November 12, 2025 • 29 mins
There appears to be a new trend at Indiana Republican functions: The media isn't welcome. From an outright ban at the State Fall Dinner to only allowing media if they purchased a ticket at an event in Owen County, it appears Republicans don't want the media covering their events. The question is why? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
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Now Freedom Foods Indiana has some big things coming. We
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State House Happenings. Rob Kendall, Google gives Shava's Jim Merrett
(01:32):
program a State House Happening is your weekly look at
what's going on with Indiana politics and government. Before we
begin the show, let's meet the award winning panel. You
know him for thirty years in the Indiana Senate, Jim Merritt. Hello, Robert,
and you know him as the owner operator of India
Politics dot org. Google keep Shavaz Hello.
Speaker 3 (01:46):
We'll come in Benvenue. Hell come all right.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
So let's start with something very odd that's going on now.
We're sensing a trend here in the Republican Party, and
that is they are essentially banning the media from there.
What the dinners, the Lincoln Days, the big events, they
don't want the press. They're covering them a duel. You've
been a member of the media for twenty years now
(02:10):
in the Central Indiana. Have you ever seen this? We
saw this with the Fall Dinner. So the Republican State
Republic Party at their they have two big events a year.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
This one was the Fall.
Speaker 4 (02:21):
Dinner and what they said, no media, right, Yeah, And
I thought it was kind of odd because in the
past twenty years since I've been here, but it has
always been had sort of an unspoken invitation to the
Fall Dinners because it's an opportunity for political parties to
show unity, like, look, we've got a great team together.
Speaker 3 (02:37):
We're going to kick butt in the in the cup.
Come elections, blah blah blah.
Speaker 4 (02:40):
It's and usually the problem in the past I always
been getting the media, getting the media to show up
at these things. Yeah, because Marrick, you guys aren't giving
out like the nuclear codes that these things are.
Speaker 5 (02:50):
You not at all? And you know, it's it's odd,
it's strange, it's it's actually awkward. When I was county chair.
When I was township chair, I was, I was the h.
Lawrence Township Republican Club president. We always if we had
a if we had a media member attend, it was
(03:12):
almost like a celebration because it's marketing exactly.
Speaker 3 (03:15):
You know.
Speaker 5 (03:16):
It's just we can show off that we're that we
have a lot of people there were raising money. Uh,
we are a threat to the Democrat Party.
Speaker 3 (03:26):
Uh.
Speaker 5 (03:26):
As well as it's an opportunity for our members of
the Indian Senate or legislature or the council or anybody
give it, get a chance to talk about what they're
working on. And it's really kind of different world.
Speaker 4 (03:40):
At the other part of it two is if you
have like a big keynote speaker, it's a chance to highlight,
to speak like, hey, look you're You're not in some
rinky dank little podunk. We got all the know, all
the television networks here, the radios here, newspapers here, and
actually we give us a table the it was kind
of in the back, not necessarily in the front row seat,
but the table to back. We could app dinner if
we wanted. Some people took it. I did not.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
Because you're you yes, you take it because you're you,
and you're the sort of guy who goes to someone's
funeral and finds a way to get free stuff.
Speaker 3 (04:08):
And you know, that's a nice watch.
Speaker 5 (04:11):
And you know, I remember Nikki Haley coming to Indiana
and and uh.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
That was awful. I was at that one where I
got banned.
Speaker 5 (04:20):
Well, I mean she had a beautiful dress on.
Speaker 3 (04:21):
That she was awful. Yeah she was. Uh this was
like fIF twenty fifteen, I think, wasn't it.
Speaker 5 (04:27):
Yeah, by But my my point was Paul Ryan was
there as well. And and you when those people enter
the room or enter the building is rich Charles if
you remember in Carmel, and they expect television cameras, they
expect media and and and that's that's just the start
of it.
Speaker 3 (04:45):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
So yeah, my point all this is there's not some
big secret thing that takes place at these events.
Speaker 3 (04:52):
It's you know, people get up and speak. They're giving
just basic perfunctory it's campaigning.
Speaker 5 (04:57):
Yeah, generic, Yeah, parties do.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
And so the Fall Dinner this year, they said what
no media allowed?
Speaker 4 (05:05):
Uh basically yeah, because I remember send an email to
the State Party like, hey, I know you guys got
your Fall Dinner this week, it's gonna be a media table.
Don't need to be this place, need to plug in
like start of doing. But no media is allowed as
like what what what.
Speaker 3 (05:19):
Do you mean? No media is allowed?
Speaker 4 (05:20):
Like no media is allowed to Like okay, that's kind
of odd that you guys would do that. So I
went and check with former say Cheer people, like, hey, uh,
do you guys ever remember banning the media anytime? I
think there was one time where there was was there
was a discussion about leaving the media out, but Mike
pinc was like, no, we're not gonna do that was
doing during the Pens administration, Like one fall dinner thing
(05:42):
I think this was, but that was it. Any twenty
years I've been here, never has the media not been
invited to a tend Okay, so.
Speaker 3 (05:49):
That was the fall dinner.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
And like Nikki Kelly, I think back to stuff from
the Capitol Chronicle. Many of your colleagues went through this.
Then fast forward to I guess this would have.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
Been Monday night.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
There was an event in Owen County and Braun was there,
Micah was there, your pal Rod Bray was there, and
they basically said the same.
Speaker 4 (06:12):
Thing, Yeah, there's no media is not a lot of
like but like, first of all, this is Owen County
and most of it like the Owen County Daily Register, right,
and maybe woe in radio, and you know, like I
don't understand your logic and rationale, and I thought about
buying a ticket, like, you know what, I'm not going
to spend forty bucks in my heart and money or
drive down for this crap.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
Because that was the other thing is they said.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
At one point their rebuttal was, well, the media's not
being they can just buy a ticket. So it's like,
wait a second, the media has to give you money
to cover you. That doesn't seem very freedom of the
press type of a type of thing, does it.
Speaker 3 (06:46):
No?
Speaker 4 (06:46):
But but here's the thing though, and I will say this,
it is a if it's a government of event, the
media must have access for the most part. If it
is a private event, and these are political parties a
Republican party or in count Republican Party, Democratic libertarian, the
media has no right to to to to attend, so
that that illegally they are within their rights to do that. However, optically,
(07:09):
all you it doesn't make any sense. Number two, why
would you make an enemy? Well, right, And what I mean, mare,
what are they so worried about?
Speaker 2 (07:15):
Mike is gonna get a question about the grand jury investigation?
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Like what what are they afraid of?
Speaker 5 (07:20):
I'm just sitting here thinking about what where is the
fear here? And and why what are they going to
say that that that they haven't said already in the
last nine or ten months. You know, you know it's
they it's uh, it's what it probably it comes down
(07:41):
to is that it is an overwhelming Republican state, a
supermajority state. We have all the offices, and we can
do what we want to do, and it's and it's
our ball and we we took it and uh we're
actually hiding it abduall and and uh for now uh
and and you know, it's it's a it's a demonstration
(08:05):
of a majority that feels as though they can make
the rules.
