Kernan prepares for annual State of the State address

INDIANAPOLIS -- Gov. Joe Kernan will give the State of the State address to the General Assembly on Tuesday night, exactly four months after the death of his predecessor and friend, Frank O'Bannon.\n"I believe that Governor O'Bannon will be there," said Kernan, who was sworn in as governor hours after O'Bannon died of a stroke Sept. 13.\nKernan said his 30-minute speech, to be televised live by some stations, will reflect his upbeat outlook and where he thinks Indiana should go. That will include his proposal for expanding state-funded, full-day kindergarten.\nSome analysts have suggested that Kernan draw a clear distinction between his administration and O'Bannon's. Kernan, who is running this year for a full term, says harping on distinctions is not necessary.\n"I get the sense that people think you have to go overboard to make sure people realize you are different," Kernan said. "We are different. We were partners, but we are different."\nLawmakers and other state dignitaries will pack the House chamber for the 7:30 p.m. address before a joint session of the General Assembly. Former first lady Judy O'Bannon plans to attend.\nKernan has written much of the speech himself.\nThe speech will focus on Indiana's economy and education system, said spokesman Jonathan Swain. Kernan helped O'Bannon push tax-restructuring and economic development packages to passage in 2001 and 2002, and Kernan wants to achieve a goal O'Bannon never realized -- statewide, full-day kindergarten.