Gubernatorial candidates begin push for votes

by Samuel King (king@wsbt.com)

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Gov. Mitch Daniels has begun running campaign ads in preparation for the May 6 Indiana primary.

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Mar 25, 2008 at 5:13 PM EST

Story Updated: Apr 1, 2008 at 2:14 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — The Indiana primaries are just weeks away. Candidates for Indiana governor say the interest in the presidential race could increase turnout.

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Two of the major candidates are beginning to run television ads — a sure sign the campaign is getting into gear. Gov. Mitch Daniels started running ads last week. Democratic candidate Jim Schellinger began running them a few weeks ago, and Democratic candidate Jill Long Thompson plans to soon.

Recent polls indicate Hoosiers are split over whether the governor has done a good job.

“He cares about the community,” one voter in South Bend said. “He cares about family focused stuff, so I love Mitch Daniels.”

“It feels like he's selling the state away from the people who live in it,” another voter said.

The Democratic candidates hope to capitalize on that discontent with the governor, especially on the economy.

“We've lost so many jobs, personal income is down,” said former Congressman Jill Long Thompson, a Democratic candidate. “We have a dropout rate that is unacceptable. Health care costs are too high.”

“We're not hearing much about the jobs that were losing,” said Jim Schellinger, a Democratic candidate. “We're not hearing much about how every day Hoosiers can't afford to fill their tanks at the gas pump.”

Gov. Daniels does not face any Republican challengers in the primary, but he's running on his record, which he says has moved the state in a positive direction.

“I think honestly the best way to get rehired by the people of Indiana is to do a good job,” he said. “And find new jobs and new ways to save tax dollars.”

Daniels has a wide lead over his would-be challenger in fundraising. Recent polls show he has a large lead over his rivals, but the gap could narrow as more people learn about the Democratic candidates.

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