Statement on Van Haaften’s Candidacy
by | Posted in General 2 Comments »As has been widely reported in the media, Brad Ellsworth is likely to abandon his run for the House of Representatives in Indiana’s 8th congressional district. Today Trent Van Haaften confirmed his intention to seek the Democrat nomination in Ellsworth’s stead. In response to Van Haaften’s candidacy, Dr. Larry Bucshon issued the following statement today.
“As I have traveled around the 8th district meeting with people, I hear a consistent and clear message – we need new, fresh perspectives in Congress. As Evan Bayh noted this week, ‘Congress is not operating as it should…Even at a time of enormous national challenge, the people’s business is not getting done.’ Frankly, I could not agree more. Unfortunately Trent Van Haaften supports the same agenda of Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi which Evan Bayh so aptly deplored. I believe people of the 8th district want a representative who will bring balance to Congress and stand up for our Hoosier values of limited and responsible government. I intend to provide it.”
Van Haaften’s decision to enter the race raises a number of concerns about his record as a state legislator.
- Van Haaften voted against a constitutional amendment to cap homeowner’s property taxes, yet he authored a bill (HR 1231) to allow individuals who own private planes to sidestep Indiana sales taxes. Van Haaften opposed tax caps for homeowners, but when private plane owners are disadvantaged, it’s Van Haaften to the rescue.
- Van Haaften opposed Major Moves, the primary vehicle which has allowed Southwestern Indiana to fund Interstate 69. The 8th district needs a strong voice in Congress to fight for federal support of I-69.
- Out of 150 members of the Indiana’s General Assembly, Van Haaften was second only to the Speaker of the House in the amount of gifts accepted from lobbyists and corporate interests.
- AT&T paid more than $1,600 for Van Haaften and his wife to attend the Indiana Inaugural Ball in Washington the night before Barack Obama was sworn in as president. Three days later, the wined and dined lawmaker introduced legislation to create a statewide mapping system for high-speed Internet access — a move hailed by AT&T executives as their top 2009 legislative priority. The company also paid for Van Haaften to attend a San Antonio golf tournament, throwing in a $350 pro shop gift card for extra measure.
Van Haaften’s political opportunism is not welcome in Indiana’s 8th congressional district, and Dr. Larry Bucshon welcomes 2010 as a referendum on this old way of doing business.
February 19th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Hmm. Sounds like a non-conservative offering, no?
Now, having the backing of the republican party, a party known for it’s “Let’s be democrat so they like us” strategy that makes as much sense as the Treaty of Versailles, what exactly do you suppose will happen?
The RNC, like a brontosaurus waiting to feel the bite of a meat-eater on it’s tail, has no concept that Conservatism is the way to win. We can’t be merely republican. We have to be STRIKINGLY different from the other team.
Negotiate on healthcare? Screw that! Let’s close the post office!
Negotiate to open immigration? Screw that! Here’s our flat tax!
Negotiate at all? As Anthony McAuliffe said, “Nuts!”
This isn’t about taking office; this is about taking our country back!
March 5th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
[...] … Van Haaften said the popularity of early voting and absentee voting has destroyed the …Blog for Bucshon for Congress Blog Archive Statement on …Today Trent Van Haaften confirmed his intention to seek the Democrat nomination in … Unfortunately [...]