One Out, One To Go

About two weeks before the election, I had an accident had home. I tripped over the dog at the top of the stairs. As I began to fall downward head-first, I instinctively placed my right hand out to break my fall.

It worked! Problem is, I got two fingers caught in the baby gate. I knew immediately that I broke at least one metacarpel in the right hand. This was confirmed by a specialist. He set the bone in the office, but it fell of place during the following, leading to surgery.

Having the hand in a cast meant I couldn't wear the normal candidate attire. I couldn't wear a suit coat, and I couldn't tie a necktie until I finally got enough use of my right hand a day before the election.

Everyone noticed. I decided to have fun with it. With media, I would say, "I've just shaken so many hands, mine fell apart. I wore it out!" That got laughs. With supporters or those who seemed amused and asked, "what happened to you?", I replied, "You should see the other guy." More laughs... except when I used it at the doctor's office. They thought I was serious!

Anyhow, one of the two pins was removed. This gave me quite a lot more movement in my pinky. I have a whole new list of exercises to do, which is great. I had no idea that the pins actually run inside the bones! The other one comes out next week. Chances are good that I will even be able to play hockey come January 1. The gloves will stay on, to be sure!

Charlie Rangel Attacks Your Civil Liberties

When I first heard about it about a year and a half ago, I thought this miserable idea of Charlie Rangel's was a ploy based on his party being in the opposition, and Rangel's personal opposition to the war in Iraq- reinstate the draft.

I thought he meant to do this at that time because the draft is so unpopular and wrong as a spiterful means to ramp up opposition to wound Republicans.

No, it turns out Rangel thinks having a draft will deter politicians from waging wars. From the AP report:

"There's no question in my mind that this president and this administration would never have invaded Iraq, especially on the flimsy evidence that was presented to the Congress, if indeed we had a draft and members of Congress and the administration thought that their kids from their communities would be placed in harm's way," Rangel said.

Rangel, a veteran of the Korean War who has unsuccessfully sponsored legislation on conscription in the past, has said the all-volunteer military disproportionately puts the burden of war on minorities and lower-income families.

Oh, just like how the draft succesfully kept the poor and minorities out of Viet Nam, right?

Volunteerism is the only just method of forming a military. If the people judge a conflict to be unjust, they withhold their participation. Rangel's plan would take those who have no interest or inclination for military action and thrust them unwillingly into it. What kind of social justice is that?

When running for Secretary of State, I talked about how voting Democrat on the basis of having your civil liberties defended was a waste of your vote. Here's the proof.

It's so ironic for me, because I was a Democrat as a young man because then the Dems were strident in their opposition to the draft. On the trail, I also spoke about how the Republicans had moved away from their smaller government principles. Same is true of the Dems on this issue. Amazing that they can't even wait until they actually take the leadership before the alienate those who gave them a chance again. I'm sure this is only the first of many affronts.

Protect your civil liberties. Vote Libertarian!

Update: I changed the title of this post from Democrats Fail To Protect Your Civil Liberties after an exchange with Jeff Pruitt. Jeff showed me that Rangel's on an island on this one... which is a good place for him... and that's it's not fair to lump all Dems in with Rangel. He's right, so I changed it.

The Passing of a Giant

Sadly, today we learn that Milton Friedman has died. From the AP report in the Indy Star:

His theories won him a Nobel Prize in economics in 1976.

A believer in the principles of 18th century economist Adam Smith, he consistently argued that individual freedom should rule economic policy. Outspoken and controversial, Friedman saw his theories attacked by many traditional economists such as Harvard's John Kenneth Galbraith.

In an essay titled “Is Capitalism Humane?” he said that “a set of social institutions that stresses individual responsibility, that treats the individual ... as responsible for and to himself, will lead to a higher and more desirable moral climate.”

Friedman acknowledged that “pure capitalism” did not exist, but said that nations that cherished freedom must strive to keep the economy as close to the ideal as possible.

This is the passing of a giant. I always had an innate sense of the benefits and justice of capitalism, but Milton Friedman gave me an academic means for expressing it and backing it up beyond mere feelings.

Friedman was extolling capitalism's virtues at a time when academia had turned from capitalism and embraced Marx- incorrectly. He stood against this fad and led the reversal, and for that I am grateful. He is one of those most responsible for inspiring me to work to reverse course back towards capitalism, and to become a Libertarian activist.

I am deeply saddened at his passing.

There is a statement on the webpage of the Milton & Rose D. Friedman Foundation concerning his passing.

Reason Magazine has a tribute and links to many articles.

http://cato-at-liberty.org/ has at least three blog entries memorializing Friedman.

Post-Election Notes, Part 2

A couple things have kept me from writing more reflections- the surgically repaired right hand that is useless for typing, and the sting I feel when I look at the numbers and reflect on the realities.

Call that last bit pride. I knew that the odds were greatly against me for a victory, but I did have plenty of secondary objectives.

2%. That was the bottom line. I got this, so the Libertarian Party maintains automatic ballot access for the next four years statewide in Indiana. That's no small victory, especially when we recall the failure of the Greens to achieve it this year.

10%. That would have put us into the primaries. Opinion within the LPIN was divided on this. Many did not want to be part of a taxpayer-funded process that only really is political party business. My belief was that the Ds & Rs would remain true to form and would try to change the rules if I reached this figure. Doing so would have made us a player in a very worthy discourse about the nature of funding these events, which I really was hoping for. Alas.

2nd Place in any County. That would have made us eligible for positions on appointed boards and commissions, such as the Elections Boards. We deserve a place on them anyway, and no better way to make the case but to displace the Rs or Ds- after all, the law only provides for two parties to participate. It would have been a delight to give them a taste of their own medicine. Alas, my best showing was in Wayne County, with more than 8%, yet still in 3rd.

Increased Statewide Percentage. If you can't win, my objective was to at least improve upon past performance. I thought this was a slam-dunk. The public was more upset with both parties this year than in 2002. I made close to 200 appearances in 35 counties- all new bests for LPIN candidates. I was getting new support on issues like opposition to forced annexations and smoking bans, which I thought should translate into votes, election day staffing, and contributions. Boy, was I wrong there, but more on that later. The numbers:

2002: 60,937 votes received, 4.12%
2006: 53,459 votes received, 3.33%

The 2006 numbers are not official yet, as incredibly, not all precincts are counted even still. My vote totals may go up, but the percentage is unlikely to change much.

I am at once embarrassed by my showing and perplexed at the realities. I just can't get my arms around doing so much more resulting in fewer votes. Ame tells me that the 2002 returns might have been better because we had a female candidate, and some women will vote for any woman regardless of party. Others tell me that having Steve Osborn on the ballot for US Senate at the top of ticket may have sucked up any sympathy/protest votes we would take. I really think that I could have had one public appearance or a thousand and it would not have made a bit of difference. Unless I had at least a minor statewide saturation of TV ads to begin getting real name recognition, the average Hoosier voter wasn't going to violate their traditional old party choice.

Strong Showing at Home. I had hoped to finish 2nd here in Hamilton County when I began the campaign. As time passed and I was travelling across the state, I slowly revised my hopes downward, but I never thought I would do worse than we had in 2002. Alas, again.

2002: 1,630 votes received, 3.70%
2006: 1,773 votes received, 3.02%

This is really disappointing. Between the 3 years working at the County Surveyor's Office, the public defense of the Geist, Homeplace, and Southwest Clay property owners against forced annexations by Fishers and Carmel, and the myriad appearances in the local papers with countless letters and quotes from statements at town or county council meetings, the result was nil. While I never really expected huge numbers to change parties and vote straight ticket Libertarian, I thought that by standing up for people, they would at least throw support behind me at the ballot box. This didn't happen at all.

This is the toughest thing to swallow. A candidacy is unfortunately something of a test on those around you. I didn't set out for it to be, but as a candidate, you find yourself looking around for those you can count on. There were so many times that I was turned away by those I thought I could count on, either directly or by evasion. I'm not the kind of guy who tries to avoid finding out these things, but the knowledge doesn't bring any particular comfort.

So, I'm glad I got the baseline 2% for continued ballot access. That's about all I'm pleased with right now, and that's not much of a feeling when reflecting back upon two years of my life.

I'm really glad to wrap up this process. I'm really enjoying helping Alex with his homework and making Isabel's dinner five nights a week. I'm enjoying getting back into the work and making money and looking forward to playing poker, and once the hand heals, hockey.

Weekend Wind-Down

After two years of campaigning and general hyper-activity, the Koles and friends took off for the hills of Kentucky for a weekender of family hiking and cabin lounging.

