Simpson discusses campaign strategy at IU

Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor Vi Simpson, D-Ellettsville, spoke candidly of her passion for women’s rights and the dangers of electing her Republican opponent before a small crowd of 15 IU College Democrats Tuesday.

She talked about her selection as gubernatorial candidate John Gregg’s running mate. She said it was hard to leave her role in the state Senate after 28 years, but she did so when she realized what was at stake if Republican challenger Mike Pence were to
enter office.

“But I don’t yet feel the urgency about the election from people,” Simpson said. “Maybe that’s because I’m on the inside.

“Not knowing what’s at stake, that’s what’s bothering me, and I don’t know how to get across to people because of the difference in money being spent.”

This money, she said, has allowed people to not really know Pence and his record as they should.

She discussed how the negative style of campaigning has led to more attacking than real talk on issues, particularly in television ads.

In third quarter campaign finance reports due Monday, Mike Pence led his competitors with $2.9 million raised compared to Gregg’s $1 million.

Simpson said she wasn’t exactly sure how to get people excited and engaged in the race, but that supporters like the IU College Democrats would be of great help.
“That’s why we’re so dependent on the ground game,” she said. “It’s really important to have people on the ground, phone banks going, knocks on the doors and that we get everybody to the polls.”

IU Democrats Vice President Hillary Anderson said Simpson’s visit was a way to energize her liberal constituents in Bloomington.

“We take politics from the abstract and something that students could feel removed from and bring it to their front door,” Anderson said. “If you meet the person that’s actually going to be on your ballot, it gives you a more personal and deep connection to the role you’re playing in your government.”

Simpson addressed the economy, saying students she’s spoken to while on her tour of college campuses have expressed concerns about the job market.

Another topic of discussion was education and her belief that Pence will be an opponent of Pell Grants and continue budget cuts of public education.

The topic of women’s right’s became a focus of the address to students.

Simpson shared a story that when she was younger, contraceptives were available only with the consent of a women’s husband.

Citing Pence’s votes against the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and legislation in support of Planned Parenthood, she said she can’t see how any woman could vote for her opponent.

“This debate is not about abortion,” Simpson said. “It’s about your contraceptive.  They’re after your contraceptive because they believe most contraceptives are abortion. I know everyone thinks I’m a screaming woman on this issue, but I’ve lived though it. I know what it’s like to have doors slammed in your face because you have a uterus and you might get pregnant.”