Democratic candidates for statewide office stressed their positive message and willingness to work for all Hoosiers during a Friday morning visit to Plymouth.
Incumbent State Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz vowed to continue the momentum of her first term by offering pre-k for all four-year-olds in the state and ending the controversial ISTEP test. She also pledged to make sure high school students have a good sense of career opportunities and know how to prepare for available jobs.
Attorney General candidate Judge Lorenzo Arredondo pointed out the state’s top attorney is the one who represents teachers and schools when they get sued. He expects Democrats to finish strong.
“The momentum’s with us, the energy. Now we’ve got all the voters registered, now we make sure they all get out there to vote, and then we’ll be victorious come Nov. 8th with your help,” Arredondo told the enthusiastic crowd at Opie’s Deli in downtown Plymouth.
Lynn Coleman is challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski for Indiana’s 2nd District seat. If elected he says he will represent and advocate for all of his constituents. He says jobs, education and civil rights for all are important, but the most important thing is to build a country where people care about one another in spite of their differences.
Former governor and U.S. Senator Evan Bayh is seeking a return to Washington to replace retiring Republican Sen. Dan Coats. He says even though Election Day is almost here, much work still needs to be done.
“I’m asking you to vote for yourselves and vote for your families and vote for a better Indiana. To vote for a better America, to vote for the kind of politics we can be proud of once again, that lifts us up and inspires us, that doesn’t drag us down. And if for these next four days you get out and work your hearts out, if you talk to your friends about what this election should be all about—if you do that for the next four days, then I pledge to you that for the next six years I’m going to have your back. Now lets go out and win this election and get the job done.”
Lt. Gov. nominee Christina Hale says she and John Gregg have to move the needle in four critical areas — the economy, education, public infrastructure and public safety. The Democratic gubernatorial nominee was the last to speak. He says turnout is key and encouraged his supporters to reach out to the “good Republicans” in Marshall County.
“Tell them that we’re about people, not politics. That we’re about ideas, not ideology. Tell ‘em it’s time we have a governor that doesn’t embarrass us or divide us, that it’s time we have a governor that promises to bring us together and find that common ground. With your help we can do that, so I’m just asking you to work real hard for these next few days. We’re gonna keep working, and if you get some extra votes for us out of Marshall County we’ll win this, and we can move Indiana forward.”
In-person absentee voting concludes at noon on Monday. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8. MAX 98.3 FM will have complete national, state and local election coverage throughout the evening.
