WINONA LAKE — Democrats had a big turnout at Noah Noah Wood Grill in Winona Lake Saturday night, with speeches from four candidates.

Among those were Beau Bayh, who's running for Secretary of State, and Kelly Thompson, who will likely face Republican Congressman Marlin Stutzman in the general election for the 3rd District seat.

Beau Bayh is the son of former Indiana Gov. Evan Bayh and the grandson of former U.S. Senator Birch Bayh.

Bayh talked with News Now Warsaw before the dinner and was highly critical of Indiana's Republican Secretary of State Diego Morales.

"We have someone who's currently filling that role who has bought luxury vehicles, $92,000 of the taxpayer money; when he's hired his family members and pays them six-figure salaries; when he's taking trips all over the world and he's given out millions of dollars in no-bid contracts to his largest campaign donors," Bayh said.

"That's breaking down the trust in that office, and we've got to rebuild that trust, so my first priority is going to be to clean up the corruption by opening an independent audit," he said.

He also spoke about improving voter turnout in Indiana, which remains low compared to many other states.

He's calling for expanded voting hours and the elimination of straight-ticket voting.

Indiana is only one of six states that allow straight-ticket voting.

He also supports a change to the state constitution to allow for what he calls "citizen-led statewide ballot referendums."

Morales is expected to face challenges from Libertarian candidate Lauri Shillings and independent candidate Greg Ballard.

In the Democratic Party, Bayh will face Blythe Potter, who also spoke at the Winona Lake dinner.

Potter, a veteran and small business owner in Bargersville, said she wants to see the secretary of state's office return to traditional roles with fewer headlines.

“My first work is going to be sure that we are empowering Hoosier voters. Many state already have a statewide ballot book, and Indiana has next to nothing,” Potter said.

She said she envisions it as becoming the most comprehensive ballot guide compared to other states.

Potter also pointed out that she's running to be Indiana's first female Democrat to serve as secretary of state.

Bayh is heavily outraising Potter in campaign fundraising.

Thompson, of North Webster, gave an energized speech on a wide variety of topics that repeatedly focused on affordability issues, including the right to health care.

She talked about conversations she's had with pharmacists who are sometimes unable to provide prescriptions because of the price.

“They tell me that they watch people put medications back because we, in the richest country in the history of the world, can’t provide … what we deserve, which is access to affordable health care."

Thompson, on the subject of abortion, said she'd like to see the number of abortions decline as low as possible, but said a new approach is needed

"Maybe the men in power think that the only way to fix this is to outlaw it, but I have news for you," Thompson said. 

"Let's help women who don't want to get pregnant, not get pregnant. We need to have access to birth control like so many other states in this country already do. You want to know what else we could do? We could make sure that there is OBGYN care for women who might get pregnant in these states — We could make sure that women who get pregnant know that they're going to be able to afford diapers and formula and a roof over their head."

"Give them some child care!" she added.

Jamee Decio, a congressional candidate for the 2nd District Congressional seat, also spoke.

She's an Elkhart native and a lawyer who has worked to provide legal aid.

Decio called on Congress to develop a policy that can provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who have a clean record.

"Together we can make America great for the next generation," Decio said.

Several awards were presented by party leadership, including the Salute to Service Award, which was given to Paul and Kay Croyle, who have been the leading supporters of the annual event in recent years. 

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WARSAW — Charles and Deb Eichman drove back from Nappanee to their home in Warsaw Saturday with hopes of checking out the No Kings protest, but did not expect much of a crowd.

Upon arriving, they stood on the steps of the CVS Pharmacy and looked out in awe at the hundreds of people lined up along North Detroit Street, participating in a peaceful protest that fueled a nearly endless sound of honking horns that continued for more than two hours from passersby supporting the movement against President Donald Trump.

[caption id="attachment_121401" align="alignright" width="420"] One of the many protesters on Saturday stood along North Detroit Street with this sign. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

Deb had tears in her eyes as she watched.

Such a turnout in one of the most conservative counties in Indiana, she said, was "staggering."

Charles Eichman sounded hopeful.

“You think your voice is not being heard, and it is, not just here but all around the country," Charles said. "I just hope people in charge are going to listen.” 

