Yesterday we had a rally for Baron Hill, our candidate for congress in the IN-9th district.
Our little town is jam-packed with tourists this time of year and we knew we’d have quite an audience. What made our little rally unusual, was that we had a very special guest, former Senator Birch Bayh (Evan’s dad).
Waiting for the senator to arrive. The traffic was horrible, so he was delayed.
After welcoming the senator, we chatted for a few minutes, then went over to the local volunteer fire dept. fish fry for a sandwich.
Senator Bayh greets a volunteer who is running for local office this election.
Greeting some of the locals.
We left the courthouse and canvassed the downtown, speaking with many of the shopowners and people on the street. It was a pleasure to watch the senator in action. He has a very genteel manner and gracefully deflects comments that detract from his points. People were greeted like old friends and neighbors. Lots of the shopowners took a few minutes from a very busy afternoon to chat politics. I only heard one negative comment from a couple of women who were obvious Sodrel supporters. Most of the feedback we received was quite positive for Baron.
I found it also interesting that Senator Bayh didn’t feel the need for an elaborate and expensive security detail to accompany him on his visit. The last time Sodrel came to town, he brought several security types with him.
Well, it looks as if some of the image click-throughs aren’t working properly. I’ll see if I can fix ’em.
Obviously he didn’t need security with members of the Gnaw Bone Polo Club watching out for him. I think he should sell that shirt as a fundraiser. I’d buy one!
The guy with that shirt used to screen print them. Unfortunately, he’s now out of business due to poor health. I’ll ask him if anyone else has picked up the license. He was also an activist with Big Brothers/Big Sisters for many years and is unable to do much of that either.
He used to print a “Gnawbone University” logo over a picture of an outhouse, too.
They used to sell those at the Tack N’ Snack (or whatever it’s called these days now that there’s no more tack). I shoulda bought one when I coulda.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the report. It looks like you had a great day for it.
It was a lovely day. We got lots of horn tooting for Baron and a “Go Baron Hill” shout-out from one car.
Great to see the turnout and looks like you had a lovely day. 🙂
It was certainly a day I’ll remember.
These are such nice pictures; really gives the flavor of the day. Sen. Bayh is a great asset to his son.
However, when I see Sen. Bayh, I’m reminded of his wife Marvella, who I heard speak many years ago when I was a mere groundling. That woman had political talents down to her toenails. She was one of the first women I heard spoken of openly as being more than a scene decorator as a political wife (I don’t mean that as a slam on women who marry men who become politicians – it was simply the view of the times, and still the view of many today). She was sharp, smart, and quite a policy expert. I recall the Louisville Courier Journal raising some hackles in an editorial by suggesting that she run for office. Sen. Evan Bayh is much like his mother.
I’ve never had the privilege of meeting the elder Mrs. Bayh. The senator spoke a little about her and his grandparents yesterday while we were making our way between stops. He came across to me as just a regular guy. Reminded me of my own grandparents. I’ll bet they were quite a team!
Speaking of women in politics, here’s my local state senator whom I have great respect for. She came within a frog hair of opposing Mitch Daniels for Indiana governor. She was ready to go but stepped aside when asked by the state party, who favored Joe Kernan. We all know where that led. Maybe in 2 years, she’ll be back.
Vi Simpson shows up on one of my lists of politicians who are good advocates for mental health – and a similar list for supporting adequate financing of public education. I hope she will move higher in government!