TDW has a post discussing the Journal Gazette’s Political Notebook entry about Dr. Hayhurst’s purchase of ad time in his effort to unseat Mark Souder in Indiana’s Third Congressional race.
Hayhurst has purchased $300,000 worth of air time until election day. His two main messages so far appear to be, “if you want to change Washington, change the people you send there” and also, Dr. Hayhurst’s belief that every American ought to have access to affordable health care.
TDW labels the Hayhurst campaign as the “Most Likely Political Surprise of 2006.”
Around Fort Wayne I see a fair number of Hayhurst lawn signs, but very few for Souder. I have the impression Hayhurst is making inroads here, but that may or may not mean anything in the counties to the north and northwest of Allen. It there is a surprise it may come down to whether the antics of the Governor make Republicans damaged goods in Elkhart County and whether voters decide to hold Souder to the promise he made 12 years ago.
I think this race will be interesting to watch…
I am still angry at the SHAMEFUL behavior of the Indiana Election Board and their absurd, partisan, decision to keep Libertarian Scott Wise off the ballot…
Mark Souder NEVER puts very many yard signs out. His campaign has never put a lot of effort into them… No one should reach any conclusion solely due to Souder yard signs.
I can almost promise you that Tom Hayhurst will carry Allen County, mainly due to a strong showing he will have in Fort Wayne. I am less sure of the rural counties to our north.
I think this election will be closer then many people think…
Tom Hayhurst has a lot of support among a lot of people…
Since the Libertarian Candidate will not appear on the ballot I imagine most Libertarians will be voting for Hayhurst. I know I will.
Stay tuned…
Mike Sylvester
Fort Wayne Libertarian
Mike Sylvester,
Isn’t keeping Libertarians off the ballot usually a bipartisan decision? :)
Branden:
It was very bip[artisan…
Dems and Reps do not want competition in the political landscape…
Mike Sylvester
See. Who says they can’t work together?
If you read the editorials in the News Sentinel, it looks like there are a LOT of Hayhurst supporters.
I think they just need to be more vocal and those moderates who are disenfranchised with the current situation need to get off their duffs and do something. I was strongly dismayed that there were so many unchallenged Republicans on the ballot in the Leo area. The area does seem to have a TON of moderates, but they just don’t seem to care or be active…
My family and I walked with Dr. Tom at the 4th of July parade in Angola. (I got to hold the banner, woohoo!) We were right behind the “Ditch Mitch” car and both groups got a fair amount of applause and cheers. It was a very gratifying day, and Hayhurst seems to be a real down to earth sort of politician.
Oh, and I have to add – Can someone PLEASE run a poll in the IN-03? It doesn’t seem like anyone outside of the district really cares about this race, and that may be justified but, if anyone has any polling data, I’d love to see it…
A poll in the 3rd? It used to be said that all politics is local. But in this consultant driven political age the national parties seem to exercise tremendous control over the flow of cash and even the coverage received by congressional races. Souder has typically won by more than 10% therefore his seat is declared “safe” and attention and money go elsewhere, whether or not the seat actually is safe.
One thought though, Souder went negative out of the starting gate on Hayhurst. That suggests to me that something has him worried, possibly the primary numbers, possibly his own polling.
Paul brings up an intersting point.
I have discussed it with three local Republicans who hold office in Fort Wayne…
Two of the three think Souder is concerned, if not scared.
The third would not tell me what he thought. He just kind of smirked at me…
I am not sure what to think. I have asked several of my neighbors what they think of Souder’s ads on WOWO.
The die hard Republicans think they are great ads. The moderates, Libertarians, and Democrats do not care for them.
Imagine that.
Mike Sylvester
I, too would be very interested to see some poll numbers before election day. Someone please post a link to a reliable poll if you find one. Thanks.