Veteran legislator Beverly Gard, a republican state senator living in Greenfield, defeated her primary opponent, Terry Lee Michael of Fishers, three-to-one on Tuesday, ending a race that has touched on the environment, gay marriage and property tax reform.
Gard is nearing the end of her fifth state Senate term. "This session we worked very hard on property taxes, and we're going to be keeping an eye on that," she said. Gard also expects the General Assembly, given Indiana's graduation rates, to be looking at education in its next session.
Michael, Fall Creek Township trustee and deputy township assessor, criticized the property tax reform plan the General Assembly passed earlier this year. He called it "smoke and mirrors" during his campaign.
"I'm grateful to the folks in Henry County. I feel like we've had a great relationship, and I hope that will continue," Gard said after her nomination on Tuesday. She faces Democratic challenger Mike Brinegar, a New Castle native who has run two unsuccessful races for U.S. Congress.
Gard and Brinegar will campaign for the senate seat representing Hancock County, Henry County and part of Hamilton County. Brinegar has named the environment, alternative fuels and Indiana's dependence on fossil fuels as key issues in his campaign. Gard chairs the state's energy and environmental affairs committee.
State Rep. Tom Saunders (R-Lewisville) ran unopposed in the primary. Given the number of incumbents unseated in recent elections, he said, "I wouldn't have been surprised to have had a Republican run against me." He does have a Libertarian challenger, Hagerstown's Rex Bell.
"Rex wants you to do away with a lot of government, but I'm not sure that's what the public wants," Saunders said.
