Gregg tailgates at Homecoming game

Among the flurry of crimson and green on Homecoming weekend’s crisp Saturday morning, there was also blue. A blue mustache, to be specific.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Gregg made a quick stop at the Homecoming tailgate before Saturday’s IU v. Michigan State game.

“It reminds me of how long it’s been since college,” he said.

Gregg, a 1976 IU graduate, spent time talking with supporters and undecided voters.
It was casual. No formal speeches. No flyers or handouts. Just hand-to-hand greetings and individual talks.

“The pre-game festivities really are my favorite part,” Gregg said. “I love the tradition of coming back to IU with families gathering with friends.”

Gregg, in his blue fleece and black dress pants, wasn’t dressed like nearly everyone else at the tailgate. He was a dark blot in a sea of red.

Even blue Gregg pins stood out on the IU fans decked out in red apparel.

Mark Roberts, a 1974 IU graduate, headed the tailgate on the southwest corner of Memorial Stadium. Family and friends cooked out of the back of a forest green Chevy Suburban which sported blue “Gregg for Governor” signs.

Gregg went to IU at the same time as Roberts, though the two didn’t know each other. Roberts later earned a law degree from IU and now works at a law firm in Indianapolis where he met Gregg.

“He’s just a regular person who cares about people,” Roberts said.

IU was the first stop of the day for Gregg.

“I recognized your mustache,” said Richard Phillipy as he approached Gregg.
Phillipy has taught English for 27 years at Lawrence Central High School.
The two greeted and talked briefly.

“He said some kind things to me about education,” Phillipy said. “I would have voted for him. He certainly needs the votes.”

Gregg trails his Republican challenger Mike Pence by 13 percent, according to a recent Howey-DePauw general election survey.

With less than one month until Election Day, Gregg wanted to bring his message to students.

“The message for students is the same for all Hoosiers,” Gregg said.

The economy, job market and debt are at the forefront of people’s concerns, he said.
“Students tend to be moderate,” Gregg said. “But we like to remind students that I’m running against a pretty extreme candidate. He’s a Tea Party person.”

After mingling with the tailgaters near Gate 3, Gregg walked around the stadium, a large white flag branded with the iconic blue mustache close behind.

Jeff and Marie Mooney were making their way into the stadium when Gregg drew near. Marie approached him, extending her hand with words of support.

“I wanted to encourage him,” she said.

Her husband, a 1972 IU graduate, likes Gregg, too.

“He doesn’t come off as another politician,” Jeff said. “He’s more like your
neighbor.”