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.

Comcast Taping Notes

I received a couple of emails asking about the Comcast Candidate Show in Marion County. What did you talk about? When will it air? These are easy to answer!

Comcast Channel 72
Tuesday, October 17th, 7-9pm
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

Comcast tells us, "There will also be promotional spots on other more popular channels to draw viewers in". Sounds like an excellent plan.


Comcast Presentation Script

Hello, my name is Mike Kole.

I am the Libertarian candidate for Indiana Secretary of State.

As your Secretary of State, I will work to ensure fair elections, and to improve upon the dismal turnout we’ve seen in recent years at the polls.


We need to end the practice of gerrymandering districts to protect incumbents.

Did you know that 44 of the 100 House seats will be unopposed this November?

And that 9 of the 25 Senate seats will also be unopposed?

This is the result of gerrymandering- drawing districts to ensure that Democrats will win some seats, Republicans will win others, leaving them to contest just a handful. It leaves voters uninterested in elections, and makes elected officials unaccountable. It leaves independent voters without a choice.

Gerrymandering is bad for representative government, and needs to be ended.


Hoosiers need to have faith in our voting machines.

That’s why I support using machines that produce a voter verifiable paper audit trail.

It’s a shame our state spend millions of dollars buying machines that are not equipped with this available technology.

Voter verifiable paper audit trail machines have a printed paper that accompanies the electronic voting. The voter can see that the votes match on paper and on the screen. They leave the voting booth confident that their vote was accurately tallied.

As Secretary of State, I will lobby the legislature to purchase machines with this technology.


Hoosiers need to be encouraged to vote in our elections.

The turnout for the 2006 Primaries was embarrassing, with a mere 23% of voters casting ballots statewide.As the top elections official, the Secretary of State should actively urge Hoosiers to vote.The current Secretary of State spent $1.2 million in ads promoting voter ID, but spent nothing urging Hoosiers to vote. That’s a case of misplaced priorities. Let's make sure Hoosiers are getting to the polls first, then we can worry about checking the ID.

Per Indiana Election Law, the Libertarian Party of Indiana’s ballot status is tied to my outcome in this race. If you believe in smaller government and lower taxes, and you find that the other parties fail to deliver this to you, or if as an independent voter the Republicans and Democrats do not represent your views, please cast your vote for me to ensure that the Libertarian Party stays on Indiana ballots for the next four years.

On November 7th, please vote for me, Mike Kole, Libertarian for Secretary of State.


It wasn't like buying TV time, where you have complete direction control, so I'll look forward to seeing how this came off, and how my presentation stacks up against the other candidates.

Report From The Trail

No, not the Adirondack Trail, sadly. I'm so glad we took the family trip to the Adirondacks in August, because rumor is I will get to sleep a little bit over the next two months. It's just a rumor so far.

That's good, though! It means I'm very busy campaigning and sitting down with the media.

Tuesday: Met with the Indy Star Editorial Board, comprised of columnists Jane Lichtenberg and Dan Carpenter, plus Editorial writer Tim Swarens. This went very well. Carpenter has developed a keen interest in ballot access issues, and I have plenty to say about that. All three were interested in my position on the gerrymandering of districts in Indiana. I almost felt that the time wasn't contentious enough. Could it mean an endorsement? I'll be eager to see what is fit to print in the Star's candidate guide.

I later met with Nikki Kelly of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, down in the Statehouse basement. She really covered a lot of ground with her questions, including much about my reactions to the current Secretary of State's performance, recent press conferences and statements. I had some fun commenting on the Securities Division's new Newlyweds' Guide. I will also look forward to see what Ms. Kelly writes as the election draws nearer.

That evening, I attended a sloppy joe supper to benefit the Concerned Citizens of Home Place, who are fighting Carmel's unwanted attempt to forcibly annex the area. Isabel was a big hit eating sloppy joes. I was delighted to see Matt Milam wearing an NK Hurst "I Helped Save The Bean Plant" t-shirt. He gets the correlation between forced annexation and eminent domain abuse both as affronts to property rights and self-determination. Met many residents who were pleased to know that there are candidates who support their position. Also ran into David Orentlicher, the Representative for House Distrct 86. I had a great conversation with him, asking if he would be willing to sponsor legislation outlawing the practice of forced annexation in our state, and he said that he would! I would love for Libertarians to back David and any other legislators who will sponsor such law, as we did with the eminent domain law put forward by Dave Wolkins in the House and Senator Jeff Drozda.

Wednesday: Comcast was taping candidate presentations that will be aired systemwide on a program featuring the candidates who will be on the Marion County ballot. With my radio background, I'm always confident in my spoken delivery. TV's a different game, though. On my first take, I was a little too focused on my TV delivery and tripped over a word. I felt the overall result was 95% right, so I asked if I could do a second take. Comcast agreed, so I ran through again. I really nailed it this time. Problem was, the videotape ran out as I finished my last sentence! This brought huge laughs in the studio, and I was given another take, which I was happy with.

