(Reluctantly) Baron Hill for Congress

Baron Hill is, in many ways, far from the ideal congressperson. He’s a conservative, Blue Dog Democrat, a fact borne out both in his votes in Washington, D.C. and his reelection campaign at home.

In 2007, Hill voted with Republicans against expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. That year he also voted with Republicans to expand spy agencies’ power to eavesdrop on foreign suspects without a court order. In 2009, Hill was one of only 20 Democrats to vote against the Omnibus Appropriations Act.

Hill’s commercials have relied on despicably backward, ‘otherizing,’ and ad hominem attacks on his Republican opponent, Todd Young. When Young’s policies are so definitively conservative, Hill should have contested them rather than attempting to character assassinate Young.

But at the end of the day, Baron Hill is the only real choice for 9th District voters.

Todd Young is associated with the Tea Party.  The Libertarian agenda of Greg “No Bull” Knott (Yes, his name actually appears as such on the ballot) is hardly more tenable.

The IDS Editorial Board therefore gives Baron Hill a conditional endorsement for Indiana’s 9th Congressional seat. Vote for Hill so the Obama Administration doesn’t end up gridlocked with a Republican Congress. And vote Hill because even his conservative, Blue Dog brand of politics will produce somewhat more desirable outcomes than a Tea Party candidate.  

If we send Hill back to Washington, hopefully he will vote more conscientiously in his next term.

Campaign Website

Staff Vote:
Baron Hill - D (11 votes)
Todd Young - R (4 votes)
Greg "No Bull Knott" - L (0 votes)