By FRED SWIFT
Hamilton County is certain to have a new state representative following next year’s election. District 32 was remapped by the state legislature as part of the decennial redistricting of the state.
The new District 32 results partially because of the county’s tremendous increase in population and partly due to what some call gerrymandering by Republicans. But, in this case Democrats are not complaining too loudly about alleged gerrymandering.
The new District 32 will be very competitive, political experts believe. It stretches across the southern end of the county through portions of southern Clay and Delaware townships. This includes precincts where Democrats have done well in the past two elections.
There will be no incumbent in the new district, which may add to its competitive nature. Thus far there has been no one expressing interest in running for the seat, at least not publicly. But, it is still early in the game. Filing for office in next year’s election begins in January.
GOP sets Fall Dinner
In other political news, county Republicans have set a date of Nov. 7 for their annual Fall Dinner. It will be held at the 502 East Event Center in Carmel. The event draws several hundred GOP officeholders, candidates, contributors and party faithful. This year U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) will be the featured speaker.
Hamilton County claims Young as a native son since he grew up in the county and graduated from Carmel High School in 1990. Now a resident of Bloomington, the senator’s parents still reside locally. Young will run for re-election next year after having first been elected in 2016 when he defeated Democrat Evan Bayh.
Several candidates – both declared and unofficial – getting a jump on the May 2022 primary were present last Thursday night at the annual Carmel Clay GOP pork roast. County Sheriff Dennis Quakenbush, Prosecutor Lee Buckingham, Superior Court Judge Jon Brown, County Commissioner Christine Altman, and State Reps. Jerry Torr and Donna Schaibley were in the crowd of more than 100.
Among first time candidates also seeking support were Trini Beaver for County Recorder, Kevin Poore for Assessor and Paul Hensel, running for Clay Township Trustee.