Following is a list of some candidates running for state and federal office.
Secretary of State
Elizabeth White, Democrat
Key issues: “Ensuring fair, free and open elections is essential for providing government that is responsible to the needs of all citizens. I’d also like to advocate for entrepreneurs, promote Indiana headquartered businesses and overhaul the business directory. Hoosiers value honesty and fairness. I have always been an advocate for those in need, assisting Hoosiers in supporting their families and prosecuting criminals.”
Info: bethwhite.or
Connie Lawson, Republican incumbent
Key issues: As Indiana’s current Chief Elections Official, Lawson is focused on ensuring integrity and security for Indiana elections. Since taking office, Lawson championed election reforms and has led the effort to clean Indiana’s voter rolls. An advocate for increasing Indiana’s financial literacy and protecting Indiana investors, Lawson educates Hoosiers about money decisions and fights for stringent penalties for white collar criminals. Lawson is directing technology to improve how businesses interact with government. Lawson is also working to modernize elections through vote centers. She has established stronger safeguards for Hoosier investors by increasing the penalties for repeat scam artists who steal Hoosiers’ money and created greater transparency for investors through audits.
Info: in.gov/sos
Karl Tatgenhorst, Libertarian
Key issues: Advocate to the legislature to eliminate all ballot access restrictions to qualified candidates. “Only by increasing choice on the ballot will our government flourish from a competitive marketplace of ideas.”
Info: karlforindiana.com
Auditor of State
Michael Claytor, Democrat
Issues: Return fiscal accountability and transparency to Indiana government. The state auditor is the chief financial officer of the state, but no CPA has ever been elected to that position. “I have 40 years of bipartisan experience in government accounting and auditing, and I believe we should have a professional in the office that manages over $30 billion in your hard-earned taxpayer dollars every year.”
Info: claytor4auditor.com
Suzanne Crouch, Republican incumbent
Issues: “I believe every dollar government takes has been earned by a taxpayer and should be spent with consideration and respect for the taxpayers. I will work everyday to keep the government accountable to the people.”
Info: suzannecrouch.com
John Schick, Libertarian
Issues: “Plans to strengthen audit control systems over state spending and work to limit new spending by Republicans and Democrats in the General Assembly.”
Info: LP.org.
Treasurer of State
Mike Boland, Democrat
Issues: “Plans to bring integrity back to the office, get Indiana’s fiscal house in order, and restore balance to the Statehouse.”
Info: Bolandforindiana.org
Kelly Mitchell, Republican
Issues: “Our Republican leaders have erased a deficit and built a surplus all while cutting taxes. But to ensue that for generations to come, I intend to make sure everyone understands that fiscal responsibility is job one. That means educating students about fiscal issues such as how to balance a checkbook and how to save for retirement. It means giving teachers the tools to reinforce these lessons in the classroom. It means giving more support to local elected officials. Let’s bring up a generation of Hoosiers who won’t drown in debt and who will elect office holders who will steward tax dollars.”
Info: votekellymitchell.com
Michael (Mike) Jasper, Libertarian
Issues: “I am an everyday person, with some excellent ideas, running for state office. Showing everyday people they can do the same and should.”
Info: Facebook.com/pages/Mike-Jasper-for-Indiana-Treasurer
U.S. Reps (District 5 & 7)
District 5
Shawn Denney, Democrat
Issues: “Public education is one of my cornerstone issues. I believe the root issue is accountability to our teachers. To put that idea into policy, I advocate federal funds go toward our public school districts in order to increase teacher salary, lower the overall class size, and invest in modern teacher training. As Congressman, I would support a balanced budget amendment. I am also an advocate of fair wages. The current minimum wage does not begin to meet the needs of working families. Lastly, today, those who run for Congress spend little time raising money for campaigns and more time working the job, studying issues, developing policy and addressing constituents’ needs. Those campaign dollars often come from special interest groups, lobbyists and Super-Pacs out to influence votes. Its time for real campaign finance reform.”
