Steve Dalton's Page

I considered posting this to my "how to blog" site, but frankly the interesting question of political ads came to mind. First the background, Freakonomics blog writer predicts the next wave of google or yahoo advertising will allow the searcher to be paid a micro amount just for clicking through.

I’ve written a (long) academic article showing how compensated calling could be easily incorporated into the current “do not call” regs — so that you could even set
whatever price you wanted to listen to telemarketing calls. (I’ve also published
OpEds on the idea here and here.) Instead of making an all-or-nothing choice about whether to block all telemarketing calls, a lot of consumers would prefer to set an intermediate price and just block those calls that aren’t willing to pay their price.

He goes on in the quote above to suggest that this could also work for telemarketing and beyond.

We’re used to thinking of Paypal and Google checkout as micro-payment services,
but they can also become micro-compensation services. If you watch a commercial
on Google TV, Google could credit your account.

Now, parlay that thought forward to political campaigns. If a political campaign were to sign up for this service. Would they be breaking the law disallowing a politician from offering money in exchange for a vote? Is the law antiquated and need to be changed? Would you click more ads in return for a small payment?

Frugal Hoosiers has the story about Standard & Poor’s new ratings for Indiana’s issuer credit rating — a super AAA rating — because of the state’s sound fiscal management and predicted budget surpluses!

Mitch Daniels keeps on doing a great job keeping the state in the black.

Grabbed from: Christopher Hedges

NW Indiana Bloggers Meeting

I know many of you have already put this meeting on your schedules for tomorrow:

6 p.m. at On Site Computers in Crown Point
Northwest Indiana Bloggers

First time, that I know of at least, that bloggers from multiple niches are getting together to discuss ways to work together. The owners of 219.com will also be there to propose that we write on their site too, to increase traffic and conversations about our Region.

If you can make it, it would be great to meet in person.

With conservatives screaming "big government" and democrats digging in deeply into "status quo" some leaders and writers have been pushing and prodding NW Indiana to look into the future of the Region.

Mark Reshkin, Valparaiso resident and scientist and regionalist, wrote in his editorial today that we need to confront the following challenges, some will cost billions ... others would require northern Lake County communities to actually work together ... possible? Desirable?

The following are just a few of such necessary developments. Some have already been identified, some have begun, and others are needed:

* Extended commuter rail service to Lowell and Valparaiso to accommodate both existing and future growth. (Briefs: proposed and supported by NW Indiana Forum, RDA, and most area mayors. Opposed by Dems running Porter County and Lake County state reps who wanted to combat Governor Daniels - Cost $1 Billion with all but $200 million covered already)

* The originally proposed Illiana Expressway starting in LaPorte County to spur the intermodal facilities -- opportunities for both northwest Indiana's and northeast Illinois' future roles in the growing American commercial rail and truck transport system. (Proposed to run from Illinois along southern area of Region through Lake County, Porter County and LaPorte county in a half moon. Supported by Governor Daniels and opposed by farm community and Ditch Mitch types. How about a tollway operated by a private group, run far enough south that we don't have to do it again in this century)

* Merger of the Indiana and Purdue regional campuses into a regional university better organized and financed to meet the specific educational and research and service needs of this Great Lakes region.

* Public access to Lake Michigan as called for in the Marquette Plans 1 and 2, extending from Illinois eastward, reaching to the border with Michigan. (Supported by both parties, pushed by Democrat Rep. Pete Visclosky strongly. Great idea provide properties are purchased, cleaned up, and some are re-privatized to create an economy in addition to a cosmetically beautiful beach area)

* Expansion of the Gary/Chicago International Airport. (Is is possible to create a intermodal hub at this site? Rail, bus, air, water, and road? Extend the ditch? Amtrak, small airlines, semi-trucks, South Shore commuter, South Shore and other freight hauling. I don't know all the limitations, but why not?)

* Northwest Indiana needs a system of natural area preserves similar to the Illinois forest preserve system. (Toughest of the bunch, can easily become government taking property. If they purchase property fine, if they take it ala "green space" ordinances ... no go)

Although Indiana's 9th Congressional District does not span all the way to Porter County, I do want to post today on Mike Sodrel who is running for that seat in Southern Indiana. Why? Because I believe it is important that our state, a state that will support John McCain in 2008 for President, also move the balance of our congressional delegation back to the right.

Mike recently traveled with Congressional candidate Luke Puckett from Indiana's 2nd, a small portion of our own Porter County is in the 2nd, to ANWR in Alaska to look at opportunities for drilling more oil. As near as I can tell, he like many other republicans is supporting more drilling, an increase in oil supply capacity, as one of the ways to handle the gasoline price issue. I missed the blogger conference calls last week, bummer.

Business owner and strong conservative, even supporting the flat tax theory, we need men like Sodrel in Congress representing our state.