The Indy Chamber Hob Nob event happened later in the evening, and unfortunately, it was crafted to spotlight the candidates for Marion County Prosecutor. It's an important position to be sure, but the narrow focus on the few contests that are extremely close leaves me flat. The other offices are no less important, and with the focus off so many races, the public is missing out on important and interesting dialogue. The opportunity to meet Chamber business owners and so many media personalities cannot be topped. I really enjoyed speaking with and campaigning to these folks. I met the Democratic candidate for SoS for the first time, which is pretty astonishing when I think that I've been to nearly 200 events. Actually, I encountered would-be Green Party candidate Bill Stant more times this year than the 'D' and 'R' combined: 3 to 1.

After the Hob Nob, I joined the monthly Libertarian After Hours party a few blocks over at Bearno's. There was still a group of about 15 left when I got there, and conversation covered a wide range of topics, from Iraq to religion to all the nutty conspiracy theories proliferating about the events of September 11. We could really distribute a lot of tinfoil hats, I'm afraid.

Side Note: I was really disappointed at two things that happened at the Hob Nob. Someone made off with my display of golf balls towards the end of the night, even though I posted a sign saying that they were for display only. Also, someone trashed my display, using Democrat Joe Pearson's materials to cover all of mine. I have no belief whatsoever that any of Joe's people did this. I don't get why supporters of one political party would do something as childish and cowardly as to trash the materials of the candidates of two other parties. It really speaks poorly of whomever did it. This was the first time that anyone has treated me with disrepect on the trail in over two years of campaigning. I was really surprised and disappointed.

Busy Two Days

Tuesday and Wednesday will be very busy and important days for the campaign:

Tue 9/12, 10am: Meeting w/ Indy Star editorial board
Tue 9/12, 1pm: Meeting w/ Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
Wed 9/13, 10am: Taping for Comcast (Central IN) Candidate Show
Wed 9/13, 5pm: Indy Chamber Hob Nob

I'll be working to earn the endorsement of the newspapers in these meetings. The Comcast taping is for a 2-minute presentation that will be shown repeatedly on the candidate show that cable system is airinig frequently in the run-up to the elections. The Hob Nob is one of the biggest political events of any election season, with more candidates for office from central Indiana in one room than at any other time.

I'm glad that I've pretty much gotten over the cold that has dogged me over recent days. Nobody presents well with the sniffles and a nasal voice. I will present well tomorrow and Wednesday!

Update: Add to Tuesday's line-up a visit to the Sloppy Joe Supper fundraiser held in support of the Home Place property owners fighting Carmel's attempt to forcibly annex them. 5:30-7:00pm, at the Orchard Park Presbyterian Church at the corner of 106th & Westfield.

Libertarian Candidate Tracker

The national Libertarian Party has a new feature on its website, the Candidate Tracker. It ranks all the Libertarian candidates across the country in terms of their activity, scoring based on funds raised, public appearances, TV & print article appearances, and others.

Currently, the Kole Campaign is ranked #2 in the country! Click here to check the Tracker! Dr. Eric Schansberg, candidate for US Congress in Indiana District 9, is ranked #4.

Cambridge City Report

It was a Sunday afternoon delight to be among Wayne County Libertarians, including several candidates for office, marching in the Cambridge City Days parade. Among the local candidates: Cheryl Heacox and Marvin Heacox, both running for Township Board; Rex Bell for Indiana House 56; Jon Bell for Indiana House 54.

About 20 Libertarians marched and handed out candy to kids along the route. For my part, I ran back and forth across the National Road (US 40) and shook hands with everyone.

Big thanks to Rex Bell for the invitation to march, and to Ray Blevins and Marvin Heacox for carrying my banner along the route!

Shakin' Hands Flu

Sooner or later, I knew this would happen. If you shake hands with 1,000 people on any given day, you run the risk of picking up a cold. The law of averages finally caught up with me, and I now have Candidate Flu. Fortunately, I do not have any events planned for the next two days, so I can rest. The upside is that I have time to fill out more candidate questionnaires.

Fort Wayne Notes

Another day, another garage sale. This time, the Allen County Libertarians staged a sale at Foster Park. Turnout was very heavy with many deadly serious bargain hunters at work. I was able to talk politics with many inbetween finding deals.

TV-15 WANE sent a camera to cover the event, and aired segments in the afternoon and evening.

Jack Evans ran an excellent kitchen! I bought some of his homemade blueberry-lime jam!

Many thanks to Doug Horner, Jack & Hilary Evans, Mike & Karena Sylvester, and Mike Stacy for inviting me to this event!

Hagerstown Report

Rex & Susan Bell hosted their fifth annual garage sale this weekend, and it was another large event. The areas on and around SR 38 through Henry and Wayne Counties have huge garage, yard, and barn sales, and the Bells take part, with the whole extended family.

With Hannah and Grandpa Rex Bell. Love Hannah's onesie!

I was relieved of cotton candy making duties this year, and left just to greet bargain hunters and discuss Libertarian politics with those so inclined.

Many were so inclined. Many cited disappointment with the Republicans since Mitch Daniels took office. They repeatly expressed the expectation that taxes would be lower. Many pointed to the big cash windfall from Major Moves and the eagerness to spend it, rather than return it to the taxpayers. I spoke less here than at any event in recent weeks. I didn't have to. I just kept listening and nodding in agreement.

Actually speaking, with folks from Henry County. Thanks to Rex for the picture.

The Wayne County Libertarians have always done well at the ballot box. I expect that will continue this November, with their best returns ever.

