Democrat race helps Republicans

Indiana Democrats just can’t seem to get their act together.
Faced — surprisingly — with the prospect that Mike Pence might be vulnerable in his bid for a second term, Hoosier Democrats seem intent on reducing their own odds of success.
Normally, an incumbent governor in Indiana is pretty much invincible. That’s especially true when the governor is a Republican; the GOP long ago bested the Democrats when it comes to organizational competence and grassroots connections.
But it’s been a rough few months for Gov. Pence, and there have even been rumblings of a Republican primary opponent in 2016.
Given that scenario, it would appear that the Democrats are holding a strong hand. John Gregg ran a close race — despite an often incompetent campaign and some of the worst television commercials in Indiana political history — and has chosen to run again.
The math looks pretty good for Gregg. His name recognition should be higher based upon the earlier campaign, and the Pence negatives are at uncomfortable levels.
But then what happens.
A state senator that virtually no one outside her own district has heard of — Karen Tallian — decides she’s the best hope for her party.
And barely is the ink dry on her announcement when Glenda Ritz, the embattled superintendent of public instruction, indicates she’s in the race.
It’s a Republican dream come true.
Three Democratic candidates ready to slug it out and spend both energy and dollars on a primary campaign in order to be selected as the candidate to face a Republican incumbent.
Now, the math has changed. A three-way Democratic primary immediately strengthens Mike Pence’s position. It is, in fact, the best situation he could hope for.
Unable to get their act together, Indiana Democrats are doing their best to help a Republican governor win re-election. — J.R.