Vi Simpson elected Democratic Floor Leader

Indiana Senate Democrats voted State Senator Vi Simpson, D-Ellettsville, as Democratic floor leader Wednesday.

Simpson was unanimously elected by the Democratic caucus.

“It wasn’t a surprise because we had talked to the members of our caucus, and they had voiced their support,” she said.

Simpson said she already knows what is expected of her because she has served as the assistant Democratic floor leader since 2006.

As the floor leader, she will assist in committee assignments and serve as the spokeswoman for the caucus in negotiations with the rest of the General Assembly.
“Everyone should have two priorities in the next upcoming session, one of which is the budget,” Simpson said. “The second priority is to do everything we can in our power, in a bipartisan way, that will add to the economic recovery of Indiana. I’m concerned with protecting homeowners.”

State Senator Tim Lanane, D-Anderson, said he agrees that because it’s a budget year, both the budget and the economy are at the top of the Senate’s list. Lanane will replace Simpson as assistant Democratic floor leader.

“Obviously the economy is number one,” Lanane said. “How can we promote an economy that’s good for the environment? That’s something you’re probably going to see across the nation.”

It seems Indiana is more concerned with solutions to problems than party affiliation, Simpson said.

President-elect Barack Obama won Indiana on Tuesday, the first time the state’s electoral votes went to a Democrat since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. But Hoosiers also re-elected Republican and incumbent Gov. Mitch Daniels.

“Voters of Indiana have shown a propensity to split their ticket,” Simpson said. “They’re saying they want a bipartisan solution to problems.”

Simpson has spent her life in state government and doesn’t plan changing that anytime soon.

“I enjoy state government, and I don’t see federal government as a step up at all,” she said. “State government, to me, is closer to the people, and we’re probably involved with issues that impact people’s lives more than Congress.”