The Indiana State Republican Party will be having its state convention on Saturday, June 15th. Though it is always a time for massive fanfare and rallying, the most important thing that happens is the selection of the candidates for the various offices such as Attorney General. This time, the state Republican party is facing a unique choice as Pastor Micah Beckwith has decided to run for Lieutenant Governor (LG), a move that is uncommon as traditionally the LG is selected by the gubernatorial candidate of the party. Being an elected delegate myself, I thought I would share a brief discussion on why the convention should honor tradition, and select future Governor Mike Braun’s pick for LG, Julie McGuire.
The most obvious roles of the Lieutenant Governor are that they are, similar to the Vice President, one heartbeat away from the Governor’s mansion and to serve as President of the Senate. However, in Indiana the LG also serves as the chairman of the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, Office of Energy and Defense Development, and the Office of Tourism Development, while making appointments to the Corn Marketing Council, the Main Street Council, Steel Advisory Commission, and the Indiana Film Commission. In other words, the position requires a lot of executive leadership and requires a candidate with experience in that field. Just as well, it makes sense to have a candidate who shares the governor’s vision for the state.
Julie McGuire has the experience needed to serve in that capacity as she has served for 15 years as the Parish Business Manager at St. Roch’s Catholic church. In addition to that, she has been elected as State Rep. so she has experience dealing with the state legislature. This gives her the background needed for the position.
Julie does also have the endorsement of Senator and future Governor Mike Braun, so that means that she will be the candidate most dedicated to his platform. McGuire will be the candidate most likely to enact the change Braun wants to bring to the state; from overhauling our state’s healthcare system to supporting state law enforcement to protecting the second amendment to staffing the various agencies loyal to those priorities. Those who voted for Braun and would like to see his agenda made reality need to support Julie McGuire for that reason.
As for Micah Beckwith, I respect many of the positions he has taken on this election cycle, and it does take serious courage to take on a challenge most would not consider. However, he does not have experience in the general assembly nor has he been elected to office so his experience with the position should be drawn into question. Similarly, he has promised to be a “check” on the governor, which draws into question if he would follow through on Braun’s plan for the state government. With that in mind, it seems Julie McGuire is better suited for the position.
It is for that reason the Republican delegates should vote for Julie McGuire for LG. She has the experience, loyalty, and dedication needed for the position. While I, as a Republican, will respect either candidate if elected, McGuire is the one best suited to keep the LG’s office as a partnership with the governor and bring a conservative vision to the state.
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