10/30/2010 - Dem Statewide Candidates Hit Road Together (NWI)

By Dan Carden -

Indianapolis - The three Democratic candidates for statewide office are hitting the road for a three-day, 12-city campaign trip this Halloween weekend hoping to scare up some votes for Election Day on Tuesday.

Secretary of State candidate Vop Osili, State Treasurer candidate Pete Buttigieg and State Auditor candidate Sam Locke left an Indianapolis union hall Friday morning in two minivans and an SUV, cheered by some 20 sign-waving supporters.

The trio will attend events across the state today and Sunday, including a rally hosted by the Indiana Federation of Labor at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Clancy's Irish Pub, 2542 Portage Mall, Portage.

"The Democratic ticket is right on the issues, and we're offering a new generation of leadership," Buttigieg said. "Each one of us represents a change for the better in terms of our state government."

All three men face long odds to defeat their Republican opponents, State Treasurer Richard Mourdock, State Auditor Tim Berry and Charlie White, who is seeking the secretary of state office now held by term-limited Munster native Todd Rokita.

But Osili said he doesn't believe public opinion polls showing the Democrats behind are accurate.

"Our main thing right now is get the message out because once folks understand what the contrast is between, for example, myself and my opponent, I think it is crystal clear who they vote for," Osili said.

Locke said he's not worried that the three first-time statewide Democratic candidates will get swamped in what could be a Republican-wave election.

"To a certain degree, I think folks are as much anti-status quo as they are anything else right now, and if there's anything our opponents represent, it is certainly the status quo," Locke said.

Buttigieg and Osili agreed. Both said they are counting on ticket-splitting Hoosier voters to help put them over the top.