Local Races For Statehouse Seats Contested
The people who represent you at the Statehouse in Indianapolis can have a great impact on the laws that govern the state of Indiana. Having strong local leaders willing to spearhead the concerns of their constituents can make a huge local impact.
Every Hoosier is represented by one state senator, of which there are 50 across the state, and one state representative, of which there are 100 across the state.
In the lakeland coverage area of Milford, North Webster and Syracuse, residents are part of either Indiana Senate District 9 or 12. Everyone is in Indiana House District 22. Democrat and Republican candidates for all three offices were given an opportunity to respond to identically prepared questions. The responses from those who responded are included below. Those who did not respond have information from their biographies. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
The questions posed to each candidate were:
1. How do you feel the state and Gov. Holcomb has done in managing the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of governance and the Hoosier economy?
2. If elected in November, what will be your top legislative priorities for the 2021 session?
3. What qualities best describe you in terms of being the right person to serve in the position for which you are running?
Indiana Senate District 9
Brandon Cavanaugh — Democrat
Cavanaugh, a classroom teacher and Army veteran is making teacher pay and education funding a large focus of his campaign.
“It is my mission that all teachers earn an honest living and are rewarded for their hard work,” Cavanaugh said on his campaign website. “Teachers should see an increase in their base salary rather than a one-time grant that will not follow them. Teachers deserve the respect and competitive pay other educated professions receive.”
Sen. Ryan Mishler — Republican
“I believe the governor has done the best he can under these circumstances, when it comes to fiscal management, I have weekly calls with the Budget Agency, where we share information and ideas on getting the economy back on track. Some have criticized the administration for not allocating all of the Cares Act Funding. The state has a balance of one billion dollars in the fund, primarily due to the restrictions established by the federal government.
“As the chairman of appropriations, it would be my responsibility to help draft the next budget. My priorities are K-12 education funding and the high cost of health care.
“I have worked on the school funding formula for 12 years, and during that time, we have seen a larger percentage allocated to the rural schools in our area. Last year, we worked the health care reforms, and if elected, I will continue with some of the transparency and surprise billing issues.”
Indiana Senate District 12
Sen. Blake Doriot — Republican
Elected to the Indiana State Senate in 2016, Doriot serves as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Pensions and Labor and as a member of the Senate committees on Agriculture; Commerce and Technology; Homeland Security and Transportation; Natural Resources; Utilities; and Veterans Affairs and the Military.
Doriot is also a part of the Senate Republican leadership team, serving as the assistant majority whip.
Charles Mumaw — Democrat
In a story announcing his candidacy for the District 12 seat, Mumaw identified a range of campaign issues including “child food insecurity, promoting public education and listening to voters.” He also said he would seek “to eliminate sales tax on feminine hygiene products and reinstate sales tax on civilian aircraft and gold.”
Indiana House District 22
Rep. Curt Nisly — Republican
“The state government’s response has been far worse than the pandemic. The governor had Constitutional means at his disposal which he failed to use. The governor clearly overstepped the Indiana Constitution by closing churches, by conspiring to imprison and fine people for the crime of not wearing a mask in public, by banning hydroxychloroquine and other potential treatments for COVID-19, by refusing to call the Legislature back for special session when the public welfare demanded it, by classifying certain business and people ‘non-essential’ and taking away their livelihoods, as well as a host of other things.
‘My top priority for the 2021 session will be to severely limit or completely eliminate the emergency powers of the executive branch. Gov. Holcomb has clearly shown us that any future governor can abuse those powers in any way the governor wants with no checks and balances required for a functional republic. I will always fight to secure the rights of the people, including the right to live and the right to bear arms. The purpose of our government is to secure the rights of the people. I am dedicated to representing the people of House District 22 to Indianapolis, not the other way around.”
Kelly Thompson — Democrat
“I was at first impressed with Governor Holcomb’s courage taking a bold stand in the best interest of the health of Hoosiers by closing down. But after that I was disappointed with the ineffective and inconsistent messaging of the benefits of face coverings.
‘My top legislative priorities will be affordable housing and childcare, over the counter access to birth control and increasing teacher pay. No more money for college campus buildings until our families and educators are seen and heard, respected and supported.
“I am a small business owner and community volunteer. I have walked alongside local families and am honored to have been entrusted with their struggles and stories. The most pressing issues have faces and names to me that I cannot, will not ignore.”