District 60 campaign sees record spending

John Shean and State Rep. Peggy Welch (D-Bloomington) both remain very optimistic about their prospects of winning as Election Day nears. In a race many insiders consider very important for both Republican and Democrat chances to control of the Indiana House of Representatives, Shean and Welch are trying to appeal to the people of District 60 in different ways.\n"I have really focused on my leadership qualities and bring new solutions to old problems," Shean said. "The question is, 'Do you want someone who has the boldness to lead or someone who just wants to be a caretaker?"\nShean is referring to his opponent's career as a nurse and his opinion on her agenda that she has set in her term as state representative. \n"I feel very good about my chances," Welch said. "That is based on the response I have gotten when I have gone door to door and the people I have spoken to."\nWelch said her main focus in this election has been to run a positive and dignified campaign.\n"It is not worth winning if you lose your dignity," Welch said. "I have things I can fall back on such as nursing and my family -- winning isn't everything."\nWelch went on to say that she is very confident and, based on information she has, the race is moving in her direction.\nShean said he believes turnout will be the key to his victory Tuesday. He sites the number of yard signs that have been placed in yards across the district as evidence that Republicans are more energized about this election then Democrats.\n"I think many people want a change in leadership in this country," Shean said. "I have talked to many people who are voting straight Republican and Democrats who are voting Republican this year because of issues such as character." \nThe hotly contested statehouse race has also seen record spending, television and radio commercials and relentless campaigning from both the candidates and their respective parties. The winner of this race will go a long way in helping his party in its effort to win a majority in the Statehouse. \n"The winner of this race undeniably will have a tremendous impact on not only the district, but the state and the redefining of congressional districts that will inevitably take place," said sophomore Marisa Etter, the youth coordinator for the Shean campaign and a College Republican. "Much is at stake in this race, and both candidates convey that in their strenuous efforts during this last week."\nWelch said she is looking forward to Election Day, whether or not she wins.\n"I have made every effort to make this campaign about who I am, regardless of the outcome, win or lose," Welch said. "I have worked very hard for the people of my district and I think it is important to know that I am in my first term and I have lots of ideas that I still want to accomplish"