We were at the Red River Gorge and the Natural Bridge parks areas. Not much I care to report on, but some fun pictures to share:

Isabel casts a glance back on the approach to the Natural Bridge.

Jay & Ella take in the expansive view from atop the Natural Bridge.

This was fun enough, but I'm really looking forward to a nice little vacation with Ame!

Spoilers, eh?

I hope! If Libertarian "took votes from" Republicans, let it be a lesson to the GOP that it isn't enough to give lip service to smaller government, but that especially when they have majorities, they must deliver on it.

In actuality, though, everything I am hearing and seeing points to Libertarians "taking votes from" Democrats. While Dems were soft on anti-war rhetoric, Libertarians such as Eric Schansberg was plain about it. As the Democratic base had many voters who shared this perspective with Schansberg, and stood contrary to Dem Baron Hill and Republican Mike Sodrel, the L's actually reduced Hill's win from blowout to narrow victory.

From the LaPorte Herald Argus, the view of cartoonist Herman Torzino.

Here's the lesson for both major parties: Libertarians aren't afraid to take strong positions. Don't blame us if your gray dive to the middle alienates some part of your bases. You simply don't get to take them for granted anymore.

Give us your cold, tired, disaffected masses... We aren't going away.

Credited As Spoiler

Check out this email message that landed in my in-box today:

Hi Mike:

Just a quick note to thank you for throwing the control of election day Inspectors over to the Democrats. Due to your candidacy the Marion County election process will become an even bigger disaster. I hope you are happy.

I had to think about this for a moment, but then it dawned on me that this year, Todd Rokita failed to finish first in Marion County. From the Marion County webpage:

SECRETARY OF STATE
VOTE FOR ONLY 1
(WITH 894 OF 914 PRECINCTS COUNTED 97.81%)

02A TODD ROKITA (REP) . . . . . . 93,331 47.89
02B JOE PEARSON (DEM) . . . . . . 95,022 48.76
02C MIKE KOLE (LIB). . . . . . . . . 6,196 3.18
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 326 .17

While I'd like to take credit for the spoiler role, a look at the 2002 returns for comparison's sake is worthwhile. From the SOS webpage:

Fernandez, John (Democratic) 95412
Sink-Burris, Rebecca (Libertarian) 7218
Rokita, Todd (Republican) 96373

Looks like the Dems' numbers are about the same, but Todd Rokita lost about 3,000 votes in Marion County. Maybe Todd just didn't campaign enough in Marion County. Go complain to him.

But, look on the bright side. The Marion County Dems, and Ed Treacy in particular, were brutal to outgoing Republican Clerk Doris Ann Sadler. Well! The shoe's on the other foot now. A pity for Clerk-elect Beth White, but likely big fun for Republican howlers.

I'd be happier if I came in first, because Libertarians would be in charge of the elections, which were a mess this year under a Republican. Sadler had five candidates on the ballot who weren't certified, and some polling places didn't open on time. That's nothing to brag on.

On WXNT Friday Morning

I'll be on WXNT 1430-am in Indy Friday for the 8-9am hour, along with new LPIN Executive Director Kyle McDonald, to analyze the election from a Libertarian perspective.

Indiana Licensed Beverage Association Exec (and former LPIN E.D.) Brad Klopfenstein is filling in for regular host Abdul Hakim-Shabazz.

Be sure to tune in! Those outside central Indiana can listen online at www.wxnt.com.

First Post-Election Notes

While I can't report a victory today, I am pleased to report that we have met our baseline objective of continued automatic ballot access for the Libertarian Party of Indiana through 2010. If a Hoosier wants to run as a Libertarian candidate, they need only fill out the forms and hit the trail, no petitions necessary.

Here are some other observations:

It was odd to watch the returns come in, where my numbers were at 5% and about 56,000 votes with around 60% of precincts reporting, and then my returns shifted down to 3% on 46,000 with 80% of precincts reporting, and it appears I'm ending up with around 52,000 votes. Can someone explain this? I still topped the 2% minimum for ballot access, but the next metric was to gain over the 4.1% we earned in 2002. The idea that we might be backsliding would be very disappointing to me personally. I would take responsibility for that.

The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reported that I took 5%, so I'm not alone in this observation:

In the race for secretary of state, Rokita had garnered 416,229 votes, or 52 percent of the vote.

Democrat Joe Pearson had 346,996 votes, or 43 percent. Libertarian Mike Kole had 39,620 votes or 5 percent of the vote.

WISH-TV 8 in Indy showed Kole at 5% half-way through. I wish we took more screen shots.

I'd like to hear an explanation on this. How do you account for getting 41,000 votes with the first half of precincts, and then 12,000 with the other half? It's possible but extremely unlikely.

There are so many people to thank, but I'll keep it brief for now: My family, but especially Ame for enduring the two-year disruption. I'm looking forward to enjoying a more normal family life with her, Alex, and Isabel.

Thanks also to Jim Hurst. Beyond the material support, I really appreciate his willingness to step forward publicly to get behind me. That takes great courage in this time of extremely meddlesome government.

Some libertarians were disappointed that my campaign did not feature more red meat for them. As it turned out, I was quite vindicated by the course of yesterday's elections. I called for election machines we could trust, and then we had machines not work in Delaware County and Hoosiers across the state reporting irregularities, such as machines refusing to count Democratic straight-ticket votes. I called for voter verified paper audit trails, and Hoosiers leaving the polls were doing the same.

I called for competence, and then we had major incompetence from the Elections Division and the Marion County Clerk. The Election Division refused to certify 11 Libertarian candidates because of a new filing requirement created by the Legislature and targeting LPIN candidates. And yet, five of those eleven still appeared on Marion County ballots. Maybe the Clerk can be forgiven if the filings looked correct, because they were.

More observations will come once the votes are all counted, which means we might have a week's worth of notes trickling in.

Voted Early!

It was with great pleasure that I cast my votes at 6:03 this morning. I voted for a really solid candidate for Secretary of State, wink, wink.

Quite a change from 2004, when the lines were out the door. No line today. The rain isn't helping people sprint to the polls.

Schedule

6am Vote in Fishers
6:30-7:30 Work Geist polling place
8:45am Anderson polling place
10am Muncie polling place
Noon Richmond, Hagerstown polling places to distribute lunches to Rex Bell supporters
2pm District 54 polling places
7pm Bearno's, Downtown Indy for Election Night Party

Last Pre-Election Trail Report

Tomorrow's the big day, but we've had some big days this weekend running strong to end. This is a photojournal report.
Friday began with a quick visit to South Bend and the offices of the Tribune yielded a nice interview with James Wensits. Article link.

We rallied with the faithful in LaPorte. Huge thanks to Karen Wolf for this excellent cake! It was a tremendous surprise when she brought it out!

Another rally, this time in Lowell at The Pizza House. We got the faithful excited and then talked small business with the owner.

Saturday was spent in the southern part of the state. Rob Place & I ate lunch in Franklin at the D&D Club in support of their battle against a smoking ban.

With LPIN District 9 rep Greg Hertszch and District 9 US House candidate Eric Schansberg with two of his sons, in Clarksville. We campaigned at the annual Lewis & Clark festival near Greg's home.

The Final Poll

Tuesday is the day when the speculation ends and we learn how the people of our state have chosen.

Will Hoosiers choose the various models of big government offered by Republicans and Democrats, or you they choose the smaller government offered only by Libertarians?

Will Hoosiers reward Republicans for failing to deliver on lower taxes and smaller budgets?
Will Hoosiers reward Democrats for failing to deliver on protections of civil liberties?

Do Hoosiers value having multiple choices on the ballot?

Do Hoosiers want election machines equipped with voter verifiable paper audit trails? Do they want to see an end to the practice of gerrymandering?

Do you like the idea of seeing Libertarians appointed to boards and commissions?

Vote for me, Mike Kole, your Libertarian candidate for Secretary of State to send a powerful message in favor of limited goverment, in favor of ballot choices.

Let the state know that you support VVPAT and and end to gerrymandering.

Let Rs & Ds know you are dissatisfied with their performance, and that they have lost your support.

Mike's first- or second-place finish in any municipality or county, irrespective of statewide outcome, means Libertarians are appointed to boards and commissions, instead of Rs or Ds.

The only wasted votes are the ones cast by supporters of limited goverment in favor of Rs or Ds, because the old parties have commitment to this principle.

Vote for me, Mike Kole, your Libertarian candidate for Secretary of State.

