Indianapolis physician John McGoff says there’s only one way he’ll beat Dan Burton in the May Republican primary — good, old-fashioned campaigning.
McGoff was taking another stump tour of Howard County Wednesday, a day after his rival in the congressional District 5 primary, incumbent U.S. Rep. Dan Burton, visited Bona Vista Programs Inc.
The primary has been a long time coming for McGoff, who announced his candidacy last January, after Burton made the news by skipping key congressional votes for a golf tournament.
Yet while McGoff has worked on greeting voters in the district, he still trailed far behind Burton in fundraising last year. The 13-term incumbent raised $621,678, compared to McGoff’s $246,329.
Still McGoff may be the most serious threat to Burton’s seat since Burton was first elected in 1982.
“I just have to give voters a viable alternative, so hopefully they’ll look at my background — 20 years as an emergency room physician and 25 years with the Air National Guard,” McGoff, a former Marion County coroner, said Wednesday. “I was twice elected as a county official, and I looked at over 16,000 [post-mortem] cases without making the front page of the Indianapolis Star.”
The doctor stresses to voters he’s a traditional Republican, an advocate for extending the Bush tax cuts, and staying the course in Iraq.
In those issues, he doesn’t differ from Burton, who although occasionally a maverick on issues like re-importation of prescription drugs, mainly toes the conservative line.
Since the start of his candidacy, however, McGoff has said he offers something more to voters — a strong sense of ethics.
“A year ago last January, Burton was the only ‘no’ vote on an ethics reform bill that passed the House 430-1. You look at why the Republicans lost Congress, it wasn’t the war, Medicare or Social Security, it was ethics and spending,” McGoff said.
Wednesday, McGoff visited news media in Kokomo before heading out to the Greentown library for a meet-and-greet.
Thus far in his campaign, McGoff has focused mainly on reaching individuals, while Burton still appears to have the edge inside the Republican Party.
May 6, Burton and McGoff will square off in the primary, along with Clayton L. Alfred, a perennial candidate from Miami County, and John Frame, a late entry who has yet to report any campaign funds raised (quarterly reports are due April 15).
Scott Smith may be reached at (765) 454-8569 or via e-mail at scott.smith@kokomotribune.com
Local News
McGoff campaigns in Howard County
Visit comes a day after GOP rival Burton in town
- Local News
-
-
Local band hopes to Land the Big Gig
Kokomo's Shiny Penny and the Critical Shoes has entered into the final round of a national competition called Land The Big Gig and a chance to play at Summerfest, the world's largest music festival, in Milwaukee.
-
Convenience store moves ahead
Plans to rezone a corner of Washington Street and East Boulevard received initial approval from the Kokomo Common Council Monday, moving the matter to a final vote June 11.
-
Council gives OK to alcohol in Foster Park
The Kokomo Common Council approved a new policy for alcohol in Foster Park with little comment Monday, a move sought by local not-for-profit groups.
-
Relics from Howard County jail on display
An old pad lock found in a cigar box by Jane Reed, the daughter of former Sheriff Tom Leap, spurred Sheriff Steve Rogers to endeavor to outline the history of the Howard County jail.
-
County to consider hospital merger
County officials today will consider approving an agreement that will make Howard Regional Health System a part of the statewide Community Health Network.
The Howard County commissioners and Howard County Council will meet at 5 p.m. in the basement of the Howard County Administration Center, 220 N. Main St.
-
Tipton commissioners OK E-on facility rezoning
TIPTON – Despite concerns from area residents, the Tipton County Commissioners unanimously approved rezoning for E-on Climate & Renewables operating center in rural Tipton County.
-
Bracing for changes in GED
Trisha Smith dropped out of high school nearly 25 years ago when she got pregnant with her son, and now, even simple multiplication is difficult for her. She enrolled in GED classes two weeks ago through the Literacy Coalition of Howard County so she can make a better life for her and her family.
-
Park gets favorable approval
The Howard County Plan Commission has given a favorable recommendation for a rezoning request to open a part on the western edge of the county.
-
Kokomo native to showcase artwork
John D. Shearer, photographer and Kokomo native, will display his multi-media exhibit “I’m Too Young For This @#!%” during the month of June at the Ivy Tech John Waldron Arts Center in Bloomington. The opening reception is 5 to 8 p.m. June 1, and is free and open to the public.
-
Haynes factory tour highlights haunted history
In 2001, Pat Shuck felt something strange inside the dilapidated, 100-year old factory building at 1124 S. Union St. – a passing breeze in a windless room.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Local band hopes to Land the Big Gig
US Airways: Diverted Flight Has 'Landed Safely'
A Few Odd Business Sparks but Europe Gloomy
Revived Focus on Regulation After JPMorgan Loss
Gerard Butler: the Good, the Bad and the Cannes
At Least 25 Dead in India Train Collision
Raw Video: Private Rocket Blasts Off
Boy to Rescuers: 'Do You Have a Plan?'
Doctors and Devotees Debate Barefoot Running
Blacks Seek to Find Their Own Missing
Houston Museum Unveils $85 Million Dinosaur Hall
Chicago Police: 90 Arrested in NATO Protests
Ex-Rutgers Student Gets 30 Days in Webcam Case
Obama Sees Inspiration in Joplin Graduates
Raw Video: Man Saved After Niagara Falls Plunge
NATO: Afghan Exit 'Irreversible'
Catholic Groups Sue Over Contraception Mandate
4 Arrested After Man's Beating at Dodger Stadium
Investors Slap Facebook 11 Percent Lower
Raw Video: Dramatic 270-Foot Waterfall Rescue
Fingers Do the Fighting at Wrestling Tourney
