Dubois County Democrats

Candidates
Home
Register
Office Holders
Leadership
Values
Calendar
Contact
Links Page 1

Jumpstarting the Hoosier Ecomomy

The Indiana Democratic Party remains committed to the creation of jobs for every Hoosier that provides a living wage, benefits, and the opportunity to succeed. We believe this is best achieved through the pursuit of a diversified workforce, and with a creative economic development plan that brings high-paying, high-skilled jobs to the state while assisting with the training of a workforce for the future.Hoosier Democrats applaud the efforts of President Obama and our Congressional delegation to swiftly address the economic crisis facing this country. Their immediate action to stimulate the economy has created and saved hundreds of thousands of jobs, and helped stave off a greater economic disaster. All across Indiana, hardworking Hoosiers are benefiting from this much-needed injection of resources, and we believe that these programs will provide lasting benefits to our state.Nowhere is this better illustrated than in the case of the crisis that faced America's automotive industry. Thousands of Hoosiers across our state rely on companies such as General Motors and Chrysler for jobs and pensions, and without the hard work of President Obama and our Democratic delegation, it is unlikely these jobs would have survived. We believe the recent historic investment made by Chrysler in Kokomo and General Motors in Fort Wayne, Marion and Bedford is proof that these efforts were a success. It is unfortunate that for so many years our economic policies seem to have been governed by the theory of "profits over people." As Democrats, we believe that hard work and dedication are the basic principles of success, and we will continue to fight for policies that will allow the Hoosier workforce to flourish at every level. This includes rewarding law-abiding companies and small businesses and fully enforcing our state and federal laws against those who won't play by the rules. We also remain committed to preserving Hoosier jobs and encouraging domestic investment while working to end the outsourcing of work to foreign countries.Hoosier Democrats believe that state-funded job creation programs are a key part of any effective economic growth campaign. We also believe that such programs are best operated with transparency and honesty, and stand against the current efforts of state officials to inflate and obfuscate the reality of Indiana's economic crisis. Overstating job creation numbers may be good for poll numbers, but Hoosiers deserve more from their public officials. As such, Hoosier Democrats call on this Governor and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to fully release their job creation data and end their policy of secrecy and half-truths.Any revitalization of the Hoosier economy must be accompanied by a continued focus on providing our workforce with the skills necessary to compete on a global scale. This should include targeted training grants for businesses, and an emphasis on small business development and entrepreneurship. Additionally, Indiana's public schools should continue to provide the infrastructure necessary for quality, meaningful vocational training.
Page 2

Ethics, Accountablity & Integrity

A United States made strong and secure by moral, economic, and diplomatic leadership, as well as military might. Democrats believe we can both defend this nation and preserve the Constitution. The United States Armed Forces should be properly equipped and have a plan of action any time it is called into harms way.

Democrats believe that when we send our armed forces in harms way we should always have a solid plan of action. Democrats never forget the sacrifices that our men and women make today, but also the veterans who served in past wars.

The Indiana Democratic Party recognizes that ethical governing is the basic building block upon which successful representation is built. To this end, Hoosier Democrats support a method of governing that is open, honest, and transparent. Only with a tireless dedication to keeping the public trust can our elected officials truly serve the public to the best of their abilities.Indiana Democrats believe that while lobbying is a part of the legislative process both elected officials and those actively engaged in lobbying the state and federal government have an obligation to be completely transparent about their actions. Hoosiers deserve to know who elected officials and candidates have worked on behalf of in the past, and the Indiana Democratic Party advocates for full disclosure of lobbying activities and lobbyist ties for all who seek to serve in this state. We applaud the efforts of House Speaker Pat Bauer and Statehouse Democrats to strengthen our state's lobbying regulations.Democrats believe that all citizens have a right to public records, meetings, and other information that collectively serve as an important tool for oversight. We support the continued strengthening of open access legislation that will help ensure every Hoosier can engage as an active citizen.Indiana Democrats also support fair campaign finance laws, and believe that every effort should be made to ensure that the public is aware of where and in what way corporate money is being spent on political campaigns. We firmly oppose the recent Supreme Court decision allowing corporations to spend freely on elections and we will continue to work with the legislative leaders to protect our democratic process from undue corporate influence.We also support a larger effort within government crackdown on waste, fraud and abuse. Public entities and private companies working under government contract have an obligation to serve every citizen, and we should not tolerate those who seek to take advantage of the public trust by skirting their duties as responsible public actors. Indiana Democrats will continue to work to enact increased oversight and accountability of government contracts and public-private partnerships.
Page 3

