GOP senator enters race for state attorney general
Sen. Randy Head of Logansport says he wants the attorney general’s office to challenge the expanding role of the federal government that’s diminishing the power of states.
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Bosma cool to gay-rights bill
After a Senate committee advanced a civil rights bill that excluded transgender people and included several caveats, House Speaker Brian Bosma said Thursday that he has “yet to talk to someone who thinks the bill is a good idea.”
Gay-rights bill that leaves out transgender protections advances
A Senate committee on Wednesday narrowly advanced a bill that would extend civil rights protections to gay and lesbian Hoosiers but punt the issue of transgender discrimination to a study committee, as well as offer religious exemptions for clergy and other groups.
Gregg vows pragmatism over ideology during speech
Democratic candidate for governor John Gregg took aim at Gov. Mike Pence in a speech Thursday after months of keeping a low profile.
Democrat Dickerson drops out of U.S. Senate race
Political newcomer John Dickerson—a Democrat who previously led The Arc of Indiana—announced Wednesday he has suspended his U.S. Senate campaign because of fundraising challenges.
House transportation leader: Pence funding plan a ‘gamble’
The condition of Indiana's roads has emerged as a major issue. There is a major division among majority Republicans over how to handle the funding, with Pence and the Senate leaders signaling they are at odds with their counterparts in the House.
Pence campaign boosted by $1M from governors group
Records show Gov. Mike Pence’s campaign received the contribution two days before the Dec. 31 deadline. That helped the campaign raise some $3.5 million during the last half of 2015, while Gregg’s campaign collected nearly $2 million.
Yearly address gives Pence chance to turn political page
Expect a laser-like focus on new jobs, an improving economy and planned infrastructure projects in Gov. Mike Pence’s annual State of the State speech.
Bill would protect sexual orientation, punt on gender identity
A GOP state senator has filed a bill that would provide discrimination protections for gay, lesbian and bisexual people, but bows to concerns some have about transgender rights.
Influential senator, health advocate Miller to retire
Indiana Sen. Patricia Miller, who has represented the southeast portion of the Indianapolis area for 34 years, has served as chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services since 1993.
Indiana GOP picks Conexus executive as director
David Buskill, an Indianapolis political consultant and fundraiser, has been named executive director of the Indiana Republican Party.
Senate GOP to press road funding, malpractice reform, drug sentences
The legislative priorities for Indiana Senate Republicans include $418 million to improve local roads, another $42 million for the Regional Cities program, and protecting educators from negative impacts of ISTEP.
Three GOP Senate hopefuls agree to debate
Fourth District Republican Chairman Craig Dunn announced that candidates Eric Holcomb, Marlin Stutzman and Todd Young have confirmed they’ll participate in the Jan. 16 debate at a Kokomo restaurant.
Pence out-raises Gregg in 2015
The governor is sitting on about $6.8 million cash on hand as the election year begins compared to his Democratic challenger’s $3.5 million in cash.
IBJ’s most-read stories of 2015
Despite national attention paid to RFRA and Jared Fogle, most of IBJ’s top-read online stories this year were the result of deeply sourced reporting on people, issues and businesses specific to central Indiana.
Ballard: A legacy shaped by deals
Republican Greg Ballard was full of surprises after an unlikely mayoral victory eight years ago. As he leaves the mayor’s office, he hopes his legacy is a new group of GOP leaders.
Hogsett taps former Lt. Gov. Davis as ‘city systems engineer’
Local pastor David Hampton and not-for-profit director Jeff Bennett have been picked as deputy mayors by Mayor-elect Joe Hogsett. Former Lt. Gov. Kathy Davis was chosen to help to solve the city’s budget challenges.
Marion County GOP names woman as chair for first time
Jennifer Ping has been active in state and local politics and has twice been a delegate to the Republican National Convention. She replaces Kyle Walker.
Bose adds veteran lobbyist Queisser to staff in Washington, D.C.
Brad Queisser previously served in the administrations of Govs. Evan Bayh and Frank O’Bannon, as well as in the Indiana Democratic Party and Democratic National Committee.
LGBT rights promises to be the hottest debate in a 2016 legislative session
Proponents and opponents of putting sexual orientation and gender identity into the state’s civil rights law say they expect to spend tremendous time and energy on the issue—but not money. They say individual conversations are what will sway lawmakers.