Speaker 4 (08:10):
But even even in the early days of super majority,
we still had access. Yes, I mean when back in
twenty ten Republicans took everything and say, hey, we're going to.
Speaker 5 (08:18):
Keep the media out that that. But it's a cast
different casts of characters of leaders.
Speaker 4 (08:22):
Yeah, and that's what I think is different that the
leadership at the top has changed and people don't realize
people these people don't remember the days of fifty two
forty eight, right.
Speaker 5 (08:31):
Yeah, oh yeah, yeah. It's like kids don't remember recessions
and things like that. Yeah, they never experience.
Speaker 3 (08:37):
And here's the other part. I still found out what
we said, what happened?
Speaker 2 (08:39):
Well, right, I mean that's but it's like, what what
is the what are you guys saying on that stage?
Speaker 3 (08:44):
That is so egregious?
Speaker 4 (08:46):
But for example, I know Mike bron got very polite
golf applause. I'm being generous with that. Half the people
just sat there with their arms fold and the other
people just said, like no, sarcastic clapping. Families said out alive.
Speaker 5 (08:57):
Bit you know, Abdul I, I think if I were you,
I probably would have spent the forty dollars just to
stick it in their face.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
Oh we got no, we have plans for that.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
Okay, Well, but is it really all that much different
than what I went through whatever a month month and
a half ago, in which the Hendricks County Republican Party
somebody was gonna let me go as their guests and
they basically said, eh, not bringing him. And they did
that because they were worried Diego was Diego Morales, Secretary
of State, was going to get asked again, just like
(09:28):
in Clay County, who paid for you trip to India
and he had a complete meltdown.
Speaker 5 (09:33):
They don't want the disruption now that.
Speaker 2 (09:35):
Yeah, they they they Micah was going to get asked, hey,
how'd you end up with a known felon at Game
three of the NBA Finals And instead of addressing the candidates,
ended up addressing their office holders and going, hey, clean
your act up. They'd rather just say, well, nobody can
ask him any questions, then.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
We don't have to worry about it.
Speaker 5 (09:52):
Yeah, it's it's it's ugly. It is an ugly, ugly thing.
Speaker 4 (09:57):
And at the end of the day, what I don't
think these people understand, whoever is making these decisions, This
is a short term gain for some major long term consequences,
and people don't understand because eventually you're gonna eat the
media because one of your people is gonna do something
really stupid and get cover their hands in the cookie
jar or body part in somebody else's body part, and
there's gonna be a story about it. They're gonna be
(10:18):
trying to spin everything and it's not gonna work.
Speaker 3 (10:20):
He's speaking of Braun and Micah.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
They looked real chummy up there on stage together for
a guy like Micah who ran against being the check
and balance on Braun.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
And I'm gonna hold him accountable.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
And when this happens or that happens, I'm gonna speak
up and speak out. Boy, he's sure got in line
real quick. And what is Braun doing given the cloud
zah plural of scandal around Micah, what what is he doing?
Speaker 4 (10:45):
I would say he's running our state? I would say
probably in this situation here, it's a class to keep
your friends close, but your enemy's closer. And by keeping
uh like a close and showing up with and they
kind of I believe their theory is they keep them
on a leash, or at least keep under some kind
of control. But you know as well as I do,
that's not going to work.
Speaker 3 (11:03):
Yeah, I mean.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
He looks like he looks well. First of all, I
mean Micah was a total fraudster. He had zero intent
of ever holding anyone accountable for anything, So that that's
one part of it. But if you're Braun, you know
what's alleged to be going on with this guy in
his office and you're sitting up there on a stage
with him and people are taking photographs and everything else.
(11:26):
So now you can't do the me so stupid routine.
Whatever comes out on Micah, you're essentially embracing it by
being up there on a stage with him.
Speaker 5 (11:34):
But have we ever seen the governor schooled in public?
So this this is nothing new that they they're they're
still quote unquote working together and being on the same
stage together, and they're they're still in lockstep, and and
and uh and beck With has been relatively quiet for
a while and uh and not really gotten out on
(11:55):
a on a limb that would would be nextative about Braun.
Speaker 3 (12:01):
So he's been a good boy since property taxes.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
He was very vocal about property taxes till Braun made
his choice and then he basically put his head in
the sand after that.
Speaker 5 (12:09):
And his Braun will continue to embrace him when that behavior,
you know, when that behavior warrans it.
Speaker 4 (12:16):
I would argue that probably why mister Beckwood has gone
I would say mostly dark, is because the current scandal
involving a pastor of the New Black Church and pastor's
son that I would argue with that that's probably like, hey, Mike,
he'd be able to need to just shut up for
a little while and dial back the dial back the
rhetoric until this whole thing blows over. Because every time
you talk and kind of say something superd about no
(12:38):
this or this or this, and groomers like, well what
about the guy son and your church? So probably from
from a legal perspective, Michael's like, hey, it's just best
to just taper off for a while.
Speaker 2 (12:47):
Well, okay, And this is what's fascinating to me about
Braun just appearing to come off as totally subservient to
basically everyone, which is, can you imagine like Becky Skill,
let's just say Becky skilling it and been involved in
some sort of scandal, Not that Chipper would have been,
but like if that would have happened, can you imagine
Mitch Daniels just rolling out to some event and being
(13:09):
you know.
Speaker 4 (13:09):
Well, actually they did have a bit of a scandal. Uh,
the old director of the BMV was caught in the
men's room. Yeah, but that wasn't Becky se no, no, no, no, no,
but no, but it was it was Abet Cabinet secretary
head of the B and B you got caught, you know,
doing something what's supposed to be doing. And Miss Jenner's like, hey,
we're not We're not going to tolerate this, and he
was gone, yeah, well.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
Right right, that's my point. And now, look, bron can't
fire Micah, but he certainly was under no obligation to
send stand up there on a stage with him. He
could have said, pick one of us, you canna have him,
or you gonna have me. We ain't doing both.
Speaker 3 (13:40):
And if you're Rod Bray, this thing just came about
at the reprimand Bray had to give Micah during the session,
what's he doing up there with these people? Yeah, that's
in Rod's district. Yeah, but what's he doing up there
with these people?
Speaker 2 (13:54):
Again that Braun and Bray are way more powerful than Micah,
Like they have the ability to go pick you know,
choo choose wisely, right, you can't have.
Speaker 3 (14:04):
Us both it.
Speaker 5 (14:05):
Uh. I was really surprised seeing Center Bray up there
on on the dais because he doesn't travel much. Uh,
You're seeing him more and more with with stops on
a on a campaign trail. Uh. He just won re election. Uh.
