July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.

Democrats: Change needed (10/06/2008)


By By RACHELLE HAUGHN-

Three candidates in big-ticket races in Indiana appear to be on the same page.

Jim Long Thompson, the Democratic candidate for governor of Indiana, Barry Welsh, who is running for a Democratic seat in congress, and Andy Schemenaur, who hopes to dethrone current Dist. 33 State Rep. Bill Davis, all spoke of the importance of changing Indiana's economy Saturday night.

All gave speeches at the Jay County Democrat Jefferson-Jackson Dinner.

Long Thompson, who is running against incumbent Mitch Daniels, was the first to speak at the event. Her speech served as a springboard for the other two candidates.

The gubernatorial candidate said she has been traveling across the state's 92 counties, as part of her campaign. "This is a beautiful state. There is no reason why we should not be doing better across the state."

To improve Indiana's economy, several steps should be taken, she said. Improving the high school graduation rate, expanding the building trade education and other learning avenues at high schools, and looking into different economic growth opportunities, such as wind energy, will help boost the state's economy, Long Thompson said.

"We need to reform No Child Left Behind because it is leaving children behind," she said. Long Thompson added that Indiana is ranked second in the nation in business bankruptcies, and 54,000 Hoosiers have lost their jobs since last summer.

"I hope you agree with me - it is time for him to go," she said of Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels.

Schemenaur and Welsh agreed with Long Thompson.

"We need to have a state, consistent, funding mechanism for education," Schmenaur said. He currently serves as principal of East Elementary School, Portland, and is a former teacher.

He added that something needs to be done about the state's unemployment rate. "People need jobs. They want a job. They want to find ways to better themselves. (We need to) make sure that the jobs here stay here."

Welsh said it is time for a change in Indiana. In order for change to come, people have to work for it, he said to the Democrats.

There's a light burning inside of party members, he said. "Turn that wick up. Light that fire burning in you in the next 30 days. We're going to (make a) change."[[In-content Ad]]
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