Poli (Sigh): Banks Is Glad Trump ‘Had The Guts’ To Kill Iranian General
Indiana’s Third District U.S. Rep. Jim Banks is getting more and more face time on Fox News these days. He appeared on the network earlier in the week and then returned Friday night on the Lou Dobbs show to discuss the airstrike in Iraq that killed a leading military general in Iran, Qassam Soleimani.
Banks, who had a town hall a day earlier in Warsaw, reiterated a line on the show he repeated several times in Warsaw: That people are angry about the impeachment of President Donald Trump, that they are glad Banks is defending him and that they can’t wait to vote for Trump in November.
In Warsaw – hours before the U.S. announced it had killed Soleimani – Banks said he appreciated the restraint shown by Trump in dealing with the situation in Iraq. On Fox a day later, Banks said he was glad Trump “had the guts” to take out Soleimani.
Americans are safer today as a result of Soleimani’s death, Banks said.
He said Democrats who are questioning the killing of Soleimani are being “petty.”
Dobbs and Banks both heaped praise upon Trump. Banks said he believes Trump “will go down in history as one of the best ever.”
Dobbs, not to be outdone, added, “He’s already set a standard for presidents that most mortals won’t be able to meet. He outworks them, he out-thinks. He’s remarkably resourceful. He’s bright. His judgment is second-to-none.”
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DEMS MEETING – Local Democrats are changing their meeting time for monthly gatherings. By changing from the second Tuesday of each month, to the second Monday, it will allow future city council candidates to attend council meetings, according to a newsletter sent out this week.
This month’s meeting will be 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, at Mad Anthony’s in downtown Warsaw and will feature both Democratic Party candidates running for Indiana Attorney General. Those are Karen Tallian, a state senator from Portage who has been a strong supporter of legalizing marijuana, and Jonathan Weinzapfel, a former state representative and Mayor of Evansville.
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JOSTLING – If you think Republican candidates just show up on filing day in this heavily-Republican community and hope for the best, think again. The behind-the-scenes jostling and decision making could make for a great story someday. That’s the case in the race for State House District 18 where Dave Wolkins announced his retirement. Alan Alderfer, with the support of former state senator Kent Adams, immediately stepped forward to run. I heard two Kosciusko County residents who considered running then bowed out. Alderfer is expected to face Russ Reahard, of Wabash in the Republican primary. But not everything is settled. That’s for sure. There’s also talk that former State Rep. Bill Ruppel was considering a return to politics. That would make for an interesting primary.
The filing period begins Wednesday morning.
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MOVING ON – A final farewell to my former editor at the Times-Union, Gary Gerard, whose last day with the company was Friday.
Few people realize this, but I’m partially responsible for Gerard coming to Warsaw and taking over as managing editor more than 30 years ago. Gary had been working with the Logansport Pharos-Tribune back then when Kirby Sprouls’ departure created an opening at the Times-Union. My girlfriend (at the time), who worked with Gerard, suggested he apply. Days later, I gave Gary and his wife, Mary, a tour of the city and he soon took the job.
Gerard is probably best known for his column, News Views, which tackled federal and local issues with a homespun feel and a conservative viewpoint. He was often willing to put local leaders on the hot seat if they screwed up. I think we can all appreciate that.
I worked with Gerard for 14 years over two stretches of time but left in February when I joined InkFreeNews. Given the rivalry between our two newsrooms, my exit did not sit well with him. I understand that.
In addition to being a solid editor, Gerard’s been a good friend who was always willing to go the extra mile when my car broke down or a problem arose. The nicest thing Gary and Mary ever did for me, though, was set me up with a rescue dog, Max, two years ago. The little black shih-poo is my first dog and the adoption has been wonderful.
Thanks for everything, Gary. Take care.
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Dan Spalding is the editor at InkFreeNews.com.
He covers city government and politics and always welcomes your input.
He can be reached at [email protected] or at (574) 855-7612.