Protecting Indiana's Treasury

The Indiana Democratic Party believes that our state deserves public officials who will responsibly safeguard the public funds with which our government has been entrusted. We have watched as Indiana's current Treasurer has made poor investments of state resources and engaged in quixotic partisan campaigns on the taxpayer's dime, and we believe it is time to restore trust and accountability to this office.Hoosier Democrats believe that state funds have been squandered, and it is long past time a for a full, comprehensive risk review of how our state assets are currently being invested. By increasing the transparency of this process, we can ensure that Indiana's tax dollars are being spent wisely and that our state's current investment management structure is being governed by the high ethical standards that we have come to expect.The Indiana Democratic Party condemns the use of state resources on frivolous lawsuits, and believes it has been a mistake to spend millions of Hoosier tax dollars on a misguided attempt to stop the recovery of the automotive industry that so many hardworking families across this state depend on.
Page 4

Education

Across Indiana, teachers are being laid off in record numbers, and Hoosier Democrats pledge to continue to fight against policies that will continue to dismantle our state's classrooms. The Indiana Democratic Party's commitment to the future of Indiana has been proven time and time again through our unwavering support for Indiana's public school accountability, Indiana Democrats recognize the importance of ensuring the improved performance of our schools and as a result the better educational opportunities for our children.The Indiana Democratic Party recognizes that the current state leadership has been too willing in recent years to sacrifice educational opportunities in the name of playing a budgetary shell game. Hoosier Democrats recognize that only by fully funding education today can we guarantee the success of our children tomorrow. We believe that every school, urban or rural, deserves to have the tools necessary to prepare students for graduation, and we will not abandon our public education system.Indiana Democrats believe that early education should be a priority for our state, and recognize that for every dollar invested in high-quality, comprehensive early learning programs, our state will save nearly ten-times that amount in welfare, special education, and criminal justice costs down the road. By looking at the long-run rather than only the short-term implications of our policy decisions, Indiana Democrats believe we can preserve the state's financial situation and give every Hoosier child the chance he or she deserves to succeed.Indiana's economic success or failure ultimately depends on training a workforce for the economy of tomorrow. To this end, Indiana Democrats affirm their support for the vocational and technical education programs in the public schools that will diversify the options available to recent graduates seeking to enter the workforce.Indiana Democrats also believe that our state enjoys one of the most academically rigorous and intellectually stimulating systems of public and private colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools across the nation. We recognize that in order to provide all students an opportunity to take advantage of these institutions, we must continue to work toward making higher education more affordable. By keeping tuition as low as possible and encouraging institutions to make responsible fiscal decision, we can ensure that they next generation of Hoosiers will be able to have access to these amazing resources.
Page 5

Health Care

The Indiana Democratic Party is dedicated to ensuring that every Hoosier has access to affordable, high-quality health care. Over 820,000 citizens across this state are without health insurance, and the Indiana Democratic Party applauds the efforts of President Barack Obama and Indiana's Democratic Congressional delegation to address this crisis through the enactment of comprehensive federal healthcare reform. Not only will this legislation provide lasting coverage to hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers, but it will also reduce the federal deficit by over $1 trillion over the next decade and provide nearly 80,000 Indiana small businesses with tax credits to make premiums more affordable.The Indiana Democratic Party believes it is unacceptable that nearly one in ten Hoosier children remain without health insurance. While federal efforts will help many families in their efforts to secure affordable, lasting health care coverage, the Indiana Democratic Party also supports efforts at the state level to provide option to families seeking coverage. The Indiana Democratic Party also supports federal provisions that will allow parents to cover their children on their insurance until they are twenty-six years old.Additionally the Indiana Democratic Party stands against the partisan efforts of those who would seek for the immediate repeal of federal health care legislation and for those mounting wasteful legal challenges to the new reform law. In doing so, these individuals are playing politics with the lives and well-being of hardworking Hoosier families, and in doing so spending much-needed state resources on a quixotic crusade.We also stand firmly against the actions of the current Governor and his administration as they continue to use the Healthy Indiana Plan as a political prop in their campaign against President Obama. Its time for our states leadership to put aside brazen personal ambition and start working on behalf of Hoosiers.Indiana cant afford delays and obstructionism, and the Indiana Democratic Party supports the immediate implementation of health care reform. Additionally, we support honest accounting practices, and condemn the fiscal fear-mongering from those who have attempted to misrepresent the benefits that reform will have on Indiana's long-term economic health.
Page 6

