Five Questions with Joe Donnelly

Two years ago Joe Donnelly waged a great campaign against incumbent Chris Chocola in the Indiana's 2nd Congressional District. Despite being on the losing side of a Republican wave, Joe only lost 54%-45% in an election year that saw Indiana lose the State House, the Governor's Mansion and the Indiana 9th.

Joe's back this year and given the current climate in Indiana, the Indiana 2nd is ripe for the picking.

Joe was gracious enough to answer Five Questions...

1. Why do you want to be a Congressman?

I want to be a Congressman because we need change in Washington. I will be an independent voice who will represent the people of the 2nd district - not the wealthy oil and pharmaceutical companies that have bought our Congress and are running our country. We need leaders who will stand up for good jobs, a better prescription drug plan for our seniors, and a real energy plan that will work to drive down skyrocketing gas prices.

2. You lost to Chris Chocola 54%-45% two years ago. What has changed in the last two years that makes you confident you'll win this year?

People across the district and across the country want change. They have had enough of the Washington style pay-to-play politics and policies that benefit only the wealthiest Americans. In the last two years, we have seen more jobs leaving Indiana, more seniors struggling to pay for the prescriptions they need to stay healthy, and more families struggling to fill up their gas tanks. As average Hoosiers struggle, the GOP controlled Congress continues to prove they are out of touch. The people of this district have had enough of these policies and will elect a Congressman who represents their values. I am confident I will win in November.

3. What is the biggest thing a Congressman can do for residents in the 2nd District?

The most important thing I will be able to do in Congress is to listen to the people and vote based on what I know is right. I will stand up for Hoosier values and represent the voters of the 2nd district, not party leaders or special interests.

4. What do you think is the worst bill to come out of the House in the past term? What do you think is the best bill?

Joe's still working on this question. I gotta admit it's not the easiest off the cuff answer. I'll update it when I get the answer.

5. What has been your best experience so far in the campaign?

My experience on the campaign trail has been encouraging and rewarding. What I enjoy most is meeting voters at their doors or out in the community. This is a diverse and interesting district and I learn more about what the voters want in their representative everyday.