Gov. Mitch Daniels tailgates with fans before game
After many long months of campaigning, Gov. Mitch Daniels made an appearance at Franklin’s football game on Saturday for a bit of tailgating and competition before his big day on Tuesday.
“I’m glad it’s almost over,” said Daniels, “I’m happy with the message we’ve sent.”
Even though his thoughts weren’t on campaigning, the incumbent governor could hardly escape it. Just before the National Anthem, Daniels was interviewed by CBS for national coverage.
In a year where Indiana could go Democrat in the presidential race for the first time in four decades, many are curious how Daniels’ campaign has done so well.
“I didn’t get into this for the politics.” Why then? To help people, and give Hoosiers a voice, said Daniels.
As for the magic ingredient in his campaign, he said he would “leave that for others to decide.”
Daniels has run a successful campaign, but victory is not completely assured. As reported in The Franklin previously, statewide polls differ greatly, some putting Daniels 20 ahead of Democratic opponent Jill Long Thompson, while others say the two are nearly tied.
But Daniels said he was eager to get away from politics and to see some college football on Saturday.
“When I see two Indiana teams are playing each other I like to try to make it out,” said Daniels, surrounded by members of the Franklin Touchdown Club, of which he became an honorary member.
Though he was on the Franklin campus, Daniels remained entirely political when answering the most important question of all: Who are you rooting for?
“Now that’s not a fair question; I’m rooting for no injuries.”
