When I read Ann Marie Shambaugh’s story on the Current Publishing Web site about the League of Women Voters (LVW) candidate forum in Carmel, the main story was the fact that no Republicans chose to appear.  So, I wondered, what would happen at the Noblesville LVW forum two days later?

So, I went.  Turns out I was mixed-up on the start time, arrived late and entered in the wrong door.  That was bad enough.

But once again, only Democrats were there as candidates, once again no Republican candidates were there.  Why did the local GOP decide to stay away from these forums?

According to Ms. Shambaugh’s story for Current, this was no scheduling conflict.  Republican County Chair Mario Massillamany says he told the candidates not to attend.  Massillamany is quoted in the story as asserting GOP candidates have been attacked at these events and he does not believe the League is as neutral as it claims.

So, the Thursday night forum in Noblesville had the following in attendance – Jessica Paxson, Hamilton County Prosecutor – Jocelyn Vare, Senate District 31 – Tami Dixon-Tatum, Senate Distric 25 – Donna Griffin, House District 88.

Ms. Paxson says her decision to run for Prosecutor was tied to Greg Garrison winning the GOP primary.  She made clear that she would not be running if incumbent Lee Buckingham had won the May primary.

The hopefuls for seats in the General Assembly handled a number of issues, including abortion, education, the economy and their priorities if elected.

A reminder that the deadline to register to vote is October 11.  You can check on your registration, and get other voting information, at the LWV election Web site vote411.com