Ditch Mitch? Vote Democrat? I Don't Think So!

First, a little background for those who do not live here in Indiana. Indiana's governor, republican Mitch Daniels, was sworn into office in January 2005. President Bush had earlier referred to Daniels as "my man Mitch," and during Daniels' gubernatorial campaign, "My Man Mitch" became a popular campaign slogan.

However, during Daniels' first year and a half in office, I have noticed on some bumper stickers two anti-Daniels slogans that have caught my interest. One says "Not My Man"; the other reads "Ditch Mitch." I even saw one of these on the window of the local Democrat headquarters.

In addition to these anti-Daniels slogans, I have recently noticed some local democrats, including one who is running for state office, wearing a sticker that reads "Had enough? Vote Democrat."

I find these anti-Mitch Daniels and anti-Republican slogans interesting in light of recent state economic news.

Daniels' predecessor as governor was democrat Joe Kernan, who took office in September 2003 when democrat Frank O'Bannon died in office. O'Bannon began his first term as governor in January 1997.

Under the democratic leadership of O'Bannon and Kernan, Indiana ended fiscal year 2004, with a structural deficit of $824.2 million. Additionally, the state owed $717 million to K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and local governments.

Now, just 1 ½ years into the Daniels administration, with the help of a republican controlled state legislature and without any tax increase, Indiana has ended fiscal year 2006 with a $371 million structural surplus, the first annual surplus since 1998. Daniels has already ordered the state to fully repay the $160 million owed to K-12 schools.

It should be noted that the surplus does not include any proceeds from Governor Daniels "Major Moves" program, a $3.8 billion lease of the Indiana Toll Road which will fully fund over 200 highway construction projects during the next ten years. In addition to fully funding these construction projects with money paid up front, the program, which passed the Republican-controlled state legislature in spite of fierce opposition from Democratic leadership, has already earned the state over $6 million in interest from July 5th through July 16th and is continuing to earn over $500,000 per day.

"Ditch Mitch"…"Had Enough? Vote Democrat" What are they asking? Had enough of what? Enough prosperity? Go ahead. If you like $800 million deficits, under funded schools, and unfunded road projects, then go ahead. Ditch Mitch and vote Democrat.