Dems plan Carmel contest; few local incumbents lose

The County Line

Republicans got all the attention in Tuesday’s local primary elections. But, Democrats say they will make a limited effort in the November general election campaign. Democratic County Chairman Joe Weingarten said this week that he is “95 percent certain” his party will have a candidate for mayor in Carmel. But, he is not ready to identify the candidate.

Weingarten had good news for Noblesville candidate Chris Jensen and renominated Mayors Scott Fadness of Fishers and Andy Cook in Westfield. No opposition in November for them. Democrats have until next month to fill their ticket for the fall election, but no prospects, the chairman says.

He said an announcement on a Carmel candidate may be made May 14 after a scheduled County Election Board meeting. At that time Democrats will seek further investigation into an allegation that a bribe was offered to Carmel mayoral candidate Fred Glynn to drop out of the race for mayor.

Incumbent Mayor Jim Brainard, who says no such offer was made, defeated Glynn in Tuesday’s election. He is seeking his seventh term in the city that has never elected a Democrat to public office.

The outcome of the GOP primaries on Tuesday were widely predicted. With few exceptions, incumbents prevailed for most offices a stake. And, in Noblesville what mayoral candidate Mike Corbett called the “establishment” was quite successful if there is indeed an establishment. The term is hard to define, especially in the case of our county’s growing cities.

Since incumbent officeholders are established in office, one could assume their successful re-election would be a victory for the establishment. The only incumbent to lose in Noblesville was city councilman Rick Taylor. Of course, mayor-to-be Jensen is not an incumbent, but had the support of retiring Mayor John Ditslear.

The most surprising loss of an “establishment” incumbent was that of Carmel City Councilor Ron Carter. He has been the longest serving, most loyal supporter the Brainard administration had. Carter has worked hard on city projects, spending his own time that is not required in the job description. Still, he lost Tuesday to a relative unknown, Dr. Tim Hannon, who makes his first venture into politics this year.

It’s hard to explain. Sometimes in politics, as in other pursuits, a person just wears out his welcome.