by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

Local Democrats are not happy with me. They think my story on the primary election was unfair in predicting that Republican nominees would likely win election in this fall’s general election. After 150 years of nearly uninterrupted GOP victories, what in the world lead me to believe another sweep is likely?

But, admittedly, likelihood is not certainty. Almost anything is possible, and Democrats can point to a few encouraging signs. The party has new leadership since the last general election. There are more Democrats moving into Hamilton County, and some political experts think 2018 will be a big year for the party nationwide.

Obviously, candidates are needed to win elections. County Democrats have a few, but need a lot more. To date, they have no candidates for the important county positions of Sheriff, Prosecutor, Superior Court judge or County Commissioner. They do have the opportunity to fill their ticket before November, but don’t expect to see it done this year.

County Chairman Joe Weingarten said earlier this year that he will produce some candidates for county office, probably for county council, county commissioner and maybe a few others. They do have candidates for State Representative in District 29, county council in Council Districts 1 and 3, Noblesville Township Trustee and a scattering of candidates for township and town board seats. But, there are about 50 offices on the various county ballots this year, so there’s a long way to go. The party has until June 30 to recruit and file candidates to fill the many vacancies on the November ballot.

Although Hamilton County has prospered with Republican leadership over the years, it would be well to have a two-party presence. Even if a majority continues to support the GOP, choices in the general election would give both parties incentive to get greater voter participation. The 19 percent turnout in the recent primary certainly shows we could use something to encourage participation in our elections.