Big thanks to Rex & Susan, Ross, Gayle Bond, Cheryl & Marvin Heacox, and everyone else. I appreciate the consistent effort of the Wayne County folks, and appreciate their support of my campaign as well!

Campaign Issues

Naturally, I use this blog to state my positions on many things. Some relate to my campaign for Secretary of State, many do not.

For the most concise look at my positions that relate to my campaign, please go to my Campaign Issues blog.

At that location, I have definitive posts on issues regarding the duties of Secretary of State and the policy directions I would take towards being accountable and responsible with taxpayer dollars. There are several issues I would champion as the state's chief elections official towards having elections with the utmost integrity.

These will be updated through the remainder of the campaign, so be sure to check the page regularly!

The Difference Between Libertarians and Republicans

Sometimes people ask me what the difference is between Ls and Rs. Both claim to be fiscal conservatives, so what would a Libertarian do different if elected to a position such as Secretary of State. After all, that office is not legislative. It cannot raise a tax.

That is true. What is also true is that the office has a budget, so it spends tax money. The Secretary of State interprets its' statutory obligations and sets policy accordingly. The current Secretary of State is a Republican. I am a Libertarian candidate for Secretary of State.

My objective would be to consume only 90% of the budget allocated to me, and to return the remainder to the taxpayers. I believe this should be the goal of every elected official who heads a department and commands a budget.

Also, as chief of the Securities Division, I would never have authorized publication of a 12-page glossy booklet called, "Money Skills For Newlywed Couples". While the info contained is sound, (it is essentially a reprint of a lengthy Kiplinger's article,) and it is plainly a good idea for married couples to have financial goals and plans, it is not the proper role of our state government to provide this kind of service. This is where Libertarians and Republicans differ. The booklet was produced under a Republican.

The booklet notes that, "The Investor Education Program and the creation of this brochure were funded with proceeds from investment fraud legal settlements".

I believe that the proceeds from investment fraud settlements should go entirely to those defrauded, not towards producing glossy booklets with the office holder's name prominently displayed. Investor education is the responsibility of the investor.

Republicans may talk about being fiscal conservatives, but when the rubber meets the road, they expand the scope of government and its' activities, which is the antithesis of fiscal conservatism. SOS press release for the booklet.

To be fair, I've never heard the Secretary of State describe himself as a fiscal conservative. Maybe it's not on his radar.

So, if you want the Secretary of State to contribute to smaller government, there are two choices out there- Republicans and Democrats. Those who want smaller government need to vote for me, Mike Kole, for Secretary of State.

Finding A Way To Survive

I was in Franklin, the Johnson County seat today doing business and I picked up a newspaper for my lunch read. I noticed the headline immediately and began to read the story about Don & Dona's, a restaurant that became a private club in order to continue to allow their patrons to smoke. I knew where I would be eating lunch.

I'll always eat where the 'Don't Tread On Me' flag flies!

The owner, Mary Barnaby, concluded that Franklin's smoking ban would severely damage her business, so she looked for ways to survive. She decided to change Don & Dona's to the D&D Club, a non-profit, private club. From the Johnson County Daily Journal report (paid subscription required):

The restaurant is incorporated under Indiana's nonprofit statute, which would be evidence it is a private club, city attorney Rob Schafstall said.

It looks like Barnaby hired a Libertarian as a design consultant. The striped "Don't Tread On Me" flies outside the entrance and is for sale inside. Quotes from Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson on freedom line the walls and display cases. Barnaby gets that this is a property rights issue.

"So, the future looks bright. All of our members are like-minded people. They get the picture, and it's called free enterprise," Barnaby said.

I joined the Club. Here's my card. I don't smoke. I give my support.

Barnaby knows her business and her customers. She made a decision that would help her survive. If only the town councils would fully consider the effects their laws have on small business owners!

Smoking bans have swept Indiana this year and last, with laws being passed in Franklin, and also Bloomington, Greenfield, Greenwood, Carmel, Indianapolis, and others; and considered in Fishers, Angola, Jefferson City among others.

The health aspects of smoking are not in dispute. The right of the property owners to set their own policies within their four walls is in dispute. I favor the owner's right to decide. The patrons and employees also have the right to decide whether or not to work or eat there. Republicans and Democrats alike are enacting these bans in disregard for the property rights of the owners.

Next time you are in Franklin, stop by the D&D Club. I had their huge pork tenderloin. Show your support for small business and property rights!

Debate Season Underway

I have learned that the first debate for Indiana Congressional District 9 wil take place tonight in Bloomington. It's a closed event, but you can see Libertarian candidate Dr. Eric Schansberg mix it up with Mike Sodrel and Baron Hill. Kenn Gividen and the other candidates for Indiana Senate 41 are working to stage a debate at Franklin College.

As for myself, there is a Secretary of State candidate forum- not exactly a debate- scheduled for September 26 in South Bend. Kole's September calendar.

Trail Photos

I recently stopped at IUPUI for a student community involvement event. Civic groups and campus groups such as the IUPUI campus Libertarians participated.

Dan Drexler & I gave the World's Smallest Political Quiz to see where students plotted on the political spectrum. IUPUI is a commuter school, so we weren't terribly surprised to see that fewer students placed in the left/liberal area, and more centrists. Plenty of Libertarians, most of whom signed up for the campus organization.