Info: denneyforcongress.nationbuilder.com/issues
Susan Brooks, Republican incumbent
Issues: “Government’s role in creating jobs is to promote an environment in which businesses are confident enough to invest, innovate, prosper, and profit. Jobs will follow. In education, we must build a system around high standards, accountability for results, local control, and parental choice. I want our immigration system to be functional, efficient, and accountable. Passing the ill-conceived federal health care law was a huge mistake that’s pushing our country toward bankruptcy. That’s why I’ve voted to delay, defund, and repeal this job-killing legislation. It should be replaced with free-market policies that let people decide where their health care dollars are spent. I support education and health care to help women avoid unplanned pregnancies. I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and our right to bear arms. I do not believe in an assault rifle ban, and I’ll fight against any federal legislation that seeks to undo or preempt Indiana’s concealed-carry laws and lifetime handgun licenses.”
Info: Susanbrooksforcongress.com
John Krom, Libertarian
Issues: “The three main goals I have are: reducing the size of the federal government in regards to regulation and spending; restoring individual liberty back from encroaching agencies; and de-coupling the relationship between Congress and special interest groups.”
Info: kromforcongress.com
District 7
Andre Carson, Democrat incumbent
Issues: Congressman Carson is focused on improving the quality of life for families and individuals across Indianapolis by helping provide them with the resources they need to lift up their communities and expand economic opportunity. He has stood strong to protect and create jobs for Hoosiers, helping to secure more than $500 million in federal resources for the 7th Congressional District. These funds are now being invested throughout Indianapolis, putting people back to work, improving and modernizing public housing developments, rebuilding roads and infrastructure and investing in technology in health care and clean energy. Carson has worked to ease the tax burden for small businesses and has authored legislation to increase opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses and improve their access to capital.
Info: Andrecarson.com
Catherine (Cat) Ping, Republican
Issues: “Shrink the deficit and shrink the government. Actually draft and pass a budget, not continually raise the debt ceiling. Scale back the size and scope of some of the government branches and agencies. Eliminate governmental waste, fraud and abuse: This goes across the entire government spectrum starting with the IRS and Obamacare. Improve our energy footprint and efficiencies. Increase manufacturing production by easing up on the business tax burden and tightening down on imports. Raise the rent on the United Nations or tell them to find a new home. Close our boarders and draft legislation that protects our citizens from an influx of illegal immigrants living off our programs and benefits.”
Info: catping.com
Chris Mayo, Libertarian
Issues: “The federal government reprioritizes both its role and its finances toward specific, necessary domestic issues like infrastructure, and away from doling out billions in foreign ‘aid,’ maintaining a global military presence, and billions more in corporate welfare.”
Info: chrismayoblog.wordpress.com
State Senator (Only Districts 29 & 31)
District 29
J.D. Ford, Democrat
Issues: “If elected, I will advocate tirelessly for Hoosier children. As education constitutes over half of our state’s budget, I believe we ought to spend more time talking about it. We owe our active duty servicemen and veterans a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. I’d like to look into the Military Family Relief Fund and make sure all veterans have access to those resources. I would also like to see the re-reinstatement of the Women Veterans Coordinator. Improving our public transportation options would make Central Indiana more attractive for potential businesses. As an openly gay candidate, I support marriage equality.”
Info: jdforindiana.com
Mike Delph, Republican incumbent
Issues: “Our top duty this session will be to pass an honestly balanced budget, without tricks or accounting gimmicks. This will require ingenuity and tough decision making, a challenge I welcome. Raising taxes is not an option as government must learn to live within its means just like every Hoosier family is required to do. I will work tirelessly to reduce regulation and red tape that restrain the private sector from innovating and creating jobs. We also have to push more dollars into the classroom and reward and lift up educators. Ultimately our education system is a key economic driver in Indiana.”
Info: mikedelph.com
District 31
James Merritt Jr., Republican incumbent
Issues: Representing 130,000 constituents in District 31, Senator Merritt was first elected to the Indiana Senate in 1990. Committees Merritt serves on include Utilities, Homeland Security, Public Policy, Rules and Legislative Procedure, Joint Rules, and the Transportation subcommittee. The leadership positions Merritt holds in the Senate are Majority Caucus Chairman along with Chairmanship of the Utilities Committee.”
Info: citizens4merritt.com
