INDIANAPOLIS – Statehouse Republicans from Governor Eric Holcomb on down look rudderless. Even with quorum-proof majorities, they stumbled their way through a do-nothing legislative session devoid of high-profile legislation. At the apex, the dam burst and internal bickering spilled into public, sinking a bill to bolster school safety. The Republican finger-pointing is embarrassing and juvenile. And it’s indicative of something larger: Statehouse Republicans are fine people, but after nearly a decade in complete control, their grip on governing is slipping.
The headlines for Governor Holcomb and Statehouse Republicans look brutal.
The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette: Bedlam breaks out at legislative session, multiple bills die
Times of Northwest Indiana: Gary school board reforms, other measures die as Indiana General Assembly ends in chaos
Indianapolis Star: Legislature ends in chaos, finger-pointing and the unintentional death of several bills
AP News: Indiana legislative session descends into chaos on final day
WFYI: 2018 Session: Sunday Sales, Lack Of Focus And Chaotic End
WIBC: Clock Runs Out on Legislative Session in Turbulent Finish
PRO TIP: If it takes five or six paragraphs to get past the backbiting that derailed the session and if “chaos”, “bedlam” and “death” are the most common adjectives used to describe your direction, there’s a leadership vaccum at the top.
Indiana Democratic Party Chairman John Zody, like Hoosier taxpayers, was not impressed.
“Governor Holcomb and Statehouse Republicans put a sloppy exclamation point on a do-nothing session this morning,” said Zody. “Hoosier taxpayers got taken for a ride this session and more than ever, Republicans look lost behind the wheel. Without a clear vision, session gaveled out with no action on the pocketbook issues.”
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