Indiana Primary Elections

Marty Wood, May 3, 2006

Senate President Pro Tempore Bob Garton (R-Columbus) was upset by political newcomer Greg Walker (R-Columbus) resulting in what will amount to a monumental shake-up in legislative politics in Indiana. Garton, who had served for 36 years, had been Pro Tem of the Senate since 1980. He was the longest serving Pro Tem in the country. Walker, a virtual unknown prior to the election, is an accountant for Macs Convenience Stores in Columbus, Indiana. His campaign focused on publicizing Garton’s unwillingness to roll back lifetime health benefits for lawmakers. While Speaker of the House Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) eliminated the taxpayer perk for House members, Garton refused to do the same in the Senate. Garton’s loss opens the door to a likely power struggle to succeed him. While there is no clear successor, there will certainly not be a shortage of interested parties to take the powerful position. As Garton proved over his 26 years as Pro Tem, the flow of business in the Senate began and ended in his office. The election for the leadership positions will take place after the general election in November. Another incumbent ousted was Representative Mary Kay Budak (R-LaPorte), who was defeated by Tom Dermody (R-LaPorte). Dermody, a small business owner, is currently a member of the Laporte Community School Board. The Insurance Institute’s Political Action Committee (IPAC) endorsed and financially supported Dermody in the election. Budak regularly compiled one of the lowest Institute voting records among the House Republican caucus. On tort-related issues, she was consistently supportive of the position of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association. Given the choice, the IPAC Executive Committee elected to join the Indiana Chamber of Commerce in supporting Dermody. In the end, Dermody soundly defeated Budak with 71 percent of the vote. The only other incumbent to be defeated in a primary was Representative Carlene Bottorff (D-Jeffersonville). Bottorff had been appointed to the post just prior to the 2006 legislative session to replace her late husband, Jim. She was defeated by Jeffersonville businessman Steve Stemler. Before full attention can be cast on who will replace Garton as President Pro Tempore of the Senate, there is the matter of the general election in November. The Senate is not in danger of switching control as the Republicans hold a 33-17 majority. However, the battle for the House of Representatives will be contentious as the Republicans try to hold on to their slim 52-48 margin.