GUEST COMMENTARY: Indiana poised to lead U.S. on school choice

One of the great Indiana success stories of the past decade is what we’ve accomplished in the area of education reform. I am always proud to tell the story of our state’s success in Washington, D.C., and now, as I begin my service as chairman of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Early Childhood…

GUEST COMMENTARY: Ethics reform must include redistricting to be true reform

Indiana House Speaker Pat Bauer and all who have voted for legislative ethics reform so far deserve credit for the legislative ethics reforms passed recently in the House. The legislation would increase public confidence in the General Assembly by addressing ethics concerns for lawmakers bec…

GUEST COMMENTARY: Rebutting the opposition to rethinking redistricting

As I travel the state of Indiana and talk about "rethinking redistricting," I've noticed that once Hoosiers are made aware of our "Wild West" type of redistricting process, they tend to agree it needs to be reformed. A productive discussion is under way, and the campaign is being adopted by others.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Legislative districts should represent people, not politics

When it comes to redistricting -- the process we go through every 10 years to ensure our population is distributed fairly evenly among our various elected federal and state legislators -- it is the threshold issue that determines how much your elected officials listen to you on all other iss…

Swift sentence shows justice was served well

Daniel Swift swindled a lot of people out of a lot of money. But on Monday Swift was handed a strong sentence; a sentence that commands he pay back every penny of possible restitution AND give up years of freedom. I couldn't be prouder of the work of the law enforcement professionals in my o…

Protect Your Pockets: High-profile learning opportunity for Hoosier investors

As our nation comes to understand the stunning news of the alleged $50 billion Ponzi scheme perpetrated by New York hedge fund operator Bernard Madoff, we now have our own high-profile case here in Indiana that has garnered national news attention. Indiana investment adviser Marcus Schrenker…

Protege tus Bolsillos: Oportunidad de Aprendizaje Notable para inversionistas residentes de Indiana

Mientras que nuestra nación llegue a comprender las noticias sorprendendentes de la supuesta confabulación de Ponzi de $50 billones cometida por el operador de fondos de cobertura de Nueva York Bernard Madoff, ya tenemos nuestro propio caso prominente aquí en Indiana que ha obtenido atenció…

Protect Your Pockets: Becoming financially fit in the new year

Across Indiana, Hoosiers are gearing up for a new year. For many, looking ahead to 2009 is a chance for a fresh start. Theyll cast new years resolutions to overcome bad habits, lead a healthier lifestyle or volunteer more. The most common resolutions, however, often involve personal financ…

Protect Your Pockets: Avoiding Common Foreclosure Fraud Schemes

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments a person can make. Owning a house can provide a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of security. As a result, the thought of losing one's home can be daunting. The truth of the matter is, your home can be seen as a promising investment fo…

Thank you to a special Hoosier army

As secretary of state and Indiana's chief elections officer, I have said for several weeks that Nov. 4 would be one of Indiana's "finest hours." While some reacted to my Election Day prediction quizzically, wondering why I would be so bold just as the expectation of unmanageable voter turnou…

Boots and Ballots: Hoosier Troops Making a Difference

Half a world away, our nation's war against terrorism continues to be very real. The men and women who serve in our military continue to put themselves in harm's way to promote freedom and security across the world. Our troops use many different tools to protect our nation, and now, they're …

Protect Your Pockets: Money Management 'I Dos' and Don'ts for Newlyweds

After an engagement, the thrill of wedding planning, honeymoon arrangements and, frequently, moving logistics occupies much of a happy couple's time. However, in the midst of debates over flowers, music and menus, many future spouses neglect to discuss one truly important thing: their financ…

Rotating primaries would give more Americans a say in the process

Although most Americans have now turned their attention to the heated race building toward November, we still have many lessons to learn from the history-making 2008 presidential primary.

Rotating primaries would give more Americans a say in the process

Although most Americans have now turned their attention to the heated race building toward November, we still have many lessons to learn from the history-making 2008 presidential primary.

Elections allow voters to fulfill civic duty

I have had the privilege of serving as Indiana's chief election officer through five years of federal, state and local elections. It is encouraging with every election cycle to sense the energy that builds in Indiana as we near the first Tuesday in November, and it is important that we maint…

Do your homework before borrowing money

The Henriquez family, an Indiana family originally from Honduras, had dreamed of owning their own home in America, but it wasn't until a loan broker knocked on their door that they ever thought it was possible.

Indiana leads in protecting electoral process

Indiana has improved its electoral process more in the last year than in any other since the 1965 Voting Rights Act. We are approaching our first elections combining changes mandated by the federal government's Help America Vote Act and our own measures to ensure fair and accurate elections.

Winfield voters among first in Indiana to vote with ID

Tuesday is Election Day for three Indiana towns, including Winfield.

Make agencies smaller, more efficient

Like many Hoosiers, I anxiously await the details of the plan that the administration of Gov. Frank O'Bannon and Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan has in mind for solving the state's current budget deficit. I hope their plan includes a top-to-bottom analysis and retooling of state government operations.…