Thanks to Ben Rubin for the pics, and to prof Cindy Kirkpatrick for her work with the IUPUI students and the invitation!

Election Follies, Part 13

Didn't think the Attorney General could get involved in wacky behavior regarding elections, that it was the domain of the Elections Division and the Legislature? Think again. Apparently everybody wants a piece of this action.

A pronouncement has been made regarding automated phone calls from political parties and candidates: they're illegal. From the Indy Star report:

Attorney General Steve Carter warned the political parties today not to make automated phone calls to voters -- a traditional election year practice by both Republicans and Democrats.

Carter, a Republican who ran for attorney general in 2000 and 2004, said the practice violates a 1988 law prohibiting automated calling devices.

What I thought I knew was that the ban was not extended to political calls, as there would not have been broad Statehouse support, and that it would certainly bring a Constitutional challenge.

This important news to me, because I was considering using automated calls myself. My plan was to use them as a get-out-the-vote tool with Libertarian Party members, supporter, and contributors, along with Kole Campaign supporters and contributors.

So, how did I learn of this important news? From the Elections Division? From the Secretary of State's Office? From Attorney General Steve Carter?

No, I learned it from Mary Beth Schneider, in her Indy Star report:

Carter said he sent a letter on Aug. 22 to the chairmen of the state Republican and Democratic parties to inform them of the law. He did not send the same warning to businesses, he said, nor to the Libertarian Party.

Asked why he singled out the two major political parties for this kind of warning, Carter cited the upcoming election season as well as increased public concern about telephone privacy.

What was keeping Carter from sending a message to the Libertarian Party? Did he run out of stamps? Maybe the printer ran out of paper or toner? Did someone cut his phone line? Maybe Carter should look into that and then learn how many political parties are on the ballot in this state. Here's a hint: It's slightly more than two.

First, I want to see the law. I'm not convinced that any of the laws on the books apply to political parties or candidates. Show us the law.

Then, I want to know how the kole Campaign sending automated calls to Kole supporters violates the privacy of people who want me to be in contact with them, and who gave me their phone number so that I could do so.

Lastly, I'd like an explanation on how the First Amendment doesn't apply to political phone calls. Political speech is crucial to a free society.

Update 8-30-06: I was reacting to Mary Beth Schneider's preliminary report. She followed up and included my comments in her subsequent report:

While Carter sent a letter to Parker and Clark warning of the 1988 law, which carries a penalty of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine, he did not send a similar warning to other political parties.

The Libertarian Party, he said, didn't have the resources in his experience to pay for such calls.

Actually, we do. It was also Carter's experience in 2004, 2003, and 2002 that the parties were making automated calls. Why the sudden interest? He's been on the job six years. More:

That surprised Mike Kole, the Libertarian candidate for secretary of state. He'd planned to use such calls to encourage people to vote for him on Election Day.

"I cannot imagine that my supporters and contributors would feel violated by these calls," Kole said. "Who exactly is this supposed to protect? The people or incumbents?"

This is like taking auto-nailers away from framing carpenters. Sure, you can go back to hammers, but it is more time consuming and costly that way.

Maybe that's what Carter really has in mind.

Katrina Anniversary

I know this is nothing to do with Secretary of State, but sometimes significant evetns warrant discussion whether or not the office being sought has anything to do with it. Certainly people ask me about things that have nothing to do with SOS more than to do.

Much is being made in the media about Hurricane Katrina having happened a year ago. Much should be made about it. This is a classic example of huge numbers of citizens not taking responsibility for the choices they make in their lives.

If a home's ground floor elevation is below sea level, and the area has a hurricane season associated with it, the only reasonable expectation is that disaster will that home.

I do not think that living in such areas should be banned, as some are calling for. I hold that anyone can build and live where they choose, so long as they accept full responsibility for that choice. One who chooses to live in such conditions had best get a solid insurance policy and have a solid evacuation plan. Anything less is poor planning.

The people of the region are victims, but mainly of their own poor planning. The unheralded victims are the people who live outside the Gulf. These are the people who are paying, via FEMA, for the poor planning and lousy decisions made by too many in the Gulf.

It's getting worse. Notice how with Ernesto, a weak tropical storm so far, FEMA and governors around the Gulf are over-reacting. They don't want any part of the negative PR FEMA and the President took last year.

In fact, this was an opportunity for the President to be an advocate for self-responsibility and fiscal conservatism. It's understood that people buy land without thinking of all the possible consequences. But with Katrina, there was a real example, and a chance to change FEMA's role forever.

The President could have, and should have said to the country, "We will pay for you to rebuild a home. If you build it where it once stood, you take full responsibility should disaster strike again. We will not rebuild these areas a second time. FEMA's role is to assist in disaster, not to justify and forgive bad decision making, and certainly not to relieve anyone from thinking and planning. Choose carefully this time. This is the last FEMA bailout, ever. If you live in other hurricane magnet areas, in tornado alley, on a steep cliff where the waves are undercutting, or any other place with obvious risk, it's time for you to get insurance and to make a plan."

Alas, President Bush and the Republicans are just as committed to the perpetuation of big government as the Democrats.

Travel Log

Very early on, I thought I should keep a milage log. I wish I had. It would be interesting to see the numbers at this point, as I began campaigning in September 2004, first working to secure the nomination of the Libertarian Party, then to reach the voters of our state.

