Friday, January 04, 2008

Pollard For America Blog

Seventh District Democratic candidate Randle Pollard has set up a blog to open up a dialogue with the district's voters to inform them about his candidacy and where he stands on the issues. "I believe transparency is key to good government, that's why any time I answer a policy question I will post the answer on my blog," Pollard writes in an e-mail to me. He's already provided answers I posed on where he stands on several issues important to Indianapolis' GLBT community, which you can read about here. His views on equality, marriage rights and the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell' regulations mirror those of the late Rep. Julia Carson. Blogging is an effective and inexpensive communication tool for candidates, particularly in a special election like this one where the time period for the election is so compressed, to reach out to voters.
On another note, party leaders agreed today to a date of Tuesday, March 11, 2008 for the special election. No Saturday election after all.

91 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well here's a breath of fresh air.

But how can any candidate who's not known to committeemen, get his name out in six days?

And if you haven't heard Gary, the list of committeepersons is somewhat in flux.

It's all tilted toward Andre.

(sigh)

Anonymous said...

Wasn't he involved with the stellar campaign waged by the Council Democratic Caucus this past fall? I guess he figured that having succeeded at that endeavor it was time to aim higher. One word: laughable.

Anonymous said...

Pollard for America...Is he running for Congress or President?

Anonymous said...

This just what the 7th District doesn't need, a corporate lobbyist. Nice photo though.

Anonymous said...

smart, professional, and a go getter who would actually do something like, say, develop legislative proposals.

for the 7th, this just has loser written all over it. we like our representatives to not really do stuff like lead, vote, or do anything that would bring acclaim to them.

Anonymous said...

I have never heard of this guy. Who is he? He has got to be part of another candidate's strategy. A Stalking horse. I just can't figure out who. Any ideas out there?

Anonymous said...

Gary, do you suppose he will run in the caucus or in the primary? From what I hear he is shooting for the primary.

arnie

Gary R. Welsh said...

arnie, I believe he is running in the caucus. I was told by a supporter he filed his paperwork with the state party to run in the caucus late yesterday afternoon; however, Jen Wagner posted on this blog earlier today that he hadn't filed for the caucus but neither had David O at that point and I was also told he was running in the caucus.

Wilson46201 said...

This is a first! Pollard works at Ice-Miller. AdvanceIndiana usually prefaces every mention of an Ice-Miller attorney with: "no-good, lying, greedy, scum-sucking, bottom-feeding son-of-a-bitch"

Gary is mellowing in his old age...

Gary R. Welsh said...

Don't put words in my mouth, Wilson. I understand you're upset with the competition he poses for your candidate.

Wilson46201 said...

I was simply amused at your amazing reticence and newfound collegiality with Ice-Miller...

Anonymous said...

Wilson, a man is not his job. Randle is a good man who cares about his community and is willing to listen to all voices.

Anonymous said...

HEY! WILMA 46201 RELAX, THE MORE THE BETTER. WHY SHOULD OUR CITIZENS BE FORCE TO ONE CANDIDATE SUCH AS SIR ANDRE'. HAVE YOU'VE BEEN PAYING ATTENTION TO PRESIDENTIAL CAUCUS? THE VOTED FOR A CHANGE. NO MORE CLINTONS, NO MORE BUSHES, NO MORE CARSONS. YOU SHOULD GO AHEAD AND REPENT WHY YOU HAVE A CHANCE.

Wilson46201 said...

It looks like DARK HORSE is just another sick homophobe like Jocelyn Tandy. Pitiful! Feminizing gay men by switching gender names is an old trick by the haters...

Anonymous said...

LIGHTEN UP WILSON, AND TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND GET OVER IT. THIS WORLD DOES NOT EVOLVE AROUND YOU NOR YOUR IDEALOGIES. JUST LISTEN TO YOUR INNER VOICE, I AM SURE YOU ARE HEARING VOICES RIGHT NOW. THE VOICE IS TELLING YOU THAT YOU CAN CHANGE IF YOU TAKE THE FIRST STEP BY OPENING YOUR MIND TO REASON. IF SIR ANDRE GETS OUT INTO THE PUBLIC AND PITCH HIS VISION AND VALUES TO THE COMMUNITY HE CAN THEN BUILD UPON A FOUNDATION NOT HIS LATE GRANDMOTHER: "HIS". I HAVE THE UP MOST RESPECT FOR THE GAY COMMUNITY AND I AM FOR STRONG HATE CRIME LEGISLATION, SOMETHING THAT THESE STATE ELECTED OFFICIAL HAVE YET TO PASS. THEY RATHER FIGHT FOR THEIR PAY RAISES THAN YOUR CIVIL RIGHTS. THEY RATHER IGNORE THE MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE LIVING IN DEPLORABLE CONDITIONS SUCH AS THE PHOENIX APARTMENT. I HAVE MANY GAY FRIENDS, AS WELL AS FAMILY MEMBERS AND I ACCEPT THEM FOR WHO THEY ARE NOT WHAT I WOULD LIKE FOR THEM TO BE.


