Close elections in the past lead to uncertainty in 9th district

With less than 40 days until the Nov. 2 election, incumbent Democrat Baron Hill and Republican nominee Todd Young are campaigning to gain undecided votes in an unpredictable district.

“The people of southern Indiana are pragmatic and not wed to any political party. They are willing to support Democrats and Republicans if the respective candidate shares their values,” Young said.

In past congressional elections, Republican Mike Sodrel ran against Hill, which resulted in tight races with Hill only winning by a small percent. This year Hill said he thinks the public will vote in his favor again.

“I believe the district will vote for me because there is a clear choice in this election. I believe the voters will vote for me because I am on their side,” Hill said.

Indiana’s voting history has established it as a Republican state, with the exception being the 2008 presidential election — the first time in 44 years the state’s Electoral College votes went to a Democratic candidate according to www.270towin.com.

According to CQPolitics.com, however, the ninth district is one of five congressional districts that voted Democrat in the house elections in 2008 and one of six districts to vote Republican in the presidential election.

Bloomington resident Tim Hoyne said he looks at the issues and not the party when researching candidates.

“I’m looking for a candidate who will say something and do it.” Hoyne said.

In the 2010 primaries, Young won the nomination over Hill’s election rival Sodrel. With the turnovers in nominations throughout the country, candidates like Sodrel who have run year after year lost to new runners who political groups believe have a better chance of unseating an incumbent.

“I’m running for Congress because I’m truly worried about the course our country is on.” Young said. “I will openly admit that both Democrats and Republicans have sent us in this dangerous direction. Both parties have abused our trust and pursued harmful agendas.”

Despite turnovers and political rallies, Bloomington resident Gail Atkinson said she will vote and hopes for a change in the economy but doesn’t see it coming.

“I don’t think any other candidate — whether Republican, Democrat or Independent — has done well,” Atkinson said. “I’m all for new people.”

Since the primaries, each candidate aired commercials criticizing the other instead of expressing their views. Hoyne said the candidates haven’t been very visible to the public.

“I haven’t seen a lot of ads,” Hoyne said.

To learn more on the candidates, visit www.baronhill.house.gov and www.toddyoungforcongress.com.

The School of Public and Environmental Affairs will sponsor a debate between Hill and Young Oct. 18 at the  Buskirk-Chumley Theater where they will answer questions mailed in by constituents.

Questions can be submitted at www.spea.indiana.edu by Oct. 6.