Carson Machine vs. Tax Protesters

Almost immediately after yesterday’s IndyStar/WTHR poll results were released, there arose controversy as the numbers were questioned, called back and replaced all within an hour. The numbers barely changed at all, but it was enough for Democrats to get all rabble roused, to publicly declare “shenanigans” and say that the numbers don’t truly represent the people.

Marion County Democrat Chairman Mike O’Connor was the first to deflect the sorry state of the Peterson campaign by saying that his numbers don’t jive with the Star’s numbers. Mike refused to turn over his numbers though. Abdul, on the other hand, dissected the number over his blog Indiana Barrister. His breakdown makes sense, but those who commented quickly pointed out that Peterson has never had a real campaign test and that the uber-secretive, but well known “Carson Machine” will pounce to make sure Bart and the Democrats maintain control.

After working elections in Marion County, I’m aware of the Carson Machine and the power it wields. It’s not to be under-estimated. But this election has something going against them. Something completely out of their control. It’s the tax protesters.

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Far from hidden or secretive, the Hoosiers for Fair Taxation and other local tax groups have made their voice heard in traditional and non-traditional ways. They have become quite the force in Marion County with the explosion of property taxes that increased, in some cases, up to 300% and more. They’ve held rallies at the city county building, on the Circle and in quite the unorthodox way protesting, at the Mayors house eliciting recent memories of the college protesters haranguing former Indiana University president Myles Brand’s house after he (mistakenly and foolishly, in my opinion) fired Bobby Knight (and yes that’s coming from a Purdue grad).

They are able to organize en masse with a single post to their blog as well as emails. They don’t have to bribe/coerce people to vote…I mean, think a certain way and they reach out to voters based on issues.

The Carson Machine is powerful, that can’t be underscored enough, but in a county wide race their effect is diluted due to more Republicans living on the edges of the county. The property tax issue didn’t just affect those with money, it affected those who don’t normally vote. It affected those who have always voted party line, but see a problem with their community, their city and how much money they’re shelling out just to stay in their home. And let’s not forget these people just recently had their income tax go up by 65% on October 1 of this year.

The case has been made before that community disgust with elected leaders would turn out the voters and nullify the Machine. This time, the Machine is facing an opponent it’s never faced before; Property Taxes. And after income taxes are raised just after voters get their property tax bill, that’s a fight they may not end up winning.