• O'Bannon camp cheers Govenor's re-election
By LAURA ROMPF
and MAUREEN SMITHE
INDIANAPOLIS
The day the music died for Indiana gubernatorial challenger David McIntosh, the band played long into the night to celebrate Frank O'Bannon's reelection.
Red, white and blue balloons floated through the air at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, while more than a dozen television news announcers reported to voters at home.
The celebration, sponsored by the state Democratic Party, attracted supporters from all over the state.
"I'm very excited for tonight. This party will be wild, absolutely wild," said Lavon Siaeoi, of Indianapolis. Siaeoi said she attended the party to support her daughter who worked on O'Bannon's campaign.
"Tonight is definitely going to be a happy celebration and very long lasting," said Jayelynn Willman, who worked for the campaign at phone banks. "I like him better because of his views on the issues."
The party included supporters of all ages. Even 1-year-old James Welch III cheerfully celebrated O'Bannon's victory. In a small green shirt decorated with O'Bannon campaign stickers, James danced to the band's songs and ate popcorn.
Because the race was not close, many O'Bannon supporters began celebrating before the polls closed. The party in Indianapolis began at 5 p.m., but polls remained open until 6 p.m.
"I got up this morning and had some pre-game jitters, as you do before any big game," said lieutenant governor Joe Kernan. "But by two o'clock this afternoon I knew this thing was going to be alright."
Other polls didn't want to celebrate too early.
"I am a very cautious person because I never want to be embarrassed by a surprise. Any celebration would be premature in an election season as tight as this one, but I still felt confident O'Bannon would win," said William Cordell, who worked on the U.S. Senate campaign for Democrat David Johnson.
Since a law passed in Indiana in 1972 allowing governors to work for two consecutive terms, an incumbent has never lost. O'Bannon continues that legacy.
"What I admire most about Governor O'Bannon is his integrity. What he says is what you get. There are no political smoke screens," Cordell said.
"I think he is definitely the best man for the job. He has the experience to do it, he's been governor for four years, and I just don't think the other guy was ready for the job," Siaeoi said.
The excitement of the evening even served to ignite the enthusiasm of Running With Scissors, the band.
"This is very cool," said lead guitarist and vocalist Mark Sullivan. "We get to play in an awesome room with great acoustics, to a big crowd."
Both said they supported Governor O'Bannon for reelection, citing his experience and character.
"He's been leading Indiana as governor and lieutenant governor," Sullivan said. "It's been the same group in office and we definitely want four more years."
When O'Bannon stepped up to the podium at 9 p.m., he thanked his many supporters in Indianapolis and throughout the state.
"I want to thank all the people in Indiana who said we were moving in the right direction," said the once and future governor.
As O'Bannon finished his speech, "These Are The Days" by 10,000 Maniacs blasted over loud speakers. Young James cheered as loudly as the next supporter — although it was a bit harder to clap with a bottle full of milk in his hands.
All News Stories for Wednesday, November 8, 2000
