Brazil Times: Local News: U.S. Senate candidate visits Brazil (09/09/09)

Indiana Senator Marlin Stutzman -- who recently announced his candidacy for the United States Senate -- spoke with the Brazil Rotary Club Wednesday at the Busy Corner Restaurant. Jason Moon Photo. [Order this photo]

Wednesday was Marlin Stutzman's first visit to Clay County.

"I can tell you all you have a wonderful community," Stutzman told several Brazil Rotary club members at the organization's weekly meeting at the Busy Corner Restaurant.

In June, Stutzman officially announced his candidacy for United States Senator, running against Evan Bayh (D-Indianapolis). Stutzman -- a Republican -- is currently a state Senator.

While speaking with Rotary members, Stutzman said his concern of federal spending was a major reason for his U.S. Senate candidacy.

He said he was frustrated with bailouts in the automotive and banking industries.

"In this country, you have the right to succeed, but you also have the right to fail," Stutzman said. "We need to get back to the basics.

"We continue to spend money. Now, we are going to dig into our children's pocket to pay the bill."

Stutzman, who owns Stutzman Farms Trucking and is a fourth-generation farmer from Howe, Ind., said he became interested in the political world shortly after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

He ran for a seat in the Indiana House of Representatives and won, serving with both Amos and Andy Thomas.

Stutzman was in Vigo County Tuesday for an engagement before spending the evening in Clay County.

"It's a beautiful county," he said. "It's a wonderful community."

His campaign has scheduled a kickoff barbecue Saturday, Sept. 26, near Kendallville.

Since announcing his candidacy for U.S. Senate, Stutzman said he has become "inspired" through his travels to different areas of the state.

"People are very concerned with what is going on in Washington," he said. "But they also feel we're going to pull through this."

Stutzman said he has been traveling on the road with his family, including wife Christy and two sons, Payton and Preston.

For more information on Stutzman, log on to www.gomarlin.com.

I wish him well. He sure has his work cut out for him. It will be hard to defeat the "Bayh" name. People walk into the booth see "Bayh", recognize his name and punch his number. No matter Bayh will be the first one to come out with a negative ad (same one he used last time about being attacked by his opponet first), and how he takes hoosier values to DC. All people would have to do is read a little between elections and see that is not true. Once inside the belt way, he becomes a full blown DC liberal. Indiana is predominately a red (GOP) state. How is that displaying hoosier values in DC? Good luck sir. I will do what I can to help you.

-- Posted by Conservative Dad on Thu, Sep 10, 2009, at 6:35 AM

I really don't think people get into politics to help the people , they are in it for themselves. that is what I think!

-- Posted by Sand mann on Thu, Sep 10, 2009, at 8:06 AM

victory04: I'm sure you're not alone in your negative views of politicians. I encourage you get involved and informed about those who will be running in this next election. This is probably the most important election in decades. I think it's time that those who, as you say, are in it for themselves are not re-elected (which appears to ba a majority of those who occupy the House and Senate). If you get a chance watch Mr Smith goes to Washington, like the Marines we should be looking for a Few Good Men (and Women)

Good Luck and best wishes Marlin in your campaign....

-- Posted by hope4county on Thu, Sep 10, 2009, at 9:24 AM

I checked him out on Project Vote Smart. He looks pretty good in terms of his voting record. My only concern is that he chose not to fill out the Political Courage Test which basically asks him to say which issues he would support if elected. I would feel better if he would take the test.

I am afraid that our biggest problem in finding a candidate to defeat Evan Bayh will be too many candidates so that the Democrats can cross party lines and all vote for the most liberal one and skew the results, like they did in the last Presidential election, giving us the loser John McCain.

-- Posted by Baldgranny on Thu, Sep 10, 2009, at 12:04 PM

Baldgranny: You are so right. But I think what we should do, if anyone runs against Bayh in the primary, we should all cross over to vote for his opponent just to get rid of him and then take back the seat in the fall.

Victoryo4: you are so right as well. A career politician that doesn't have a huge ego, is rare. No matter what the party affiliation.

-- Posted by Conservative Dad on Thu, Sep 10, 2009, at 1:28 PM

Victory04,

People have good intentions when they run for public office; however, just like we are seeing in Washington now. They either get out because they can't handle the heat in the kitchen or don't want to play the games, or the become in it for themselves. Brad Ellsworth is a great example of that now, refusing to not see constituents unless over the telephone or pre-screened on the TV. Is he that afraid of us. Send him back to Evansville!!!!!

-- Posted by Partrosie on Thu, Sep 10, 2009, at 7:44 PM