John Gregg, the democratic candidate, is a longtime politician who served in the Indiana House of representatives for 10 years and spent six years as Speaker of the House. He also ran for governor in 2012 but lost to Mike Pence.
Before his political career, he worked for Peabody Coal Company and Amax Coal Company. The democrat also practices law.
Economic plan
Gregg’s plan for economic growth is to support startups through a fund that would match grants and act as a loan program. He also plans to work with local governments in an effort to create business incubators that would have reduced rent so new businesses can get on their feet.
The candidate wants to expand broadband access to rural communities so more businesses can settle throughout the state.
Additionally, the candidate would like to implement a work-share program that would encourage businesses to cut employee hours in a struggling economy instead of implementing layoffs so workers can keep their benefits. Workers would then receive a supplement from the unemployment insurance system.
Social Issues
Gregg would like to repeal the Religious Freedom Restoration Act with help from politicians in the general assembly as well as expand civil rights protections to LGBT citizens.
The candidate wants to push a policy of “equal pay for equal work” in the executive branch of Indiana’s government, which would pay state employees a fair pay regardless of gender, race, age and/or sexual orientation.
Contractors that receive taxpayer funds will also have to abide by this policy.
He would push for other branches in the state governments and local governments to implement the policy as well.
Gregg is anti-abortion and thinks the government should focus on the economy, schools and roads.
Infrastructure
Gregg wants to repair roads and bridges with funds from the Next Generation Trust Fund, which is funded by the lease of the Indiana Toll Road in northern Indiana. He would also like to expand funding for local roads, bridges, bike paths, and sidewalks.
Repairing and creating new infrastructure is also part of Gregg’s plans to create more jobs.
Post-secondary education
The democratic candidate would like to expand training programs that offer certifications, transferable credit and/or a two-year degree.
He would also reward public institutions that increase spending on financial aid and scrap the policy that focuses on graduation rates.
You can read more about John Gregg’s stance on issues at his
campaign’s website.Rex Bell, the libertarian candidate, joined the libertarian party in 2001 and believes in limited government.
Bell founded Bell Contracting in 1974 and the company works on custom homes and residential and light commercial remodeling.
Economic Plan
Bell believes the government is able to create an atmosphere where jobs can be created, but he doesn’t think the government has a role in actually creating jobs. He wants to create an economic landscape where businesses of any size can succeed or fail.
The candidate would like to see taxes on homes and businesses to be abolished and believes essential government services can be funded through sales tax and user fees.
He also wants to prohibit the government from giving taxpayer funds to favored businesses calling it a practice of picking winners and losers.
Social Issues
Bell has said he believes marriage should be between consenting adults.
The candidate has said he doesn’t think the government should be involved in stating what type of relationships citizens should have, and he believes the government has no role in forcing others that don’t approve of non-traditional marriages to accept a lifestyle they don’t agree with.
The libertarian candidate states that he understands both sides of the abortion debate and believes the government isn’t capable of solving the issue. Bell doesn’t think taxpayer money should be used to pay for abortions and instead the individual that wants one should use their own funds.
Infrastructure
Best has said he believes all road use taxes should all be used to maintain the state’s infrastructure. If this doesn’t solve the problem he would consider looking for other ways to fund the maintenance of roads.
Crime reform
Bell supports a policy of “No victim, no crime” and he thinks the government needs to learn the differences between crime, vice and bad habits.
Education
As governor, Bell would work to abolish federal and state standardized tests and thinks parents and teachers should be the ones in control of teaching.
You can learn more about Bell’s stance on issues at his campaign’s website.
Eric Holcomb, the republican candidate, recently joined the race after Mike Pence withdrew from the governor’s race to join Donald Trump as his vice president.
Pence endorsed Holcomb, and it’s expected the new candidate would continue the general policies of Pence.
A statement on the candidate's Twitter account claims "twelve years of proven and responsible Republican policies" has helped Indiana's economy grow.
Holcomb is the 51st Lieutenant governor under Pence’s administration and advised Governor Mitch Daniels and Senator Dan Coats. He also served in the United States Navy.
It’s unknown how Holcomb would exactly governor Indiana as he joined the race late and hasn’t had as much exposure as other candidates.
You can learn more about Holcomb at his
campaign’s website.PHOTOS COURTESY OF GREGGFORGOVERNOR.COM, ELECTREXBELL.COM AND HOLCOMBFORINDIANA.COM
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