He was beaten in 2006, when Republicans nationwide were destroyed by Democrats and control of the house reverted to Nancy Pelosi. IMHO it's time to take this seat back for conservatives in southern Indiana.

Here are some links so you can show your support:

Mike Sodrel for Congress Facebook Politician Page

Mike Sodrel for Congress Website

Meet Mike Sodrel - with photos and blogs by Mike and his daughter

H/T to Indiana Hardball Conservative and Hoosier Access

GABRIELLE CAMPO ANNOUNCES BID FOR CONGRESS
Social Worker declares for 7th District race against Andre Carson

INDIANAPOLIS—Social Worker Gabrielle Campo announced her candidacy for Congress in Indiana’s Seventh Congressional District.

“I am proud to announce today that I am a candidate for Congress because, as someone who works for families every day, I know we need a Congressperson who offers real hope for change and truly represent all Hoosier families,” Campo said.

Campo makes her announcement in front of the City Market, a symbol of urban renewal that Campo pledges she would bring to Congress. “The City Market, much like Indianapolis, has a rich history, but in recent times, has been neglected. However, community leaders and local government worked together to enable the City Market experience a new revival. It is the type of collaboration I want to bring to Washington and the type of leadership we need more of in the Seventh District.”

“I am running because I believe this district cannot stand for status quo. I will fight for policies that keep money in your hands, create jobs for your families and improve education for your children. I offer you a new type of leadership; one driven with passion to empower individuals, families, and communities.” Campo said.

(Originally posted at Indiana's Conservative Hardball)

Ok, so now Andre Carson has an opponent.

The Marion County GOP made it official Friday night during a Party caucus, selecting Gabrielle Campo to run for the 7th Congressional District seat in November.

No surprise here; most people figured Campo would walk away with the win. I mean, the GOP needs to choose someone to fall on the sword.

Campo, an Indianapolis social worker, will replace state Rep. Jon Elrod on the ballot. Elrod dropped out in June to focus on retaining his Statehouse seat... or at least that's what he wants to do right now. It could change in a few weeks, no one really knows except Elrod.

"Gabrielle is young, energetic and capable of waging a spirited challenge against Andre Carson," district Republican Chairman John Hammond said in a statement.

Cannot disagree with Hammond. But really, do we all think that the GOP is going to through everything they have into Campo's race? They missed their chance back during the special. All they did Friday night was fill the ballot because there was many people who wanted to run.

Would they have selected anyone if not one candidate had come forward to volunteer to run?

Look at the Visclosky/Leyva race in `da Region:
Mark Leyva has one this primary many different times, including last spring. But has the state/county Party thrown all they have into this race? Nope. And I can tell you from experience in Congressional races against Visclosky. Opponents against Pete have never been taken seriously.

Ask Andy Horning.
Ask Dr. Marvin Scott.

Both ran good races against Julia Carson, but never had 100% financial support from the GOP.

Now comes Gabrielle Campo.
Obviously someone with a future in the Party.

But a serious candidate for Congress? In my opinion, no.

Her website (http://www.campoforcongress.org/) isn't even up and running.

Is Campo running, using this as a spring board/name id improver for another race down the road (maybe even a second run at Andre in 2010)?

Will Tom John and Co. turn out 100% for Campo like they "did" for Elrod?

Stay tuned...

(Originally posted at Indiana's Conservative Hardball)

Most days, all we hear about is out of control spending by Congress or state legislatures.

But this is Indiana.

What? Haven't you heard?

Mitch Daniels has done it again. It seems our Governor has turned a massive deficit into surplus once again.

Can't wait to read JLT's response to this one...

State has $1.4 billion surplus
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
July 17, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS — The state has ended the latest fiscal year with its third consecutive balanced budget.

State officials closed the books on the fiscal year that ended on June 30 with revenues exceeding spending by about $321 million. That was in part due to spending restraints ordered by Gov. Mitch Daniels that included some agencies not filling vacant positions and delaying some capital projects.

The state ended the year with nearly $600 million in its main checking account. That combined with savings accounts left the state with a budget surplus of about $1.4 billion.

State Auditor Tim Berry said Thursday that Indiana is on firm financial ground, while 29 other states — including the four surrounding Indiana — are facing fiscal woes.

From the liberal magazine The New Yorker comes:

Although the fight for Governor in Indiana gets more press, with Governor Mitch Daniels favored by double digits over Democrat Jill Long Thompson, the campaign for Attorney General looks to really showcase some strong differences. One candidate running for the rule of law, the other seemingly involved in some of the corruption cases of NW Indiana, from the wrong side.

Republican Greg Zoeller, fresh from a convention floor win at the Republican state convention, announced last week that Mayor Jon Costas of Valparaiso has not only endorsed his candidacy but will chair his campaign. Yes, the same Jon Costas that Mr. Zoeller beat at the state convention. And in addition the campaign unveiled their new website: Z4AG

Greg Zoeller for Indiana Attorney General