And and and so he has to be out there
because of this crisis with the redistricting and his caucus
(14:27):
going uh every which way away from what the decision
of the caucus actually was. And uh uh he's he's
being a lot more accessible and uh but I was
surprised to see uh Braun and back with and Bray
up on the dais altogether and uh it it kind
(14:48):
of reminds me back with the Holcombe let Holcomb government
hokem and legislature collision and and how they you know,
they were lucky that they had to be in COVID,
they had to be at home and they didn't have
to appear together. And so you know, it's I think
(15:10):
that Sanata Bray has to be more accessible and that
must have I think, Abdul, I think if I were you,
I would have bought the ticket just to watch the
body language between all three of them.
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zero three. State House Happenings also wants to thank our
fine friends at Freedom Foods Indiana. Farmer Ryan Schleiman and
(16:33):
the folks at Freedom Foods Indiana have been delivering fresh
fruits and vegetables right to people's doors for years, and
Freedom Foods Indiana is a big supporter of State House Happenings.
Now Freedom Foods Indiana has some big things coming. We
can't wait to tell you all about it in the
near future. Right now, though, we just want to say
thanks to our friends at Freedom Foods Indiana for supporting
State House Happenings. Rob kendall'dgill gives you, boys, Jim Merritt,
(16:56):
the program of State House Happenings, your weekly look at
what's going on with Indiana politics and government. Speaking of redistricting,
we're getting closer to that. Well, it's not even a
special session anymore. It's an early start to the regular session.
Speaker 4 (17:09):
It's not it's not even really an early start because
session officially begins on organization.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
Yeah, but they're normally not here in December doing stuff.
We're spending all the money the taxpayers gave them throughout
the course of the year.
Speaker 4 (17:18):
No, but no, But actually are they are, actually are
working because they're putting bills together in the whole nine yards.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
Yeah, but they're not normally here debating.
Speaker 5 (17:26):
You know, there was only one time in thirty years
I remember our having committee hearings in September or excuse me, December,
and uh, but we are they they are in session,
you're out. Yeah, they are in session. You chose to
hang out with us. Horrible move on your part. I
(17:46):
when I look at it, sometimes not.
Speaker 4 (17:51):
I gotta give you that don't get very often.
Speaker 5 (17:56):
But when when when you look at it, they are
in organization day starts this session of the legislature and
in December it's it's never in my time and anybody
else's time have they had a session day in December?
And they will have those in this coming December. And
(18:19):
it's quite odd. I think I made a joke on
air last week that maybe they could just elongate that
for a couple of days and take care of all
the business and not be in Session twenty six.
Speaker 3 (18:31):
Or just come in. No, we're gaveling.
Speaker 4 (18:34):
Okay, we're here, Okay, here, We'll reconvene at the fall
of the gavel on January third.
Speaker 3 (18:41):
Have a nice day, goodbye.
Speaker 5 (18:42):
Yep.
Speaker 4 (18:43):
Which way I could perfectly see that happen. Because one
thing that the team Broun has done, I would say
half a team Braun is time, because I know Team
bron is totally split on this whole redistric thing to
begin with, like, hey, you need to call a special
session now because it's not like Governor the votes aren't there.
Don't do it. Don't do it, don't do it. I'm
doing it anyway. Okay, be careful what you wish for.
It just might get it. And this is the way
(19:04):
the legislature kind of sticking their middle finger, both middle
fingers in stereo to the governor's office.
Speaker 2 (19:09):
Yeah okay, So Eric, Eric Coke, he is a senator
from Bedford.
Speaker 5 (19:15):
All right, yeah Bedford? Yeah you're are you making phone?
His last name is Cook? Oh it is Cook, Yes,
it's Cook. Yeah all right, like the brothers. Yeah, no,
Coke are the brothers. That's why I thought it was
that that was Eric.
Speaker 4 (19:29):
That's a drink what No, No, Cook, Coke. He'll be
there with good good Yeah, Cook Coke, good good.
Speaker 2 (19:36):
Whatever this guy's name is, however, he's Coke, Yeah whatever,
Cook doesn't matter. This is the same guy that drew
the maps Yes into in twenty twenty one and said
how great the maps were.
Speaker 3 (19:48):
And now he's coming out.
Speaker 2 (19:49):
I was like, we got a redistrict, and I mean,
the Capitol Chronicle a big article about this. This guy
looks like a complete idiot, and it just shows how
unprincipled all these people are. Coke, Cook, any any of
them right, that that clearly people don't want this. Oh
I heard from my constituents, you know, as none of
these people they claim they've heard of all the constituents
are producing any of it. Get the people who are
(20:11):
hearing negatively. Hey, we're having town halls. Everybody can see it.
This guy looks like a complete idiot after being so
emphatic in twenty one about how great the maps were
that he helped put together, and now we got to redistrict.
Speaker 4 (20:23):
Well, my thing is now, I've known Eric for years.
He's also an attorney. We appeared together in court a
couple of times. That's the same hearing on different things.
I'm gonna gi him a call like, hey, Eric, this
is abduel. What's going on here? And was it calls?
Speaker 5 (20:38):
Was?
Speaker 4 (20:38):
Are you worried about a primary challenge? Somebody gonna put
the sticks to you. I'll find out what's what's going
on here, one one way.
Speaker 3 (20:45):
Or the other. You know.
Speaker 5 (20:47):
Senator Cook is a principal person. He is longtime state
representative for attorney general. One time, uh took my place
as chairman of the Energy Committee in the Senate.
Speaker 3 (20:59):
When I'm doing a horrible job.
Speaker 2 (21:01):
Well, he's the guy that there was the big article
in the Indie Star about how much money him and
his counterpart on the other side, Soliday, had gotten from
these utility companies.
Speaker 5 (21:11):
Well, Senator Cook, I was really surprised that he that
he's changed his mind, because to a person, the legislature
is very proud of those twenty twenty one maps that
they drew years ago, and and so I registered surprise
when when Eric changed his mind. I don't know if
(21:32):
it's changed his mind because I never heard anything in
the beginning, but established his position this last week on
on voting for the maps or redistricting. And maybe they've
seen Abdul, maybe they've seen maps that I have not
seen because they're not in public.
Speaker 3 (21:51):
Jim.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
I mean, if you if you spend all that time
drawing those maps of the public hearings and we're checking
all these bodis data data data, and you come out
and go there great, which I think most people, which
is why there was no lawsuit, uniformly agreed. Even a
lot of Democrats are like, well, we'd like for it
to be six to three, but this is probably the
best we're gonna do. Yeah, there was like a uniform
agreement these maps are pretty good.
Speaker 5 (22:12):
Yeah, the maps were perfect in a lot of eyes
over there. And that's what that's why I was so
surprised by because they they really worked those maps last time,
so no lawsuits. They did a really good job on
those maps, utilizing all the situations and data.
Speaker 2 (22:31):
And the other part of this is so they're at
thirteen now, they got to get twenty five. Mike, I'm
sure we'll bend the need of braun and cast the
tye breakers vote. Certainly, they're at thirteen, which means they
got a flip twelve. He was number thirteen. Cook Coke
was number was number thirteen. And you look at it though,
and go, we've been at this for about five months.