Today On The Trail

We're riding hard and clean to the very end. Just 4 days until Election Day! Here's what's on tap for today:

9am: Phone interview with the Martinsville Daily Times about electronic voting,
Noon: Rally with Norte Dame LP supporters
2pm: Interview with the South Bend Tribune.
3:30pm: Media and volunteer reception at the LPLP headquarters in downtown LaPorte
6pm: ALCO-TV in Michigan City for a candidate taping. Will be aired throughout the area all weekend.
7pm (CST): The Lake County LP will be hosting a fundraiser and volunteer event at the Pizza House at 108 West Commercial in Lowell.

Supporters can pick up materials (palm cards, lapel stickers, yard signs) for working their polling places. If you live in Northern Indiana, be sure to meet up with us on the trail today!

Home Stretch

This is it- just seven days left until the one poll that matters- The Election!

Please keep in mind that my race for Secretary of State is more than just that. It's the Libertarian Party of Indiana's ballot status race.

At minimum, I must receive at least 2% statewide to continue the Libertarian Party's automatic ballot access. If I fail, petitions will have to be carried in order to put Libertarian candidates on the ballot.

If you want to know the value of automatic ballot access, I suggest you talk to the Greens. They failed to get on the ballot this year after 18 months of petitioning. LPIN State Chair Mark Rutherford estimates the cost of successful petitioning to be $140,000.

Here's an easier way:

Donate $100 to my campaign right now. Click here.
Vote for Mike Kole on November 7. Click here to find your polling place.
Work a polling place on Election Day. Click here to sign up.

If you are a Libertarian and you believe in the Libertarian Party, and if you only give to one Libertarian cause, this is the one. Without ballot access, a political party really doesn't exist.

The Libertarian Party is becoming an increasingly significant voice. Look at Rex Bell. Look at our contribution to the eminent domain dialogue. We are the only party speaking against forced annexations. Did I mention Rex Bell? Ballot access gives Rex the chance to go to the Statehouse, and not just on a visitor's tour.

Let's make sure Hoosiers can continue to have the opportunity to vote for the only party that relentlessly promotes smaller government and lower taxes.

No regrets on November 8. Be in action today!

Insight Message

We have the video file for my statement on the Insight CATV system's candidate show. It runs 3 minutes, 30 seconds.

Download via this link to get the file, or go to www.mikekole.com to see it via You Tube.

Schedule Notes

We have three big travel dates remaining.

Friday, 11/3- This will be a whirlwind of a day, with stops across the Northern third of the state, including Suth Bend and LaPorte. Details forthcoming. The item that is set in stone is a fundraiser dinner in Lowell, at the Pizza House. The fun starts at 7pm. The Pizza House is located at 108 W. Commercial, in Lowell.

Saturday, 11/4- Looks like the Southern part of the state, with a stop in Clarksville for the annual Lewis & Clark festivities. Look for more details shortly.

Tuesday, 11/7- Election Day will also be a whirlwind of a day, beginning with the casting of my ballot at 6am in Fishers. I'll be at one (or more!) of the voting locations in Indiana House District 54 supporting Rex Bell for the evening rush. We'll wrap up in Indianapolis at the LPIN election night party at Bearno's on Pennsylvania St.

Be sure to join us along the way!

Two New Ads

This morning I recorded two new ads. These will air across the state.

If you like these ads, please help us to get as many on the air as possible. There is still time available in most areas- even in the 3rd Congressional District! Click here to support. On average $10=1 ad!

As soon as the producer sends the files, we'll post them here. In the meantime, you can feast your eyes on the scripts:

New Ad #1

Each year, Hoosier politicians wring their hands in public about dismal voter turnout.

We know why people stay home election after election.

Republicans fail to deliver lower taxes and smaller government. Democrats fail to deliver protections of your personal freedoms.

Let me offer you an alternative. Vote Libertarian. Vote for me, Mike Kole for Secretary of State.

Libertarians will deliver on smaller government, lower taxes, and personal freedom.

As your Secretary of State, I’ll work to increase turnout.

I’ll work to put an end to gerrymandered districts that make the election a foregone conclusion in most parts of our state.

I’ll work to promote voter verifiable paper audit trails with our voting equipment – so votes are correctly counted.

I’ll cut the Secretary of State's budget by at least 1% in my first year.

Elect Libertarians. We will deliver.

Libertarians are passionate about smaller government and lower taxes. Republicans are passionate about holding power.

Send a message. Vote Libertarian.Vote for Libertarian Mike Kole.

Paid for and authorized by the Committee to Elect Mike Kole, Ken Johnson Treasurer.

New Ad #2

Everyday, we make choices. We love having choices.

What would the world be like if we only had two types of cars to choose from?

Two TV stations?

Two web sites?

Americans love choices. Choices in the marketplace allow you to get the things you really like.

Why should our elections be any different? Especially if two choices don’t represent you?

This election, keep choice an option on Indiana's ballots for the next four years.

A vote for Mike Kole, Libertarian for Secretary of State, is a vote to keep the Libertarian Party on the ballot for four more years.

It's a vote to keep a voice of smaller government and personal freedoms alive in the public debate.

It's a vote to ensure some competition in a political landscape equally split up by the republicans and democrats.

Keep choice in Indiana. Vote Libertarian. Vote for Mike Kole for Secretary of State.

Paid for and authorized by the Committee to Elect Mike Kole, Ken Johnson Treasurer.

Wasted Vote Syndrome Ad

With Rex Bell polling in the 30s, and in a close second, we know that now more than ever, a vote for a Libertarian is not a wasted vote.

Here is a link to Sendspace, where you can download the 60-second ad.

If you want to hear this effective, convincing message across Indiana and on your local radio station, click here to donate.

Two Sides of The Star

Looking at the Indy Star online today was bittersweet. Dan Carpenter included me in his list of honorable mentions for seven candidates who were not endorsed, but left very favorable impressions.

Then I looked at their "Voters Guide". It left me off their slick mock ballot. The Democrat & Republican were given headshot photos, bios, and a position statement. This Libertarian was given nothing- not even the journalistic minimum of "Libertarian Mike Kole is also on the ballot". (There is no dirct link for the Guide. It is a pop-up feature on the Star's main page.)

In fact, no Libertarian is included. No Eric Schansberg in District 9, no Steve Osborn for US Senate, nothing. There are nice elephant and donkey graphics for the Ds & Rs.

Maybe Matt Tully would just say I'm whining here, but this is an outrage!

Is this a paid advertisement for Ds & Rs, or is this a Voters Guide?
Is this malicious omission, or just shoddy journalism?

I respectfully call on the Star to remove this Voters Guide until such time as all ballotted candidates appear on it.

The Star is plainly free to publish whatever it chooses, just please don't call it journalism, and certainly don't call it a Voters Guide, because it's nothing of the sort.

This snub just illustrates why the purcase of radio ads is so important. We can't count on certain outlets to include us in the free publicity they heap on the other two, so in the grand Western tradition, we have to buy our message to compete. Please- click here to support our purchase of radio ads statewide. $10 = 1 minute, on average.

Trail Briefs

3-minute presentations are running on cable TV systems Insight (Lafayette & Kokomo), and Comcast (Indy). We're looking for someone to record these so we can put them on You Tube for a wider audience to see. Email the campaign at mikekole@msn.com with a digital file.

I was on Richmond radio this morning, talking Libertarian ballot status and wider ballot access. This was with Chris Nolte on WKBV 1490-am.

I was not able to attend a candidate forum at IU East as planned, as I broke a bone in my right hand after a fall at home. It may require surgery, but I hope not. The doc is going to set it tomorrow. I can't wait.

We've made a great push in funraising for radio ads. If you live in Evansville, Fort Wayne, Bloomington, Kokomo, Rushville, LaPorte, Richmond, or Indy especially, and want to be sure that you and your neighbors can hear our ads, please contribute today! Even $10 buys an ad or two, depending on the market. $250 will complete our buys in some markets, such as Columbus and Kokomo. Click here to support!

District One, mark your calendars! Mike and the team will be in Lowell on Friday, November 3, at the Pizza House, at 7pm. This will be a fundraiser for Mike Kole, and a fun evening with your fellow defenders of liberty. No RSVP required.

