ANDERSON — Gov. Mitch Daniels coasted to an easy re-election Tuesday night over persistent challenger Jill Long Thompson, who conceded defeat at about 9 p.m.
Daniels wasn’t shy about advancing his call for change into a second term as he celebrated his victory with supporters at Conseco Fieldhouse about 9:30 p.m.
“The movement for change is moving ahead,” he declared.
“This is less an endorsement than an instruction, this is less a victory than an assignment,” Daniels said. “And what the people of Indiana have said is that they want us to press forward with change and improvement and reform to make education better, taxpayers better protected and make this the great state it can be.”
Long Thompson says the race didn’t turn out as she hoped, but says her campaign “put a big crack in that glass ceiling.”
The third floor of the Paramount Theatre Centre was rocking to the ear-splitting sounds of Earth, Wind and Fire’s “Shining Star” as Republicans gathered to watch the results.
“Mitch Daniels has done a great job,” said Bruce Dunham. “He’s treated the state as a business instead of politics as usual.”
Grerayle Walton, kneeling down staring into a computer screen, worked to re-elect Daniels.
“I think he’s done a good job,” he said. He cited the new caseworkers the governor had hired and the selling of the toll road. “He’ll do good for another four years.”
Kids ran around and cheers rang up when a favorite, U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, who had just been elected for another term, came in to talk to the faithful.
Democrats, of course, weren’t as excited at the re-election of Daniels.
“It doesn’t surprise me,” said Patrick Manship, Democratic candidate for surveyor. “He worked hard and had more money to spend on advertising.” Daniels reportedly outspent Thompson by $10 million.
He said he talked to many Democrats when he campaigned door to door and found that they favored Daniels.
Pat Davis, Anderson Township assessor whose job was on the line in Tuesday’s election, said she was disappointed. “I don’t like privatization.”
She said because of Daniels’ policies, people can expect more taxes, such as wheel tax and for trash pickup.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Election 2011
10:05 p.m.: Daniels coasts to victory
- Election 2011
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Ockomon suing Spencer for alleged defamation
Mayor Kris Ockomon has filed a lawsuit against Teresa Spencer claiming false statements she made that resulted in damage to Ockomon. The suit claims that Spencer “provided false and unprivileged statements to the media and general public, orally and in writing."
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Election results at individual precincts changed a lot from '07
Democratic Mayor Kris Ockomon believes part of the blame for his re-election loss lies with the votes that went to Libertarian Rob Jozwiak instead of him. But Jozwiak disagrees and thinks that if he hadn’t been a candidate, Republican Kevin Smith would have still won.
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Summitville races in question
One of the candidates for Summitville’s clerk/treasurer said she is contemplating her next step is after alleging that she and other Democratic candidates witnessed several voting improprieties during Tuesday’s election.
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Editorial: Voters elect Smith, send message of disenchantment
Each of the three men who ran for mayor of Anderson can continue to play a vital part in the growth of the community. Here’s hoping they foster collaboration, rather than factionalism.
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Kevin Smith back as Anderson mayor
Four years after citizens chose not to re-elect Kevin Smith, they changed their minds. Smith, who was the Republican mayor from 2004 to 2007, was elected on Tuesday to retake office next year.
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Council incumbents re-elected; newcomer joins them
The eight incumbents who sought re-election to Anderson City Council got their wishes Tuesday, which left the Democratic party continuing to hold the majority. The ninth position will have a new face — Democrat Ty Bibbs in an at-large seat.
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Frankton gets new clerk/treasurer
At around 8:30 p.m. Kathy Hudson, Frankton Town Council clerk, had the final tally including the next person that would fill her shoes.
With almost double the votes, the duty went to Democratic candidate Jack Brown. -
Republicans oust Dems in Chesterfield
Republicans ousted two Democratic incumbents in the Chesterfield election Tuesday night. Deborah Dunham will replace Candy Bennett as the clerk/treasurer and Jerry Fields will fill Lynette Carter’s seat on the town council.
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Dockrey upset in Alexandria council race
A second shot at running for office paid off for Dan Stanley. The Democratic at-large candidate led the final election results Tuesday with 32 percent of the vote, landing a spot on Alexandria City Council.
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Arnold overcomes Democratic dominance in Elwood
A five-point plan including the establishment of a development commission proved to be the difference in Republican candidate Ron Arnold’s campaign for Elwood mayor.
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