By Niki Kelly | Editor-in-Chief
“The Democrats are very, very focused, and I’m learning that they have the same messaging in every district. They just slightly change the words.” — GOP Rep. Becky Cash
The first independent polling in the secretary of state’s race shows Democrat Beau Bayh leading his opponents. And where his votes are coming from is fascinating.
We also break down key contests in the Indiana House, where Democrats are focusing their messaging against data centers.
The Indiana Election Commission faces a new lawsuit.
Plus, I try to break down what’s going on with these new gambling sites … er, prediction markets.
Secretary of state candidates, from left: Lincoln Party candidate Greg Ballard, Democrat Beau Bayh, Republican Max Engling and Libertarian Lauri Shillings. (Photos provided by campaigns)
Poll shows Democrat Beau Bayh with advantages in final weeks of Indiana campaign
By Tom Davies
New poll results show Democrat Beau Bayh with strong advantages in name identification and voter support over Republican Max Engling going into the final weeks of the race for Indiana secretary of state.
The poll, commissioned by the Free Press Indiana news organization, found 43% were likely to vote for Bayh and 35% likely to cast their ballot for Engling. Libertarian Lauri Shillings had 6% support, with Lincoln Party candidate Greg Ballard at 5% and 11% undecided.
A campaign advertisement from Democrat Tiffany Stoner attacking Republican Rep. Becky Cash over data centers. (Screenshot)
Could data center opposition boost Democrats in Indiana House races?
By Tom Davies
Democrats are looking to ride a wave of widespread opposition to big data center projects across the state as they aim to pick up seats in the Indiana House.
Data center worries are a prominent part of attacks against Republicans on affordability issues in several races targeted by Democrats this fall in their bid to break the two-thirds supermajority House Republicans have held since the 2012 elections.
COMMENTARY
The Kalshi odds as of Thursday on who will win the Indiana secretary of state’s office. (Screenshot)
Predicting or gambling? New markets invade all areas of society
By Niki Kelly
Prediction markets are bending the common definition of gambling — and states across the nation are pushing back.
Kalshi is the first federally regulated financial exchange in the United States dedicated to trading on the outcomes of future events. It handled billions in weekly contract volume. And it’s battling in court with 21 states.
Whether Indiana will join its name to that list could be a topic in the 2027 legislative session.
NATIONAL NEWS
The main gate at Fort Hood on South Fort Hood Street in Killeen, Texas. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Army)
Trump: Execution of Fort Hood shooter will not be livestreamed
By Ariana Figueroa
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump Thursday announced that the execution of a man convicted of the Fort Hood shooting will not be livestreamed, a reversal after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said last week that Nidal Hasan’s death by firing squad would be public.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
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