Had enough? Vote for Tom Hayhurst!

It's time for "change"

Mark Souder has fought to put Ronald Reagan on our dime coin. Tom Hayhurst will fight for your right to keep that dime! If you want to change Washington, you have to change who you send there: Vote for Dr.Tom Hayhurst on November 7th!

Dr.Hayhurst on TV - Part III

ACDP Press Release - Souder distorts truth

Mark Souder distorts truth on Immigration

Has been a solid supporter of “Amnesty”

Fort Wayne, IN – Allen County Democratic Party Chair Kevin Knuth today called on Mark Souder to come clean on his stance on immigration, and to run a clean campaign.

“Mark Souder has consistently distorted the position of Tom Hayhurst on nearly every issue,” said Knuth. “After 12 years in Congress, it is a shame that Mark Souder does not have a positive record to run on and must resort to negative campaigning. Souder has run ads since May attacking Tom Hayhurst, and in last night’s debate clearly showed that he will say anything to win.”

Knuth focused on statements made by Souder during the debate.

Knuth noted that Souder has attacked Tom Hayhurst’s plan for dealing with the 12-15 million illegal immigrants in the US today. Hayhurst’s plan calls for allowing immigrants to become legal citizens only if they complete the process required by law, at their own expense. The Hayhurst plan also requires all immigrants to learn English. Amnesty is better defined as allowing immigrants to bypass the entire process, a position that Hayhurst opposes.

A September 7^th, 2001 Journal Gazette article noted Mark Souder’s amnesty position at the time:

Giving legal status to Mexicans now in the United States illegally is complicated but “is not only a rational economic decision, but it’s a moral question,” Rep. Mark Souder said Thursday.

Souder said he hasn’t reached a firm decision on whether to support Mexican President Vicente Fox’s call for the U.S. to give citizenship to all 3 million Mexicans who are in the United States illegally.

But he said he is “open (to the idea), more so than the rest of Congress.”

“I know this upsets people, but here’s the plain fact: Illegal immigrants, we use them when we need them. We use them and then expect them to go get lost when times get bad,” Souder said.

Knuth called on Souder to come clean on his stance on immigration. “Since he was elected to congress, Mark Souder has voted in support of amnesty for illegal immigrants 5 times,” Said Knuth. “Mark Souder, by his votes in Congress, has created the very problem that he is now campaigning on.”

Souder also criticized Hayhurst’s plan as it could lead to “chain migration”, which allows family members of immigrants to come to this country. However, in 1996 Souder voted for the Chrysler-Berman Ammendment to H.R.2202 which allowed chain migration.

“The people of the Third District deserve better than Mark Souder, a man who has clearly shown he will say anything to win.”

Knuth also announced an initiative to combat the negative campaign by Souder. “This Saturday we will have a “Rally for Truth”. At that rally we will share this information, and other facts that Souder has distorted, so that the people of the Third District know the true stance of the candidates,” Said Knuth.

“Once they see that Mark Souder flip-flops on issues like immigration and term limits, the choice for the voters of the Third District will be very clear,” Said Knuth.

FW Journal Gazette - Taviano for Sheriff

ELECTION ’06
Taviano for sheriff

Taviano

Allen County residents have a rare opportunity to weigh in on a real contest for the sheriff’s office. Each major political party has offered a well-qualified candidate, and both are running effective campaigns. Add political volatility on the state and national levels, a qualified, thoughtful independent candidate and an open seat with no handpicked successor into the mix, and this becomes the first sheriff’s race in decades that’s not necessarily an automatic win for the Republicans.

Any of the three candidates would run the office competently, and all have solid experience in law enforcement management. But Tina Taviano has the better understanding of what the sheriff should do to use available resources to make county residents safer. She would be Allen County’s first Democratic sheriff since 1936 and the first woman ever.

Many voters may have an image of the sheriff as a police officer who arrests criminals and holds them in jail until justice is rendered. But the Allen County sheriff is above all a top-level administrator who oversees more than 300 employees, manages a budget of nearly $20 million and has other administrative responsibilities that include collecting back taxes, selling property and serving court papers. The knowledge and experience of a street officer is vital background, but doesn’t necessarily make the best administrator and leader.

All three candidates – Taviano, 46; Republican Ken Fries, 47; and independent P.J. Smith, 45 – have built distinguished careers. Smith is a city police commander, and both Taviano and Fries are sheriff’s department veterans. All started as entry-level officers and rose to supervisory positions.

Taviano has a vision that emphasizes working more closely with city police to better use limited resources and to increase the level of communications.

