Indiana, a historically conservative state, is drawing national attention with three close races that may lead to the Democrats taking control of House of Representatives. The three races are in Indiana's 2nd, 8th and 9th districts.
"I'd be shocked if at least two of the three races didn't turn," senior Jacob Clere, president of the Ball State University Democrats, said.
President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush have helped raise funds for Republican House incumbents Chris Chocola, representing the 2nd District, and Mike Sodrel, representing the 9th District, who are behind in the latest polls.
Clere said some Democrats have questioned how much Bush's support will help republicans. According to Pew Research Center, the president has a 38 percent approval rating.
"Do you really want someone as unpopular as Bush helping with your campaign?" Clere said.
The Iraq War is the dominant issue in this year's election, according to the Pew, with 45 percent of voters identifying it as the most important or second most important issue. Almost 60 percent of Americans say the U.S. military effort is not going well.
College Republicans President Sandi Edwards said that although she supported Bush, she thought a lot of the races were close because of people's negative opinions of the president. If the Democrats gain a majority in the House or Senate Edwards thinks there will be a lot of standing around in Congress, because laws will be contested on both sides, she said.
Democrats need 16 seats in the house to take control from the Republicans and they should be able to reach that goal, Clere said. Political Science Professor Gary Crawley said Americans were disenchanted with the Republican party and that would have an effect on the federal and state level elections. Fifty-three percent of Americans have a favorable view of the Democratic party and 41 percent have a positive view of the Republican party, according to Pew.
The Republicans hold a 52-48 majority in the Indiana House of Representatives and Crawley said there is a good chance the Democrats will win four to five additional seats and gain the majority.
DEMOCRATS2nd DistrictJOE DONNELLY-Opposes abortion-Supports hydrogen, ethanol and bio-diesel fuels-Reform current medicare-Improve veterans' healthcare-No privatization of Social Security-More border agents, increased surveillance and fencing funding
8th DistrictBRAD ELLSWORTH-Stricter immigration laws-No privatization of Social Security-Supports minimum wage increase
9th DistrictBARON HILL-Supports tax cuts for middle class-Strengthen Social Security, Don't Privatize-Supports 9/11 Foundation Recommendations-Promoting ethanol fuels, push for incentives for biodiesel fuel, wind energy and increased tax credits for hybrid vehicles
REPUBLICANS2nd DistrictCHRIS CHOCOLAIncumbent-Stop employers from hiring illegal immigrants-Improve veterans' benefits-Supports drilling in Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge, ethanol and biodiesel-Opposes abortion and cloning of human embryos
8th DistrictJOHN HOSTETTLERIncumbent-Voted against going to war in Iraq-No amnesty for illegal aliens-Supports traditional marriage
9th DistrictMIKE SODREL-Immigration: enforce current laws, enhance surveillance along Mexico border and end the practice of "catch and "release" of anyone apprehended while attempting to enter the country illegally-Also supports ethanol and biodiesel-Repeal death tax
IMPORTANT LOCAL RACES:6th district House of RepresentativesMIKE PENCE- Republican incumbentBARRY WELSH- Democrat
Not as close of a race as the three above, the difference in issues may be more pronounced in Mike Pence and Barry Welsh's race. Pence supports privatization of Social Security, while Welsh opposes it. Welsh wants to raise the minimum wage by $1 his first year, and Pence wants it to stay constant. Welsh promotes a gradual withdrawal of troops from Iraq and opposes trade agreements such as NAFTA and CAFTA. Pence supports a limited government and an amendment to give unborn children the same rights as everyone else.
State SenateSUE ERRINGTON- DemocratANDREW PHIPPS- Republican
This race has attracted a lot of attention from both the Republican and Democratic caucuses and both candidates are well-funded. The economy is an issue on a lot of people's minds in Delaware County with the loss of a lot of jobs recently. The General Motors' transmission plant in Muncie closed in March and Warner Gear, an automobile parts manufacturer, is in trouble. Other issues include abortion and gay marriage, Sandi Edwards, president of the College Republicans said. Phipps is a Christian opposing abortion while Errington is a former staff member for the group Planned Parenthood which is pro choice. The polls show Errington is in the lead but the Phipps believes he has a strong chance to win.
County CommissionerLARRY CROUCH- Republican incumbentLARRY BLEDSOE- Democrat
County commissioner is a race that will determine which party will control the main executive branch for Delaware County. The three seat Board of Commissioners is currently split with one seat apiece for each party. Board of Commissioners is a position similar to the Mayor of a city and whichever party wins will be able to set policy for the county for the next two years.
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