2016 Indiana primary voter's guide

<p><em>DN FILE PHOTO BREANNA DAUGHERTY</em></p>

DN FILE PHOTO BREANNA DAUGHERTY

With Indiana's May 3 primary fast approaching, find out who's on the state ballot before you vote.

*Indiana Governor & Lieutenant Governor:

Indiana is one of the most-watched gubernatorial races in 2016. 

Incumbent Republican Governor Mike Pence is seeking re-election and is running unopposed in the primary scheduled for May 3. 

Pence is the first governor in the state to run for re-election with a new lieutenant governor, and he will face Democrat John Gregg, whom he narrowly defeated in 2012, in the general election. 

Low approval ratings endanger Pence's re-election bid, also endangering the Republican trifecta controlling the state. 

*Governor & Lt. Governor candidates run together on tickets in the general election.

Mike Pence (R) and Eric Holcomb (R)

Pence's most recent position: Governor of Indiana since 2013
Pence's previous experience: U.S. Representative for Indiana, 2001-2012

Pence's campaign website points to his successes while in office, including a balanced state budget, lower unemployment, expanded health care options and veterans services, and increased funding for education.

Holcomb's most recent position: Lieutenant Governor of Indiana since 2016
Holcomb's previous experience: Chief of staff to the retiring incumbent, Dan Coats (R)

Holcomb was briefly a 2016 Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate from Indiana. However, he withdrew from the race on Feb. 8, 2016, before being sworn by in by Pence as Lieutenant Governor on March 3.

John Gregg (D) - Running mate not yet named
Most recent position: Private practice attorney
Previous experience: State Rep., 1986-2002; served as Speaker 1996-2002

Gregg said he would challenge Pence due in part to Pence's position on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in 2015. Gregg cited the contentious debate over the act for damaging the state's reputation on a national level. On his campaign website, Gregg denounces Pence's administration and talks about his own support of government transparency; equal rights for women, minorities and LGBT citizens and increased funding for transportation infrastructure.

Adam Adkins (Independent) - Running mate not yet named
Most recent position: Business owner, construction services
Previous experience: Six years in military intelligence for the U.S. Army

Adkins' website denounces Pence's record of "discrimination" and states his support for spending caps on political campaigns, "civil rights reform" and legalization of marijuana.


Indiana Attorney General:

The attorney general seat has tended to alternate party hands every two to four officeholders. These trends — coupled with the open election — leave Republicans vulnerable to losing the attorney general seat in 2016.

Steve Carter (R)
Most recent position: Retired
Previous experience: Attorney general of Indiana, 2001-2009, ex-Indianapolis corporation counsel

Carter's campaign website points to his accomplishments while serving as attorney general, including the creation of multiple programs to protect consumers and the successful prosecution of fraud and public corruption.

Curtis Hill (R)
Most recent position: Elkhart County prosecutor since 2002
Previous experience: Deputy prosecutor, private practice attorney

Hill's campaign website states his support for stronger state government, consumer protection and youth leadership programs, and "protecting families from the ravages of drugs and violent crime."

Lorenzo Arredondo (D)
Most recent position: Serves on several boards of directors
Previous experience: Former teacher, Lake County Circuit Court Judge, 1976-2010

Arrendondo's campaign website states his support for consumer protection legislation; harsher laws for public corruption, fraud and sex offenders; and ending discrimination based upon race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion and disability.


U.S. Senators:

Incumbent Republican Sen. Daniel Coats is not running for re-election. Republicans Marlin Stutzman and Todd Young will vie to replace him. On the Democratic side, Baron Hill will face no primary opposition. The primary elections will take place on May 3, with the general election on Nov. 8.

Marlin Stutzman (R)

Most recent position: U.S. Representative from Indiana's 3rd Congressional District, serves on several boards of directors
Previous experience: Farmer, ex-state Senator, ex-state Representative

Stutzman consistently received 90 percent ratings or above from the Chamber of Commerce and other small business associations for his support of pro-business legislation. 

In 2008, he won the Small Business Champion Award from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. He was cited as a Taxpayer Friendly State Legislators by Indiana WatchDog, an independent volunteer organization. He served as the ranking member of the Indiana State Senate Utilities and Technology Committee and helped to pass alternative energy incentive legislation in Indiana. 

In 2006, he served as the chairman of the Indiana Public Policy Committee taking strong stands for conservative values on controversial issues.

Todd Young (R)

Most recent position: U.S. Representative from Indiana's 9th Congressional District
Previous experience: Graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis with a B.S., United States Marine Corps, graduated from Indiana University with a J.D.

Since being elected, Young has voted with the Republican Party 95 percent of the time. In the 112th Congress, Young was a member of the House Budget Committee and the House Armed Services Committee. 

He focused on seapower, electronic warfare and military grand strategy of the United States. 

During the first session of the 112th Congress, he employed one of the German Marshall Fund's Congressional Fellows as military legislative aide. In 2010, Young signed a pledge sponsored by Americans for Prosperity promising to vote against any global warming legislation that would raise taxes.


Click here to find out who is on your district ballot for U.S. Representative, State Representative and State Senator.

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