Defending Hoosier Seniors

The Indiana Democratic Party is a staunch defender of seniors and we will fight to protect and strengthen Medicare by increasing efficiency, reducing fraud, and cutting costs. Hoosier Democrats will continue to find ways to address the challenges faced by older Americans who are not yet eligible for Medicare through our dedication to continually improving our health care system.Social Security is Americas most efficient and successful government programs and its far-reaching effects span generations. Indiana Democrats stand wholeheartedly against those who would throw our nations promise to the private market, and we reaffirm our dedication to stopping efforts to privatize Social Security. We believe that much-needed reform can be achieved without dismantling the safety net of this country, and that Social Security remains a key component in our battle against poverty.Hoosier seniors deserve to spend their latter years in comfort and with high quality, personalized care. As such, Indiana Democrats support policies that will ensure meaningful long-term care options are available to Hoosiers that provide a safe and dignified retirement. We will remain vigilant for ways to improve long-term care efficiency and financing so as to lighten the burden of families across this state. Hoosier Democrats have always fought against the blight of abuse in the elderly community.
Page 7

Protecting Indiana's Natural Resources

Our state has been blessed with an abundant and unique natural heritage, and the Indiana Democrat Party believes that preserving this for generations to come should be a top priority of our government. By safeguarding the environment here at home, we can do our part to fight against global environmental disaster and ensure that our state remains as beautiful tomorrow as it is today.This protection requires constant vigilance, and the Indiana Democratic Party believes that rigorous oversight is a critical part of any effort to protect our states resources. This includes the enforcement of state and federal laws, and the strengthening of standards that hold public and private entities accountable for their actions. We also believe that public enforcement and environment monitoring should be undertaken by regulators who are independent from the industries they oversee.The Indiana Democratic Party also recognizes the importance of creating new green jobs in Indiana that will allow our state to take advantage of the next generation economy and compete with workers around the world.
Page 8

Protecting All Hoosiers

From the beginning , the Indiana Democratic Party stood against the privatization of Indiana's Family and Social Services Administration, and we remain confident that key welfare services should not be monetized in the name of modernization: or raw efficiency. We believe these critical services are a key component to the social welfare system that protects Hoosiers in times of need, and now more than ever we should preserve and protect these programs to the best of our abilities.While we are thankful that the state has terminated its contract with some of the private companies responsible for the years of disastrous experimentation that has so adversely affected hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers, we stand for continued vigilance as our state agencies continue to reel from this mistake,. Hoosier Democrats believe that these services are best delivered by merit civil service staff answerable to the people of Indiana and not to the private profit motive of big business. In the meantime, we support the strict oversight the new hybrid program being implemented across the state, and hold firm that any change to benefits programs should serve to improve the lives of Hoosiers while maintaining the high standards we expect from our public servants.As advocates for all Hoosiers we support prevention and education programs that teach Hoosiers age-appropriate sex education stressing the benefits of abstinence as well as providing the medically-accurate facts necessary to protect themselves and others. We recognize the important role that adoption has played in the lives of thousands of Hoosiers, and believe families should be given support when making these important decisions. We also believe in a right to privacy, and support the rights of every Hoosier to make family planning decisions free of government intrusion.The Indiana Democratic Party also supports efforts to reform and improve child welfare services in this state. WE remain committed to the CHOICE program, and applaud its successes as it provides in-home care to those with disabilities and the elderly.
Page 9