SINCERELY


DARK HORSE

Wilson46201 said...

So cut out the WILMA crap, asshole!

Anonymous said...

WILSON,WILSON,WILSON I THOUGHT YOU WERE BETTER THAN THAT. YOU'VE STARTED SOMETHING YOU CANNOT NOT FINISH. I HAVE NOT USE ANY PROFANITY ON THIS BLOG BUT YET YOU THE GREAT SOCRATES YOU KNOW HIM. YOU ARE APPEAR TO BE VERY ANGRY, JUST LIKE THE WHOLE SEVENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. WE NEED REPRESENTATION NOT TOMORROW, BUT NOW MY FRIEND. I AM NOT AN ASSWHOLE AS YOU SO ELOQUENTLY SUGGEST, I AM A MAN OF GREAT CONVICTION.



SINCERELY



DARK HORSE

Anonymous said...

Can anyone see Lacy Johnson's hand pulling the strings in the cavity in his back.

Wilson46201 said...

Yet you go around calling gay men with womens names.
That's a good definition of a homophobic asshole.

Anonymous said...

GOOD NIGHT...WILSON 46201 I DON'T KNOW WHO YOU ARE BUT YOU SEEMED TO BE VERY DISTURB. MEDITATE ON THAT...AND CHECK IN WITH ME TOMORROW MY FRIEND. I MUST GET ON MY HORSE AND VISIT ANOTHER BLOG SITE. HANG IN THEIR MY FRIEND...MAYBE TOMORROW YOU CAN WAKE UP TO SOME CAPTN CRUNCH BERRIES. LOL



SINCERELY


DARK HORSE

Anonymous said...

You are SO funny DARK HORSE. Thank you! I love it.

Anonymous said...

Randle Pollard is Lacy Johnson's, aka 300 East, Airport, Julia Carson, Casinos...effort to stay in the game. Randle monitored the council and committee meetings for Lacy and Ice. He loses his control through the other candidates, he controls Pollard.

Anonymous said...

He drives a Mercedes. I always wanted my Congress is drive an expensive foreign car. Hurray!

Anonymous said...

I told you guys he was going to run. There is one more that will file Monday or Tuesday. Jeffrey White, Principal at John Marshall, is another non-traditional candidate. Today, he was at Bally's gym and refused to talk about his intention. He is a strong community leader who is not tied to the mafia. This is going to be a great dogfight January 12th. My only concern is that he refuses to talk about his intention. I emailed his office for an answer.

Anonymous said...

THANK YOU 8:39 I AM GLAD SOMEONE OTHER THAN WILSON CAN SEE THE HUMOR IN MY POSTING. LIFE IS NOT THAT SERIOUS, IF ONE DOESN'T OPEN HIS OR HER MIND TO WHAT THE HUMAN RACE HAS TO OFFER. WHEN I ALL SAID AND DONE, WHEN OUR SINCE OF PURPOSE HAS BEEN COMPLETED ON THIS EARTH IT IS ONLY ONE, WELL NOT ONE BUT TWO PLACE WE WE GO. THAT IS EITHER THE FURNACE, OR IN THE DIRTH WITH OUR NEW FAMILY MEMBERS. THE WORMS.



SINCERELY


DARK HORSE

indyernie said...

This dogfight that is about to break out in the local Democratic Party will make it easier for a Republican to step in to the 7th.
Carson's gone Andre may be a nice guy but we need a leader in congress. That's something we never had in Congress with the Carson name attached. It's refreshing to see so many D's turning out for the seat. Proves that the ghetto mafia is done in Indianapolis.

Anonymous said...

Jeff White is a really good guy, but I hope he isn't crazy enough he can win the caucus in a three day campaign.

Anonymous said...

Why do I get the feeling that Bobby Hildalgo Kern may be our "Dark Horse"?

Wilson46201 said...

Last I heard Bobby was sent away for several years for bad checks again and they don't allow the InterNet in the cells...

DARK HORSE is most likely "Crazy Larry", the dude who wears a paper bag on his head and carries on endlessly in public meetings. I understand he's actually a talented glass artist. Pity that he thinks it's cute to call gay men with girls names ... just a homophobic jerk.