Talks aimed at combining city and county communication departments ended last spring when the incumbent sheriff, James Herman, insisted that the sheriff must be in charge. Taviano rightly believes that combining communications is vital to improve service and coordinate disaster response. She has proposed that a board appointed by city and county elected officials oversee the combined departments, with control alternating between the sheriff and Fort Wayne’s police chief.

Taviano also presents a powerful case for making the former bank building on New Haven’s west side, which the County Council purchased last summer, a temporary stop-gap measure to replace the aging building on Lima Road rather than a permanent home. She rightly wants the city and county to house their law enforcement agencies together downtown.

Such a move would help citizens, who would have easy access to reports and other information from both departments. It would help the officers and taxpayers because it would reduce the driving time and costs for county officers to go to the jail, the Courthouse and the prosecutor’s office. And putting county and city police officers in the same building would increase communications between officers at all levels, giving them face time to discuss crime trends and common suspects.

Taviano believes the county’s policy of placing newly sworn officers on duty at the Allen County Jail for as long as five years before moving them to policing jobs causes many to seek jobs elsewhere. She vowed to move all 16 sworn officers now assigned to the jail to other posts in the department to better use their skills, hiring more civilian jailers who guard prisoners but do not have police powers.

In June, outgoing Sheriff Herman, prohibited by law from seeking a third term, named Fries his chief deputy after Fries topped three other candidates in the GOP primary. Fries started as a jailer, became a sworn officer and rose to become lieutenant in charge of the detective division and commander of the department’s SWAT team.

Fries is skeptical, at best, about efforts for more cooperation with city police. Fries insists the sheriff must control any emergency dispatch merger, and he is less enthusiastic than the other two candidates about co-locating with city police.

Independent candidate Smith, who commands the city’s northeast quadrant, has good ideas and is open to cooperating with city police. But he decided against mounting a serious campaign, refusing to raise money.

To their credit, all three candidates believe the sheriff should not receive windfall profits from collecting a percentage of back taxes, the longtime practice in Allen County until Herman and county officials agreed to a flat salary contract for 2006. All three candidates support a flat salary.

A 24-year veteran, Taviano began as a confinement officer and eventually became director of training for the department. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Saint Francis and a master’s in public affairs management from IPFW.

The sheriff’s department needs a strong administrator willing to work cooperatively with Fort Wayne police to come up with ways to share communications, space and other assets. Taviano has the administrative and political skills to do the job well.

Allen Co. GOP still violating state law on campaign signs!

The following is taken in it's entirety (comments and all) from The Allen County Democrats weblog. I am pasting it below this entry for your clarity on this issue:

Nearly FOUR WEEKS after this issue was first brought forth, the Allen County Republican Party STILL HAS AN ILLEGAL CAMPAIGN BANNER over a US highway route in downtown Fort Wayne! (According to Indiana Code 9-21-4-6: "A person may not place, maintain, or display an advertising sign , signal, or device on or over the roadway of a highway.")

The following officials/agencies (in order) were notified about this violation:

Steve Shine, Robert Alderman, INDOT (Perhaps we should name the property owner of the pedestrian walkway that this banner is attached to?)

It is plain for all to see that the Republican Party not only flouts the rules at every opportunity, but hasn't even the dignity to remedy violations when they are reported. This smug arrogance must be remedied at the ballot box this November 7th.

If you are as disgusted by these actions as I am, then vote to give Democrats a voice and a chance to return accountability to our Congress again. Look at what 12 years of solid GOP control has wrought. . .if you are not completely appalled, then you have NOT been paying attention! Change begins at the local level and spreads upward; add your voice to our growing chorus of concerned Americans who want our country restored to her former greatness.

*******************************************************************************
October 11, 2006
Sign of the times- sometimes it just depends on who you know

Today's Political Notebook (in the JG) mentions a story about the "Ken Fries for Sheriff" sign that hangs over Clinton Street.

Here is some background on the matter: On September 27th I sent a letter to ACRP Chairman Steve Shine and pointed out that I believed the sign was illegal according to city code- which limits the size of political signs to 32 square feet and does not allow sign to be posted over roadways.

Shine responded that same day and stated he would have their Political Director, Zach Klutz, contact the city attorney immediatly to discuss the matter. I found out yesterday that Mr. Klutz never contact city attorney Tim Manges. However, I also found out that since Clinton Street is a "STATE HIGHWAY" it falls under the jurisdiction of INDOT.