(22:54):
What'd you hear in the last week that you didn't
hear in the previous you know, four and a half
five months? Like what now you just look bad at
this way, going okay, sure, yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm with
you guys.
Speaker 5 (23:05):
Well you know there.
Speaker 3 (23:07):
He's up for election in twenty twenty six. Well there
you go, boy out. Well we answer that one quick,
didn't you know?
Speaker 5 (23:13):
There's a lot too the idea of ripping the band
aid off in August when nobody's watching it. Sure, and
that's when the Life Special Session was if you remember correctly.
And also the idea of you know, there's no new
data coming on here, but uh, you know Sarah Cook
(23:34):
is a leader in that caucus and they have thirteen
and last week you and I talked on the air
rob about the idea that why why is the House?
And I saw this countless times in Abdullah. You have too,
when when someone would say in the House of Representatives,
you know, the votes are not there in the Senate,
(23:56):
why are we passing this and getting out on a limb?
Obviously they are all up for reelection in twenty twenty
six and uh and they and they're hearing the hoof beats. Uh,
and so you can see why.
Speaker 3 (24:10):
Uh.
Speaker 5 (24:10):
You know there there are aggressive people out there that
are that that want change in these maps and and
they're listening to the screaming out there in districts.
Speaker 4 (24:21):
And by the way, and what I don't think people
fully understand or appreciate it is drawing the maps doesn't
necessarily guarantee you a nine zero republic no republican universe,
because remember to make this make the seventh of the
first district less democrat or more Republican. You have to
make the other ones less democratic.
Speaker 5 (24:37):
Yeah, Rudy Yakam represents the South Bend area and you've
got and it's a Republican district now for many years
when I was growing up as a Democrat district John
Bradamus rose to number three in the House of Representatives leadership.
He's from South Bend and he lost uh because you know,
district change. But but UH as well as Frank Mrvan Junior,
(25:01):
the Member of Congress from the region. UH is a
junk yard dog when it comes to campaigning, and he's
beloved in that district by Republicans and Democrats. And and
Jennifer Ruth Green is a is a wounded kid that
running against him, and so so the idea and as
well as we've talked on these airways before that you know,
(25:22):
if you if you try to split up Marion County
and take Congressman Carson out, he's automatic, not automatically, but
he pretty good possibility. He's the next mayor of India.
Speaker 3 (25:33):
Yeah. If you're Ryan Meuirs, you're like, what the heck
my time, what are you doing?
Speaker 4 (25:37):
If you're Ryan Meers, if you're opposly Megan Lewis, some
of the names have been talking about thrown out there,
Andrew Huntley running from mayor. Uh if I now decide
to run from mayor, that changes the entire yea in
the entire equation. I think you can bet on it.
And and here's the other thing too, what what I
keep one of my Republican fans, like, gentlemen, I've seen
this play before. You'll overreach your bounds. You'll piss off
(25:59):
a whole bunch of gonna marrk a little black, little
black blackly lives at thirtieth in Central or sixteenth in
Tips because here's there, here's a mailing. They're trying to
take away your right to vote. This is Jim Crow
all over again. Right, all they got to hear and
then all hell will break loose and right wouldn't vote?
Speaker 5 (26:13):
Yeah, And also, Robert you lose. You probably lose three
Republican seats in the Indiana Senate if this all goes
down because of the I don't want to say violence,
but the motivation, the the drive, the anger, and the
money that's gonna go to like, for instance, Senator Denk
(26:33):
who represents a portion of the region in the state Senate. Uh,
that's probably that's probably gone.
Speaker 3 (26:40):
Uh.
Speaker 5 (26:41):
The idea of Center Good who who you know? Center
Ford uh was the state center from that area and
great Good. Uh, that's kind of a marginal district. And
he's a friend of mine and and uh he's gonna
work really hard to save that district.
Speaker 3 (26:58):
Uh.
Speaker 5 (26:58):
And and and there are other districts that you could
lose because of the rousing of the base out there,
as well as the fact that that Congressman Ravan Junior
is going to have a lot of money thrown his
way uh to make to make sure that he's got
all the tools to win reelection.
Speaker 4 (27:17):
And also throw in two and it's not just the
quote unquote urban environment, it's also your suburban environments. Like
I said, two sixty seven, Route nine, uh, Route thirty two,
uh and one thirty five. There's more purple than it
is than it used to be.
Speaker 3 (27:31):
Read.
Speaker 4 (27:31):
You're gonna piss off all those suburban women who don't
because people who's just fundamentally like Faridas, like, hey, these
are the rules I played about the rules. They don't
like the rules changing mid game. And that's gonna take
off a whole bunch of people. And like I said,
this is why I could see uh Secretary of Saint
Bow bye and the whole nine are.
Speaker 2 (27:46):
Twenty twenty seconds left. I want to get you guys
opinion this. Are you still both now? You're both there?
Speaker 3 (27:50):
No, we're no. Last time?
Speaker 1 (27:51):
Right?
Speaker 2 (27:51):
You think they will not vote to redistrict right, that's
where we both were last time.
Speaker 3 (27:56):
Well, I I was, I was a yes. Do you
think noy? You think they will approve it?
Speaker 5 (28:03):
I think yes. I now they're going to special session.
I always thought they're going to special session. And yes,
I think they will have new districts.
Speaker 3 (28:14):
All right, you a vote yes won't get approved. All right?
Very good, bill gives Rossjimaret, thank you.
Speaker 1 (28:18):
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Speaker 2 (28:41):
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House Happenings also wants to thank our fine friends at
Freedom Foods Indiana. Farmer Ryan Schliman and the folks at
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is a big supporter of State House Happenings. Now, Freedom
Foods Indiana has some big things coming. We can't wait
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Speaker 3 (29:42):
For supporting State House happenings.
Speaker 2 (29:44):
That is going to do it for us this week.
For Abdul, it keeps your bas For Jim Marit, I'm
Rob Kendall. You've been listening to State House happenings.
Where you work and who you work with matters. I'm
doctor Jim Dalton, President and CEO of Daymar. We're dedicated
to helping vulnerable kids and adults with disabilities. Right now,
we're looking for tough people with big hearts, people who
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Speaker 2 (00:24):
At the Honeysuckle Hill Bestro in Cottage, their specialty is
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leave more at peace than when you came in. Set
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and totally worth the trip. The Honeysuckle Hill Bestro in
Cottage is open five to eight Friday and Saturday and Sunday,
featuring their incredible breakfast buffet from eleven to two. More
information call eight one, two, four four three three zero
zero three State House Happenings. Also wants to thank our
fine friends at Freedom Foods Indiana. Farmer Ryan Schleiman and
(01:08):
the folks at Freedom Foods Indiana have been delivering fresh
fruits and vegetables right to people's doors for years, and
Freedom Foods Indiana is a big supporter of State House Happenings.
