations (PDF).

Pennies on the dollar. It doesn’t sound like much, does it? But those pennies sure do add up.

To quote the Indianapolis Business Journal, in 2004, Mitch Daniels “berated his opponent” with the fact that Hoosiers made 91 cents on every dollar in a national income comparison.

Seven years later, despite Daniels’ best spin, that number has gotten worse.

Hoosiers today make 86 cents for every dollar other Americans bring home.

We make less. Our unemployment rate is through the roof. Hoosiers are struggling.

So what’s the GOP solution?

Instead of focusing on job creation and incentives for growth, they want to pass “right-to-work,” an attack on organized labor that has lowered worker wages in every state where it’s been implemented.

Let’s send them a message.

Sign up today to make sure Daniels and GOP lawmakers know that Hoosiers want real economic development solutions, not empty rhetoric and even lower wages.

Daniels has had seven years to create jobs. His record is dismal, and we have to do better.

Please, sign up today.

We can only imagine Congressman Mike Pence’s surprise when he read this recent story in the Purdue Exponent about Gov. Mitch Daniels’ remarks at political rally for West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis:

Gov. Mitch Daniels said Thursday that Mayor John Dennis shows all the right qualities for Indiana governor.

Daniels attended a political rally for Mayor John Dennis' reelection Thursday at Bruno's in West Lafayette.

"Governors come in various descriptions," Daniels said. "(Dennis) is tested and proven."

Daniels said a successful mayor seems like a good person to look to for governor.

"He has absolutely displayed qualities of a governor," Daniels said.

Is Daniels, who’s publicly stated his frustration with the lackluster GOP presidential field, having similar thoughts about the Republicans – D.C. insider Pence and little-known businessman Jim Wallace – running for Governor next year?

It sure sounds like it.

You’ve heard us say before that the 2012 election begins eight days from now, but our gubernatorial candidate said it best in a story this past weekend:

"The road to the Statehouse goes through all those city halls," said John Gregg, a former Indiana House speaker and a Democratic candidate for governor.

Next week’s elections are enormously important, and our mayoral candidates have been earning rave reviews as newspaper editorial boards pick the best executives to lead cities across the state.

Here are a few key Democratic endorsements that speak to our party’s strength and leadership at the local level:

INDIANAPOLIS STAR: “City needs Kennedy”

We need clear vision, the promise of hope for all of our residents no matter their lot in life, and a mayor who can be a leader among the nation's mayors.

We need Melina Kennedy.

TIMES OF NORTHWEST INDIANA: “Hammond voters should re-elect McDermott”

McDermott has kept an impressive campaign promise to stay in touch with his constituents. Month after month, year after year, McDermott holds a mayor's night out in a different part of the city to hear the public's concerns and tell the public what the city has been doing for them.

McDermott has accomplished much for Hammond in his eight years in office. Voters should re-elect him so he can continue improving their city. We endorse McDermott.

FORT WAYNE JOURNAL GAZETTE: “Another term for Tom Henry”

Henry’s record would stand up against many other Fort Wayne mayors after just one term. But consider that many of the accomplishments of his immediate predecessors – Graham Richard, Paul Helmke, Win Moses – came after re-election.

Henry has earned the job for four more years.

We’ve got eight days to make sure these candidates and Democrats across our state are elected locally so that we can work together and get our state back on track after years of Republican mismanagement.

Looking to get involved in the final week? Click here for a list of your county party contacts and let them know you’re available to help.

If you can afford to make a donation, your financial assistance will help our candidates continue their strong local message – and ensure victory on Nov. 8.

Thank you for your support! Onward to victory…

Mitch Daniels thinks Social Security is a Ponzi scheme.

He wrote about it in his new book, and he’s been repeating it over and over as he promotes that book through as many media interviews as he can schedule.

Do Daniels and his fellow Republicans Rick Perry and Todd Young really believe that the system designed to ensure financial security for American seniors is a scam?

Daniels should know.

After all, he benefited from a real Ponzi scheme when disgraced businessman Tim Durham ripped off unsuspecting investors and funneled the money to dozens of Republican political campaigns.

Daniels received roughly $200,000 from Durham, who was dubbed the “Madoff of the Midwest” after his indictment earlier this year on charges of defrauding more than 5,000 investors of more than $200 million.

The bankruptcy trustee in the case has repeatedly asked Daniels to return those contributions. His response?

Can’t give it back. Money’s been spent. Sorry about your luck.

Social Security is no Ponzi scheme.

As seniors have struggled with the economic downturn, President Obama has acted quickly to provide relief, and the President has committed to finding a bipartisan solution that preserves the program for future generations without putting current recipients at risk or slashing future benefits.

Daniels, on the other hand, is just out to sell some books with a few carefully crafted talking points.

Why would anyone take economic advice from the fiscal architect who turned an unprecedented national surplus into a critical budget deficit?

The war costs Daniels calculated under President George. W. Bush have since spiraled to more than a trillion dollars.

As Governor, he “balanced” his budget with tax hikes, federal stimulus money and cuts that shifted the burden to local governments and schools. His biggest privatization push is the subject of a brutal legal battle, and he steadfastly refuses to give back questionable campaign funds.

And now he wants to reinvent himself as a financial expert on Social Security and our national economic future.

Thanks, but no thanks, Governor. Your record speaks for itself.