In Indiana, GOP can be proud
Much has already been written blaming the tea party for the “failed” Republican election results. Certainly, many disheartened tea party conservatives are worthy of condolences normally reserved for families of the departed.
But, as Paul Harvey said, “Here is the rest of the story.”
During the past eight years, Gov. Daniels and the Republican legislature of Indiana have been doing exactly what the tea party advocates; making government smaller.
Today, Indiana has a budget surplus and income tax rate is likely to drop from 3.4 percent to 3.1 percent.
Indiana has fewer state employees than in 1976 and property taxes have been capped.
New businesses are entering the state and population is increasing. Pensions are fully funded and bills are paid on time.
In contrast, Illinois has perpetually been Democratic. It is massively in debt, has a 5-percent state tax rate, cannot fund pensions that were rightfully earned nor pay bills on time. Businesses are leaving the state, and property taxes are likely to skyrocket when the state passes the teacher pension buck to local schools.
These facts do not suggest the Democratic Party has an inside track to successful governance, nor does it suggest a reason why tea party ideas should be branded as “radical.”
If voters, who desire successful government, re-elect those who, in fact, have created the problems, it suggests voters are either irrational or uninformed, not that something is necessarily wrong with the Republican Party.
Furthermore, if the Republican Party needs fixing, it sure isn’t in Indiana.
— Ron Gore
Covington
Thank you for chance to serve
In this season of giving thanks, I am writing to thank the people of Indiana for giving me the chance to serve as the next U.S. Senator from Indiana.
Our country faces major challenges, and I look forward to bringing the bipartisan Hoosier common sense to the U.S. Senate that Indiana families use every day. My approach is to put the people of our great state first and foremost. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with members of both parties as we move Indiana forward.
This time should be focused on family and friends and helping those in need; however, I also wanted to take the time to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve you as your next senator.
Again, thank you for this honor and privilege. I look forward to bringing your voice to the. Senate.
— Joe Donnelly
Indianapolis
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
Chain-Reaction School Bus Crash Injures About 50
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Oklahoma Family Reflects on Lost Son
AK-47-wielding thug may be the most bumbling crook ever
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Trout's cycle a boost for Angels
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece
NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery
Shakira's Shocking Talent
Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air
GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape
Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public
Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls
Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place
Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill
DWTS Crowns a Winner
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House
Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