Anonymous said...

Dark Horse said (and all in caps, you see):

"I HAVE NOT USE ANY PROFANITY ON THIS BLOG "

Apparently, you haven't used grammar or spelling, either.

AR

Wilson46201 said...

Logic, coherency and germaneness are not his strong points either...

indyernie said...

Larry is a good guy Wilson. You and Larry have a lot in common. You both put funny things on your heads and both of you ramble on and say little.

Anonymous said...

There is only one Democrat who can win in the fall..and that is Carolene Mays. If the Dems nominate a weak candidate to run in the special you can bet the Repubs are going to pull out a heavy hitter...if its Brizzi, he wins the special and Mays is the ONLY one who can effectively take him on in November.

Wilson46201 said...

10:13pm Are you posting from Las Vegas? Having a good time?

Anonymous said...

I could give a CRAP about who is the real DARK HORSE on this blog. Quit guessing, you have NO CLUE.

Anonymous said...

I have to pull a Wilson here and change the topic of this thread (not that it hasn't already been done) but this is for AI - your blog has been rockin' lately man!

Anonymous said...

He'd be the hottest Congressman in the USA! Grrr.

Anonymous said...

He'd be the hottest Congressman in the USA! Grrr.

Anonymous said...

Lacy's real deal is Andre - but just in case, Pollard. Can't have too many irons in the fire.

Anonymous said...

Wow!!! Pollard is a black male that brings something to the table. Sounds alot like someone we all know that just kicked some butt in Iowa!!!

Anonymous said...

why would lacy be behind lil' Carson knowing that Pollard is the better pick?

indyernie said...

Wilson46201 said...
10:13pm "Are you posting from Las Vegas? Having a good time?"

Wilson are you still talking to the dead?
Ruth Holidays blog has your post stating that Julia is talking from her grave. Do you really think Andre wants you as his spokesperson?

Anonymous said...

Dark Horse is talking homophobic crap on this blog and Carolene mays votes the straight homophobic line in the legislature.....Pollard, do we want a congressperson owned lock, stock and barrell by Ice Miller....I think not...as for Jeff White..he cant even run a middle school, let alone run for congress....................

Anonymous said...

Pollard reeks of insincerity.

His main objective is to capitalize on Obama's popularity, without ever saying what he would
try to do, for example, concerning government's role, if any, in making health insurance less expensive

Anonymous said...

I live in the 7th district. I want my representative to 1st be a humanitarian with courage to push tolerance of diversity.

I want my representative to to listen to us and acknowledge that we are heard.

I want a representative who promotes conservative fiscal policy.

Is that asking too much?

Anonymous said...

If Pollard is supported by Lacy Johnson, he is as corrupt as Lacy Johnson!

Anonymous said...

Lacy is corrupt?

Unknown said...

Well this is inspiring and seems like an interesting website (and interesting conversation). Hope you don’t mind a newby joining in on the convo seems like you guys are all regulars…

I never posted before but after Obama’s hope becoming reality (in Iowa at least) makes me want to be more involved. Pollard kind of gives me the same feel. Not sure who this Lacy Johnson guy is but I have the same question, is corruption proven or his puppeteering of Pollard for that matter?

Pollard seems to be a good candidate, and based on his law background he who would understand the legislative process. At the end of the day its about understanding how government works, how to interpret and create legislation so real action and improvements can happen hear at home. Pollard seems to be that candidate who can do that most effectively. Id rather have someone who is effective then someone who just got their by way of their popularity. I however have never been a victim of marketing and tend not to be easily influenced by brands but rather just weigh the quality.

Anonymous said...

I would love to meet him. I got a feeling that he's alot like Sen. Obama.

Anonymous said...

well he is alot like the sentor, young,(I believe the same age), an Ivy leauge guy, and most of all, a true believer in Indianapolis.

Anonymous said...

For those of you who asked who Randle Pollard is, he's posted a bio on his blog.

Anonymous said...

Wilson 46201, could you explain why you think Andre Carson would make a better congressman than Randle Pollard.

Anonymous said...

anon 10:35, it looks like the local demos have someone that would make a great fit for the job.

Anonymous said...

he is a breath of fresh air, for black demo's and looks to be alittle hottie!!!

Anonymous said...

Wilson46201, will you please answer the question, why Andre Carson over Randle Pollard? just wanna know.

Anonymous said...

Pollard looks like an extremely well qualified candidate. In fact, I see no other Dem prospects with credentials remotely close to this man.
He may not make it thru slating for this special election but something tells me he'll be on the primary ballot.
Pollard can pull both Repub and Dem and Ind voters in the general election, something that Andre Carson will not be a able to do.

