Former Rep. speaks for nephew at election rally

Two Hamiltons shared the spotlight Saturday at a rally sponsored by Democrat John Hamilton’s mayoral campaign.

Former Rep. Lee Hamilton, D-9th District, spoke to a crowd at the John Hamilton campaign headquarters.

He endorsed his nephew, who is running against incumbent Mayor Mark Kruzan in the May 3 mayoral primary election.

“I believe, and I hope you believe, that John will be a terrific mayor of the city of Bloomington,” Lee Hamilton said. “Every job he’s undertaken he’s done very well.”

Lee Hamilton said John Hamilton has the most important qualities of a public official: passion, competence and integrity.

“You all know he has integrity. That’s the number one quality for any Hoosier voter,” Lee Hamilton said. “Poll after poll after poll shows they want people with integrity.”

He also spoke about the importance of volunteers in John Hamilton’s campaign.

“John will never have the opportunity to serve as mayor of Bloomington without you,” Lee Hamilton said. “He can work 24/7, but he cannot reach all the people. You have to help him. You are essential for John’s election.”

IU senior Kelly Smith, John Hamilton’s deputy campaign manager, said she is confident they will have enough votes to beat Kruzan in May.

“I think it’s going to be fine,” she said. “The momentum is really picking up
right now.”

After Lee Hamilton’s speech, John Hamilton asked people to go out and campaign, reminding them that the election has already started. He called their attention to a sign against one wall that said, “25 days until victory.”

“Now is the sprint to the finish in the last three weeks,” he said. “I’m very excited about the opportunity to serve.”