TV Taping For Lafayette

I was in the studios of Insight cable TV this afternoon, taping my promo for the ICN candidate show, "Candidates Up Close". These will run on ICN Channel 13 in Lafayette, West Lafayette, and Attica; and on ICN Channel 3 in Kokomo on the following schedule:

Monday, 10/23, 7pm
Wednesday, 10/25, 8pm
Saturday 10/28, 5pm
Sunday, 10/29, 9am
Monday, 10/31, 7pm
Wednesday, 11/1, 8pm
Saturday 11/4, 5pm
Sunday, 11/5, 9am
Monday, 11/6, 7pm

Be sure to tune in. See if any other statewide candidate bothered to turn up and tape their own promo. Here's a shot from my taping:

I appreciate the opportunity Insight created- for all candidates to have a 5-minute message for their viewers. Thanks, Insight!

Making Strides Event

Ame, Isabel, and I participated in the American Cancer Association's annual "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" event, doing the Indianapolis 5k walk early this morning.

The broken toe was protesting a little, but I would have done this event in a wheelchair if necessary. Too many women close to me have suffered breast cancer, and I do what I can to assist in helping to find a cure.

New Radio Ad

As soon as new money comes in, we put it to work. We raised money at last night's bean dinner, and today we cut an ad to run on Indy's WXNT 1430-am. It will run once an hour during daytime programming- Abdul in the Morning, Neal Boortz, Bill O'Reilly, and Sean Hannity.

For those who can't stand O'Reilly or Hannity, or perhaps question the wisdom of heavy advertising on clearly Republican shows, observe the script:

My name is Mike Kole. I am the Libertarian candidate for Secretary of State.

People often tell me they like a great deal of what the Libertarian Party stands for, but are concerned about wasting their votes.

Let me tell you- there are a lot of wasted votes every November.

If you voted Republican looking for lower taxes and smaller government, you have wasted your vote.

You gave your vote. Did you get your results?

You might have expected them to deliver on smaller government and lower taxes, since they have had majorities in the Indiana House and Senate, plus the governor’s office. And yet, they failed to deliver.

Elect Libertarians. We will deliver.

Libertarians are passionate about smaller government and lower taxes. Republicans on the other hand, are passionate about holding power. They’re happy to collect your vote without delivering.

Why put up with that treatment? Send a message. Vote
Libertarian.

Vote for Libertarian Mike Kole.

Paid for and authorized by the Committee to Elect Mike Kole, Ken Johnson Treasurer.

If you like this ad and want more of them to run, please contribute by clicking here.

I'm very pleased with this ad. I have wanted to tackle the wasted voted syndrome in my ads for almost two years. This is a satisfying result!

Bean Dinner a Success!

Thursday night was a glorious night, as supporters of the Kole Campaign gathered for NK Hurst 15-Bean Soup, and fellowship with defenders of property rights.

Many, many thanks to great friend Jim Hurst, who put the event together and provided the excellent food. Also, thanks for his remarks in introducing me. Public speaking isn't everyone's idea of fun, and I appreciate that Jim got up and spoke because of his support for me. I appreciate that very much!

Many, many thanks to Rob Place and Dan Drexler, who managed many of the events' details.

Big thanks to Mark Rutherford for his exuberant fundraising pitch, and to Kyle McDonald for his dignified introductions.

Thanks of course to all who attended and contributed. Your support is the fuel I need for the stretch run!

We raised over $5,000 on this evening, and it will go a long way towards covering the state with radio ads.

Photo gallery:

Jim Hurst & Mike. Jim said, "OK. I want one of those toothy grinned politician handshake pictures". How can I turn this man down?

Alongside Jim Hurst, I'm listening to Fred McCarthy, Indianapolis budgetary watchdog and author of the great Indy Tax Dollars blog.

More Bean Dinner Photo Gallery

The Marrott's Ballroom was fabulous!

Supporters dig in to the NK Hurst 15-Bean Soup and their Pasta Fagioli.

Chatting with supporters.

Marion County Chair Greg Dixon presents me with a check on behalf of the Marion County LP.

Isabel: "Vote for my Daddy!"

Bean Dinner, Featuring NK Hurst Beans!

The Kole Campaign is proud to announce a Bean Dinner Fundraiser, featuring NK Hurst's 15-bean soup.

When: Thursday, October 19th, 7-9pm
Where: Marrott Ballroom, Fall Creek & Meridian, Indianapolis
Cost: $15/person
Menu: NK Hurst's 15-Bean Soup, jalapeno and regular corn bread, Coke products, plus cash bar. Vegetarian options available- just ask.
Speaking: Libertarian state chair Mark Rutherford, and candidate for Secretary of State Mike Kole

I was proud to speak before a joint session of the legislature defending the right of all Hoosiers to their property, and to just compensation in an eminent domain cases. This included the NK Hurst family, who fought the state's attempt to take their land for extra limo parking at the new stadium site. I was proud to write editorials praising their commitment to the city and criticizing the injustice of taking their land as 'thanks'. I am humbled that the Hursts have given me their support in this way.

Mark your calendars. Email your RSVP. This is a big event you will want to attend.

Forum Report

I was pleased to appear at the Greenbriar Elementary School last night at a candidate forum featuring those on the ballot in Washington Township. I appreciated the invitation and the opportunity, as this community is very in-tune with issues.

The organizers framed this as a job interview, with the citizens as the boss. I like these metaphors. They work.

I gave my standard stump speech on my platform items of increasing voter turnout, promoting and end to gerrymandering of districts, and the adaptation of voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) voting machines. I capped off in the spirit of the Woody Allen Rule, which is, "90% of success is showing up".

Oh, look! Empty seats surround me yet again. The statewide ballot is loaded with paper candidates.

I pointed out that once again, I was the only statewide candidate, for any statewide office, from any party to show up, and that this happens very routinely. I asked, "would you hire a prospect who failed to turn up for the job interview"? This was well received, and I found myself with pledges of support and votes.

Update: There is an amusing story in the Indy Star about the Republican candidates for statewide office, touring the state in a bus... today. From the Star report:

Three Republicans running for office, including Secretary of State Todd Rokita, set off today on a one-day bus tour to promote their campaigns.

On the bus with Rokita: Tim Berry, the current state treasurer and now candidate for state auditor, and Evansville businessman Richard Mourdock, who is running to replace Berry.

The three left Indianapolis this morning and planned to stop in five cities before returning tonight.

Wow. Five cities. Tra-la-la! I've made over 200 campaign events this year, and have been actively running a real campaign for over two years. These guys get on the bus for one little day. It's such sad commentary that they will get so many votes for bringing so little to the table.

Rokita brags on visiting all 92 counties as SOS. Guess what? That's his job. There's nothing extraordinary in that.

Radio Report

It was a great hour on the "Abdul in the Morning" show today, with Jim Hurst promoting my campaign. It really meant a lot to me that Jim has given me such strong support.

If you missed the show, no problem. Here are links to Sendspace, which is temporarily hosting the four 15-minute clips of the hour. They have all the commercials and promotions, so you know.

Jim Hurst & Mike, Part 1
Jim Hurst & Mike, Part 2
Jim Hurst & Mike, Part 3
Jim Hurst & Mike, Part 4

Big thanks to WXNT and Abdul Hakim-Shabazz for having us on the program this morning, and to Andrew Lee for permission to post the clips!

Comcast Candidate Show

Some time ago, I taped a 2-minute spot for Comcast cable, to be aired in the Indianapolis system. Here's the schedule:

Comcast Channel 72

Thursday, October 19th, 7-9pm
Saturday, October 21st, 7-9pm
Tuesday, October 24th, 7-9pm
Thursday, October 26th, 7-9pm
Saturday, October 28th, 7-9pm
Tuesday, October 31st, 7-9pm

If you watch it, please make a digital recording of it. I'd like to post the video to You Tube so that everyone can see it. Email the team to arrange sending a file to us! We would be most appreciative!

Bean-efit Ad

We're running ads on WXNT for the Kole Campaign's bean dinner, featuring NK Hurst Company's 15-bean soup. The ads will run once an hour Wednesday & Thursday from 6am through 3pm.

We can run more ads if the money comes in. Click Here to contribute for more ads.

Click here to listen to the ad!

Not An Endorsement, But...

The Indianapolis Star issued its endorsement for Secretary of State this morning. While they continue to seemingly give the nod to the front-runners, they did have this to say about me:

Libertarian Mike Kole is a thoughtful representative of his party. He should easily win the minimum number of votes needed to ensure a spot on the ballot for Libertarians in future elections.

32 positive words. That's major progress from a paper that was openly hostile to us in April and in years past. I am pleased that the Star's Editorial Board included this comment, and hope it is read far and wide, because they haven't held back on negative comments in their endorsements this year. They trashed the Republican and Democratic candidates for US House in District 7 because they deserved a good trashing.