Now Freedom Foods Indiana has some big things coming. We
can't wait to tell you all about it in the
near future. Right now, though, we just want to say
thanks to our friends at Freedom Foods Indiana for supporting
State House Happenings. Rob Kendall, Google gives Shava's Jim Merrett
(01:32):
program a State House Happening is your weekly look at
what's going on with Indiana politics and government. Before we
begin the show, let's meet the award winning panel. You
know him for thirty years in the Indiana Senate, Jim Merritt. Hello, Robert,
and you know him as the owner operator of India
Politics dot org. Google keep Shavaz Hello.
Speaker 3 (01:46):
We'll come in Benvenue. Hell come all right.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
So let's start with something very odd that's going on now.
We're sensing a trend here in the Republican Party, and
that is they are essentially banning the media from there.
What the dinners, the Lincoln Days, the big events, they
don't want the press. They're covering them a duel. You've
been a member of the media for twenty years now
(02:10):
in the Central Indiana. Have you ever seen this? We
saw this with the Fall Dinner. So the Republican State
Republic Party at their they have two big events a year.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
This one was the Fall.
Speaker 4 (02:21):
Dinner and what they said, no media, right, Yeah, And
I thought it was kind of odd because in the
past twenty years since I've been here, but it has
always been had sort of an unspoken invitation to the
Fall Dinners because it's an opportunity for political parties to
show unity, like, look, we've got a great team together.
Speaker 3 (02:37):
We're going to kick butt in the in the cup.
Come elections, blah blah blah.
Speaker 4 (02:40):
It's and usually the problem in the past I always
been getting the media, getting the media to show up
at these things. Yeah, because Marrick, you guys aren't giving
out like the nuclear codes that these things are.
Speaker 5 (02:50):
You not at all? And you know, it's it's odd,
it's strange, it's it's actually awkward. When I was county chair.
When I was township chair, I was, I was the h.
Lawrence Township Republican Club president. We always if we had
a if we had a media member attend, it was
(03:12):
almost like a celebration because it's marketing exactly.
Speaker 3 (03:15):
You know.
Speaker 5 (03:16):
It's just we can show off that we're that we
have a lot of people there were raising money. Uh,
we are a threat to the Democrat Party.
Speaker 3 (03:26):
Uh.
Speaker 5 (03:26):
As well as it's an opportunity for our members of
the Indian Senate or legislature or the council or anybody
give it, get a chance to talk about what they're
working on. And it's really kind of different world.
Speaker 4 (03:40):
At the other part of it two is if you
have like a big keynote speaker, it's a chance to highlight,
to speak like, hey, look you're You're not in some
rinky dank little podunk. We got all the know, all
the television networks here, the radios here, newspapers here, and
actually we give us a table the it was kind
of in the back, not necessarily in the front row seat,
but the table to back. We could app dinner if
we wanted. Some people took it. I did not.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
Because you're you yes, you take it because you're you,
and you're the sort of guy who goes to someone's
funeral and finds a way to get free stuff.
Speaker 3 (04:08):
And you know, that's a nice watch.
Speaker 5 (04:11):
And you know, I remember Nikki Haley coming to Indiana
and and uh.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
That was awful. I was at that one where I
got banned.
Speaker 5 (04:20):
Well, I mean she had a beautiful dress on.
Speaker 3 (04:21):
That she was awful. Yeah she was. Uh this was
like fIF twenty fifteen, I think, wasn't it.
Speaker 5 (04:27):
Yeah, by But my my point was Paul Ryan was
there as well. And and you when those people enter
the room or enter the building is rich Charles if
you remember in Carmel, and they expect television cameras, they
expect media and and and that's that's just the start
of it.
Speaker 3 (04:45):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
So yeah, my point all this is there's not some
big secret thing that takes place at these events.
Speaker 3 (04:52):
It's you know, people get up and speak. They're giving
just basic perfunctory it's campaigning.
Speaker 5 (04:57):
Yeah, generic, Yeah, parties do.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
And so the Fall Dinner this year, they said what
no media allowed?
Speaker 4 (05:05):
Uh basically yeah, because I remember send an email to
the State Party like, hey, I know you guys got
your Fall Dinner this week, it's gonna be a media table.
Don't need to be this place, need to plug in
like start of doing. But no media is allowed as
like what what what.
Speaker 3 (05:19):
Do you mean? No media is allowed?
Speaker 4 (05:20):
Like no media is allowed to Like okay, that's kind
of odd that you guys would do that. So I
went and check with former say Cheer people, like, hey, uh,
do you guys ever remember banning the media anytime? I
think there was one time where there was was there
was a discussion about leaving the media out, but Mike
pinc was like, no, we're not gonna do that was
doing during the Pens administration, Like one fall dinner thing
(05:42):
I think this was, but that was it. Any twenty
years I've been here, never has the media not been
invited to a tend Okay, so.
Speaker 3 (05:49):
That was the fall dinner.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
And like Nikki Kelly, I think back to stuff from
the Capitol Chronicle. Many of your colleagues went through this.
Then fast forward to I guess this would have.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
Been Monday night.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
There was an event in Owen County and Braun was there,
Micah was there, your pal Rod Bray was there, and
they basically said the same.
Speaker 4 (06:12):
Thing, Yeah, there's no media is not a lot of
like but like, first of all, this is Owen County
and most of it like the Owen County Daily Register, right,
and maybe woe in radio, and you know, like I
don't understand your logic and rationale, and I thought about
buying a ticket, like, you know what, I'm not going
to spend forty bucks in my heart and money or
drive down for this crap.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
Because that was the other thing is they said.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
At one point their rebuttal was, well, the media's not
being they can just buy a ticket. So it's like,
wait a second, the media has to give you money
to cover you. That doesn't seem very freedom of the
press type of a type of thing, does it.
Speaker 3 (06:46):
No?
Speaker 4 (06:46):
But but here's the thing though, and I will say this,
it is a if it's a government of event, the
media must have access for the most part. If it
is a private event, and these are political parties a
Republican party or in count Republican Party, Democratic libertarian, the
media has no right to to to to attend, so
that that illegally they are within their rights to do that. However, optically,
(07:09):
all you it doesn't make any sense. Number two, why
would you make an enemy? Well, right, And what I mean, mare,
what are they so worried about?
Speaker 2 (07:15):
Mike is gonna get a question about the grand jury investigation?
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Like what what are they afraid of?
Speaker 5 (07:20):
I'm just sitting here thinking about what where is the
fear here? And and why what are they going to
say that that that they haven't said already in the
last nine or ten months. You know, you know it's
they it's uh, it's what it probably it comes down
(07:41):
to is that it is an overwhelming Republican state, a
supermajority state. We have all the offices, and we can
do what we want to do, and it's and it's
our ball and we we took it and uh we're
actually hiding it abduall and and uh for now uh
and and you know, it's it's a it's a demonstration
(08:05):
of a majority that feels as though they can make
the rules.
Speaker 4 (08:10):
But even even in the early days of super majority,
we still had access. Yes, I mean when back in
twenty ten Republicans took everything and say, hey, we're going to.