Taxation and Responsible State Budgeting

Indiana Democrats stand against higher taxation, and believe that tax rates should only be raised as a last resort. We believe that a responsible tax policy will allow private individuals and businesses to flourish while fully funding the public resources that every Hoosier deserves.Hoosier Democrats also stand against budget tricks and political gimmicks that too often protect politicians more than critical public services. We believe that officials have a duty to always strive to maximize government efficiency and reduce waste.We stand with our Democratic leaders in the General Assembly who are fighting to force this Governor and his administration to come clean about the scope and specifics of the budget cuts they are making. Hoosier Democrats believe that the legislative process allocated this money, and we have a right to know what changes are being made.Hoosier Democrats have remained committed to responsibly restructuring our tax base, and we are proud of our legislative leaders who have continued to fight for Indianas taxpayers. We were right to allow the recently-enacted property tax caps to phase in over time, and we believe that by seeing the effects of this legislation, we have better equipped Hoosiers to make an informed decision regarding this important question.Indiana Democrats also believe that local governments do not deserve to be vilified to score partisan points. Every level of our government faces a financial crisis, and it will take a responsible, cooperative solution to fully address our fiscal problems. We believe this begins with honest and transparent accounting, and that state officials should be forthright in how they are cutting costs when necessary.
Page 10

Energy and 21'st Century Power

The Indiana Democratic Party believes that the long-term sustainability of growth in the United States is dependent upon the creation of a diversified, balance portfolio of energy sources. We support investments to modernize our existing every network, including clean coal technology, and also believe that a serious effort in the research and development of alternative energy sources could pay long-term dividends for Indiana and our nation as a whole.These policies will be a critical part of putting this country on the path toward permanent energy independence. Doing so will not only reduce the financial burden currently felt by Hoosier families, but will assist the United States in our foreign policy efforts. Hoosier Democrats also believe that encouraging efficiency and conservation is a key component of any comprehensive energy policy.Hoosier Democrats recognize that green technology will play an increasingly important role in the economy of tomorrow, and we support efforts to properly train and equip our states workforce to compete in this global trade. Indiana is uniquely positioned to be the Silicon Valley of next generation automobiles, and we support the tireless efforts of President Obama and our Democratic delegation to provide investment in our states burgeoning electric vehicle industry.
Page 11

Improving Indiana's Infrastructure

Indiana has long been a leader in building the infrastructure of the future, and Hoosier Democrats have played a critical role in the modernizing the network that connects every corner of our state. We believe that there are those in the current state leadership who have forgotten this proud tradition, and that it is long past time to abandon short-sighted policies and work to truly represent Indiana as the crossroads of America. This will begin with a renewed effort to diversify our infrastructure portfolio. While ongoing and planned road projects deserve to be fully funded, Indiana should also work to encourage improved rail service, better public transportation, and an investment in increasing transportation options and reducing public costs. We also stand for sustainable growth of our urban areas, including the creation of alternative transportation options, bicycle and walking paths, and greenways.Indiana Democrats also belie that improving and maintaining the critical infrastructure of the 21st Century should be a priority for this state. This includes ensuring that every Hoosier has access to clean water and effective sewer systems. Additionally, our survival in the ever-growing global economy depends on a healthy broadband network that touches every part of Indiana, and closing this digital divide will help every Hoosier have access to the information superhighway.The Indiana Democratic Party continues to support the responsible financing of public asset growth, and stands for local control of critical assets whenever possible to ensure that Hoosiers can remain confident that our public infrastructure continues to serve the public interest not the bottom line of corporations. We also recognize the important role of public-private partnerships in modern infrastructure development and operation and Hoosier Democrats believe that our state is best served by encouraging a responsible dialogue as to when these partnerships offer the best option for addressing our serious policy needs.
Page 12

