Elections & Politics

Truitt and Cornstuble vying for House District 26 seat

By Sam Klemet • Oct 22, 2012

Two former city council members – one from Lafayette and the other from West Lafayette – are vying to represent the area which includes the two cities and the central portion of Tippecanoe County.

On November 6th voters in House District 26 have a choice of whether the area is heading in the right direction under Republican Randy Truitt or if its needs to change course with Democrat Rick Cornstuble.

WBAA’s Sam Klemet reports.

IN gubernatorial candidates offer nothing new during second debate

By • Oct 17, 2012

None of three men running for governor gave any new policy details in their second debate Wednesday night.

As in the first debate, Democrat John Gregg often referenced his bipartisan record as Speaker of the Indiana House. Libertarian Rupert Boneham stuck to his theme of promoting himself as not being a career politician, but a businessman trying to bring openness to state government. Republican Mike Pence cited his Roadmap for Indiana as the way to take the state from good to great.

Ralph Nader says hiking minimum wage is "winning issue" for Democrats

By Mike Loizzo • Oct 16, 2012
Photo provided

Ralph Nader doesn't know why Democrats aren't making raising the minimum wage a bigger issue during the campaign. He says there's a clear cut difference between Democrats and Republicans on the topic.

He made the comments before speaking on "Corporatism and Social Class" at Purdue.

Senate candidates' heated debate reflects tone of the campaign

By • Oct 15, 2012
Mike Conroy / Associated Press

Senate candidates Joe Donnelly and Richard Mourdock spent most of their first debate Monday attacking each other, while Libertarian Andrew Horning called for voters to move away from the status quo. 

U.S. Senate candidates look to break away during first debate

By • Oct 15, 2012

Republican Senate hopeful Richard Mourdock says he doesn’t think the upcoming debates between him and his two opponents will get nearly as many viewers as his debate with Senator Richard Lugar in the May primary.  But with the race among the closest in the state, it’s possible there could be more interest than he realizes.  

Several polls in recent weeks all show Mourdock and Democratic opponent Joe Donnelly within just a few percentage points of each other in the race.  Mourdock says he hopes the debates will garner enough attention to have an impact on the campaign.

2012 early voting outpacing 2008 in Tippecanoe Co.

By Mike Loizzo • Oct 13, 2012

The first four days of early voting in Tippecanoe County brought 638 people into the Board of Elections office to cast a ballot.

The first week of early voting four years ago, during the last presidential election, produced 547 ballots. Tippecanoe County Circuit Clerk Christa Coffey says that’s a 14.3% increase this year.

“Many absentee ballots were sent and received” by the office, she says. “I’ll have official numbers by Monday morning.”

IN gubernatorial candidates spar during first debate

By • Oct 11, 2012
Mike Conroy / Associated Press

Gubernatorial candidates Mike Pence and John Gregg briefly launched attacks on each other’s records during Wednesday’s gubernatorial debate.  However, none of the candidates used the forum to say things they haven’t already said.

The debate featured questions from Hoosier voters on topics ranging from education, college affordability, the Affordable Care Act and the role of unions.  Republican Mike Pence, Democrat John Gregg and Libertarian Rupert Boneham all repeated ideas and positions they’ve been talking about throughout the campaign.

First day early voting up in Tipp. Co.

By Sam Klemet • Oct 9, 2012

More Tippecanoe County voters cast a ballot on the first day of early voting this year, compared to four years ago.

The Election’s Office reports, as of three this afternoon, 184 people voted.

One-hundred-forty turned out for the first day in 2008.

Those wanting to cast a ballot before the November 6th election can do so at the Tippecanoe County Elections Office or at their local circuit clerk’s office during business hours.

Tuesday also was the final day to register to vote in the election.

Hoosier Environmental Council hosts Lt. Gov. candidates for forum

By Mike Loizzo • Oct 9, 2012

The Hoosier Environmental Council wants more voters to think “green” when they cast their ballot this November. The organization is highlighting issues, such as clean energy and natural resources, and the positions the candidates for governor are taking.

Jesse Kharbanda, executive director, says good environmental and economic policies go hand-in-hand in many instances.

"For example, clean energy is a fabulous opportunity for Indiana, where by we could improve our air and water quality, while at the same time providing jobs."

IN gubernatorial candidates prepare for Wednesday's debate

By • Oct 8, 2012

With Indiana’s gubernatorial candidates set to square off for their first debate Wednesday, Democrat John Gregg and Libertarian Rupert Boneham say they hope it’s a chance for voters to learn more about them.  Both say they don't need to come out of the debate a clear winner.

Several polls in recent weeks show John Gregg significantly trailing Republican Mike Pence, often by double-digit margins.  Gregg says the debates offer him a chance to reach out to a key group of voters - moderate Republicans.

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