Thus far I have visited 27 counties, reaching the corners of the state, including all nine Congressional Districts. I have visited many of these locations on multiple occasions, with some of the furthest counties from home being the places I seem to land the most, such as LaPorte County, and also Allen and Wayne.

With 70 days left, this exceeds the reach of any previous statewide Libertarian campaign. In the remaining 10 weeks, I'll visit plenty more counties and meet many more voters. I'll look forward to meeting you on the trail, too!

September Calendar Filling Up!

I've been promised a busy home stretch into Election Day by my campaign manager Rob Place, and it's definitely getting there. We're filing the calendar with solid events.

Thus far, there are nine events on eight dates, taking me to Wayne County three times, and also up to South Bend. That's not a huge number, yet, but the events are excellent. It seems we add two every day!

Three of these events will have winning an endorsement in mind. Another will put me in front of TV cameras. There is even a Secretary of State candidate forum, which was somewhat unexpected given that there weren't debates for the candidates in 2002.

It is not too late to schedule an appearance. County Chairs and supporters should contact Rob Place to make the appointment. In the meantime, check the schedule like they vote in Chicago- early and often.

Kole Campaign Schedule

Kind of a skinny week, which is okay, as there are many big events coming up in mid-September, and it frees me up to make the necessary fundraising and team-building phone calls.
This week's events include:

Tuesday, Aug 27, 11:30-1:00pm: IUPUI Fall Service and Involvement Fair. Libertarians will have a booth, and I will stop by. The fair gives students the opportunity to find meaningful extra-curricular activity, and it's hard to top working for liberty.

Saturday, Sept 2, Noon- 2pm: LP of Wayne County's 5th annual garage sale. The Rex & Susan Bell give Libertarians the opportunity to part with unwanted stuff, and the good people of Wayne and surrounding counties to buy same at bargain prices. They had me make cotton candy last year. No telling what they might put me up to this year! Event runs all day Saturday and Sunday, at 17059 State Road 38, Hagerstown.

Pink sugar. The kids love it.

Great Indy Star Editorial on Restricted Ballot Access

The Indianapolis Star made note again today of how Indiana's election laws stifle participation in the electoral process, by beating down qualified and eager candidates, thus reducing choices for the people of our state. From the Star editorial:

State officials take pride in efforts they've made to tighten the gears of the election process, and they've had plenty of incentive by way of mandates and funding under the federal Help America Vote Act.

Unfortunately, a couple of little-noticed tweakings have cost voters some choices in the November balloting.

This should prove to be a temporary hitch. However, ballot access will remain an issue in Indiana as long as the state retains one of the nation's highest barriers to third-party participation.

Eleven Libertarian Party candidates for Statehouse offices were denied certification by the Indiana Elections Division because their party failed to state in writing with 10 days' notice that it intended to fill vacancies on its ticket.

The ongoing writing of new election laws, essentially more meaningless hoops to jump through, assures that some candidates will be barred from the ballot, as happened here. Observe that election law is written by Republicans and Democrats. Think maybe they have a motivation to keep some Libertarians off the ballot?

Given the dearth of interest and competition in the electoral process, it's a shame to see a dozen aspiring public servants sidelined. Hopefully, lessons have been learned and the T's will all be crossed in future elections.

Meanwhile, though, a much larger problem, the prohibitively high number of signatures required to attain ballot status, continues to be accepted by Democrats and Republicans alike. This means security for the two big parties; intense pressure on the Libertarians to fixate on the secretary of state's race, which determines who stays on the ballot; discouragement of other parties and independents; and reduced selection available to citizens. Why not add that big job to the election fix-up list?

So, yes, Libertarians have learned some lessons. We'll probably nominate all our candidates for Statehouse office at conventions from now on, and we'll hire legal counsel to review election law every year for new hoops to jump through. While the public did clamor for election reform, this is what you got. Is this reform, really? Does anyone feel that they were in some way protected from shady behavior?

Unless the public begins to clamor for fuller ballot access, election reform will merely amount to increasing mountains of paperwork and bureaucratic snarl, which only prevents little guys from running. The Ds & Rs can afford to burn dollars attending to this nonsense.

I am grateful that the Star has taken notice and is pointing out what Libertarians have been saying for years- the Ds & Rs act like two business giants engaged in a relative duopoly, and are guilty of collusion, and actively work to exclude other competitors. It's illegal in business, and should also be in our elections.

Voting for me will help send the message to Ds & Rs that you want more choices on the ballot. See my campaign website for more positions on elections.

Putting The 'Fun' in Fundraising

Big thanks to Todd Singer for hosting a fundraiser for me at the Taj Majal of bowling alleys, Pinheads in Fishers. We bowled in a private four-lane suite with theatre screen TVs, sofas and easy chairs, and a cool musical selection. Supporters came from Marion, Hamilton, and Hendricks Counties.

Two favorite moments- We badgered LPIN State Chair Mark Rutherford long and hard into bowling, mainly because we wanted a picture of a guy bowling in a business suit. Wouldn't you know Mark threw a strike! No warm up, just dead-eye accuracy.

Like Barry Bonds after a home run, Rutherford admires his strike.

