Local attorney petitions to run for state governor

Roy Graham describes himself as optimistic and cheerful. \nAnd he hopes those traits will help his chances in the 2004 Indiana gubernatorial election -- a race which he's entered without any political experience or campaign funding to his credit.\nAs an IU undergraduate in 1974, Graham studied music, later receiving a B.A. in criminal justice and a law degree. \nGraham, who has worked in numerous jobs ranging from a bakery doughnut-fryer to a representative of clients who sued IU over the firing of former men's basketball coach Bob Knight, cites his independence and diverse background as an attraction to college-aged voters.\nGraham, who hopes to run on the democratic ticket, said he would fill the job of governor well because he has strong ideas on state issues.\n"The current candidates are not saying anything on the issues, whereas I have," he said. "I was encouraged by my mentors. I have followed Indiana politics for over thirty years."\nEven though his campaign started a month late, he plans to attract voters through radio and by personal speaking engagements. \n"I must work full time in my job while I campaign; that is, I am not independently wealthy and have just started putting together an organization," Graham said.\nTo have his name included on the democratic primary election ballot, Graham needs to collect the signatures of 5,000 registered voters. He said he believes his chances of winning are the same as anyone else.\n"Governor Dean was not even considered when the presidential race started, was he? Remember, the November (primary) election for this year has not even been completed," Graham said.\nGraham said several of his proposals would benefit students, one of which is to increase the minimum wage to $7 per hour. \n"Increased wages not only mean higher income taxes for the state, but more spending money for low income workers, increasing consumer-driven economic activity," he said.\nGraham is also campaigning on extending voting hours and providing health care for all people under age 16. He wants to end the "brain drain" of Indiana graduates, students that leave the state after college, by providing various types of loan relief.\n"Indiana students are taking on more debt than ever before," Graham said. "To pay for higher debt, many of Indiana's best and brightest are being lured to higher-paying out-of-state jobs. Incentives, such as loan repayment assistance, extension or partial interest forgiveness will keep more graduates in Indiana."\nJenni Klose, law student and assistant to Graham's campaign, said she supports anyone who is willing to enter the political process from outside the establishment.\n"It is healthy for unexpected people to get involved and share ideas," she said.\nKlose said she believes Graham and his campaign appeals to college students.\n"He is the anti-politician," she said. "He is not campaigning on image or empty promises."\nGraham said he wants his platform issues to reach out to all Hoosiers as well as student voters.\nGraham opposes the death penalty and said he plans to repeal it. If elected, he would possess the authority to stop all executions.\n"The death penalty is immoral," Graham said. "The Indiana Constitution prohibits retribution as punishment. Execution is the purest form of retribution."\nGraham said he intends to increase the public works program by rebuilding and improving older schools and run-down libraries.\nIf elected governor, he plans to create new alternative penalties for drug crimes.\n"The current penalties for drug crimes are extremely unbalanced and unfair," Graham said. "Courts often punish drug offenders more harshly than violent criminals. I propose that all first-time offenders who can get through treatment and pass two years of drug screens should have their case dismissed."\nDuring his campaign, Graham said he does not plan to give up his private law practice. He has worked as an attorney for more than 12 years, focusing on family and criminal law. \n"I love my job," Graham said. "I am dedicated to every one of my clients. I will work through the election process."\nDavid Hunter, a local attorney, said he is impressed by Graham's personality and thinks Graham is academically-oriented with an ability to present the issues.\n"He is the only candidate willing to go on the record for what he believes," Hunter said.\nGraham said he differs from his political opponents because of his background and common sense ideas. \n"I have lived and worked here for almost 30 years," Graham said. "I know what Hoosiers think."\n-Contact staff writer Jessica Levco at jlevco@indiana.edu.