Senator speaks on campus

Indiana state Sen. Vi Simpson, D-Ellettsville, spoke to a small audience at the Neal-Marshall Education Center Wednesday, answering questions ranging from why she is the best candidate to how lottery money is being spent. \nThe session, sponsored by the Communications Workers of America Local 4730, was the cause of some debate as to whether it should be held due to the current condition of Gov. Frank O'Bannon. \n"Despite what is going on, it is important for Sen. Simpson to get her message out to the people," said Jeff Harris, Simpson's press secretary.\nAbout 25 people showed up for the event. \nSimpson began the session with a statement on the status of the governor. Her eyes welled up as she told the story of how O'Bannon was one of the people who convinced her to run for state Senate in 1983. \n"Republicans and Democrats agree what an incredible and gentle man he is," Simpson said. \nTurning to business, when asked about the current discrepancy of micromanaging the money given to IU for salaries, Simpson explained she does not want to micromanage the University, but something must be done. \n"If the University does not get smarter about salaries for administration and staff, then something must be done," Simpson said.\nWith higher education as a focal point of her campaign, Simpson said she felt confident that she could accomplish much for universities. \nShe addressed the fact that some Hoosiers feel disconnected from the rest of Indiana. \n"If we don't float all of our boats in Indiana, we are not doing all we can do," she said. \nShe explained she will, if elected, do what she can to make sure all Hoosiers feel a part of the rest of Indiana. \nWhen asked about how to keep Hoosiers in Indiana, Simpson talked about the need to diversify the economy. \n"Indiana is a manufacturing dependent state," Simpson said. "The rest of the world is moving in a different direction and we need to make Indiana more attractive." \nHer plan, if elected, is to create more jobs that would diversify the economy. \n"My hope is that my grandson will not have to leave Indiana for opportunities," Simpson said.\nThe ended the session by simply explaining why she believes she is the best candidate for governor. \n"I have walked in a few shoes," Simpson said. "I was a member of a labor union family. I was a single mother for a while. I have a career to hold. I understand the needs of Hoosiers."\nCWA local 4730 president Bennita Booher said she thinks Simpson is an "awesome lady." \n"She speaks from the heart. She has walked many miles in others shoes and that is a big thing for me," she said. "Some politicians forget who they are representing. Vi Simpson is truly there for the people."\nContact staff writer Monica Dix at mcdix@indiana.edu.