An interesting race (6/23/03)

It may be premature to speculate, but the 2004 race for governor of Indiana is shaping up to be a gem.

Both parties are expected to have primary fights for the nomination, which always makes things more interesting for the average voter. There’s nothing quite like an intramural squabble to illuminate the strengths and weaknesses of a candidate.

On the Republican side, former White House budget director Mitch Daniels is the odds-on favorite, with lots of backing from party powerbrokers. But he’s far from a shoe-in. Former congressman David McIntosh could be a factor, and there are serious candidates driven by ideology as much as party pragmatism who will help shape the debate.

For the Democrats, it’s just as interesting, with a veteran lawmaker, Vi Simpson, hoping to become the state’s first female governor, and former national Democratic Party honcho Joe Andrews making a bid. It’s way too early to venture a guess on how that contest is going to turn out.

When it comes to the general election, there will be no shortage of issues. What’s the best course of action to build a stronger Indiana economy in the 21st century?

Should the state abandon its long connection to manufacturing or nurture those industries which have been its backbone in the past? How does Indiana stop being a net exporter of college graduates? What tax policies are best for Hoosier families and Hoosier businesses? Is Indiana’s governance structure well-suited to the challenges ahead? And on, and on. Every voter could come up with a list of his or her own.

It will be up to the candidates to try to come up with some answers. — J.R.[[In-content Ad]]