The Libertarian Party of Indiana has worked hard on its credibility. This is a small result, but one that I believe helps pave the way for endorsements and better treatment in the media overall.

Radio Alert

Be sure to tune in to WXNT 1430-am on Wednesday morning at 8am. Jim Hurst & I will be guests on the "Abdul in the Morning" show to talk about the Kole Campaign "Beanefit" Bean Supper.

Those outside the Indianapolis area can listen online. Click here!

Support Needed For Radio

We need to get 420 radio ads purchased. They cost around $4,500. These 1-minute ads will be aired on 28 radio stations across Indiana. The same kind of ads were key to doubling the ballot access threshhold tied to the Secretary of State's race in 2002.

Click here to contribute. Even a $10 donation buys an ad.

Remember: Libertarian Party ballot access depends on my outcome. If I come in first or second in any given county (a distinct possibility!) Libertarians get appointments to boards and commissions like Board of Zoning Appeals.

Here's the list of stations:

Anderson WHBU-AM 1240
Aurora WXCH-FM 103.1
Aurora WSCH-FM 99.3
Bedford WBIW-AM 1340
Berne WZBD-FM 92.7
Boonville WBNL-AM 1540
French Lick WFLQ-FM 100.1
Hardinsburg WKLO-FM 96.9
Huntingburg WBDC-FM 100.9
Kendallville WAWK-AM 1140
Loogootee WRZR-FM 94.5
Madison WORX-FM 96.7
Madison WXGO-AM 1270
Michigan City WEFM-FM 95.9
Monticello WMRS-FM 107.7
Oxford WIBN-FM 98.1
Paoli WUME-FM 95.3
Portland WPGW-FM 100.9
Portland WPGW-AM 1440
Rensselaer WRIN-AM 1560
Rochester WROI-FM 92.1
Santa Claus WAXL-FM 103.3
Seymour WQKC-FM 93.7
Sullivan WNDI-AM 1550
Sullivan WNDI-FM 95.3
Wabash WKUZ-FM 95.9
Washington WAMW-AM 1580
Washington WAMW-FM 107.9

Click here to contribute. Help us spread the Libertarian message and reach our goals!

Thursday Trail Report

This was another day that was a whirlwind of travel and interviews. Dan Drexler was my driver and road strategist. The first interview was with Kevin Keith of White River Broadcasting. The interview was for WCSI, but was likely to have portions additionally aired on the three other Indiana stations in the network.

On the air with Kevin Keith, WCSI-Columbus.

This was a 15-minute interview that covered the usual topics- Libertarian Party ballot status and the Elections Division, especially gerrymandering and voter verified paper audit trail voting machines. This interview has been posted at the Kole Campaign website in three files. Listen now!

Next stop was Seymour and a visit to the offices of the Tribune. I sat down with reporter Aubrey Woods, who noted more than once that I was the only candidate of any party, of any statewide race, who stopped at their offices this election season. I've been hearing that a lot, as will be seen.

The gerrymandering issue resonated with Mr. Woods, as all of the Statehouse candidates with districts that include Jackson County are running unopposed. From Woods' Tribune article:

One of the issues Kole said he believes the secretary of state's office needs to tackle is voting machines that can be trusted.

"I want to see an auditable voter verification paper trail audit system," Kole said. That system would allow voters to review their choices before making them final."

Grocery stores and other retailers allow you to see what you are buying, on the screen and on paper," Kole said. "Why can't we do this with our votes?"

Kole said such a move would serve to eliminate some of the distrust voters have with present systems.

He would also eliminate gerrymandering of districts because they ensure the election of officials and hold down voter turnout because elections are seen as a foregone conclusion.

The last stop was in Charlestown for the Clark County Farmers Bureau candidate forum.

Mike stands alone among statewide candidates.

The event started with the top of ticket. Eric Schansberg was there, but was not given an opportunity to speak. The Farm Bureau is not a Federal PAC, so it was not giving Federal candidates such as Schansberg the floor. Funny what campaign finance "reform" is doing to quiet discourse in America. This left Secretary of State candidates as the top of ticket. I was the only one to show, which cause room-wide snickering. I found that interesting, because the room was filled with Republican and Democratic partisans.

At any rate, I had the floor to myself. Again, I presented my platform of promoting higher turnout, and end to gerrymandering, and the use of VVPAT machines.

The New Albany News & Tribune not the presence of Schansberg & Kole- and the absence of their opponents. From David Mann's report:

The one federal candidate who showed up — 9th District Libertarian congressional candidate Eric Schansberg — joked that there might have been more candidates than regular voters at the event.

But Schansberg was just there to shake hands. Others got a chance to tell those attending what they were all about.

Here’s what a few of them had to say:

Libertarian Mike Kole was the only candidate for Secretary of State to make it to the forum.

Kole said he’s been traveling around the state at such forums and has been noticing that his opponents are not showing up. “It’s a real shame,” he said. And it speaks to voter disinterest.

Being a candidate is not simply the act of putting your name on a piece of paper, he said, but it’s a duty for the candidate to get out and meet the people who might be voting for them.

I've long held The Woody Allen Rule as my personal motto: "90% of success is simply showing up." There is a long-term lesson here for Libertarian candidates. Reporters still cover the top of ticket with the greatest attention. If we show up, and they don't, we get the coverage.

It is clear that the Ds & Rs have indeed created a game that allows them to concede that certain offices will be held by one or the other, leaving them to fight over just a small handful of offices. Observe the Democrats' cynical ploy this year for Indiana- back three Congressional races and the Marion County Prosecutors race; do the minimums elsewhere and suck up votes from your base for nothing. They didn't even bother to run a candidate for US Senate!

Alongside this, candidates from both "major" parties are only cherry-picking events. They attend if it's close to home, or in Indianapolis, or a large media event. It is the norm to not see a single other statewide candidate where I appear, not the exception. I've only seen the Republican incumbent twice all year. Twice! And I've been to over 180 events this year.

Wednesday Trail Report, Part 2

(The original post was too big for Blogger to post all the pictures!)

Yard signs in Kokomo. Dean's property and neighbors.

We left Ned's Corner Pub for Cedar Crest Lanes. The owner here has collected over 750 signatures of their patrons in protest of Kokomo's ban.

Kokomo clearly didn't ask the patrons. Bowling alley employees hold signed petitions.

Cedar Crest even has two sets of doors to seperate their bar from the bowling area. Prior to the ban, they created special smoke-free days and times, but report that this voluntary change in policy failed to attract crowds, otherwise they may have embraced it. They know who their customers are.

Kole yard signs outside the bowling alley.

We stopped at an IHOP on US 31 that had built in a separate smoking section that had its own ventilation system and had a door to close it off from the no-smoke section. This didn't make the grade with Kokomo, so IHOP simply keeps the door shut and the lights off in this section. It is completely unused. There is a newspaper in Kokomo that is missing a major news story, I tell you.

After Kokomo, we went over to Huntington for a dinner. Guests included Felix Aguilar (candidate for Indiana House District 50), and Doug Horner, host of the Fort Wayne TV show "Libertarian Perspectives". We talked campaign strategy at first, and then it all got very philosophical. I think Felix and Doug may have hung around for several hours after Kyle & I left.
Last stop was at the Indiana Wesleyan University campus in Marion, where the IWU College Libertarians invited me to speak at their regular meeting. This was my second meeting with this group, and they are as enthusiastic and active as ever. I was very grateful to have several students sign up to work polling places on election day. Most (about 90%) are from states other than Indiana, so we spent a good deal of time talking about the LP affiliates in their home states. Enjoying the discussion in one of IWU's great sofas.

Libertarian candidate for US House, District 5 Sheri Conover Sharlow also appeared and spoke. We enjoyed the hospitality shown by the IWU CLs, and the cozy setting.

Home late for a few hours sleep, a few hours of business work, and back to the trail! Thursday would be spent in Southern Indiana.

Wednesday's Report

Now this is the campaign trail! New LPIN executive director Kyle McDonald would be with me all day. We started in Lebanon, to meet with Rod Rose of the Lebanon Reporter. The Reporter carries southern Indiana libertarian Debbie Harbeson's regular column.

Rod knew quite a lot about our ballot access issues, and we discussed those items at leangth. He asked for my take on the GOP illegal immigration plan, and then we returned to my platform of Secretary of State issues. I'll look forward to seeing what is published.

Heading out of the interview with Rod Rose. A great interview and fun to see the old front pages throughout the offices.

