Published: October 18, 2009 10:23 pm      

District 30 race may be pricey

The seat will be crucial for both parties

For most of the past decade, the District 30 seat in the Indiana House has been a battleground for Democrats and Republicans.

In 2004, Republican John Smith upset Ron Herrell, and Herrell returned the favor in 2006. During the 2008 election cycle, Herrell was challenged by a political newcomer.

The 2004 and 2006 races were costly campaigns, with both state party organizations and Political Action Committees spending lavishly.

Smith and Herrell spent $331,371 on the 2004 campaign. In 2006, they spent $328,670, with $210,626 coming from the state party organizations.

The 2010 campaign is shaping up as one that could surpass both race totals.

Herrell is being challenged in the May primary by Chuck Sosbe, which will divert some campaign funds from the November general election. Kokomo Common Council member Mike Karickhoff is seeking the GOP nomination.

“It’s one of several key seats that will determine who will govern and who will really have a majority for the next decade,” Rep. Brian Bosma, House Republican leader, said during a campaign appearance in Kokomo last week.

“This seat has been in both Republican and Democrat hands over the last six years. It’s one of the few seats that has gone back and forth like that. I’m sure both parties will be looking at it very closely, and I’m sure the folks of Kokomo will be looking at it closely to see who best represents their interests.”

Unlike the 2008 campaign, when Herrell was challenged by political unknown Jason Miller, Bosma described Karickhoff as a strong, quality candidate who can win.

“That’s the recipe to get the attention of a lot of folks,” Bosma said. “He will be a great candidate, and this will be a key race.”

Bosma said Karickhoff will get a lot of support from the House Republican Campaign Committee in terms of financial support.

Dan Parker, chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party, said he feels confident Herrell will be re-elected in 2010.

“We’re going to watch all the races equally this year,” Parker said, “particularly races where there are strong contenders.”

Parker also noted that the district has flip-flopped in recent years, which will attract attention at the state level. He said the party would supply some financial support.

“There are clear differences,” he said of Herrell and a GOP challenger. “The challenger will have to defend [Treasurer] Richard Mourdock and Gov. [Mitch] Daniels when it comes to the Chrysler issue.”

Parker’s comments were a reference to Mourdock’s legal challenge to the Chrysler bankruptcy earlier this year.

When asked about the District 38 race between incumbent Jacque Clements and Heath VanNatter, Bosma said the local party organizations will be heavily involved.

“The House Republican Campaign Committee is intent on electing Republicans in the fall,” Bosma said. “Jacque is an incumbent, and I’m sure she will ask the leadership for help and we’ll be there for her if we need to be.”

Bosma said he served with both Clements and VanNatter and both are quality candidates.

When asked about a divisive primary between the two, Bosma said the party’s focus will be on the general election and will support whoever the candidate is.

No Democrat has announced intentions to run in District 38.

• Ken de la Bastide is the Kokomo Tribune enterprise editor. He can be reached at (765) 454-8580 or via e-mail at ken.delabastide@kokomotribune.com