Democrats Jockey To Oppose Daniels

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(UNDATED) - Eight months before Indiana’s gubernatorial primary, three Democrats are jockeying for position for the chance to challenge Republican incumbent Mitch Daniels.

IUPUI political scientist Brian Vargus says right now, the Democrats' primary shapes up as architect Jim Schellinger's bankroll against former Congresswoman Jill Long Thompson's name recognition, with Senate Minority Leader Richard Young lacking enough of either.

Schellinger's the state party's preference, which Vargus says will make his fundraising easier. But he says that alone isn't enough.

Vargus sees Thompson as the only candidate of the three with a geographic base, in her former congressional district in Northeast Indiana, and in the North-Central Indiana district where she lost a comeback bid in 2002. But Vargus says Thompson will need to turn out organized labor support which wasn't there for her in the 2002 race.

Campaign finance reports covering the first half of the year show Schellinger with 1.1 million dollars cash on hand, compared to Young's $45,000.

Thompson didn't enter the race until July 5th, but has filed paperwork indicating two large contributions since then totaling $20,000. Daniels' finance report showed him with 4.1 million dollars.

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