Alex cracked everybody up with his calculated five-bumper strike. Here's the suite with the giant TV screens above the pins.

From left: Jo Coleman, Eric Barnes, Todd Singer, Mike Kole, Mark Rutherford, and bowling champ Kevin "Jerry" Hood


Marion County Treasurer Eric Barnes presented me with a check for $500

I appreciate the support from the bowlers and non-bowlers who attended tonight, and again, thanks to Todd Singer for a great event!

Campaign Calendar

Here are the upcoming events. If you are in Central Indiana, or Southern Indiana in the Lousiville area, these will be of great interest to you!

Thursday, 6:30pm, Fishers: Bowling fundraiser at Pinheads- 13825 Britton Park Rd, in the southwest corner of 141st & SR 37. $30 for an individual, or $100 for a foursome. Don't worry if you didn't RSVP for this- just show up! Family fun in a smoke-free environment... policy by owner's choice! Big thanks to Todd Singer for putting this event together!

Saturday, 2:00pm, Corydon: Art Fair in Corydon, Harrison County. I'll be shaking hands and talking politics. Come out and say hello and meet Harrison County Chair Dennis Stork.

Saturday, 4:30pm, Sellersburg Celebrates event: Libertarians will have a booth, and I'll be there for the usual campaign activities with Greg Hertzsch and other Libertarians. See us there!

Be sure to check the Kole Campaign calendar for events near you. If you would like to host an event, please contact Rob Place to schedule it!

Election Follies, Part 12

I think every Hoosier wants our elections and their process to have integrity. That's not going out on a limb. So, it's bothersome to find a lack of integrity and injustices throughout the electoral process.

Part Twelve is a follow-up to Part Seven, from LaPorte County. This one follows the Orwellian "all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others".

In my original post, the LaPorte Libertarians pointed out that in 2006, as in 2003, the Republicans failed to even file a CFA-4 form, as required by law. To be fair, the Dems also failed to file the required CFA-4 in 2003. It is worth recalling that the Republicans and Democrats wrote the law that requires a CFA-4. It is also worth recalling that the Indiana Elections Division is refusing to certify eleven Libertarian candidates this year, because even though forms were filed, and on time, a procedural step was missed.

Greg Kelver, in front of the Libertarian booth at the LaPorte County Fair

So, the Libertarians filed a complaint seeking the maximum fines to be imposed on the GOP. The fines are $50/day late, with a maximum of $1,000. As the forms were roughly 150 days late, it would be a $1,000 fine.

So, was the maximum fine imposed? From the Michigan City News Dispatch report:

LaPORTE - The LaPorte County Republican Party on Monday will not be penalized for not filing a pre-primary campaign finance report by the April 17 deadline.

The Board of Election Commissioners took no action in a brief meeting at the county courthouse. The meeting was called after the LaPorte County Libertarian Party complained that the Republicans had not filed its report.

So, why wasn't a fine imposed?

Election Commissioner Gary Davis said he thought it was good the Election Board was meeting to address the issue.

“I really feel like, if it's an intentional thing, then certainly that would be a different issue, but it's a mistake that both parties made last time,” he said.

and

The local GOP leader promised no repeats of the oversite.

“I guarantee it will not happen again on my watch. We're guilty; there's no question about it, but it was not intentional, we're volunteers and we're doing the best we can,” Pendergast said.

So, when the GOP mistakenly flubs on the basis of doing the best it can, that's treated with kid gloves. When the LP mistakenly flubs on the same basis, that warrants a death sentence because the law is the law. Also, if one party makes a mistake, the others are justified in future mistakes.

Anyone see an injustice here? How about a complete lack of integrity?

I call upon the Indiana Election Commission to do one of two things:

1. De-certify all Republican candidates who were not filed properly in Indiana
2. Certify the Libertarian candidates who were not filed properly in Indiana

Whatever the Commission stands by, it must be consistent. Otherwise, the Commission lacks integrity and stands for injustice.

Update, 8/24/06: The Michigan City News Dispatch ran my letter, along with one from Karen Wolf, about the unequal treatment. It also ran an editorial taking the LaPorte County Election Board to task for the kid gloves treatment. Curiously, neither of these features are available on the paper's website. Greg Kelver of LaPorte advises me that he will send a scanned pdf file of these items.

News Release

I was pleased that Pat Bauer brought up the idea of putting the BMV under the authority of the Secretary of State. Naturally, I have thoughts on the subject, and have issued a news release with my statements on the subject. It is as follows:

August 22, 2006 Contact
For Immediate Release Rob Place 317-776-1042


Mike Kole Interested in Bauer’s BMV Proposal

Direct Accountability to Voters is Good Government


Fishers, IN- Libertarian candidate for Secretary of State Mike Kole found his curiosity piqued by Pat Bauer’s recent proposal to place the BMV under the direction of the Secretary of State’s office.

“There is a lot of dissatisfaction with the BMV right now, and when that’s the case, people notice that there isn’t direct accountability to the voters,” said Kole of the appointed position of BMV chief.

Kole considered that the idea that this might merely be an election season stunt.

“Even if Mr. Bauer is just making an issue in a known sore spot like the BMV’s recent performance, it’s a fact that the more accountable government can be, the more efficient its service will be. I think it’s always worthwhile to look at how services are administered, and if we can make the BMV directly accountable without adding any new bureaucracy, it’s worth considering,” said Kole, adding, “I don’t think it would be that great a burden for competent management to add the oversight of the BMV to the oversight of elections, business services, and securities.”


