On October 12, I posed the question "Who's Your Man, Mitch?", in reference to Mitch Harper's exceedingly quiet position on which mayoral candidate he supports. It turns out that Chris Stewart also would like to have that question answered:From today's Political Notebook:
Chris Stewart, the Democrat seeking the 4th District Fort Wayne City Council seat, last week sent out a statement touting the fact Democratic mayoral candidate Tom Henry and sitting Councilman Tom Hayhurst, D-4th, are endorsing his candidacy.
A Democrat getting endorsements from other Democrats in a general election is almost never a big deal, but what was more interesting was that Stewart questions where his opponent stands in the mayor’s race. While Stewart says he supports Henry – again, no surprise – he said Republican Mitch Harper has been exceedingly quiet when it comes to which mayoral candidate he supports.
“Right now it’s unclear where Mitch stands, and that calls into question his willingness to work with the next mayor,” Stewart said in a statement.
Only in this year’s election would this become an issue. With the local Republican Party split over whether to support embattled nominee Matt Kelty, it is apparently a campaign issue whether Republican council candidates support their mayoral nominee.
Harper could not be reached for comment, but when addressing the Republican Lunch Club this month, the slate of council candidates spoke about the importance to work for the party and to elect a strong council majority. What wasn’t mentioned by any candidate? The need to elect Kelty.
Chris Stewart and Karen Goldner have both run strong grass roots campaigns that have involved lots of time and shoe leather. Neither one of them needs to hope for a ride on Tom Henry's coat-tails. But, with Republican opponents who are afraid to even announce their support for Matt Kelty, they may get that added boost anyway.
6 comments:
John, just come constructive criticism. The bold block arial font is a bit like shouting.
None of the City Council candidates should be pressured into revealing who they support in the Mayoral race. They each have themselves to represent and should not have to worry about making connections to other candidates. They can if they wish to but people like Mitch should not be criticized for this.
Stewart questions Mitch's "willingness to work with the next mayor." City Council members should be willing to work with whoever wins. This statement doesn't even make sense in his argument.
Kody - City Council members should be willing to work with whoever wins.
"Should be" are the key words here. Voters have a right to know which policies and stances a candidate has, and their choice for leadership is a direct reflection of that.
I'm going to cast my vote for those who support leadership that shares our ideology - I need to know where a candidate stands in order to make that decision.
Not so much shoe leather as shoe rubber, John. My favorite pair of Tevas has met its (their?) match on the hot concrete and asphalt of the 2nd District this summer. But thanks for the plug.
crying about spilt milk ohh please we need another republican to support our candidate....how about speaking about the issues can henry do that or does he have to hide behind republican endorsements? i love his spend spend spend aproach here this city is going into debt faster and faster and henry wants to use the riany day fund of the state to spend even more...well lots more because he believes in buying in bulk. the costco mayor will bury this city
Troll boy - If you'd bother doing some research before spouting off I believe you'd find that the city of Fort Wayne is on a sound financial footing. Which is alot more than one can say for the federal government under your Bush Hog.
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