By DAN SPALDING
THE GOSHEN NEWS
GOSHEN —
Gov. Mitch Daniels said he is hopeful the Legislature can return to normal in light of what appears to be the end of an 18-month political logjam over the ultra-divisive right-to-right bill.
Daniels spoke to nearly 300 people at Greencroft Friday during a luncheon hosted by the Goshen Rotary Club in what marked the first time a sitting governor had ever spoken before club members.
“I just hope that we can quickly get past this, take a deep breath and get about the business of bringing jobs in for people that don’t have jobs,” Daniels said after his speech and a question-and-answer session with the Rotarians.
The legislation would prohibit unions from collecting dues from employees who choose not to join the union. The House cleared the bill Wednesday and the Senate is expected to pass the bill within days, clearing the way for Daniels’ signature.
He said he doesn’t believe anger among Democrats will linger.
“My sense is that they made their gesture that they were entitled to make … but they seemed to get back to business yesterday,” Daniels said. “They moved a lot of important bills that had been backed up. My hope is they finish the session in that same spirit.”
He downplayed the possibility of union-backed protests becoming a large distraction during the upcoming Super Bowl week in Indianapolis. Super Bowls often attract protesters and Daniels said he hopes those participating will remain in the pre-designated protest areas.
“I think in their own self-interest, the unions will be very careful not to over-play this,” Daniels said. “I think it would backfire on them.”
In addition to the apparent RTW victory, Daniels’ appearance in Goshen comes just two days after delivering the Republican response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address.
And even with Indianapolis just nine days away from hosting the long-coveted Super Bowl, the governor downplayed any sense of grand satisfaction with recent events.
“It was an important week,” Daniels said. “I’m also very glad that the logjam has been broken.”
Daniels declined to predict how many jobs, if any, the legislation will help create, but predicted it will result in even more opportunities for attracting industry.
Supporters of RTW have argued the bill will result in more companies possibly locating in Indiana.
Daniels said he thinks RTW will help build upon the state’s recent success in attracting industry.
“If we can grow the number of those opportunities, there have got to be more jobs in it,” Daniels said. “I’m excited about getting started.”
Much of Friday’s speech by the former budget director for President George W. Bush focused on economic success the state has enjoyed in recent years under his administration. Daniels highlighted statistics with a lengthy list of charts displayed on a video screen and two other wide-screen TVs.
Despite a tough economy in recent years, Daniels said the state has balanced its budget and begun building up reserves, in part, through spending cuts.
He said his administration is determined to leave the next administration with the most efficient, effective state government possible and that policy changes in recent years have set the stage for that to happen.
He also credited the lease of the Indiana Toll Road for helping the state fund a large amount of new road construction.
Daniels downplayed his role in national politics even though he was urged to run for president just months ago and continues to hear requests.
He said he does not want or expect the eventual Republican presidential nominee to ask him to join the ticket. He said he can name a dozen different reasons why somebody else would make a better choice for vice president.
He said he has not watched a single moment from any of the 19 or so Republican debates.
He also said he’s not interested in delivering a speech during the National Republican Convention this summer.
“Believe me, I will not be campaigning for it,” Daniels quipped, adding he might “Just shut the cell phone off two weeks before.”