From Lebanon, we went to Frankfort, for a sit down with the Frankfort Times reporter Marci Wright. This interview was very in-depth on the various outcomes related to the SOS results, ranging from the ballot status to the appointments to boards and commissions at the county and municipal levels, and also my platform points.

Frankfort Times reporter Traci Wright gets the details about our non-competitive elections.

Kyle & I zipped quickly from Frankfort to Kokomo, so that we could meet with a variety of business owners who are feeling the sting of their city's recently imposed smoking ban. As usual, we learned that the city council did not seek the input of business owners, their employees, or patrons, instead relying on the lobbyists who promote such bans. The most interesting comment to come out of this, "Haven't we shuttered enough businesses in Kokomo yet?" Apparently, this predictable effect never crossed the minds of the council members who voted in favor.

With Dean, the owner of Ned's Corner Pub

Dean advised me that his business may not make it through 2007. It has been open since 1964. He said it's goofy to see, but often times there will be more people standing around in the parking lot (the "outdoor smoking section") than there are inside the bar. True to form, he echoed the too-common theme that government doesn't listen. We urged him to make them listen by replacing them. We advised that the Libertarian Party will be delighted to run candidates in 2007 that specifically target city council that vote for policy that cripples small businesses.

(See Part 2 for continuation...)

Trail Notes

My apologies for the lack of updates the last few days. Believe me, I wasn't slacking off.

Look shortly for a report on Wednesday's activities, which included stops in Lebanon, Frankfurt, Kokomo, Huntington, and Marion. Thursday took us to Columbus, Seymour and Charlestown (Clark County). There are lots of great pictures to share and interesting tales to tell!

Coming Soon!

Check back here shortly. There will be a major event announcement from the Kole Campaign very soon. You will want to attend.

Lafayette Signs

I recently received these photos from Tippecanoe County chair Randy Young.

The owner of the Little Mexico II restaurant in Lafayette stands with a Kole yard sign after Libertarians dined there Friday 9/22. We spoke with him about our positions on small business, and in opposition to food & beverage taxes and forced smoking bans.

The Kole sign in the window of the restaurant, Sat 9/23.

Big thanks to Randy, and to photographer Dan Church!

Still #2!

A recent check of the Libertarian Party's nationwide candidate tracker still shows the Kole Campaign as the second-most vigorous Libertarian campaign in the USA! Not Indiana, the entire United States.

Bob Smither has a huge lead over me, but with all the activity and press coverage we have lined up for the home stretch, I may catch him yet.

I'm very proud of this ranking. This is a very real and active campaign, that has had me at more public appearances than the Republican and Democrat combined.

More Trail Updates

Coming Up:

Sunday, October 8, Bloomington: Fundraiser for Mike Kole, hosted by Margaret Fette and Paul Ehrstein at their home, 1135 N Logan Rd Bloomington, In 47404 . Margaret and Paul throw fabulous parties, and I'm sure this will be no exception. It's a pitch-in, and the suggested donation is $25. I'll look forward to seeing my Monroe County and 9th District friends, as well as others from around the state.

Kindly RSVP by calling 812-360-8873. Be there at Noon to go door-to-door for Mike. Pitch-in is from 2-6pm. Be sure to pick up your Kole yard signs there, too!

The Purdue Exponent ran an article today on the varying platforms of the three ballotted candidates for Secretary of State. I was especially delighted to observe how the Exponent writer noted how the incumbent has picked up one of my top issues- the gerrymandering of districts- and has tried to make it his own. From the Exponent article:

Mike Kole, the Libertarian candidate, said one of the number one issues for him is gerrymandering ? the drawing of political districts for the purpose of ensuring certain election outcomes.

"Gerrymandering ensures two things for citizens, both of them bad," Kole said. He said it ensures a low voter turnout because the elections are viewed as a foregone conclusion; the outcome is predicted. Without challenges at the ballot box, voters tend not to listen to their constituents, Kole said. (Should read "elected officials tend not to listen..." -MK)

"This is an obvious problem, but neither Republicans nor Democrats want to change the system because each party currently collects a share of fairly certain wins, fighting over just a handful of contested seats," he said.

...

"Anyone interested in the integrity of our representative government should be calling for an end to gerrymandering," Kole said.

Kole believes that districts should be redrawn to be a more geographic orientation, rather than by majority political party.

"Elections are supposed to represent people that are (in a specific region), that is the point of representation," he said.

...

Like Kole, Rokita believes gerrymandering should be ended.

"It decreases voter turnout because the public perceives election results to be predetermined," Rokita wrote in his platform.

It is interesting to watch this develop. In 2002, Libertarian candidate for SOS Rebecca Sink-Burris made this her top issue, when she ran against Todd Rokita. He has been in office for nearly four years now, and could have made it an issue at any time, or even put his backing behind Jerry Torr's bill in this year's short legislative session. Instead, he put his weight behind the Voter ID law. Why was the anti-gerrymandering measure not good enough to back strongly when it could have become law, but good enough to tout on the trail? Hmm... Let's leave that as an exercise for the reader to deduce.

Campaign Notes

Today was marked by a trip to Vincennes, supporting Libertarian candidate for Indiana House District 64 JA Thomas, at a League of Women Voters forum.

A representative of the Knox County League of Women Voters introduces, from left, Kreg Battles (D), Troy Woodruff (R), and JA Thomas (L).

Even though I was not a speaker, I was able to say hello to everyone in the crowd of about 100, including reporters from two newspapers and a radio station. Many business cards were distributed.

Mike & JA Thomas, after the forum.

After the event, I drove to JA's home to drop off yard signs. We both agree that the purple Kole sign looks very good alongside the red white and blue Thomas sign. It was very good to see so many of his neighbors with Thomas signs in the front yard!

Have your Kole yard sign yet? Contact Rob Place to get yours! Email: rob(a)robertplace.com

Trail Notes

I'll start with the schedule, and then get to the re-cap of the last two days.

Wed 10/4, Vincennes. Libertarian candidate for Indiana House JA Thomas is participating in a League of Women Voters event, and has asked me to be there to take in the event, work the room, and meet the press. I'll do that I'll day long!

Thurs 10/5, Chicago. I know that's Illinois, but the Heartland Institute is hosting its 22nd annual dinner, and a seat at a table was provided for me by former LNC Treasurer Mark Nelson. I will look forward to the opportunity to be introduced to pro-liberty benefactors from around the Midwest, and will extol the virtues of my campaign.

Re-caps:

Mon 10/2, Rushville. I was a guest on the "It's Politics" show on radio station WKWH 94.3-FM, with hosts John McCane and Dick Malcom. They surprised me with their depth of knowledge about the functions of the Office of Secretary of State. Since they knew so much, I promised them that I would ably protect the Seal of the great state of Indiana, which brought many laughs. This was the only the second time any media persons expressed any interest at all in discussing the Securities Division and the Business Services Division. Most focus on Elections, which I do like to discuss. When asked what I might possibly do differently, I took the opportunity to point to the recently released Guide For Newlyweds, which is essentially a reprint of a Kiplinger's article repackaged as a brochure. I stated that I would never authorize something like this for two reasons. One, it's fine for the Securities Division to advise the public of scams that are being perpetrated on our people, but it's the job of individuals to seek out education for financial planning on their own. Two, the brochure was produced with funds from fraud case settlements. That's just profane. The money secured in fraud case settlements should be returned to the victims of fraud! Also, to cover the cost of litigating these cases, but that's it. An excellent half-hour on the air.

Fishers. I briefly attended the Town Council meeting in my home town of Fishers, where a proposed ban on smoking at private places of business was to be discussed. I was unable to stay for long as I had Isabel in my care, and she's teething, but I was able to say hello to many bar and restaurant owners, such as Bill Smythe of Claude & Annie's, and to give my support to their position. Very pleasing to see Dan Drexler and Kyle MacDonald of the LPIN office there as well.

Tue, 10/3, Indianapolis. Hamilton County Libertarian Wayne Kirk set up a meeting with MIBOR, the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors. Wayne and I attended along with LPIN state chair Mark Rutherford, meeting with MIBOR's political affairs liason Thomas Rector, and government affairs director Chris Prior. This was a very productive meeting, where we spoke about the growth of the Libertarian Party and our role in increasing role in shaping public policy. We asked about MIBOR's legislative interests and answered many of their questions. I am hopeful that this is just the first of many such meetings with professional organizations and associations, and that we will be working together on policy matters in the future.

Big thanks to Wayne Kirk for setting this meeting up!

