INDIANAPOLIS —
Outnumbered Indiana Democrats couldn't block right-to-work legislation this year, but they were able to push the debate right up to the Super Bowl and grab national headlines for their efforts.
But critics say the boycotts and other tactics led by House Minority Leader B. Patrick Bauer could backfire on the party in this year's elections and say Democrats need to be more creative about tackling issues.
Bauer lost some members of a caucus already deeply split by the loss of the House in 2010 and looking at tough new battles in districts redrawn by Republicans last year.
But the 68-year-old South Bend Democrat says he's seen darker times for his caucus in four decades in office. He thinks what voters really want is for lawmakers to fight for them.
State News
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House Minority Leader B. Patrick Bauer, D-South Bend, speaks during a news conference at the Statehouse on Thursday. Michael Conroy
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Bauer tactics unite, divide outnumbered Democrats
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Allisonville Road bridge project in Indianapolis begins Wednesday
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Hundreds pay respects to slain Indiana soldier