Anonymous said...

wilson46201 is like all the other demos, they don't want to see Randle get this office. they talk a good game about bring new and young people in however they know by doing that they would have to share power.

Anonymous said...

I hope to God they pick Pollard, between Kennedy,Carson, and Peterson we can't afford to get our butt's kicked again.

Anonymous said...

Direct Quote from his bio:
Mr. Pollard has teaching
experience as a former
adjunct professor at the
Kelley School of Business,
Indianapolis University
Purdue University at
Indianapolis.

Can't you at least get the name of the public institition where you
taught at (adjunct) correct, if
you're going to be a candidate
for Congress. Maybe he ought
to check his W-2/1099 if he still doesn't know the name of said college.

Anonymous said...

11:06: check David O's credentials.

Anonymous said...

Randall for vice president!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Good looking...Is he a member of the club?

Anonymous said...

Pollard is married.

Wilson46201 said...

so?

Anonymous said...

I have been involved in Democrat party politics for over 30 years. I know Carson, Mays, David O.,Joann Sanders, Greg Porter, Winston, they are all hard working peolple. The only Pollard that I know was the former center for the Pacers a few years back. A few people are using this blog to promote something that is all blue smoke and mirrors.

Anonymous said...

The more blacks that enter the race the more likely David O. wins. This is even more true if Sanders does not get in. Most of the negative comments we hear about Andre are put out there to weakin him against the field so that he doesn't get the 50% needed on the 1st ballot at the caucus. Pollard helps David O. because Pollard could never reach 50% but maybe he could keep Andre from getting there

Anonymous said...

He wouldn't be the first member of the club married. That why it is call in the closet.

Anonymous said...

Just exactly which committeemen are going to vote for this John-come-lately. Zero.

Helping David O. Possibility. Someone did say stalking horse earlier.

Andre doesn't need a fancy pocket handkerchief and foreign car to be successful as our next Congressman from the 7th District.

In the end, there are going to be so many people scratching their collective heads when Andre laps this sorry field of pretenders.

Anonymous said...

As a long time Demo committeeperson, I have no idea who this Pollard is. The others I know. Sopme I like...some I don't but they have been around ..and they dont wear fancy pocket handkerchiefs and drive Mercedes....I think Ice Miller just wants to own a congressman....some of the comments on this blog make it appear that it is a Mr. America contest.....we are not looking for handsome, we are looking for qualified.

Anonymous said...

1:43, I agree. There must be no candidate that drives a Mercedes in the Dem slating. All must drive Escalades, preferably with spinners and a chicken roof.

C,mon, is that how the Dem Party selects it's candidates in this District?

Pollard looks pretty damn qualified to me, but I drive a Jaquar (with chicken roof) so what would I know.

There will not be a concensus Dem candidate and those factions that lose will cause defeat in the general election.
Advice? Better take a guy like Pollard that hasn't got baggage.

Anonymous said...

Pollard does not have baggage because he has never been anywhere.

Anonymous said...

Pollard & Sullivan drive fancy import cars that has to make the UAW happy.

Anonymous said...

Notice how the shallow Wilson once again does not answer a simple, yet important question. Sad.

Anonymous said...

After seeing many of the comments, I felt compelled to respond. I've known Mr. Pollard in a professional capacity since he moved to Indiana. He's very intelligent, hard working, and really has some great ideas. He entered the race because he truly believes he can make a difference. There aren't any other motives. It is also my understanding that he does not have the support of Lacy Johnson, as he is supporting Andre. I don't believe his candicacy is a "trick". Its something he'll work hard for if given a chance. I would urge you to keep an open mind where he is concerned. I know there's familiarity with some of the others, but honestly, he's probably the best equipped to take the seat and make some actual changes.

Wilson46201 said...

Anonymous said...

Notice how the shallow Wilson once again does not answer a simple, yet important question. Sad.
3:46 PM EST


Sorry, I didn't hear the muffled mumbling from the anonymous nobody skulking, shuffling and cowering behind the curtains, masks and false faces.

What did you ask again? And speak up! Cut out the name-calling too!

Unknown said...

I checked on the titling of the university, it is correct see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_University-Purdue_University_Indianapolis

Also, I think the focus on what kind of car and how he looks etc is irrelevant (aside from the fact that it indicates that he has worked hard and done well for himself, no crime in that), and havent we learned from Obama that you can sometimes utilize your passion and expertise to make a difference despite having "more experience".

I want someone thoughtful, and strategic, an intellect who can work there way around the halls of Capitol Hill comfortably and effectively. The other candidates just seem to local to me. A congressperson needs to be able to think beyond that and decide on national and global issues as well.

