Here is a letter that our state Treasurer, Richard Mourdock, sent to Republican delegates. Richard is no stranger to Republican conventions, and he understands the importance of geographic balance to the Republican statewide ticket.
Dear Republican Delegates,
As our Republican convention approaches one thing is obvious: the party has two excellent candidates for Attorney General. Their resumes are different, backgrounds unique but each is well qualified.
Delegates have an important task that will impact not only the nominating process but ultimately the general election. Few will meet one-on-one with both of the candidates and so, after hearing third person reports or reading campaign materials you may still be undecided. But, you must cast your vote. With two excellent candidates, how do you decide?
Our party has long made the point of having “geographic balance” on the ticket. Election after election we have acted to develop the Republican Party in all areas of Indiana by offering a state wide ballot with representatives from northern, southern and central Indiana. This year the nomination of John Costas from Porter County, Tony Bennett from Clark County, Becky Skillman from Lawrence County and of course, Governor Daniels from Marion County would assure us that needed balance.
How important is geographic balance in 2008? It is vital! The Democrat’s gubernatorial nominee is from northern Indiana and she has already stated she’s looking to southern Indiana for a lieutenant governor nominee. In this election year, we cannot afford to ignore northern Indiana given their candidates advantage in that region. The fact is, Governor Daniels has made tremendous strides in his outreach to that part of the state and we cannot risk losing votes by now ignoring that region.
Still, some question whether “geographic balance” affects the way people vote. I look to my own election in 2006 to make the point it does matter. My overwhelming victory in democrat Vanderburgh County proved that having a “local” on the ballot helped to split tickets. In a year when the national trends are not friendly to Republicans, we must employ a strategy that will help bring votes to our side. Governor Daniels needs John Costas to help split the ticket of the many democrat and democrat-leaning voters who this year might otherwise vote straight ticket. John Costas is a proven vote-getter in a normally democrat region!
Frankly, it is difficult for me to offer my opinion in a race with two candidates who are both truly outstanding public servants. But with so much more at stake than just the Attorney General’s race, I feel compelled to share my thoughts with you. As a delegate your decision will have great impact and so I wanted to be sure that you consider your decision, as I have considered mine, in the fullest possible context.
Most respectfully,
Richard Mourdock
