In an editorial, the editorial board of the Indianapolis Star lauded Indiana’s ninth district for having “three strong candidates” running to represent them. One of those candidate is Libertarian Eric Schansberg.
The editorial board said of Schansberg, “Schansberg, an Indiana University Southeast economics professor, is a prime example of how far the Libertarian Party has advanced in Indiana. He’s thoughtful and well versed on core issues.” Unfortunately, they did not endorse Schansberg. Instead, they endorsed the Republican, who represented the district until 2006.
The entire editorial:
9th district
Given the prevalence of gerrymandering and a campaign financing system that favors incumbents, it’s uncommon for voters to be offered a choice between two well-qualified candidates in congressional races. But three strong candidates competing for one House seat? That’s unheard of. Or at least that’s the case outside this southeastern Indiana district, where for the second time Democrat Baron Hill, Libertarian Eric Schansberg and Republican Mike Sodrel face off.
Schansberg, an Indiana University Southeast economics professor, is a prime example of how far the Libertarian Party has advanced in Indiana. He’s thoughtful and well versed on core issues.
So too is Sodrel, who lost the seat to Hill in 2006. Sodrel brings a business owner’s experience and expertise to issues such as energy and health care. His previous stint in Congress gives him a depth of knowledge rare among challengers. And the past two years outside of Washington have helped temper partisan tendencies.
Hill, a proud “blue-dog” Democrat, has shown encouraging growth in the past two years, but remains the weakest of the three candidates in addressing, with specifics, issues such as how to curb government spending.
Voters should seize the opportunity to return Sodrel to Congress.
Voters should seize the opportunity to take their own choice.