This week we're previewing races for the May 3 Indiana primary election.
U.S. House of Representatives: District Six (D)
Democrat Danny Basham has lived in lived in Indiana for thirty-eight years. He currently serves as the Township Trustee for Lexington, Indiana. Basham is a semi-retired licensed paramedic and instructor and served with the Lexington Fire and Rescue for twenty-six years. He is married with two children and three grandchildren. Basham and his wife purchase and refurbish houses to lease and sell.
Democrat George Holland is a graduate of Butler University and also attended Indiana University School of Medicine. He has previously sought office in this district as a Republican in 1986, a Libertarian in 2008, and a Democrat in 1988, 2010 and 2012. Holland is married and has two children. Holland believes "initiatives have to benefit constituents, not special interests."
Democrat Bruce Peavler is the co-owner of Burton Environmental and a scientist. Peavler is married with four children and lives in Yorktown, Indiana. He is a member of the League of Women Voters environmental study group and is Chairman of his church's stewardship committee. Peavler describes himself as a Democratic progressive.
Democrat Ralph Spelbring is a graduate of Indiana State University and Depauw University. He has been a candidate for this seat in 1992 and 2006, and ran for office in Districts 10, 8 and 3 in 2000, 1996, and 1986, respectively. He is a substitute teacher and has previously worked as a chemist at Apex Pharmaceuticals and Whitehall Laboratories.
Democrat Barry Welsh a graduate of Ball State University. He has been pastor at the Lauren United Methodist Church since 1998. He is married and has four daughters. Welsh lives in Connersville, Indiana. Welsh previously ran for this seat in 2012, but never officially filed to appear on the ballot.
U.S. House of Representatives: District 6 (R)
Republican Luke Messer (I) has served as the District Six representatives since 2012 and serves on the House Financial Services and House Education and Workforce committees. Messer previously served as an Indiana State Legislator. He is a graduate of Wabash College and Vanderbilt University. Messer is married and has two children. Messer is a former athlete and current coach.
Republican Charles "Chuck" Johnson Jr. is the owner of a waste management processing site in Madison. He describes himself as the "non politically correct candidate." Johnson supports Donald Trump as the GOP nominee in the presidential election. He describes incumbent Luke Messer as "out of touch" and "not getting anything done."
Republican Jeff Smith lives in Liberty, Indiana. This is his first known run for public office. Smith has no campaign website.
Democrat Danny Basham has lived in lived in Indiana for thirty-eight years. He currently serves as the Township Trustee for Lexington, Indiana. Basham is a semi-retired licensed paramedic and instructor and served with the Lexington Fire and Rescue for twenty-six years. He is married with two children and three grandchildren. Basham and his wife purchase and refurbish houses to lease and sell.
Democrat George Holland is a graduate of Butler University and also attended Indiana University School of Medicine. He has previously sought office in this district as a Republican in 1986, a Libertarian in 2008, and a Democrat in 1988, 2010 and 2012. Holland is married and has two children. Holland believes "initiatives have to benefit constituents, not special interests."
Democrat Bruce Peavler is the co-owner of Burton Environmental and a scientist. Peavler is married with four children and lives in Yorktown, Indiana. He is a member of the League of Women Voters environmental study group and is Chairman of his church's stewardship committee. Peavler describes himself as a Democratic progressive.
Democrat Ralph Spelbring is a graduate of Indiana State University and Depauw University. He has been a candidate for this seat in 1992 and 2006, and ran for office in Districts 10, 8 and 3 in 2000, 1996, and 1986, respectively. He is a substitute teacher and has previously worked as a chemist at Apex Pharmaceuticals and Whitehall Laboratories.
Democrat Barry Welsh a graduate of Ball State University. He has been pastor at the Lauren United Methodist Church since 1998. He is married and has four daughters. Welsh lives in Connersville, Indiana. Welsh previously ran for this seat in 2012, but never officially filed to appear on the ballot.
Republican Luke Messer (I) has served as the District Six representatives since 2012 and serves on the House Financial Services and House Education and Workforce committees. Messer previously served as an Indiana State Legislator. He is a graduate of Wabash College and Vanderbilt University. Messer is married and has two children. Messer is a former athlete and current coach.
Republican Jeff Smith lives in Liberty, Indiana. This is his first known run for public office. Smith has no campaign website.