[caption id="attachment_121425" align="alignright" width="265"] Some of the signs included a few puns. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

He said he hopes the national movement would lead to at least a discussion between the two parties.

“It should open a dialogue. There have to be people on the other side of the political spectrum that feel like everyone here does,” he said.

Just a few feet away, two sisters stood along the sidewalk with three other family members, including a 34-year-old non-verbal disabled man in a wheelchair. 

The five had just arrived from Elkhart, where they attended another No Kings rally.

One of them, Roxanne Manhaut, mentioned numerous issues that bother her about Trump, including his penchant for lying, but said she is most concerned about her son’s future.

She’s worried about the prospect of more budget cuts that have been implemented in the past nine months without Congressional input.

Her son suffered a heart attack at the age of five.

“He goes to a day program now. If we were to lose that, I don’t know what we would do,” Manhaut said. “I hate it when they say disabled people should be out working. He can’t work. He can barely stand up and walk.”

Her concerns are extensive.

“I’m sad we have to spend a day doing this, but … I want a president I don’t have to think about all the time,” Manhaut said, turning to her sister, Connie Schermerhorn,

“Remember those days?” she said.

Saturday’s rally was one of nearly 2,000 held across the country in opposition to President Trump’s increasing use of authoritarian tactics on a wide range of issues that continue as Republican members of Congress remain overwhelmingly silent.

The event in Warsaw was the biggest of the summer – estimated by an organizer to be nearly 350 people — and was by far the loudest, accentuated by two people using bullhorns and accompanied by chants, cheers, and even the music of John Lennon.

Republican leaders had warned that the No Kings protests, which they claimed were fueled by Antifa, and would likely turn violent in some cities, but that was not the case.

The Warsaw gathering included many peole waving American flags and it remained peaceful despite efforts by a few counterprotesters in cars who tried to send a message by blaring their horns and revving car engines.

Marc Redding used a bullhorn throughout the rally to sporadically echo famous quotes by the founders of the country as well as snippets from historic documents.

“I wanted to make sure my voice is heard. It’s important. People don’t understand that Democracy is on the line here. Freedom is on the line. We have to take a stand,” Redding said.

Russ Reahard, a staunch Republican who previously ran for the statehouse, was one of the few counterprotesters who chose to stand alongside others. He wore a customized red MAGA hat with a sign that listed his priorities.

He said his conversations with protesters were cordial and polite.

City and county law enforcement patrolled the rally, and one onlooker said she saw one counter-protester who was pulled over by police after creating a plume of smoke with his tires while in the street.

Below are more images from the protest. All photos by Dan Spalding.

[gallery columns="1" size="large" ids="121420,121413,121415,121419,121423,121411,121408,121422,121418,121427"]

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WARSAW — Unlike previous political protests this year, top Republicans, including some in the Trump Administration, are openly demeaning those who plan to participate in Saturday’s No Kings rallies across the country.

Criticisms on the right have come from several high-profile officials in several regards.

House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana, a Republican, said protesters are being paid and supported by "well-organized" members of Antifa, which was recently declared by President Trump to be a terrorist group without evidence.

Republicans have also ramped up rhetoric in recent days, claiming that those protesters “hate America.”

On Thursday, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the Democratic Party's main constituency is made up of Hamas terrorists, illegal aliens, and violent criminals.

Robert Osbun, treasurer for the Kosciusko County Democratic Party, who has helped organize some of the more recent protests in Warsaw, was asked about the verbal attacks.

He said the new approach shows Republicans are worried about public opinion on numerous national issues trumpeted by Trump.

Suggestions that protesters are being paid have continued for months, but without evidence.

“You know it’s not true. Obviously, it’s not true. Nobody’s paying us,” Osbun said.

Claims that protesters hate America were amplified repeatedly in the past week.

“These are people who love our country more than anything. They’re not about to let Mike Johnson or anybody else tell them why they’re there,” Osbun said.

The newest round of protests coincides with a government shutdown that's been underway for 16 days as of Friday. Democrats argue that Congress needs to extend federal support for Affordable Care Act premiums, which are set to expire at the end of the year.