Civil Rights and Working for Every Hoosier

The Indiana Democratic Party is proud of our long-standing commitment to and support of civil rights and equality. As Democrats, we reaffirm our commitment to the full enforcement of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as well as the enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Hoosier Democrats also recognize the importance of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and offer thanks to all those who fought to make this critical piece of legislation a reality. We also stand against any restriction for Hoosiers based on their race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, or religion.As Democrats, we firmly oppose the practice of racial profiling as a law enforcement tool. Investigations and police stops should be based on reasonable suspicion and evidence of criminal conduct, not on a persons demographic or physical characteristics.Indiana Democrats strongly oppose efforts to make voting more difficult for Hoosiers. We support the right of every citizen of legal voting age to cast a ballot without undue burden, fear, or intimidation. We vehemently oppose any politically motivated effort aimed at disenfranchising any voter of our state. Voting is our most precious fundamental right, one that preserves all of our other rights. We believe in putting our state and country ahead of Party, and we believe that the more people vote, the better off we are as Hoosiers and Americans.We support the efforts of local governments to diversify their employee base, as well as make a concerted effort to purchase goods and services from minority contractors. We also applaud the efforts of Democratic officials in every level of government to appoint a record number of women and minorities to positions of power in the public sector. It is inconceivable that in the 12st Century, America continues to have millions of people living in the shadows, subject to exploitation, who are not afforded basic human and civil rights. These Americans want nothing more than to share in our nations abundance and opportunity. We must work to ensure that all of our people without regard to race, gender, ethnicity, age, ability, religion, race, sexual orientation, or economic background have the opportunity to achieve the America dream. It is our duty as Democrats to put an end to any injustices that threaten that goal for the sake of current and future generations. In the Indiana Democratic Party, everyone has and will always have a seat at the table.Finally, Hoosier Democrats applaud the efforts of Senator Evan Bayh and President Obama to select well-qualified judicial nominees, and we applaud the historic nomination of two women to Indiana's federal bench, as well as our states first African American judge.
Page 13

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, and Supporting Indiana's Veterans

The Indiana Democratic Party applauds all those who serve in the United States military, including the Indiana National Guard and Air National Guard. We recognize that this selfless act of service represents a true act of dedication to this county, and we honor the sacrifices of these individuals and their families. As part of honoring these men and women, we also believe our county has a responsibility to care for our military veterans, both during and after their service to unite states of America.We support the tireless efforts of law enforcement personnel to keep Hoosiers safe in their communities. Federal and state authorities should continue to fully support these public servants at both at the state and local level. Hoosier Democrats also recognize the service of Indiana firefighters and other first responders who remain constantly vigilant on our behalf. This is why we strongly support providing these men and women with the tools they need to carry out their critically important jobs.The Indiana Democratic Party strongly believes that our country needs comprehensive immigration reform that will strengthen our nations borders, protect the American workforce, and provide a pragmatic solution for hard-working immigrants who are paying taxes, obeying the laws of our country, and actively seeking a road to citizenship.
Page 14

Supporting Working Families

The Indiana Democratic Party proudly recognizes the tireless work of organized labor on behalf of American workers. They have fought for the 40-hour work week, the elimination of abusive child labor practices, social security, pension security, health care, Medicare, and occupational safety. In the process, organized labor has strengthened the working family and our national economy as a whole.We support trade agreements that benefit Hoosier workers, not simply the bottom line of large multi-national corporate interests. Hoosier Democrats support collective bargaining for state employees and urge its protection by state statue. The Indiana Democratic Party supports the passage of law at both the state and federal level that would preserve and restore a workers right to choose a union and collectively bargain for better working conditions, and believe that all workers are best protected when the federal government is protecting the right to organize. As such, we also oppose the self-described right-to-work policy that seeks to strip the Hoosier workforce of many of these critical protections.We also support the strict enforcement of workplace safety laws, and believe that workers should be fully entitled to overtime, unemployment, and workers compensation benefits. Additionally, we believe that whistleblower protections should be fully enforced and further strengthened to protect workers from retaliation when they report unsafe or unethical working conditions. We remain committed to responsibly raising the state and federal minimum wage provisions in an effort to allow every Hoosier the opportunity to earn a sustainable living wage.Indiana Democrats recognize that government must be free to utilize project labor agreements as a key mechanism by which to enhance worker protections and economic development. We also offer our full support of prevailing wage laws.

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5

Page 6

Page 7

Page 8

Page 9

Page 10

Page 11

Page 12

Page 13

Page 14

Paid for by the Dubois County Democratic PartyHomeRegisterOfficeHoldersNew PageLeadershipCalendarCandidatesContactLinksCountyTownshipCityStateFederalrebecca gatesdonna schroederbrenda schnarrgail gramelspachermark brescherjohn burgerabsenteeopponentopponent 1donny lampertcaravan