Times Staff Report
CROWN POINT | Gov. Mitch Daniels commended Conservative Cafe owners Bill McCall and Dave Beckham on Friday for their "gumption."
"This is what Indiana needs," he said at the GOP-themed restaurant on Main Street during a visit to the region. "It's enterprising to start something new and create jobs. It's the single most important thing that can happen in our state."
Daniels stopped into the business before making his way to the governor's ball in Merrillville.
Former Mayor Dan Klein, Crown Point schools Superintendent Teresa Eineman, Councilwoman Carol Drasga and local developers Tim Walsh and Dave Bryan were among those who showed up to greet the governor.
"I know everybody is excited to see Johnny Depp, but I'm excited to see the governor," said Beckham, referring to the upcoming filming of a Depp movie in town.
Cameras flashed as Daniels wound his way through the dining area, chatting with residents and children.
McCall and Beckham presented Daniels with a black Conservative Cafe jacket stitched with his name in white.