Speaker 5 (08:18):
Keep the media out that that. But it's a cast
different casts of characters of leaders.
Speaker 4 (08:22):
Yeah, and that's what I think is different that the
leadership at the top has changed and people don't realize
people these people don't remember the days of fifty two
forty eight, right.
Speaker 5 (08:31):
Yeah, oh yeah, yeah. It's like kids don't remember recessions
and things like that. Yeah, they never experience.
Speaker 3 (08:37):
And here's the other part. I still found out what
we said, what happened?
Speaker 2 (08:39):
Well, right, I mean that's but it's like, what what
is the what are you guys saying on that stage?
Speaker 3 (08:44):
That is so egregious?
Speaker 4 (08:46):
But for example, I know Mike bron got very polite
golf applause. I'm being generous with that. Half the people
just sat there with their arms fold and the other
people just said, like no, sarcastic clapping. Families said out alive.
Speaker 5 (08:57):
Bit you know, Abdul I, I think if I were you,
I probably would have spent the forty dollars just to
stick it in their face.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
Oh we got no, we have plans for that.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
Okay, Well, but is it really all that much different
than what I went through whatever a month month and
a half ago, in which the Hendricks County Republican Party
somebody was gonna let me go as their guests and
they basically said, eh, not bringing him. And they did
that because they were worried Diego was Diego Morales, Secretary
of State, was going to get asked again, just like
(09:28):
in Clay County, who paid for you trip to India
and he had a complete meltdown.
Speaker 5 (09:33):
They don't want the disruption now that.
Speaker 2 (09:35):
Yeah, they they they Micah was going to get asked, hey,
how'd you end up with a known felon at Game
three of the NBA Finals And instead of addressing the candidates,
ended up addressing their office holders and going, hey, clean
your act up. They'd rather just say, well, nobody can
ask him any questions, then.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
We don't have to worry about it.
Speaker 5 (09:52):
Yeah, it's it's it's ugly. It is an ugly, ugly thing.
Speaker 4 (09:57):
And at the end of the day, what I don't
think these people understand, whoever is making these decisions, This
is a short term gain for some major long term consequences,
and people don't understand because eventually you're gonna eat the
media because one of your people is gonna do something
really stupid and get cover their hands in the cookie
jar or body part in somebody else's body part, and
there's gonna be a story about it. They're gonna be
(10:18):
trying to spin everything and it's not gonna work.
Speaker 3 (10:20):
He's speaking of Braun and Micah.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
They looked real chummy up there on stage together for
a guy like Micah who ran against being the check
and balance on Braun.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
And I'm gonna hold him accountable.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
And when this happens or that happens, I'm gonna speak
up and speak out. Boy, he's sure got in line
real quick. And what is Braun doing given the cloud
zah plural of scandal around Micah, what what is he doing?
Speaker 4 (10:45):
I would say he's running our state? I would say
probably in this situation here, it's a class to keep
your friends close, but your enemy's closer. And by keeping
uh like a close and showing up with and they
kind of I believe their theory is they keep them
on a leash, or at least keep under some kind
of control. But you know as well as I do,
that's not going to work.
Speaker 3 (11:03):
Yeah, I mean.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
He looks like he looks well. First of all, I
mean Micah was a total fraudster. He had zero intent
of ever holding anyone accountable for anything, So that that's
one part of it. But if you're Braun, you know
what's alleged to be going on with this guy in
his office and you're sitting up there on a stage
with him and people are taking photographs and everything else.
(11:26):
So now you can't do the me so stupid routine.
Whatever comes out on Micah, you're essentially embracing it by
being up there on a stage with him.
Speaker 5 (11:34):
But have we ever seen the governor schooled in public?
So this this is nothing new that they they're they're
still quote unquote working together and being on the same
stage together, and they're they're still in lockstep, and and
and uh and beck With has been relatively quiet for
a while and uh and not really gotten out on
(11:55):
a on a limb that would would be nextative about Braun.
Speaker 3 (12:01):
So he's been a good boy since property taxes.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
He was very vocal about property taxes till Braun made
his choice and then he basically put his head in
the sand after that.
Speaker 5 (12:09):
And his Braun will continue to embrace him when that behavior,
you know, when that behavior warrans it.
Speaker 4 (12:16):
I would argue that probably why mister Beckwood has gone
I would say mostly dark, is because the current scandal
involving a pastor of the New Black Church and pastor's
son that I would argue with that that's probably like, hey, Mike,
he'd be able to need to just shut up for
a little while and dial back the dial back the
rhetoric until this whole thing blows over. Because every time
you talk and kind of say something superd about no
(12:38):
this or this or this, and groomers like, well what
about the guy son and your church? So probably from
from a legal perspective, Michael's like, hey, it's just best
to just taper off for a while.
Speaker 2 (12:47):
Well, okay, And this is what's fascinating to me about
Braun just appearing to come off as totally subservient to
basically everyone, which is, can you imagine like Becky Skill,
let's just say Becky skilling it and been involved in
some sort of scandal, Not that Chipper would have been,
but like if that would have happened, can you imagine
Mitch Daniels just rolling out to some event and being
(13:09):
you know.
Speaker 4 (13:09):
Well, actually they did have a bit of a scandal. Uh,
the old director of the BMV was caught in the
men's room. Yeah, but that wasn't Becky se no, no, no, no, no,
but no, but it was it was Abet Cabinet secretary
head of the B and B you got caught, you know,
doing something what's supposed to be doing. And Miss Jenner's like, hey,
we're not We're not going to tolerate this, and he
was gone, yeah, well.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
Right right, that's my point. And now, look, bron can't
fire Micah, but he certainly was under no obligation to
send stand up there on a stage with him. He
could have said, pick one of us, you canna have him,
or you gonna have me. We ain't doing both.
Speaker 3 (13:40):
And if you're Rod Bray, this thing just came about
at the reprimand Bray had to give Micah during the session,
what's he doing up there with these people? Yeah, that's
in Rod's district. Yeah, but what's he doing up there
with these people?
Speaker 2 (13:54):
Again that Braun and Bray are way more powerful than Micah,
Like they have the ability to go pick you know,
choo choose wisely, right, you can't have.
Speaker 3 (14:04):
Us both it.
Speaker 5 (14:05):
Uh. I was really surprised seeing Center Bray up there
on on the dais because he doesn't travel much. Uh,
You're seeing him more and more with with stops on
a on a campaign trail. Uh. He just won re election. Uh.
And and and so he has to be out there
because of this crisis with the redistricting and his caucus
(14:27):
going uh every which way away from what the decision
of the caucus actually was. And uh uh he's he's
being a lot more accessible and uh but I was
surprised to see uh Braun and back with and Bray
up on the dais altogether and uh it it kind
(14:48):
of reminds me back with the Holcombe let Holcomb government
hokem and legislature collision and and how they you know,
they were lucky that they had to be in COVID,
they had to be at home and they didn't have
to appear together. And so you know, it's I think
(15:10):
that Sanata Bray has to be more accessible and that
must have I think, Abdul, I think if I were you,
I would have bought the ticket just to watch the
body language between all three of them.