From this mornings Political Notebook:

Bob Alderman, Fort Wayne district INDOT commissioner, said the sign was hung without the state’s permission, but the Republican Party approached him last week about getting it approved. He said the sign is on private property with the owner’s permission, but any sign over a state right of way needs a permit.

Alderman, a former Republican state representative, said he has given the party 15 days to apply for the permit and hoped to have the issue resolved by Election Day. He said he didn’t plan to force the sign down in the interim, but said if it is not approved, it will have to come down.

This sign is ILLEGAL. According to Indiana Code 9-21-4-6: "A person maynot place, maintain, or display an advertising sign , signal, or device on or over the roadway of a highway."

And, according to INDOT's Outdoor Advertising Control Manual: "An application must be submitted and a permit acquired for each outdoor advertising sign before it is constructed".

Take a moment and email INDOT with your thoughts regarding "THE ILLEGAL SIGN OVER CLINTON STREET"- let your voice be heard!


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Comments
At what point does the leadership of the local Republican party have to be held accountable?

They seem to geniuinely think the rules don't apply to them. Something's gotta give...

Posted by: Jeff Pruitt | October 11, 2006 at 07:13 PM

Perhaps since no one at INDOT seems to be responding...apparently thinking there are different rules for Republicans and Democrats we need a link to the Governor's office as well. INDOT is a state agency and the responsibility ultimately rests with Mitch. I am sure he would be happy to be involved in this clearly illegal mess.

Posted by: Linus | October 14, 2006 at 11:02 AM

Those of us that think that "Mitch" really cares a whit about what we think are clearly living in a fantasy world.

Anyone that thinks Mark Souder cares about anything except how to keep his job need only look at the 1.3 million dollars in pork he gave to Dean Kruse, the Dekalb County Republician Chairman.

Posted by: Mike Colgate | October 23, 2006 at 09:22 AM

NS Poll reflects Souder's worry

The following are results of an ongoing and quite non-scientific poll by the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel. That being said, I must point out that the News-Sentinel is a conservative local paper. Indeed, if you look at the other poll results that are available, you will quickly come to the conclusion that the last sentence I just typed is quite factual, or a big win by local Republicans is on it's way here on November 7. Nearly all of the local race results point to GOP dominance; the exceptions being Tom Wyss vs Mike Bynum and Mark Souder vs Tom Hayhurst. Frankly, I am pleasantly surprised by the numbers in both of these races.

Mike Bynum has long been a strong voice for my former area of residence, SE Fort Wayne, and has served as the president of his association (Branning Hills) as well as president of the Southeast Area Partnership of neighborhoods. I add this info on Mr.Bynum as you may not be as familiar with him as you are with Mr.Hayhurst.

Both of these men appear to have strong chances at a Democratic win in a heavily Republican district.

The Hayhurst/Souder poll results stick out like the proverbial sore thumb. The fact that Souder is in a dead heat in a poll on extremely friendly turf speaks volumes about his recent public worry about his re-election. Especially given his bragging about "not being worried" about his chances as late as last week.

U.S. Representative 3rd District

Results of this nonscientific poll so far:

Question: Which candidate would you vote for if the election were held today?


Hayhurst, Thomas E. (Democrat) votes: 244 50 %
Souder, Mark E (Republican) votes: 243 50 %

Vote Hayhurst!

(Editor's note: I have the good fortune of knowing Dr.Wright personally. I was pleased to see this effort from him in the Kendallville Sun, via Reverent & Free. Thanks, Craig!)

There are good reasons to vote for Hayhurst

To the editor:

This is an open letter to the voters of Noble and LaGrange counties. Many of you know me as an emergency physician at Parkview Noble (McCray) Hospital and the other hospitals of the Parkview system. Over the course of my 25 years of practice, I have had the pleasure of frequently working with Dr. Tom Hayhurst. I have gotten to know him well. Dr. Hayhurst is the Democratic candidate for 3rd District U.S. congressional representative.

There are a number of good reasons to vote for Tom Hayhurst. In Dr. Hayhurst's over 30 years of practice in pulmonary medicine in the Fort Wayne area, he has cared for patients from throughout the 3rd Congressional District. He has worked with patients and their families, shepherding them carefully through difficult, even critical medical, personal and family situations. He is not only intelligent, but he is compassionate and insightful. He knows the people of this region, and knows the needs and issues they care about as well.

As a physician, he is especially well versed on health care issues, which is a primary issue for many constituents. He will work to increase the availability of health care to those who now don't have it and add a great deal of cost to the system, as uninsured individuals.