Kole was amused at the source of this concept.

“I didn’t know Pat Bauer was the Democrat running for Secretary of State,” he quipped.


Mike Kole’s campaign themes are Integrity, and Accountability.

#####

A high-resolution headshot photo of Mike Kole is available upon request.

Mike Kole is available for comment. Call Mike directly on 317-709-3874 to set up an interview.

Mike Kole’s media presence includes his campaign website: www.mikekole.com, and his blog, “Kole Hard Facts: www.kolehardfacts.blogspot.com.

Pat Bauer, BMV, and Secretary of State

An interesting missive was issued by Pat Bauer and the Indiana Democrats today. From the press release:

House Democratic Leader B. Patrick Bauer today called for the operation of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to be placed under the direction of the Secretary of State instead of under the Governor’s Office.

Bauer explained his rationale during a Monday afternoon press conference at the Virginia Avenue BMV branch in Indianapolis.

“Our neighboring states of Illinois and Michigan already have placed operation of the BMV under the constitutional office of the Secretary of State, and I propose Indiana follow suit,” Bauer said.

You know, because Illinois and Michigan lead the way. Scary.

Anyhow, I like the idea of a BMV chief that is accountable to the voters, although right now, if you don't like the BMV, you can un-elect the Governor. In the Indy Star report, the incumbent SOS blew the idea off:

Secretary of State Todd Rokita, a Republican, dismissed the minority leader's plan as election year antics.

I found Bauer's stunt interesting. At first blush, you would guess that Bauer was trying to give the Democratic SOS candidate a little fuel, because he's been pretty much invisible. That hasn't changed- Bauer didn't even name their SOS candidate in their release, and didn't quote him either. Quite a team in blue.

Update 8/24/06: The confusion that seems to define Democrats- the same party that couldn't even field a candidate for US Senator- was noticed by the South Bend Tribune. From the Tribune report:

Whether Bauer's proposal helps fire other Democrats' campaigns as they seek majority status in the House of Representatives is unclear.

Rep. Ryan Dvorak, D-South Bend, said it's an "interesting idea" that he'll have to investigate further.

But he said Bauer had no obligation to coordinate the plan with Pearson, even though Pearson will top the Democrats' statewide ticket in November. "I don't know that Pat Bauer is campaigning for Joe Pearson," Dvorak said.

Pearson himself expressed no complaints about Bauer's strategy or timing, whether or not it sends an inadvertent message about party unity.

I think Bauer was trying to help Bauer, but a party that can't even be bothered to coordinate amongst itself can't be counted on to communicate with the electorate, either. This is some kind of ineptitude.

What Value Secretary of State

A frequently asked question posed to me about running for Secretary of State is why the Indiana Libertarians put so much effort into it. For what it's worth, many friends of liberty find themselves uninspired by some of the issues associated with the office. It isn't legislative, so the spectrum of issues SOS touches is narrow.

The answer is that Indiana's election laws tie each political party's ballot status to the statewide outcome in this race. I've never received a good answer from any ranking Republican or Democrat as to why they wrote the laws that way, but we play by the rules.

As a minor party, the Libertarian Party candidate for Secretary of State always has to be mindful of at least retaining automatic ballot access, while striving for major party status, along with victory. The struggle of the Green Party shows us the value.

Bill Stant struggled long and hard to get the Green Party on the Indiana ballot. The method was to petition for enough signatures so that he could be on the ballot as a candidate for Secretary of State. Once that was achieved, he would try to get 2% statewide, thereby earning automatic ballot access for the Green Party for the next four years.

Unfortunately for Bill and his supporters, they failed to secure the required number of signatures, so he will not be on the ballot. Thus, the Greens will not have automatic ballot access. If persons wants to run as a Green Party candidate, each will have to petition individually to get on the ballot.

I have great sympathy for Bill Stant. I have done petitioning work in Ohio for the Libertarian Party. It is tiresome work and feels unrewarding, because all you are doing is getting signatures and not even talking your issues. Besides that, I believe in a fully open ballot. Let the voters decide, not the entrenched parties.

The Libertarian Party has close to 100 candidates this year. Imagine the unrewarding effort each would have had to undertake securing petition signatures if the LPIN did not have automatic ballot access. Most assuredly, there would be significantly fewer Libertarian candidates, just as there are almost no other Green candidates. Indeed- there are only six Green or independent candidates for statewide or legislative office. This shows how effective petitioning requirements are in keeping independents off the ballot.

Brad Klopfenstein once told me that the value of the petitioning effort is $80,000. To the Greens, though, I bet ballot access would be priceless.

I have made it my goal to raise $100,000 this year. I want to make sure that Indiana Libertarians should never have to worry about ballot access again, as we break through to major party status.

Even if the issues I campaign on for Secretary of State do not interest you, my success will allow about 400 other Libertarian candidates to do exactly that in the full election cycle until 2010.

Picture Post

As long as I am pulling photos for posts, I may as well post some shots from the Adirondacks from our recent trip.

We camp near Speculator, NY. It's wonderfully remote. The trails to Rock Pond and Long Pond are gloriously under-utilized, which is why we go there. No other persons had been here for two weeks, according to the trailhead log book.