Bell, Bell, & Kole Billboards Up

Thanks to Rex Bell for supplying this picture of one of the ten billboards jointly promoting the campaigns of Rex Bell for Indiana House District 54, Jon Bell for Indiana House District 52, and Mike Kole for Indiana Secretary of State.


Look for these billboards in Henry, Randolph, and Wayne Counties- then make sure to vote for us!

Radio Rushville Tonight

I will be on the "It's Politics" show tonight with John McCane, and Dick Malcom, to discuss my campaign. Tune in to WKWH 94.3-FM on the southeast side of Indy, and in east-central Indiana at 6pm. Sorry, no online feed is available.

This John McCane is a Republican, and Malcom is a Democrat. Both were either county chairs, elected officials, or both. They really love talking politics. Sounds like a perfect setting to me!

Indy Star Shines Spotlight on Kole & Schansberg

There have been a lot of press articles that have covered my campaign, but none is as satisfying as one recently penned by Tim Swarens of the Indianapolis Star Editorial Board. Article link. Quotes:

One interesting development to emerge from the interviews is the growing maturity of the Indiana Libertarian Party. With a few exceptions (Kenn Gividen and Dan Drexler come to mind), Libertarian candidates in the past have often provided the comic relief to the otherwise serious business of helping choose our elected leaders.

...

This year, however, the Libertarians have come prepared with more realistic ideas for how to address state and national issues. Eric Schansberg, an IU-Southeast economics professor running in the 9th congressional district, and Mike Kole, a candidate for Indiana Secretary of State, have been particularly impressive. Neither has a realistic chance to win his race come November, but they are thoughtfully contributing to the public discourse and helping lay a stronger foundation for future Libertarian candidates.

The fun factor provided by candidates who want to eliminate all drug laws and set up prostitution zones throughout Indianapolis may be gone, but the more sober-minded Libertarians of 2006 are helping their party emerge as a credible alternative.

This is very satisfying. It has always been disappointing to me to see Libertarians viewed and portrayed as shallow, single-minded thinkers. Libertarians have strong, valid positions on the entire spectrum of public policy issues, but because old-school Ls focused on such a small subset of these issues, the media came to know Libertarians as clowns. Sadly, many Ls in other parts of the country happily cling to this foolish, self-indulgent attitude. Happily, the Libertarian Party of Indiana had long ago rejected this approach. It is what made the LPIN a group I could invest my name and reputation in.

It may be too soon to declare, "mission accomplished!" since the goal is to be elected. However, as Mr. Swarens points out, the corner has been rounded, and if widespread Libertarian election to office fails to happen this cycle, it may well happen in 2007 and 2008.

Candidate Questionnaires Galore

When I'm not out on the trail, I'm still very active behind the scenes. Sometimes I'm making fundraising calls. Lately, I've been filling out questionnaires from PACs and media outlets, especially newspapers. Here's one that's already posted, on the website if the Lousiville Courier-Journal.

Unfortunately, most of the questionnaires tend not very relevant to the office of Secretary of State. The C-J's is a nice exception. I've been asked about Major Moves, DST, abortion, assisted suicide, and a host of things that no Secretary of State can affect. It's bothersome to get one from a special interest group that decides every vote based on one issue, regardless of whether that issue is anything an officeholder can affect. These PACs end up endorsing those who gave the right answer on their litmus test, even though they could be fully unqualified for the office they seek. This is not the path to good government.

I do fill out and return all questionnaires from media outlets. I hope newspaper and blog readers will take the time to read my positions. I believe the average Hoosier will agree with me on these things.

Trail Recap

Another busy day Tuesday with events that stretched throughout the entire day.

First stop, the Indianapolis studios of WXNT, 1430-am. Abdul Hakim-Shabazz had me on to talk about my campaign, which is unusual. He often has me on as the opposition voice, as he did on the discussion on light rail. This time the purpose was to talk about the issues I am campaigning on, such as Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) voting machines, and an end to the gerrymandering of districts. Only had to suffer through a couple of calls asking about Federal issues that have nothing to do with the statewide office I'm running for. Abdul invited me back for another chat prior to the election.

Making a point on the "Abdul in the Morning" show.

After getting some business work done, I headed north towards South Bend, stopping at Rochester for an interview with Todd Hamm of the Rochester Sentinel. Again, I was talking about VVPAT, gerrymandering, and also the way any SOS candidate's results affect their party status. The article should run either today or tomorrow.

While the candidate forum was at IU South Bend, there was a distinct Notre Dame flavor to the event. This started with an interview with the South Bend Scholastic magazine.

The interviewer, Derek Snyder, asked a lot of questions that related to the Libertarian Party''s place at the policy table, and what students can do to be involved- especially if they are not Indiana residents, and thus inelligible to vote here.

There are many things students at Indiana colleges and universities can do, even if they cannot vote. They can staff the polling places, handing out palm cards and wearinig candidate t-shirts or lapel stickers. They can go door-to-door in support of local candidates. They can write letters to the newspapers on campus or in the nearby cities. They can organize their campus organizations. They can host Libertarian candidates to speak to their organization and to wider campus audiences. In sum, there are many things college students can do! An article will run with their next issue.

The big event was the Secretary of State's candidate forum at IU South Bend. There is a great deal that I could say about it, but I will keep it to highlights for now:

The event included four candidates, even write-in Bill Stant. I really enjoyed this aspect of the event, as these forums and debates too often exclude candidates who are on the ballot. Exclusion rips off the voters.

Four Secretary of State candidates, one room. From left: Joe Pearson (D), Mike Kole (L), Todd Rokita (R), Bill Stant (G).

It was interesting to hear Todd Rokita (R) and Joe Pearson (D) both talk about things that could lead to meaningful reform. Their positions sounded very much like my positions. Rokita surprised me when he picked up the gerrymandering issue. This is one Libertarians have been running on for years, but he took it and ran with it in detail- down to the formation of non-partisan boards to redraw the districts. Pearson backed VVPAT. Rokita has shown that the SOS can be a cheerleader for changes the legislature has to make. For all his fervor at this event, I don't recall him pushing Jerry Torr's bill to end gerrymandering during his tenure. It looks like my positions are being co-opted, and that's a sign of success.

It was surprising that the entire discussion focused on the Elections Division, to the exclusion of the Securities Division and the Business Services. I thought Rokita might go there, expecting that at least two of the other candidates have expressed more thoughts on Elections.

Due to having four candidates each with two minutes to respond to a question, we only got to eight questions. I felt that I left several excellent points up my sleeve, lying in wait. LPIN state chair Mark Rutherford advised me that it merely meant that I was well prepared.

All in all, this was a very good event. I wish there were more such forums and to wide audiences. It wasn't a debate, so claiming victory isn't applicable, but I was very, very satisfied with my performance and believe I made my mark this evening.

South Bend Tribune report.

Schedule Notes

Mon 9/25: Prep for radio and forum appearances. Fundraising calls in the evening.

Tue 9/26, 7-7:30am: Guest on "Abdul in the Morning" show on 1430-am WXNT to talk about the campaign and my issues. Those outside Central Indiana can listen online at www.wxnt.com

Tue 9/26, 6-8pm: Secretary of State candidates forum on the campus of IU South Bend. The incumbent and all challengers will be present. The moderators include Mike Collins, Jack Colwell, Beth Graham, Jim Wensits.

The event is free and open to the public. Supporters from northern Indiana are invited to this exciting event! Go to the Student Activities Center, Room 223, IU South Bend. Mapquest link.

This forum is sponsored by the Political Debate Club and Student Government Association of IU South Bend, the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area, St. Joe Valley Project, Political Science Club, and American Democracy Project of Indiana University South Bend.

Lafayette Report

Three events in Lafayette & West Lafayette today, all very positive.

The first was an interview with the Purdue Exponent's Mike Westervelt. He asked questions related to the office I am seeking, which is always refreshing. Plus, he was interested to learn about the various rules and measures tied to the outcome of an Indiana Secretary of State candidate, plus the way the Primaries benefit the Rs & Ds. He indicated the article would run mid-next week.

From the Exponent, I went to WLFI TV-18, for an interview with Allysa Rossomme. Her questions related to both the office I am seeking and to the Libertarian Party generally, but also to ballot access issues in Indiana. She was also interested to learn about how appointments to offices are related to the outcome of an Indiana Secretary of State candidate. She was unsure of when the piece, a feature on Libertarians, would run.

Cracking jokes on the set with TV-18's Allysa Rossomme.

Two in a row. In fact it's fascinating to find that most reporters had no idea of the significance of the Secretary of State's race, but they are very interested to learn about it. I'm delighted to tell reporters about it. Interesting to note that clearly no Ds or Rs talk about it.