I also think he has the potential to grab a few votes away from the repubs to guarantee a win..they love all of that educaton and proffession. I am a young professional and strongly considering making him my candidate of choice..

Anonymous said...

what do you mean by having more experience?

Anonymous said...

Pollard can go ahead and talk about all the national and global issues he wants. He won't even come close. In the process he will further reveal how little he understands Indianapolis electoral politics. He might start by reading Man of the House, autobio of Tip O'Neal (hint: he was an mildly successful Demo Congressman). All politics is local, even (esp.) when running for Congress. Local candidate are the preference, stupid.

He isn't even from here nor has he ever run for so much as committeeman nor worked on a campaign and yet he want to be our Congressman. Please. If he is smart and bows out now, he could go to work as a staffer and learn something about politics.

Anonymous said...

Even Obama served in lower elective office before running (unsuccessfully) for Congress and then (successfully) for U.S. Senate.

Pay your dues dude, particularly considering you aren't from around these parts, before grabbing for the brass ring.

Unknown said...

What i meant to say, Anonymous 1, was haven’t we learned from Obama that you can sometimes utilize your passion and expertise to make a difference despite being perceived as "not" having more experience.

Or in other words, I want a candidate that can be strategic and forward thinking; I am ready for a change. I want us to be led by candidate that can bring us together so we can have productive and intellectual dialogue regarding important issues (without calling each other ignorant names like "stupid")

My candidate of choice needs to be exposed locally, nationally and globally…. that experience can really “Advance Indiana”. Pollard may be the man that brings those qualities I’m looking for to the table. As a legislator in Washington its my understanding that they are not just voting on local issues but foriegn affairs, trade and other national and global issues that impact all Americans.

So who are you supporting, Anonymous 2, who called me stupid?

Anonymous said...

Hampton is not an Ivy league school.

Anonymous said...

informed sources tell me that Pollard is discontinuing his candidacy for Congress.....whew!!!

Anonymous said...

Pollard has not discontinued his run. He'll be out going door to door meeting precinct chairs again today.

Anonymous said...

Just a couple of comments...Pollard has worked on multiple local campaigns, and he is familiar with local politics. He's done both grass roots campaigning and fund raising for former candidates.

As for the Hampton comment....Hampton is a well respected small, private university. Georgetown is a top fifteen law school and has a top three tax law program--both of which he graduated from.

Let's not be so close minded here. I've seen plenty of posts on David O., and he's not from here either. Why the animosity toward Pollard but not David O.?

Anonymous said...

I was 11:19 AM Saturday. Someone
read my comment about the incorrect name of Indiana Univ.
Purdue Univ. @ Indlps and corrected his bio since then.
Maybe former Chancellor Bepko,
who did a lot for this university,
called him to get it corrected.

Anonymous said...

David O. is well known and respected in the Indianapolis community and Democratic politics. Perhaps that is the reason for the lack of animosity. I am not supporting him, but he is light-years ahead of Mr. Pollard.

I am have been around local politics for years and never heard or met this Mr. Pollard so I not sure who he volunteered for. As for the fundraising, I have never been to the Skyline Club (although it is hear it quite nice) so I wouldn't have met him there.

I usually have an open mind, but when I read the comment from Gary that Pollard will be traveling around campaigning in a modest, rented car that did it for me. What a phoney.

Gary R. Welsh said...

"I usually have an open mind, but when I read the comment from Gary that Pollard will be traveling around campaigning in a modest, rented car that did it for me. What a phoney."

I made no such comment, anon 3:18.

Anonymous said...

Gary,

Point well taken.

It is well-known that he normally (and proudly) drives a German-made coupe and you reported that he is now traveling in a Pontiac. I stand corrected. But if you don't believe me about his car ask him next time he checks-in with you.

Why did you mention the type of car he would be in if he came calling on committeemen?

Unknown said...

Hey Guys, Got a chance to meet Mr Pollard today! Very impressive and very sincere...a breath of fresh air. This might be our guy!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

This whole Pollard campaign must have the people at Ice Miller confused. Lacy Johnson Mr. Democrat brings in clients by the bunches (Center Twonship, the city
before Ballard, Gaming Interest national clients and lots of bond work) is supporting Andre Carson. Pollard a little known Democrat and not a rain maker is teamed up with Sandra Bickel another attorney at Ice Miller to challenge Carson.
One wonders how long Pollard who has views on his web site that run counter to some of Ice Millers clients will be around after next Saturday.
Pollard has every right to run but there can be a great downside if you go after the King and miss.