He is a veteran, and led the battle to keep the Veterans Administration Hospital in Fort Wayne. No matter how you feel about the war in Iraq, because of their significant sacrifice, when our vets come home they should have our support. And they should have access to quality health care. Tom Hayhurst understands this.

Dr. Hayhurst believes in fiscal responsibility. He also believes in being responsible to generations to come. He will work to turn around the vast load of debt we are leaving our children. He is not a slave to big oil and will work toward energy independence in ways we have thus far failed to do.

He wants to return America to a position of strength and respect in the world, by collaborating with our allies through diplomacy, rather than alienating them through unilateralism. He will seek to keep our economy strong while improving the lives of those in need.

Some have asked about how Dr. Hayhurst will represent the 3rd District in Washington in the face of party-line pressure. Tom will not be lock-step with any party or any lobby. He is not desperate to be in the favor of any influential group in Washington, and therefore will represent the people of the 3rd District and vote his conscience rather than toe any party line or do the bidding of a rich lobbyist. He has shown, in his work as a city councilman in Fort Wayne, that collaborative efforts, across party lines, lead to better legislation.

Many of you who usually vote Republican have said, having an open mind, you would vote for a Democrat if the candidate is the most qualified for the job. Well, this is the time for you to take that step.

Tom Hayhurst is a man of integrity and experience. He is someone we can be proud to have represent us in Washington. He will not make embarrassing gaffs to the press. When he brings home funding, it will actually be in our district. When you see him in the press, it will be about an issue of substance, not about the naming of a road. His word is his bond: If he said that he would only stay in Congress for 12 years, after 12 years he would no longer be a candidate.

Tom Hayhurst knows the people of northeast Indiana. He will represent us well and is worthy of your vote.

Phillip Wright, M.D.

Fort Wayne

Tom Hayhurst on National Security

The #1 job of government is to protect America and keep it's citizens safe. No half measures will do. No excuses can be accepted. If we truly are to be the land of the free and a beacon of hope to the world, our elected leaders must act with renewed courage, especially in this time of war when the threat of terrorism breeds fear. Our leaders must work diligently to address our real security needs while honoring the core principles upon which our democracy is founded. Neither can be sacrificed.

As an Air Force veteran who stood to serve my country, I know the fight for freedom is a just and lasting cause. As a former member of the active military, I have been witness to the costs of duty and salute each day the bravery and skill of our men and women serving around the world. As a physician for over 30 years, I know how to make the tough decisions that ensure the well-being of my patients. As a local elected official, I know what it means to be accountable to the people I represent, the people who rely on me to solve problems and make our community stronger.

We live in a world growing smaller but more diverse each day. A one-size-fits-all national security policy is fundamentally inadequate. That is why this election is so important. We need leaders who will fight for truth, support our troops, demand sound, accountable plans of action, and invest in the safety of our nation. We need leaders who understand that there is a moral responsibility inherent in every choice they make.

Born of mis-information, built on mistakes, Iraq is a questionable war gone bad. But it is the war we made in a distant place with people we are now beholden to. We need leaders who will not shrink from this harsh reality. We need leaders who will live up to the values we profess, strive to find a path that protects America's interests, and refuse to flinch as we find a way to bring this mission to an end.

Debating the merits of going to war in Iraq must not distract us from this conflict's undeniable, horrific realities. We have troops on the ground and a country on the brink of civil war. Our soldiers need our help, and they need a plan. We need leaders in Washington who will demand a strategy that upholds the integrity and stability of Iraq as well as the security of the United States.

When I am in the U. S. Congress, I will:

• Make sure that everything possible is done to defend the citizens of this great country from any threats - whether external or internal.


• Stand firm in our war against terrorism and extremism.


• Work with the international community to stabilize Iraq, establish measurable goals for concluding the war, and promote the rebuilding of the country with Iraqi workers and Iraqi companies.


• Actively promote the adoption and implementation of the 9/11 Commission's recommendations, the most concrete way we can make our nation more secure - a nation left vulnerable by five years or wrangling and inaction.
  

Tom Hayhurst gains DCCC attention

Dr.Tom Hayhurst has just been added to the DCCC's Emerging Races list! The list is made up of candidates who have taken traditionally non-competitive districts and, through the strength of their campaigns, put themselves in a position to win in November. Red to Blue and Emerging candidates all represent the new direction that American voters are searching for and all have pledged to put the priorities of middle class families first when they get to Washington.

“With less than two months to go, the DCCC is excited to give our top candidates the necessary strategic and financial boost they will need to win in November,” said Congressman Rahm Emanuel, Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Americans are looking for new leadership and a new direction and these Democratic candidates will put middle-class families first when they get to Washington.”

