Local political parties gear up for November elections

Sep. 2—As November elections draw near, Cass County Republicans and Democrats are planning and hosting events to raise money for their respective candidates and get residents ready to vote.

Cass County Democrats were enthusiastic when the Hoosier Promise Tour stopped at Amelio's on the River Wednesday.

The event featured Democratic candidates Tom McDermott, Paul Steury, Jessica McClellan, and ZeNai Brooks. McDermott is running against incumbent Todd Young for U.S. Senate, McClellan is running against Daniel Elliott for state treasurer, and Brooks is running against incumbent Tera Klutz for state auditor.

Steury is running against Rudy Yakym in a special election to represent Indiana's second Congressional District, which was left vacant after former Congresswoman Jackie Walorski was killed in a car accident in early August.

The candidates discussed topics like women's reproductive rights, healthcare, American Rescue Plan money, education, the environment, unions, student loans and predatory lending.

McDermott said there is a reason he has been elected mayor of Hammond, Indiana, five times. He noted that his priorities have shifted since Roe v. Wade was struck down by the Supreme Court and said if elected, he will work to codify the right to abortion at the federal level.

"There's no doubt in my mind what Nov. 8, 2022, is about," he said. "It's about restoring rights for women in Indiana and restoring rights for women across our country. I wasn't an A student in high school, but I took health (education) and I learned that it takes two people to make a baby when I was in that class. I only see half of our population being affected by the law changes coming out of our state house and by the decisions coming out of the Supreme Court. It's not right."

McDermott also discussed the importance of Indiana's union members and accepting federal American Rescue Plan money, protecting veterans, making insulin affordable for people who have diabetes and legalizing cannabis.

McClellan discussed her experience as county treasurer in Monroe County who has frequently worked with the state treasurer's office. She said she wants to expand the use of CollegeChoice 529 plans to help Hoosiers save for college and reduce predatory lending like payday loans by implementing a program for vulnerable and elderly citizens. She also said she wants to bring a level of accessibility to the state treasurer's office.

"I truly love this job," she said. "It's personal service that county government brings to the table. I want to take that to the state house. ... In county government, we lead with integrity and show respect. We work together because it's about how to serve citizens."

Brooks discussed her experience as a certified public accountant over the past 15 years. She said there is no one more qualified than her to work as the state auditor and noted that she has worked with budgets worth millions of dollars. She also discussed her involvement in the community as the wife of a pastor. One of her main goals, however, is to be a voice for the people when it comes to state finances. That includes using Indiana's surplus to improve the state.

"I love Indiana," she said. "I was born and raised in Indiana, but we do know that Indiana ranks almost last in food access, mental health care, infant mortality, K-12 (education), all of these things. It's not for a lack of investment opportunities. It's not like we're rated number one and we can just base all of our money. I think it's irresponsible to sit on this much cash and not reinvest it into the community."

Steury, who's slogan is "Paul for all," discussed his humble upbringing on a pig farm. He said that as an educator and former laborer, he is a "teacher for teachers" and a "worker for workers." He also discussed the importance of healthcare for everyone, especially when it comes to children's mental health, and taking good care of the environment.

"Why do kids act out?" Steury asked. "It's because they don't have someone to talk to. If I can help increase therapists and social workers in schools, I know our country will get stronger and better all the time."

Steury also noted that he would be more than happy to get involved with efforts like the Growing Climate Solutions Act, which was authored in part by Mike Braun.

Additionally, all the candidates described the importance of voting in the upcoming election and encouraged everyone to take this election seriously.

"When people tell you that these races aren't important in this off-year election season, you can tell them this is extremely important, because we're talking about the business of the state," Brooks said.

She went on to describe how voting for her, McClellan and Secretary of State candidate Destiny Wells could make a big difference at the state level.

"In the State Board of Finance, there's an auditor, a treasurer and the state's budget director, which is appointed by the governor," she said. "Right now, everybody is in the same party. This board is essentially an extension of the state legislature. It meets monthly, money gets moved between agencies and between funds, and you've got three people of the same party, the same intentions and the same backgrounds moving the money around. There's not a lot of transparency into what's happening. If you vote for me and Jessica, we've got two thirds of that board. There's an immediate power shift if you get out and vote for us."

The Cass County Republicans have also had a busy few weeks after holding a caucus on Aug. 22 to replace former Cass County Treasurer Cindy Howard, who stepped down from the position due to family commitments.

The caucus unanimously elected Daphne Slusher to fill Howard's spot. Slusher took over the position on Sept. 1.

"Thank you to all who supported me and trust that I will get the job done," Slusher said in a press release. "I previously served in the treasurer's office as the Chief Deputy from 2013-2020 and bring with me a wealth of knowledge and desire for the position."

The Cass County Republicans are also planning their fall party fundraiser, which will be held at Rogers Event Center in Royal Center on Oct. 8 at 5:30 p.m.

David Richey, chairman of the Cass County Republican Party, said he invited all the state candidates running for office to attend. He is especially hopeful that Rudy Yakym, who is running to fill former congresswoman Jacki Walorski's spot in the second Indiana Congressional District, will attend the event so people can learn more about him and his goals.

The event costs $30 to attend, and anyone wishing to RSVP should send payment to the Cass County Republican Party at PO Box 791, Logansport, IN 46947.