Poli (Sigh): Race For Judge Is Getting Expensive
The race for the wide-open Kosciusko County Superior Court 3 contest for judge has been an expensive one.
In fact, one could argue that this might be the most expensive race for judge in Kosciusko County ever, but that would be next to impossible to confirm.
According to individual campaign finance reports, the amount of contributions and receipts from the four candidates – Robert Bishop, Lindsey Grossnickle, Karin McGrath and Chad Miner – totals more than $134,000 so far.
The paperwork for each candidate was filed last week and does not represent final totals for the campaign.
Who has the biggest war chest so far? Here’s a short recap listed under contributions and receipts (figures have been slightly rounded off):
- Miner has spent $47,999 and has $13,461 in cash on hand for a total of $61,461.
- McGrath has spent $31,200 and has $7,726 in cash on hand for a total of $38,926
- Bishop has spent $18,659 and has $3,366 in cash on hand for a total of $22,365.
- Grossnickle has spent $11,736 and has $100 in cash on hand for a total of $11,836.
Will spending translate into victory? Who knows. What we do know is that all four have spent money with InkFreeNews and we certainly appreciate it.
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HOMESPUN FUN – Republican Bill Dixon was pretty revved up after last week’s forum that included he and his primary opponent, incumbent Curt Nisly, in the race for the District 22 statehouse seat.
Within hours of the forum, Dixon put together a video highlighting the difference they share over whether lawmakers should operate under the delegate model or the trustee model. Dixon said he would embrace the delegate model and listen to the wishes of constituents. Nisly picked up on the issue and said he embraces the trustee model, saying there are too many bills to determine how the majority of constituents feel on every bill.
In homespun fashion, Dixon then took Nisly to task over the matter, saying that with the onset of email, it’s not that hard to find out where constituents stand on issues. “You can ask a whole lot of people a whole lot of questions in a whole lot of nothing time if that’s what you need to get done. Welcome to the 21st Century, Curt,” Dixon said in the video.
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KEDCO FUNDING – Last week, Poli Sigh pointed out that the county had not yet ponied up to support the small business relief fund established by Kosciusko County Economic Development Corporation even though the city of Warsaw and the state had provided money to help with COVID assistance. Earlier this week, Winona Lake pitched in $30,000.
County Commissioner Brad Jackson said he believes there was some confusion among council members as to whether the money could be returned if not used. He said he still thinks there’s a chance the county will appropriate some funding when the council meets June 11.
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ELECTION NOTES – A few quick thoughts:
- Last week’s candidate forum carried on without a live audience, which was a shame. However, the live stream at Warsaw City Hall attracted more than 900 views. As Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce President Rob Parker points out, that’s more than most debates ever attract in person.
- Thursday’s upcoming GOP dinner in North Webster quickly sold out the remaining seats after being rescheduled. Even though Gov. Eric Holcomb could not be there – as originally planned – the backup plan featuring Todd Rokita turns out to be maybe even more timely. Rokita threw his hat into the ring and will be among several Republicans vying to replace the troubled Curtis Hill as Indiana Attorney General.
- Early voting in the county begins next week, Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The final two days for early voting will be Saturday, May 30, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Monday, June 1, from 8 a.m. to noon.
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MAILER MANIA – I received a glossy mailer this week from the now-defunct Bernie Sanders campaign. It was not addressed to me and was aimed at young people and minorities so I guess they were using a shotgun approach. Sanders dropped out of the presidential race in early April ahead of the originally planned May primary in Indiana. The fact the mailer showed up just ahead of the rescheduled Indiana Primary tells me they were looking at an extended push before things went awry. At least the Postal Service got something out of it.
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MEETING SPACE – For the second consecutive meeting, Kosckusko County Council will hold its next gathering in the multi-purpose room of the Kosciusko County Justice Building rather than the old courtroom on the second floor of the courthouse because of the need for social distancing. The old courtroom certainly has a lot of history and gorgeous woodwork. But it’s difficult to traverse if you are disabled. Here’s hoping officials eventually move all public meetings to the Justice Building.
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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.