Local republicans gathered Thursday at the Crawfordsville Country Club for their annual Lincoln Day Dinner. The main guest was Indiana’s U.S. Senator Mike Braun.
Montgomery County Republican Chairman Jim Johnson and Braun discussed the senator’s business and political careers. Braun has announced his candidacy for the Indiana governor slot in the 2024 election.
Braun wants to be governor because he wants to continue serving Indiana residents, believing he can make a positive impact for Hoosiers. The struggles of a divided country in national politics does not sit well with the Jasper native.
When asked about what is the biggest problem in Washington D.C. the senator had a quick response when he answered “everything.”
One reason he responded in that way is because he believes spending has gotten out of control in national politics.
“One problem we have is they do not understand in Washington that you have to spend less than you take in,” Braun said.
He also said term limits is needed and that the Founding Fathers never would have never expected we would have life-long politicians.
While most members of Congress stay in Washington D.C. on weekends, Braun comes home and has open office hours in Jasper for anyone to drop in and talk about any problem his constituents are having. The only time he has stayed for a weekend in the Capitol is when there were important votes happening such as two impeachments and Supreme Court justice appointments.
“I have only spent seven weekends in Washington since I took office,” Braun said. “I am available on most Fridays to meet with anyone in my Jasper office. Meeting with the people helps me understand the problems people are having and I can take it back to Washington on Monday.”
Braun said being a successful entrepreneur helps him handle the problems as a politician. He feels his life experiences has taught him many lessons that he can apply to helping people.
“I believe my experiences as an entrepreneur taught me how to give good customer service,” Braun said. “I can relate those lessons into providing good constituent service.”
Braun is pleased with a recent decisions passed on Capitol Hill. He said the order to have all COVID information about Dr. Anthony Fauci and the origins of the virus will be important for citizens to learn.
“There is a 90-day period before we get all of the intelligence on the origin of COVID,” Braun said. “Dr. Fauci is not too pleased. We surprised the Democrats that this order came up for a vote the second time. Both the House and Senate approved the order.”
Braun said local Republicans are essential for the party to maintain control of local and state politics. He said Indiana is a red state because many Democrats do not believe in what the national Democrats promote.
“The majority of voters in Jasper are Democrats, but they are conservative and vote Republican because they see what is going on and do not buy into what the Democrats are pushing,” Braun said. “It is important that the local party, like in Montgomery County, continue to do what you do. It all starts locally.”
U.S. Congressman Jim Baird was in attendance as well as several Indiana state legislators.
