Democrats Largely Ducking HVL Candidate Forum

The Hidden Valley POA is hosting a Meet the Candidates night Tuesday.

(Hidden Valley, Ind.) - Dearborn County candidates will meet with voters in Hidden Valley Wednesday evening, but the list of attendees will be mostly one-sided.

The Hidden Valley POA has organized a Meet the Candidates Night. It will start at 6:00 p.m. at HVL Golf Club, 19775 Alpine Drive. The event will include a meet and greet, candidate remarks, and a question and answer session.

Invitations were sent to members of each party. Among those attending will be the two opponents in Indiana House District 68, which are West Harrison Republican Randy Lyness and Hidden Valley Democrat Matt Gaustad.

Gaustad, however, is one of only two Democrats committed to attending as of Wednesday. The other is Dearborn County Recorder candidate Christine Craig.

Five invited Democrats who have not submitted an RSVP include candidates in the following races: Jake Hoog in Senate District 27, Cordelle Feuston in House District 67, Shelly Snyder for County Council District 1, Dan Lansing for County Council District 2, and Melvin Kremer Jr. for County Council District 3.

Ten Republicans have committed to appear, according to the POA's list of commitments. They are Lyness, Dearborn County Superior Court 2 Judge Sally McLaughlin, county prosecutor Lynn Deddens, county auditor candidate Connie Fromhold, recorder candidate Joyce Oles, sheriff candidate Shane McHenry, assessor candidate Megan Acra, District 3 commissioner candidate Rick Probst, District 1 council candidate Liz Morris, and District 3 council candidate Kevin Turner. 

Four Republicans have not committed, including Senate District 27 State Senator Chip Perfect, House District 67 State Rep. Randy Frye, County Council District 4’s Dennis Kraus, and Miller Township Trustee candidate Patricia Little.

Glenn Wright, an independent candidate for Dearborn County District 3 Commissioner, has also not RSVP'ed. 

Last week, Indiana Democratic Party leaders criticized Republican candidates for being no-shows at debate events. Party chairman John Zody labeled GOP members with having "debate dodge fever" at a press conference featuring a chicken-themed limousine.