IU expresses concern for governor

After hearing of Gov. Frank O'Bannon's health problems Monday, members of the IU and Bloomington communities began to express their condolences for the state's leader.\nFred Eichhorn, president of the IU board of trustees, said he worked closely with O'Bannon on University issues. \n"O'Bannon was a champion of higher education and very supportive of the University's budget needs in the midst of current economic problems," he said.\nEichhorn also went to school with O'Bannon as an undergraduate at IU. They graduated the same year and became officers in the Air Force, then left the military and entered the IU law school at the same time. \nEichhorn said O'Bannon played basketball and intramural football. He remembered him as a "gritty competitor, even though he was undersized for the Big Ten."\nIn the IU student community, Democrats and Republicans alike are worried about the governor. \nDaniel O'Neill, vice president of the IU College Democrats, said he knew O'Bannon's health had been declining in recent years. \nAngel Rivera, president of the IU College Republicans, said he is saddened by O'Bannon's condition. "Even though I disagree with his policies, Gov. O'Bannon is a good man," Rivera said. "This is a terrible tragedy that could have happened to any American."\nDirector of State Relations Don Weaver, who worked with O'Bannon for 20 years, said, "He is such a kind and considerate person who has done everything he can for the state and for the University."\nWeaver said O'Bannon is able to use all of the resources IU has to help him in his time of need. \n"We have offered our medical facilities at the IU School of Medicine if necessary," he said.\nPoliticians around the Bloomington area also sympathize with Gov. O'Bannon and his sudden illness.\nState Representative Peggy Welch (D - Bloomington) said she has been praying for O'Bannon and his family. \n"He is a very respectful man -- a man who respects Hoosier values," she said.\nWelch said she believes O'Bannon is a good husband and family man. \n"One of the things I respect about him most is his love for his wife and children," she said. "He and Judy are definite partners. They work together on a lot of issues."\nWelch also said that O'Bannon has been a great helper in higher education at Indiana colleges and universities.\n"He has been a real leader in providing higher education," she said. "He has recognized good ideas for economic development lie in universities."\nState Rep. Eric Koch, R-Bedford, said even though he and O'Bannon disagreed on political philosophies, he hopes for good news about the recovery.\n"He holds a special place in my heart," Koch said.\n-- Contact staff writer Devon Thomas at deothoma@indiana.edu.