The Lafayette Journal & Courier has an article about the announcement of West Lafayette City Councilman, Paul Roales, to seek the Indiana House seat currently held by Randy Truitt; House District 26. The last election was a tight one between Truitt and John Polles as they sought to fill seat left open by the departure of Joe Micon. Micon’s himself won the seat, initially, in a narrow election. So, historically, anyway, this has been a pretty balanced district.
Alas, Doug.. did you get all the details?
Roales is a nice enough guy and pretty sharp politically, but has already pulled some no-brainers.
1) he doesn’t live in the district. In fact, he lives across the street from the district.. but currently resides in Sheila Klinker’s digs. If he wants to run for State Rep, he has to resign from his City Council position.
2) he’s a non-resident essentially. The race last time was between Truitt– 4th-generation WestSider versus a virtual unknown. While Roales won a City Council seat twice – first time by like 9 votes out of 100+ cast and second time on the back of Obama, that does not engender a lot of love amongst the long-time residents of West Lafayette (let alone the Warren County and south Lafayette people in that district.)
3) it is rumored (ok, I have it on good authority) that he’s pissed off the entire old-guard Tippecanoe County Democratic Party including the chair and the major financial backers. Smart move, Paul.
4) has he ever been to a neighborhood association meeting in WL? How about the Farm Bureau annual meeting in Warren County? What about a McCutcheon High School event? This is a tough district and very balanced, but the 5 school districts – two cities, two counties have very different interests. I’d like to see what he thinks his issues would be.
5) Truitt is not very smart – but he’s a very savvy politician with well-financed friends and will get the kind of state party support he needs. I wonder what the Dems in Indy are thinking when backing this guy.
6) I understand that Roales’ main issue will be how Truitt spoke against the enfranchisement of student voters. Hm… how many of those students will vote in an off-year election? And how will that issue play in U-Farms or Battleground?
7) If Roales knows something on Truitt.. THAT might be a real chance.
8) Not wise to hold your Kickoff Party at the Black Sparrow on Sunday, Nov 1 — hint* it’s NOT in the district either!