For all the politicians around, the only speechifying was about five minutes apiece from the two attending gubernatorial candidates. My man Kenn Gividen emphasized the issue of property taxes, specifically his intention to eliminate them. This is what you call an "issue." Mitch Daniels' issue, on the other hand, was that he knew the names of several obscure small towns near Terre Haute. On the other hand, unlike Governor Kernan, Mitch Daniels did actually show up.

Naturally, my esteemed opponent Senator Bayh was absent. Now, obviously I'm critical of him for refusing to come out and play. He needs to come out and debate his opponents and answer questions from the citizens. In this particular case, however, he does have a good excuse. Congress is in session right now, and he does need to be there doing the job. He gets a pass for this one.

Also, I got to see old pal Andy Horning for the first time this campaign season. He's now a Libertarian Party ex-patriot making his debut run as a Republican for US House against Julia Carson, and our own Barry Campbell. I'm all for the Libertarian candidate, but Andy would also be an outstanding member of Congress. You really can't go wrong either way there. The people of Indianapolis are fortunate to have two good choices for Congress.

Plus of course the fellowship of my Libertarian Party brethren was rewarding, as always. Particularly, the ladies' auxillary was in full force, led by the evil twin doppleganger of a Stepford Wife known as Rebecca Sink Burris.

Also, I got to talk to a re-enacting turn of the century tax collector about my coon dog Rebel Rouser that likes to tree revenuers. He acted appropriately alarmed.

Did I mention free booze?

BARGER FOR SENATE