Jim Kennedy Running For Sheriff

It wasn’t a total surprise to see Jim Kennedy make an announcement that he would be seeking the nod for sheriff in next year’s election. What was a bit of a surprise was which ticket he has decided to run on. His announcement to run on the Democratic ticket has sent shock waves through the both party’s camps. Kennedy for all intent and purposes a lifelong Republican obviously made the decision to run as a Democrat for all the wrong reasons. I'm sure it's not because he has had a change of heart or his philosophy in politics has suddenly changed. It is rumored he is running as a Democrat simply because he wants to win. He obviously feels his chances are better running with them than against them especially considering the outcome of the last election. Last years election in Monroe County was heavily influenced by national politics which resulted in what was turned into an anti-Bush, anti-Republican mandate. These feelings although misaligned with the rest of the state, are still quite strong in Bloomington will be considered by some to have somewhat of the same effect on the outcome of the 2006 election.

What will be interesting to see is how hardcore democrat voters accept Kennedy in the primary? In an off year election the primary turnout is usually quite low and the makeup of the average voter is usually informed. For the purist, Larry Smith, another well-liked candidate that has announced his candidacy for sheriff on the Democrat ticket would obviously be the person of choice. He has the support of the regular party faithful even though he has little if any law enforcement experience. As the Technical Services Administrator for Monroe County he is counting on his administrative experience to carry him through. Kennedy on the other hand has vast law enforcement and administrative experience including Chief of Police for the City of Bloomington, Chief of Police for Indiana University and a stint as a United States Marshall. What isn’t setting well with the local GOP is that Senator Dick Lugar reportedly made Kennedy's recommendation for US Marshalls appointment and the appointment was confirmed by President Bush both Republicans.

This opportunistic party shift may not sit well with the voters even though Kennedy’s resume is impressive. He is obviously counting on the average voter being uninformed and looking only at the credentials of each candidate. This might play well in most communities however in Monroe County that’s not necessarily the case as you have to look no further than the results of the last election where several highly qualified candidates were beaten by those with little or no applicable experience. Voters in this county are anything but consistent. How else could you explain Joyce Poling's narrow victory over a person like tree sitter Mike “Moss” Englert in the 2004 general election? If Kennedy does indeed make it onto the primary ballot as the newly elected Democrat Chairman could decide to contest his presence, the primary will definitely be his battleground where he will have to overcome the persona of a Republican running on the Democratic ticket. As for the Republicans I suppose it would be nice to see a Republican elected even if it’s on the Democrat ticket.