The final event was a dinner with Tippecanoe County supporters at the Little Mexico II restaurant. Excellent food! Great conversations, from midwives to charter schools, Casey Shoaf's campaign for Sheriff, and my campaign by and by. We passed out bumper stickers and yard signs, and noted commitments to work the polling places on Election Day. Big thanks to Randy Young for arranging the dinner on very short notice!

Tippecanoe County Libertarians surround me at dinner.

With a little time between events before dinner, I am pleased to note that I stopped at the XXX Root Beer stand near the Purdue campus. I love the myriad Purdue related photos crammed on the walls at the Triple-X. Excellent root beer in a frosted mug while reading an AJ Quinnell thriller is rather an excellent way to enjoy a rare spare half-hour. Eat your heart out, Michael Jarrell!

Friday Schedule

We're making a day in Lafayette today!

1:30 Interview with Purdue Exponent
3:30 Interview with WLFY TV-18
6:00 Dinner at Little Mexico II restaurant, 8 East Earl Avenue, Lafayette

All supporters are invited to come to Lafayette for dinner! We will have Kole yard signs and bumper stickers available.

Constitution Cafe Discussion

I thought I would never see the day when WXNT's Abdul Hakim-Shabazz had his comments kept to a minimum, but I saw it at Shapiro's this afternoon. Now we know who gets the words in edgewise with Abdul- Law Professors! Co-Host IU law professor Jeffrey Stake gave a lengthy intorduction to the subject, beginning with the origins of eminent domain in Roman society.

This discussion on eminent domain was a lively one. Some took a utilitarian best public good position, while others took the defense of the individual and property rights side. It was interesting to consider that while the Framers clearly allowed for eminent domain takings, and placed a restriction on it in the Fifth Amendment, it has taken 219 years and the Kelo v. New London case, plus the sheer volume of eminent domain cases, to get to where the states have been at long last proactive in writing laws to better define the restrictions on eminent domain takings.

I enjoyed the reaction Jim Hurst got from the event organizers. When Abdul pointed to Jim and declared him the eminent domain poster boy of the NK Hurst Company, the reaction was unabashed delight. I think one must be a vegetarian, because when Jim described the Hurst product line- 15 bean soup, lentils, etc.- she looked like a kid meeting Santa Claus.

Schedule Updates

Today, I will be attending one of this week's great "Constitution Cafe" series of presentations in celebration of Constitution Day, which commemorated the signing of the US Constitution 219 years ago. My great regret is that I could not attend them all. Check out My Daily Constitution, and get this- Free copies of the US Constitution will be distributed at all branches of the Marion County Library. This is simply an excellent program.

The event is a discussion on eminent domain. WXNT's Abdul Hakim-Shabazz co-hosts along with IU law professor Jeffrey Stake, at Shapiro's Downtown, 808 S. Meridian St., at Noon.

I joked with Jim Hurst that the location must certainly have been chosen for dramatic effect, being in line of sight with the NK Hurst Company property.

Tomorrow's scheduled event is an interview with WLFI-TV in Lafayette. Tippecanoe County Chair Randy Young is putting a dinner event toghether, so supporters in the region need to keep their Friday early evening social calendars clear. Look for more details later today!

Yard Signs- All members of the Kole Campaign Team have yard signs in the trunk of their cars. When you see me, Rob Place, or anyone else on the team, be sure to ask for and get your yard sign!

FOP Report

The Indiana Fraternal Order of Police is hosting candidate nights across the state as they gather information towards making endorsements of candidates.

I am very excited for the possibility that I might have earned the FOP's endorsement tonight.

Because I am not running for legislative office, there were no promises of voting in line with the FOP's position on things. However, I did express that it was my constant dismay that governments at the municipal, county, and state level all seem to have their priorities exactly backward. Indy and the State fought over control of the socialized football stadium, but when people notice we have a murder problem, funding the police is suddenly an idea whose time has come! As a Libertarian, I believe in very few functions for our governments, but public safety- police, along with fire, EMS, rescue, etc.- all should be fully funded, and funded first as top priority.

Many FOP members remarked to me afterwards that they thought my comments were 100% right on the money.

FOP has endorsed Libertarians in the past, such as Brad Klopfenstein and Richard Bees. I am very hopeful that I will be one of the next Libertarians to earn this distinction.

Letter in Noblesville Daily Times

I was pleased to see my letter printed today. Monday at 7pm is a time where there is incredible competition for my time. While I went up to rally the Fort Wayne Libertarians, I could have also gone to do the same for the Indianapolis Libertarians, or to the Indianapolis City-County budget meeting, or to the Fishers Town Council meeting.

I would have liked to have gone to the meeting in Fishers, as the hot topic was the possible ban on smoking on private property such as restaurants and bars. Unable to be in two places at once, I did the next best thing and sent a letter to the Noblesville Daily Times, who printed it today. Highlights:

Consider how a ban, or even entertaining a possible ban, actually plays out. It negates the property owner's ability to set policy on his property while allowing everyone else who does not own it to have first say. This is un-American and wrong.

Moreover, it's bad business. A uniform ban removes the edge those progressive business owners had when they voluntarily went smoke free. Also, smoking patrons will now have an incentive to take their business from the many restaurants and bars along Indiana 37 in Fishers up north to Noblesville, where there is no such ban.

I find these laws frustrating in that the public's response has been so muted thus far. Where is the defense of property rights? Why are the property rights of another so easily dismissed or ignored merely because your ox is not gored? Whatever happened to the live and live spirit a la Voltaire, that could suggest, "I do not smoke, nor do I promote smoking, but I'll defend your right to permit on your property"?

I'll look forward to the meeting with the public hearing. I hope I'm surrounded by citizens defending property rights rather than kids sent by the schools, as happened in Greefield.

Schedule

I will be attending the Fraternal Order of Police's meet the candidates event this evening, with an interest in earning their endorsement. This is possible- The FOP endorsed Brad Klopfenstein for City-County Council in 2003, when I was Brad's campaign manager. So, this is an event I have been looking forward to for some time.

Here's the upcoming schedule as we know it right now:

Tue 9/19, 6-9pm: Indiana FOP PAC Legislative Night, 1427 E. Washington St, Indianapolis
Fri 9/22: Interview with WLFI-TV, Lafayette
Sat 9/23, Noon: Pagan Festival, Broad Ripple Park.
Tue 9/26, 7-7:30am: Interview on Abdul In The Morning show, WXNT 1430-am, Indianapolis
Tue 9/26, 6-8pm: Secretary of State candidate forum, South Bend

Look for events to be added on the 19th & 26th in the areas we're travelling to.

Another Fort Wayne Stop

I sat in on the regular business meeting of the Allen County Libertarians last night at the Mad Anthony Brewery and Munchie Emporium.

Big thanks to Chairman Mike Sylvester for inviting me to make a presentation on the progress of the Campaign, and to distribute yard signs to those present. I definitely appreciate the support contributions made by the members!

Taking in discussions at the end of the meeting.

We discussed coordinating efforts between the Enders Campaign for House District 80 and the Kole Campaign, to direct volunteers to staff the polling places at each precinct in Robert's district, and to do joint advertising. We've already co-produced door hangers with Robert's image one side and mine on the other, and he's been getting them out, door-to-door, at the rate of 125/week.

Ice Cream Social In Hagerstown

Many thanks to Rex and Susan Bell for hosting an ice cream social/meet the candidates event at their home in Hagerstown. It was a pleasure to meet many of the Bells' acquaintances here, including many who live in homes built by Rex, his brother Ross, and his son. I teasingly went fishing for complaints against Rex's workmanship, and nobody would take the bait. These folks trust Rex completely. I think he could run as a Communist and get votes purely on the trust he has generated.

Other candidates present included Marvin Heacox (Clay Township Board), Cheryl Heacox (Clay Township Board), Juli Stout (Jefferson Township Board), Jon Bell (Indiana House, District 56), and Felix Aguilar (Indiana House, District 50).

Mike, with Felix Aguilar, and LPIN State Chair Mark Rutherford, at the Ice Cream Social.

Rex & Susan's front yard, on SR 38. Looks great with Libertarian signs!

Yard Signs Available!

Supporters have begun wanting yard signs, and we have them in stock now and ready for your front lawn or the front window of your business.

Isabel shows off her Daddy's sign

Contact Rob Place by email (rob@robertplace.com) to get a sign. Those volunteering to staff the polling places on Election Day should request two signs- one for home and another for entrance to the polling place.