Hat Tip: Fort Wayne Observed (Mitch Harper has some audio available as well)

MovieFest 2006 - Part III

The Allen County Young Democrats present "The War Room", FREE OF CHARGE, at The Cinema Center on Wednesday, October 18th. Doors open at 6 PM with the show starting at 6:30. The Cinema Center is located at the corner of Main & Clay in downtown Fort Wayne.

The War Room

When Bill Clinton became the first Democrat elected president in 12 years in 1992, he didn't do it alone. "The War Room" focuses on two of the people responsible for putting him there, James Carville and George Stephanopolous. Stephanopolous seems like the kind of person you would want to run a campaign. He's well-spoken, well-dressed and could easily serve as the host of a Sunday morning political talk show. Carville, on the other hand, seems like the uncle that you love to watch the big game with. Even when he's working in the "War Room." the campaign's headquarters in Little Rock, AK, he's usually decked out in gear apparently from Louisiana State University's bookstore. He's outspoken, charismatic, and very deserving of his nickname, "The Ragin' Cajun." Filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker follows the two from January of 1992 until the election in November. During that time, Carville and Stephanopolous guide the campaign around the potential disaster of the Gennifer Flowers scandal and the surprise threat of the Perot candidacy. While the campaign navigates these potential stumbling blocks, some of the most interesting parts of the film are the things that never became national stories. Carville tries to get the story behind footage from Brazilian television, showing campaign materials being printed, something that, if done with federal money, Carville thinks could turn into a scandal that could benefit the campaign. At one point, Stephanopolous gets a call from someone threatening to go public with a story that the caller says could threaten the candidacy. Watching Stephanopolous attempt to dissuade the caller is not that unlike watching a police negotiator talk someone down off a building. The popular vision of campaign manager is that they're intent on tricking the public into voting for their candidate. "The War Room" paints Carville and Stephanopolous in a different light. They seem to be genuinely trying to make the country a better place, and the moments where that passion shines through are some of the most touching in the film. "A revealing film and an invaluable document,"- The New York Times. "An entertaining look under the tent flaps of the Clinton campaign, "The War Room" fairly bristles with the frenetic energy, flat-out fun and Southern-fried cunning that won the White House" - The Washington Post. 96 min.

More ACRP ethics lapses uncovered

Knuth requests copies of Political Emails


Fort Wayne, IN – Allen County Democratic Party Chairman Kevin Knuth today sent requests to thirteen elected or appointed officials asking them to turn over emails that they may have received or sent on their taxpayer funded email accounts.

Knuth received a copy of an email promoting the Allen County Republican Party Bean Dinner, that was sent to several elected and appointed officials.

In a letter to Allen County Republican Party Chair Steve Shine, Knuth wrote:

I have in my possession an email that was sent on September 25th to several elected or appointed officials promoting that event. It is my understanding that several other emails have been sent using this method. I am asking that you immediately stop this practice.

Knuth also wrote:

I will be requesting, under the Freedom of Information Act, any and all emails sent by the Allen County Republican Party to their taxpayer funded email address, as well as any other emails they may have received for expressly political purposes from either a Political Party organization, a representative of a Political Party, or from other elected officials.

I will also be requesting any and all emails they have sent from their taxpayer funded email address of a political nature to either a Political Party organization, a representative of a Political Party or another elected official.

The Freedom of Information Act requests were sent to Allen County Commissioner Linda Bloom, Allen County Auditor Lisa Blosser, Allen County Surveyor Al Frisinger, Allen County Treasurer Bob Lee, Wayne Township Trustee Matt Schomburg, Wayne Township Chief Deputy Bill Carr, and Wayne Township Chief Deputy Alan Stoller.

State Representatives on the list are Randy Borror, Matt Bell, Jeff Espich, Mike Ripley and Phyllis Pond. State Senator Gary Dillon also was sent a letter .

New TV ad from Dr.Tom Hayhurst!

Never Leave Our Troops Behind

HAYHURST SPEAKS OUT ON BORDER SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION ISSUES, TACKLES OPPONENT’S DISTORTIONS

Fort Wayne, Indiana – Third District Congressional candidate Dr. Tom Hayhurst today put forward his positions on the key issues of border security and immigration. He also challenged his opponent’s deceptive practices and misrepresentation of the facts.

