Published: April 21, 2008 09:35 pm      

Donnelly: Howard Co. key to primary

Congressman still uncommitted in presidential race.

Whoever carries Howard County will probably win the Democratic Party presidential primary in Indiana, according to Congressman Joe Donnelly.

Donnelly, D-2nd District, visited St. Joseph Hospital on Monday and said Howard County is reflective of the entire state.

“Whoever wins this county will probably win the state,” Donnelly said.

A super delegate, Donnelly said he has encouraged both Hillary Clinton and Barrack Obama to visit Kokomo before the May 6 primary election.

Donnelly said he will not make a decision on who to support until after the Indiana primary.

Donnelly said his super delegate vote will be based on who wins the Indiana primary and which candidate carries the 2nd Congressional District.

“I will vote for the candidate who can do the most to improve health care for Americans and help working families,” he said. “It may come down to taking the Democrat who comes to our cities, talks to the people and looks us in the eye.”

Donnelly said his primary focus is taking care of his district.

“I don’t want my decision to influence any voters,” he continued.

Donnelly believes Clinton will win in Pennsylvania today and Obama will carry North Carolina on May 6.

“I have a strong feeling that once Pennsylvania is over, [Clinton and Obama] will be here in Indiana,” he said. “Indiana may decide who wins the nomination. Indiana is in the center of the action.”

Donnelly encouraged residents to get excited about the primary and participate in the campaign process if the candidates do visit the area.

Clinton has made campaign stops in Terre Haute, Anderson, Evansville, Mishawaka, Hammond, Fort Wayne, Muncie, Indianapolis, New Albany and Valparaiso.

Obama has visited Plainfield, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Gary, Lafayette, Columbus, Bloomington, Terre Haute and Muncie.