Speaker 1 (15:25):
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information called eight one two four four three three zero
zero three. State House Happenings also wants to thank our
fine friends at Freedom Foods Indiana. Farmer Ryan Schleiman and
(16:33):
the folks at Freedom Foods Indiana have been delivering fresh
fruits and vegetables right to people's doors for years, and
Freedom Foods Indiana is a big supporter of State House Happenings.
Now Freedom Foods Indiana has some big things coming. We
can't wait to tell you all about it in the
near future. Right now, though, we just want to say
thanks to our friends at Freedom Foods Indiana for supporting
State House Happenings. Rob kendall'dgill gives you, boys, Jim Merritt,
(16:56):
the program of State House Happenings, your weekly look at
what's going on with Indiana politics and government. Speaking of redistricting,
we're getting closer to that. Well, it's not even a
special session anymore. It's an early start to the regular session.
Speaker 4 (17:09):
It's not it's not even really an early start because
session officially begins on organization.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
Yeah, but they're normally not here in December doing stuff.
We're spending all the money the taxpayers gave them throughout
the course of the year.
Speaker 4 (17:18):
No, but no, But actually are they are, actually are
working because they're putting bills together in the whole nine yards.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
Yeah, but they're not normally here debating.
Speaker 5 (17:26):
You know, there was only one time in thirty years
I remember our having committee hearings in September or excuse me, December,
and uh, but we are they they are in session,
you're out. Yeah, they are in session. You chose to
hang out with us. Horrible move on your part. I
(17:46):
when I look at it, sometimes not.
Speaker 4 (17:51):
I gotta give you that don't get very often.
Speaker 5 (17:56):
But when when when you look at it, they are
in organization day starts this session of the legislature and
in December it's it's never in my time and anybody
else's time have they had a session day in December?
And they will have those in this coming December. And
(18:19):
it's quite odd. I think I made a joke on
air last week that maybe they could just elongate that
for a couple of days and take care of all
the business and not be in Session twenty six.
Speaker 3 (18:31):
Or just come in. No, we're gaveling.
Speaker 4 (18:34):
Okay, we're here, Okay, here, We'll reconvene at the fall
of the gavel on January third.
Speaker 3 (18:41):
Have a nice day, goodbye.
Speaker 5 (18:42):
Yep.
Speaker 4 (18:43):
Which way I could perfectly see that happen. Because one
thing that the team Broun has done, I would say
half a team Braun is time, because I know Team
bron is totally split on this whole redistric thing to
begin with, like, hey, you need to call a special
session now because it's not like Governor the votes aren't there.
Don't do it. Don't do it, don't do it. I'm
doing it anyway. Okay, be careful what you wish for.
It just might get it. And this is the way
(19:04):
the legislature kind of sticking their middle finger, both middle
fingers in stereo to the governor's office.
Speaker 2 (19:09):
Yeah okay, So Eric, Eric Coke, he is a senator
from Bedford.
Speaker 5 (19:15):
All right, yeah Bedford? Yeah you're are you making phone?
His last name is Cook? Oh it is Cook, Yes,
it's Cook. Yeah all right, like the brothers. Yeah, no,
Coke are the brothers. That's why I thought it was
that that was Eric.
Speaker 4 (19:29):
That's a drink what No, No, Cook, Coke. He'll be
there with good good Yeah, Cook Coke, good good.
Speaker 2 (19:36):
Whatever this guy's name is, however, he's Coke, Yeah whatever,
Cook doesn't matter. This is the same guy that drew
the maps Yes into in twenty twenty one and said
how great the maps were.
Speaker 3 (19:48):
And now he's coming out.
Speaker 2 (19:49):
I was like, we got a redistrict, and I mean,
the Capitol Chronicle a big article about this. This guy
looks like a complete idiot, and it just shows how
unprincipled all these people are. Coke, Cook, any any of
them right, that that clearly people don't want this. Oh
I heard from my constituents, you know, as none of
these people they claim they've heard of all the constituents
are producing any of it. Get the people who are
(20:11):
hearing negatively. Hey, we're having town halls. Everybody can see it.
This guy looks like a complete idiot after being so
emphatic in twenty one about how great the maps were
that he helped put together, and now we got to redistrict.
Speaker 4 (20:23):
Well, my thing is now, I've known Eric for years.
He's also an attorney. We appeared together in court a
couple of times. That's the same hearing on different things.
I'm gonna gi him a call like, hey, Eric, this
is abduel. What's going on here? And was it calls?
Speaker 5 (20:38):
Was?
Speaker 4 (20:38):
Are you worried about a primary challenge? Somebody gonna put
the sticks to you. I'll find out what's what's going
on here, one one way.
Speaker 3 (20:45):
Or the other. You know.
Speaker 5 (20:47):
Senator Cook is a principal person. He is longtime state
representative for attorney general. One time, uh took my place
as chairman of the Energy Committee in the Senate.
Speaker 3 (20:59):
When I'm doing a horrible job.
Speaker 2 (21:01):
Well, he's the guy that there was the big article
in the Indie Star about how much money him and
his counterpart on the other side, Soliday, had gotten from
these utility companies.
Speaker 5 (21:11):
Well, Senator Cook, I was really surprised that he that
he's changed his mind, because to a person, the legislature
is very proud of those twenty twenty one maps that
they drew years ago, and and so I registered surprise
when when Eric changed his mind. I don't know if
(21:32):
it's changed his mind because I never heard anything in
the beginning, but established his position this last week on
on voting for the maps or redistricting. And maybe they've
seen Abdul, maybe they've seen maps that I have not
seen because they're not in public.
Speaker 3 (21:51):
Jim.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
I mean, if you if you spend all that time
drawing those maps of the public hearings and we're checking
all these bodis data data data, and you come out
and go there great, which I think most people, which
is why there was no lawsuit, uniformly agreed. Even a
lot of Democrats are like, well, we'd like for it
to be six to three, but this is probably the
best we're gonna do. Yeah, there was like a uniform
agreement these maps are pretty good.
Speaker 5 (22:12):
Yeah, the maps were perfect in a lot of eyes
over there. And that's what that's why I was so
surprised by because they they really worked those maps last time,
so no lawsuits. They did a really good job on
those maps, utilizing all the situations and data.
Speaker 2 (22:31):
And the other part of this is so they're at
thirteen now, they got to get twenty five. Mike, I'm
sure we'll bend the need of braun and cast the
tye breakers vote. Certainly, they're at thirteen, which means they
got a flip twelve. He was number thirteen. Cook Coke
was number was number thirteen. And you look at it though,
and go, we've been at this for about five months.
(22:54):
What'd you hear in the last week that you didn't
hear in the previous you know, four and a half
five months? Like what now you just look bad at
this way, going okay, sure, yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm with
you guys.
Speaker 5 (23:05):
Well you know there.
