Marion County GOP Slates Ballard for Mayoral Candidate(posted Mar 21)The Marion County Republican Party has finally slated a candidate, Greg Ballard, to run against the well-financed Mayor Bart Peterson. It has been reported the Mayor has amassed about $2.5 million in his campaign war chest. Ballard appeared undaunted by the amount while noting his funding raising endeavors have begun. No official vote count was given at the March 21 slating process that gave Ballard the honors over James Black II. Ballard was simply announced as the winner even though ballots were cast and counted. Superior Court Judge Cale Bradford oversaw the counting process. High crime, poor education and overall blaming Mayor Peterson for the city's woes were apparent in each of the candidate's speeches seeking committeemen and ward chairs votes. David Moscrip withdrew his candidacy to support Ballard prior to the slating process. "Greg is a stronger candidate and better organized to get the actual support," the 27 year-old Moscrip said. Ballard will leave behind his academic career at IUPUI teaching Marketing, Economics and Management to devote his full time attention to the race. In Ballard's acceptance speech, he said he plans to visit all of the GOP clubs to hear the party loyalty concerns before the May primary. Ballard indicated his detailed campaign strategy will be unveiled after the May 8 primary. The plan will include defined solutions to resolve the growing crime and low graduation rates. He said these two elements prevent Indianapolis from attaining stronger economic growth. |
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