Alex & I gear up at Rock Pond. Alex is 14 and very capable of handling a man-sized load. Alex taking a larger share of the load coupled with having lost 30 pounds made these hikes some of the breeziest I've ever taken!

Ame carried Isabel on her back for the hikes.

Of course, once on site, Isabel was on the move. This is Long Pond, and she wanted to be in the Pond very much. It's too much like a quarry to allow her to swim here yet.

Isabel searches for blueberries as the morning mist rises off Long Pond.

A pair of loons are obscured by the mist on the Pond.

After the camping, we visited with members of Ame's extended family in nearby North Creek, NY. We rode the excursion train there. This is my girl- enjoying the wind in her hair, while on the train! The trackage was former Delaware & Hudson, and much of it ran parallel to the very rocky Hudson River, which bore little resemblance to what you see in NYC.

Artists Mourned

Sad news from best friend Steve Wainstead regarding two senseless killings in Cleveland. One of the victims was Masumi Hayashi, an artist and professor who introduced Steve to photo collages. Steve then introduced them to me. From the Cleveland Plain Dealer report:

Masumi Hayashi complained for months about the ear-shattering music her eccentric neighbor blasted through a massive stereo system.

When she took exception to the loudness Thursday evening, the neighbor responded with a barrage of gunfire, killing Hayashi and another resident, police said.

Suddenly, the local art community had been robbed of two vibrant, creative souls, said friends, relatives and artists.

On Friday, they mourned the deaths of Hayashi, 60, a world-renowned photographer and professor; and John Jackson, 51, a respected sculptor, painter and woodworker.

This reaches me on two levels- the art, and Masumi's direct contact on a complaint. You see, I'm not one to call the police and hide in my bedroom. I believe it's better to be real human beings, discuss your differences straight, and see if you can't resolve it that way. I always feel the person you have a complaint with would respect that, knowing that you could have as easily dragged the police in.

"She was always direct," Keesey said. "She just felt that if you talked to people directly, you could get things done."

Me too. But killed over stereo volume? Maybe I need to re-think this. On the art:

Aside from garnering national attention for her photography, Hayashi taught art at Cleveland State University for 24 years. She had won a Cleveland Arts Prize, three Ohio Arts Council awards and a Fulbright fellowship. Her work has been shown in New York, Los Angeles, London and Tokyo.

Steve was greatly influenced by Masumi's photo collages (link to prison collages), and by David Hockney's. Steve was quoted in a second Plain Dealer article:

As a teacher, "she was critical always in a positive way," said Steve Wainstead of New York, software development manager for an online photo site who took courses from Hayashi in the 1990s. "I never heard her say a harsh word of criticism."

I was in turn inspired by Steve. I complained to him about the limitations of the camera. Images on prints always looked too small to me. The images only captured a two-dimensional cut of the world the photographer saw. He suggested I try shooting some collages. I was hooked. The collages gave a greater sense of action, and you could emphasize certain features of the subject by moving closer to them, of by leaving gaps in space in the layout, allowing the mind to fill in.

Actually, I liked Steve's and Hockney's collages better than Masumi's. Hers were very precise panoramas. They were interesting in giving that perspective, but they were too naturalist for me. They made no value judgments on the details within the chosen subject. I preferred highlighting those things that spoke most to me within a subject that generally spoke to me. Link to a Hockney collage.

But that's nitpicking. I owe a debt to Masumi for her influence on Steve. I continue to shoot photo collages today, even if I'm really slow about assembling them, thanks to the campaign. Some of my favorite collages of hers were shot at Japanese-American WW2 internment camps. She was born in one, and returned to several of internment sites. Link. Masumi's statement on the camps. LA Times obit.

Here are some of my photo collages:

"The Return Trip From Ohio". Steve got me hooked on the collages, and then set me up for a showing of them in a gallery setting in 1997! I'm no artist! Steve and I did a circle tour of Ohio in July, 1997. Here Steve walks back to Ohio from Indiana across an abandoned railroad bridge. I really like how despite the sparse presentation, the mind fills in the blanks rather well. It captured the sense of being in the middle of nowhere, and also a place fading from use. It's still framed, and measures 30" x 32".

I shot this collage in about nine years ago. It's primarily black & white, with the exception being the two images of my son, Alex, who was five at the time. The location is Cleveland, on the former Erie Railroad line by the Von Willer Yard, near E. 55th Street. This was near my home at that time. These were dark, trying days for me, and Alex was my brightest bright spot. I was pretty really unaware that I was expressing that so clearly when I shot it. The railroad was a pretty rundown property, and Alex was wearing bright colors and a bright smile. The choice of film seemed appropriate, but more than I knew. This remains my favorite collage as art. It's 40" x 32" in size. I never framed it, and did not show it. It was too personal at the time.

Personal collages are mainly what I shoot anymore, so they are meant to be semi-artistic, but really are documents for my own enjoyment. This collage is broken in half so that it could fit in a photo album. The setting is Banff, Alberta. Ame & I honeymooned there in 2003.

All of my photo albums have little collages like these in them. I routinely shoot collages whenever I travel. The trip to the Adirondacks was no different. I shot at least two collages, but they are not yet assembled.