Speaker 3 (23:07):
He's up for election in twenty twenty six. Well there
you go, boy out. Well we answer that one quick,
didn't you know?
Speaker 5 (23:13):
There's a lot too the idea of ripping the band
aid off in August when nobody's watching it. Sure, and
that's when the Life Special Session was if you remember correctly.
And also the idea of you know, there's no new
data coming on here, but uh, you know Sarah Cook
(23:34):
is a leader in that caucus and they have thirteen
and last week you and I talked on the air
rob about the idea that why why is the House?
And I saw this countless times in Abdullah. You have too,
when when someone would say in the House of Representatives,
you know, the votes are not there in the Senate,
(23:56):
why are we passing this and getting out on a limb?
Obviously they are all up for reelection in twenty twenty
six and uh and they and they're hearing the hoof beats. Uh,
and so you can see why.
Speaker 3 (24:10):
Uh.
Speaker 5 (24:10):
You know there there are aggressive people out there that
are that that want change in these maps and and
they're listening to the screaming out there in districts.
Speaker 4 (24:21):
And by the way, and what I don't think people
fully understand or appreciate it is drawing the maps doesn't
necessarily guarantee you a nine zero republic no republican universe,
because remember to make this make the seventh of the
first district less democrat or more Republican. You have to
make the other ones less democratic.
Speaker 5 (24:37):
Yeah, Rudy Yakam represents the South Bend area and you've
got and it's a Republican district now for many years
when I was growing up as a Democrat district John
Bradamus rose to number three in the House of Representatives leadership.
He's from South Bend and he lost uh because you know,
district change. But but UH as well as Frank Mrvan Junior,
(25:01):
the Member of Congress from the region. UH is a
junk yard dog when it comes to campaigning, and he's
beloved in that district by Republicans and Democrats. And and
Jennifer Ruth Green is a is a wounded kid that
running against him, and so so the idea and as
well as we've talked on these airways before that you know,
(25:22):
if you if you try to split up Marion County
and take Congressman Carson out, he's automatic, not automatically, but
he pretty good possibility. He's the next mayor of India.
Speaker 3 (25:33):
Yeah. If you're Ryan Meuirs, you're like, what the heck
my time, what are you doing?
Speaker 4 (25:37):
If you're Ryan Meers, if you're opposly Megan Lewis, some
of the names have been talking about thrown out there,
Andrew Huntley running from mayor. Uh if I now decide
to run from mayor, that changes the entire yea in
the entire equation. I think you can bet on it.
And and here's the other thing too, what what I
keep one of my Republican fans, like, gentlemen, I've seen
this play before. You'll overreach your bounds. You'll piss off
(25:59):
a whole bunch of gonna marrk a little black, little
black blackly lives at thirtieth in Central or sixteenth in
Tips because here's there, here's a mailing. They're trying to
take away your right to vote. This is Jim Crow
all over again. Right, all they got to hear and
then all hell will break loose and right wouldn't vote?
Speaker 5 (26:13):
Yeah, And also, Robert you lose. You probably lose three
Republican seats in the Indiana Senate if this all goes
down because of the I don't want to say violence,
but the motivation, the the drive, the anger, and the
money that's gonna go to like, for instance, Senator Denk
(26:33):
who represents a portion of the region in the state Senate. Uh,
that's probably that's probably gone.
Speaker 3 (26:40):
Uh.
Speaker 5 (26:41):
The idea of Center Good who who you know? Center
Ford uh was the state center from that area and
great Good. Uh, that's kind of a marginal district. And
he's a friend of mine and and uh he's gonna
work really hard to save that district.
Speaker 3 (26:58):
Uh.
Speaker 5 (26:58):
And and and there are other districts that you could
lose because of the rousing of the base out there,
as well as the fact that that Congressman Ravan Junior
is going to have a lot of money thrown his
way uh to make to make sure that he's got
all the tools to win reelection.
Speaker 4 (27:17):
And also throw in two and it's not just the
quote unquote urban environment, it's also your suburban environments. Like
I said, two sixty seven, Route nine, uh, Route thirty two,
uh and one thirty five. There's more purple than it
is than it used to be.
Speaker 3 (27:31):
Read.
Speaker 4 (27:31):
You're gonna piss off all those suburban women who don't
because people who's just fundamentally like Faridas, like, hey, these
are the rules I played about the rules. They don't
like the rules changing mid game. And that's gonna take
off a whole bunch of people. And like I said,
this is why I could see uh Secretary of Saint
Bow bye and the whole nine are.
Speaker 2 (27:46):
Twenty twenty seconds left. I want to get you guys
opinion this. Are you still both now? You're both there?
Speaker 3 (27:50):
No, we're no. Last time?
Speaker 1 (27:51):
Right?
Speaker 2 (27:51):
You think they will not vote to redistrict right, that's
where we both were last time.
Speaker 3 (27:56):
Well, I I was, I was a yes. Do you
think noy? You think they will approve it?
Speaker 5 (28:03):
I think yes. I now they're going to special session.
I always thought they're going to special session. And yes,
I think they will have new districts.
Speaker 3 (28:14):
All right, you a vote yes won't get approved. All right?
Very good, bill gives Rossjimaret, thank you.
Speaker 1 (28:18):
I'm doctor Jim Dalton, President and CEO of Daymar. Daymar
is a critical resource for thousands of people in Central Indiana,
and it takes people like you to give them hope.
With over thirteen hundred employees and hundreds of volunteers, Daymar
is always looking for people to come aboard, whether it's
a career or simply donating your time. There's a place
for you here at Daymar. Learn more about our mission
(28:40):
at daymark dot org.
Speaker 2 (28:41):
At the Honeysuckle Hill bestro In Cottage located off I
seventy and Beautiful Brazil, less than an hour from downtown Indianapolis.
Their specialty is Hoo's your comfort food like Grandma used
to make, and just like Grandma's house. Their goal is
for you to leave more at peace than when you
came in. The Honeysuckle Hill bestro In Cottage featured some
of the best made from scratch food in the state,
(29:02):
and their chicken and pork is raised right here in Indiana.
The Honeysuckle Hill bestro In Cottage is open five to
eight Friday and Saturday and Sunday, featuring their incredible breakfast
buffet from eleven to two. For more information call eight
one two four four three three zero zero three. State
House Happenings also wants to thank our fine friends at
Freedom Foods Indiana. Farmer Ryan Schliman and the folks at
(29:23):
Freedom Foods Indiana have been delivering fresh fruits and vegetables
right to people's doors for years and Freedom Foods Indiana
is a big supporter of State House Happenings. Now, Freedom
Foods Indiana has some big things coming. We can't wait
to tell you all about it in the near future.
Right now, though, we just want to say thanks to
our friends at Freedom Foods Indiana.
Speaker 3 (29:42):
For supporting State House happenings.
Speaker 2 (29:44):
That is going to do it for us this week.
For Abdul, it keeps your bas For Jim Marit, I'm
Rob Kendall. You've been listening to State House happenings.
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