Howard County Chairman Endorses Jon Costas for A.G.

Fellow Republicans:

This morning, in my capacity as Howard County Republican Party Chairman, I formally endorsed the election of Jon Costas as Attorney General. This was not an easy decision. Greg Zoeller has been a long-time faithful public servant to the people of Indiana, has ably served Attorney General Steve Carter as his Chief of Staff and would be an excellent Attorney General. I feel it is important to explain to our Howard County delegates my reasons for the endorsement of Jon Costas.

Four years ago the State of Indiana was virtually bankrupt, nearly financially ruined as a direct result of the reckless fiscal policies of sixteen years of Democratic administrations. Not only was the state in a condition of financial ruin, there was little hope for finding the resources necessary to tackle monumental tasks such as highway infrastructure and economic development. The poor state of affairs that Indiana found itself in was dramatically reversed with the election of Governor Mitch Daniels. Governor Daniels restored fiscal responsibility to state government and through the genius of the Indiana Toll Road lease agreement, Indiana was able to secure necessary funding for our highway infrastructure program for the next decade. We simply cannot return to those days of irresponsible taxpayer stewardship. We must re-elect Governor Mitch Daniels.

(Read more of Craig Dunn endorsement below the fold)

The 2008 General Election will not be easy for the Republican Party. Many forces are at work to make the election of Republican candidates a difficult task in November. The Governor’s election is not the only critical race at stake. Legislative battles will be tough and so will local races involving Commissioners, County Council, Treasurer and Auditor. How Governor Daniels fares in his race will directly impact all of our Republican team throughout the ticket. Our state-wide ticket will require the necessary geographical balance and campaigning ability to assure our victory in every part of Indiana. From Lake County to Evansville, we will need every single vote we can garner.

I have known Jon Costas for over twenty years. I first met Jon while serving as Finance Chairman for Jim Butcher’s Congressional campaign. Jon provided that campaign significant energy and was a continued source of sage advice. Jon went on to graduate from Valparaiso University Law School with high distinction. In 2003, Jon Costas pulled off the unthinkable. He defeated a twenty year incumbent Democrat mayor to be elected mayor of Valparaiso. He was re-elected handily last year. He has broad bi-partisan popularity as the only Republican mayor in Northwest Indiana. Jon Costas will not only make an extremely capable Attorney General, he will bring added depth and political appeal to the Republican ticket.

As a Republican State Convention delegate, the vote you will cast for Attorney General will be the most important task you will face at the convention. You are a delegate to the convention because of your wisdom, integrity and willingness to serve the greater interests of the Republican Party and of the State of Indiana. You are, of course, free to vote for the candidate of your choosing. However, I sincerely ask you to look forward to the November General Election when you cast your vote and vote for Jon Costas. We will get no second chances and we simply must re-elect Governor Mitch Daniels for the sake of our great state.

See you at the convention.

Craig L. Dunn
Chairman-Howard County Republican Party