4 More Years of Mitch
It was quick and decisive. Just three minutes after the polls closed, the media called the race for Indiana Governor. The Mitch Daniels/Becky Skillman team will be returning to the Statehouse. Four years ago, it was the farm and rural vote that made the difference. This time the Daniels win was a much broader based win. Even the primarily democratic Marion County went to Mitch Daniels.
During this campaign, the agricultural issues were different than 4 years ago. Taxes were the issue that concerned farmers the most. While most supported the growth in the Hoosier agriculture economy, many saw their property tax bills skyrocket and felt the Governor’s reform of the property tax system was unfair to agriculture. Even Indiana Farm Bureau refused to endorse Daniels for re-election.
The second term of Governor Daniels may be less friendly to agriculture than his first term. While there will still be strong support for growth in the livestock, hardwood, and renewable energy sectors, the property tax issue will continue to divide Daniels and the farm community.
The Governor’s property tax measure, which passed the General Assembly last session, calls for a change in the Indiana constitution. That measure will be up for ratification before the legislature this session. Indiana Farm Bureau has serious reservations about this plan and may launch a campaign to defeat the proposal.