Donnelly makes stop

A month after a young Hoosier was identified as the next target for beheading by the Islamic State, Sen. Joe Donnelly is still hopeful he may be released.
Donnelly had originally been scheduled for a campaign stop in Jay County earlier this fall, but that visit was cancelled after Abdul-Rahman (formerly Peter) Kassig was targeted.
The campaign stop was re-scheduled for Saturday, but it was clear Kassig was still on Donnelly’s mind as he stumped for county Democratic candidates and Shon Byrum, the Democratic candidate for State Representative from District 33.
“I can’t say too much about it,” said Donnelly in a brief interview. “But where we are very, very fortunate is that Abdul-Rahman is still alive. He has a servant’s heart, and I’m hopeful that the people who are holding him have realized that this is an extraordinary young man that has a lot of gifts to give the world.”
Kassig, an Indianapolis native, was captured in Syria in October 2013 while working to help wounded refugees.
“At the end of the day, we will eliminate them,” Donnelly said of the Islamic State.
Donnelly also remains hopeful about the fight against Ebola.
“It’s in the process of being completely eradicated here,” he said. “We keep an eye on everyone that comes back (from West Africa). But what we’re seeing is progress overseas in Africa on it. … By eradicating it over in West Africa, it makes sure that it doesn’t come here.”
With many polls and pundits predicting a Republican takeover of the Senate, Donnelly expressed little concern about moving from a majority to a minority position.
“I work across the aisle with my partners on the Republican side all the time, so for me it’s not going to be a change at all,” he said.
He attributed a similar approach to Byrum, who is facing Republican incumbent Greg Beumer in the state legislative race.
“Shon’s focus is not about party politics. It’s about educating our kids and creating more jobs in Indiana,” said Donnelly.
The senator was joined by Byrum and county candidates Randy Mann, Susan Bunch, Kari Tressler, and Josh Gibson going door-to-door in southeast Portland early Saturday afternoon.