"The security of our borders is crucial to the security of the United States," declared Hayhurst. "Recent legislation to build a 700-mile fence along our southern border is one tangible step, but it is about five years too late. Already the likelihood of its funding is in jeopardy due to election year sleights of hand. The security of our borders and ports is an issue that should have been dealt with immediately after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Americans deserve concrete action, not be told to cross their fingers and hope for the best because our leaders have refused to enact swift and comprehensive measures to protect their safety."
Hayhurst’s platform frames the issue of border security as an integral part of the greater national security issue. It also underscores the importance of addressing the long-ignored issue of immigration.

"Our country needs commonsense solutions to the immigration issue," noted Hayhurst. "For much too long, our elected representatives have failed to act, fostering unfairness to both hardworking American citizens and the 12 million undocumented individuals who are toiling and contributing to the nation’s economy."

Hayhurst’s immigration platform includes:

• Championing the security of our ports and borders as a national priority;
• Advocating for increases in our legal immigration quotas from throughout the world, including Mexico, Central America and South America;
• Giving undocumented individuals living in the United States the opportunity to become citizens following the same citizenship process required for any immigrant;
• Making sure that everything possible is done to defend the citizens of this great country from any threats – whether external or internal;
• Standing firm in our war against terrorism and extremism; and
• Actively promoting the adoption and implementation of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations, the most concrete way we can make our nation more secure – a nation left vulnerable by five years of wrangling and inaction.

“My immigration position is based on fairness, legality and equal treatment – the hallmarks of our democracy,” stated Hayhurst. “I do not support amnesty for illegal aliens. Period. According to my opponent, undocumented individuals should be denied any method to work toward citizenship legally.”

The Republican National Congressional Committee has been conducting opinion research that mischaracterizes Hayhurst’s position on the immigration issue. His opponent has also been stating this distortion publicly.

“I support only giving the opportunity, as any foreign national currently has under the law, to seek citizenship in the United States through the official, multiyear, multipart process that every immigrant must follow,” underscored Hayhurst. “I support no special privileges, no ducking the law, no cutting corners, no twisting of the process for personal benefit, nothing but following the letter of the law in an open, legal way. My opponent would not even allow the 12 million people who are benefiting the American economy the chance to apply. He would slam the door on hope. Mark Souder fails: He ignores a huge problem; he espouses selective application of the law; and he denies the economic reality we live in.”

Hayhurst’s issues positions are posted on the campaign Web site at www.TomHayhurstforCongress.com.

“From day one, my campaign has been about two things: drawing people together and transforming our hard work, hope and hometown values into a fresh start for the 3rd District,” added Hayhurst. “I’ve focused my energies on the issues that matter the most to working families: affordable health care, good jobs, energy independence, a secure America and fair treatment for our veterans. With the Iraq war costing us dearly, congressional leaders failing to protect the children within their care and more Hoosiers being hurt every day by the harsh policies of this administration, it is time to for a full discussion of the issues and a representative who will work for real solutions. It is time to change our 3rd District voice in Congress.”

Dr. Tom Hayhurst is the Democratic candidate for Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District. He is a medical doctor, United States Air Force veteran and currently serves on the Fort Wayne City Council.

Allen County GOP lacking in the ethics department

That may seem like a bold statement to someone who hasn't been closely following local news here in the Summit City. I suspect, nay I am quite certain, that the ethical lapses of the our local Republicans have been occurring for a very long time. Occasionally rumors and such have bubbled to the surface, but normally faded away quickly. The "Good Old Boy" network has always seemed to be able to spin/cover up/re-focus/distract/blame it's way out of these sort of things here. But no more. . .

What has brought about this change? Likely a number of things that all seemed to coalesce at the right time:

1. People are finally becoming aware of the spin they have been fed by the national Republican machine; and they are looking at everything with clearer perception, with more doubt and greater suspicion. Blind trust in party is out; looking out for #1 is back in style. After six long years of one-party rule, Americans yearn once more for gridlock. They don't care if the Republicans or the Democrats or the Libertarians are in charge; they just want choices, not "do as we say cause WE control it all".

2. Because of the above, people are becoming involved in local politics. In a "the meek shall inherit the earth" moment, people who "didn't want to get involved" or worried about "what will my friends/neighbors/co-workers think", or thought "*I* can't change anything" are getting involved, talking to their friends, neighbors and co-workers and are changing things! People have been pushed back as far as they can take, and they are pushing back against the machine.

3. Despite ACRP Chair Steve Shine's criticisms, our local Democratic party is STRONG and ENGAGED. Nearly every local meeting I have attended this year has been standing-room-only. I know, because I helped drag in extra chairs from back rooms and we still came up short most of the time. Local Dems have turned out in huge numbers for parades and other campaign events and have given selflessly to support our candidates.