Osbun said he expects protesters to rally behind numerous issues — as they have in the past — but that healthcare has become an important topic because so many Americans could see their premiums double or triple without federal support.

Hundreds of protests are scheduled for Saturday across the country.

The Warsaw rally is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. outside the Warsaw Community Public Library at the corner of North Detroit and Center streets.

The local forecast calls for a chance of rain on Saturday afternoon.

The post Local Democrat scoffs at GOP rhetoric before Saturday’s protests appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

Staff Report

WARSAW — Kosciusko County Democrats have scheduled another protest to rally against the policies of President Donald Trump, this time with a specific focus on economic policies.

The Labor Day rally will be 2-4 p.m. on Monday at the corner of Center and North Detroit  streets in Warsaw.

Issues of concern cited by Kosciusko County Democratic Party in a news releae include the lack of affordable housing as well a the rising cost of utility bills, insurance and property taxes, all of which they say negatively impacts nearly all Hoosiers.

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WARSAW — More than 90 people turned out in near 90-degree temperatures Saturday to defend the role of immigrants amid an ongoing federal crackdown on undocumented citizens by the Trump administration.

[caption id="attachment_115880" align="alignright" width="350"] This sign at Saturday's rally refers to plans by the Trump administration to open a detention camp In Indiana for those taken into custody by ICE agents. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

While the messages conveyed on many of the signs were once again diverse (subjects ranged from women's rights to Trump's authoritarian leanings), Saturday's event — the latest in a series of rallies against Trump was organizaeed locally — the most recent was in support of immigrants who are watching as Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents continue to detain and deport people across the country.

Unlike past Warsaw protests held this year, Saturday's rally was organized by the Kosciusko County Democratic Party, many of whom wore blue shirts with the Spanish phrase, "Tu Vecino Tu Voz," on the back. Translated, it means, "Your neighbor, your voice."

Organizers were glad the heat did not deter the enthusiasm.

“It’s a great turnout because we never know how many people are going to show up,” said Robert Osbun, treasurer for the county’s Democratic Party. “This is a rally by Kosciusko County Democrats to highlight immigrant families here in northern Indiana, so we’re really, really pleased with the turnout.”

The rally along North Detroit Street and east of the library took place at the same time as a massive festival — the Guadalupe festival — was happening less than two miles to the north which celebrated Hispanic culture at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

Osbun was asked about the simultaneous juxtaposition of two unrelated events and added, “Our event is to highlight their support and support them, and we hope they see that.”

Trump's actions in the past week have upset Democrats in Indiana. Those include plans to open an immigrant detention center alongside Grissom Air Reserve Base north of Kokomo and call it the Speedway Slammer. Also this week, Trump's administration began pressuring Indiana lawmakers to redraw congressional district lines — a move that coincides with similar efforts in Texas.

Brian Smith, a local Democrat who serves as chairman of the party's 2nd Congressional District, summed up the party's thoughts:

"Immigrants built our country. I'm a descendant of immigrants," Smith said. "We have to realize and embrace that throughout our history, they have made our country great, and immigrants continue to make our country great."

[gallery columns="1" size="full" ids="115891,115886,115887,115889"]

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WARSAW — A rally is being organized in Warsaw for Aug. 9 to advocate "for the rights and dignity" of immigrant communities across northern Indiana.

The event will be Saturday, Aug. 9, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the corner of Detroit and Center streets.

The Kosciusko County Democratic Party formally announced plans on Thursday for what they describe as a "peaceful" event, marking the first time they've formally endorsed recent protests that have taken aim at President Donald Trump's polices during her second term in office.

The party is demanding an end to the harassment of migrants, and to the detention and deportation of migrants without due process, the news release said.

The news release also issued the following statement:

"The US is holding thousands of migrants in torturous conditions, the majority of whom have no criminal history. The State of Indiana is readying Camp Atterbury, a National Guard base, to detain thousands more. Many in our community — friends, neighbors, co-workers and members of our congregations – now live in fear of being detained without due process. The Constitution offers protection for all people. Instead of seeking meaningful immigration reform, the Trump administration is employing cruelty and rocking the foundation of our Democracy by defying court orders. If the rights of one individual can be taken away, all our rights are in danger."

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