Q&A: Talking politics, history and business with Robert Vane
In 2019, Republican Robert Vane launched a podcast called “Leaders and Legends” as a way to help promote his media relations and communications business.
Politics & Government
Articles
Little about the next legislative session will be normal—maybe not even when it starts
Republican leaders are confident the General Assembly can meet safely and still let the public have input, but Democrats are skeptical.
Indiana GOP selects first class for its inaugural diversity program
On Thursday, the state party released the names of 17 people who will be in the first class, and the list includes a mix of Black and Hispanic individuals and a member of the LGBTQ community.
Indiana GOP chairman joining law firm as partner
Indiana Republican Party Chairman Kyle Hupfer will focus on general corporate law and strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and government relations for Taft Stettinius & Hollister, the law firm announced Monday.
Blind voters claim discrimination by Indiana officials
Blind voters argue in a federal lawsuit that Indiana officials are restricting their voting rights by not adopting methods that allow them to cast ballots from home without the assistance of others.
Pelosi, Schumer say $908B pandemic relief package should be basis for new talks
The willingness to accept a potential bill totaling less than $1 trillion represents a significant step down for the top Democrats, who had pushed for more than $3 trillion in new aid earlier this year.
Indy native Klain brings decades of D.C. experience to Biden White House
Ron Klain—a 1979 graduate of North Central High School—is preparing to serve as President-elect Joe Biden’s chief of staff, a job often referred to as the nation’s chief operating officer.
Education secretary bashes student debt forgiveness, free-college movement
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is taking shots at student debt cancellation and tuition-free college proposals, hallmarks of President-elect Joe Biden’s agenda for higher education.
Barr: No evidence of fraud that would change election outcome
U.S. Attorney General William Barr said Tuesday that attorneys and FBI agents have been working to follow up specific complaints and information they’ve received, but they’ve uncovered no evidence that would change the election.
Critics look to pressure GOP over Indiana redistricting
The coalition of some 25 groups, including Common Cause Indiana, the NAACP and the League of Women Voters, said they hoped public pressure would force Republicans not to draw new voting districts behind closed doors.
State investigation of casino execs has expanded to more than 10 people
The Indiana Gaming Commission has more than 10 people under investigation for possible financial misconduct that would violate state casino laws or regulations, said Sara Gonso Tait, the commission’s executive director.
Indiana lawmaker quitting weeks after winning reelection
State Rep. Christy Stutzman said she needed to devote more time to her family’s business after the family and business partners earlier this year bought the former Amish Acres tourist attraction that they renamed The Barns at Nappanee.
Indiana turnout for General Election highest since 1992
The pandemic played a major role in how people voted in the election, with 62% of the vote statewide coming through absentee ballots.
President Trump directs his team to cooperate on Biden transition
Still, the Republican president vowed to keep up the fight, saying his case “strongly” continues.
Leading Indiana lawmaker vows to fully fund schools’ virtual learning
Legislative leaders also said they hoped to stave off cuts to education in the coming budget—or even try to boost funding. But in the midst of the pandemic, leaders say the budget will hinge on coming revenue forecasts.
Republicans select former Marion County GOP chair to replace Merritt at Statehouse
Former state Sen. Jim Merritt, who had been in office since 1990, resigned from the position earlier this month. He still had two years left in his term.
Former state lawmaker running for Indiana Democratic Party chair
Former Indiana State Rep. Karlee Macer, who represented Speedway and the west side of Indianapolis from 2012 until this year, announced on Twitter on Monday that she would seek the position.
Tight spot: Trump loss complicates Pence’s political future
With President Trump’s loss—after Vice President Mike Pence spent the last four years as his most loyal soldier and the past year doggedly campaigning on his behalf—the vice president is contending with a far less certain future.
Trump, virus derailed Democrats effort to pick up seats in Hamilton County
While Democrats stayed holed up—relying on phone calls, advertising and social media—to spread their message, Republican candidates donned masks and knocked on doors, talking to voters one-on-one in ways that Democrats thought might not be safe (or popular).
Biden taps Indianapolis native Klain as his chief of staff
Ron Klain served as chief of staff for Biden during President Barack Obama’s first term, was chief of staff to Vice President Al Gore in the mid-1990s and was a key adviser on the Biden campaign, guiding Biden’s debate preparations and coronavirus response.