By Richard Leib, Elkhart Truth

I’d like to offer some brief non-political impressions of a few political folks.

A little over a week ago I went to a ribbon-cutting at the new “Republican Victory Center” out on South Nappanee Street in Elkhart. A “Victory Center” is what we used to call a campaign headquarters.

Anyone could have gone, of course, but there were only about a hundred people there on that hot Saturday. Those who did come had a unique opportunity to check out some political heavy-hitters in a down-home casual situation. (There were even free smoothies and chocolate chip cookies.)

Although there were a number of state politicians there, I think people had mainly come for the big names: Pence, Walorski and Mourdock.

As I’m sure you know, Mike Pence wants to be our next governor; Jackie Walorski is running for the U.S. House of Representatives; and Richard Mourdock is seeking a seat in the U.S. Senate.

Here are some off-the-cuff impressions:

Mike Pence is very much what you would expect. No surprises there. He looks like a governor, walks like a governor and talks like a governor. With his experience, the learning curve would be very flat. He’s ready for the keys to 4750 N. Meridian Street in Indy, if the voters offer them.

Jackie Walorski is a bundle of energy. And though that will not come as a surprise to anyone who’s heard her speeches, it may be surprising to many how genuinely personable she is. In a meet-and-greet venue, she bounces around the room and leaves everyone with a smile.

Jackie seems to be a smart lady, in addition to being socially comfortable in a crowd. I think having her in the House of Representatives would be a hoot. Putting her in the same room with Nancy Pelosi could definitely become sound bite-laden entertainment. It would be an “SNL” skit just waiting to happen.

Richard Mourdock is a bit of an enigma for me. I’ve heard so many stories pro and con about this guy that I was eager to meet him and try to sort out my feelings.

The Democratic opposition seems to feel that Mourdock is going to be an easy guy to defeat. His rigid conservative pronouncements have allowed his opponent to paint him as a cross between Don Quixote and Hagar the Horrible. 

But I’ve talked to many who have met him, and they say he is really a very nice guy. And his supporters think he’s a knight in shining armor. They believe he’ll stand by his word and not crumble when a battle becomes difficult. “Finally,” they say, “here is someone who is what he says he is.”

Mourdock slurped a strawberry smoothie while he waited for his turn to speak. And when he spoke he was humble and very emotional. That surprised me. I expected a more flinty personality. 

I talked with him briefly and asked about his famous no-compromise statement. He said he was talking about principles, and he believed that principles should not be compromised. It was a subject I would have liked to pursue, but this wasn’t the occasion. Not enough time and too many awe-struck fans.

Being up close and personal with folks has an effect on one’s perception that is different than what results from our usual exposures to candidates. Vibes and observations are picked up that are not available in the planned and canned images of a structured TV debate.

Who you vote for, or even if you vote, is your business. But as the campaign grinds along toward E-Day in November, if you have an opportunity to check out candidates in the flesh, I recommend doing so.

Non-political impressions of political folks can make the whole process feel a lot more real.

Former Elkhart furniture store owner Richard Leib has served on planning committees in several industries. An avid auto fan, he raced in the 1972 coast-to-coast Cannonball Run. He has written on a wide range of subjects.

Syracuse, IN

Recently, the staff and residents at Miller’s Merry Manor in Syracuse were visited by Jackie Walorski, candidate for Indiana’s 2^ndCongressional district.  Following a tour of the nursing facility, Walorski was introduced to a large group of residents and staff members where she discussed issues facing seniors and workers in light of today’s health care climate.  Ms. Walorski assured listeners of her commitment to protecting Medicare and their quality of long-term health care.  She also shared her own personal experience concerning her mother, who is currently living with her family, stating, “Like her, you are the ones who built this country and paved the way for me and my generation.  Now you deserve to have your voice represented in Washington, and I promise to fight to protect the benefits you have paid into throughout your lifetime and care you deserve from a place like Miller’s Merry Manor.”

During the visit, the candidate received the enthusiastic backing of 95-year old Miller’s resident, Harriet “Izzy” Staley, who said, “I sure hope you win the election.  We need more women in politics.”  Walorski candidly responded, “I think I’m going to take her on the road with me!”

“It was a real honor to have Jackie in our building,” stated Bryan Zehr, Administrator at Miller’s. “She was very attentive to our residents and wanted to take the time to get to know something about as many of them as she could.  It is very important to our residents and for those of us who work in health care to have our elected officials come see the important work we do.”

By Jodi Magallanes

Jackie Walorski, candidate for U.S. Congress 2nd District, recently stopped by the offices of The Papers Inc. for a tour of the printing facility.

Walorski and two of her staffers toured the Milford company’s corporate offices and production areas. She said she was surprised by the longevity of a number of employees, some of whom have been working at The Papers for 25 years or more. She was also impressed with the quantity of printing and niche publications the company produces.

To view the article, click here.

By Sean Sullivan

First in Sort: Indiana 2nd District Republican nominee Jackie Walorski raised over $330,000 during the second quarter of the year and ended the period with $720,000 cash on hand. Walorski narrowly lost to Democratic Rep. Joe Donnelly in 2010 and is running in a more GOP-friendly district this cycle, following redistricting.

Click here for the full story.

By Marlys Weaver-Stoesz