1. The Cheat Sheet
Some gossip! Some truth! All fun to read!
9 November 2011
Although IndyPolitics had a late night we’re up first thing this morning to get you
your latest gossip, rumor and blatant innuendo regarding last night’s elections.
So, how did Greg Ballard win over Melina Kennedy? Thank the black ministers of
the 10-point Coalition. They sent teams into about 10 of the largest predominantly
black precincts Tuesday and really pushed hard for the Mayor. Most of their
success was in Center Township.
Also what helped Ballard was that turnout in a lot of Black never really topped 22%.
In fact TCS learned that at John Marshall School turnout was only about 13%, a
heavily black area.
Democrats did have reason to think that they would win, based on early voting.
TCS learned that Democrats had a lead of 49-32 amongst early and absentee
voters. About 19% of the rest were either new voters or undecided.
Unlike her loss last time to Carl Brizzi, Kennedy did call the Mayor to concede.
They spoke for about five minutes. It was described as a very “polite” and “matter
of fact”, matter of fact conversation. There were no apologies by either candidate
over some of the roughness of the campaign.
Now that Democrats have the City-County Council, look for Maggie Lewis to
become Council President. Lewis is the consensus candidate and the only one who
enjoys the support of the different factions amongst the Democrats.
Although Democrats swept the at-large seats, the County picture looks a little
different. Although they control the Council 16-13, Republicans won more
individual district seats 13-12. More importantly for the GOP they beat back
challenges in heavily Democratic districts of 4 (Christine Scales), 6 (Janice
McHenry), and 21 (Ben Hunter).
How did Lawrence Mayor Paul Ricketts lose to challenger Dean Jessup? Jessup had
help from a lot of Republicans, including Ricketts’ former primary opponent John
Solenberg. Word is Solenberg is under the impression that Jessup will appoint him
as Lawrence Police Chief. Stay tuned.
1 | The Cheat Sheet Need a place to speak privately? Try the back room at Nicky Blaines.
20 N. Meridian, Indianapolis, IN.

2. The Cheat Sheet
And for the record, voter turnout was 29.7%. In 2007, it was 26.32%. There were
8,000 more early votes this election, than the previous one.
TCS is going back to bed to catch up on its beauty sleep. Feel free to send
something for the next edition to abdul@indypolitics.org.
And don’t forget, you can follow us on Facebook (Indy Politics) and Twitter
(IndyPoliticsOrg).
2 | The Cheat Sheet Need a place to speak privately? Try the back room at Nicky Blaines.
20 N. Meridian, Indianapolis, IN.