In light of Tuesday’s primary election, we’d like to take a moment and thank two groups of people. First we’d like thank the 18.93 percent of registered voters in Elkhart County who took time out of their days to travel to a polling location and cast a ballot. We do not take this civic responsibility lightly and have great respect for those who make the effort to be involved citizens, even when there is little drama left in the high-profile presidential primary, as is usually the case in Indiana.
Secondly, we would like to offer our sincere gratitude to each candidate who, win or lose, had the courage to put their name on a ballot and stand up for what they believe in. During the heat of a campaign, words and feelings can take a turn toward the negative. That is unfortunate, but often a reality. Locally, we feel good that candidates mainly stuck to issues and their own ideologies and stayed away from personal attacks.
Primary season proves unique as competitors almost immediately convert from adversaries to allies even before all the returns are in. The primary offers the electorate of each major party the chance to arrange its ballot for November’s general election. It’s part of what makes this country great.
While we were absent a compelling presidential primary here in Indiana, there was a monumental U.S. Senate contest between six-term incumbent Richard Lugar and Indiana Treasurer Richard Mourdock for the Republican nomination. Mourdock, who was backed by Tea Party groups, upset Lugar, who was first elected to the Senate in 1976. Mourdock will now face Democrat Joe Donnelly in the general election.
Here in Elkhart County we had a heated race for Elkhart County District 2 Commissioner between two-time Republican incumbent Mike Yoder of Middlebury and current Elkhart County Council member Darryl Riegsecker. Yoder managed to hold on to the party nomination with a close 700-vote victory and, without a current democratic opponent for the general election, is expected to assume a third term in January 2013.
Riegsecker took some heat over comments he made during a public forum regarding suspending $450,000 in county funding to ADEC, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping residents with cognitive disabilities. Riegsecker even pointed a finger at the press, stating that “negative publicity” of his comment may have hurt his campaign. While we don’t feel that reporting Riegsecker’s comments was “negative,” we do agree with his assessment that he ran a “true and honest race.” He was honest enough to express his true position on a delicate matter, and that was an asset to voters.
It is also important to acknowledge Richard Lugar and his extensive record of public service he has provided to Indiana, the United States and the world. His work as the two-time chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee helped advance the de-proliferation of nuclear weapons. That is a legacy that benefits all of mankind.
Now we can all take a deep breath and begin preparing for November’s general election. Let’s see if we can do quite a bit better than that 18.93 percent voter turnout from Tuesday.
Opinion
Related Photos
-
Timothy Yoder, left, and Lance Yoder, right, vote in the primary election at the Lifepoint Community Church polling station in Goshen. SAM HOUSEHOLDER
Voters and candidates deserve a 'thank you'
- Opinion
-
-
Council makes a smart move on tax breaks
The Goshen City Council’s adoption of a tax phase-in policy for local governments will help bring uniformity to a competitive process that has pitted local governments against each other.
-
Like it or not, Sheriff is going to speak freely
Elkhart County Sheriff Brad Rogers has taken heat the past couple weeks after he commented during a political rally in downtown South Bend that he would not enforce proposed future gun-control legislation within his jurisdiction.
-
Goshen neighborhood stands together on north side
Sometimes a news photographer is at the optimum location at exactly the right time. Goshen News staffer Sam Householder was in such a spot Wednesday.
-
We just can’t thank our moms enough
The purpose of this editorial is quite simple. We just want to say, “Thanks, mom.” And by “mom” we mean all of the great mothers in our community who have gone above and beyond to lead the way in the development of their children.
-
Letter carriers help to Stamp Out Hunger
There’s still time to help someone you probably don’t know.
-
Farmers are positive this will be the year
Farmers and Cub fans have something in common. They are eternally positive and expect a better season next year.
-
It's time to spruce up the Maple City
This is the season and today is the day, finally.
-
Smooth sailing for this year’s regular session
The final gavel has fallen on the 2013 regular session of Indiana’s General Assembly. During the 14-week session, our lawmakers passed nearly 300 pieces of legislation, including the state’s $30 billion biennial budget that contains the largest tax cut in state history.
-
Palm Sunday tornadoes a reminder of sudden danger
It was a beautiful day, most people around these parts who can remember will tell you. It was one of those near-perfect, early spring days, they would likely say, a stark contrast to what early evening would bring on April 11, 1965.
Yes, the Palm Sunday tornado outbreak of 1965, is still very vivid in our local history five decades later. Those were days before Doppler Radar, 24-7 cable television, countywide siren warning systems and even seatbelts in most cars. So, when afternoon turned to early evening, many local residents had little or no warning that killer tornadoes were nearly on top of them. -
Graduation is always a great achievement
While many of us have been waiting patiently – some not so patiently – for spring to finally show up in Northern Indiana, students throughout the area have been busy working on term papers, taking tests and ordering caps and gowns.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Council makes a smart move on tax breaks
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
