Kernan steps in for O'Bannon

Nine months ago, Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan removed himself from candidacy for Indiana governor in 2004.\nTuesday, he took on the responsibility of leading Indiana as acting governor one day after Gov. Frank O'Bannon suffered a severe stroke in a Chicago hotel room.\nKernan assumes the duties under what he called "a common sense provision" in the Indiana Constitution.\nIf the governor is unable to hand over his authority due to illness or death, the Speaker of the House Patrick Bauer, and the Senate President Robert Garton, may authorize a change of command. If the Indiana Supreme Court finds the governor incapable of performing his duties, the lieutenant governor assumes responsibility as acting governor. However, no plans have been made to transfer power permanently as state officials are still waiting to assess O'Bannon's condition. \nAs of yesterday O'Bannon was in critical condition, recovering from brain surgery, neurosurgeon Dr. Wesley Yapor said in a statement.\n"As with nearly every significant stroke, it is certain there has been damage to the brain, but it is still too early to tell the degree of disability or prognosis at the present time," Yapor said. "It is still possible the governor may recover substantial neurological function -- we just do not presently know."\nO'Bannon remains in a drug-induced coma, which allows doctors to manage his breathing rate, keep the pressure inside his brain down and alleviate any discomfort due to respirators.\nGiven the governor's condition, Kernan's role became clear Monday as he was rushed back to the statehouse from Chicago to temporarily assume O'Bannon's duties.\nHoosiers are now counting on Kernan to lead the state while the governor attempts recovery.\n"I'm sure folks will be willing to help the lieutenant governor if he has to step in for the governor," Dean of Students Richard McKaig said. "We hope he'll be willing to show the same support the governor did toward the University over the years."\nKernan spent three terms as South Bend mayor before taking over the state's second-highest post the last six years.\nHe served in the Vietnam War and was taken prisoner for 11 months after his plane was shot down over North Vietnam.\nKernan returned home from the war to his wife Maggie, and later become involved in South Bend politics. O'Bannon asked Kernan to be his running mate in the 1996 election, which they won, and four years later the two were re-elected.\nConsidered a popular choice for the 2004 gubernatorial race, Kernan said he would not run for the position saying, "It's time to do something else."\n-- Contact senior writer Mitch Blacher at mblacher@indiana.edu.