INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana’s image and economic future have suffered a hit in recent years. Today, Indiana Democratic Party Chairman John Zody sent letters to all four possible gubernatorial candidates for the Republican Party asking them why they chose to sit on the sidelines while the state was in turmoil.

“Indiana deserves better than this. In the spirit of transparency, please consider answering my questions. Let’s give Hoosiers the opportunity to succeed and get ahead again,” Chairman Zody wrote in the letter. 

Indiana’s economy has fallen behind the rest of the nation. Economic growth has fallen behind the national average while per capita income for Hoosier families ranks 38^th in the U.S. While Indiana is not firing on all cylinders, there’s still time to find a solution to the problem. And it begins by providing a full, inclusive investment on the future of our state.

Below is a sample letter by Chairman Zody that was sent to State Senator Jim Tomes. Zody sent additional letters to Congresswoman Susan Brooks, Lieutenant Governor Eric Holcomb, and Congressman Todd Rokita.

John Zody
Chairman, Indiana Democratic Party
[email protected]
July 20, 2016

State Senator Jim Tomes,

Indiana has experienced some unwanted attention in the last couple years. While laws like RFRA have set our state image and economy back, I believe John Gregg wants to work with all Hoosiers, regardless of party, to prevent future panic and move Indiana forward. While you’re conducting your campaign for governor in the convention halls in Cleveland, voters in Indiana want to know where you stand on the issues that face our state.

We must think about setting a good example again for future generations of Hoosiers. We must bring a full investment to our state – not do the bare minimum that’s required. Indiana will continue to repair its image and overall state economy, but I have some questions that must be asked if you do plan on running for governor. 

• Why didn’t you denounce RFRA and the failure to pass LGBT Civil Rights Protections?
• Why didn’t you press Indiana to apply for pre-K funding from the Federal Government?
• Why didn’t you join thousands of Hoosiers in opposing HEA 1337?

Indiana’s economy has lagged in recent years. Our state’s economic growth consistently falls behind the national average while per capita income for Hoosiers ranks 38^th in the nation. Hoosiers are working more for less – and they can’t seem to think they are better off than where they once were. But there’s still time to find a solution to the problem.

Indiana deserves better than this. If you’re taking this candidacy seriously, please consider answering my questions. Let’s give Hoosiers the opportunity to succeed and get ahead again.
Sincerely,

John Zody
Chairman, Indiana Democratic Party 

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