4. We've had some strong leaders in the past, but I can't praise Kevin Knuth enough for his leadership of our local party. Like many other chairs, Kevin is approachable, dedicated, and driven to help our team succeed. Where he has exceeded, however, is in his constant political awareness. He seems to be on top of every mis-step, every ethics violation, each wrong word spoken by Steve Shine's crowd almost before they know they did anything. Of course they DO know, but they're so used to getting away with things that they freeze like a deer in the headlights when Kevin calls them out. I am proud to have Kevin Knuth as our local chair; he has made our local team the local powerhouse that it has become through his leadership.

And now, the ethical lapses of the local "Shiners":

Back in July, local GOP Executive Director Doug Foy forged candidate's signatures to their election paperwork. This was called an "honest mistake". Mr.Foy resigned, the local GOP candidates (who refused to cooperate in the matter) remain on the ballot.

Republican sheriff candidate, Ken Fries, knowingly placed a banner donated by the local GOP on a pedestrian walkway over a U.S. highway in clear violation of Indiana state laws. Steve Shine promised to look into it, but blew it off.

Republican candidate for Wayne Township Trustee, Tammi McKee, apparently "fixed" her property taxes, covered it up, then destroyed the evidence when it was brought to light.

And finally, Mark Souder, who talks up his small town Grabill roots but actually resides one mile north of me here in Aboite Township, must be a little worried about a local doctor's challenge to his status quo. Worried enough to resort to some distasteful tactics.

The above issues were created for you by the Allen County GOP. They would rather that you not hear about these transgressions. I take great pleasure in shining light on them for you.

"I'm John Good, and I approved this message".

Dr.Tom Hayhurst "on the air"!

This is the television spot that Dr.Hayhurst began running in the 3rd District yesterday:



Thanks to Kevin Knuth for the link!

Souder hasn’t earned re-election

From today's Fort Wayne Journal Gazette:



Should make good on pledge to leave Congress

By Joseph Weiler






Hayhurst(L) and Souder(R)

Mark Souder is not the man to represent the 3rd Congressional District for the next two years. I believe Tom Hayhurst is a far better choice. For those of you who know me, you understand that this is not the knee-jerk opinion of another liberal letter writer.

For more than 20 years, I served as an editor of Fort Wayne’s conservative evening newspaper, the last decade and a half as its executive editor. I had a unique opportunity to meet with community leaders and everyday citizens to learn what they were working to accomplish and what they valued.

As executive editor, I was a member of the newspaper’s editorial board. I attended interviews with candidates, discussing and debating their strengths and weaknesses. I would measure what they had to offer against the needs and desires of voters. I would do my best to steer the newspaper’s endorsement to the candidates who demonstrated integrity, talent and a commitment to traditional conservative values. To me, those values included a love for our community, dedication to a smaller and less intrusive federal government, an understanding and appreciation for states’ rights and a commitment to and solid understanding that government is the guarantor of equal opportunity, not equal success.

Until my retirement in February 2003, the newspaper endorsed Souder for election each time he ran. However, were I casting my vote on that editorial board today, it would be a solid “no” for Souder.

He knows I feel strongly that he should have honored the pledges he made to the district when he first sought election. One of those was that he would serve for no more than 12 years. Well, his 12 years are up. Why is he running again? He says that because of congressional redistricting, which by law takes place every 10 years, he now represents a “new” district. But long before Souder made his 12-year pledge, he had become well schooled in the workings of Washington and was fully aware of the redistricting ahead. Were Souder a man of honor, he would value his integrity above re-election. It appears he does not.

But there is a more troubling aspect to Souder that makes me even more certain he is the wrong man for the job. Souder is among a key group of Republicans known as neoconservatives, or “neocons.” Playing on religious themes, they have appealed primarily to a group of conservative Christians who felt disenfranchised, particularly in the post-Reagan era.

Unfortunately, in appealing to this special-interest group, congresspersons such as Souder have felt free to shun all others, not listening to their concerns, not respecting their ideas and personal values, not including them among the constituents they serve.

And by this intentional isolation from all that they disagree with, the neocons have been among the primary instigators of the bitter politics that now, after almost six years of total Republican control, has left Washington in shambles. How sad that is.
In 2006, one cannot oppose the war in Iraq without being labeled a traitor; one cannot discuss equal rights of inheritance without being labeled a sodomite; one cannot question the curbing of our basic liberties without being called pro-terrorist.

In this atmosphere, little progress can or will be made in Washington. And Mark Souder is a key player in ensuring that no progress is made. This isn’t good for Republicans. This isn’t good for Democrats. This isn’t good for independents. And it certainly isn’t good for you and me.

I became familiar with Dr. Tom Hayhurst as a public servant serving on the Fort Wayne City Council. More recently, I talked one-on-one with him on a broad range of subjects from the war on terror to taxes to same-sex marriage. I am a longtime backer of conservative policies, so Hayhurst did not always agree with me. But on numerous occasions, he took the time to try to understand my positions, found key areas on which we did agree and promised to consider some issues I believe are important – for me and for you.

Whether you are a radical conservative or a liberal atheist or, like most of us, trying to survive somewhere between the extremes, it is time to vote for someone who will respect and listen to us all so that we can once again begin to listen to and respect each other.

Joseph Weiler retired as executive editor of the News-Sentinel in February 2003. He wrote this for local newspapers.

Debates announced

NewsChannel 15 has just announced two major debates to be held this month, both of which will be moderated by Mark Mellinger. The two debates, sponsored by the Mike Downs Center for Indiana Politics, will be held in the Williams Theatre at IPFW.

First up are Tina Taviano and Ken Fries. The Allen County Sheriff candidates will be given the opportunity to ask each other questions during a 30-minute live debate on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 6:30 pm. Tom Hayhurst and Mark Souder will square off on Wednesday night, Oct. 25, at 7:00 pm. No word on the format as of this writing.

WANE-TV and NewsChannel 15 state that "these debates will launch the extensive political coverage from our team, which will include election information, news, team coverage and campaign reactions from exclusive political analysts Brian Stier and Marla Irving."

Souder spins Foley

At a local Republican event last week, Mark Souder told the crowd "That story you heard about Mark Foley that broke last night is gonna get worse".

I'll skip the bulk of his remaining comments, they are available on Fort Wayne Observed, and get to the heart of things.

Souder said Republicans are handling the scandal differently than Democrats have in the past. He brought up the 1983 Studds sex scandal, Ted Kennedy, and William Jefferson, and noted that they were all re-elected. He added, "At least we force our crooks out. Not really what we want to run on, but it shows a difference, and we need to communicate this."

Having said that, we here at Fort Wayne Left are curious as to why it took the righteous, honest members of the "morality party" so long to take action on this matter. Reports were made to GOP members from as far back as 1995 warning of Mr.Foley's inappropriate behaviour towards young male pages. Indeed, Speaker Dennis Hastert has been aware of actual evidence of wrongdoing (IM records) for over a year now.

Mr.Foley is only being "forced out" because ABC News broke this story. The GOP leadership chose to keep Foley's behaviour under wraps to serve it's own purposes, namely holding on to power. This story would still be buried if Mr.Souder and his compatriots had any say about it. So please don't bore us with your spin about Republicans "taking the high road" on moral issues, the facts here bear out a different conclusion: The GOP is the party of moral values, when it serves them or when it can bring in the religious vote, but only for as long as the rug stays in place over their indiscretions.

Souder cautioned that things could get nasty in the days leading up to the election, but held out hope that Republicans could do well on Election Day.

Which leads us to wonder: Is there anything else lurking in the shadows of the Republican machine that he hopes that voters will remain ignorant of?

Tom Hayhurst on Immigration

We are a nation of immigrants. Our diversity is our heritage, even as it is our strength. We are a country founded on that “yearning to be free.” To turn away from it is to deny the greatness of America . But to ignore the realities of the world today is an equal failure. For too long our government has done just that.

Five years past the horrors of 9/11, our ports and borders remain vulnerable and targets for our enemies. For too many years, the inaction of our elected representatives has fostered unfairness for both hard working American citizens and the 11 million undocumented individuals toiling, living and contributing to the nation's economy. We need real leadership on the issue of immigration.

Our collective immigrant legacy must rouse us to action. We need a commonsense immigration policy.

When I am in the U.S. Congress, I will:

• Champion the security of our ports and borders as a national priority.

• Advocate for increasing our legal immigration quotas from throughout the world, including Mexico , Central and South America.

• Support giving undocumented individuals living in the United States the opportunity to become citizens following the citizenship process required for any new immigrant.

Transforming our hard work, hope and hometown values into a fresh start for the 3rd District is what my campaign for Congress is all about. Part of that fresh start is a fair shot at the American dream. I'm running for Congress, because I believe that when it comes to the issue of immigration, we must, and can, do better.